National Refrigerants, LTD.: Technical Guidelines
National Refrigerants, LTD.: Technical Guidelines
Lubricant: R-134a requires polyolester (POE) lubricants, primarily for their ability to mix
with HFC refrigerants. Traditional mineral oils and alkylbenzene do not mix with HFCs and
will cause compressor failures. In addition, automotive air conditioning systems may also
use polyalkaline glycol (PAG) lubricants (not typically seen in stationary equipment). Both
POEs and PAGs will absorb moisture, and hold onto it, to a much greater extent than
traditional lubricants. The moisture will promote reactions in the lubricant as well as the
usual problems associated with water (corrosion, acid formation, etc.). The best way to dry
a wet HFC system is to use a filter drier - run the system and change the drier - instead of
relying on evacuation to clear the water.
R-134a
Available in the following sizes: