Unlike pag oil, poe oil is hydrophobic, meaning it does not absorb moisture, making it less susceptible to degradation due to water. PAO fluids are classified as a Group IV base oil and are made by a two-step reaction process using linear alpha-olefins like 1-decene. The first step is the synthesis of oligomers (polymers with few repeating monomer units) from the linear alpha-olefin. The second step is the hydrogenation of the remaining double bonds (unsaturation) in the oligomer and subsequent distillation to separate the unreacted monomer and light-viscosity grade PAO. Water-soluble polyglycols are not compatible with mineral oils and therefore must be handled and disposed of separately. They should not be mixed with mineral oils. The result is a gelatinous, gooey mess. Although they are excellent lubricants, they can pose a logistic problem in plants. They can also have some negative effects on paints and seals, and are very expensive.

Choosing the wrong type of oil can negatively affect both the performance and longevity of thecompressor. In fact, using the wrong type of oil is one of the biggest causes of failure in a newly installed compressor. Heat and moisture resistance: Automotive air conditioning systems operate in various environmental conditions, including high temperatures and moisture-rich environments. It’s important to choose an oil that can withstand these conditions without compromising its performance. For hybrid-electric vehicles that use electrically driven compressors, polyol ester (POE) oil is not just recommended, its use is mandatory in many cases. To determine how much Pag oil to add, you first need to know the original compressor’s oil capacity. You can find this information in your equipment manual or on the old compressor if you save it. PAG oil, or Polyalkylene Glycol, is specially created for the AC compressors of automobiles. The fully synthetic hygroscopic oil is a compressor lubricator for the AC units that use R-134a refrigerant. PAG is a synthetic oil for AC compressors. (Photo: instructables)When performing a compressor oil balance, it’s important to always follow the instructions provided with the compressor or in the vehicle service manual, to know how much oil to add prior to installation. Most times this will involve draining and measuring the oil from the failed compressor, then adding a specific volume of new oil to the replacement compressor. This can vary from a full charge of oil (236 ml), to a half charge of oil or no oil at all. Mineral oil: Mineral refrigerant oil, also known as Alkyl Benzene Oil, was the default option up until HFC refrigerants became common place. Today it is still used in older R-12 refrigerant systems. And because it does not absorb moisture, it is also used to lubricate O-rings and seals in both R-12 and R134a systems. There are four main types of oil and their usage largely depends on what type of refrigerant is in the system, and what the compressor manufacturer stipulates, as follows: Ester oil is a synthetic lubricant. Ester molecules are very stable and have excellent performance characteristics in both high and low temperatures. Some of the disadvantages of PAO-based lubricants are outlined in Table 6. Table 6. Property disadvantages of PAO-based lubricants. Source: Shell Differences Between PAG- and PAO-Based Lubricants

Do not overfill A / C with too much fat. This can cause a low level and lead to compressor failure, so keep an eye on it! R-134a became the refrigerant of choice in U.S. mobile air conditioning systems in 1994. Its popularity coincided with the emergence of polyalkylene glycol (PAG) oil, which mixed well with the new refrigerant. Water-insoluble (oil-soluble) polyglycols are likely to become more common and are used as heat transfer fluids, high-temperature bearing oils and in screw-type refrigeration compressors. Polyalkylene glycol (PAG) and polyalphaolefin (PAO) are two synthetic lubricant options for industrial applications. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each can help end-users decide which option is best for a given application. Why Synthetic Lubricants? Our advice is this: Why take a chance using a universal oil when you can just as easily use the correct PAG oil?Mineral refrigerant oil, also known as Alkyl Benzene Oil, was the default option up until HFC refrigerants became common place. Today it is still used in older R-12 refrigerant systems. And because it does not absorb moisture, it is also used to lubricate In refrigeration compression, PAG and polyol ester-type lubricants are used almost exclusively with the current generation of environmentally friendly HFC refrigerants such as R-134a and R-152a. Another recommended scenario for using pag oil is in refrigeration systems that operate at low temperatures, as it offers good lubricity in such conditions. Potential for contamination: If pag oil is not properly handled or stored, it can become contaminated with moisture, dirt, or other contaminants. Contaminated oil can negatively impact system performance and efficiency. Superior lubrication: Poe oil offers excellent lubrication properties, ensuring smooth operation of the equipment. It forms a protective film on the moving parts, reducing friction and wear.

Pag oil exhibits remarkable heat resistance, allowing it to maintain its performance under high-temperature conditions. Yes, the choice of oil can impact the energy efficiency of the HVAC system. Using the correct oil that matches the refrigerant’s properties can help maintain proper lubrication, reduce friction, and contribute to better overall system efficiency. Can I switch from Pag to Poe oil in an existing HVAC system? Here’s how much PAG oil different AC components require for their smooth operation: A compressor = 1.4 ounces PAO (Polyalphaolefin) oil can sometimes be used as a substitute for certain PAG oils if the compressor manufacturer approves it. For centuries, lubricants have been utilized as a way to reduce friction and wear on moving parts. In 2005, 40 million tons of lubricants were produced.

Lubricants

Poe oil is preferred for systems that operate at high discharge temperatures, as it has excellent thermal stability. Hybrid and Electric Vehicles generally require a PAG SP-A2 (ISO 46) oil for the A/C compressor. This is a special type of PAG oil that is non-conductive electrically. This type of oil is required in some hybrid and all electric vehicles that have an electrically-driven compressor rather than a belt-driven compressor. PAG Oil Recommendations for Various Compressors

The workplace must be well ventilated for working on refrigerant circuits. Breathing in high concentrations of gaseous refrigerant can cause dizziness and even suffocation. Do not work on the refrigerant circuit from an inspection pit. As gaseous refrigerant is heavier than air, it can collect in high concentrations there. When it comes to automotive air conditioning systems, choosing the right oil is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. The wrong choice can lead to inefficient cooling, increased wear and tear on components, and potential system failure. Two commonly used oils in automotive air conditioning systems are pag and poe oil. With all the variations between compressor oils on the market, the one-size-fits-all utility of universal oils would seem to be a godsend for automotive technicians. When it comes to choosing the right lubricant for your hvac system, two popular options are pag oil and poe oil. Both oils offer their own set of benefits and considerations, making it important to evaluate their performance properties. In this section, we will delve into the key aspects of each oil and compare their performance based on four criteria: evaluating the lubrication properties of pag oil, viscosity and lubricity, heat resistance and stability, and compatibility with different refrigerants. Evaluating The Lubrication Properties Of Pag OilAlthough direct measurements may be more accurate, they are not readily available. AGMA 925-A03 gives pressure-viscosity coefficients derived from optical interferometry for many lubricants over a wide range of temperatures. Chemical stability: Pag oil is chemically stable, which means it does not break down or degrade easily when exposed to heat, moisture, or other contaminants. This ensures long-lasting performance and reliability.