Mini Split AC System in Grand Rapids – What Is Compressor Oil?

Compressor oil is a lubricant used to prevent wear, minimize corrosion of metals and improve compression efficiency. Oils vary by thickness or viscosity, the types of additives used, and whether they are natural or synthetic oils. They can circulate with the gases being compressed, such as in air conditioning systems, or be separate, as in oxygen compressors.

Mini Split Ductless Air Conditioner in Grand Rapids – Compressor Oil.

Wear resistance is important, because many compressors operate continuously and can wear out quickly without adequate lubrication. Chemicals called wear additives reduce the metal contact of moving parts. The correct viscosity, or thickness, of the compressor oil is important because the oil acts as a sealant, and reduces the amount of gas that leaks around the compressor pistons, called blow-by.

Mini-split Ductless Air Conditioning System in Grand Rapids – Synthetic Compressor Oil.

Synthetic compressor oil is made from artificial lubricants rather than natural petroleum oils. Different molecules are mixed to provide wear protection, proper viscosity and high-temperature stability. Compressors for oxygen and other gases that can cause combustion may use synthetic oil because mixtures can be used that do not burn in the presence of oxygen.

Ductless Air Conditioning Units in Grand Rapids – Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Cooling.

Many systems, such as used for air conditioning and refrigeration cooling, circulate oil and refrigerant in the system as a mixture. The compressor oil provides lubrication while it is inside the compressor, but is not stored there. Moving lubricant through a system can provide cooling for the compressor, because the hot oil will be cooled in the heat exchangers before returning. These systems can also be less expensive to produce, because extra equipment is not needed to keep the oil separated.