Alltemp Oil
Alltemp RL68 POE Lubricants for Refrigeration Compressors
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Alltemp 3GS
Alltemp 3GS Mineral Oils for Refrigeration Compressors
Alltemp 4GS
Alltemp 4GS
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Alltemp 4GS
Alltemp 4GS

Alltemp 4GS Mineral Oils for Refrigeration Compressors

Engineered for the Long Chill World-Class Oils. Unmatched System Life

Alltemp refrigeration oils are premium quality, highly-refined mineral refrigeration lubricants designed to lubricate refrigeration and air-conditioning compressors using CFC and HCFC refrigerants. Alltemp refrigeration compressor lubricants are known for their low wax content, low pour point and high dielectric strength.

Alltemp lubricants have helped to ensure trouble-free operation and maximum service life with excellent chemical and thermal stability

Alltemp refrigeration compressor lubricants are recommended for use in consumer and commercial refrigeration and air-conditioning systems charged with traditional and natural refrigerants.

Did you know that oils are hygroscopic?

Hygroscopic means the tendency of a material to absorb moisture from the air. Plastic cans are porous and will allow the absorption of moisture when stored for long periods.

Moisture contamination in refrigeration compressor oil is one of the most destructive contaminants in a refrigeration system, leading to a cascade of mechanical and chemical problems.

The presence of moisture (water) is a serious issue because it reacts with both the refrigerant and the oil, causing significant system degradation.

This is why Alltemp oils are packed in metal cans for increased longevity and safety of the HVAC systems.

For Your Consideration and Guidance

Major Problems Caused by Moisture in Refrigeration Compressor Oils

1. Acid Formation (Chemical Damage)

The most severe problem is a chemical reaction between moisture and the refrigerant/oil, especially with the use of Polyol Ester (POE) oils and newer HFC/HFO refrigerants.

  • Hydrolysis: Water reacts with the ester-based oil (POE) to form corrosive organic acids.
  • Corrosion: These acids aggressively attack the metal surfaces inside the compressor and system components (valves, bearings, motor windings, etc.), leading to:
    • Pitting and rust on steel and iron parts.
    • Copper plating, where dissolved copper deposits on steel surfaces like bearings and valve plates, increasing friction and wear.
    • Motor Burnout: The acids destroy the protective insulation on the compressor motor windings, causing electrical shorts and burnout.
2. Loss of Lubrication (Mechanical Damage)

Moisture severely compromises the lubricant's ability to protect moving parts.

  • Sludge and Varnish: Moisture accelerates the breakdown of the oil, leading to the formation of sludge, gum, and varnish. These sticky residues coat internal surfaces, clog screens and filter driers, and restrict oil flow.
  • Viscosity Breakdown: Water dilutes the oil, reducing its viscosity and the strength of the protective oil film. This causes increased friction and rapid wear on bearings, pistons, and other critical moving components.
3. System Blockages (Operational Failure)

If the moisture level is high enough, it can cause immediate operational failure.

  • Ice Formation: Water travels with the refrigerant and can freeze at the point of lowest temperature and pressure, typically the expansion valve or capillary tube. This forms a temporary ice blockage, drastically reducing or stopping refrigerant flow and cooling capacity.
4. Reduced System Performance

All the issues above combine to reduce the overall efficiency of the refrigeration unit

  • Higher Energy Consumption: The compressor has to work longer and harder to achieve the target temperature due to system restrictions and poor heat transfer, leading to increased utility costs.
  • Oil Foaming: Water and contaminants can increase oil foaming, leading to oil being carried out of the compressor into the rest of the system, starving the compressor of lubrication.
  • Reduced Component Lifespan: Increased wear and acid corrosion ultimately shorten the lifespan of the compressor and other expensive components, leading to costly repairs or replacement.

🔎 Common Signs of Moisture Contamination

  • Sight Glass Indicator: A moisture indicator sight glass will change color (e.g., from green to yellow) to signal excessive water content.
  • Cloudy Oil: If the oil sample is cloudy or milky (looks like chocolate milk), it indicates free or emulsified water.
  • Repeated Filter Drier Blockage: The filter drier is doing its job by absorbing the moisture, but if it clogs and needs frequent replacement, it's a sign of a severe moisture problem.
  • Ice Blockage Symptoms: Temporary cooling loss that clears up after a period of being off (thawing the ice plug).