As the global push for low-carbon technologies accelerates, hydrocarbon heat pumps are rapidly gaining attention as a high-efficiency, climate-friendly alternative to traditional HVAC systems. Utilizing natural refrigerants like propane (R290), isobutane (R600a) and pentane (R601), these systems offer a compelling combination of environmental performance and energy savings.
Hydrocarbons are categorized as “natural refrigerants” with extremely low Global Warming Potential (GWP), often below 5 — a stark contrast to conventional HFCs, which can have GWPs in the thousands. Beyond environmental benefits, hydrocarbon heat pumps are praised for their energy efficiency, especially in cold climates, making them suitable for both residential and commercial heating and cooling applications.
Recent advances in safety engineering and component design have helped overcome the long-standing concern of flammability. As regulatory pressure mounts and carbon reduction targets become more aggressive, experts forecast rapid adoption of hydrocarbon systems across the HVAC industry.
Next Lubricants: Advanced Lubrication Solutions for Hydrocarbon Heat Pumps
As hydrocarbon heat pumps grow in popularity, one often-overlooked component plays a critical role in their performance and reliability: lubrication. That is where Next Lubricants steps in.
Our Hydrocarbon Heat Pump Lubricants are specifically engineered to meet the demands of compressors operating with propane (R290), butane (R600), pentane (R601), and other hydrocarbons. Formulated for high thermal and chemical stability, Next Lubricants ensure smooth operation under the unique conditions hydrocarbon systems present — including high pressures, varying load conditions, and very high temperatures.
Key features include:
- Three different PAG chemistries that offer high, moderate or no miscibility with hydrocarbon refrigerants depending on the chemistry,
- Low pour point for excellent cold-start behavior,
- Very low vapor pressure and low carryover,
- High oxidative and thermal stability to ensure very long fluid life,
- Compatibility with a wide range of materials and compressor technologies.
| Product | Lubricant Chemistry | Miscibility with hydrocarbons | Description |
| GPL PAG | WI PAG | High | The most common PAG based lubricant. Recommended for low and medium temperature hydrocarbon heat pumps using propane (R-290), butane (R-600) or isobutane (R-600a). |
| GPL PAG-WS | WS PAG | Moderate | A water-soluble polyalkylene glycol based lubricant that offers moderate/controlled miscibility with hydrocarbon refrigerants. Recommended for high temperature heat pumps (HTHP) using butane (R-600), isobutane (R-600a), pentane (R-601) or isopentane (R-601a). |
| GPL PAG-EO | PEG | Low to none | An unique polyethylene glycol based lubricant that has no miscibility with hydrocarbon refrigerants. The maximum solubility of hydrocarbon gases in this lubricant is <3 wt%. Recommended for non-miscible hydrocarbon heat pumps. |
But Next Lubricants does not stop at supplying high-performance lubricants. Recognizing that each system has unique requirements, Next Lubricants partners with OEMs to support R&D efforts, offering custom-formulated lubricants tailored to specific operating conditions, materials, and performance goals.
Whether you are in the early stages of product development or scaling production, our technical team works closely with engineering departments to:
- Provide Daniel plots, PVT graphs, and miscibility plots to estimate lubricant-refrigerant interactions and the resulting viscosity,
- Co-develop custom lubricants aligned with your requirements when needed.
Examples of PVT graphs Next Lubricants can supply.
Next Lubricants – Your Innovation Partner in Sustainable Cooling
As the HVAC industry evolves, Next Lubricants is helping manufacturers stay ahead — not only with industry-leading lubricants but also with collaborative solutions that accelerate innovation and ensure long-term system performance.
To learn more or to inquire about our products and R&D collaboration, please get in touch.
