HFC & HFO Refrigeration.
Lubrication for HFC, HFO and blended refrigerant systems. Explore formulations selected for refrigerant compatibility, oil return and compressor protection.
Every operating condition
informs the formulation.
HFC and HFO refrigeration compressor lubricants are POE-based formulations selected for systems using refrigerants such as R134a, R404A, R507A, R448A, R449A, R450A, R513A, R1234yf, R1234ze(E) and related refrigerant blends.
POE lubricants provide the refrigerant compatibility, low-temperature performance and oil-return behaviour required by many stationary HFC and HFO refrigeration compressors. Their interaction with the refrigerant can also reduce operating viscosity, making the specific refrigerant, temperature and compressor conditions important selection factors.
The selected lubricant chemistry for NEXT HFC and HFO refrigeration applications is POE. These formulations support commercial refrigeration, cold storage, food processing, industrial cooling, chillers and other systems using fluorinated refrigerants.
Lubricants for your application.
Explore the relevant NEXT formulations. Final selection depends on equipment requirements and actual operating conditions.
How HFC & HFO Refrigeration Works and the Compressor's Role
An HFC or HFO refrigeration system removes heat by evaporating the refrigerant at low pressure. After compression, the higher-pressure refrigerant rejects heat and condenses before passing through an expansion stage and returning to the evaporator.
The compressor raises the low-pressure refrigerant vapour to the pressure required for condensation and heat rejection. Reciprocating, rotary screw, scroll and centrifugal compressor designs are used depending on the refrigerant, cooling capacity, temperature range and application.
The lubricant protects bearings, rotors, cylinder walls, scroll sets and other moving components while contributing to sealing, cooling and reliable compressor operation. Because some lubricant circulates with the refrigerant, suitable miscibility, oil return and operating viscosity are essential throughout the refrigeration system.
Supermarket & Food Retail
Supermarket & Food Retail
HFC, HFO and HFO/HFC refrigerants are used in supermarket display cases, freezers, cold rooms and other commercial refrigeration systems.
Cold Storage & Food Processing
Cold Storage & Food Processing
These refrigerants are used across refrigerated warehouses, food-processing facilities, blast chillers and temperature-controlled production environments.
Industrial & Process Cooling
Industrial & Process Cooling
HFC and HFO systems are used for controlled process cooling in manufacturing, laboratories, pharmaceutical production and other industrial applications.
Chillers & Building Cooling
Chillers & Building Cooling
Refrigerants such as R134a and R1234ze(E) are also used in chillers and other cooling systems where compressor lubricant selection must match the specific refrigerant and compressor platform. Danfoss, for example, lists R1234ze(E) for chiller, refrigeration and heat-pump applications.
The details
that matter.
Understand the advantages, operating priorities and practical steps for your application.
At a glance
At a glance
- POE is the selected lubricant chemistry for NEXT HFC and HFO refrigeration applications.
- Match the formulation to the exact refrigerant or blend, compressor and operating envelope.
- Balance refrigerant miscibility and oil return with sufficient viscosity after dilution.
- Control moisture throughout storage and servicing: POE is hygroscopic and vulnerable to hydrolysis.
What to consider
What to consider
The lubricant needs appropriate miscibility throughout the system's temperature range so oil returns to the compressor instead of collecting in evaporators and pipework. It must also retain sufficient viscosity after the refrigerant dissolves in it.
High condensing temperatures, compression ratios and continuous duty increase thermal stress. Oxidation resistance and deposit control help limit acidity, viscosity change and deposits.
Keep POE containers sealed and minimise exposure to air. Thorough evacuation, drying and effective filtration help control moisture and hydrolysis. A refrigerant conversion does not automatically require a different lubricant chemistry: R404A, R448A and R449A are commonly used with POE, but suitability still depends on the compressor and operating conditions.
Operating conditions
Operating conditions
- Refrigerant: the exact HFC, HFO or blend and compressor requirements.
- Evaporating and condensing conditions: pressure ratio, compressor loading and refrigerant concentration in the oil.
- Oil temperature: the resulting viscosity and film strength after refrigerant dilution.
- Discharge temperature: thermal stress, oxidation and the achievable service interval.
The refrigerant name and fresh-oil viscosity grade are starting points, not a complete selection.
Advantages
Advantages
Correct POE selection supports protective operating viscosity, reliable oil return and clean compressor operation in HFC and HFO systems.
Matching the lubricant to the refrigerant and duty can help reduce lubrication-related wear, overheating, carryover and top-ups, while protecting lubricated components and reducing unplanned shutdowns.
Technical support
Technical support
NEXT can review your refrigerant or blend, compressor specification and operating conditions to recommend a lubricant or support a conversion.
Support can include product cross-references, refrigerant dilution and PVT data, material compatibility and flushing or changeover guidance. Troubleshooting covers oil return, foaming, carryover, deposits, corrosion and reduced lubricant life.
Clarity for your
next decision.
01What type of oil is used with HFC and HFO refrigerants?+
POE is widely used in stationary HFC and HFO refrigeration compressors because of its refrigerant compatibility and oil-return characteristics. Major compressor manufacturers specify POE for many refrigerants including R134a, R404A, R507A, R1234yf and HFO/HFC blends. The compressor manufacturer’s lubricant specification should always be checked.
02Why is POE sensitive to moisture?+
POE is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. Excessive water can promote hydrolysis, which can lead to acid formation and degradation of the lubricant. Proper storage, evacuation and system drying are therefore especially important with POE-based refrigeration systems.
03Do I need to change the lubricant when switching from R404A to R448A or R449A?+
Not necessarily. R404A, R448A and R449A are commonly used with POE lubricants, so many refrigerant conversions can remain on an approved POE chemistry. The existing lubricant, viscosity grade, compressor model and OEM retrofit instructions should be checked before making the change.
04Can I use mineral oil or alkylbenzene with HFC or HFO refrigerants?+
Mineral oil and alkylbenzene should not be assumed suitable for an HFC or HFO system. Many stationary HFC and HFO compressors are designed around POE because of its refrigerant compatibility and oil-return behaviour. Always use a lubricant chemistry approved for the specific compressor and refrigerant.
05Can I replace another POE refrigeration oil with NEXT POE?+
In many applications, yes. NEXT can cross-reference existing POE refrigeration lubricants and evaluate a replacement according to refrigerant, viscosity, compressor type and operating conditions. Compatibility and performance documentation can also be provided where required.
Know your current lubricant?
Find your NEXT reference.
Compare published references by manufacturer, product and viscosity. Our technical team can confirm application suitability.