ExxonMobil develops new lubricant for refrigeration compressors
ExxonMobil has developed a new lubricant designed for refrigeration compressors using carbon dioxide.
Formulated using an innovative polyol ester technology (POE), Mobil SHC Gargoyle 80 POE has three key qualities: excellent low-temperature fluidity, in-service viscosity control, and its potential contribution towards system efficiency improvements.
The lubricant aims to takes advantage of the growing use of carbon dioxide as a refrigerant, with ExxonMobil predicting it will be one of the main industrial refrigerants by 2020.
It supplements ExxonMobil’s existing range of synthetic lubricants for refrigeration compressors and systems, the Mobil Gargoyle Arctic SHC 200 Series and Mobil EAL Arctic Series.
“Our new synthetic lubricant for refrigeration compressors will meet this growing need while also adding a range of equipment-protecting qualities and, according to trials, potentially contributing toward enhanced energy efficiency,” said Andrea Jacobsen, ExxonMobil’s industrial marketing manager for Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Its miscibility with CO2 refrigerant and viscosity/ temperature/pressure relationships ensure an appropriate film thickness even at high operating pressures and temperatures observed in piston compressors using this refrigerant technology.
With its naturally high shear stable viscosity index and low temperature fluidity, it can provide additional performance benefits in severe service conditions, including reduced shaft leakage and potential for improved evaporator efficiency.
The development of Mobil SHC Gargoyle 80 POE was driven by the projected rapid growth of carbon dioxide as an industrial refrigerant over the next four years.
“ExxonMobil predicts that R744 will be one of the main industrial refrigerants by 2020 and will also feature regularly in light commercial refrigeration operations,” said Jacobsen.
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