What is the core function of refrigeration oil?

Dear colleagues, let's first clarify a key question - refrigeration oil may seem insignificant, but why is it the "soulmate" of the refrigeration system? It boils down to 4 core functions. Remember these points well, and you'll avoid mistakes when selecting and using oil later! ① Lubrication: The components in our compressors rub against each other at high speed. Just like a car will "seize up" without engine oil, refrigeration oil acts as a "lubricating film" applied to these parts. It can significantly reduce the friction coefficient, directly cutting the energy consumption caused by friction by 30%~50%, and also greatly reducing component wear, thus extending the compressor's service life. ② Sealing: There must be small gaps inside the compressor. If refrigerant leaks through these gaps, the refrigeration effect will deteriorate! Refrigeration oil can fill these gaps like "caulk". With improved sealing performance, refrigerant leakage can be directly reduced by about 40%, allowing the system efficiency to reach the desired level. ③ Cooling: Compressors generate a lot of heat during operation, and excessive temperature can easily lead to malfunctions. Refrigeration oil acts as a "coolant", which can promptly carry away this heat and firmly control the cylinder temperature within a reasonable range of ±5℃, preventing the machine from "overheating". ④ Cleaning: Friction between components inevitably produces debris and impurities. If these substances remain in the machine, they will clog the oil circuit and wear the parts. Refrigeration oil also acts as a "cleaner", wrapping up these impurities and carrying them out. Finally, the impurities left in the system can be controlled within 0.02%, ensuring the oil circuit is unobstructed. To summarize briefly: lubrication to reduce wear, sealing to prevent leakage, cooling to lower temperature, and cleaning to remove impurities. Without any of these 4 functions, the compressor cannot work normally. Remember these points well, and you can quickly locate problems related to this later!