Today, CPI Fluid Engineering is recognised as one of the leading global suppliers of lubricants designed for refrigeration applications. Its comprehensive collection of services, technology and product also makes it one of the largest international operators in its chosen field. Its refrigeration lubricants are designed for numerous markets including industrial, commercial, light commercial and residential.
Founded on a dedication to be innovative while providing a first-class offering, it takes pride in quality control and technical service while constantly working on research and development for new products. Its efforts are aided by an expert technical staff with strong system knowledge, well-versed in engineering, chemistry, and tribology. As a result, CPI Fluid Engineering supplies refrigeration lubricant solutions for Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants from low to standard.
Dedicated product lines like Icematic ECO and Icematic NXG offer solutions for use with low GWP refrigerants like Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), hydrocarbons, HFO blends and natural options like carbon dioxide and ammonia.
Another element of CPI’s suite of solutions is the Emkarate RL brand. An industry leading product line of Polyolester (POE) based refrigerant lubricants, it serves hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) applications and has proven performance ratings and hundreds of original equipment manufacturer approvals. The Emkarate brand supported by CPI’s Solest refrigeration lubricant range which too is POE-based and works well with HFC type refrigeration systems.
The role of refrigeration lubricants
While the system refrigerant is critical for the dedicated cooling properties and process of refrigeration systems, the refrigeration lubricant is vital to ensure the refrigeration compressor functions correctly. CPI Fluid Engineering’s refrigeration lubricants are designed to support optimum refrigeration compressors performance. They effectively reduce friction, preventing wear and serving as a robust seal between the lower- and higher-pressure sides of the system. While the core purpose of refrigeration oil is always to lubricate, oils must also be able to continue to perform under extreme temperature differences and share compatibility with the refrigerant in use.
Meeting refrigeration challenges with cutting-edge lubricants
The core challenges facing refrigeration industries include assessing health and safety, choosing refrigerants to suit applications and working out targets regarding environmental impact. Companies encounter these fresh challenges when they consider using the latest refrigerants to access benefits like reduced life-cycle costs, enhanced system efficiency and decreased carbon emissions to reduce negative impact on the environment.
With an understanding of the challenges experienced by industry operators, CPI Fluid Engineering has designed refrigeration lubricants based on solid research and development that can answer them.
Understanding refrigerant selection and use
As a rule, it’s largely considered the best practice to deploy refrigerants with lower GWP, there are still many variables to account for when making selections. A key variable is the vast number of options available to pick from. As the refrigeration industry stepped back from using higher GWP refrigerants like chlorofluorocarbons CFCs and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), the range of viable alternatives was less complex. However, since the sector started to focus on lower GWP refrigerants, the choice available has expanded considerably. With more options, a greater effort to research, evaluate and select the most appropriate refrigerant arises, and the same applies to the lubricants which must be compatible with them.
Lower GWP refrigerant can reduce the environmental impact of a refrigeration system substantially but can create fresh challenges. Consider propane as a refrigerant which has an incredibly low GWP value (3) but is exceptionally flammable. To update a refrigeration system to function with propane, significant components will require upgrades or replacement to cope with the increased risk. When an operation involves large or multiple facilities such conversions represent and significant overhaul requiring considerable resources to completion.
Refrigeration lubricants and refrigerants work together inside compressor systems to deliver the desired performance required as effectively and efficiently within an application. As a result, correct selection of a refrigerant lubricant and supplier always accompanies refrigerant selection. When choosing a lubricant supplier, system operators must consider their application expertise, dependability to supply and diversity of chemistry. CPI fluid engineering has proved itself time and again producing best-in-class refrigeration lubricants with a world-class reputation.
Do you require CPI Fluid Engineering refrigeration lubricants for your operation?
We are proud to supply a wide range of refrigeration lubricants produce by CPI Fluid Engineering including products from the Emkarate RL and Solest lines. Whether you require solutions to work with POE-based refrigerants, natural, HFC, HFO or HFO blends, reach out to our team today at the Oil Store to find best-in-class refrigeration lubricants for your company today and find out more.