Which compressor oil does an air-conditioner or cold room use? How to choose POE oil by HFC refrigerant and compressor type, with the Emkarate RL22H–RL220H grade table, viscosity values and an R32 caution — from the makers' documents.
The short answer
- Use the oil and grade the compressor manufacturer (OEM) specifies on the nameplate or in the manual — do not guess from the refrigerant alone. Major compressor makers name their own oil by model: Danfoss lists a specific oil for each compressor series, and BITZER states that its scroll compressors may only run on the original oils it indicates.
- A system on HFC refrigerant (R134a, R404A, R407C, R410A, and many R32 compressors) needs a POE oil, or the ester the OEM names, because mineral oil does not mix with HFC.
- The number in the grade name is viscosity: RL32H is about 32.5 cSt at 40°C and RL68H about 66.6 cSt. A higher number is not "better".
- Check R32 compressors specially. R32 runs at a higher discharge temperature, and some scroll compressors call for a POE formulated for that duty.
Which oils exist, and what do they go with
| Oil type | Used with | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral oil | Traditional R22 systems | Does not mix with HFC, so it cannot be used in an HFC system |
| POE (polyol ester) | HFC systems — R134a, R404A, R407C, R410A, and many R32 compressors | In Danfoss's oil table most entries are POE, including some scroll compressors on R22 |
| PVE (polyvinyl ether) / specific formulations | Some compressor series, as the manufacturer specifies | Danfoss lists a PVE oil for some series — use only what the manufacturer names |
Car air-conditioning uses the oil the vehicle maker specifies for the model. This article covers home and commercial A/C, cold-room and chiller compressors.
Why HFC systems need POE
Lubrizol explains that miscibility — how well oil and refrigerant stay in solution — decides oil return. When they do not mix well, oil collects in the evaporator, the compressor is starved of lubricant and system efficiency falls. Mineral oil is not miscible with HFC refrigerants, which is why a POE such as Emkarate RL is needed.
What RL32H and RL68H mean
The number is the viscosity grade; "H" marks the Emkarate RL range. Typical values from the maker's brochure:
| Grade | Viscosity @40°C (cSt) | Viscosity @100°C (cSt) | Pour point (°C) | Flash point (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RL22H | 18.9 | 4.2 | −52 | 240 |
| RL32H | 32.5 | 5.8 | −46 | 258 |
| RL46H | 45.3 | 7.1 | −46 | 260 |
| RL68H | 66.6 | 9.4 | −39 | 270 |
| RL100H | 96.5 | 11.3 | −28 | 260 |
| RL170H | 170 | 17.0 | −25 | 290 |
| RL220H | 215 | 18.8 | −25 | 280 |
Typical values from the Emkarate RL brochure — the maker states they are not for writing specifications.
Emkarate RL grade guide by compressor type
From the Application Guide in the maker's brochure (✓ = the maker lists the grade as suitable):
| Grade | Home A/C · Reciprocating | Home A/C · Rotary | Centrifugal | Reciprocating | Screw | Scroll |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RL22H | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| RL32H | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| RL46H | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| RL68H | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| RL100H | – | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| RL170H | – | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| RL220H | – | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – |
The first two columns after the grade are residential A/C; Centrifugal, Reciprocating, Screw and Scroll are industrial and commercial refrigeration / A/C.
Examples from the oil maker's approval list
| Compressor maker | Type | Emkarate RL grade listed |
|---|---|---|
| BITZER | Reciprocating | RL 32H and 68H |
| BITZER | Screw | RL 170H |
| BOCK | Reciprocating | RL 22H, 32H, 46H, 68H and 100H |
| DORIN | Reciprocating | RL 22H, 32H, 46H and 68H |
| HANBELL | Screw (RA, RB, V series) | RL 170H and 220H |
| DANFOSS COMMERCIAL (MANEUROP) | Scroll (SZ, MFZ, LFZ) | RL 32H |
| THERMO KING | Reciprocating | RL 32H |
The oil maker writes that this list is a guide only and recommends confirming with the OEM which grade is qualified for the compressor model, refrigerant and application — the OEM's advice always comes first.
R32, and compressors whose maker names its own oil
- R32 runs hotter. Lubrizol says the condition needs oil with higher thermal and chemical stability, and it offers other POE series designed for R32 scroll compressors — so do not assume any RL grade fits every R32 unit.
- Some makers name the oil per model. Danfoss's table lists oil by compressor series, including R32 series that use a specific POE grade, and BITZER states its scroll compressors run only on the original oils it indicates.
- If unsure, send a photo of the compressor nameplate and check it against that model's manual before buying.
Moisture and storage
Compressor makers set a very low water content for the oil — BITZER, for example, makes the use of an alternative oil conditional on the maker or supplier guaranteeing quality and moisture below 50 ppm. Keep containers tightly closed, open them only when ready to charge, and do not keep a part-used can for long.
Five checks before you order
- Read the compressor nameplate or model manual for the oil and grade.
- Confirm the refrigerant actually in the system — R22, R134a, R404A, R407C, R410A or R32.
- Identify the compressor type — reciprocating, rotary, scroll, screw or centrifugal.
- Compare with the grade table above, then confirm with the OEM.
- Decide pack size and quantity — Emkarate RL comes in a variety of packages; tell us the quantity for a quotation.
FAQ
What is POE compressor oil? A synthetic polyol ester lubricant for compressors running on HFC refrigerants, used for initial fill and service fill.
Can I use mineral oil with R32, R410A or R134a? No. Mineral oil does not mix with HFC refrigerants, so oil collects in the evaporator and the compressor can be starved of oil.
What is the difference between RL32H and RL68H? Viscosity — about 32.5 cSt versus 66.6 cSt at 40°C. Both are listed in the maker's guide for several compressor types; which one fits your compressor is the OEM's decision.
Do I need to change the oil when moving from R22 to an HFC? Yes — see POE vs mineral oil and R22 retrofit.
Request a quotation for Emkarate RL
Send the grade (or the compressor model), pack size and quantity; we check the grade before quoting. See the Emkarate RL POE compressor oil page or the refrigerant and compressor oil category. Prices follow grade, size and volume, so none is published on the website.
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