Solest-120 Polyol Ester Oil

About Solest-120 Polyol Ester Oil

Solest 120 is a high-performance synthetic Polyolester (POE) lubricant specifically formulated for use in commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning compressors. Manufactured by CPI Fluid Engineering, it has a long track record of over 25 years in the field.

Here's a detailed description of Solest 120:

Key Characteristics and Properties:

• Synthetic POE Base: Solest 120 is a fully synthetic POE oil, which distinguishes it from older mineral or alkylbenzene oils. This synthetic nature provides superior performance, especially with modern refrigerants.
• ISO VG 120: It has an ISO Viscosity Grade of 120, meaning its kinematic viscosity at 40C is approximately 120 cSt (specifically 127.7 cSt). This viscosity is carefully chosen for optimal lubrication in various compressor types.
• High Miscibility with HFC, HCFC, and HFO Refrigerants: Solest 120 is designed to mix effectively with refrigerants like R134a, R404A, R407C, R410A, and other HFCs, as well as HCFCs and some HFOs. Good miscibility is crucial for ensuring proper oil return to the compressor from the evaporator, preventing oil logging, and maintaining system efficiency.
• Superior Bearing Protection and Film Strength: It provides excellent lubrication, reducing friction and wear on compressor bearings and other moving parts. Its high film strength offers enhanced protection, contributing to longer compressor life and improved efficiency.
• Effective Wear Protection: It's formulated to protect both steel and aluminum surfaces within the compressor from wear, further extending the system's operational life.
• Excellent Thermal Stability: Solest 120 exhibits outstanding thermal stability, meaning it resists breakdown under high operating temperatures, which is critical for long-term oil and compressor performance.
• Low Pour Point: With a typical pour point around -27C, Solest 120 remains fluid at very low temperatures. This prevents the oil from congealing in the cold sections of the refrigeration system (like evaporators and condensers), ensuring continuous oil flow and proper lubrication.
• High Flash and Fire Points: It has a high flash point (typically 251C) and fire point (251C), indicating good safety characteristics and resistance to ignition at elevated temperatures.
• Hygroscopic Nature: Like all POE oils, Solest 120 is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. This necessitates careful handling during storage and system charging to minimize moisture contamination, as excessive moisture can lead to system degradation.
• Environmentally Friendly: It is described as environmentally friendly and biodegradable.
• Corrosion Protection: Provides protection against corrosion within the refrigeration system.
• Optimized System Performance: Contributes to improved oil management, efficiency gains, and reduced operating costs.

Applications and Compressor Types:

Solest 120 is widely used in:

• Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Systems: For various applications, including cold storage and industrial chillers.
• Air Conditioning Systems: In commercial and industrial settings.
• HFC, HCFC, and HFO Refrigerant Systems: It is specifically designed and optimized for use with these modern refrigerants.
• Various Compressor Types: Including reciprocating, screw, centrifugal, rotary, and scroll compressors.

Benefits over Conventional Mineral Oils:

Solest 120 offers significant advantages over conventional mineral oils, including:

• Improved Viscosity Index: Better viscosity stability over a wider temperature range.
• Higher Flash and Fire Points: Enhanced safety.
• Lower Pour Point: Prevents congealing at low temperatures.
• Better Miscibility with HFCs: Crucial for efficient oil return and overall system performance in HFC systems, where mineral oils are generally immiscible.

Solest 120 is a trusted lubricant often chosen for both original equipment manufacturer (OEM) factory fills and for retrofitting existing systems, providing reliable and efficient operation for a wide range of refrigeration and air conditioning applications.