Refrigeration compressor oil: which one to use with ammonia

In frozen food production and food storage, continuous refrigeration is essential. The compressor must deliver reliable performance, while the circuit must operate within the conditions required by the process.

The choice of refrigeration compressor oil also contributes to this balance. Lubricant carryover, filter clogging, and residue formation can increase maintenance requirements and come with a loss of system efficiency.

In ammonia compressors, dedicated fluids must therefore be used, evaluating

• compatibility with the refrigerant,
• viscosity,
• behavior at low temperatures.

The REFLO™ range from Petro-Canada Lubricants, a Mascherpa partner, meets the requirements of these applications in the food industry.

Choosing oil for ammonia refrigeration compressors

Compatibility with the refrigerant is one of the first criteria in selecting an industrial lubricant for refrigeration compressors. The oil must be suitable for ammonia and for the conditions in which the system operates, in accordance with the compressor manufacturer’s recommendations.

Food processing plants can host different types of service side by side. Oils for air compressors, including H1 solutions for air and process applications, meet different requirements than fluids intended for ammonia compressors. Their presence within the same plant does not make the two types of lubricant interchangeable.

For the refrigeration circuit, the evaluation must focus on the relationship between fluid, refrigerant, and operating conditions. Cold–temperature behavior, stability during operation, and management of oil separation all affect the choice of formulation.

Protecting the compressor and maintaining reliable refrigeration

In blast-freezing tunnels, blast chillers, and cold storage systems, the lubricant must support compressor operation under the conditions required by the application.

Protecting components from wear and limiting fluid degradation helps keep the system reliable. The choice of oil must therefore take into account both mechanical protection and its behavior during service.

Viscosity and low-temperature behavior

Viscosity must be suited to the compressor’s requirements and to the operating temperatures.

Its variation with changing temperature is also essential: the fluid must retain characteristics compatible with the lubrication required during operation.

In cold applications, fluidity and pumpability are particularly important. These properties must be evaluated on the specific product, together with the circuit conditions and the manufacturer’s specifications.

Fluid stability and system cleanliness

The stabilità all’ossidazione helps limit oil degradation and the formation of residues. An ammonia compressor fluid formulated to keep the system clean can help reduce clogging, replacements, and maintenance interventions.

Petro-Canada’s REFLO™ fluids are developed to resist degradation and protect equipment. In food refrigeration, these characteristics support the operational continuity of plants dedicated to the processing and storage of products.

Oil separation and refrigeration circuit management

Oil carryover in the circuit is a critical issue to consider when lubricant consumption increases or problems of operating the food processing plant occur.

In ammonia compressors, solubility in the refrigerant and the separation behavior between oil and gas are relevant factors in fluid selection. Limiting unwanted circulation of the oil helps ensure proper management of the refrigeration circuit.

Volatility and resistance to deposit formation also affect maintenance requirements. The evaluation must relate the product’s properties to the actual conditions of the plant, especially in cases of frequent top-ups, clogged filters, or unstable temperatures.

REFLO™ solutions for food industry applications

The choice of refrigeration compressor oil must start from the duty that the refrigeration system is required to perform. A plant serving blast-freezing tunnels may have different requirements than a system intended for refrigerated storage.

It is necessary to know the model of the compressor, the operating temperatures, and the lubricant currently in use. In the event of anomalies, information on oil consumption, frequency of replacement of filters and temperature trends also becomes useful.

Mascherpa supports companies in selecting fluids for ammonia compressors based on their application requirements.

REFLO™ Synthetic 68A for low-temperature refrigeration

REFLO™ Synthetic 68A is a synthetic fluid based on polyalphaolefins and alkylbenzene, formulated for ammonia refrigeration compressors.

It is also intended for applications with very low evaporator temperatures, such as blast chillers. The formulation combines stability to oxidation and low volatility to help keep the system clean and limit oil consumption and replacements. It also contains an agent designed to limit shrinkage of the seals.

Its field of application includes ammonia compressors with evaporator temperatures above -51 °C. The selection must be verified against the actual plant conditions and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Applying REFLO™ solutions in blast-freezing tunnels

A frozen food manufacturer was experiencing efficiency losses in its ammonia refrigeration system serving blast-freezing tunnels. Oil was being carried over into the circuit, filters were clogging, and evaporator temperatures were unstable.

REFLO™ Synthetic 68A was adopted, a synthetic fluid with low solubility in the refrigerant and excellent pumpability at very low temperatures.

In the plant, the fluid separates from the gas and remains in the crankcase. Filters no longer clog and freezing temperatures remain stable.

The choice of lubricant thus helped restore regularity to the process, addressing critical issues affecting both circuit maintenance and control of temperatures.

Reducing maintenance requirements and operating costs

The cost of the lubricant must be evaluated together with its behavior in the plant. Oil consumption, top-ups, replacements, and maintenance interventions all contribute to the operating cost of refrigeration.

The REFLO™ fluids are formulated to help extend the service life of equipment, limit deposits and residues, and improve efficiency of the system. Choosing the right formulation can therefore help contain maintenance requirements and operating costs.

In food processing plants, keeping the refrigeration circuit reliable also means supporting continuous freezing and storage operations. The benefit should be assessed based on the plant’s actual conditions, monitoring fluid consumption, filter condition, and operational regularity.

Frequently asked questions about refrigeration compressor oil

Mascherpa at Cibus Tec 2026 with solutions for ammonia refrigeration compressors

Mascherpa will be at Cibus Tec 2026, from October 27 to 30 in Parma, at Hall 02, Stand F061, with solutions dedicated to the lubrication and maintenance of food processing plants.

Ammonia refrigeration will be one of the topics to explore with the team, starting from the plant’s operating conditions and the compressor’s specific requirements.

Contact Mascherpa to learn more about choosing the right oil for your refrigeration compressor and find out how to get your free ticket to attend.

For more information on the lubrication and food industry maintenance solutions Mascherpa will be showcasing at Cibus Tec, download the technical guide.