Suniso GS and SL Refrigeration Oils: Complete Technical Comparison

In the field of industrial and commercial refrigeration, the choice ofrefrigeration oil correct has a direct impact on performance, energy efficiency, and durability of the systems. Among the most globally recognized products, in this case, the lubricating oils Suniso, represent the reference standard for refrigeration compressors.

Why compare GS and SL? Two ranges for different needs

Refrigeration oils are not interchangeable: their chemical composition profoundly influences critical factors such as miscibility with refrigerants, thermal stability, chemical stability, lubrication of mechanical components, and the compressor’s useful life. Therefore, it is essential to distinguish between mineral and synthetic oils based on the type of system and refrigerants used.

Suniso SL: for New Generation Systems with HFC Refrigerants

The Suniso SL lubricants are formulated with polyolester (POE) and represent the ideal choice for systems using HFC refrigerants. The high miscibility with HFC refrigerants allows for optimal oil return to the compressor. This reduces build-up in circuit components and improves overall efficiency.

Among the key features:

• Superior thermal stability, ensuring performance even in high-temperature conditions, such as in heat pumps;
• Stable viscosity even in the presence of dissolved refrigerant, ensuring protection of bearings and mechanical components;
• Application versatility, from low-temperature systems to high-efficiency air conditioning.

Suniso GS: for Traditional Systems and Natural Refrigerants

The Suniso GS lubricants are highly refined mineral oils, designed for use in compressors using CFC, HCFC, or natural refrigerants, including ammonia, isobutane, and propane. Valued for their balance of reliability and compatibility, they stand out for stable performance at low and also at high temperatures, excellent dielectric properties, and resistance to chemical degradation. In fact, they are characterized by:

• Low wax content, essential for operating at very low temperatures without forming deposits;
• Excellent dielectric properties, making them ideal for compressors with internal electric motors;
• Excellent chemical stability, preventing unwanted reactions with the refrigerant or system construction materials.

Technical Data Comparison: Viscosity, Temperature, Stability

The choice ofrefrigeration compressor oil must be based on reliable and measurable data. Below we present the key values for Suniso GS and SL products, useful for evaluating compatibility and performance.

Main Technical Parameters

These data, combined with compatibility with specific refrigerants, allow for a precise evaluation of themost efficient refrigeration oil for each type of application.

Miscibility and Viscosity Curves: why They are Crucial in Oil Selection

In systems with refrigeration compressors, heat pumps, or HVAC applications, choosing the correct lubricant in relation to the refrigerant is a crucial factor for the stability and longevity of the entire system.

The compatibility between lubricant and refrigerant directly affects fundamental aspects such as:

• miscibility, or the ability of the oil to mix homogeneously with the refrigerant;
• residual viscosity, which must remain sufficiently high to ensure adequate lubrication even in the presence of dissolved refrigerant.

If miscibility is insufficient, the oil may not return correctly to the compressor, accumulating in the colder sections of the circuit. This phenomenon leads to a reduction in oil level in the compressor, resulting in increased mechanical wear, loss of efficiency, and risk of seizure.

At the same time, excessive dilution of the lubricant can compromise its protective properties, as the viscosity drops to the point where it no longer ensures the formation of an effective lubricating film between moving metal surfaces.

Ideal Applications: Guide to Choosing between SL and GS

The Suniso SL and GS ranges, while meeting distinct operational needs, are both designed to offer maximum efficiency, reliability, and compatibility based on the type of system, the refrigerant used, and the thermodynamic profile of the system.

• Suniso SL, thanks to its POE synthetic formulation, is suitable for modern systems using HFC refrigerants, where high performance in terms of thermal stability, miscibility, and oil return is required.
• Suniso GS, with its highly refined mineral base, is the ideal solution for existing or traditional systems employing CFC, HCFC, or natural refrigerants. For a simplified selection of the correct lubricating oil between the two different ranges, here is a table summarizing all their main characteristics and differences:

Conclusion

The choice of refrigeration oil directly affects the efficiency, reliability, and longevity of the systems for which it is used. Knowing the differences between Suniso SL and Suniso GS is essential, as it allows for selecting the most suitable product based on the refrigerant, system, and operating conditions.

Suniso SL is the ideal solution for modern systems with HFC refrigerants, such as heat pumps and advanced HVAC systems, thanks to its excellent miscibility, optimal oil return, and high-temperature stability.

Suniso GS, on the other hand, is designed for existing or traditional systems with CFC, HCFC, or natural refrigerants, offering consistent lubrication, low wax content, and excellent dielectric properties, even in critical environmental conditions.

Contact us to learn more

For technical support in choosing the most suitable lubricant, contact our Mascherpa experts. We will be happy to help you identify the most efficient solution for your system.