Refrigerant Oil Compatibility Chart
Proper lubricant selection for compressors
Oil Types
MO
Mineral Oil - Traditional, for CFC/HCFC
POE
Polyol Ester - Most common for HFC/HFO
PVE
Polyvinyl Ether - Alternative synthetic
PAG
Polyalkylene Glycol - Automotive AC
AB
Alkylbenzene - Mid-range synthetic
Compatibility Matrix
| Refrigerant | Type | MO | AB | POE | PVE | PAG | Primary Oil |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCFC Refrigerants | |||||||
| R-22 | HCFC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | MO or AB |
| HFC Refrigerants | |||||||
| R-32 | HFC | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | - | POE |
| R-134a | HFC | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | POE / PAG (auto) |
| R-404A | HFC Blend | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | - | POE |
| R-407C | HFC Blend | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | - | POE |
| R-410A | HFC Blend | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | - | POE |
| R-507A | HFC Blend | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | - | POE |
| HFO / Low GWP Refrigerants | |||||||
| R-454B | HFO/HFC | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | - | POE |
| R-1234yf | HFO | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | - | ✓ | PAG (auto) / POE |
| R-1234ze(E) | HFO | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | - | POE |
| Natural Refrigerants | |||||||
| R-290 (Propane) | HC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | MO or POE |
| R-600a (Isobutane) | HC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | MO or POE |
| R-717 (Ammonia) | Natural | ✓ | - | ✗ | - | - | MO (naphthenic) |
| R-744 (CO2) | Natural | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | POE / PAG |
✓ = Compatible
✗ = Not Compatible
- = Not Typically Used
Oil Change Guidelines
- 1. When converting from R-22 to HFC refrigerants, replace mineral oil with POE oil
- 2. Multiple oil flushes may be required - aim for <5% residual MO in system
- 3. POE oils are hygroscopic - minimize air exposure during service
- 4. Always check compressor manufacturer specifications for approved oil types
- 5. Use proper viscosity grade (ISO VG 32, 46, 68, etc.) as specified
Oil Mixing Precautions
Do NOT Mix
POE and Mineral Oil in HFC systems - causes oil return problems and compressor failure
Caution
PAG oils are not compatible with hose materials designed for POE - check system compatibility
Safe to Mix
Same type POE oils from different brands can generally be mixed, but verify ISO viscosity match
POE Oil Viscosity Selection
| Application | Refrigerant | ISO Viscosity | Typical Brand Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential AC / Heat Pump | R-410A, R-32 | ISO VG 32 | Copeland Ultra 32-3MAF, Emkarate RL32-3MAF |
| Commercial Refrigeration | R-404A, R-507A | ISO VG 68 | Bitzer BSE 68, Danfoss 160PZ |
| Low Temperature | R-404A, R-134a | ISO VG 22-32 | Copeland Ultra 22CC, Emkarate RL22H |
| High Temperature | R-134a, R-407C | ISO VG 46-68 | Emkarate RL68H, Mobil EAL Arctic 46 |
| Scroll Compressors | R-410A | ISO VG 32-46 | Emkarate RL32-3MAF, Copeland 32-3MAF |