Lubrication
ASHRAE Technical Committee 3.4

The ASHRAE Handbook is published in a series of four volumes, one of which is revised each year, ensuring that no volume is older than four years.

Refrigeration: Lubricants in Refrigerant Systems

The primary function of a lubricant is to reduce friction and minimize wear. It achieves this by interposing a film between moving surfaces that reduces direct solid-to-solid contact or lowers the coefficient of friction. Understanding the role of a lubricant requires analysis of the surfaces to be lubricated. Although bearing surfaces and other machined parts may appear and feel smooth, close examination reveals microscopic peaks (asperities) and valleys. Lubricant, in sufficient amounts, creates a layer thicker than the maximum height of the mating asperities, so that moving parts ride on a lubricant cushion.

The ASHRAE REFRIGERATION HANDBOOK may be purchased from the on-line bookstore by clicking on the highlighted text.

Subcommittee Chair - Casey Scruggs.
Subcommittee Members - Brad Boggess, Elyse Sorenson, Chris Seeton, Amber Saylor

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TIP: If MTG involvement add here otherwise leave blank.

TC 3.4 participates on the following multidisciplinary tsk group:
Lower Global Warming Potential Alternative Refrigerants

MTG.Low GWP is established to coordinate TC/TG/TRG technical activities to help transition the HVAC&R industry to sustainable lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) alternative refrigerants. The MTG will further request participation from US EPA and AHRI. The MTG responsibilities include suggestions for research, development and presentation of technical programs of all types on alternative lower GWP refrigerants, suggestions for Life Cycle Climate Performance (LCCP) systems evaluation for different applications, development of lower GWP solutions for different applications, and a special publication detailing aspects of LCCP applied to the HVAC&R fields.

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What information is available on the compatibility of lubricants with refrigerants? (86)