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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