Modern refrigeration compressors designed for use with hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants have complex lubrication requirements. System efficiency and reliability are critically dependent on the balance of properties provided by the lubricant. Access to accurate and representative measurement techniques has played an important role in enabling the development of the commercially important class of highly optimized polyol ester (HOPOE) lubricants which have performed successfully in a wide range of applications. Manufacture and use of such materials also requires the determination of physico-chemical and performance properties. This paper focuses on critical property measurements, the scope of the methods available, the reliability of the results and the uses to which the results can be put.

Units: I-P