What type of lubricant is most commonly used with CFC refrigerants?

The most commonly used lubricant with CFC refrigerants is mineral oil. This type of oil has a long history of use in refrigeration systems and is well-suited for the characteristics of CFCs. Mineral oils are derived from petroleum and contain hydrocarbon chains that provide adequate lubrication for compressors operating with CFC refrigerants.

The compatibility of mineral oil with CFC refrigerants is a significant aspect of its usage. CFCs, which are non-polar substances, dissolve well in mineral oils, thereby ensuring effective lubrication and minimizing the risk of oil separation or degradation within the refrigeration system. This compatibility helps maintain efficient operation and longevity of the compressor and other system components.

In contrast, other lubricant types mentioned, such as PAGs, polyolester, and non-ester oils, have specific compatibility requirements that make them less suitable for CFCs. Polyolester lubricants, for example, are commonly used with HFC refrigerants due to their ability to mix with these more polar refrigerants, while mineral oils typically do not mix well with them. This highlights the importance of using the correct lubricant for the specific refrigerant type to ensure optimal performance and reliability of refrigeration systems.