International Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration

The Society of Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Engineers of Korea (대한설비공학회)
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An Experimental Study on Oil Separation Characteristics of $CO_2$/P AG Oil Mixture in an Oil Separator

  • Kang, Byung-Ha (School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Kookmin University) ;
  • Kim, Kyung-Jae (Graduate School of Mechanical Engineering, Kookmin University) ;
  • Lee, Sung-Kwang (Graduate School of Mechanical Engineering, Kookmin University)
  • Published : 2009.09.30
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Abstract

Lubricant oil is needed in air conditioning and refrigeration system because the compressor requires oil to prevent surface to surface contact between its moving parts, to remove heat, to provide sealing, to keep out contaminants, to prevent corrosion, and to dispose of debris created by wear. Thus, the oil separation in an oil separator is one of the most important characteristics for proper compressor operation. In this study, a gravity type of oil separator is used. Oil separation characteristics have been investigated for $CO_2$/PAG mixture in the range of oil concentration 0 to 5 weight-percent and the mixture temperature range of $0^{\circ}C$ to $15^{\circ}C$ at 50 bar and $70^{\circ}C$ to $90^{\circ}C$ at 80 bar. The results obtained indicate that the oil separation is increased with an increase in the oil concentration. It is also found that the oil separation in liquid state is increased with an increase in the mixture temperature while the oil separation in gas state is decreased.

Keywords

References

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