Refrigeration Compressor Oils
The right refrigeration oil keeps compressors lubricated, returns cleanly through the system, and protects heat transfer efficiency. We supply SUNISO for commercial and OEM systems and REFLO for industrial ammonia plants, and help you match the right oil to your refrigerant and equipment.
Match the Oil to the Refrigerant
Refrigerant type is the first question when choosing a compressor oil
| Refrigerant | Typical systems | Oil type | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| HFC and HFC/HFO blends | R-134a, R-404A, R-410A, R-448A/449A, R-454B — refrigeration, AC and heat pumps | Synthetic polyolester (POE) | SUNISO SL |
| CFC and HCFC refrigerants | Legacy commercial refrigeration and AC equipment | Naphthenic mineral oil | SUNISO GS |
| Hydrocarbons (R-600a, R-290) | Isobutane and propane systems | Naphthenic mineral oil | SUNISO GS |
| Ammonia (R-717) — commercial / OEM | Smaller ammonia compressors and OEM-specified fills | Mineral / ammonia-specific oil | SUNISO GS, 4HT or 4SA |
| Ammonia (R-717) — large industrial plants | Cold storage, food processing, blast freezers | Paraffinic, synthetic blend or PAO/AB | REFLO A, XL or Synthetic 68A |
| R-32 or CO₂ (R-744) | Newer AC systems and transcritical CO₂ | Application-specific | Contact us |
SUNISO SL is not compatible with R-32, R-22, ammonia (R-717) or CO₂ (R-744). R-32 is common in newer AC equipment, so confirm the refrigerant on the nameplate before filling.
SUNISO or REFLO?
Both lines come from Petro-Canada Lubricants. SUNISO is matched to the refrigerant across commercial refrigeration and AC. REFLO is built for the oil life and low carryover large ammonia plants need.
Choose by refrigerant
SUNISO
Commercial and OEM refrigeration & AC
- SL (POE) for HFC and HFC/HFO blends
- GS (mineral) for CFC/HCFC, hydrocarbons and ammonia
- 4HT / 4SA for ammonia compressors
- Broad compressor OEM approvals
Choose by plant duty
REFLO
Large industrial ammonia plants
- REFLO A: low ammonia solubility for less carryover; NSF H2
- REFLO XL: synthetic blend for reciprocating compressors; NSF H2
- REFLO Synthetic 68A: blast freezers down to -51°C (-60°F)
- REFLO CFC: naphthenic, for legacy CFC or naphthenic ammonia systems
SUNISO Products
SUNISO GS Mineral
Highly refined naphthenic mineral oils for CFC/HCFC, ammonia, isobutane and propane systems.
- Evaporator temperatures down to -44°F
- Low pour and floc points
- Multiple viscosity grades
SUNISO SL Synthetic
Synthetic POE lubricants for HFC and HFC/HFO blends in refrigeration, AC and heat pumps.
- Refrigerant miscibility for oil return
- Not for R-32, R-22, ammonia or CO₂
- Supplied dry and sealed
SUNISO 4HT & 4SA Ammonia
Formulated for optimal performance of compressors using ammonia (R-717) refrigerant.
- Low carryover
- Resists oxidation and sludge
- Long service intervals
Refrigeration Oil Best Practices
- Use the oil type and viscosity grade your compressor manufacturer specifies
- Keep POE containers sealed; POE absorbs moisture from the air
- Never mix naphthenic oils (SUNISO GS, REFLO CFC) with paraffinic or synthetic oils (REFLO A, XL, Synthetic)
- Trend oil condition with routine oil analysis
- Flush thoroughly when converting refrigerants
Need help choosing?
Use the SUNISO product selector, or send us your compressor and refrigerant details and we will recommend the right grade.