AC troubleshooting with Shrieve
Shrieve Products International has explained how its Zerol HD 46 lubricant is being deployed to resolve recurring problems in the transport air conditioning market.
“Previously, the job of the lubricant in a compressor was just that – to lubricate,” said Liz Dixon, Shrieve global technology manager.
“Now lubricants are expected to do much more. They’re expected to perform a variety of tasks, such as contributing toward the energy efficiency of the compressor, minimising noise, and ensuring stability of all components present in the circuit, especially the refrigerant.”
Shrieve highlights the introduction of the R1234yf refrigerant in 2013, which was soon adopted widely due its favourable environmental credentials. It is anticipated that by 2025 all vehicles will contain 1234YF.
“While the refrigerant environmental credentials were – quite rightly – of highest priority, the relatively new refrigerant has created challenges for compressor systems,” said Liz Dixon.
“R1234yf is intrinsically unstable, hence its zero GWP rating; and incompatible lubricants can cause performance problems and risk compressor breakdown.
“At Shrieve, we recognised a need for a high-performance lubricant that could stabilise R1234yf and after four years developed Zerol HD 46.”
The product is a one-size-fits-all solution for the transport industry, says Shrieve, working in electric/hybrid MAC regardless of refrigerant type, with superior lubricity compared to alternative lubricant types, exceptional viscosity index, good thermal and chemical stability even in the presence of water, and providing additional corrosion protection within the AC system.
Robert Chevasco, Shrieve sales manager, added: “Traditionally, much of the transport aftermarket is driven by price alone, but it’s our job to communicate the benefits of using the right oils and the pitfalls of buying oils on price alone – especially when the long-term benefits far outweigh the investment.”
