Brand Background and History
Chemtura Established: Chemtura's history can be traced back to the merger and development of several companies, including Great Lakes Chemical Corporation and Crompton Corporation, which merged to form Chemtura in 2005.
Development of Solest Refrigeration Oils: As the demand for environmentally friendly refrigerants increased, particularly for chlorofluorocarbon-free (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon-free (HCFCs) refrigerants such as R134a, R404A, R407C and R410A, the market demanded highly efficient lubricants that were compatible with these new refrigerants, and Chemtura developed the Solest range of synthetic Chemtura developed the Solest line of synthetic, polyurethane (POE) refrigeration oils to meet this need.
LANXESS Acquires Chemtura: In 2017, German chemical company LANXESS completed the acquisition of Chemtura, a move designed to strengthen LANXESS' position in additives, lubricants and other speciality chemicals. With this acquisition, the Solest brand of refrigeration oils and its technology became part of the LANXESS product portfolio.
Features and benefits include:
1.Thermally stable resulting in longer system life.
2.Improved oil management producing system efficiency gains.
3.Corrosion protection offering enhanced system reliability and reduced down-time.
4.Excellent bearing lubrication for longer compressor life.
5.Optimized system performance providing reduced operating costs.
6.Environmentally friendly because it is biodegradable.
7.Excellent lubricity for increased oil return.
Principle of operation
Lubrication
Reducing friction: In refrigeration compressors, friction occurs between moving parts, and Solest Refrigeration Oils effectively reduce direct metal-to-metal contact by forming a film of oil over the surfaces of these parts, reducing wear and prolonging the service life of the equipment.
Compatibility with refrigerants
Solubility: Solest POE oils have good solubility and mix well with HFC refrigerants, ensuring even distribution throughout the refrigeration cycle and avoiding oil separation.
Oil return characteristics: Due to its good compatibility and specific design, Solest oils circulate efficiently between the evaporator and condenser and return to the compressor, ensuring that the compressor is always supplied with sufficient lubricant.
Common Models and Their Applicable Scenarios:
Solest LT-32:
Viscosity index:110
Density 1b/gal:8.12
Pour point:-48(<-54.4)
Flash point:248(480)
Combustion point:273(525)
Dielectric strength, kV ASTM D 877:48.2
Application:Designed for cryogenic applications, suitable for refrigeration systems that need to work at lower temperatures.
Solest 68:
Viscosity index:114
Density 1b/gal:8.02
Pour point:-43(-45)
Flash point:266(511)
Combustion point:296(565)
Dielectric strength, kV ASTM D 877:33.8
Application:Widely used in commercial and industrial refrigeration systems, especially excelling in the use of HFC-based refrigerants.
Solest 120:
Viscosity index:95
Density 1b/gal:7.91
Pour point:-27(-16.6)
Flash point:237.7(460)
Combustion point:271.1(520)
Dielectric strength, kV ASTM D 877:47.0
Application:Suitable for refrigeration systems at high temperatures or high pressures, providing additional protection and performance enhancement.
To learn more about Solest Refrigeration Oils.
