Next-generation Refrigeration Oil for Low-GWP Refrigerants, Kixx RF P 85

▶ Read our first episode, “A Comprehensive Guide to Refrigeration Compressor Oil: What It is and How It Works”

As previously highlighted in the Kixx newsroom article “A Comprehensive Guide to Refrigeration Compressor Oil: What It is and How It Works,” refrigeration oil plays a crucial role in maintaining the performance and providing wear protection for all kinds of refrigeration devices such as air conditioners, making it an essential lubricant that cannot be overlooked in daily life. However, despite its importance, the global refrigeration oil market has long been dominated by entrenched Japanese brands, due to the high complexities for development. In particular, the Korean market has been entirely reliant on imports.

Kixx, Korea’s leading lubricant brand, has developed a next-generation refrigeration oil, Kixx RF P 85, to address the dependance on imports from overseas countries for specialized lubricant products and to expand the lubricant market. Discover the unique features and development of Kixx RF P 85, a product that was created through extensive research and technological advancement.

Korea’s Leading Lubricant Brand Kixx Develops Next-Generation Refrigeration Oil

The Great East Japan Earthquake in 2010 and the 2019 South Korea-Japan trade dispute presented opportunities for Kixx to focus on developing its refrigeration oil. The 2010 earthquake, which triggered a global shortage, prompted Kixx’s preparations for its development. Then the subsequent South Korea-Japan trade dispute, which affected the domestic importation of refrigeration oil, ultimately motivated Kixx to leverage this crisis as an opportunity to pursue independent production.

Finally, towards the end of 2022, Kixx RF P 85 was officially launched after not only meeting the rigorous standards and requirements of the global industry but also demonstrating exceptional performance. Kixx successfully created a product that required advanced technological development, effectively overcoming significant barriers to market entry. As a result, the Kixx RFP 85 has reduced reliance on refrigeration oil imports and is being hailed as the “next generation refrigeration oil,” making a significant impact in the industry.

What are the Key Requirement for Refrigeration Oil

When discussing refrigeration oil, it is essential to consider refrigerants. A refrigerant is a fluid within a refrigeration device that absorbs and releases heat, serving as an essential medium for both refrigeration systems and refrigeration oil.

The primary criterion for refrigeration oil is its miscibility with refrigerants. Refrigeration Oil with excellent lubricant-refrigerant miscibility enables reliable lubrication, allows oil to return to the compressor and creates consistent machine performance.

▶ Learn more on the Key Requirement for Refrigeration Oil

Taking it a step further, an increasingly important criterion is compatibility with refrigerants that have reduced environmental impact such as low-GWP(Global Warming Potential) refrigerants, which are vital for achieving carbon neutrality and tackling climate change.

Low-GWP refrigerants offer the advantage of reducing carbon emissions. However, their differing chemical properties compared to traditional refrigerants present challenges in terms of compatibility with existing refrigeration systems and materials. The Kixx RFP 85 not only provides excellent miscibility for various low-GWP refrigerants but also meets the market criteria for refrigeration oil. It offers ideal compatibility with refrigeration systems and delivers outstanding wear protection, which is a fundamental requirement for lubricants.

 Low-GWP Refrigeration Oil, Kixx RF P 85

Kixx RF P 85’s Key Properties

The Kixx RF P 85 is a highly refined polyol ester-based refrigeration compressor oil designed with eco-conscious performance in mind, featuring its state-of-the-art additives for miscibility with a variety of refrigerants, especially with low-GWP refrigerant options. The oil is ideal for compressors in refrigeration cycles, particularly rotary and scroll types requiring a high viscosity, Kixx RF P 85 is trusted by Samsung Electronics for use in their scroll compressors, highlighting its reliability.

Kixx RF P 85’s Key features

1. Excellent Miscibility
   The oil offers excellent miscibility with a wide range of refrigerants, including low-GWP options like HFCs (R32, R410A, R134a), HCs (R290) and HFOs (R1234yf). With a two-layer separation temperature below -30℃, Kixx RF P 85 prevents phase separation between the refrigerant and refrigeration oil. This ensures consistent and stable operation across a variety of temperatures.
2. Wear Protection
   Kixx RF P 85 utilizes high performance wear-resistant additives to deliver exceptional wear protection. This innovative formulation maintains viscosity and provides a protective layer in various operating conditions minimizing wear on the refrigeration system.
3. Chemical Stability
   Refrigeration oil can trigger chemical reactions when it encounters different metals in the refrigeration system. Kixx RFP 85, however, maintains chemical stability when interacting with various metals, thereby enabling the stable operation of the refrigeration system. It demonstrates excellent chemical stability with copper, the primary material used in the refrigeration cycle lining.

GS Caltex’s lubricant brand, Kixx, has led the market for the past 50 years by consistently creating innovative products through advanced technology and research. By boldly entering the refrigeration oil manufacturing market, traditionally dominated by foreign countries and brands, and developing next-generation products that exceed industry standards, Kixx has once again solidified its position as the leading brand in the industry. Looking ahead, Kixx aims to establish itself as a key innovator in the industry through ongoing research and development.