A Novel Experimental Rig to Investigate the Effect of the Refrigerant on the Oil Supply of a Variable Capacity Reciprocating Compressor

The oil pumping plays a key role in the reliability and efficiency of compressors adopted refrigeration systems. However, investigations available literature on this subject do not consider presence refrigerant its effects supply. This paper reports development novel experimental rig to measure flow rate provided by pump hermetic variable capacity reciprocating compressor considering contact with lubricating oil. A visualization system was also developed investigate transient outgassing phenomenon that takes place supply when sudden depressurization occurs, such as during startup. Measurements were carried out AB ISO VG 5 R-600a fluid under different pairs evaporating condensing temperatures speed. Considering air are immiscible, tests performed isolate effect results show is decreased due refrigerant, becoming slightly stronger temperature increased. revealed brought about solubility between has potential temporarily interrupt