Technical Consultation, Risk Analysis & Reliable Key Account Support for Chiller Oil Change

Twenty minutes into the process when the chiller was shut with a replacement of refrigerant as well as used oil drained out from the refrigeration system, the key customer spotted an issue that would have turned out drastic if not for our immediate risk analysis support due to the following concerns:

1. Both the chiller oil and refrigerant oil were mineral-based and shared the same viscosity. Our swift inspection on the additive package was critical as the entire system could have been affected.
2. According to the circuit established by the technical team of the customer, the chiller oil would be separated from the mixture that included Ammonia (NH₃), and retained by the system separator, before being restrained into the compressed compartment.

We alerted the key customer that if the contents within the short molecule structure became too high, it would lead to the union with Ammonia (NH₃), thus bringing about a system contamination. Fortunately, we sought their attention in time to avoid such a contamination.

We pointed out to the key customer that the following components might also have a part to play.

• Bearings: The kinematic viscosity of our competitor’s oil was 8.5 cSt at 100 ˚C and 71.2 cSt at 40 ˚C. Luckily, it was of the same viscosity range as the refrigeration oil, hence we assured the customer that the process would go well.
• Filters and separators: If the oil had not been suitable, there would certainly be a reaction between the oil and Ammonia (NH₃), resulting in the formation of a residue. That would dirty the filters and even cause a blockage.
• Seal, shaft seal of the compressed unit: Fortunately, no issue was found during our inspection.

All in all, if any issue was detected, our key customer would have to drain out and refill the entire system which would cost time and money. Our risk assessment and close monitoring of the filters’ condition besides the operating parameters of the system i.e. temperature of the bearings and pressure of the system in particular helped to prevent problems successfully. 

Klüber Summit RHT 68 is the first choice of our key customer with the following benefits:

• Less oil carried over hence the key customer would not have to top up so much oil.
• Less formation of residue due to cleaner oil.  
• Enhanced system efficiency and energy saving.

A reliable key account support comprises of excellent technical consultation and product solution that would set our customer at ease. With additional trust gained from the key customer, we are now their first point of contact as a knowledgeable partner whenever technical doubts arise.


Written by:
Pham Thanh Nghi, Klüber Lubrication SEA Rep Office (Vietnam)