Copper plating on steel parts continues to be a problem for all types of compressors operating with CFC/HCFC – mineral oil and HFC-polyolester (POE) oil systems. When the copper plating reaches a critical thickness, it causes compressor failures through failed bearings or seized parts. However, the mechanism by which copper plating occurs is not well understood. Once the different steps of the copper plating mechanism are identified, then additives and practices can be developed to inhibit the chemical compounds/processes responsible for copper plating resulting in improved reliability for a wide range of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

Consequently, a research program consisting of literature searches, field sample analyses, sealed tube tests and flowing rig tests was performed in order to identify the different steps of copper plating in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

Units: Dual