What is an acceptable amount of mineral oil remaining after conversion to POE oil?

In the context of refrigeration systems that have been converted from mineral oil to POE (polyol ester) oil, it is crucial to minimize the amount of residual mineral oil. This is because the presence of mineral oil can create compatibility issues with POE oil, leading to potential system performance problems, and can affect the lubricating properties of the refrigerant oil mixture.

An acceptable threshold for the remaining mineral oil after an oil conversion to POE is about 5%. This amount is recognized as sufficient to ensure the compatibility between the two oils without compromising the overall performance of the refrigeration system. Amounts higher than this can lead to difficulties, such as oil circulation problems and insufficient lubrication of the compressor, which may ultimately result in system failure or reduced efficiency.

Maintaining this low percentage of mineral oil is particularly important in systems that utilize refrigerants designed specifically for use with POE oils, as these systems rely on the unique properties of POE for optimal performance and reliability. Thus, ensuring no more than 5% mineral oil remains after conversion is essential for maintaining proper system functionality and longevity.