Trane Recommended Oil

Issue:

Trane oil lubricant

Resolution:

• RTHA and RTHB R-22 Chillers manufactured in Pueblo are nameplated for either of two types of oil
  • Trane OIL00015 (Oil 15)for standard temperature applications 
  • Trane OIL00031 (Oil 31) for low temperature processes (leaving water temperatures at or below 38 deg F).
  • Because Oil 31 has more favorable performance characteristics, all R-22 chillers manufactured at Trane-Pueblo are charged with Oil 31 regardless of nameplate specification.

• Historically, Oil 31 has been harder for the field to get, therefore, when servicing, it is best to follow the nameplate recommendation of each specific unit (provided that the chiller is operating under the conditions for which it was designed).
• Mixing the two types of oil will have no adverse effects and will yield performance characteristics somewhere between the two extremes except as noted above for RTHA and RTHB only.

• The rule of thumb is this:
  • Oil 31 can be used in all R-22 Helical Rotary chillers regardless of application. Also, for chillers with DX evaporators such as RTAA, RTWA, and RTUA, Oil 15 can be used regardless of leaving water temperatures.

• Water Cooled R-22 Pueblo chillers (RTHA and RTHB), on the other hand, have flooded evaporators. This evaporator design requires Oil 31 when the leaving water temperature is 38 deg F or less. Therefore, when in doubt, use Oil 31 on RTHA and RTHB chillers.

• Without exception, RTHC, RTWD and RTAC chillers use Trane OIL00048 (Oil 48) which is a Polyolester Oil specifically formulated for use with R-134a. This oil is used regardless of leaving water temperature.

• RTHD requires one of two oils, depending on the type of compressor starter on the chiller:
  • OIL48  oil type (wye-delta starter)
  • OIL315   oil type (AFD)
    • OIL00311 (bulk) 
    • OIL00315 (1 gal) 
    • OIL00317 (5 gal)

• RTAE and RTAF use OIL315, even if it uses the same R-134A refrigerant.

• Oil 48 is not compatible with Oil 15 and Oil 31 and can NEVER BE INTRODUCED INTO R-22SYSTEMS. SIMILARLY, CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WILL RESULT IF OIL 15 OR OIL 31 IS INTRODUCED TO R-134aSYSTEMS. For this reason, it is recommended that gauges and recovery equipment be purchased and dedicated to a particular refrigeration system, and not mixed between the two.

Refer to publication PART-SVB12B-EN [see attachment below] for oils used in large equipment (chillers and large commercial products).  This bulletin replaces HCOM-SB-4.

PLEASE VERIFY OIL TYPE STAMPED ON THE CHILLER NAMEPLATE.

Notes:

Epinal-built chillers have different oil recommendations.

Always refer to the nameplate when adding or replacing oil.

See appropriate Installation Operation Maintenance manual for oil quantity.

Resource Available:

• Tech TV Video(s):
  • N/A
• Reference Literature: (Electronic copies can be pulled from e-library at Trane Residential (tranetechnologies.com))
  • IOM: 
  • Service Guide: 
• Other:
  • PART-SVB12B-EN

Changes:

Other Question/Problem/Cause Statements:

• What oil do we use in this chiller?
• What oil do we use in this rooftop unit?
• What type of oil do we use with this compressor?
• What type of oil is used in Pueblo-Built Screw chillers?
• What is the type of Oil used in an RTHD, RTAC, or RTHC chiller?
• What is the type of oil used in a Pueblo-built screw chiller with R-134 Refrigerant?
• Helical Rotary Oils
• Oil Type?
• Screw Chiller Oil Type?

Facts:

• Air-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (CGAM)
• Air-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTAA 130-400 Ton)
• Air-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTAA 70-125 Ton)
• Air-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTAC)
• Air-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTAE)
• Air-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTAF)
• Air-Cooled Condenser (RTCA)
• Air-Cooled Condenser (Pueblo) (RTCA)
• Compressor Chiller (Pueblo) (RTUA)
• Water-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTHA)
• Water-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTHB)
• Water-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTHC)
• Water-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTHD)
• Water-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTWA)
• Water-Cooled Chiller (Pueblo) (RTWD)

Original Wave:  DOC-76893

Click the e-library symbol for the latest version

WARNING:

Information in this article is intended for use by individuals possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical and mechanical experience and who comply with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, orders, or regulations related to the installation, service, or repair of a heating or central air conditioning product. Any attempt to install, service, or repair a heating or central air conditioning product may result in personal injury and/or property damage. The manufacturer or seller cannot be responsible for the interpretation of the information contained herein, nor can it assume any liability in connection with its use.