Solest 170, a polyol ester (POE) synthetic lubricant originally developed by CPI and now part of Lubrizol Solest portfolio, has over 25 years of proven service in commercial and industrial refrigeration systems. It is widely specified for Bitzer, Hanbell, Fusheng, Copeland and other large screw compressors, supporting multi-year continuous operation for industrial cold storage, blast freezers and large water-cooled screw chillers.
Screw compressors run under high pressure differential with sliding bearings under constant heavy load. Lower viscosity POE such as VG46, VG68 or VG120 can form lubricating films for light and medium-duty systems. But for heavy-load industrial refrigeration and large chillers, thin oil films increase metal-to-metal contact, accelerating bearing wear, enlarging clearances and causing gradual energy efficiency loss year by year.
Solest 170 is formulated at ISO VG170. Its core design target is maintaining robust film strength under high discharge temperature to protect steel and aluminium contact surfaces and reduce bearing wear. One critical misconception: high viscosity does not automatically mean poor oil return. Unlike mineral oil, which is nearly immiscible with HFC refrigerants, Solest 170 features controlled miscibility with HFC, HCFC and HFO refrigerants. Controlled miscibility helps lubricant travel back to the compressor together with refrigerant, preventing oil fouling inside evaporators and condensers, which would otherwise reduce heat transfer capacity.
Compatible refrigerants include R134a, R404A, R407C, R410A, R507A, selected HCFC and low-GWP HFO refrigerants. It fits screw compressors, and may also be used for centrifugal and reciprocating compressors under specific operating conditions for industrial freezing and large central air conditioning.
All POE oils are highly hygroscopic. Once water enters the refrigeration circuit, hydrolysis of ester occurs and generates acids. Acids will attack motor windings and bearings, leading to rising acid number and copper plating. Fresh Solest 170 is pale yellow transparent liquid. Sealed dry storage is mandatory. Standard packaging: 18.9L (5gal) and 208L drums. Opened drums must be consumed quickly.
✅ Recommended applications
Solest 170 is not merely a thicker POE lubricant. It is engineered for heavy-duty screw compressors, balancing strong load-carrying oil film and controllable miscibility for proper oil return under continuous industrial operation.
