This guidance note provides guidance on the different methods used to manage oil in ammonia refrigeration systems.  It supersedes guidance note GN17 which has been withdrawn. In this guidance note the term “oil” is used to cover a range of lubricants including mineral oil, synthetic oil, processed mineral oil (for example, hydrocracked oil) and other synthetic compounds such as alkyl benzene, polyalkyl glycol, polyol ester and polyalfaolefin.  Not all of these synthetic compounds are compatible with ammonia.

Oil management on the low-pressure side of ammonia systems is necessary to keep the evaporators in good working order and to maintain system efficiency. The type of facility provided for the removal of oil from the low-pressure side of the system depends on the type of system, the type of oil, the level of manual intervention expected by the end user and the capital cost constraint on the installation.

Members - sign in to your web account to download this free pdf.

Not a member? Join here to download this and other publications

 

Recent posts

President Elect

President-Elect news 2025

29 Jul 2025

Three candidates for the next IOR President-Elect have been announced and an election will be held later this year.

News
Copy Of Copy Of Consultation On EN378

Call for Members’ to respond to Consultation on prEN378

21 Jul 2025

We encourage all members to engage in the consultation process by reading the draft standard and submitting comments through the on-line BSI portal, or by sending comments back to the Institute Technical Committee who will collate the comments and submit them on your behalf.

Consultation
Technician App

IOR RACHP EngTech Section Launches New Technician App

10 Jul 2025

The IOR’s RACHP EngTech Section is proud to announce the launch of an innovative mobile technician’s app, now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

News
LJCStudent Cropped2

IOR Recognises Student Research at Adaptation 2025

12 Aug 2025

Institute of Refrigeration President, Lisa Jane Cook FInstR, presented certificates and prizes in recognition of three outstanding research papers presented by students at the IOR-organised First IIR International Conference on Refrigeration Adapting to Rising Temperatures.

Live event
Copy of Adaptation2025Manchester

Joining Us At Adaptation 2025?

6 Aug 2025

We are looking forward to welcoming over 110 delegates to the first IIR Conference on Refrigeration Adapting to Rising Temperatures, organised by the IOR.

Live event