Oils & Fluids

HVAC/R Oils & Fluids - Vacuum Pump Oil & Maintenance Fluids

Premium oils and fluids for HVAC and refrigeration equipment maintenance. Our professional-grade collection includes vacuum pump oil, refrigerant oils, UV leak detection dye, flush kits, and cleaning fluids to keep your tools and systems running at peak performance.

Essential Oils & Fluids

Vacuum Pump Oil

Premium vacuum pump oil for optimal performance:

Multiple sizes: 10oz, 16oz, 18oz, and 24oz bottles
High-quality formulation: Specifically designed for HVAC/R vacuum pumps
Low vapour pressure: Achieves deep vacuum levels (500 microns or lower)
Moisture absorption: Removes moisture from evacuated systems
Extended service life: Quality oil lasts longer between changes
Multi-pack cartons: Stock up for workshop use

Refrigerant Oils

Compressor lubrication oils for refrigeration systems:

POE oils: Polyolester oils for R410A, R134a, and other HFC refrigerants
Mineral oils: For R22 and older HCFC systems
PAG oils: Polyalkylene glycol oils for automotive A/C systems
Multiple viscosities: Correct oil type for each application
System compatibility: Matched to refrigerant type

UV Leak Detection Dye & Fluids

Fluorescent dyes for visual leak detection:

Universal UV dye: Compatible with multiple refrigerant types
Refrigerant-specific dyes: Optimised for R134a, R1234yf, R410A
Concentrated formulas: Small amount treats entire system
Long-lasting: Remains in system for ongoing leak detection
UV lamp compatible: Works with UV leak detection lamps

Flush Kits & Cleaning Fluids

System cleaning and flushing solutions:

A/C flush kits: Remove contamination from A/C systems
Refrigerant line flush: Clean refrigerant lines before charging
Compressor oil flush: Remove old oil and debris
Solvent-based cleaners: Dissolve oil and contaminants
Complete kits: Everything needed for system flushing

Vacuum Pump Oil Guide

Why Quality Oil Matters

Vacuum pump oil is critical for achieving proper vacuum levels:

Sealing: Creates seal between pump vanes and housing
Lubrication: Reduces friction and wear on moving parts
Cooling: Dissipates heat generated during operation
Moisture removal: Absorbs moisture from evacuated systems
Vacuum depth: Low vapour pressure enables deep vacuum (500 microns or lower)

Oil Change Intervals

Change vacuum pump oil based on use:

Heavy daily use: Every 10-15 operating hours
Moderate use: Every 25-30 operating hours
Light use: Every 50 operating hours or annually
After contamination: Immediately if oil appears milky or contaminated
Seasonal service: Change at beginning of service season

Oil Condition Indicators

Check oil condition regularly:

Clear/amber: Normal condition, pump operating correctly
Dark/dirty: Time for oil change
Milky/cloudy: Moisture contamination, change immediately
Very dark/black: Severe contamination, may need pump service
Low level: Top up or change oil as needed

Refrigerant Oil Selection Guide

Oil Types by Refrigerant

Refrigerant	Oil Type	Application
R410A	POE (Polyolester)	Residential/commercial A/C
R134a	POE or PAG	Automotive A/C, commercial refrigeration
R1234yf	PAG	Modern automotive A/C (2017+)
R22	Mineral oil	Legacy HVAC systems
R404A/R407C	POE	Commercial refrigeration
R290/R600a	Mineral or POE	Natural refrigerant systems

Oil Compatibility

Critical considerations:

Never mix oil types: Different oils are not compatible
Match to refrigerant: Use correct oil type for refrigerant
System conversion: Oil change required when converting refrigerants
Manufacturer specs: Follow equipment manufacturer recommendations
Viscosity matters: Use correct viscosity for application

UV Leak Detection Dye Guide

How UV Dye Works

UV leak detection dye makes leaks visible:

Inject dye: Add UV dye to refrigerant system
Circulate: Run system to distribute dye throughout
Inspect with UV lamp: Dye glows bright under UV light
Locate leaks: Dye accumulates at leak points, making them visible
Repair and verify: Fix leaks and re-inspect to confirm repair

Dye Application

Best practices for UV dye use:

Correct amount: Follow manufacturer dosage recommendations
Compatible dye: Use dye designed for your refrigerant type
Circulation time: Allow adequate time for dye to circulate (typically 15-30 minutes)
UV lamp quality: Use high-quality UV lamp for best visibility
Safety glasses: Wear UV safety glasses to protect eyes

When to Use UV Dye

Multiple leak points suspected
Intermittent or slow leaks
Hard-to-access areas
Verification after repairs
Preventive leak monitoring

System Flushing Guide

When to Flush Systems

Flush refrigerant systems when:

Compressor failure: Remove metal particles and contaminated oil
System contamination: Clean out debris, moisture, or foreign material
Refrigerant conversion: Remove old oil before changing refrigerant type
Major repairs: Ensure clean system before component replacement
Burnout cleanup: Remove acid and contamination after motor burnout

Flushing Procedure

Recover refrigerant: Remove all refrigerant from system
Remove components: Take out compressor, filter drier, expansion device
Flush lines: Use flush kit to clean refrigerant lines
Dry thoroughly: Remove all flush solvent
Replace components: Install new compressor, filter drier, expansion device
Evacuate: Deep vacuum to remove moisture
Recharge: Add correct refrigerant and oil

Product Sizes & Packaging

Individual Bottles

10oz bottles: Convenient size for mobile service
16oz bottles: Standard size for general use
18oz bottles: Popular size for vacuum pump oil
24oz bottles: Larger size for workshop stock

Multi-Pack Cartons

Case quantities: 12 or 24 bottles per carton
Cost savings: Better value than individual bottles
Workshop stock: Keep adequate supply on hand
Consistent quality: All bottles from same production batch

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use automotive oil in my vacuum pump?

No. Vacuum pumps require specially formulated oil with very low vapour pressure. Automotive oil has high vapour pressure and will not achieve proper vacuum levels. Always use vacuum pump specific oil.

How do I know when to change vacuum pump oil?

Change oil when it appears milky (moisture contamination), very dark (dirt contamination), or when operating hours threshold is reached. For heavy use, change every 10-15 hours. Always change immediately if oil looks milky.

What happens if I use the wrong refrigerant oil?

Using incorrect oil can cause compressor failure, poor system performance, oil return problems, and potential system damage. Always use the oil type specified for your refrigerant and equipment.

How much UV dye should I add to a system?

Follow manufacturer recommendations, typically 1/4 to 1/2 oz per system. Too much dye can contaminate the system and affect performance. Too little won't provide adequate visibility.

Can I mix different brands of vacuum pump oil?

Whilst most vacuum pump oils are compatible, it's best practice to use the same brand and type. If changing brands, drain old oil completely and refill with new oil.

Do I need to flush the system after a compressor failure?

Yes, absolutely. Compressor failures release metal particles and contaminated oil throughout the system. Flushing removes these contaminants and prevents damage to the new compressor.