Being ether-based, PVE does not hydrolyze. This alleviates the concerns of capillary tube blockage such that filter dryers can generally be eliminated from refrigeration equipment, an important step in cutting costs. Currently many systems such as air conditioners designed for windows, ductless split systems and package air conditioners do not require filter dryers in R22 systems. System manufacturers would like to extend this trend to other HFC systems because of the cost savings and the ultimate elimination of concerns such as the breakdown of desiccants needed to keep the current systems in good working order.
Advantages of PVE
Another exciting advantage of PVE is the control over viscosity and miscibility. Because PVE is a polymer, its basic characteristics remain the same despite changes in viscosity or miscibility. In contrast, polyolester (POE) lubricants are monomer-based. Their basic characteristics change with viscosity or miscibility alterations. Another disadvantage of POEs is that each one requires different raw materials. The time-consuming and costly analysis of materials and viscosty/miscibility properties required for POEs can therefore be avoided by using Idemitsu's PVE product.
Generally speaking, ether has low electric resistivity. By branching the ether-based structure in PVE, the chemists at Idemitsu have achieved a resistance comparable to both POEs and mineral oils. Furthermore, extreme pressure (EP) agents work effectively with PVE because of its low polarity, yet another advantage PVE has over POE.