Premium Oil Management Technology for the Future of R744 (CO2) Refrigeration

AUthentic Oil Management Vessels and Separator Cartridges

Transcritical R744 refrigeration systems present unique challenges for oil management. Due to the high vapor density of CO2, separating oil from the primary refrigerant mass flow is significantly more demanding than with conventional refrigerants.

Efficient oil separation is critical to ensure stable system operation. Oil must be reliably removed from the refrigerant stream and returned to the oil system before it migrates into field piping and evaporators. Excessive oil carryover reduces heat transfer efficiency and can lead to unstable compressor operation.

Proper oil management significantly improves evaporator performance, prevents oil fouling, and reduces the risk of compressor damage caused by oil returning in large slugs through the suction line.

Another key factor is oil conditioning. Compressors require oil with minimal refrigerant saturation and suitable oil temperatures to maintain optimal lubrication properties across all operating conditions.

R744 systems also place higher demands on cleanliness and manufacturing quality. Compared to conventional refrigerants, R744 can dissolve and transport contaminants more easily through the system. This makes assembly quality and appropriate material selection essential for oil separators and cartridges.

After several years of R&D, laboratory testing, and field experience, Vitalis has developed the AUthentic oil management vessel line—a premium product family engineered specifically for R744 refrigeration systems.

Highlights

oil separators• oil reservoirs • liquid receivers • R744 Honeypot™

Vitalis AUthentic vessels are designed for a full range of R744 applications, from commercial refrigeration racks to large industrial installations, including refrigeration systems, heat pumps, and chillers.

• High-efficiency oil separation

• Minimal oil migration into evaporators and field piping

• Robust multi-layer cartridge construction

• No fiber materials that could contaminate the system

• Improved evaporator performance and heat transfer

• Reduced compressor wear and improved lubrication conditions

• Minimal additional oil charge required during system commissioning

• Improved gas separation in storage vessels due to specially designed internals

• Suitable for commercial and industrial R744 systems

• Design pressures up to 140 bar (2,030 psi)

• Certified according to ASME, CRN, and PED

Advanced Cartridge Technology

The Vitalis AUthentic oil separator cartridge is designed specifically for the requirements of R744 systems.

Unlike traditional separator elements that rely on fiber materials, the AUthentic cartridge uses a multi-layer welded polymer structure. This eliminates the risk of fiber contamination within the refrigeration system.

The cartridge construction provides:

• High mechanical strength and stability

• Large separation surface area

• Reliable oil separation, even at high mass flow rates

• Long service life and consistent performance

The rigid multi-layer structure prevents cartridge deformation or blowout, even under demanding operating conditions.

Compressor Shield™ Technology

Vitalis Compressor Shield technology optimizes the suction temperature of the medium-stage compressors in transcritical CO2 booster systems. Furthermore, by controlling the oil temperature, we achieve improved lubrication and an extended lifespan of the compressors.

Advantages

• Improvement of system stability

• Increase in operational safety

• Extended lifespan for reciprocating compressors (MT)

• Replacement of the air-cooled superheater for high-pressure gas (LT)

Functions

• Optimally conditioned suction gas at the inlet of the medium cooling compressor

• No additional temperature control effort required

Components

• Patent-pending heat exchanger configuration

• In combination with an intelligent control system