Carly launches acidity test product line

To help ensure the safe and efficient operation of CO₂ systems, French refrigeration and climate component solution manufacturer Carly has launched an acidity test product for CO₂ oil.

“Oil acidity content is an important parameter to check because it determines the refrigeration installation’s good operating condition,” said Carly Managing Director Cyrille Berthet.

The new TESTOIL acid test range for oils includes TESTOIL-3P-CO2, compatible with the oils used in CO₂ installations such as POE, PAG and PAO.

TESTOILs are designed to monitor oil acidity in refrigeration and air-conditioning installations. Internal chemical processes can alter the quality of oil used to lubricate compressors, leading to the formation of acids that harm the installation.

Left untreated, these acids generate metallic salts and oxides (iron or copper) that could block the oil filter or trigger copper plating of metallic parts in motion. Such degradation can lead to severe system damage, for example by causing oil pumps to seize up.

Carly’s TESTOILs are solvent-based flammable chemical solutions made from natural products. They do not contain benzene, xylene or toluene. The range is ready-for-use and usable on site.

Efficient testing process

The measurement process is simple and efficient. The customer simply pours an oil sample into the bottle and shakes it, letting it rest for 10 seconds until the colour has stabilised. If the test solution is purple, then the oil acidity is correct. A yellow solution means the acidity is high, indicating that the oil should be replaced.

Berthet reported strong interest in the product among would-be users at recent tradeshows and commercial meetings.