Solest 170 Polyol Ester (POE) Screw Compressor Oil -18.9L
Solest 170 from CPI is a fully synthetic POE refrigeration lubricant in a heavier viscosity grade, ISO VG 170. It is engineered for applications that need a thicker oil film, above all screw compressors in large-building chillers and industrial refrigeration. It runs with HFC refrigerants including R134a, R407C and R410A, and comes in an 18.9L can.
What Sets Solest 170 Apart
- ISO VG 170 (800 SUS) for a stronger film between rotating screw elements
- Fully synthetic POE that stays miscible with HFC refrigerants
- Handles high temperatures and resists oxidation and acid build-up
- Protects bearings and metal surfaces from wear and friction
- Suitable as an initial fill or for mineral-oil-to-POE retrofits
- More biodegradable than mineral oils
- 18.9L is enough for a full oil change on many mid-size screw chillers
Why Screw Compressors Need Heavier Oil
In a screw compressor, oil does more than lubricate. It seals the gap between the two rotors to stop gas slipping back, cools the compression process, and carries heavy bearing loads. That’s why many screw manufacturers specify a higher viscosity than small compressors use. Oil that’s too thin costs compression efficiency and speeds up wear.
Solest 120 or Solest 170: Which One Do You Need?
| Solest 120 | Solest 170 | |
| Viscosity grade | ISO VG 120 | ISO VG 170 |
| Typical use | Reciprocating and screw, per OEM | Screw compressors and heavy loads |
| Oil film | Medium | Heavier |
Rule of thumb: always use the viscosity on the compressor nameplate or in the OEM manual. Never switch grades on your own.
Saudi Chillers Run Hard All Year
Screw chillers in Saudi malls, factories and hospitals run near full capacity for most of the year. That raises oil temperature and speeds up breakdown. A synthetic oil at the right viscosity stretches the time between oil changes and lowers the risk of a compressor failure at the peak of summer.
Technician Tips Before Charging
- Drain all the old oil, and never mix POE with mineral or alkylbenzene oil
- Change the oil filter and filter drier with every oil change
- POE absorbs moisture, so use a closed oil pump and reseal the can straight after use
- Pull a deep vacuum on the system before charging refrigerant
Applications
- Air-cooled and water-cooled screw chillers
- Screw compressors in industrial refrigeration and food plants
- Large cold-storage warehouses
- Retrofitting older systems from mineral oil to POE with HFC refrigerant
- Chiller maintenance contracts on government and commercial projects
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | Solest – CPI Fluid Engineering |
| Oil Type | Fully synthetic polyol ester (POE) |
| Viscosity Grade | ISO VG 170 (800 SUS) |
| Refrigerants | R134a, R407C, R410A and other HFCs |
| Compressor Type | Mainly screw; reciprocating per OEM |
| Pack Size | 18.9L (5 US gallons) |
Why Order from Cool.sa?
- Cool.sa Provides Genuine oil in the original sealed can
- A full chiller oil range: Solest 120 & 170, York, Trane, Hanbell, Bitzer
- Pick up from our Riyadh and Khamis Mushait branches, or get delivery to any city
- Volume pricing for maintenance companies and contractors
- Not sure which grade you need? Send a photo of the compressor nameplate on WhatsApp
FAQs
Q1. What’s the difference between Solest 170 and Solest 120?
Solest 170 is heavier and gives a thicker oil film. It’s mainly used in screw compressors where the OEM specifies a higher viscosity.
Q2. Can I use 170 instead of 120?
Only if the compressor manufacturer allows it. The wrong viscosity affects oil return and compression efficiency.
Q3. Is it suitable for retrofitting from mineral oil?
Yes, Solest oils are used for HFC retrofits. The mineral oil must be fully removed, which usually takes more than one oil flush.
Q4. How often should screw chiller oil be changed?
It depends on running hours, the OEM schedule, and oil analysis results. In Saudi heat, regular oil analysis is a better guide than a fixed interval.
Q5. Is one can enough for a full chiller?
18.9L covers many mid-size screw chillers, but check the compressor manual for the exact charge.
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