In the world of industrial lubrication, not all oils are created equal. Polyalkylene glycols (PAGs) represent a significant advancement over conventional lubricants. Thanks to their unique properties, they are increasingly used as compressor oils, industrial air conditioning oils, refrigeration system lubricants, industrial lubricants, and in other applications where energy efficiency and thermal stability are critical.
Their advanced synthetic composition, based on specific combinations of ethylene, propylene, and butylene oxides, provides exceptional tribological and thermal properties, making them the ideal choice for demanding processes.
Characteristics That Make a Difference
- Superior thermal stability: They resist oxidation even at high temperatures, reducing deposit formation and extending the lubricant’s lifespan.
Polyalkylene Glycols (PAGs) have a high viscosity index: ensuring consistent performance under temperature fluctuations without loss of the lubricating film. This makes them a highly attractive option for formulations requiring viscosity grades such as ISO 46, ISO VG 46, ISO 100, or ISO VG 100, which are commonly used in demanding industrial applications.
- Excellent low-temperature performance: With pour points down to −50 °C, they excel in extreme environments.
- Food-grade compatibility: Some PAGs are certified for industries where food safety is critical.
- Effective lubrication and friction reduction: They have excellent lubricating capacity, which significantly reduces friction between metal surfaces, increasing operational efficiency and prolonging the life of lubricated components.
Benefits of PAG Lubricants: Beyond Theory
When applied in real conditions, PAGs offer clear advantages:
- Greater energy efficiency: They reduce friction, thereby decreasing energy consumption.
- Less wear and micropitting: Thanks to a stable and durable lubricating film.
- Lower maintenance costs: Their stability extends lubricant change intervals.
- Biodegradable options: Suitable for industries sensitive to environmental impact.
Where Do They Excel in Practice?
PAGs perform exceptionally well in industrial sectors where other lubricants fail:
Industrial
gears
Vacuum
pump fluids
Metalworking fluids
(MWF)
Offshore and marine
lubricants
Food-grade
lubricants
Compressors
and refrigeration systems
Chain and guide
lubricants
Agriculture and forestry
lubricants
Heat transfer
fluids
Greases
Demanding
hydraulic systems
Wind turbine
lubricants
Mining
lubricants
Textile
lubricants
Dielectric
fluids
In refrigeration and industrial HVAC applications, PAGs can be used as A/C oils, refrigeration compressor lubricants, and air conditioning system oils operating under demanding thermal conditions. Their stability, low tendency to form deposits, and reliable performance across a wide temperature range help protect equipment and maintain system efficiency.
Key Considerations Before Use
While their benefits are clear, it’s important to consider:
- Material compatibility: Verify before using with sensitive elastomers or paints.
- Hygroscopicity: PAGs have a propensity to absorb moisture.
- Compatibility with other lubricants: Generally, they are not miscible with mineral oils; thorough flushing is essential before switching technologies.
Discover Lumar Química's PAGs
At Lumar Química, we offer four types of PAGs adapted to different formulation needs:
- Water-soluble: perfect for metalworking fluids and applications where cleanliness is key. Their main advantage is their suitability for lubricants where thermal control and cleanliness are essential, such as fire-resistant hydraulic fluids or industrial lubricants for processes that require easy cleaning with water.
- High molecular weight: for high-viscosity applications and superior shear resistance. Their characteristics make them a particularly effective option as non-flammable hydraulic fluids and water-based quenching fluids.
- Water-insoluble: ideal for environments without moisture contact, such as gears, turbines, compressor lubricants, industrial refrigeration systems, or applications requiring high thermal and oxidative stability.
- Oil-soluble: compatible with conventional base oils, making them ideal for hybrid formulations. They are available in different viscosity grades, including ISO VG 46, ISO VG 68 and ISO VG 100, widely used in compressor lubricants, hydraulic systems, and demanding industrial applications.
Discover all the details in our product table:
| Viscosity at 40°C | Key Characteristics | Applications | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-soluble | 22 – 1000 cSt |
Excellent lubricity and EP/AW High viscosity index (VI) Excellent thermal and oxidative stability High flash point Low pour point Low toxicity Non-stable foam formation Easy cleanup Non-corrosive to common metals |
Synthetic and semi-synthetic metalworking fluids (MWF) Synthetic gear oils Lubricants for the textile industry Gas compressor lubricants Food-grade lubricants Heat transfer fluids |
| High molecular weight (Water soluble) | 2000 – 55000 cSt |
Excellent thermal and oxidative stability High shear stability Low volatility |
Non-flammable hydraulic fluids Aqueous quenching fluids Metalworking fluids (MWF) |
| Water-insoluble | 22 – 680 cSt |
Excellent lubricity and AW High viscosity index (VI) Exceptional thermal and oxidative stability High flash point Low pour point No carbonaceous residue formation Non-stable foam formation Easy cleanup Non-corrosive to common metals |
Compressor lubricants Turbine lubricants Lubricating greases Food-grade lubricants Hydraulic fluids Rubber release agents |
| Oil-soluble | 32, 46, 68, 100, 220, 460, 680 cSt |
Excellent lubricity and AW High viscosity index (VI) Exceptional thermal and oxidative stability High flash points Very low aniline point Very good miscibility with mineral oils and PAOs Non-corrosive to common metals |
Friction modifier additive Solubility enhancer additive 2T engine oils Food-grade lubricants |
Emerging Trends: The Future is Hybrid (and Sustainable)
The industry is moving towards more sustainable, efficient, and cleaner solutions. In this context, hybrid PAGs are gaining ground, combining the mechanical properties of classic PAGs with the biodegradability and renewable origin of polyol esters.
At Lumar Química, we are committed to this continuous innovation, collaborating with manufacturers and formulators to lead the change towards a more efficient and responsible future.
Ready to Reformulate the Future?
At Lumar Química, we do more than supply products—we work alongside you to optimize your formulations, adapt your processes, and achieve the technical and environmental excellence demanded by today’s market. Whether you are developing a PAG compressor lubricant, an A/C oil, a solution for industrial air conditioning systems, or a formulation requiring viscosity grades such as ISO 46, ISO VG 46, ISO 100, or ISO VG 100, we can help you select the most suitable chemistry based on the application, base stock type, compatibility requirements, and technical specifications of the system.
Contact us and take the next step towards high-performance lubrication.
