www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I April 2025 13
Business
REVOLUTIONISING OIL MANAGEMENT WITH REFRIMATE
By Eamonn Ryan
Refrimate is making waves with an innovative approach to oil management with cutting-edge products designed to optimise oil usage in various applications .
Faizal Patel , owner of FS Oil , trading as Refrimate , says , “ From steam separators to solar light solutions , FS Oil ' s portfolio encompasses a spectrum of offerings aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency .”
Central to Refrimate ' s recent innovations is their proprietary oil separator , a game-changer in the world of compressor technology where traditional oil management systems have too often fallen short , leading to compressor failures and operational disruptions .
Patel notes that 90-95 % of compressor failures stem from oilrelated issues , highlighting the profound impact of their solutions on equipment lifespan . Lifespan can already vary significantly , with European compressors lasting up to 14 years , compared to the 2-5 years typical of Chinese counterparts .
Oil leaks clogging the discharge line is a common pitfall of conventional setups . In response , FS Oil ’ s partners engineered a revolutionary solution : a next-generation oil separator that ensures up to 99 % of oil returns to the compressor , mitigating issues such as noise and premature wear , says Patel .
But what sets Refrimate ’ s separator apart ? The owner attributes its efficacy to a novel design and meticulous engineering , which prevent oil from escaping into the system and compromising performance . This attention to detail extends to the supplier company ’ s manufacturing process , which leverages cutting-edge technologies to deliver superior quality at competitive prices .
" Oil can get mixed with the refrigerant gas ," Patel explains , underscoring the importance of oil-gas separation in maintaining system integrity . By effectively removing oil from the equation , the new separator ensures optimal performance and longevity , safeguarding both equipment and investments .
Muto type oil separators are specifically for scroll-type compressors . It separates the oil and sends it back to the compressor ( 99 % effective ) and no additional oil is needed in the system .
Cyclonic 11th generation oil separators :
• Capable of 100 % separating of oil and refrigerant simultaneously .
• Returns the separated oil back into the compressor .
• Prolongs the compressor ’ s life by preventing oil depletion or damage .
• Suitable for both low and high-pressure refrigeration systems using semi-hermetic and scroll-type compressors .
He says the company is committed to pushing the boundaries of oil management technology on behalf of its contractor customers . With plans to expand their market reach and explore new avenues of innovation , the company is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come .
At the heart of Refrimate ’ s ethos lies a commitment to addressing the critical challenges of oil management across diverse applications . From ammonia systems to compressors , its product line is as diverse as it is transformative .
From a small-scale operation , Patel emphasises the company ’ s commitment to customer protection and satisfaction has turned it into to a major player in the industry with branches and franchises throughout the country . With plans to establish further branches across Southern Africa , Refrimate aims to empower customers with reliable , cost-effective solutions .
By providing contractors with quality parts sourced from reputable manufacturers like Bock , Refrimate empowers them to build their own compressors and refrigeration systems at a fraction of the cost from a European brand name . “ This not only saves customers significant costs but also fosters a culture of self-sufficiency and innovation ,” says Patel .
Refrimate has recently introduced ammonia refrigeration spares . These spares include various components such as stop valves , strainers , and solenoid valves . The size range for these valves is from 15mm to 125mm . Multiplex refrigeration system requirements : Refrimate also carries components for Multiplex Refrigeration systems :
• Receivers ( up to 300 litres )
• Oil level regulators and reservoirs
• Oil management systems
• Oil and pressure line fittings ( ranging from 2mm to 6mm )
• A wide range of Danfoss products
• Various sizes of ball valves and solenoid valves
• Drier shells
Compressors :
• Bock compressors are available for Multiplex refrigeration needs .
• Invotech Scroll compressors are available in different capacities :
• From 2HP up to 25HP in R404 / R507 and R407 refrigerants .
• Scroll compressors in R290 gas ( up to 7HP ).
• Cubigel compressors from Barcelona , ranging from 12cc to 42cc .
• Huayi compressors are available in various refrigerants ( R134A , R600A , R290 , and R404 / R507 ) and capacities ( from 1 / 10HP up to 3 / 4hp ). RACA
Image supplied by Refrimate
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I April 2025 13