QSL-68H vs Emkarate RL68H vs CPI Solest 68: POE Oil Cross-Reference Guide

Why Cross-Referencing Refrigeration Oils Matters

In refrigeration system maintenance and OEM production, lubricant cross-referencing is a daily procurement task. When a compressor specification calls for Emkarate RL68H or CPI Solest 68, procurement managers and service technicians need to know: is there a technically equivalent alternative that delivers the same performance at a better price and with faster delivery?

This guide provides a complete three-way cross-reference of the leading ISO VG68 polyol ester (POE) refrigeration oils: Qishanr QSL-68H, Lubrizol Emkarate RL68H, and CPI Solest 68. All three are synthetic POE lubricants engineered for HFC and HFO refrigeration compressors. But their technical specifications, commercial terms, and supply chain characteristics differ in ways that directly impact your procurement decision.

To confirm that all three oils are fully compatible with HFC refrigerants, see our comprehensive compatibility guide: Complete Guide to Refrigeration Oil Compatibility with HFC Refrigerants.

Technical Specification Comparison: QSL-68H vs RL68H vs Solest 68

The following table compares all three VG68 POE oils side by side using standardized test methods. All three oils are ISO VG68 grade polyol ester lubricants designed for use with HFC refrigerants (R-134a, R-404A, R-407C, R-410A, R-507A) and HFO refrigerants (R-1234yf, R-1234ze).

Key finding: All three oils are within ISO VG68 specification tolerance (±10% of nominal 68 cSt at 40°C). The most operationally significant difference is pour point, where QSL-68H at -45°C outperforms both RL68H (-39°C) and Solest 68 (-43°C), providing superior low-temperature oil return in freezer and cold storage applications.

Individual Product Analysis

Qishanr QSL-68H — The Procurement-Optimized Choice

QSL-68H is a synthetic polyol ester (POE) refrigeration oil manufactured under the Qishanr brand. It is formulated as a direct cross-reference replacement for Emkarate RL68H and CPI Solest 68 in all HFC and HFO compressor applications.

• Pour point advantage: -45°C is the lowest among the three, ensuring reliable oil fluidity and return from evaporators operating below -30°C. This is critical for low-temperature rack systems and freezer applications.
• Viscosity at 40°C: 67.2 cSt — the highest of the three, providing marginally thicker oil film for bearing protection under high-load conditions.
• Density: 1004 kg/m³ — higher density indicates a different ester molecular structure that contributes to the improved low-temperature fluidity.
• Test standards: GB/T (Chinese national standards), equivalent to ASTM and ISO methods. All test results are within the same accuracy range as ASTM equivalents.
• Product page: Qishanr QSL-68H Refrigeration Lubricant

Emkarate RL68H — The Industry Reference Standard

Emkarate RL68H, manufactured by Lubrizol (formerly Croda/Uniqema), has been the industry-standard VG68 POE oil for over 30 years. It is specified as the factory fill lubricant by many compressor manufacturers and is widely referenced in OEM maintenance manuals.

• Viscosity Index: 120 — the highest of the three, indicating the most stable viscosity across temperature changes. This is advantageous in systems with wide temperature swings.
• Flash Point: 270°C — the highest, providing the largest safety margin against high discharge temperature degradation.
• Pour Point: -39°C — adequate for most medium-temperature applications but less capable than QSL-68H for deep-freeze conditions below -35°C.
• Market position: Premium-priced, industry-standard product with long lead times for smaller orders. Typically requires minimum order quantities of 100+ liters through authorized distributors.
• Product page: Emkarate RL68H POE Refrigeration Oil

CPI Solest 68 — The North American Alternative

CPI Solest 68, manufactured by CPI Fluid Engineering (a division of Lubrizol), is the primary VG68 POE oil used in North American markets. It is chemically similar to Emkarate RL68H but formulated with a slightly different ester profile.

• Viscosity @ 100°C: 8.9 cSt — the lowest high-temperature viscosity, which may reduce bearing film thickness at elevated discharge temperatures compared to QSL-68H and RL68H.
• Density: 955 kg/m³ — the lowest density, indicating a lighter ester base stock formulation.
• Pour Point: -43°C — good low-temperature performance, between QSL-68H and RL68H.
• Market position: Strong distribution in North America; limited availability and higher pricing in Asian, Middle Eastern, and African markets.

Performance Deep-Dive: What the Numbers Mean in Operation

Pour Point: Why -45°C vs -39°C Matters

The pour point is the lowest temperature at which the oil will flow under gravity. In a low-temperature refrigeration system with evaporator temperatures below -30°C, the oil diluted with refrigerant must remain fluid to return from the evaporator to the compressor. A pour point of -45°C (QSL-68H) provides a 6°C colder operating margin compared to -39°C (RL68H). This means:

• More reliable oil return in freezer rooms operating at -25°C to -35°C
• Reduced risk of oil logging in evaporator coils during defrost cycles
• Wider safety margin for systems with suction line accumulators

Viscosity Index: Stability Under Load

RL68H leads with a viscosity index of 120, meaning its viscosity changes less with temperature than QSL-68H (114) and Solest 68 (108). In systems where the compressor sees wide temperature fluctuations — such as heat pumps and transport refrigeration — a higher VI provides more consistent bearing lubrication. However, for fixed-temperature commercial refrigeration, all three oils maintain adequate viscosity across the normal operating range.

Flash Point: Thermal Stability Ceiling

All three oils have flash points above 250°C, which is more than adequate for normal compressor discharge temperatures (typically 80-130°C for HFC systems). RL68H at 270°C provides the largest safety margin for systems with high compression ratios or inadequate cooling. However, if discharge temperatures regularly exceed 150°C, the root cause (low charge, dirty condenser, high superheat) should be addressed rather than relying on oil flash point margin.

Commercial Comparison: Procurement Factors

Technical equivalence is only half the decision. For procurement managers, commercial terms often determine supplier selection when technical specifications are comparable. The following comparison covers the key commercial factors that differentiate QSL-68H.

Packaging and Minimum Order Quantity

QSL-68H is available in the following packaging formats with flexible minimum order quantities:

• 1L bottles: MOQ 3,000+ units — suitable for service fill, aftermarket distribution, and retail packaging
• 5L containers: MOQ 300+ units — ideal for workshop and field service use
• 10L containers: Available for medium-volume service applications
• 20L pails: MOQ 100+ units — the standard choice for compressor oil changes and system charging
• 200L drums: MOQ 20+ units — for OEM production lines and bulk users

For comparison, Emkarate RL68H through authorized distributors typically requires minimum orders of 100+ liters with 2-4 week lead times. CPI Solest 68 distribution in markets outside North America is limited, often with premium freight costs and unpredictable availability.

Customization Capabilities

Qishanr supports three tiers of product customization:

• Standard (7 days): Qishanr-branded QSL-68H in standard packaging. Fastest delivery for regular procurement.
• Light customization (15-20 days): Custom label design, private-label packaging, specific language technical data sheets, or modified container sizes.
• Special customization (45+ days): Custom ester formulation adjustments, specific additive packages, large-format custom packaging, or integrated logistics solutions. Timeline depends on formulation complexity and testing requirements.

This flexibility is particularly valuable for compressor OEMs, HVAC service chains, and refrigeration oil distributors who want their own branded lubricant line without investing in chemical manufacturing infrastructure.

Compressor Brand Compatibility

All three VG68 POE oils are approved or compatible with major compressor brands. QSL-68H has been validated for use in:

• BITZER: Screw and reciprocating compressors — cross-reference for BSE55 and BSE32 specifications
• Carrier: Commercial scroll and screw chillers — equivalent to PP23BZ103005C
• Trane: Helical rotary (screw) chillers
• HANBELL: Screw compressor series — cross-reference for HBR-B03 and HBR-B05
• Hitachi: Semi-hermetic screw compressors
• York (Johnson Controls): Commercial screw chillers — equivalent to YORK V oil
• Copeland: Scroll compressors using HFC refrigerants
• Danfoss: Maneurop and Performer scroll compressors
• Fusheng: Screw compressors — cross-reference for FS120R through FS300R series

For detailed guidance on selecting the correct POE oil for your specific compressor type, see: POE Oil vs Mineral Oil: Which Refrigeration Lubricant Should You Choose?

Decision Guide: Which VG68 POE Oil Should You Choose?

Choose Qishanr QSL-68H if:

• You need fast delivery — 7-day lead time vs 2-4 weeks from major brands
• You operate low-temperature systems where pour point matters (-45°C advantage)
• You want flexible MOQ — order from 20 drums to 3,000+ bottles
• You need private label or OEM packaging — customization available
• Your market is Asia, Middle East, Africa, or Latin America — competitive logistics from China
• You are price-sensitive — own-brand pricing vs premium brand markup

Choose Emkarate RL68H if:

• Your compressor OEM explicitly mandates Emkarate RL68H by name for warranty compliance
• You operate high-temperature heat pump systems where VI 120 and flash point 270°C provide measurable advantages
• Your supply chain is established with Lubrizol distributors and switching suppliers is impractical

Choose CPI Solest 68 if:

• Your system is located in North America with established CPI distribution
• Your OEM specification specifically names Solest 68

Frequently Asked Questions

Is QSL-68H a direct replacement for Emkarate RL68H?

Yes. QSL-68H is formulated as a direct cross-reference replacement for Emkarate RL68H. Both are ISO VG68 polyol ester (POE) oils with viscosity at 40°C within 1 cSt of each other (67.2 vs 66.6 cSt). QSL-68H offers a lower pour point (-45°C vs -39°C) for superior low-temperature performance. QSL-68H can be used as a complete oil charge replacement or as a top-up oil in systems currently using RL68H, as both are fully miscible POE chemistries.

Can I mix QSL-68H with residual Emkarate RL68H in the same system?

Yes. QSL-68H and Emkarate RL68H are both polyol ester (POE) synthetic lubricants with compatible ester chemistry. They can be mixed without risk of chemical reaction, precipitation, or reduced lubricity. This makes QSL-68H suitable as both a complete system charge and a service top-up for RL68H systems. As with all POE oil handling, minimize exposure to atmospheric moisture during the oil change.

What ISO viscosity grade is QSL-68H?

QSL-68H is ISO VG68 with a kinematic viscosity of 67.2 cSt at 40°C, within the ISO VG68 specification range (61.2-74.8 cSt). It is the correct viscosity grade for screw compressors, large scroll compressors, and medium-to-large reciprocating compressors in commercial and industrial refrigeration applications. For systems requiring lower viscosity, Qishanr offers QSL-32H (ISO VG32) and QSL-46H (ISO VG46).

What is the shelf life of QSL-68H compared to RL68H?

Both QSL-68H and RL68H have the same storage limitations applicable to all POE oils: 12-24 months in unopened, factory-sealed containers stored in a cool, dry environment. Once opened, POE oil shelf life is primarily limited by moisture absorption. Always reseal containers immediately after use. Qishanr QSL-68H is shipped in nitrogen-blanketed sealed containers with factory moisture content below 50 ppm to ensure maximum service life.

Does using QSL-68H instead of Emkarate RL68H void compressor warranty?

Under international warranty law (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act in the US, similar provisions in EU consumer law), a manufacturer cannot void a warranty solely because a non-OEM-branded lubricant was used, provided the lubricant meets the OEM's published specifications. QSL-68H meets or exceeds ISO VG68 POE specifications and is formulated for use with all HFC and HFO refrigerants. However, for critical installations under active OEM warranty, verify the specific warranty terms with the compressor manufacturer before substituting lubricants.

What refrigerants are compatible with QSL-68H?

QSL-68H is compatible with all HFC refrigerants (R-134a, R-404A, R-407C, R-410A, R-507A), HFO refrigerants (R-1234yf, R-1234ze), and HFC/HFO blends (R-448A, R-449A, R-452A, R-513A). It is also compatible with HCFC refrigerants (R-22) for retrofit applications where the system is being prepared for HFC conversion. QSL-68H is not recommended for use with ammonia (R-717), CO₂ (R-744), or hydrocarbon refrigerants (R-290, R-600a), which require mineral oil or PAO lubricants.

Qishanr QSL-68H: The Smart Cross-Reference Choice

When technical specifications are equivalent, procurement efficiency becomes the differentiator. Qishanr QSL-68H delivers the same VG68 POE performance as Emkarate RL68H and CPI Solest 68, with:

• Better cold-weather performance: Pour point of -45°C, the lowest in class
• Faster delivery: 7-day lead time for standard orders vs 2-4 weeks from major brands
• Flexible procurement: Packaging from 1L to 200L with scalable MOQ
• Customization ready: Private label and OEM packaging available in 15-20 days
• Global logistics: Competitive shipping from China to Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas

For a complete overview of Qishanr POE oil specifications across all viscosity grades, see the full product range. Contact Qishanr for a technical data sheet, pricing, and sample availability.