Liquid nanotechnology could cure reefer units' oil fouling issue
March 3, 2025
Energy Efficient Technologies claims its liquid nanotechnology, CryoGenX4, can help refrigerated units avoid oil fouling, or when compressor lubricating oils build up in refrigerant tubing.
How liquid nanotechnology CryoGenX4 can help combat oil fouling
How reducing oil fouling increases reefer lifespan and reduces emissions
The results of DPI's tests with CryoGenX4 in a Carrier Transicold TRU
In refrigerated trailers and transport refrigeration units (TRUs), one common issue to look out for is oil fouling. Oil fouling is when compressor lubricating oil builds up inside the walls of refrigerant tubing, which makes the pump work harder and decreases the efficiency and lifespan of the cooler.
However, Energy Efficient Technologies (EET) is offering a solution for this problem through CryoGenX4, a liquid nanotechnology. When injected through a refrigerant port at a rate of 1 oz. per ton of refrigeration, the substance uses electromagnetically charged particles to penetrate invasive oil and embed on the interior surface of refrigeration systems. This removes and prevents oil buildup.
“[CryoGenX4] has a stronger attraction and smaller particles than the oil that sticks to the walls inside the machine, so it pushes past the oil and adheres to the metal’s lattice structure,” explained Joe Mearman, EET president and CEO. “It acts like Teflon in a frying pan—and attaches like a magnet.”
As a result, the substance can help a reefer fleet save on fuel, maintenance, and equipment replacements while also cutting down on Scope 3 GHG emissions.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers first documented CryoGenX4’s abilities in 2005. The product was invented by Tri-S Technologies CEO Tony Sgarbi, and has reportedly been used in restaurants, hotels, data centers, and in cold chain distribution. But for refrigerated transport specifically, Meanman estimates CryoGenX4 could save fleets “billions” of dollars in fuel savings and cut down on “millions” of metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.
And to test out these claims, Starbucks distributor DPI tested CryoGenX4 in a 4-year-old Carrier Transicold Vector 8600MT TRU on a 53’ reefer trailer. After two months, the company saw a 20% increase in fuel efficiency and average fuel savings, as well as a 24% increase in freezer efficiency and a 42% increase in cooler efficiency.
“The savings are more than just ‘significant,’” maintained Chris Bramble, EET national sales director. “It’s almost like, ‘How do you not do this?’”
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