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The refrigeration compressor is a crucial component of a chiller; therefore, the lubricating oil used in it (also known as refrigeration oil) must meet very high standards. To ensure the proper operation of the compressor in a chiller, the performance of the lubricating oil must meet the following requirements. (1) Compatibility: The lubricant chosen for a chiller compressor must be compatible with the refrigerant and materials used in that chiller, in order to minimize any adverse effects on it. (2) Viscosity: Viscosity is a key characteristic used to evaluate the quality of lubricants. It not only determines the lubricating performance of the lubricant but also affects the performance of the compressor in chillers, as well as the cooling and sealing capabilities of frictional components. (3) Acid value: If the lubricating oil used in chillers contains acidic substances, it will directly corrode the metals within the chiller, significantly affecting its service life. (4) Cloud point: When selecting lubricating oil, it is necessary to choose one whose cloud point is lower than the evaporation temperature of the chiller; otherwise, the precipitation of paraffin will block the throttling mechanism of the chiller, affecting its normal operation. (5) Freezing point: Although the industries that use chillers vary, the freezing point of the refrigerant oil is generally required to be below -40°C. (6) Flash point: Generally, chillers require the flash point of the lubricating oil to be no lower than 150°C. If the flash point of the refrigerant oil is low, it can cause coking or even combustion of the lubricating oil; therefore, the flash point of the refrigerant oil must be 15–30°C higher than the exhaust gas temperature. (7) The chemical stability and oxidation stability of the lubricating oil must be within specified ranges. (8) When selecting lubricating oil for a chiller, it is essential to ensure that the oil contains no moisture, mechanical impurities, or solutes. (9) Breakdown voltage: This is an indicator used to measure the electrical insulation properties of refrigeration oil. A high-quality, stable-running chiller relies on a refrigeration compressor with excellent performance. It is like the heart of the human body, holding ultimate power over life and death. Therefore, when using a chiller, users should regularly check the condition of the lubricant, and if necessary, replace it with a brand and model of lubricant identical to those used by the chiller manufacturer, to ensure its safe and proper operation.