U.S. patent application number 10/867306 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-11 for refrigerant compositions containing a compatibilizer.
Invention is credited to Bivens, Donald Bernard, Leck, Thomas Joseph, Mahler, Walter, Minor, Barbara Haviland, Palmer, Keith Winfield, Schubert, Kai-Volker.
Application Number | 20040222402 10/867306 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27359170 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040222402 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Minor, Barbara Haviland ; et
al. |
November 11, 2004 |
Refrigerant compositions containing a compatibilizer
Abstract
The present invention provides compositions that are useful for
compatabilizing a conventional, non-polar, compression
refrigeration lubricant and a hydrofluorocarbon and/or
hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerant in a compression refrigeration
apparatus. Additionally, these composition promote efficeint return
of lubricant from the non-compressor zones to the compressor zones
of the aforesaid refrigeration apparatus.
Inventors: |
Minor, Barbara Haviland;
(Elkton, MD) ; Palmer, Keith Winfield; (Kennett
Square, PA) ; Mahler, Walter; (Wilmington, DE)
; Leck, Thomas Joseph; (Wilmington, DE) ;
Schubert, Kai-Volker; (Chadds Ford, PA) ; Bivens,
Donald Bernard; (Kennett Square, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
LEGAL PATENT RECORDS CENTER
BARLEY MILL PLAZA 25/1128
4417 LANCASTER PIKE
WILMINGTON
DE
19805
US
|
Family ID: |
27359170 |
Appl. No.: |
10/867306 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10867306 |
Jun 14, 2004 |
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10010187 |
Dec 6, 2001 |
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60254208 |
Dec 8, 2000 |
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60304552 |
Jul 11, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
252/68 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C10M 2209/108 20130101;
C10M 2209/1045 20130101; C10M 2211/042 20130101; C10N 2020/099
20200501; C10M 2215/12 20130101; C10M 2203/0206 20130101; C10M
2207/046 20130101; C10M 2207/08 20130101; C10M 131/04 20130101;
C10M 2203/1006 20130101; C10M 2203/1085 20130101; C10M 2207/281
20130101; C10M 2215/226 20130101; C10M 2209/106 20130101; C10M
2215/22 20130101; C10N 2020/101 20200501; C10M 2203/06 20130101;
C10M 2203/065 20130101; C10M 2215/30 20130101; C10M 131/10
20130101; C10M 2211/06 20130101; C10M 2209/1065 20130101; C10M
2215/086 20130101; C10M 2215/122 20130101; C10M 105/06 20130101;
C10M 2207/32 20130101; C10M 2209/1055 20130101; C10M 2215/225
20130101; C10M 2207/04 20130101; C10M 2211/024 20130101; C10M
2215/0806 20130101; C10N 2020/01 20200501; C10M 2205/0206 20130101;
C10M 2209/104 20130101; C10M 2209/107 20130101; C10M 129/16
20130101; C10M 171/008 20130101; C10M 2207/282 20130101; C10M
2215/28 20130101; C10M 133/16 20130101; C10M 133/24 20130101; C10M
145/36 20130101; C10M 2209/105 20130101; C10M 2211/0225 20130101;
C10M 2211/0245 20130101; C10M 2211/022 20130101; C10M 129/24
20130101; C10M 2207/085 20130101; C10M 2203/1065 20130101; C09K
5/044 20130101; C10M 2207/0406 20130101; C10M 2207/34 20130101;
C10M 2215/08 20130101; C10M 2207/286 20130101; C10M 169/04
20130101; C10M 101/02 20130101; C10M 2215/16 20130101; C10M
2203/1025 20130101; C10M 2203/1045 20130101; C10M 2207/283
20130101; C10M 2209/1085 20130101; C10M 2215/082 20130101; C10M
2215/221 20130101; C10M 2211/0425 20130101; C10N 2040/30
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
252/068 |
International
Class: |
C09K 005/00 |
Claims
1. A lubricant composition for use in compression refrigeration and
air conditioning, comprising: (a) at least one lubricant selected
from the group consisting of paraffins, napthenes, aromatics and
poly-.alpha.-olefins; (b) at least one compatibilizer selected from
polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers represented by the formula
R.sup.1[(OR.sup.2).sub.xOR.sup.3].sub.y, wherein: x is selected
from integers from 1 to 3; y is selected from integers from 1 to 4;
R.sup.1 is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon
radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and y bonding sites; R.sup.2 is
selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 to 4
carbon atoms; R.sup.3 is selected from hydrogen, and aliphatic and
alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; at
least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 is selected from said hydrocarbon
radicals; and wherein said polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers have a
molecular weight of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units
and a carbon to oxygen ratio of from about 2.3 to about 5.0 wherein
the weight ratio of said lubricant to said compatibilizer is from
about 99:1 to about 1:1.
2. A refrigerant composition for use in compression refrigeration
and air conditioning, comprising: (a) at least one halogenated
hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of
hydrofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons; (b) at least one
lubricant selected from the group consisting of paraffins,
napthenes, aromatics and poly-.alpha.-olefins; and (c) at least one
compatibilizer selected from the group consisting of:
polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers represented by the formula
R.sup.1[(OR.sup.2).sub.xOR.sup.3].sub.y, wherein: x is selected
from integers from 1 to 3; y is selected from integers from 1 to 4;
R.sup.1 is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon
radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and y bonding sites; R.sup.2 is
selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 to 4
carbon atoms; R.sup.3 is selected from hydrogen, and aliphatic and
alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; at
least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 is selected from said hydrocarbon
radicals; and wherein said polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers have a
molecular weight of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units
and a carbon to oxygen ratio of from about 2.3 to about 5.0 wherein
the weight ratio of said lubricant to said compatibilizer is from
about 99:1 to about 1:1.
3. A refrigerant composition for use in compression refrigeration
and air conditioning apparatus containing paraffinic, napthenic,
aromatic and/or poly-.alpha.-olefinic lubricant, said refrigerant
composition comprising: (a) at least one halogenated hydrocarbon
selected from the group consisting of hydrofluorocarbons and
hydrochlorofluorocarbons; and (b) at least one compatibilizer
selected from the group consisting of: polyoxyalkylene glycol
ethers represented by the formula
R.sup.1[(OR.sup.2).sub.xOR.sup.3].sub.y, wherein: x is selected
from integers from 1 to 3; y is selected from integers from 1 to 4;
R.sup.1 is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon
radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and y bonding sites; R.sup.2 is
selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 to 4
carbon atoms; R.sup.3 is selected from hydrogen, and aliphatic and
alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; at
least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 is selected from said hydrocarbon
radicals; and wherein said polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers have a
molecular weight of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units
and a carbon to oxygen ratio of from about 2.3 to about 5.0.
4. A process for returning lubricant from a non-compressor zone to
a compressor zone in a compression refrigeration system comprising:
(a) contacting a lubricant selected from the group consisting of
paraffins, naphthenes, aromatics, and polyalphaolefins, in said
non-compressor zone with a halogenated hydrocarbon selected from
the group consisting of hydrofluorocarbons and
hydrochlorofluorocarbons, in the presence of a compatibilizer to
form a solution comprising said lubricant, said halogenated
hydrocarbon, and said compatibilizer; and (b) transferring said
solution from said non-compressor zone to said compressor zone of
said refrigeration system; wherein said compatibilizer is selected
from polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers represented by the formula
R.sup.1[(OR.sup.2).sub.xOR.sup.3].sub.y, wherein: x is selected
from integers from 1 to 3; y is selected from integers from 1 to 4;
R.sup.1 is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon
radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and y bonding sites; R.sup.2 is
selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 to 4
carbon atoms; R.sup.3 is selected from hydrogen, and aliphatic and
alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; at
least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 is selected from said hydrocarbon
radicals; and wherein said polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers have a
molecular weight of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units
and a carbon to oxygen ratio of from about 2.3 to about 5.0;
wherein the weight ratio of said lubricant to said compatibilizer
is from about 99:1 to about 1:1.
5. A method of--solubilizing a halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant
selected from the group consisting of hydrofluorocarbons and
hydrochlorofluorocarbons, in a lubricant selected from the group
consisting of paraffins, naphthenes, aromatics, and
polyalphaolefins, which comprises the steps of contacting said
lubricant with said halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant in the
presence of an effective amount of a compatibilizer and forming a
solution of said lubricant and said halogenated hydrocarbon
refrigerant, wherein said compatibilizer is selected from
polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers represented by the formula
R.sup.1[(OR.sup.2).sub.xOR.sup.3].sub.x, wherein: x is selected
from integers from 1 to 3; y is selected from integers from 1 to 4;
R.sup.1 is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon
radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and y bonding sites; R.sup.2 is
selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 to 4
carbon atoms; R.sup.3 is selected from hydrogen, and aliphatic and
alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; at
least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 is selected from said hydrocarbon
radicals; and wherein said polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers have a
molecular weight of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units
and a carbon to oxygen ratio of from about 2.3 to about 5.0;
wherein the weight ratio of said lubricant to said compatibilizer
is from about 99:1 to about 1:1.
6. A method of lubricating a compressor in a compression
refrigeration apparatus containing a halogenated hydrocarbon
refrigerant selected from the group consisting of
hydrofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons, comprising the
step of adding to said compressor a composition comprising: (a) at
least one lubricant selected from the group consisting of
paraffins, naphthenes, aromatics, and polyalphaolefins; and (b) at
least one compatibilizer selected from the group consisting of:
polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers represented by the formula
R.sup.1[(OR.sup.2).sub.xOR.sup.3].sub.y, wherein: x is selected
from integers from 1 to 3; y is selected from integers from 1 to 4;
R.sup.1 is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon
radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and y bonding sites; R.sup.2 is
selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 to 4
carbon atoms; R.sup.3 is selected from hydrogen, and aliphatic and
alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; at
least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 is selected from said hydrocarbon
radicals; and wherein said polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers have a
molecular weight of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units
and a carbon to oxygen ratio of from about 2.3 to about 5.0;
wherein the weight ratio of said lubricant to said compatibilizer
is from about 99:1 to about 1:1.
7. The composition of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein in the
polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers are represented by the formula
R.sup.1[(OR.sup.2).sub.xOR.s- up.3].sub.y, x is selected from the
integers 1 or 2, y is 1, R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 are independently
selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having
from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sup.2 is selected from aliphatic
hydrocarbylene radicals having 2 or 3 carbon atoms, and wherein
said polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers have a molecular weight of from
about 100 to about 250 atomic mass units and a carbon to oxygen
ratio of from about 2.5 to about 4.0.
8. The composition of claims 2 or 3, wherein in the polyoxyalkylene
glycol ethers represented by the formula R.sup.1
[(OR.sup.2).sub.xOR.sup.3].sub.- y, x is selected from the integers
1 or 2, y is 1, R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from
hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 4
carbon atoms, R.sup.2 is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene
radicals having 3 carbon atoms, and wherein said polyoxyalkylene
glycol ethers have a molecular weight of from about 125 to about
250 atomic mass units and a carbon to oxygen ratio of from about
2.5 to 4.0 when said halogenated hydrocarbon consists of
hydrofluorocarbons, and a carbon to oxygen ratio of from about 3.5
to 5.0 when said halogenated hydrocarbon comprises at least one
hydrochlorofluorocarbon.
9. (canceled)
10. A method for delivering a compatibilizer to a compression
refrigeration apparatus, comprising the step of adding the
composition of claim 3 to said apparatus.
11. (canceled)
12. The process of claim 4, wherein in the polyoxyalkylene glycol
ethers represented by the formula
R.sup.1[(OR.sup.2).sub.xOR.sup.3].sub.y x is selected from the
integers 1 or 2, y is 1, R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 are independently
selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having
from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sup.2 is selected from aliphatic
hydrocarbylene radicals having 2 or 3 carbon atoms, and wherein
said polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers have a molecular weight of from
about 100 to about 250 atomic mass units and a carbon to oxygen
ratio of from about 2.5 to about 4.0.
13. The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein in the polyoxyalkylene
glycol ethers represented by the formula R.sup.1
[(OR.sup.2).sub.xOR.sup.3].sub.- y x is selected from the integers
1 or 2, y is 1, R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from
hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 4
carbon atoms, R.sup.2 is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene
radicals having 2 or 3 carbon atoms, and wherein said
polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers have a molecular weight of from about
100 to about 250 atomic mass units and a carbon to oxygen ratio of
from about 2.5 to about 4.0.
14. The process of claim 4, wherein in the polyoxyalkylene glycol
ethers represented by the formula R.sup.1
[(OR.sup.2).sub.xOR.sup.3].sub.y, x is selected from the integers 1
or 2, y is 1, R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from
hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 4
carbon atoms, R.sup.2 is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene
radicals having 3 carbon atoms, and wherein said polyoxyalkylene
glycol ethers have a molecular weight of from about 125 to about
250 atomic mass units and a carbon to oxygen ratio of from about
2.5 to 4.0 when said halogenated hydrocarbon consists of
hydrofluorocarbons, and a carbon to oxygen ratio of from about 3.5
to 5.0 when said halogenated hydrocarbon comprises at least one
hydrochlorofluorocarbon.
15. The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein in the polyoxyalkylene
glycol ethers represented by the formula R.sup.1
[(OR.sup.2).sub.xOR.sup.3].sub.- y, x is selected from the integers
1 or 2, y is 1, R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from
hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 4
carbon atoms, R.sup.2 is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene
radicals having 3 carbon atoms, and wherein said polyoxyalkylene
glycol ethers have a molecular weight of from about 125 to about
250 atomic mass units and a carbon to oxygen ratio of from about
2.5 to 4.0 when said halogenated hydrocarbon consists of
hydrofluorocarbons, and a carbon to oxygen ratio of from about 3.5
to 5.0 when said halogenated hydrocarbon comprises at least one
hydrochlorofluorocarbon.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application 60/254,208, filed Dec. 8, 2000, and U.S.
Provisional Application 60/304,552, filed Jul. 11, 2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to refrigerant compositions
comprising relatively polar, halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant;
relatively non-polar, conventional, compression refrigeration
lubricant; and a compound that compatibilizes said polar
halogenated hydrocarbon and non-polar lubricant. The compatibilizer
decreases the viscosity of the lubricant in the coldest portions of
a compression refrigeration apparatus by solubilizing halogenated
hydrocarbon and lubricant, which results in efficient return of the
lubricant from non-compressor zones to a compressor zone in a
compression refrigeration system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Over the course of the last twenty (20) years it has been
debated whether the release of chlofluorocarbons into the
atmosphere has effected the stratospheric ozone layer. As a result
of this debate and international treaties, the refrigeration and
air-conditioning industries have been weaning themselves from the
use and production of certain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Presently, the industries are
transitioning towards the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) having
zero ozone depletion potential. Notably, this transition to HFCs
necessitated the advent of a new class of lubricants because of the
immiscibility of conventional lubricants, such as mineral oil, poly
.alpha.-olefin and alkylbenzene with HFC refrigerants.
[0004] The new class of lubricants includes polyalkylene glycols
(PAGs) and polyol esters (POEs) lubricants. While the PAG and POE
lubricants have suitable lubricant properties, they are extremely
hygroscopic and can absorb several thousand ppm (parts per million)
of water on exposure to moist air. This absorbed water leads to
undesirable formation of acids that cause corrosion of the
refrigeration system and formation of intractable sludges. In
comparison, conventional refrigeration lubricants are considerably
less hygroscopic and have low solubility, less than 100 ppm for
water. Further, PAGs and POEs are considerably more expensive than
conventional refrigeration lubricants--typically on the order of
three to six times more. PAGs and POEs have also been found to have
unfavorable electrical insulating properties.
[0005] Accordingly, there existed a need and an opportunity to
resolve this solubility problem so that the refrigeration industry
could utilize the conventional non-polar mineral oil and
alkylbenzene lubricants with polar HFC-based refrigerants. Another
need and opportunity also existed when the industry began
transitioning towards the use of HCFC-based refrigerants as a
replacement for pure CFC refrigerants. This need became apparent
due to the diminished solubility of HCFCs in mineral oil, which
forced the industry to incurr an additional expense of changing the
lubricant to an alkylbenzene to achieve adequate lubricating and
cooling performance.
[0006] For the last ten years the refrigeration and
air-conditioning industries have been struggling with these
long-felt but unsolved needs, finally, the present invention
satisfies the pressing needs of these industries. While numerous
attempts have been made to use conventional non-polar lubricants
with polar hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, the lack of solubility
of the polar refrigerant in the non-polar conventional lubricant
generally results in a highly viscous lubricant in the
non-compressor zones, which unfortunately results in insufficient
lubricant return to the compressor. When the non-polar conventional
lubricant and the polar refrigerant naturally escape the compressor
and enter the non-compressor zones, phase separation/insolubilty of
the lubricant and the refrigerant occurs. This phase separation
contributes to the highly viscous lubricant remaining in the
non-compressor zone, whilst the refrigerant continues its path
throughout the refrigeration system. The insolubility and highly
viscous nature of the lubricant leaves the lubricant stranded in
the non-compressor zones, which leads to an undesirable
accumulation of lubricant in the non-compressor zones. This
accumulation of lubricant and the lack of return of the lubricant
to the compressor zone eventually starves the compressor of
lubricant and results in the compressor overheating and seizing.
Such stranded lubricant may also decrease the efficiency of the
refrigeration system by interfering with heat transfer, due to
thick lubricant films deposited on interior surfaces of the heat
exchangers (e.g. condensor and evaporator). Further, during cold
compressor starts, insoluble refrigerant and lubricant may cause
compressor seizure due to poor lubrication and foaming of the
lubricant.
[0007] For the foregoing reasons, there is a well-recognized need
in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industries for a
compatabilizer that compatibilizes a polar halogenated hydrocarbon
and a non-polar conventional lubricant in a compression
refrigeration system, and promotes efficient return of lubricant to
the compressor.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present invention is directed to lubricant and
refrigerant compositions containing a compatibilizer that satisfies
the refrigeration and air-conditioning industries's problem of
insolubility between conventional non-polar compression
refrigeration lubricants and polar hydrofluorocarbon and/or
hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerants. The compatibilizers decrease
the viscosity of the non-polar lubricant in the coldest portions of
a compression refrigeration apparatus by solubilizing the polar
halogenated hydrocarbon and lubricant in the non-compressor zones,
which results in efficient return of lubricant from non-compressor
zones to a compressor zone. The present invention is also directed
to processes for returning lubricant from a non-compressor zone to
a compressor zone in a compression refrigeration system, methods of
solubilizing a halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant in a lubricant,
as well as methods of lubricating a compressor in a compression
refrigeration apparatus containing a halogenated hydrocarbon
refrigerant.
[0009] The present invention comprises lubricant compositions for
use in compression refrigeration and air conditioning apparatus
comprising: (a) at least one lubricant selected from the group
consisting of paraffins, napthenes, aromatics and poly-ec-olefins,
and (b) at least one compatibilizer. The present invention further
comprises refrigerant compositions for use in compression
refrigeration and air conditioning comprising: (a) at least one
halogenated hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of
hydrofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons; (b) at least one
lubricant selected from the group consisting of paraffins,
napthenes, aromatics and poly-.alpha.-olefins; and (c) at least one
compatibilizer. The present invention further comprises
compositions for use in compression refrigeration and air
conditioning apparatus containing paraffinic, napthenic, aromatic
and/or poly-.alpha.-olefinic lubricant comprising: (a) at least one
halogenated hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of
hydrofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons; and (b) at least
one compatibilizer.
[0010] The present invention also provides processes for returning
lubricant from a non-compressor zone to a compressor zone in a
compression refrigeration system comprising: (a) contacting a
lubricant selected from the group consisting of paraffins,
naphthenes, aromatics, and polyalphaolefins, in said non-compressor
zone with a halogenated hydrocarbon selected from the group
consisting of hydrofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons, in
the presence of a compatibilizer to form a solution comprising said
lubricant, said halogenated hydrocarbon, and said compatibilizer;
and (b) transferring said solution from said non-compressor zone to
said compressor zone of said refrigeration system.
[0011] The present invention further provides methods of
solubilizing a halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant selected from
the group consisting of hydrofluorocarbons and
hydrochlorofluorocarbons, in a lubricant selected from the group
consisting of paraffins, naphthenes, aromatics, and
polyalphaolefins, which comprise the steps of contacting said
lubricant with said halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant in the
presence of an effective amount of a compatibilizer and forming a
solution of said lubricant and said halogenated hydrocarbon
refrigerant.
[0012] The present invention further pertains to methods of
lubricating a compressor in a compression refrigeration apparatus
containing a halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant selected from the
group consisting of hydrofluorocarbons and
hydrochlorofluorocarbons, comprising the step of adding to said
compressor a composition comprising: (a) at least one lubricant
selected from the group consisting of paraffins, naphthenes,
aromatics, and polyalphaolefins; and (b) at least one
compatibilizer. The present invention also pertains to a method for
delivering a compatibilizer to a compression refrigeration
apparatus.
[0013] The lubricants and/or refrigerant compositions, as well as
the above described methods and/or processes can optionally include
a fragrance.
[0014] Compatibilizers of the present invention include:
[0015] (i) polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers represented by the formula
R.sup.1 [(OR.sup.2).sub.xOR.sup.3].sub.y, wherein: x is selected
from integers from 1 to 3; y is selected from integers from 1 to 4;
R.sup.1 is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon
radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and y bonding sites; R.sup.2 is
selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 to 4
carbon atoms; R.sup.3 is selected from hydrogen, and aliphatic and
alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; at
least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 is selected from said hydrocarbon
radicals; and wherein said polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers have a
molecular weight of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units
and a carbon to oxygen ratio of from about 2.3 to about 5.0;
[0016] (ii) amides represented by the formulae
R.sup.1CONR.sup.2R.sup.3 and cyclo-[R.sup.4CON(R.sup.5)-], wherein
R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.1 are independently selected
from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to
12 carbon atoms; R.sup.4 is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene
radicals having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms; and wherein said amides
have a molecular weight of from about 120 to about 300 atomic mass
units and a carbon to oxygen ratio of from about 7 to about 20,
[0017] (iii) ketones represented by the formula R.sup.1COR.sup.2,
wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from
aliphatic, alicyclic and aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to
12 carbon atoms, and wherein said ketones have a molecular weight
of from about 70 to about 300 atomic mass units and a carbon to
oxygen ratio of from about 4 to about 13,
[0018] (iv) nitriles represented by the formula R.sup.1CN, wherein
R.sup.1 is selected from aliphatic, alicyclic or aryl hydrocarbon
radicals having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms, and wherein said
nitriles have a molecular weight of from about 90 to about 200
atomic mass units and a carbon to nitrogen ratio of from about 6 to
about 12,
[0019] (v) chlorocarbons represented by the formula RCl.sub.x,
wherein; x is selected from the integers 1 or 2; R is selected from
aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 12
carbon atoms; and wherein said chlorocarbons have a molecular
weight of from about 100 to about 200 atomic mass units and carbon
to chlorine ratio from about 2 to about 10,
[0020] (vi) aryl ethers represented by the formula R.sup.1OR.sup.2,
wherein: R.sup.1 is selected from aryl hydrocarbon radicals having
from 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 is selected from aliphatic
hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and wherein
said aryl ethers have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about
150 atomic mass units and a carbon to oxygen ratio of from about 4
to about 20,
[0021] (vii) 1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes represented by the formula
CF.sub.3R.sup.1, wherein R.sup.1 is selected from aliphatic and
alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 5 to about 15
carbon atoms; and
[0022] (viii) fluoroethers represented by the formula
R.sup.1OCF.sub.2CF.sub.2H, wherein R.sup.1 is selected from
aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 5 to
about 15 carbon atoms.
[0023] In the compositions of the present invention, the weight
ratio of said lubricant to said compatibilizer is from about 99:1
to about 1:1.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0024] The present invention is better understood with reference to
the following figures, where:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a graph of phase separation temperature
("PST")(.degree. C.) versus carbon to oxygen ratio for various
polyoxyalkylene glycol ether compatibilizers (25 wt %), HFC-134a
refrigerant (50 wt %) and Zerol.RTM. 150 (alkyl benzene lubricant
from Shrieve Chemicals) (25 wt %).
[0026] FIG. 2 is a graph of phase separation temperature (.degree.
C.) versus carbon to oxygen ratio for various polyoxyalkylene
glycol ether compatibilizers (10 wt %), R401A refrigerant (50 wt %)
and Suniso.RTM. 3GS (mineral oil lubricant from Crompton Co.) (40
wt %).
[0027] FIG. 3 is a graph of phase separation temperature (.degree.
C.) versus carbon to oxygen ratio for various ketone
compatibilizers (25 wt %), HFC-134a refrigerant (50 wt %) and
Zerol.RTM. 150 (25 wt %).
[0028] FIG. 4 is a graph of phase separation temperature (.degree.
C.) versus carbon to nitrogen ratio for various nitrile
compatibilizers (25 wt %), HFC-134a refrigerant (50 wt %) and
Zerol.RTM. 150 (25 wt %).
[0029] FIG. 5 is a graph of phase separation temperature (.degree.
C.) versus carbon to chlorine ratio for various chlorocarbon
compatibilizers (25 wt %), HFC-134a refrigerant (50 wt %) and
Zerol.RTM. 150 (25 wt %).
[0030] FIG. 6 is a graph of phase separation temperature (.degree.
C.) versus carbon to chlorine ratio for various chlorocarbon
compatibilizers (10 wt %), R401A refrigerant (50 wt %) and
Suniso.RTM. 3GS (40 wt %).
[0031] FIG. 7 is a graph of phase separation temperature (.degree.
C.) versus carbon to oxygen ratio for various amide compatibilizers
(25 wt %), HFC-134a refrigerant (50 wt %) and Zerol.RTM. 150 (25 wt
%).
[0032] FIG. 8 is a graph of phase separation temperature (.degree.
C.) versus carbon to oxygen ratio for various amide compatibilizers
(10 wt %), R401A refrigerant (50 wt %) and Suniso.RTM. 3GS (40 wt
%).
[0033] FIG. 9 shows graphs of phase separation temperature
(.degree. C.) versus carbon to oxygen ratio for various
polyoxyalkylene glycol ether compatibilizers (25 wt %), Zerol.RTM.
150 (25 wt %) and refrigerant HFC-32, HFC-125 or R410A (50 wt
%).
[0034] FIG. 10 is a graph of dynamic viscosity versus temperature
for POE22 (Mobil Oil product Arctic EAL22, a polyol ester lubricant
having a kinematic viscosity of 22 cs at 40.degree. C.),
Zerol.RTM.(V 150 and the composition: 10 wt % Propylene glycol
n-butyl ether (PnB), 5 wt % Dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether (DPnB)
and 85 wt % Zerol.RTM. 150.
[0035] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The present inventors discovered that using an effective
amount of the present compatibilizers in conventional compression
refrigeration lubricants results in efficient return of lubricant
from non-compressor zones to a compressor zone in a compression
refrigeration system. The compatibilizers travel throughout a
compression refrigeration system mixed with refrigerant and with
lubricant that escapes the compressor. Use of compatibilizers
results in the decrease of the viscosity of lubricant in the
coldest portions of compression refrigeration systems, such as an
evaporator, thereby enabling return of the lubricant from the
evaporator to the compressor. The inventors discovered that the
viscosity of lubricant in the coldest sections of compression
refrigeration systems is reduced upon use of the present
compatibilizers. This reduction in lubricant viscosity is due to an
increase in solubility of halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerants in
lubricant containing the compatibilizers. Through control of the
ratio of carbon to polar groups (e.g. ether, carbonyl, nitrile,
halogen) in the compatibilizer, the inventors discovered that the
polar group-containing compatibilizer could surprisingly be caused
to remain miscible with the essentially non-polar lubricants in the
coldest sections of compression refrigeration apparatus and
simultaneously increase the solubility of halogenated hydrocarbon
refrigerant in the lubricant. Without wishing to be bound by
theory, the polar functional groups in the present compatibilizers
are attracted to the relatively polar halogenated hydrocarbon
refrigerant while the hydrocarbon portion of the compatibilizer is
miscible with the relatively low polarity lubricant. The result
upon use of the present compatibilizers in the present conventional
lubricants is an increase in the solubility of halogenated
hydrocarbon refrigerants in lubricant containing an effective
amount of compatibilizer. This increased solubility of the
relatively nonviscous halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant in
conventional lubricants leads to lowering of the viscosity of the
lubricant, and results in efficient return of lubricant from
non-compressor zones to a compressor zone in a compression
refrigeration system. Reducing the amount of lubricant in the
evaporator zone also improves heat transfer of the refrigerant and
thus improves refrigerating capacity and efficiency of a system.
Thus, the present compatibilizers allow for the use of relatively
polar halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerants, such as
hydrofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons, with relatively
non-polar conventional lubricants; mixtures which are normally
immiscible and previously thought to be not useful together as
refrigerant compositions in compression refrigeration systems.
[0037] The result of increased solubility of halogenated
hydrocarbon refrigerants in conventional lubricants further allows
liquid refrigerant to dissolve and carry stranded lubricant out of
the condenser, improving both lubricant return and heat transfer in
the condenser and resulting in improved capacity and efficiency of
the refrigeration system.
[0038] The present compatibilizers improve the energy efficiency
and capacity of a compression refrigeration system by increasing
the enthalpy change upon desorption of halogenated hydrocarbon
refrigerant from lubricant and compatibilizer composition in the
evaporator, as well as absorption of refrigerant into the lubricant
and compatibilizer composition in the condenser. Without wishing to
be bound by theory, it is believed that forming and breaking
attractions between the refrigerant and the polar functional
group-containing compatibilizer results in the increase in enthalpy
change.
[0039] In most instances, the volume resistivity (ohmxcm) of polyol
ester and polyalkylene glycol lubricants presently used with
hydrofluorocarbon-based refrigerants is unacceptably low. The
present compositions comprising compatibilizer and conventional
lubricant have increased volume resistivity versus polyol ester and
polyalkylene glycol lubricants.
[0040] The present compatibilizers may benefically increase the
viscosity index of conventional lubricants. This gives the
desirable result of lower viscosity at low temperature without
significantly lowering viscosity at high temperature, a viscosity
profile similar to that of many polyol esters. Such a viscosity
index ensures lubricant return from the evaporator while
maintaining acceptable viscosity for compressor operation.
[0041] In the present compositions comprising lubricant and
compatibilizer, from about 1 to about 50 weight percent, preferably
from about 6 to about 45 weight percent, and most preferably from
about 10 to about 40 weight percent of the combined lubricant and
compatibilizer composition is compatibilizer. In terms of weight
ratios, in the present compositions comprising lubricant and
compatibilizer, the weight ratio of lubricant to compatibilizer is
from about 99:1 to about 1:1, preferably from about 15.7:1 to about
1.2:1, and most preferably from about 9:1 to about 1.5:1.
Compatibilizer may be charged to a compression refrigeration system
as a composition of compatibilizer and halogenated hydrocarbon
refrigerant. When charging a compression refrigeration system with
the present compatibilizer and halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant
compositions, to deliver an amount of compatibilizer such that the
aforementioned relative amounts of compatibilizer and lubricant are
satisfied, the compatibilizer and halogenated hydrocarbon
refrigerant composition will typically contain from about 0.1 to
about 40 weight percent, preferably from about 0.2 to about 20
weight percent, and most preferably from about 0.3 to about 10
weight percent compatibilizer in the combined compatibilizer and
halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant composition. In compression
refrigeration systems containing the present compositions
comprising halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant, lubricant and
compatibilizer, from about 1 to about 70 weight percent, preferably
from about 10 to about 60 weight percent of the halogenated
hydrocarbon refrigerant, lubricant and compatibilizer composition
is lubricant and compatibilizer. Compatibilizer concentrations
greater than about 50 weight percent of the combined lubricant and
compatibilizer composition are typically not needed to obtain
acceptable lubricant return from non-compressor zones to a
compressor zone. Compatibilizer concentrations greater than about
50 weight percent of the combined lubricant and compatibilizer
composition can negatively influence the viscosity of the
lubricant, which can lead to inadequate lubrication and stress on,
or mechanical failure of, the compressor. Further, compatibilizer
concentrations higher than about 50 weight percent of the combined
lubricant and compatibilizer composition can negatively influence
the refrigeration capacity and performance of a refrigerant
composition in a compression refrigeration system. An effective
amount of compatibilizer in the present compositions leads to
halogenated hydrocarbon and lubricant becoming solubilized to the
extent that adequate return of lubricant in a compression
refrigeration system from non-compressor zones (e.g. evaporator or
condenser) to the compressor zone is obtained.
[0042] Halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerants of the present
invention contain at least one carbon atom and one fluorine atom.
Of particular utility are halogenated hydrocarbons having 1-6
carbon atoms containing at least one fluorine atom, optionally
containing chlorine and oxygen atoms, and having a normal boiling
point of from -90.degree. C. to 80.degree. C. These halogenated
hydrocarbons may be represented by the general formula
C.sub.wF.sub.2w+2-x-yH.sub.xCl.sub.yO.sup.2, wherein w is 1-6, x is
1-9, y is 0-3, and z is 0-2. Preferred of the halogenated
hydrocarbons are those in which w is 1-6, x is 1-5, y is 0-1, and z
is 0-1. The present invention is particularly useful with
hydrofluorocarbon and hydrochlorofluorocarbon-based refrigerants.
Halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerants are commercial products
available from a number of sources such as E. I. du Pont de Nemours
& Co., Fluoroproducts, Wilmington, Del., 19898, USA, or are
available from custom chemical synthesis companies such as PCR
Inc., P.O. Box 1466, Gainesville, Fla., 32602, USA, and
additionally by synthetic processes disclosed in art such as The
Journal of Fluorine Chemistry, or Chemistry of Organic Fluorine
Compounds, edited by Milos Hudlicky, published by The MacMillan
Company, New York, N.Y., 1962. Representative halogenated
hydrocarbons include: CHClF.sub.2 (HCFC-22), CHF.sub.3 (HFC-23),
CH.sub.2F.sub.2 (HFC-32), CH.sub.3F (HFC-41), CF.sub.3CF.sub.3
(FC-116), CHClFCF.sub.3 (HCFC-124), CHF.sub.2CF.sub.3 (HFC-125),
CH.sub.2ClCF.sub.3 (HCFC-133a), CHF.sub.2CHF.sub.2 (HFC-134),
CH.sub.2FCF.sub.3 (HFC-134a), CClF.sub.2CH.sub.3 (HCFC-142b),
CHF.sub.2CH.sub.2F (HFC-143), CF.sub.3CH.sub.3 (HFC-143a),
CHF.sub.2CH.sub.3 (HFC-152a), CHF.sub.2CF.sub.2CF.sub.3
(HFC-227ca), CF.sub.3CFHCF.sub.3 (HFC-227ea), (HFC-236ca),
CH.sub.2FCF.sub.2CF.sub.3 (HFC-236cb), CHF.sub.2CHFCF.sub.3
(HFC-236ea), CF.sub.3CH.sub.2CF.sub.3 (HFC-236fa),
CH.sub.2FCF.sub.2CHF.sub.2 (HFC-245ca), CH.sub.3CF.sub.2CF.sub.3
(HFC-245cb), CHF.sub.2CHFCHF.sub.2 (HFC-245ea),
CH.sub.2FCHFCF.sub.3 (HFC-245eb), CHF.sub.2CH.sub.2CF.sub.3
(HFC-245fa), CH.sub.2FCF.sub.2CH.sub.2F (HFC-254ca),
CH.sub.2CF.sub.2CHF.sub.2 (HFC-254cb), CH.sub.2FCHFCHF.sub.2
(HFC-254ea), CH.sub.3CHFCF.sub.3 (HFC-254eb),
CHF.sub.2CH.sub.2CHF.sub.2 (HFC-254fa), CH.sub.2FCH.sub.2CF.sub.3
(HFC-254fb), CH.sub.3CF.sub.2CH.sub.3 (HFC-272ca),
CH.sub.3CHFCH.sub.2F (HFC-272ea), CH.sub.2FCH.sub.2CH.sub.2F
(HFC-272fa), CH.sub.3CH.sub.2CF.sub.2H(HFC-272fb),
CH.sub.3CHFCH.sub.3 (HFC-281ea), CH.sub.3CH.sub.2CH.sub.2F
(HFC-281fa), CHF.sub.2CF.sub.2CF.sub.2CF.sub.2H(HFC-338 pcc),
CF.sub.3CHFCHFCF.sub.2CF- .sub.3 (HFC-43-10mee),
C.sub.4F.sub.9OCH.sub.3, and C.sub.4F.sub.9OC.sub.2H.sub.5.
[0043] The present invention is particularly useful with the
hydrofluorocarbon and hydrochlorofluorocarbon-based refrigerants,
such as, CHClF.sub.2 (HCFC-22), CHF.sub.3 (HFC-23), CH.sub.2F.sub.2
(HFC-32), CHClFCF.sub.3 (HCFC-124), CHF.sub.2CF.sub.3 (HFC-125),
CHF.sub.2CHF.sub.2 (HFC-134), CH.sub.2FCF.sub.3 (HFC-134a),
CF.sub.3CH.sub.3 (HFC-143a), CHF.sub.2CH.sub.3 (HFC-152a),
CHF.sub.2CF.sub.2CF.sub.3 (HFC-227ca), CF.sub.3CFHCF.sub.3
(HFC-227ea), CF.sub.3CH.sub.2CF.sub.3 (HFC-236fa),
CHF.sub.2CH.sub.2CF.sub.3 (WFC-245fa),
CHF.sub.2CF.sub.2CF.sub.2CF.sub.2H- (HFC-338 pcc),
CF.sub.3CHFCHFCF.sub.2CF.sub.3 (HFC-43-10mee); and the azeotropic
and azeotrope-like halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant
compositions, such as, HCFC-22/HFC-152a/HCFC-124 (known by the
ASHRAE designations, R-401A, R-401B, and R-401C),
HFC-125/HFC-143a/HFC-134a (known by the ASHRAE designation,
R-404A), HFC-32/BFC-125/HFC-134a (known by ASHRAE designations,
R-407A, R-407B, and R-407C), HCFC-22/HFC-143a/HFC-125 (known by the
ASHRAE designation, R-408A), HCFC-22/HCFC-124/HCFC-142b (known by
the ASHRAE designation: R-409A), HFC-32/HFC-125 (R-410A), and
HFC-125/HFC-143a (known by the ASHRAE designation: R-507).
[0044] The halogenated hydrocarbons of the present invention may
optionally further comprise up to 10 weight percent of dimethyl
ether, or at least one C.sub.3 to C.sub.5 hydrocarbon, e.g.,
propane, propylene, cyclopropane, n-butane, i-butane, and
n-pentane. Examples of halogenated hydrocarbons containing such
C.sub.3 to C.sub.5 hydrocarbons are azeotrope-like compositions of
HCFC-22/HFC-125/propane (known by the ASHRAE designation, R-402A
and R-402B) and HCFC-22/octafluoropropane/prop- ane (known by the
ASHRAE designation, R-403A and R-403B).
[0045] Lubricants of the present invention are those conventionally
used in compression refrigeration apparatus utilizing
chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants. Such lubricants and their
properties are discussed in the 1990 ASHRAE Handbook, Refrigeration
Systems and Applications, chapter 8, titled "Lubricants in
Refrigeration Systems", pages 8.1 through 8.21, herein incorporated
by reference. Lubricants of the present invention are selected by
considering a given compressor's requirements and the environment
to which the lubricant will be exposed. Lubricants of the present
invention preferrably have a kinematic viscosity of at least about
15 cs (centistokes) at 40.degree. C. Lubricants of the present
invention comprise those commonly known as "mineral oils" in the
field of compression refrigeration lubrication. Mineral oils
comprise paraffins (i.e. straight-chain and branched-carbon-chain,
saturated hydrocarbons), naphthenes (i.e. cyclic paraffins) and
aromatics (i.e. unsaturated, cyclic hydrocarbons containing one or
more rings characterized by alternating double bonds). Lubricants
of the present invention further comprise those commonly known as
"synthetic oils" in the field of compression refrigeration
lubrication. Synthetic oils comprise alkylaryls (i.e. linear and
branched alkyl alkylbenzenes), synthetic paraffins and napthenes,
and poly(alphaolefins). Representative conventional lubricants of
the present invention are the commercially available BVM 100 N
(paraffinic mineral oil sold by BVA Oils), Suniso.RTM.D 3GS
(napthenic mineral oil sold by Crompton Co.), Sontex.RTM. 372LT
(napthenic mineral oil sold by Pennzoil), Calumet.RTM. RO-30
(napthenic mineral oil sold by Calument Lubricants), Zerol.RTM. 75
and Zerol.RTM. 150 (linear alkylbenzenes sold by Shrieve Chemicals)
and HAB 22 (branched alkylbenzene sold by Nippon Oil).
[0046] Compatibilizers of the present invention comprise
polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers represented by the formula
R.sup.1[(OR.sup.2).sub.xOR.sup.3- ].sub.y, wherein: x is selected
from integers from 1-3; y is selected from integers from 1-4;
R.sup.1 is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon
radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and y bonding sites; R.sup.2 is
selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 to 4
carbon atoms; R.sup.3 is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic and
alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; at
least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 is said hydrocarbon radical; and
wherein said polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers have a molecular weight
of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units and a carbon to
oxygen ratio of from about 2.3 to about 5.0. In the present
polyoxyalkylene glycol ether compatibilizers represented by
R.sup.1[(OR.sup.2).sub.xOR.sup.3].sub.y: x is preferably 1-2; y is
preferably 1; R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 are preferably independently
selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 1
to 4 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 is preferably selected from aliphatic
hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 or 3 carbon atoms, most
preferably 3 carbon atoms; the polyoxyalkylene glycol ether
molecular weight is preferably from about 100 to about 250 atomic
mass units, most preferably from about 125 to about 250 atomic mass
units; and the polyoxyalkylene glycol ether carbon to oxygen ratio
is preferably from about 2.5 to 4.0 when hydrofluorocarbons are
used as halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant, most preferably from
about 2.7 to about 3.5 when hydrofluorocarbons are used as
halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant, and preferably from about 3.5
to 5.0 when hydrochlorofluorocarbon-containing refrigerants are
used as halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant, most preferably from
about 4.0 to about 4.5 when hydrochlorofluorocarbon-containing
refrigerants are used as halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant. The
R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms
may be linear, branched or cyclic. Representative R.sup.1 and
R.sup.3 hydrocarbon radicals include methyl, ethyl, propyl,
isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl,
isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl.
Where free hydroxyl radicals on the present polyoxyalkylene glycol
ether compatibilizers may be incompatible with certain compression
refrigeration apparatus materials of construction (e.g.
Mylar.RTM.), R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 are preferably aliphatic
hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, most preferably 1
carbon atom. The R.sup.2 aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having
from 2 to 4 carbon atoms form repeating oxyalkylene
radicals--(OR.sup.2).sub.x--that include oxyethylene radicals,
oxypropylene radicals, and oxybutylene radicals. The oxyalkylene
radical comprising R.sup.2 in one polyoxyalkylene glycol ether
compatibilizer molecule may be the same, or one molecule may
contain different R.sup.2 oxyalkylene groups. The present
polyoxyalkylene glycol ether compatibilizers preferably comprise at
least one oxypropylene radical. Where R.sup.1 is an aliphatic or
alicyclic hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and y
bonding sites, the radical may be linear, branched or cyclic.
Representative R.sup.1 aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having two
bonding sites include, for example, an ethylene radical, a
propylene radical, a butylene radical, a pentylene radical, a
hexylene radical, a cyclopentylene radical and a cyclohexylene
radical. Representative R.sup.1 aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals
having three or four bonding sites include residues derived from
polyalcohols, such as trimethylolpropane, glycerin,
pentaerythritol, 1,2,3-trihydroxycyclohexane and
1,3,5-trihydroxycyclohexane, by removing their hydroxyl radicals.
Representative polyoxyalkylene glycol ether compatibilizers
include: CH.sub.3OCH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)0(H or CH.sub.3) (propylene
glycol methyl (or dimethyl) ether), CH.sub.3O[CH.sub.2CH(CH.su-
b.3)0].sub.2(H or CH.sub.3) (dipropylene glycol methyl (or
dimethyl) ether), CH.sub.3O[CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)0].sub.3(H or
CH.sub.3) (tripropylene glycol methyl (or dimethyl) ether),
C.sub.2H.sub.5OCH.sub.2- CH(CH.sub.3)0(H or C.sub.2H.sub.5)
(propylene glycol ethyl (or diethyl) ether),
C.sub.2H.sub.5O[CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)O].sub.2(H or C.sub.2H.sub.5)
(dipropylene glycol ethyl (or diethyl) ether),
C.sub.2H.sub.5O[CH.sub.2CH- (CH.sub.3)O].sub.3(H or C.sub.2H.sub.5)
(tripropylene glycol ethyl (or diethyl) ether),
C.sub.3H.sub.7OCH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)O(H or C.sub.3H.sub.7)
(propylene glycol n-propyl (or di-n-propyl) ether),
C.sub.3H.sub.7O[CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)O].sub.2(H or C.sub.3H.sub.7)
(dipropylene glycol n-propyl (or di-n-propyl) ether),
C.sub.3H.sub.7O[CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)O].sub.3(H or C.sub.3H.sub.7)
(tripropylene glycol n-propyl (or di-n-propyl) ether),
C.sub.4H.sub.9OCH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)OH (propylene glycol n-butyl
ether), C.sub.4H.sub.9O[CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)O].sub.2(H or
C.sub.4H.sub.9) (dipropylene glycol n-butyl (or di-n-butyl) ether),
C.sub.4H.sub.9O[CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)O].sub.3(H or C.sub.4H.sub.9)
(tripropylene glycol n-butyl (or di-n-butyl) ether),
(CH.sub.3).sub.3COCH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)OH (propylene glycol t-butyl
ether), (CH.sub.3).sub.3CO[CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)O].sub.2(H or
(CH.sub.3).sub.3) (dipropylene glycol t-butyl (or di-t-butyl)
ether), (CH.sub.3).sub.3CO[CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)O].sub.3(H or
(CH.sub.3).sub.3) (tripropylene glycol t-butyl (or di-t-butyl)
ether), C.sub.5H.sub.1 IOCH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)OH (propylene glycol
n-pentyl ether), C.sub.4H.sub.9OCH.sub.2CH(C.sub.2H.sub.5)OH
(butylene glycol n-butyl ether),
C.sub.4H.sub.9O[CH.sub.2CH(C.sub.2H.sub.5)O].sub.2H (dibutylene
glycol n-butyl ether), trimethylolpropane tri-n-butyl ether
(C.sub.2H.sub.5C(CH.sub.2O(CH.sub.2).sub.3CH.sub.3).sub.3) and
trimethylolpropane di-n-butyl ether
(C.sub.2H.sub.5C(CH.sub.2OC(CH.sub.2)-
.sub.3CH.sub.3).sub.2CH.sub.2OH).
[0047] Compatibilizers of the present invention further comprise
amides represented by the formulae R.sup.1CONR.sup.2R.sup.3 and
cyclo-[R.sup.4CON(R.sup.5)-], wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and
R.sup.5 are independently selected from aliphatic and alicyclic
hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms; R.sup.4 is
selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 3 to 12
carbon atoms; and wherein said amides have a molecular weight of
from about 120 to about 300 atomic mass units and a carbon to
oxygen ratio of from about 7 to about 20. The molecular weight of
said amides is preferably from about 160 to about 250 atomic mass
units. The carbon to oxygen ratio in said amides is preferably from
about 7 to about 16, and most preferably from about 10 to about 14.
R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.5 may optionally include
substituted hydrocarbon radicals, that is, radicals containing
non-hydrocarbon substituents selected from halogens (e.g.,
fluorine, chlorine) and alkoxides (e.g. methoxy). R.sup.1, R.sup.2,
R.sup.3 and R may optionally include heteroatom-substituted
hydrocarbon radicals, that is, radicals which contain the atoms
nitrogen (aza-), oxygen (oxa-) or sulfur (thia-) in a radical chain
otherwise composed of carbon atoms. In general, no more than three
non-hydrocarbon substituents and heteroatoms, and preferably no
more than one, will be present for each 10 carbon atoms in
R.sup.1-3, and the presence of any such non-hydrocarbon
substituents and heteroatoms must be considered in applying the
aforementioned ratio of carbon to oxygen and molecular weight
limitations. Preferred amide compatibilizers consist of carbon,
hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen. Representative R.sup.1, R.sup.2,
R.sup.3 and R.sup.5 aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals
include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl,
sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl,
cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl,
dodecyl and their configurational isomers. A preferred embodiment
of amide compatibilizers are those wherein R.sup.4 in the
aforementioned formula cyclo-[R.sup.4CON(R.sup.5)-] may be
represented by the hydrocarbylene radical (CR.sup.6R.sup.7).sub.n,
in other words, the formula:
cyclo-[(CR.sup.6R.sup.7).sub.nCON(R.sup.5)-] wherein: the
previously-stated values for (a) ratio of carbon to oxygen and (b)
molecular weight apply; n is an integer from 3 to 5; R.sup.5 is a
saturated hydrocarbon radical containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms;
R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are indepedently selected (for each n) by the
rules previously offered defining R.sup.13. In the lactams
represented by the formula:
cyclo-[(CR.sup.6R.sup.7).sub.nCON(R.sup.5)-], all R.sup.6 and
R.sup.7 are preferably hydrogen, or contain a single saturated
hydrocarbon radical among the n methylene units, and R.sup.5 is a
saturated hydrocarbon radical containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms. For
example, 1-(saturated hydrocarbon
radical)-5-methylpyrrolidin-2-ones. Representative amide
compatibilizers include: 1-octylpyrrolidin-2-one,
1-decylpyrrolidin-2-one, 1-octyl-5-methylpyrrolidin-2-one,
1-butylcaprolactam, 1-cyclohexylpyrrolidin-2-one,
1-butyl-5-methylpiperid- -2-one, 1-pentyl-5-methylpiperid-2-one,
1-hexylcaprolactam, 1-hexyl-5-methylpyrrolidin-2-one,
5-methyl-1-pentylpiperid-2-one, 1,3-dimethylpiperid-2-one,
1-methylcaprolactam, 1-butyl-pyrrolidin-2-one,
1,5-dimethylpiperid-2-one, 1-decyl-5-methylpyrrolidin-2-one,
1-dodecylpyrrolid-2-one, N,N-dibutylformamide and
N,N-diisopropylacetamid- e.
[0048] Compatibilizers of the present invention further comprise
ketones represented by the formula R.sup.1COR.sup.2, wherein
R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from aliphatic,
alicyclic and aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 12 carbon
atoms, and wherein said ketones have a molecular weight of from
about 70 to about 300 atomic mass units and a carbon to oxygen
ratio of from about 4 to about 13. R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 in said
ketones are preferably independently selected from aliphatic and
alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 9 carbon atoms. The
molecular weight of said ketones is preferably from about 100 to
200 atomic mass units. The carbon to oxygen ratio in said ketones
is preferably from about 7 to about 10. R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may
together form a hydrocarbylene radical connected and forming a
five, six, or seven-membered ring cyclic ketone, for example,
cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone, and cycloheptanone. R.sup.1 and
R.sup.2 may optionally include substituted hydrocarbon radicals,
that is, radicals containing non-hydrocarbon substituents selected
from halogens (e.g., fluorine, chlorine) and alkoxides (e.g.
methoxy). R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may optionally include
heteroatom-substituted hydrocarbon radicals, that is, radicals
which contain the atoms nitrogen (aza-), oxygen (keto-, oxa-) or
sulfur (thia-) in a radical chain otherwise composed of carbon
atoms. In general, no more than three non-hydrocarbon substituents
and heteroatoms, and preferably no more than one, will be present
for each 10 carbon atoms in R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, and the presence
of any such non-hydrocarbon substituents and heteroatoms must be
considered in applying the aforementioned ratio of carbon to oxygen
and molecular weight limitations. Representative R.sup.1 and
R.sup.2 aliphatic, alicyclic and aryl hydrocarbon radicals in the
general formula R.sup.1COR.sup.2 include methyl, ethyl, propyl,
isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl,
isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, heptyl,
octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl and their configurational
isomers, as well as phenyl, benzyl, cumenyl, mesityl, tolyl, xylyl
and phenethyl. Representative ketone compatibilizers include:
2-butanone, 2-pentanone, acetophenone, butyrophenone,
hexanophenone, cyclohexanone, cycloheptanone, 2-heptanone,
3-heptanone, 5-methyl-2-hexanone, 2-octanone, 3-octanone,
diisobutyl ketone, 4-ethylcyclohexanone, 2-nonanone, 5-nonanone,
2-decanone, 4-decanone, 2-decalone, 2-tridecanone, dihexyl ketone
and dicyclohexyl ketone.
[0049] Compatibilizers of the present invention further comprise
nitriles represented by the formula R.sup.1CN, wherein R.sup.1 is
selected from aliphatic, alicyclic or aryl hydrocarbon radicals
having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms, and wherein said nitriles have a
molecular weight of from about 90 to about 200 atomic mass units
and a carbon to nitrogen ratio of from about 6 to about 12. R.sup.1
in said nitrile compatibilizers is preferably selected from
aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having 8 to 10 carbon
atoms. The molecular weight of said nitrile compatibilizers is
preferably from about 120 to about 140 atomic mass units. The
carbon to nitrogen ratio in said nitrile compatibilizers is
preferably from about 8 to about 9. R.sup.1 may optionally include
substituted hydrocarbon radicals, that is, radicals containing
non-hydrocarbon substituents selected from halogens (e.g.,
fluorine, chlorine) and alkoxides (e.g. methoxy). R.sup.1 may
optionally include heteroatom-substituted hydrocarbon radicals,
that is, radicals which contain the atoms nitrogen (aza-), oxygen
(keto-, oxa-) or sulfur (thia-) in a radical chain otherwise
composed of carbon atoms. In general, no more than three
non-hydrocarbon substituents and heteroatoms, and preferably no
more than one, will be present for each 10 carbon atoms in R.sup.1,
and the presence of any such non-hydrocarbon substituents and
heteroatoms must be considered in applying the aforementioned ratio
of carbon to nitrogen and molecular weight limitations.
Representative R.sup.1 aliphatic, alicyclic and aryl hydrocarbon
radicals in the general formula R.sup.1CN include include pentyl,
isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, heptyl,
octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl and their configurational
isomers, as well as phenyl, benzyl, cumenyl, mesityl, tolyl, xylyl
and phenethyl. Representative nitrile compatibilizers include:
1-cyanopentane, 2,2-dimethyl-4-cyanopent- ane, 1-cyanohexane,
1-cyanoheptane, 1-cyanooctane, 2-cyanooctane, 1-cyanononane,
1-cyanodecane, 2-cyanodecane, 1-cyanoundecane and 1-cyanododecane.
Nitrile compatibilizers are especially useful in compatibilizing
HFC refrigerants with aromatic and alkylaryl lubricants.
[0050] Compatibilizers of the present invention further comprise
chlorocarbons represented by the formula RCl.sub.x, wherein; x is
selected from the integers 1 or 2; R is selected from aliphatic and
alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 12 carbon atoms; and
wherein said chlorocarbons have a molecular weight of from about
100 to about 200 atomic mass units and carbon to chlorine ratio
from about 2 to about 10. The molecular weight of said chlorocarbon
compatibilizers is preferably from about 120 to 150 atomic mass
units. The carbon to chlorine ratio in said chlorocarbon
compatibilizers is preferably from about 6 to about 7.
Representative R aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals in
the general formula RCl.sub.x include methyl, ethyl, propyl,
isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl,
isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, heptyl,
octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl and their configurational
isomers. Representative chlorocarbon compatibilizers include:
3-(chloromethyl)pentane, 3-chloro-3-methylpentane, 1-chlorohexane,
1,6-dichlorohexane, 1-chloroheptane, 1-chlorooctane,
1-chlorononane, 1-chlorodecane, and 1,1,1-trichlorodecane.
[0051] Compatibilizers of the present invention further comprise
aryl ethers represented by the formula R.sup.1OR.sup.2, wherein:
R.sup.1 is selected from aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 6 to
12 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbon
radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and wherein said aryl
ethers have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 150
atomic mass units and a carbon to oxygen ratio of from about 4 to
about 20. The carbon to oxygen ratio in said aryl ether
compatibilizers is preferably from about 7 to about 10.
Representative R.sup.1 aryl radicals in the general formula
R.sup.1OR.sup.2 include phenyl, biphenyl, cumenyl, mesityl, tolyl,
xylyl, naphthyl and pyridyl. Representative R.sup.2 aliphatic
hydrocarbon radicals in the general formula R.sup.1OR.sup.2 include
methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl and
tert-butyl. Representative aromatic ether compatibilizers include:
methyl phenyl ether (anisole), 1,3-dimethyoxybenzene, ethyl phenyl
ether and butyl phenyl ether.
[0052] Compatibilizers of the present invention further comprise
1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes represented by the general formula
CF.sub.3R.sup.1, wherein R.sup.1 is selected from aliphatic and
alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 5 to about 15
carbon atoms, preferably primary, linear, saturated, alkyl
radicals. Representative 1,1,1-trifluoroalkane compatibilizers
include: 1,1,1-trifluorohexane and 1,1,1-trifluorododecane.
[0053] Compatibilizers of the present invention further comprise
fluoroethers represented by the general formula
R.sup.1OCF.sub.2CF.sub.2H- , wherein R.sup.1 is selected from
aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 5 to
about 15 carbon atoms, preferably primary, linear, saturated, alkyl
radicals. Representative fluoroether compatibilizers include:
C.sub.8H.sub.17OCF.sub.2CF.sub.2H and
CrH.sub.13OCF.sub.2CF.sub.2H.
[0054] Compatibilizers of the present invention may comprise a
single compatibilizer species or multiple compatibilizer species
together in any proportion. For example, a compatibilizer may
comprise a mixture of compounds from within a single compatibilizer
species (e.g. a mixture of polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers) or a
mixture of compounds chosen from different compatibilizer species
(e.g. a mixture of a polyoxyalkylene glycol ether with a
ketone).
[0055] Compatibilizer of the present invention may optionally
further comprise from about 1 to about 50 weight percent,
preferably from about 1 to about 10 weight percent based on total
amount of compatibilizer, of an ester containing the functional
group --CO.sub.2-- and having a carbon to ester functional group
carbonyl oxygen ratio of from about 2 to about 6. The optional
esters may be represented by the general formula
R.sup.1CO.sub.2R.sup.2, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are
independently selected from linear and cyclic, saturated and
unsaturated, alkyl and aryl radicals. R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are
optionally connected forming a ring, such as a lactone. Preferred
optional esters consist essentially of the elements C, H and O
having a molecular weight of from about 80 to about 550 atomic mass
units. Representative optional esters include:
(CH.sub.3).sub.2CHCH.sub.200C(CH.sub.2).sub.2.
[0056] .sub.4OCOCH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2 (diisobutyl dibasic
ester), ethyl hexanoate, ethyl heptanoate, n-butyl proprionate,
n-propyl proprionate, ethyl benzoate, di-n-propyl phthalate,
benzoic acid ethoxyethyl ester, dipropyl carbonate, "Exxate 700" (a
commercial C.sub.7 alkyl acetate), "Exxate 800" (a commercial
C.sub.8 alkyl acetate), dibutyl phthalate, and t-butyl acetate.
[0057] Compatibilizer of the present invention may optionally
further comprise at least one polyvinyl ether polymer, including
polyvinyl ether homopolymers, polyvinyl ether copolymers, and
copolymers of vinyl ethers with hydrocarbon alkenes (e.g. ethylene
and propylene), and/or functionalized hydrocarbon alkenes (e.g.,
vinyl acetate and styrene). A representative polyvinyl ether is PVE
32, sold by Idemitsu Kosan and having a kinematic viscosity of 32
cs at 40.degree. C.
[0058] Compatibilizers of the present invention may optionally
further comprise from about 0.5 to about 50 weight percent (based
on total amount of compatibilizer) of a linear or cyclic aliphatic
or aromatic hydrocarbon containing from 5 to 15 carbon atoms.
Representative hydrocarbons include pentane, hexane, octane,
nonane, decane, Isopar.RTM. H (a high purity C.sub.11 to C.sub.12
iso-paraffinic), Aromatic 150 (a C.sub.9 to C.sub.11 aromatic),
Aromatic 200 (a C.sub.9 to C.sub.15 aromatic) and Naptha 140. All
of these hydrocarbons are sold by Exxon Chemical, USA.
[0059] Compatibilizers of the present invention may optionally
further contain from about 0.01 to 30 weight percent (based on
total amount of compatibilizer) of an additive which reduces the
surface energy of metallic copper, aluminum, steel, or other metals
found in heat exchangers in a way that reduces the adhesion of
lubricants to the metal. Examples of metal surface energy reducing
additives include those disclosed in WIPO PCT publication WO
96/7721, such as Zonyl.RTM. FSA, Zonyl.RTM. FSP and Zonyl.RTM. FSj,
all products of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. In practice, by
reducing the adhesive forces between the metal and the lubricant
(i.e. substituting for a compound more tightly bound to the metal),
the lubricant circulates more freely through the heat exchangers
and connecting tubing in an air conditioning or refrigeration
system, instead of remaining as a layer on the surface of the
metal. This allows for the increase of heat transfer to the metal
and allows efficient return of lubricant to the compressor.
[0060] Commonly used refrigeration system additives may optionally
be added, as desired, to compositions of the present invention in
order to enhance lubricity and system stability. These additives
are generally known within the field of refrigeration compressor
lubrication, and include anti wear agents, extreme pressure
lubricants, corrosion and oxidation inhibitors, metal surface
deactivators, free radical scavengers, foam control agents, and the
like. In general, these additives are present only in small amounts
relative to the overall lubricant composition. They are typically
used at concentrations of from less than about 0.1% to as much as
about 3% of each additive. These additives are selected on the
basis of the individual system requirements. Some typical examples
of such additives may include, but are not limited to, lubrication
enhancing additives, such as alkyl or aryl esters of phosphoric
acid and of thiophosphates. These include members of the triaryl
phosphate family of EP lubricity additives, such as butylated
triphenyl phosphates (BTPP), or other alkylated triaryl phosphate
esters, e.g. Syn-O-Ad 8478 from Akzo Chemicals, tricrecyl
phosphates and related compounds. Additionally, the metal dialkyl
dithiophosphates (e.g. zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate or ZDDP,
Lubrizol 1375) and other members of this family of chemicals may be
used in compositions of the present invention. Other antiwear
additives include natural product oils and assymetrical
polyhydroxyl lubrication additives such as Synergol TMS
(International Lubricants). Similarly, stabilizers such as anti
oxidants, free radical scavengers, and water scavengers may be
employed. Compounds in this category can include, but are not
limited to, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) and epoxides.
[0061] Compatiblizers such as ketones may have an objectionable
odor which can be masked by addition of an odor masking agent or
fragrance. Typical examples of odor masking agents or fragrances
may include Evergreen, Fresh Lemon, Cherry, Cinnamon, Peppermint,
Floral or Orange Peel or sold by Intercontinental Fragrance, as
well as d-limonene and pinene. Such odor masking agents may be used
at concentrations of from about 0.001% to as much as about 15% by
weight based on the combined weight of odor masking agent and
compatibilizer.
[0062] The present invention further comprises processes for
producing refrigeration comprising evaporating the present
halogenated hydrocarbon-containing refrigeration compositions in
the vicinity of a body to be cooled, and processes for producing
heat comprising condensing halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant in
the presence of lubricant and compatibilizer in the presence of a
body to be heated.
[0063] The present invention further comprises processes for
solubilizing a halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant in a lubricant,
comprising contacting the halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant with
the lubricant in the presence of an effective amount of
compatibilizer, which forms a solution of the halogenated
hydrocarbon refrigerant and the lubricant.
[0064] The present invention further relates to processes for
returning lubricant from a non-compressor zone to a compressor zone
in a compression refrigeration system comprising:
[0065] (a) contacting the lubricant in the non-compressor zone with
at least one halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant in the presence of
an effective amount of compatibilizer; and
[0066] (b) returning the lubricant from the noncompressor zone to
the compressor zone of the refrigeration system.
[0067] The present invention further comprises processes for
returning a lubricant from a low pressure zone to a compressor zone
in a refrigeration system, comprising:
[0068] (a) contacting the lubricant in the low pressure zone of the
refrigeration system with at least one halogenated hydrocarbon
refrigerant in the presence of an effective amount of
compatibilizer; and
[0069] (b) returning the lubricant from the low pressure zone to
the compressor zone of the refrigeration system.
EXAMPLES
[0070] The following examples are provided to illustrate certain
aspects of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the
scope of the invention.
[0071] Herein, all percentages (%) are in weight percentages unless
otherwise indicated.
[0072] Naptha 140 (paraffins and cycloparaffins with normal boiling
point of 188-208.degree. C.), Aromatic 150 (aromatics with normal
boiling point 184-204.degree. C.) and Isopar.RTM. H (isoparaffins
with normal boiling point 161-203.degree. C.) are all products of
Exxon Chemicals. Exxate 700 is a C.sub.7 alkyl acetate produced by
Exxon. "POE 22" is used herein as an abbreviation for Mobil Oil
product Arctic EAL22, a polyol ester lubricant having a kinematic
viscosity of 22 cs at 40.degree. C. "POE 32" is used herein as an
abbreviation for Uniqema product Emkarate RL32, a polyol ester
lubricant having a kinematic viscosity of 32 cs at 40.degree. C.
Zerol 75 is an alkylbenzene lubricant having a kinematic viscosity
of 15 cs at 40.degree. C., Zerol 150 is an alkylbenzene lubricant
having a kinematic viscosity of 32 cs at 40.degree. C., Zerol 200
TD is an alkylbenzene lubricant having a kinematic viscosity of 40
cs at 40.degree. C., and Zerol 300 is an alkylbenzene lubricant
having a kinematic viscosity of 57 cs at 40.degree. C. The
Zerol.RTM. products are sold by the Shrieve Corporation. PVE 32 is
a polyvinyl ether sold by Idemitsu Kosan having a kinematic
viscosity of 32 cs at 40.degree. C. Ucon LB-65 is a
polyoxyproplyene glycol lubricant sold by Union Carbide with an
average molecular weight of about 340. Ucon 50-HB-100 is a
lubricant containing equal amounts of oxyethylene and oxpropylene
groups sold by Union Carbide with an average molecular weight of
about 520. Ucon 488 is a Union Carbide product having a kinematic
viscosity of 130 cs at 40.degree. C. Suniso.RTM. 3GS (sometimes
herein abbreviated as "3GS") is a napthenic mineral oil with a
kinematic viscosity of 33 cs at 40.degree. C., Suniso.RTM. 4GS
(sometimes herein abbreviated as "4GS") is a napthenic mineral oil
with a kinematic viscosity of 62 cs at 40.degree. C.
[0073] The Suniso.RTM. products are sold by Crompton Corporation.
HAB 22 has a kinematic viscosity of 22 cs at 40.degree. C. and is a
branched alkylbenzene oil sold by Nippon Oil.
[0074] HCFC-22 is chlorodifluoromethane. HFC-134a is
1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. R401A is a refrigerant blend containing
53 wt % HCFC-22, 13 wt % HFC-152a (1,1-difluoroethane) and 34 wt %
HCFC-124 (2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane). R404A is a
refrigerant blend containing 44 wt % HFC-125 (pentafluoroethane),
52 wt % HFC-143a (1,1,1-trifluoroethane) and 4 wt % HFC-134a. R407C
is a refrigerant blend containing 23 wt % HFC-32 (difluoromethane),
25 wt % HFC-125 and 52 wt % HFC-134a. R410A is a refrigerant blend
containing 50 wt % HFC-32 and 50 wt % HFC-125.
[0075] Abbreviations used herein for a number of materials are
shown in the table below with the corresponding material name, and
if relevant, formula and molecular weight:
1 Molecular Abbreviation Material Formula Weight BnB Butylene
glycol n-butyl ether C.sub.4H.sub.9OCH.sub.2C- HOHCH.sub.2CH.sub.3
146 PnB Propylene glycol n-butyl ether
C.sub.4H.sub.9OCH.sub.2CHOHCH.sub.3 132 DPnB Dipropylene glycol
n-butyl ether C.sub.4H.sub.9O[CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)O].sub.2H 190
TPnB Tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether
C.sub.4H.sub.9O[CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.- 3)O].sub.3H 248 PnP Propylene
glycol n-propyl ether C.sub.3H.sub.7OCH.sub.2CHOHCH.sub.3 118 DPnP
Dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether
C.sub.3H.sub.7O[CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)O].sub.2H 176 DPM Dipropylene
glycol methyl ether CH.sub.3O[CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)O].sub.- 2H 148
DMM Dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether
CH.sub.3O[CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)O].sub.2CH.sub.3 162 PGH Propylene
glycol hexyl ether C.sub.6H.sub.13OCH.sub.2CHOHCH.sub.3 160 EGO
Ethylene glycol octyl ether C.sub.8H.sub.17OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH 174
PTB Propylene glycol t-butyl ether
C(CH.sub.3).sub.3OCH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2- OH 132 1,5-DMPD
1,5-dimethyl piperidone C.sub.7H.sub.13NO 127 DMPD Mixture of 70 wt
% 1,3- and 30 wt % C.sub.7H.sub.13NO 127 1,5-dimethyl piperid-2-one
OP 1-octyl pyrrolidin-2-one C.sub.12H.sub.23NO 197 DBE-IB
Diisobutyl dibasic esters (e.g. diisobutyl
(CH.sub.3).sub.2CHCH.sub.2OOC(CH.sub.2).sub.2-- 242 avg. esters of
succinic, glutaric and adipic .sub.4OCOCH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).s- ub.2
acids)
Example 1
[0076] Polyoxyalkylene glycol ether compatibilizers of the present
invention were placed in a suitable container with refrigerant and
lubricant and the temperature was lowered until two phases were
observed to the naked eye (i.e., the phase separation temperature,
also herein referred to as "PST"). The composition in the container
was 50 wt % HFC-134a, 25 wt % Zerol 150 and 25 wt % of
compatibilizer. Results are shown below, and in FIG. 1.
EXAMPLE 1
[0077]
2 Phase Separation Carbon/ Temperature Oxygen Compatibilizer
Formula (.degree. C.) Ratio Ethylene glycol butyl ether
C.sub.6H.sub.14O.sub.2 4 3.0 Ethylene glycol diethyl ether
C.sub.6H.sub.14O.sub.2 5 3.0 Ethylene glycol hexyl ether
C.sub.10H.sub.22O.sub.2 26 4.0 Dipropylene glycol methyl ether
C.sub.7H.sub.16O.sub.3 27 2.33 Dipropylene glycol propyl ether
C.sub.9H.sub.20O.sub.3 5.5 3.0 Propylene glycol butyl ether
C.sub.7H.sub.16O.sub.2 6 3.5 Propylene glycol propyl ether
C.sub.6H.sub.14O.sub.2 11 3.0 Tripropylene glycol butyl ether
C.sub.13H.sub.28O.sub.4 11 3.25 Propylene glycol dimethyl ether
C.sub.5H.sub.12O.sub.2 12 2.5 Tripropylene glycol propyl ether
C.sub.12H.sub.26O.sub.4 12 3.0 Dipropylene glycol dimethyl
C.sub.8H.sub.18O.sub.3 13 2.67 ether Dipropylene glycol butyl ether
C.sub.10H.sub.22O.sub.3 13 3.33 Diethylene glycol butyl ether
C.sub.8H.sub.18O.sub.3 13 2.7 Butylene glycol n-butyl ether
C.sub.8H.sub.18O.sub.2 16 4 Dibutylene glycol n-butyl ether
C.sub.12H.sub.26O.sub.3 18 4 Propylene glycol t-butyl ether
C.sub.7H.sub.16O.sub.2 20 3.5 Comparative Data Tetraethylene glycol
dimethyl C.sub.10H.sub.22O.sub.5 32 2.0 ether Ucon LB-65
polyalkylene 28 3.0 glycol Ucon 50-HB-100 polyalkylene 32 2.5
glycol PVE 32 polyvinyl 62 5 ether Dipropylene glycol
C.sub.6H.sub.14O.sub.3 not miscible 2 with Zerol 150
[0078] The data show significantly lower phase separation
temperatures versus 50 wt % HIFC-134a/50 wt % Zerol 150
alkylbenzene lubricant which has a phase separation temperature of
137.degree. C. The data show that a minimum phase separation
temperature occurs at a specific carbon to oxygen ratio of the
polyoxyalkylene glycol ether compatibilizer indicating maximum
solubility improvement of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant in
alkylbenzene lubricant.
Example 2
[0079] Polyoxyalkylene glycol ether compatibilizers of the present
invention were placed in a suitable container with refrigerant and
lubricant and the temperature lowered until two phases were
observed. The composition in the container was 50 wt % R401A
refrigerant, 40 wt % Suniso 3GS and 10 wt % of a polyoxyalkylene
glycol ether compatibilizer. Results are shown below, and in FIG.
2.
Example 2
[0080]
3 Phase Separation Carbon/ Temperature Oxygen Compatibilizer
Formula (.degree. C.) Ratio Propylene glycol hexyl ether
C.sub.9H.sub.20O.sub.2 -26 4.5 Butylene glycol butyl ether
C.sub.8H.sub.18O.sub.2 -19 4.0 Ethylene glycol octyl ether
C.sub.10H.sub.22O.sub.2 -18 5.0 Propylene glycol butyl ether
C.sub.7H.sub.16O.sub.2 -7 3.5 Dipropylene glycol
C.sub.10H.sub.22O.sub.3 -11 3.33 butyl ether Tripropylene glycol
butyl ether C.sub.13H.sub.28O.sub.4 -7 3.25 Comparative Data
Tetraglyme C.sub.10H.sub.22O.sub.5 not miscible 2.0 with 3GS
[0081] The data show significantly lower phase separation
temperature versus 50 wt % R401A refrigerant/50 wt % Suniso 3GS
mineral oil, which has a phase separation temperature of 24.degree.
C. The data show that a minimum phase separation temperature occurs
at a specific carbon to oxygen ratio of the polyoxyalkylene glycol
ether compatibilizer, indicating maximum solubility improvement of
hydrochlorofluorocarbon-cont- aining refrigerant in mineral oil
lubricant.
[0082] Butyl phenyl ether (C.sub.10H.sub.14O), an aryl ether
compatibilizer, was also measured and showed a surprisingly low
phase separation temperature of -32.degree. C.
Example 3
[0083] Ketone compatibilizers of the present invention were placed
in a suitable container with refrigerant and lubricant and the
temperature lowered until two phases were observed. The composition
in the container was 50 wt % HFC-134a, 25 wt % Zerol 150 and 25 wt
% of a ketone compatibilizer. Results are shown below, and in FIG.
3.
Example 3
[0084]
4 Phase Separation Carbon/ Temperature Oxygen Compatibilizer
Formula (.degree. C.) Ratio Cycloheptanone C.sub.7H.sub.12O -24 7
2-Nonanone C.sub.9H.sub.18O -22 9 3-Octanone C.sub.8H.sub.16O -17 8
Cyclohexanone C.sub.6H.sub.10O -16 6 2-Heptanone C.sub.7H.sub.14O
-15 7 2-Decanone C.sub.10H.sub.20O -15 10 4-Decanone
C.sub.10H.sub.20O -14 10 2-Octanone C.sub.8H.sub.16O -12 8
5-Nonanone C.sub.9H.sub.18O -12 9 4-Ethylcyclohexanone
C.sub.8H.sub.14O -12 8 3-Heptanone C.sub.7H.sub.14O -8 7 Diisobutyl
ketone C.sub.9H.sub.18O -4 9 2-Decalone C.sub.10H.sub.16O 2 10
Methyl propyl ketone C.sub.5H.sub.10O 3 5 Acetophenone
C.sub.8H.sub.8O 4 8 Butyrophenone C.sub.10H.sub.12O 8 10
2-tridecanone C.sub.13H.sub.26O 8 13 Methyl ethyl ketone
C.sub.4H.sub.8O 16 4 Dihexylketone C.sub.13H.sub.26O 21 13
Hexanophenone C.sub.13H.sub.18O 28 13 Dicyclohexyl ketone
C.sub.13H.sub.22O 53 13 Comparative Data Acetone C.sub.3H.sub.6O 56
3
[0085] The data show significantly lower phase separation
temperatures versus 50 wt % HFC-134a/50 wt % Zerol 150 alkylbenzene
lubricant which has a phase separation temperature of 137.degree.
C. The data show that a minimum phase separation temperature occurs
at a specific carbon to oxygen ratio of the ketone compatibilizer
indicating maximum solubility improvement of hydrofluorocarbon
refrigerant in alkylbenzene lubricant.
Example 4
[0086] Nitrile compatibilizers of the present invention were placed
in a suitable container with refrigerant and lubricant and the
temperature lowered until two phases were observed. The composition
in the container was 50 wt % HFC-134a, 25 wt % Zerol 150 and 25 wt
% of a nitrile compound. Results are shown below, and in FIG.
4.
Example 4
[0087]
5 Phase Separation Carbon/ Temperature Nitrogen Compatibilizer
Formula (.degree. C.) Ratio 1-cyanooctane C.sub.9H.sub.17N -26 9
2-cyanooctane C.sub.9H.sub.17N -23 9 1-cyanoheptane
C.sub.8H.sub.15N -18 8 1-cyanodecane C.sub.11H.sub.21N -13 11
2-cyanodecane C.sub.11H.sub.21N -12 11 1-cyanopentane
C.sub.6H.sub.11N -3 6 1-cyanoundecane C.sub.12H.sub.23N 3 12
[0088] The data show significantly lower phase separation
temperatures versus 50 wt % HFC-134a/50 wt % Zerol 150 alkylbenzene
lubricant which has a phase separation temperature of 137.degree.
C. The data show that a minimum phase separation temperature occurs
at a specific carbon to nitrogen ratio of the nitrile
compatibilizer indicating solubility improvement of
hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant in alkylbenzene lubricant.
Example 5
[0089] Chlorocarbon compatibilizers of the present invention were
placed in a suitable container with refrigerant and lubricant and
the temperature lowered until two phases were observed. The
composition in the container was 50 wt % HFC-134a, 25 wt % Zerol
150 and 25 wt % of a chlorocarbon compatibilizer.
[0090] Results are shown below, and in FIG. 5.
Example 5
[0091]
6 Phase Separation Carbon/ Temperature Chlorine Compatibilizer
Formula (.degree. C.) Ratio 1-chlorobutane C.sub.4H.sub.9Cl 16 4
3-(chloromethyl)pentane C.sub.6H.sub.13Cl 34 6 1-chloroheptane
C.sub.7H.sub.15Cl 40 7 1,6-dichlorohexane C.sub.6H.sub.12Cl.sub.2
47 3 1-chlorooctane C.sub.8H.sub.17Cl 54 8 1-chlorohexane
C.sub.6H.sub.13Cl 38 6 3-chloro-3-methylpentane C.sub.6H.sub.13Cl
23 6
[0092] The data show significantly lower phase separation versus 50
wt % HFC-134a/50 wt % Zerol 150 alkylbenzene lubricant which has a
phase separation temperature of 137.degree. C. The data show that a
minimum phase separation temperature occurs at a specific carbon to
chlorine ratio of the chlorocarbon compatibilizer indicating
maximum solubility improvement of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant in
alkylbenzene lubricant.
Example 6
[0093] Chlorocarbon compatibilizers of the present invention were
placed in a suitable container with refrigerant and lubricant and
the temperature lowered until two phases were observed. The
composition in the container was 50 wt % R401A refrigerant, 40 wt %
Suniso 3GS and 10 wt % chlorocarbon compatibilizer. Results are
shown below and in FIG. 6.
Example 6
[0094]
7 Phase Separation Carbon/ Temperature Chlorine Compatibilizer
Formula (.degree. C.) Ratio 3-(chloromethyl)pentane
C.sub.6H.sub.13Cl -25 6 1-chloroheptane C.sub.7H.sub.15Cl -24 7
C.sub.6&C.sub.8 monochlorides, -- -17 6-8 1:2 weight ratio
1,6-dichlorohexane C.sub.6H.sub.12Cl.sub.2 -14 3 1-chlorooctane
C.sub.8H.sub.17Cl -13 8 1-chlorohexane C.sub.6H.sub.13Cl -10 6
3-chloro-3-methylpentane C.sub.6H.sub.13Cl -10 6 1-chlorononane
C.sub.9H.sub.19Cl -7 9
[0095] The data show significantly lower phase separation versus 50
wt % R401A refrigerant/50 wt % Suniso 3GS mineral oil which has a
phase separation temperature of 24.degree. C. The data show that a
minimum phase separation temperature occurs at a specific carbon to
chlorine ratio of the chlorocarbon compatibilizer indicating
maximum solubility of hydrochlorofluorocarbon-containing
refrigerant in mineral oil lubricant.
Example 7
[0096] Amide compatibilizers of the present invention were placed
in a suitable container with refrigerant and lubricant and the
temperature lowered until two phases were observed. The composition
in the container was either HFC-134a or R401A refrigerants, Zerol
150 or Suniso 3GS lubricants, and an amide compatibilizer. Results
are shown below and in FIGS. 7 and 8.
Example 7
[0097]
8 PST (.degree. C.) PST (.degree. C.) 25% Zerol 150 40% 3GS Carbon
25% 10% to Compatibilizer Compatibilizer Oxygen Compatibilizer
Formula 50% HFC-134a 50% R401A Ratio 1-octyl pyrrolidin-2-one
C.sub.12H.sub.23NO -25 -34 12 1-heptyl-5-methylpyrrolidin-2-one
C.sub.12H.sub.23NO -18 -- 12 1-octyl-5-methyl pyrrolidin-2-one
C.sub.13H.sub.25NO -17 -- 13 1-butylcaprolactam C.sub.10H.sub.19NO
-17 -- 10 1-cyclohexylpyrrolidin-2-one C.sub.10H.sub.17NO -15 -27
10 1-butyl-5-methylpiperidone C.sub.10H.sub.19NO -13 -20 10
1-pentyl-5-methyl piperidone C.sub.11H.sub.21NO -10 -25 11 1-hexyl
caprolactam C.sub.12H.sub.23NO -10 -- 12 1-hexyl-5-methylpyrrolidi-
n-2-one C.sub.11H.sub.21NO -10 -- 11 1,3-dimethyl piperidone
C.sub.7H.sub.13NO -9 -- 7 DMPD C.sub.7H.sub.13NO -6 -- 7
1-decyl-2-pyrrolidin-2-one C.sub.14H.sub.27NO -4 -- 14
1,1-dibutylformamide C.sub.9H.sub.19NO -2 -16 9 1-methyl
caprolactam C.sub.7H.sub.13NO -1 -31 7 1-butyl pyrrolidin-2-one
C.sub.8H.sub.15NO -1 -4 8 1-decyl-5-methylpyrrolidin-2-one
C.sub.15H.sub.29NO 2 -- 15 1,5-dimethyl piperidone
C.sub.7H.sub.13NO 2 -15 7 1-dodecyl pyrrolidin-2-one
C.sub.16H.sub.31NO 8 -38 16 1,1-diisopropyl acetamide
C.sub.8H.sub.17NO 13 4 8
[0098] The data show significantly lower phase separation
temperatures for both hydrofluorocarbon and
hydrochlorofluorocarbon-containing refrigerant/lubricant systems
versus 50 wt % HFC-134a/50 wt % Zerol 150 which has a phase
separation temperature of 137.degree. C., and 50 wt % R401A
refrigerant/50 wt % Suniso 3GS which has a phase separation
temperature of 24.degree. C. The minimum phase separation
temperature for amide compatibilizers with HFC-134a and Zerol 150
occurs at a specific carbon to amide oxygen ratio indicating a
maximum solubility improvement for hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants
and alkylbenzene lubricant. The phase separation temperature for
amide compatibilizers with R401A refrigerant and Suniso 3GS mineral
oil lubricant decreases with increasing carbon to amide oxygen
ratio.
Example 8
[0099] Polyoxyalkylene glycol ether compatibilizers of the present
invention were placed in a suitable container with refrigerant and
lubricant and the temperature was lowered until two phases were
observed. The composition in the container was 25 wt % Zerol 150,
25 wt % of compatibilizer and 50% of either HFC-32, HFC-125 or
R410A refrigerants. Results are shown below, and in FIG. 9.
Example 8
[0100]
9 PST with PST with Carbon/ PST with HFC-125 R410A Oxygen
Compatibilizer Formula HFC-32 (.degree. C.) (.degree. C.) (.degree.
C.) Ratio Ethylene glycol dimethyl ether C.sub.4H.sub.10O.sub.2 29
27 12 2.0 Propylene glycol dimethyl ether C.sub.5H.sub.12O.sub.2 23
7 6 2.5 Ethylene glycol diethyl ether C.sub.6H.sub.14O.sub.2 16 3
-1 3.0 Propylene glycol butyl ether C.sub.7H.sub.16O.sub.2 25 2 9
3.5 Butylene glycol n-butyl ether C.sub.8H.sub.18O.sub.2 -- 6 --
4
[0101] The data show an unexpected and generally lower phase
separation temperature when HFC-32 and HFC-125 refrigerants are
combined to form R410A refrigerant versus neat HFC-32 or
HFC-125.
Example 9
[0102] Aryl ether, 1,1,1-trifluoroalkane and fluoroether
compatibilizers of the present invention were placed in a suitable
container with refrigerant and lubricant and the temperature
lowered until two phases were observed. The composition in the
container was 50 wt % HFC-134a refrigerant, 25 wt % Zerol 150
alkylbenzene lubricant and 25 wt % of compatibilizer. Results are
shown below.
Example 9
[0103]
10 PST (.degree. C.) PST (.degree. C.) 25% Zerol 150 40% 3GS 25%
10% Compatibilizer Compatibilizer Compatibilizer Formula 50%
HFC-134a 50% R401A methoxybenzene C.sub.7H.sub.8O 13 --
1,3-dimethoxybenzene C.sub.8H.sub.10O.sub.2 15 -- ethoxybenzene
C.sub.8H.sub.10O 20 -- 1,1,1-trifluorododecane
C.sub.12H.sub.23F.sub.3 27 -28 1,1,1-trifluorohexane
C.sub.6H.sub.11F.sub.3 32 -- C.sub.8H.sub.17OCF.sub.2CF.sub.2H
C.sub.10H.sub.18F.sub.4O 21 -12 C.sub.6H.sub.13OCF.sub.2CF.sub.2H
C.sub.8H.sub.14F.sub.4O 27 -11
[0104] The data show significantly lower phase separation
temperatures for these compatibilizers with both hydrofluorocarbon
and hydrochlorofluorocarbon-containing refrigerants versus 50 wt %
HFC-134a/50 wt % Zerol 150, which has a phase separation
temperature of 137.degree. C., and 50 wt % R401A refrigerant/50 wt
% Suniso 3GS, which has a phase separation temperature of
24.degree. C.
Examples 10-28
[0105] A test tube was filled with 7.5 grams of HFC-43-10mee
(CF.sub.3CF.sub.2CHFCHFCF.sub.3), herein referred to as "4310", and
2.5 grams of selected lubricant. Compatibilizers of the present
invention were added in 1 gram increments to the 4310/lubricant
mixture and the contents of the tube were agitated at 25.degree. C.
Changes in phase levels were recorded and compositions of layers
analyzed by gas chromatography. One gram increments of
compatibilizer were added until the contents of the tube reached
one homogeneous phase. Results are shown below.
Example 10
[0106]
11 Grams of Total Bottom DPM added Composition in Top Layer Layer
Top Layer Bottom Layer to Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt % wt %
0 75.0% 4310 20 35 -- -- 25.0% Zerol 150 1 9.1% DPM 21 41 5% DPM
11% DPM 68.2% 4310 7% 4310 85% 4310 22.7% Zerol 150 88% Zerol 150
4% Zerol 150 2 16.7% DPM 20 49 9% DPM 21% DPM 62.5% 4310 9% 4310
73% 4310 20.8% Zerol 150 82% Zerol 150 6% Zerol 150 3 23.1% DPM 18
59 10% DPM 29% DPM 57.7% 4310 7% 4310 63% 4310 19.2% Zerol 150 83%
Zerol 150 8% Zerol 150 4 28.6% DPM 14 71 18% DPM 35% DPM 53.6% 4310
11% 4310 53% 4310 17.8% Zerol 150 71% Zerol 150 12% Zerol 150 5
33.3% DPM 5 87 24% DPM 37% DPM 50.0% 4310 14% 4310 45% 4310 16.7%
Zerol 150 62% Zerol 150 18% Zerol 150 6 37.5% DPM -- -- one layer
one layer 46.9% 4310 15.6% Zerol 150
Example 11
[0107]
12 Grams of Total Bottom PnB added Composition in Top Layer Layer
Top Layer Bottom Layer to Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt % Wt %
0 75.0% 4310 21 34 -- -- 25.0% Zerol 150 1 9.1% D PnB 23 40 19% PnB
8% PnB 68.2% 4310 15% 4310 89% 4310 22.7% Zerol 150 66% Zerol 150
3% Zerol 150 2 16.7% PnB 25 47 31% PnB 17% PnB 62.5% 4310 25% 4310
79% 4310 20.8% Zerol 150 44% Zerol 150 4% Zerol 150 3 23.1% PnB 23
57 35% PnB 25% PnB 57.7% 4310 35% 4310 69% 4310 19.2% Zerol 150 30%
Zerol 150 6% Zerol 150 4 28.6% PnB -- -- one layer one layer 53.6%
4310 17.8% Zerol 150
Example 12
[0108]
13 Grams of Total Bottom DPnB added Composition in Top Layer Layer
Top Layer Bottom Layer to Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt % Wt %
0 75.0% 4310 21 34 -- -- 25.0% Zerol 150 1 9.1% DPnB 23 40 14% DPnB
7% DPnB 68.2% 4310 13% 4310 88% 4310 22.7% Zerol 150 72% Zerol 150
5% Zerol 150 2 16.7% DPnB 26 45 25% DPnB 15% DPnB 62.5% 4310 18%
4310 79% 4310 20.8% Zerol 150 57% Zerol 150 6% Zerol 150 3 23.1%
DPnB 27 51 35% DPnB 24% DPnB 57.7% 4310 29% 4310 68% 4310 19.2%
Zerol 150 36% Zerol 150 8% Zerol 150 4 28.6% DPnB -- -- one layer
one layer 53.6% 4310 17.8% Zerol 150
Example 13
[0109]
14 Grams of Total Bottom TPnB added Composition in Top Layer Layer
Top Layer Bottom Layer to Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt % Wt %
0 75.0% 4310 21 34 -- -- 25.0% Zerol 150 1 9.1% TPnB 24 40 29% TPnB
6% TPnB 68.2% 4310 23% 4310 93% 4310 22.7% Zerol 150 48% Zerol 150
1% Zerol 150 2 16.7% TPnB 27 44 33% TPnB 14% TPnB 62.5% 4310 25%
4310 84% 4310 20.8% Zerol 150 42% Zerol 150 2% Zerol 150 3 23.1%
TPnB 30 48 32% TPnB 19% TPnB 57.7% 4310 33% 4310 77% 4310 19.2%
Zerol 150 35% Zerol 150 4% Zerol 150 4 28.6% TPnB -- -- one layer
one layer 53.6% 4310 17.8% Zerol 150
Example 14
[0110]
15 Grams of Total Bottom PnP added to Composition in Top Layer
Layer Top Layer Bottom Layer Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt %
Wt % 0 75.0% 4310 21 34 -- -- 25.0% Zerol 150 1 9.1% PnP 21 41 17%
PnP 9% PnP 68.2% 4310 15% 4310 89% 4310 22.7% Zerol 150 68% Zerol
150 2% Zerol 150 2 16.7% PnP 23 48 27% PnP 18% PnP 62.5% 4310 22%
4310 74% 4310 20.8% Zerol 150 51% Zerol 150 8% Zerol 150 3 23.1%
PnP 20 29 29% PnP 26% PnP 57.7% 4310 25% 4310 68% 4310 19.2% Zerol
150 46% Zerol 150 6% Zerol 150 4 28.6% PnP -- -- one layer one
layer 53.6% 4310 17.8% Zerol 150
Example 15
[0111]
16 Grams of Total Bottom DPnP added Composition in Top Layer Layer
Top Layer Bottom Layer to Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt % Wt %
0 75.0% 4310 21 34 -- -- 25.0% Zerol 150 1 9.1% DPnP 22 41 8% DPnP
8% DPnP 68.2% 4310 7% 4310 87% 4310 22.7% Zerol 150 85% Zerol 150
5% Zerol 150 2 16.7% DPnP 23 27 16% DPnP 17% DPnP 62.5% 4310 12%
4310 76% 4310 20.8% Zerol 150 72% Zerol 150 7% Zerol 150 3 23.1%
DPnP 22 56 27% DPnP 24% DPnP 57.7% 4310 19% 4310 67% 4310 19.2%
Zerol 150 54% Zerol 150 9% Zerol 150 4 28.6% DPnP -- -- one layer
one layer 53.6% 4310 17.8% Zerol 150
Example 16
[0112]
17 Grams of Total Bottom DMM added Composition in Top Layer Layer
Top Layer Bottom Layer to Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt % Wt %
0 75.0% 4310 21 34 -- -- 25.0% Zerol 150 1 9.1% DMM 22 40 8% DMM 9%
DMM 68.2% 4310 11% 4310 90% 4310 22.7% Zerol 150 81% Zerol 150 1%
Zerol 150 2 16.7% DMM 23 47 16% DMM 16% DMM 62.5% 4310 14% 4310 82%
4310 20.8% Zerol 150 70% Zerol 150 2% Zerol 150 3 23.1% DMM 22 55
24% DMM 21% DMM 57.7% 4310 21% 4310 72% 4310 19.2% Zerol 150 55%
Zerol 150 7% Zerol 150 4 28.6% DMM 4 81 33% DMM 29% DMM 53.6% 4310
37% 4310 55% 4310 17.8% Zerol 150 30% Zerol 150 16% Zerol 150 5
33.3% DMM -- -- one layer one layer 50.0% 4310 16.7% Zerol 150
Example 17
[0113] In this example, DIP=equal parts by weight of PnB, DPnB and
Isopar H.
18 Total Bottom Grams of DIP Composition in Top Layer Layer Top
Layer Bottom Layer added to Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt % Wt
% 0 75.0% 4310 21 34 -- -- 25.0% Zerol 150 1 3.0% PnB 26 37 6% PnB
3% PnB 3.0% 16% 1% Isopar(R)H Isopar(R)H Isopar(R)H 3% DPnB 3.0%
DPnB 6% DPnB 91% 4310 68.2% 4310 17% 4310 2% Zerol 150 22.7% Zerol
150 55% Zerol 150 2 5.6% PnB 30 41 11% PnB 5% PnB 5.6% 24% 2%
Isopar(R)H Isopar(R)H Isopar(R)H 5% DPnB 5.6% DPnB 11% DPnB 86%
4310 62.5% 4310 29% 4310 2% Zerol 150 20.8% Zerol 150 25% Zerol 150
3 7.7% PnB 36 43 11% PnB 7% PnB 7.7% 19% 4% Isopar(R)H Isopar(R)H
Isopar(R)H 8% DPnB 7.7% DPnB 11% DPnB 77% 4310 57.7% 4310 29% 4310
4% Zerol 150 19.2% Zerol 150 30% Zerol 150 4 9.5% PnB 44 44 10% PnB
9% PnB 9.5% 14% 7% Isopar(R)H Isopar(R)H Isopar(R)H 10% DPnB 9.5%
DPnB 11% DPnB 64% 4310 53.6% 4310 30% 4310 10% Zerol 150 17.8%
Zerol 150 35% Zerol 150 5 11.1% PnB -- -- one layer one layer 11.1%
Isopar(R)H 11.1% DPnB 50.0% 4310 16.7% Zerol 150
Example 18
[0114] In this example, 2-heptanone is referred to as "A".
19 Total Bottom Grams of A Composition in Top Layer Layer Top Layer
Bottom Layer added to Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt % Wt % 0
75.0% 4310 19 34 25.0% 3GS 1 9.1% A 20 42 3.2% A 9.8% A 68.2% 4310
3.2% 4310 86.4% 4310 22.7% 3GS 92.9% 3GS 3.8% 3GS 2 16.7% A 19 52
7.6% A 16.9% A 62.5% 4310 6.7% 4310 77.7% 4310 20.8% 3GS 85.7% 3GS
5.4% 3GS 3 23.1% A 15 64 10.8% A 23.2% A 57.7% 4310 10.6% 4310
63.7% 4310 19.2% 3GS 78.6% 3GS 13.1% 3GS 4 28.6% A one layer one
layer 53.6% 4310 17.8% 3GS
Example 19
[0115] In this example, 5-methyl-2-hexanone is referred to as
"A".
20 Grams of A added to Total Composition Heights of both
Composition-top Composition - Tube in Tube layer layer bottom layer
0 75% 4310 Top - 19 mm -- -- 25% 3GS Bottom - 34 mm 1 9.1% A Top -
21 mm, clear 3.0% A 10.3% A 68.2% 4310 Bottom - 42 mm, 3.4% 4310
87.9% 4310 22.7% 3GS clear 93.6% 3GS 1.8% 3GS 2 16.7% A Top - 19
mm, clear 8.9% A 18.2% A 62.5% 4310 Bottom - 51 mm, 6.9% 4310 78.6%
4310 20.8% 3GS clear 84.2% 3GS 3.2% 3GS 3 23.1% A Top - 16 mm,
clear 10.8% A 23.7% A 57.7% 4310 Bottom - 62 mm, 7.9% 4310 62.9%
4310 19.2% 3GS clear 81.3% 3GS 13.4% 3GS 4 28.6% A Top - 10 mm,
clear 13.6% A 25.8% A 53.6% 4310 Bottom - 78 mm, 9.9% 4310 59.2%
4310 17.8% 3GS clear 76.5% 3GS 15.0% 3GS 4.5 31.0% A Top - 3 mm,
clear 27.0% A 29.8% A 51.7% 4310 Bottom - 90 mm, 14.1% 4310 50.0%
4310 17.3% 3GS clear 58.9% 3GS 20.2% 3GS 5 33.3% A Clear one layer
- -- -- 50.0% 4310 97 mm 16.7% 3GS
Example 20
[0116]
21 Grams of Total Bottom Isopar H added Composition in Top Layer
Layer Top Layer Bottom Layer to Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt
% Wt % 0 75.0% 4310 19 34 -- -- 25.0% 3GS 1 9.1% 29 34 31.4% 5.4%
Isopar(R)H Isopar(R)H Isopar(R)H 68.2% 4310 0.4% 4310 93.9% 4310
22.7% 3GS 68.2% 3GS 0.7% 3GS 2 16.7% 37 34 45.7% 8.2% Isopar(R)H
Isopar(R)H Isopar(R)H 62.5% 4310 1.0% 4310 90.7% 4310 20.8% 3GS
53.3% 3GS 1.0% 3GS 3 23.1% 46 34 56.8% 9.5% Isopar(R)H Isopar(R)H
Isopar(R)H 57.7% 4310 1.9% 4310 89.6% 4310 19.2% 3GS 41.3% 3GS 0.9%
3GS 4 28.6% 57 33 62.9% 10.5% Isopar(R)H Isopar(R)H Isopar(R)H
53.6% 4310 2.9% 4310 88.6% 4310 17.8% 3GS 34.2% 3GS 0.9% 3GS 5
33.3% 66 33 69.0% 11.6% Isopar(R)H Isopar(R)H Isopar(R)H 50.0% 4310
3.3% 4310 87.7% 4310 16.7% 3GS 27.7% 3GS 0.7% 3GS 10 Never Reached
-- -- -- -- one phase
Example 21
[0117] In this example, PDD=equal parts by weight of PnB, DMM
and
22 Total Bottom Grams of PDD Composition in Top Layer Layer Top
Layer Bottom Layer added to Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt % Wt
% 0 75.0% 4310 21 34 -- -- 25.0% Zero 150 1 3.0% PnB 23 39 5% PnB
3% PnB 3.0% DMM 4% DMM 3% DMM 3.0% DPnB 5% DPnB 3% DPnB 68.2% 4310
14% 4310 87% 4310 22.7% Zerol 150 72% Zerol 150 4% Zerol 150 2 5.6%
PnB 24 46 6% PnB 6% PnB 5.6% DMM 5% DMM 6% DMM 5.6% DPnB 6% DPnB 6%
DPnB 62.5% 4310 15% 4310 76% 4310 20.8% Zerol 150 68% Zerol 150 6%
Zerol 150 3 7.7% PnB 23 55 11% PnB 8% PnB 7.7% DMM 10% DMM 9% DMM
7.7% DPnB 11% DPnB 8% DPnB 57.7% 4310 24% 4310 63% 4310 19.2% Zerol
150 44% Zerol 150 12% Zerol 150 4 11.1% PnB -- -- one layer one
layer 11.1% DMM 11.1% DPnB 50.0% 4310 16.7% Zerol 150
Example 22
[0118] In this example, DDN=equal parts by weight of DPnB, DMM and
Naptha 140 ("N140").
23 Total Bottom Grams of DDN Composition in Top Layer Layer Top
Layer Bottom Layer added to Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt % Wt
% 0 75.0% 4310 21 34 -- -- 25.0% Zerol 150 1 3.0% DPnB 25 38 3%
DPnB 3% DPnB 3.0% DMM 3% DMM 3% DMM 3.0% N140 9% N140 <1% N140
68.2% 4310 8% 4310 93% 4310 22.7% Zerol 150 77% Zerol 150 1% Zerol
150 2 5.6% DPnB 29 42 7% DPnB 5% DPnB 5.6% DMM 6% DMM 5% DMM 5.6%
N140 16% N140 1% N140 62.5% 4310 12% 4310 87% 4310 20.8% Zerol 150
59% Zerol 150 2% Zerol 150 3 7.7% DPnB 34 45 9% DPnB 7% DPnB 7.7%
DMM 8% DMM 8% DMM 7.7% N140 19% N140 3% N140 57.7% 4310 17% 4310
80% 4310 19.2% Zerol 150 47% Zerol 150 2% Zerol 150 4 9.5% DPnB 39
48 10% DPnB 9% DPnB 9.5% DMM 9% DMM 10% DMM 9.5% N140 18% N140 5%
N140 53.6% 4310 23% 4310 70% 4310 17.8% Zerol 150 40% Zerol 150 6%
Zerol 150 5 11.1% DPnB 43 52 11% DPnB 11% DPnB 11.1% DMM 11% DMM
11% DMM 11.1% N140 15% N140 9% N140 50.0% 4310 39% 4310 58% 4310
16.7% Zerol 150 24% Zerol 150 11% Zerol 150 6 12.5% DPnB -- -- One
Layer One Layer 12.5% DMM 12.5% N140 46.9% 4310 15.6% Zerol 150
Example 23
[0119] In this example, DDA=equal parts by weight of DPnB, DMM and
Aromatic 150 ("A150").
24 Total Bottom Grams of DDA Composition in Top Layer Layer Top
Layer Bottom Layer added to Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt % Wt
% 0 75.0% 4310 21 34 -- -- 25.0% Zerol 150 1 3.0% DPnB 24 38 5%
DPnB 2% DPnB 3.0% DMM 4% DMM 2% DMM 3.0% A150 13% A150 1% A150
68.2% 4310 18% 4310 93% 4310 22.7% Zerol 150 60% Zerol 150 2% Zerol
150 2 5.6% DPnB 28 42 6% DPnB 5% DPnB 5.6% DMM 5% DMM 5% DMM 5.6%
A150 12% A150 2% A150 62.5% 4310 17% 4310 86% 4310 20.8% Zerol 150
60% Zerol 150 2% Zerol 150 3 7.7% DPnB 32 46 11% DPnB 7% DPnB 7.7%
DMM 10% DMM 8% DMM 7.7% A150 20% A150 4% A150 57.7% 4310 36% 4310
77% 4310 19.2% Zerol 150 23% Zerol 150 4% Zerol 150 4 9.5% DPnB 35
51 12% DPnB 9% DPnB 9.5% DMM 12% DMM 9% DMM 9.5% A150 18% A150 7%
A150 53.6% 4310 40% 4310 68% 4310 17.8% Zerol 150 18% Zerol 150 7%
Zerol 150 5 11.1% DPnB -- -- One Layer One Layer 11.1% DMM 11.1%
A150 50.0% 4310 16.7% Zerol 150
Example 24
[0120] In this example, PD=2 parts by wt PnB, 1 part DPnB.
25 Total Bottom Grams of PD Composition in Top Layer Layer Top
Layer Bottom Layer added to Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt % Wt
% 0 75.0% 4310 21 34 -- -- 25.0% Zerol 150 1 9.1% PD 23 39 8% PnB
5% PnB 68.2% 4310 4% DPnB 2% DPnB 22.7% Zerol 150 12% 4310 91% 4310
76% Zerol 150 2% Zerol 150 2 16.7% PD 25 44 14% PnB 10% PnB 62.5%
4310 7% DPnB 5% DPnB 20.8% Zerol 150 20% 4310 82% 4310 59% Zerol
150 3% Zerol 150 3 23.1% PD 26 52 24% PnB 15% PnB 57.7% 4310 11%
DPnB 7% DPnB 19.2% Zerol 150 43% 4310 70% 4310 22% Zerol 150 8%
Zerol 150 4 28.6% PD -- -- one layer one layer 50.0% 4310 16.7%
Zerol 150
Example 25
[0121] In this example, PD=2 parts by wt PnB, 1 part DPnB.
26 Total Bottom Grams of PD Composition in Top Layer Layer Top
Layer Bottom Layer added to Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt % Wt
% 0 75.0% 4310 21 34 -- -- 25.0% 3GS 1 9.1% PD 21 41 7% PnB 5% PnB
68.2% 4310 4% DPnB 2% DPnB 22.7% 3GS 10% 4310 91% 4310 79% 3GS 2%
3GS 2 16.7% PD 21 48 16% PnB 11% PnB 62.5% 4310 8% DPnB 5% DPnB
20.8% 3GS 18% 4310 81% 4310 58% 3GS 3% 3GS 3 23.1% PD 20 57 17% PnB
15% PnB 57.7% 4310 9% DPnB 8% DPnB 19.2% 3GS 18% 4310 71% 4310 56%
3GS 6% 3GS 4 28.6% PD 16 69 18% PnB 17% PnB 50.0% 4310 9% DPnB 9%
DPnB 16.7% 3GS 19% 4310 65% 4310 54% 3GS 9% 3GS 5 33.3% PD -- --
one layer one layer 50.0% 4310 16.7% 3GS
Example 26
[0122] In this example, PD=2 parts by wt PnB, 1 part DPnB.
27 Total Bottom Grams of PD Composition in Top Layer Layer Top
Layer Bottom Layer added to Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt % Wt
% 0 75.0% 4310 21 34 -- -- 25.0% HAB22 1 9.1% PD 23 39 7% PnB 5%
PnB 68.2% 4310 4% DPnB 2% DPnB 22.7% HAB22 14% 4310 91% 4310 75%
HAB22 2% HAB22 2 16.7% PD 25 45 15% PnB 11% PnB 62.5% 4310 7% DPnB
5% DPnB 20.8% HAB22 28% 4310 78% 4310 50% HAB22 6% HAB22 3 23.1% PD
-- -- One Layer One Layer 57.7% 4310 19.2% HAB22
Example 27
[0123]
28 Grams of Total Bottom DMPD added Composition in Top Layer Layer
Top Layer Bottom Layer to Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt % Wt %
0 75.0% 4310 21 35 -- -- 25.0% Zerol 150 1 9.1% 1,5-DMPD 20 42 3%
1,5-DMPD 9% 1,5-DMPD 68.2% 4310 13% 4310 89% 4310 22.7% Zerol 150
84% Zerol 150 2% Zerol 150 2 16.7% 1,5- 18 52 9% 1,5-DMPD 18% 1,5-
DMPD 18% 4310 DMPD 62.5% 4310 73% Zerol 150 77% 4310 20.8% Zerol
150 5% Zerol 150 3 23.1% 1,5- 8 68 14% 1,5- 24% 1,5- DMPD DMPD DMPD
57.7% 4310 25% 4310 63% 4310 19.2% Zerol 150 61% Zerol 150 13%
Zerol 150 4 28.6% 1,5- -- -- One Layer One Layer DMPD 50.0% 4310
16.7% Zerol 150
Example 28
[0124]
29 Total Bottom Grams of OP Composition in Top Layer Layer Top
Layer Bottom Layer added to Tube Tube Height, mm Height, mm wt % Wt
% 0 75.0% 4310 21 34 -- -- 25.0% Zerol 1 9.1% OP 22 40 7.8% OP 6.4%
OP 68.2% 4310 16.3% 4310 91.5% 4310 22.7% Zerol 75.9% Zerol 2.1%
Zerol 150 150 150 2 16.7% OP 19 51 14.7% OP 13.4% OP 62.5% 4310
32.6% 4310 79.3% 4310 20.8% Zerol 52.7% Zerol 7.3% Zerol 150 150
150 3 23.1% OP -- -- One Layer One Layer 57.7% 4310 19.2% Zerol
150
[0125] Results show compatibilizers of the present invention
improve the solubility between hydrofluorocarbons and conventional
lubricants by drawing significant amounts of refrigerant (4310)
into the lubricant phase (top layer), and lubricant (3GS or Zerol
150) into the refrigerant phase (bottom layer). The compatibilizers
improve solubility significantly better than Isopar.RTM. H alone,
which never reached one phase. The combination of PnB, DPNB and
Isopar H surprisingly draws more 4310 into the lubricant phase
(17%) than either PnB, DPnB or Isopar H alone (15%, 13% and 0.4%)
respectively after one gram is added. A most preferred
compatibilizer by this method is I-octyl pyrrolidin-2-one, which
required only 3 grams to reach one layer with Zerol 150
alkylbenzene lubricant.
[0126] Hexylene glycol was also tested as comparative data with
HFC-4310mee and Zerol 150 but the solution remained two layers even
after 10 grams of hexylene glycol was added.
Example 29
[0127] Lubricant return was tested in an lubricant-return apparatus
as follows. Liquid refrigerant was fed from a pressurized cylinder
through copper tubing to a heater where it was vaporized. The
refrigerant vapor then passed through a pressure regulator and
metering valve to control flow at a constant rate of 1,100 cc per
minute and 101 kPa (1 atmosphere) pressure. The refrigerant vapor
was fed to another copper tube 180 cm in length and 0.635 cm outer
diameter formed into a U-shape and placed in a constant temperature
bath. The U-shaped tube (U-tube) began with a straight vertical
section 37 cm long then bent to a horizontal section 27 cm long at
the bottom of the bath. The tube then rose vertically in a zigzag
pattern with four 23 cm lengths, followed by another vertical
straight section 23 cm long. The U-tube was filled with 10 grams of
lubricant, optionally containing compatibilizer, which was added to
the U-tube through the 37 cm vertical tube. Vapor refrigerant
passed slowly through the lubricant in the U-tube. Refrigerant and
lubricant exiting the U-tube was collected in a receiver and then
the refrigerant allowed to evaporate from the lubricant. Lubricant
was then weighed to determine how much lubricant was carried out of
the U-tube by the refrigerant.
[0128] Refrigerant R407C was placed in the refrigerant cylinder.
Suniso 3GS mineral oil, or Suniso 3GS oil and compatibilizers of
the present invention were placed in the copper U-tube, wherein the
combined lubricant and compatibilizer equaled 10 grams. The
constant temperature bath was held at a temperature of -20.degree.
C. Refrigerant R407C vapor was fed through the U-tube at a flow
rate of 1,100 cubic centimeters per minute and weight of lubricant
in the receiver measured at 6, 10, and 20 minute time intervals.
Data are shown below.
Example 29
[0129]
30 Lubricant Composition in Wt % Lubricant Returned U-tube 6 Min 10
Min 20 Min 6% 5-methyl-2-hexanone in 11.3 18.1 26.2 3GS 6%
2-Heptanone in 3GS 12.7 20.0 28.1 Comparative Data POE 22 9.3 20.0
29.6 3GS 0 0 0 6% Isopar(R)H in 3GS 0 7.9 17.0
[0130] Results show the addition of 2-heptanone and
5-methyl-2-hexanone ketone compatibilizers to 3GS mineral oil shows
significant improvement in lubricant return versus neat 3GS or
Isopar H in 3GS.
Example 30
[0131] The apparatus and procedure of Example 29 was used to test
refrigerant HFC-134a with Zerol 150 alkylbenzene lubricant, with
and without compatibilizers. Results are shown below:
Example 30
[0132]
31 Lubricant Composition in Wt % Lubricant Returned U-tube 6 Min 10
Min 20 Min 10% PnB/5% DPnB in Zerol 15 24 34 150 10% PnB/5% DPnB/2%
Syn- 17 25 36 0-Ad 8478*** in Zerol 150 10% PnB/5% DPnB/0.5% 16 25
36 BHT in Zerol 150 10% PnB/5% DPnB/1.5% n- 23 29 36 pentane in
Zerol 150 10% PnB/5% DPnB/1.5% n- 21 30 39 octane in Zerol 150 10%
PnB/5% DPnB/15% 15 27 38 PVE 32 in Zerol 150 Comparative Data POE
22 16 27 36 Zerol 150 0 0 3 15% Ucon LB-65* in Zerol 0 4 19 150 15%
Ucon 50-HB-100** in 0 0 7 Zerol 150 *Ucon LB-65 is a
polyoxyproplyene glycol lubricant sold by Union Carbide with an
average molecular weight of about 340. **Ucon 50-HB-100 is a
lubricant containing equal amounts of oxyethylene and oxpropylene
groups sold by Union Carbide with an average molecular weight of
about 520 ***Syn-0-Ad 8478 is an alkylated triaryl phosphate ester
produced by Akzo Chemicals
[0133] Results show addition of polyoxyalkylene glycol ether
compatibilizers, optionally with additional additives such as
antiwear agents or hydrocarbons, significantly improve lubricant
return of alkylbenzene lubricant and provide performance equivalent
to POE 22 polyol ester lubricant. The comparative data shows higher
molecular weight polyoxypropylene lubricants do not provide
acceptable lubricant return.
Example 31
[0134] The apparatus and procedure of Example 29 was used to test
refrigerant R404A with Zerol 150 alkyl benzene lubricant, with and
without compatibilizers versus POE22 polyol ester lubricant.
Results are shown below.
Example 31
[0135]
32 Wt % Wt % Lubricant Lubricant Wt % Lubricant Lubricant
Composition in U-tube Returned 6 Min Returned 10 Min Returned 20
Min 35% 1-octyl pyrrolidin-2-one in Zerol 150 26 36 45 12% DMM in
Zerol 150 18 26 35 6% DMM/12% 1-octyl pyrrolidin-2-one/2% 13 23 34
Synergol in Zerol 150 20% 1,1-dibutyl formamide in Zerol 150 10 18
29 20% 1-methyl caprolactam in Zerol 150 12 24 36 17%
1,3-dimethyoxybenzene in Zerol 150 17 24 35 Comparative Data POE 22
0 5 17 Zerol 150 0 0 <1
[0136] Results show addition of compatibilizers of the present
invention to Zerol 150 provide significantly improved lubricant
return versus polyol ester lubricant POE 22 polyol ester
lubricant.
Example 32
[0137] The apparatus and procedure of Example 29 was used to test
refrigerant HFC-134a with Zerol 150 alkyl benzene lubricant, with
and without compatibilizers versus POE 22 polyol ester lubricant.
Results are shown below.
Example 32
[0138]
33 Wt % Wt % Lubricant Lubricant Wt % Lubricant Lubricant
Composition in U-tube Returned 6 Min Returned 10 Min Returned 20
Min 15% Cycloheptanone/1% Orange* in Zerol 27 35 42 150 15%
2-Nonanone/1% Orange* in Zerol 150 33 40 46 15% Diisobutyl
ketone/1% Cinnamon* in 31 37 43 Zerol 150 20% DMPD in Zerol 150 32
38 44 20% Propylene glycol tert-butyl ether in 25 32 38 Zerol 150
15% cyanoheptane in Zerol 150 32 39 47 Comparative Data POE 22 19
29 37 Zerol 150 0 0 7 *"Orange" and "Cinnamon" are fragrances sold
by Intercontinental Fragrance
[0139] Results show addition of compatibilizers of the present
invention to Zerol 150 provide lubricant return comparable to POE
22 polyol ester lubricant.
Example 33
[0140] The apparatus and procedure of Example 29 was used to test
refrigerant R401A with Suniso 3GS mineral oil lubricant, with and
without compatibilizers versus neat Zerol 150. Results are shown
below.
Example 33
[0141]
34 Wt % Wt % Lubricant Lubricant Wt % Lubricant Lubricant
Composition in U-tube Returned 6 Min Returned 10 Min Returned 20
Min 10% Chlorooctane in 3GS 25 36 46 15% Chlorooctane in 3GS 35 43
50 Comparative Data Zerol 150 0 12 38 3GS 0 0 5
[0142] Results show the addition of compatibilizers of the present
invention to Suniso 3GS provide improved lubricant return versus
Zerol 150.
Example 34
[0143] The apparatus and procedure of Example 29 was used to test
refrigerant R410A with Zerol 150 alkyl benzene lubricant, with and
without compatibilizers versus POE 22 polyol ester lubricant.
Results are shown below.
Example 34
[0144]
35 Wt % Wt % Lubricant Lubricant Wt % Lubricant Lubricant
Composition in U-tube Returned 6 Min Returned 10 Min Returned 20
Min 15% PnB in Zerol 150 15 26 33 15% DPnB in Zerol 150 9 17 26 15%
TPnB in Zerol 150 0 10 19 15% PnP in Zerol 150 15 22 32 5% PnB/5%
DPnB/5% Isopar H in 12 19 29 Zerol 150 5% PnB/5% DPnB/5% Aromatic
150 in 15 23 33 Zerol 150 Comparative Data POE 22 0 11 22 Zerol 150
0 0 1 15% Propylene Glycol in Zerol 150 * * * 15% Dipropylene
glycol in Zerol 150 * * * 15% Ucon 50-HB100** in Zerol 150 0 0 6
*Not soluble in Zerol .RTM. 150 **Polyalkylene glycol lubricant
sold by Union Carbide with oxyethylene and oxypropylene groups with
an average molecular weight of 520
[0145] Results show use of compatibilizers of the present invention
in Zerol 150 provide comparable to improved lubricant return versus
POE 22 polyol ester lubricant.
Example 35-36
[0146] Tests were conducted to determine if refrigerant R410A could
be used in an HCFC-22 Carrier heat pump (Model Tech 2000), using
Zerol 150 alkylbenzene lubricant and compatibilizers of the present
invention. The heat pump was outfitted with an R410A Copeland
scroll compressor (ZP32K3E R-410) equipped with a sight glass and
level tube in the lubricant sump. The fan-coil unit was installed
in the indoor room of an environmental chamber and the outdoor unit
was installed in the outdoor room. The two units were connected by
1.59 cm (5/8-inch) outer diameter copper tubing in the suction line
and by 1.27 cm (1/2-inch) outer diameter copper tubing in the
liquid line. The system was charged with 3,180 grams of refrigerant
and 1,110 grams of lubricant containing compatibilizer. Refrigerant
R410A with polyol ester lubricant was used as a baseline for
comparison. Tests were conducted at ASHRAE cooling and low
temperature heating conditions. For cooling the indoor room was
controlled at 26.7.degree. C. (80.degree. F.) and 50% relative
humidity, the outdoor room at 27.8.degree. C. (82.degree. F.) and
40% relative humidity. For low temperature heating, the indoor room
was controlled at 21.1.degree. C. (70.degree. F.) and 57% relative
humidity, the outdoor room at -8.3.degree. C. (17.degree. F.) and
60% relative humidity. Results from refrigerant side measurements
are shown below.
Example 35
Cooling Test
[0147]
36 Vol % Lubricant Capacity Lost From kB.t.u./hr Lubricant
Composition Sump (cm) (kW) EER 15% PnB in Zerol 150 15% 2.91
(0.852) 11.29 20% PnB in Zerol 200TD 14% 2.90 (0.849) 11.30 20%
DPnB in Zerol 150 20% 2.90 (0.849) 11.28 10% PnB/5% DPnB in Zerol
18% 2.93 (0.858) 11.61 150 10% PnB/5% DPnB in HAB22 18% 3.00
(0.878) 11.50 10% PnB/5% DPnB in 3GS 26% 2.92 (0.855) 11.08 18%
PnB/10% DPnB in 4GS 23% 2.88 (0.843) 11.03 10% PnB/5% DPnB/15% 26%
2.92 (0.855) 11.14 HAB22 in 3GS 5% PnB/5% DPnB/5% Isopar 18% 2.94
(0.861) 11.48 H in Zerol 150 3% PnB/8% DPnB/4% 23% 2.95 (0.864)
11.25 Aromatic 150 in Zerol 150 4% PnB/7% DPnB/4% DMM 20% 2.97
(0.870) 11.32 in Zerol 150 10% PnB/5% DPnB/1.5% 20% 3.10 (0.908)
11.70 Pentane in Zerol 150 10% PnB/5% DPnB/15% PVE 22% 3.00 (0.878)
11.67 32 in Zerol 150 10% PnB/5% DPnB/15% PVE 20% 2.95 (0.864)
11.40 32 in 3GS 7% PnB/7% DPnB/7% TPnB 26% 2.92 (0.855) 11.18 in
3GS 15% BnB in 3GS 33% 2.91 (0.852) 11.17 20% PTB in 3GS 27% 2.92
(0.855) 11.28 10% PnB/5% DPnB/2.5% 15% 2.96 (0.867) 11.41 BTPP in
Zerol 150 Comparative Data POE 22 10% 2.98 (0.873) 11.70 POE 32 12%
2.97 (0.870) 11.48 Zerol 150 30% 2.86 (0.838) 10.97 Suniso 3GS 40%
2.86 (0.838) 10.82
Example 36
Low Temperature Heating Tests
[0148]
37 Sump Lubricant Capacity Lubricant Composition Level (cm)
kB.t.u/hr (kW) EER 10% PnB/5% DPnB in 4.6 20.2 (5.92) 8.38 Zerol
150 3% PnB/8% DPnB/4% 4.4 20.4 (5.97) 8.45 Aromatic 150 in Zerol
150 10% PnB/5% DPnB in 4.9 20.4 (5.97) 8.42 HAB22 10% PnB/5%
DPnB/2% 5.7 20.1 (5.89) 8.37 BTPP in Zerol 150 15% PVE32/10% 4.6
19.9 (5.83) 8.30 PnB/5% DPnB in 3GS 5% PnB/5% DPnB/5% 4.7 20.2
(5.92) 8.35 Isopar H in Zerol 150 Comparative Data POE 22 5.5 20.0
(5.86) 8.35 Zerol 150 4.3 19.3 (5.65) 8.00
[0149] Results show significant increases in lubricant return,
energy efficiency and capacity when compatibilizers are added to
Zerol 150, Suniso 3GS or 4GS and several cases with performance
equivalent to or superior than polyol esters. There is also
significant EER improvement during heating.
Example 37
[0150] The apparatus and procedure of Example 32 was used to test
R410A refrigerant with compatibilizers of the present invention.
Results for cooling are in the table below.
Example 37
[0151]
38 Sump Capacity Lubricant kB.t.u./hr Lubricant Composition Level
(cm) (kW) EER 10% PnB/5% DPnB in Zerol 5.00 3.01 (0.882) 11.71 150
10% PnB/5% DPnB/1.5% 4.95 3.04 (0.890) 11.98 Pentane in Zerol 150
Comparative Data POE 22 5.72 3.09 (0.905) 12.04 1.5% Pentane in
Zerol 150 4.40 2.93 (0.858) 11.23
[0152] The data show that using only pentane provides inadequate
lubricant return, capacity and energy efficiency. PnB/DPnB as
compatibilizer provides increased performance and a combination
PnB/DPnB/pentane as compatibilizer provides the best overall
performance, including comparable EER with polyol ester lubricant
POE22.
Example 38
[0153] The apparatus and procedure of Example 32 was used to test
R410A refrigerant with compatibilizers of the present invention. In
this test, however, the HCFC-22 evaporator was replaced with and
R410A evaporator. Results for cooling are below.
Example 38
[0154]
39 Sump Lubricant Capacity Level kB.t.u./hr Lubricant Composition
(cm) (kW) EER 10% 2-heptanone/1% orange* in 5.33 3.17 (0.928) 11.87
Zerol 150 15% 2-nonanone/1% cinnamon* in 5.60 3.15 (0.923) 11.89
Zerol 150 20% DMPD in Zerol 150 5.70 3.15 (0.923) 11.92 10% PnB/10%
DMPD in Zerol 5.50 3.16 (0.925) 11.94 150 20% 1,5-DMPD in Zerol 150
5.90 3.14 (0.920) 11.97 Comparative Data POE 22 6.80 3.35 (0.981)
12.55 Zerol 150 4.27 3.07 (0.899) 11.30 *"Orange" and "Cinnamon"
are fragrances sold by Intercontinental Fragrance
[0155] The data shows a significant improvement in capacity, energy
efficiency and lubricant return using compatibilizers versus neat
Zerol 150, even though the system had an HCFC-22 condenser and an
R410A evaporator.
Example 39
[0156] Tests were conducted to determine if R410A refrigerant could
be used in an R410A heat pump using Zerol 150 alkylbenzene
lubricant and compatibilizers. The heat pump was outfitted a sight
glass and level tube in the lubricant sump. The fan-coil unit was
installed in the indoor room of an environmental chamber and the
outdoor unit was installed in the outdoor room. The two units were
connected by 1.59 cm (5/8-inch) outer diameter copper tubing in the
suction line and by 1.27 cm (1/2-inch) outer diameter copper tubing
in the liquid line. The system was charged with 3,860 grams of
refrigerant and 1270 ml of lubricant containing compatibilizers of
the present invention. Refrigerant R410A with POE 22 polyol ester
lubricant was used as a baseline for comparison. Tests were
conducted at ASHRAE cooling conditions. For cooling the indoor room
was controlled at 26.7.degree. C. (80.degree. F.) and 50% relative
humidity, the outdoor room at 27.8.degree. C. (82.degree. F.) and
40% relative humidity. Results from refrigerant side measurements
are shown below.
Example 39
Cooling Test
[0157]
40 Vol % Lubricant Capacity Lost From kB.t.u./hr Lubricant
Composition Sump (cm) (kW) EER 10% PnB/5% DPnB in Zerol 16% 3.04
(0.890) 12.59 150 10% PnB/5% DPnB/in Zerol 17% 3.05 (0.893) 12.67
150 with R410A + 0.5% pentane 10% PnB/5% DPnB in Zerol 23% 3.03
(0.887) 13.06 150 with R410A + 0.5% 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane
10% PnB/5% DPnB in Zerol 19% 3.04 () 13.11 150 with R410A + 0.5%
1,1- dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane 12% DMM in Zerol 150 20% 3.04
(0.890) 12.88 11% Diisobutyl ketone/1% 21% 3.02 (0.884) 12.99
orange** in Zerol 150 11% 2-Nonanone/1% 20% 3.03 (0.887) 13.02
cinnamon** in Zerol 150 20% 1-octyl-pyrrolidin-2-one 18% 3.07
(0.899) 13.35 in Zerol 150 45% 1-octyl-pyrrolidin-2-one 13% 3.09
(0.905) 13.50 in Zerol 150 20% N-methylcaprolactam in 21% 3.11
(0.911) 13.56 Zerol 150 Comparative Data POE 22 10% 3.09 (0.905)
13.54 Zerol 150* 38% 2.96 (0.867) 12.43 *Zerol 150 test was stopped
before completion - compressor sump lubricant level became too low
**"Orange" and "Cinnamon" are fragrances sold by Intercontinental
Fragrance
[0158] Results show improved lubricant return, capacity and
efficiency when compatibilizers of the present invention are added
to Zerol 150. Use of 1-octyl pyrrolidin-2-one amide compatibilizer
shows performance equivalent to the POE 22 polyol ester lubricant
baseline.
Example 40
[0159] Tests were conducted to determine if HFC-134a refrigerant
could be used in a domestic refrigerator (Whirlpool 21 cubic foot)
using conventional lubricants Zerol 150 or Suniso 3GS and
compatibilizers of the present invention.
[0160] The refrigerator was outfitted with pressure and temperature
measuring devices as well as power measurement to the hermetic
reciprocating compressor and two fans. The compressor was also
fitted with a sight glass to monitor lubricant level during
operation. The refrigerator was tested in a room controlled at
27.8.degree. C. and 40% relative humidity. The refrigerator was
turned on and allowed to cool until the refrigerated compartment
reached 3.3.degree. C. The energy efficiency (COP) and capacity
were then calculated using a thermodynamic model based on
temperature, pressure and power inputs. In all tests, lubricant
level was adequate indicating no lubricant return problems.
Example 40
[0161]
41 % Change Lubricant Capacity in Capacity vs % Change in
Composition (Watts) POE COP COP vs POE 10% PnB/5% DPnB 145 +1.4%
1.31 +8.3% in Zerol 150 12% DMM in 3GS 143 -- 1.33 +9.9% 12% DMM in
Zerol 145 +1.4% 1.34 +10.7% 150 6% DMM in Zerol 148 +3.5% 1.30
+7.4% 100 20% OP in Zerol 100 145 +1.4% 1.30 +7.4% 45% OP in Zerol
300 146 +2.1% 1.32 +9.1% Comparative Data POE 22 143 -- 1.21 --
Zerol 150 * * * * Zerol 75 146 +2.1% 1.25 +3.3% *Evaporator was
flooded and test could not be completed.
[0162] Results show a significant improvement in energy efficiency
when compatibilizers of the present invention are used with
conventional lubricants.
[0163] Improvement is also shown when compared with using a low
viscosity alkyl benzene lubricant (Zerol 75) alone. Capacities also
showed improvement versus POE 22 polyol ester lubricant.
Example 41
[0164] Compatibilizers of the present invention were mixed with
Zerol 150 and placed in shallow dishes in a 50% constant humidity
chamber. Periodic samples of the compositions were taken and
analyzed by Karl Fischer titration for water. Results are shown in
ppm water versus polyol ester, polyvinyl ether and polyalkylene
glycol lubricants.
Example 41
[0165]
42 Hours Samples 0 2 3.5 5.5 21 26 45 50 69 74 15% DIP in Zerol 150
77 108 124 154 318 351 402 392 401 375 10% PnB 5% DPnB in 112 137
209 242 506 533 538 661 756 708 Zerol 150 Comparative Data PVE32
185 398 505 785 1784 1917 2511 2451 2791 2630 Zerol 150 43 47 36 41
37 33 30 29 39 34 Ucon488 1175 1517 3123 4158 12114 12721 16741
18592 20133 19997 POE 22 153 165 173 181 693 733 1022 1096 1199
1165
[0166] Results show compatibilizer/lubricant compositions of the
present invention absorb less water than polyol ester and
significantly less water than polyvinyl ether and polyalkylene
glycol lubricants. Since compatibilizer/lubricant compositions of
the present invention do absorb some water, they also have lower
risk of having free (immisicible) water available than Zerol 150.
Free water can freeze in expansion devices and cause compressor
failure.
Example 42
[0167] Compositions of the present invention were tested for
thermal stability. Stainless steel, aluminum and copper coupons
were placed in sealed glass tubes containing R410A refrigerant,
Zerol 150 lubricant and compatibilizers of the present invention.
In four cases, 1,000 ppm water was added. Tubes were held for 14
days at 175.degree. C. Results are shown in the table below.
Example 42
[0168]
43 R410A/Zerol 150 + 5% R407C/Zerol Comparative DMM/5% 100 + 20% 1-
R410A/Zerol Data: After 14 DPnB/5% 140 octylpyrrolidin- 150 + 10%
R410A/POE days at R410A/Zerol Naptha + 1000 ppm 2-one + 1000 ppm
PnB/5% DPnB + 1000 ppm 22 + 1000 ppm 175.degree. C. 150 + 15% PnB
H.sub.2O H.sub.2O H.sub.2O H2O Copper No observable No observable
No observable No observable Corrosion and Appearance changes
changes changes changes discoloration observed Aluminum No
observable No observable No observable No observable No observable
Appearance changes changes changes changes changes Steel No
observable No observable No observable No observable No observable
Appearance changes changes changes changes changes Acidity as <1
<1 <1 29 577 HCl in ppm R410A 99.9 99.9 99.9 99.9 99.8 wt
%
[0169] Results show compositions of the present invention are
thermally stable even in the presence of 1,000 ppm water,
indicating no acid formation. Polyol ester lubricant in the
presence of water caused corrosion of copper due to hydrolysis and
acid formation.
Example 43
[0170] Volume resistivity was measured by ASTM D-1169 method using
a Balsbaugh liquid test cell connected to a Keithley model 617
electrometer. A Keithley model 247 high voltage power supply was
used as the excitation source. Capacitance used for calculating
both resistivity and dielectric constant was measured with a GenRad
model 1189 capacitance bridge. Results are shown below.
Example 43
[0171]
44 Volume Resistivity Composition (Ohm .times. cm) Dielectric
Constant Zerol 150/PnB/DPnB 9.12 .times. 10.sup.12 2.73 (85/10/5 wt
%) Zerol 150/PnB/DPnB/Isopar 1.73 .times. 10.sup.13 2.62 H
(85/5/5/5 wt %) Comparative Data POE 22 5.50 .times. 10.sup.11
3.54
[0172] Results show compositions of the present invention have
improved electrical properties versus POE 22 polyol ester
lubricant. They show an increase in volume resistivity and a
decrease in dielectric constant that improves electrical insulating
properties and protects compressor electrical motor winding
materials.
Example 44
[0173] Solubility and viscosity measurements were made for
compositions of the present invention in Zerol 150 with R410A
refrigerant. The data were used to determine the amount of
refrigerant dissolved in lubricant under evaporator conditions at
10.degree. C., 1 MPa and subsequent viscosity reduction. Data were
compared with R410A/POE 22 and R410A/Zerol 150. The viscosity and
percent refrigerant dissolved in lubricant at compression
conditions was also determined, 80.degree. C., 2.5 MPa. Results are
shown below.
Example 44
[0174]
45 % % Refrigerant Refrigerant Dissolved in Viscosity Dissolved in
Viscosity Lubricant at (cPoise) at Lubricant at (cPoise) at
Evaporator Evaporator Compression Compressor Composition Conditons
at 10.degree. C. Conditions at 80.degree. C. R410A/10% 18 8 11 2.5
PnB + 5% DPnB in Zerol 150 Comparative Data R410A/POE22 45 3 17 3.1
R410A/Zerol 10 38 7 3.2 150
[0175] Results show a significant increase in refrigerant
solubility and subsequent viscosity reduction in the evaporator by
a compatibilizer of the present invention when added to a
conventional alkyl benzene lubricant. This viscosity reduction can
result in improved lubricant return to the compressor. Because less
refrigerant is dissolved in the lubricant than POE 22 at
compression conditions, viscosity remains high enough to
effectively lubricate the compressor.
Example 45
[0176] Dynamic viscosity measurements were made using a
ViscoPro2000 viscometer of POE 22, Zerol 150 and Zerol 150
containing 10 wt % PnB and 5 wt % DPnB. Results are shown in FIG.
10. Results show 10% PnB and 5% DPnB increase the viscosity index
of Zerol 150. This gives the desirable result of lower viscosity at
low temperature without lowering viscosity at high temperature, a
profile similar to POE 22. This enhances lubricant return from the
evaporator while maintaining good viscosity in the compressor.
Example 46
[0177] A four ball wear test using ASTM D4172B was conducted using
steel balls was conducted to assess the lubricating properties for
compositions of the present invention. The test was run for 60
minutes using different combinations of compatibilizer in alkyl
benzene lubricant and compared to lubricant without compatibilizer.
Wear scar and average coefficient of friction were measured.
Results are shown below.
46 Average Coefficient of Wear Scar (mm) Friction 6% DMM in Zerol
100 0.85 0.108 20% 1-octyl pyrrolidin- 0.61 0.093 2-one in Zerol
100 35% 1-octyl pyrrolidin- 0.64 0.091 2-one in Zerol 150 12%
DMM/2% 0.52 0.113 Synergol in Zerol 150 Comparative Data Zerol 150
0.88 0.110
[0178] Results show lubrication properties are similar or improved
when compatibilizers of the present invention are added to
conventional lubricants, as evidenced by reduced size of wear scar
and similar lower coefficient of friction. Addition of antiwear
additives such as Synergol further improves lubrication
properties.
Example 47
[0179] Compressor durability tests were conducted with compositions
of the present invention. A flooded start test was performed on
scroll and rotary compressors. A flooded start test is a severe
condition where the compressor sump is flooded with refrigerant on
shutdown. During startup, presence of refrigerant can reduce
lubricant viscosity resulting in inadequate compressor lubrication.
This is particularly difficult with immiscible
refrigerant/lubricant systems where two layers can form in the
compressor sump with the refrigerant layer on the bottom, the point
at which lubricant is normally drawn into the compressor bearings.
The compressors were tested at -12.2.degree. C. suction temperature
and 37.8.degree. C. discharge temperature. The compressors were
cycled for three minutes on and fifteen mutes off for 1,000 cycles.
After the tests the compressors were disassembled and inspected for
wear. No significant wear was observed.
Example 47
[0180]
47 Compressor Type Refrigerant Lubricant Significant Wear Rotary
R407C 10% PnB/5% DPnB None in Zerol 150 Scroll R407C 10% PnB/5%
DPnB None in Zerol 150 Comparative Data Rotary HCFC-22 Mineral Oil
None Scroll HCFC-22 Mineral Oil None
Example 48
[0181] Compatibilizers of the present invention were tested for
compatibility with polyester motor materials used in certain
hermetic compressors. Strips of polyester film were placed in a
sealed tube with HFC-134a refrigerant and different
lubricant/compatibilizer combinations. The tubes were held at
150.degree. C. for two weeks. The polyester strips were removed and
bent ten times through an arc of 180.degree. to evaluate for
embrittlement. Strips in both the liquid and vapor phases were
evaluated. Results are shown in the table below.
Example 48
[0182]
48 # of Bends Before # of Bends Before Lubricant tested Breaking
Liquid Breaking Vapor with HFC-134a Phase Phase 10% PnB/5% DPnB 1 1
in Zerol 150 12% DMM in Zerol >10 >10 150 20% 1-octyl >10
>10 pyrrolidin-2-one in Zerol 150 Comparative Data Zerol 150 7 9
POE 22 10 1
[0183] The data show DMM
(CH.sub.3O[CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)O].sub.2CH.sub.3) with no free
hydroxyl groups has significantly improved polyester motor material
compatibility versus PnB (C.sub.4H.sub.9OCH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)OH)
and DPnB (C.sub.4H.sub.9O(CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)O).sub.2H), both with
terminal hydroxyl groups. The data also show alkyl pyrrolidones
such as 1-octyl-2-pyrrolidone are compatible with polyester motor
materials and preferred for use in certain hermetic
compressors.
* * * * *