U.S. patent application number 15/896777 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-21 for use of low gwp refrigerants comprising cf3i with stable lubricants.
The applicant listed for this patent is Honeywell International Inc.. Invention is credited to Ryan Hulse, Roy P. Robinson, George J. Samuels, Gregory J. Shafer, Ian Shankland, Rajiv R. Singh, Mark W. Spatz, Raymond H. Thomas, Michael Van Der Puy, John L. Welch, David P. Wilson.
Application Number | 20180171195 15/896777 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39368344 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180171195 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thomas; Raymond H. ; et
al. |
June 21, 2018 |
USE OF LOW GWP REFRIGERANTS COMPRISING CF3I WITH STABLE
LUBRICANTS
Abstract
The invention pertains to heat transfer compositions,
particularly to automobile refrigerants comprising a
hydrofluoroalkene, an iodocarbon, and at least one lubricant having
hydrogen atoms and carbon atoms, wherein no more than 17% of the
total number of hydrogen atoms which are attached to a carbon atom
are tertiary hydrogen atoms.
Inventors: |
Thomas; Raymond H.;
(Pendleton, NY) ; Singh; Rajiv R.; (Getzville,
NY) ; Samuels; George J.; (Williamsville, NY)
; Shankland; Ian; (Randolph, NJ) ; Wilson; David
P.; (East Amherst, NY) ; Robinson; Roy P.;
(Holland, NY) ; Van Der Puy; Michael; (Amherst,
NY) ; Welch; John L.; (Williamsville, NY) ;
Shafer; Gregory J.; (Bear, DE) ; Spatz; Mark W.;
(East Amherst, NY) ; Hulse; Ryan; (Getzville,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Honeywell International Inc. |
Morris Plains |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
39368344 |
Appl. No.: |
15/896777 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13022902 |
Feb 8, 2011 |
9920230 |
|
|
15896777 |
|
|
|
|
11937267 |
Nov 8, 2007 |
|
|
|
13022902 |
|
|
|
|
11795779 |
Mar 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
PCT/US05/46982 |
Dec 21, 2005 |
|
|
|
13022902 |
|
|
|
|
60865659 |
Nov 14, 2006 |
|
|
|
60638003 |
Dec 21, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C09K 5/045 20130101;
C09K 2205/122 20130101; C10N 2040/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C09K 5/04 20060101
C09K005/04 |
Claims
1. A heat transfer composition comprising: (a) a refrigerant
comprising: (i) at least a first compound selected from at least
one of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene
and HFC-32; and (ii) at least about 40% by weight of CF.sub.3I; (b)
lubricant; and (c) a stabilizer.
2. The composition of claim 1 wherein said at least a first
compound comprises 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene.
3. The composition of claim 1 wherein said at least a first
compound comprises trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene.
4. A mobile air conditioning system comprising the heat transfer
composition of claim 1.
5. A heat transfer system comprising the heat transfer composition
of claim 1.
6. A method of transferring heat to or from a fluid or body
comprising contacting the fluid or body with the heat transfer
composition of claim 1.
7. A heat transfer composition comprising: (a) a refrigerant
comprising: (i) at least a first compound selected from at least
one of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene
and HFC-32; and (ii) at least about 25% by weight of CF.sub.3I; (b)
lubricant; and (c) a stabilizer.
8. The composition of claim 7 wherein said at least a first
compound comprises 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene.
9. The composition of claim 7 wherein said at least a first
compound comprises trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene.
10. A mobile air conditioning system comprising the heat transfer
composition of claim 7.
11. A heat transfer system comprising the heat transfer composition
of claim 34.
12. A method of transferring heat to or from a fluid or body
comprising contacting the fluid or body with the heat transfer
composition of claim 7.
13. A heat transfer composition comprising: (a) a refrigerant
comprising: (i) at least a first compound selected from at least
one of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene
and HFC-32; and (ii) at least about 50% by weight of CF.sub.3I; (b)
lubricant; and (c) a stabilizer.
14. The composition of claim 13 wherein said at least a first
compound comprises 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene.
15. The composition of claim 13 wherein said at least a first
compound comprises trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene.
16. A mobile air conditioning system comprising the heat transfer
composition of claim 13.
17. A heat transfer system comprising the heat transfer composition
of claim 13.
18. A method of transferring heat to or from a fluid or body
comprising contacting the fluid or body with the heat transfer
composition of claim 13.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/022,902, filed Feb. 8, 2011 (now pending), which application
is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/937,267,
filed Nov. 8, 2007 (now abandoned), which claims the benefit of
U.S. provisional patent Application No. 60/865,659 filed on Nov.
14, 2006, each of which are incorporated herein by reference. This
application is also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
11/795,779, filed on Mar. 10, 2008 (now pending), which is the U.S.
national phase application of international Application No.
PCT/US05/46982, filed Dec. 21, 2005, which claims priority to U.S.
provisional patent Application No. 60/638,003, filed on Dec. 21,
2004, the contents each of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention pertains to heat transfer
compositions. More particularly the invention relates to automobile
refrigerants comprising a hydrofluoroalkene, an iodocarbon, and at
least one lubricant having hydrogen atoms and carbon atoms, wherein
no more than 17% of the total number of hydrogen atoms which are
attached to a carbon atom are tertiary hydrogen atoms.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Compositions containing iodocarbon compounds have been
disclosed as being particularly useful as heat transfer fluids. For
example, international application PCT/US05/46982, filed Dec. 21,
2005, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses
compositions containing one or more fluoroolefins and the
iodocarbon trifluoroiodomethane (CF.sub.3I) for use as refrigerants
in applications such as automotive air conditioning systems. One
advantage of compositions comprising iodinated compounds, and in
particular compositions comprising trifluoroiodomethane, is that
such compositions may be used as replacements for various other
chlorinated and/or fluorinated compounds which have previously been
used widely in refrigeration applications but which have tended to
cause potential environmental damage as a result of such use.
However, iodinated compounds, such as trifluoroiodomethane, tend to
be relatively unstable, and often significantly less stable than
certain CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs, especially under conditions that tend
to occur in heat transfer systems in general and in
refrigeration/air conditioning systems in particular. Although
compositions containing iodocarbons, and in particular CF.sub.3I,
can have substantial advantages when used in heat transfer
applications, the use of such compositions presents heretofore
unencountered and/or unrecognized problems. By way of example,
compositions comprising iodocarbons, particularly compositions
which comprise fluorinated olefins and iodocarbons, are frequently
involved in a relatively complex chemical system under conditions
of use, particularly as heat transfer fluids, that can cause
unexpected results. In many typical heat transfer systems, such as
automotive air conditioning systems, the refrigerant which
comprises iodocarbon, such as CF.sub.3I, results in such a compound
being exposed to certain of the metallic components of the
refrigeration system at temperatures and under other conditions
which promote the formation of iodine, iodide ions, organic
radicals, and iodine containing inorganic acids.
[0004] It has been proposed to utilize certain iodocarbon compounds
in refrigeration applications as replacements for certain of the
CFCs and HCFCs that have heretofore been used. For example,
Japanese Kokai 09-059612 (Application No. 07-220964) discloses
refrigerant compositions comprising trifluoroiodomethane and one or
more phenolic compounds. This document indicates that the phenolic
compounds act to stabilize the trifluoroiodomethane against
degradation. While compositions containing stabilizers for
trifluoroiodomethane may enjoy a certain degree of success the use
of a stabilizing agent alone may leave several embodiments of such
compositions practically ineffective for use in commercially
acceptable heat transfer systems. Furthermore, the stabilizing
agent can contribute to unwanted and/or undesirable reactions in
heat transfer systems. Applicants have come to appreciate that the
use of refrigerants containing iodocarbons in accordance with
conventional techniques, and even the prior techniques described by
some of the present inventors in the patent application indicated
above, leaves the need in many embodiments for yet further
improvements in the refrigerant compositions and/or the
refrigeration system.
[0005] Applicants have surprisingly found that the present
compositions are capable of achieving continued high levels of
performance such as refrigeration capacity and low levels of ozone
depletion and global warming. The inventive compositions minimize
the decomposition of the refrigerant system by selecting a
lubricant having a reduced amount of tertiary hydrogen atoms.
Therefore, one aspect of the present invention involves
compositions which are suitable for use as heat transfer
compositions which comprise a hydrofluoroalkene, an iodocarbon, and
at least one lubricant having hydrogen atoms and carbon atoms,
wherein no more than 17% of the total number of hydrogen atoms
which are attached to a carbon atom are tertiary hydrogen
atoms.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates the stability of capped EO/PO
lubricants.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention provides a composition comprising a
composition comprising a hydrofluoroalkene, an iodocarbon, and at
least one lubricant having hydrogen atoms and carbon atoms, wherein
no more than 17% of the total number of hydrogen atoms which are
attached to a carbon atom are tertiary hydrogen atoms.
[0008] The composition first comprises a hydrofluoroalkene. Useful
hydrofluoroalkene, especially for use in connection with heat
transfer applications such as automotive air conditioning systems
include C.sub.2-C.sub.5 hydrofluoroalkenes, preferably
C.sub.2-C.sub.4 hydrofluoroalkenes, and more preferably
C.sub.2-C.sub.4 hydrofluoroalkene with at least two, and preferably
at least three fluorine substituents. Preferred among such
hydrofluoroalkenes, are tetrafluoroalkenes and pentafluoroalkenes
such as tetrafluoropropenes and pentafluoropropenes, particularly
1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf);
trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (trans-HFO-1234ze);
1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene, (HFO-1225zc) and
1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene (HFO-1225ye). In one embodiment, the
composition comprises from about 60% to about 80% by weight of
C.sub.2-C.sub.4 hydrofluoroalkene, and even more preferably from
about 65% to about 75% of hydrofluoroalkene, based on the total
weight of the composition.
[0009] The composition then contains an iodocarbon. Of particular
use are C.sub.1-C.sub.6 iodocarbons, preferably a C.sub.1-C.sub.3
iodofluorocarbon, and more preferably C.sub.1-C.sub.2 iodocarbons.
Preferably the iodocarbon comprises an iodofluorocarbon such as
trifluoroiodomethane (CF.sub.3I), that are surprisingly stable and
can be used advantageously in a variety of applications, including
as refrigerants in various cooling systems such as automobile air
conditioning systems. In addition, not only are the present
compositions sufficiently stable for a variety of uses, but also,
they tend to exhibit a unique combination of non-flammability and
low combined ozone-depletion and global warming properties, making
them particularly useful candidates as CFC, HCFC, and HFC
refrigerant replacements. Applicants have further recognized that
the preferred compositions of the present invention are stable and
suitable for use in many systems, apparatus and methods. For
example, one aspect of the present invention provides systems,
apparatus and methods that comprise the compositions of the present
invention being included as a heating or cooling fluid (based on
latent heat transfer and/or sensible heat transfer), such as in
refrigeration applications, including particularly automotive air
conditioning applications. Trifluoroiodomethane is readily
available from a variety of commercial sources, including Matheson
TriGas, Inc. In addition, trifluoroiodomethane prepared via any of
a variety of conventional methods may be used. An example of one
such conventional method of preparing trifluoroiodomethane is
disclosed in JACS 72, 3806 (1950), "The Degradation of Silver
Trifluoroacetate to Trifluoroiodomethane" by Albert L. Henne and
William G. Finnegan, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0010] In general, the iodocarbon compounds may be present in the
compositions in widely ranging amounts, depending on numerous
factors, including for example the particular intended conditions
of use of the compound. In certain embodiments, the iodocarbon
compound is usually present in the present composition in amounts,
based on weight, of from about 10% to less than about 100%,
preferably from about 20% to less than about 100%, more preferably
from about 15% to about 50%, still more preferably from about 20%
to about 40%, and even more preferably from about 25% to about 35%.
In certain other embodiments, particularly those in which the
composition contains a hydrofluorocarbon, the iodocarbon compounds
is present in the present composition in amounts, based on weight,
of from about 35% to about 95%, more preferably from about 45% to
about 95%, and more preferably from about 65% to about 95%.
[0011] The composition then contains a at least one lubricant
having hydrogen atoms and carbon atoms, wherein no more than 17% of
the total number of hydrogen atoms which are attached to a carbon
atom are tertiary hydrogen atoms. Preferably the lubricant has less
than 1% of the total number of hydrogen atoms which are attached to
a carbon atom are tertiary hydrogen atoms, and more preferably has
no tertiary hydrogen atoms, that is wherein about 0% of the total
number of hydrogen atoms which are attached to a carbon atom are
tertiary hydrogen atoms. It preferably also has a relatively low
percentage of oxygen, and preferably no oxygen in the molecule. It
is also generally preferred to use a lubricant or oil having little
inherent concentration of polar solvent, particularly water. An
important requirement for the lubricant is that there must be
enough lubricant returning to the compressor of the system such
that the compressor is lubricated. Thus suitability of the
lubricant is determined partly by the refrigerant/lubricant
characteristics and partly by the system characteristics. Examples
of suitable lubricants include mineral oil, alkyl benzenes,
including polyalkylene glycols, polyvinyl ethers (PVEs), and the
like. Preferred lubricants include a naphthenic mineral oil, a
paraffinic mineral oil, an ester oil, a polyalkylene glycol, a
polyvinyl ether, an alkyl benzene, a polyalphaolefin, a polyester,
a polyol ester, or combinations thereof. Mineral oil, which
comprises paraffin oil or naphthenic oil, is commercially
available. Commercially available mineral oils include Witco LP 250
(registered trademark) from Witco, Zerol 300 (registered trademark)
from Shrieve Chemical, Sunisco 3GS from Witco, and Calumet R015
from Calumet. Commercially available alkyl benzene lubricants
include Zerol 150 (registered trademark). Commercially available
esters include neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, which is available
as Emery 2917 (registered trademark) and Hatcol 2370 (registered
trademark). Other useful esters include phosphate esters, dibasic
acid esters, and fluoroesters. In some cases, hydrocarbon based
oils are have sufficient solubility with the refrigerant that is
comprised of an iodocarbon, the combination of the iodocarbon and
the hydrocarbon oil might more stable than other types of
lubricant. Such combination may therefore be advantageous.
Preferred lubricants include polyalkylene glycols and esters.
Polyalkylene glycols are highly preferred in certain embodiments
because they are currently in use in particular applications such
as mobile air-conditioning. Mixtures of different lubricants may be
used.
[0012] In one aspect of the present invention involves a selection
of a lubricant comprising in major proportion by weight, and even
more preferably at least about 75% by weight of alkyl benzene-based
compounds, mineral oil compounds, and combinations of these. With
respect to alkyl benzene, applicants have found that such compounds
are preferred from among the numerous other lubricant compounds
which have heretofore been available due to the relatively high
level of miscibility in the preferred refrigerant compositions and
the relatively high level of stability that such molecules exhibit
in the heat transfer compositions and the heat transfer systems of
the present invention. Another preferred molecule for use in
connection with the present invention is referred to herein, by way
of convenience but not by way of limitation, as ethylene
oxide/propylene oxide (EO/PO) molecules. Such molecules in
preferred embodiments have the structure indicated below:
H.sub.3C[--O--CHCH.sub.3--CH.sub.2].sub.n--[O--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2].sub.m---
OCH.sub.3
[0013] Applicants have found that such EO/PO molecules, which are
also referred to herein as "dual capped EO/PO molecules" due to the
presence of the methyl radical on each end of the molecule, or
alternatively other relatively low chain length alkyl group" can
provide the ability to adjust, to suit each particular application,
the n and the m values. In this way, a lubricant molecule can be
selected to achieve a highly advantageous combination of
miscibility and stability. An advantage that dual capped molecules
perform substantially better in many respects and similar molecules
which are only capped at one end, as illustrated in the examples
below. U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,212, which is incorporated herein by
reference, discloses techniques for capping molecules of this type.
Although it is not generally preferred, is also possible to combine
the preferred lubricants of the present invention with one or more
conventional lubricants.
[0014] Suitable polyol ester lubricants suitable for air
conditioning or refrigeration use are typically prepared by the
condensation of a poly alcohol or polyol compound such as
pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, neopentyl glycol or
trimethylpropanol with either pure or mixed, linear or branched
aliphatic carboxylic acids such as a linear or branched
monocarboxylic acid having from about 4 to about 10 carbon atoms.
Polyol ester base stocks polyols are available from Hatco
Corporation. For example Hatcol 3307 is a pure polyol ester
basestock based on neopentyl glycol. Hatcol 3329 and Hatcol 3504
are a pure polyol ester refrigeration base stocks based on
pentaerythritol mixed fatty acids esters. Hatcol 3316 is a polyol
ester of dipentaerythritol and short chain fatty acids. Other
examples of such polyol ester lubricant formulations include the
Cognis ProEco.TM. line of Polyol ester refrigeration lubricants,
ICI's EMKARATE RL line of polyol esters, as well as polyol ester
lubricants provided by Lubrizol subsidiary CPI Engineering
Services, Inc. such as Solest. Preferred compositions according to
the invention, include a lubricant in amounts of from about 20 wt.
% to about 50 wt. %, preferably from about 20 wt. % to about 30 wt.
% by weight of the composition.
[0015] The present compositions may include additionally
stabilizers, such as but not limited to phenols, epoxides,
phosphites and phosphates, and combinations of these, which are
disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/109,575
filed Apr. 18, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Among the epoxides, aromatic epoxides and fluorinated alkyl
epoxides are preferred additional stabilizers.
[0016] It is contemplated that any of a variety of phenol compounds
are suitable for use as optional stabilizer in the present
compositions. While applicants do not wish to be bound by or to any
theory of operation, it is believed that the present phenols act as
radical scavengers in the present compositions and thereby tend to
increase the stability of such compositions. As used herein the
term "phenol compound" refers generally to any substituted or
unsubstituted phenol. Examples of suitable phenol compounds include
4,4'-methylenebis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol);
4,4'-bis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol); 2,2- or 4,4-biphenyldiols
including 4,4'-bis(2-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol); derivatives of
2,2- or 4,4-biphenyldiols;
2,2'-methylenebis(4-ethyl-6-tertbutylpheol);
2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol);
4,4,-butylidenebis(3-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol);
4,4,-isopropylidenebis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol);
2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-nonylphenol);
2,2'-isobutylidenebis(4,6-dimethylphenol);
2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-cyclohexylphenol);
2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT);
2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol; 2,4-dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol;
2,6-di-tert-.alpha.-dimethylamino-p-cresol;
2,6-di-tert-butyl-4(N,N'-dimethylaminomethylphenol); 4,4'-thiobis
(2-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol); 4,4'-thiobis
(3-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol); 2,2'-thiobis
(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol);
bis(3-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-tert-butylbenzyl) sulfide; and
bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)sulfide; and the like. Other
suitable phenols include tocopherol, hydroquinone; t-butyl
hydroquinone; and other derivatives of hydroquinone; and the like.
Certain preferred phenols include tocopherol, BHT, hydroquinone and
the like. Certain particularly preferred phenols include tocopherol
and the like. Most phenols are commercially available such as the
Irganox compounds from Ciba. A single phenol compound and/or
mixtures of two or more phenols may be used in the present
compositions.
[0017] It is also contemplated that any of a variety of epoxides
are suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention.
While applicants do not wish to be bound by or to any theory of
operation, it is believed that the epoxides of the present
invention act as acid scavengers in the CF.sub.3I compositions and
thereby tend to increase the stability of such compositions.
Examples of suitable aromatic epoxides include those defined by the
Formula I below:
##STR00001##
wherein: R is hydrogen, alkyl, fluoroalkyl, aryl, fluoroaryl,
or
##STR00002##
and Ar is a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene or naphthylene
moiety. Certain preferred aromatic epoxides of Formula I include:
butylphenylglycidyl ether; pentylphenylglycidyl ether;
hexylphenylglycidyl ether; heptylphenylglycidyl ether;
octylphenylglycidyl ether; nonylphenylglycidyl ether;
decylphenylglycidyl ether; glycidyl methyl phenyl ether;
1,4-diglycidyl phenyl diether and derivatives thereof;
1,4-diglycidyl naphthyl diether and derivatives thereof; and
2,2'[[[5-heptadecafluorooctyl]1,3phenylene]bis[[2,2,2trifluorome
thyl]ethylidene]oxymethylene]bisoxirane; and the like. Other
preferred aromatic epoxides include naphthyl glycidyl ether,
4-methoxyphenyl glycidyl ether, and derivatives of naphthyl
glycidyl ether; and the like. Certain more preferred aromatic
epoxides include butylphenyl glycidyl ether, and the like. A single
aromatic epoxide and/or mixtures of two or more aromatic epoxides
may be used in the present compositions.
[0018] Any of a variety of alkyl and/or alkenyl epoxides is
suitable for use in the present compositions. Examples of suitable
alkyl and alkenyl epoxides include those of Formula II:
##STR00003##
wherein R.sub.alk is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or
alkenyl group. Preferably, R.sub.alk is a substituted or
unsubstituted alkyl or alkenyl group having from about 1 to about
10 carbon atoms, more preferably from about 1 to about 6 carbon
atoms. Certain preferred alkyl epoxides of Formula II include
n-butyl glycidyl ether, isobutyl glycidyl ether, hexanediol
diglycidyl ether, and the like, as well as, fluorinated and
perfluorinated alkyl epoxides. More preferred alkyl epoxides
include hexanediol diglycidyl ether. Certain preferred alkenyl
epoxides of Formula II include allyl glycidyl ether, fluorinated
and perfluorinated alkenyl epoxides, and the like. More preferred
alkenyl epoxides include allyl glycidyl ether and the like.
[0019] It is contemplated that the composition may optionally
contain additional components. These may include: [0020] CO.sub.2
[0021] Hydrocarbons (substituted and un-substituted, particularly
C.sub.2-C.sub.6 hydrocarbons); [0022] Alcohols (substituted and
un-substituted, particularly C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alcohols); [0023]
Ketones (substituted and un-substituted, particularly
C.sub.2-C.sub.5 ketones); [0024] Aldehydes (substituted and
un-substituted, particularly C.sub.2-C.sub.5 aldehydes); [0025]
Ethers/Diethers (substituted and un-substituted, particularly
C.sub.2-C.sub.5 ethers); [0026] Fluoroethers (substituted and
un-substituted, particularly C.sub.2-C.sub.5 fluoroethers); [0027]
Fluoroalkenes (substituted and un-substituted, particularly
C.sub.2-C.sub.6 fluoroalkenes); [0028] HFC (particularly
C.sub.2-C.sub.5 HFCs); [0029] HCC (particularly C.sub.2-C.sub.5
HCCs); [0030] Haloalkenes, including preferably fluoroalkenes
(substituted and un-substituted, particularly C.sub.2-C.sub.6
fluoroalkenes); [0031] HFO (particularly C.sub.2-C.sub.5 HFOs);
[0032] HClFO (particularly C.sub.2-C.sub.5 HClFOs); [0033] HBrFO
(particularly C.sub.2-C.sub.5 HBrFOs).
[0034] The composition may optionally further comprises one or more
hydrofluorocarbons. Preferred hydrofluorocarbons comprise a
C.sub.1-C.sub.4 hydrofluorocarbon, preferably C.sub.1-C.sub.3
hydrofluorocarbon, and even more preferably C.sub.1-C.sub.2
hydrofluorocarbon. Preferred hydrofluorocarbons include
hydrofluoroalkane such as pentafluoroethane,
1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, trifluorethane or combinations thereof.
When a hydrofluorocarbon is employed It is preferably present in
the overall composition in an amount of from about 1% to about 50%
and more preferably from about 5% to about 35% of
hydrofluorocarbon, based on the total weight of the
composition.
[0035] As used herein, the term "HFO" means compounds that consist
of atoms of carbon, fluorine and hydrogen, and no other atoms, and
in which there is at least one carbon-carbon double bond; the term
"HClFO" means compounds that consist of atoms of carbon, chlorine,
fluorine and hydrogen, and no other atoms, and in which there is at
least one carbon-carbon double bond; the term "HBrFO" means
compounds that consist of atoms of carbon, bromine, fluorine and
hydrogen, and no other atoms, and in which there is at least one
carbon-carbon double bond; the designations C.sub.2-C.sub.5 and
like usages, refer to compounds having at least one carbon atom and
up to about five carbon atoms, etc. While it is contemplated that a
wide variety of HFCs may be used in the present compositions and
methods, in certain embodiments it is preferred to use in the
compositions one or more of the following, including any and all
isomers of each: difluoromethane (HFC-32); pentafluoroethane
(HFC-125); 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134);
1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a); trifluorethane (HFC-143a);
difluoroethane (HFC-152a); 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane
(HFC-227ea); 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa);
1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245fa); and
1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (HFC-365mfc). While it is contemplated
that a wide variety of fluoroalkenes may be used in the present
compositions and methods, it is particularly preferred in many
embodiments that the compositions comprise one or more C.sub.3 or
C.sub.4 fluoroalkenes, preferably compounds having the formula as
follows:
XCF.sub.zR.sub.3-z
where X is a C.sub.2 or a C.sub.3 unsaturated, substituted or
unsubstituted, alkyl radical, each R is independently Cl, F, Br, I
or H, and z is 1 to 3. Highly preferred among are the following
compounds: fluoroethenes, fluorpropenes; fluorobutenes;
chlorofluorethenes; chlorofluoropropenes; and
chlorofluorobutenes.
[0036] The composition then optionally contains a compound
comprising trifluoromethane, methyl iodide, heptafluorobutane or
propene. The latter is usually present in an amount of from greater
than zero to about 1% by weight of the composition, more usually
from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the composition.
[0037] Many existing refrigeration systems are currently adapted
for use in connection with existing refrigerants, and certain
compositions of the present invention are believed to be adaptable
for use in many of such systems, either with or without system
modification. In many applications the compositions of the present
invention may provide an advantage as a replacement in systems,
which are currently based on refrigerants having a relatively high
capacity. Furthermore, in embodiments where it is desired to use a
lower capacity refrigerant composition of the present invention,
for reasons of cost for example, to replace a refrigerant of higher
capacity, such embodiments of the present compositions provide a
potential advantage. Thus, it is preferred in certain embodiments
to use compositions of the present invention, particularly
compositions comprising a substantial proportion of, and in some
embodiments comprising a major proportion of HFO-1234yf, as a
replacement for existing refrigerants, such as HFC-134a. In certain
applications, the refrigerants of the present invention potentially
permit the beneficial use of larger displacement compressors,
thereby resulting in better energy efficiency than other
refrigerants, such as HFC-134a. Therefore the refrigerant
compositions of the present invention, particularly compositions
comprising HFO-1234yf, provide the possibility of achieving a
competitive advantage on an energy basis for refrigerant
replacement applications.
[0038] The present methods, systems and compositions are thus
adaptable for use in connection with automotive air conditioning
systems and devices, commercial refrigeration systems and devices,
chillers, residential refrigerator and freezers, general air
conditioning systems, heat pumps, ORCs, CRCs and the like.
[0039] The compositions of the present invention are useful in
connection with numerous methods and systems, including as heat
transfer fluids in methods and systems for transferring heat, such
as refrigerants used in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat
pump systems. The preferred heat transfer methods generally
comprise providing a composition of the present invention and
causing heat to be transferred to or from the composition,
preferably by changing the phase of the composition and/or by
sensible heat transfer. For example, the present methods provide
cooling by absorbing heat from a fluid or article, preferably by
evaporating the present refrigerant composition in the vicinity of
the body or fluid to be cooled to produce vapor comprising the
present composition. Preferably the methods include the further
step of compressing the refrigerant vapor, usually with a
compressor or similar equipment to produce vapor of the present
composition at a relatively elevated pressure. Generally, the step
of compressing the vapor results in the addition of heat to the
vapor, thus causing an increase in the temperature of the
relatively high pressure vapor. Preferably, the present methods
include removing from this relatively high temperature, high
pressure vapor at least a portion of the heat added by the
evaporation and compression steps. The heat removal step preferably
includes condensing the high temperature, high pressure vapor while
the vapor is in a relatively high pressure condition to produce a
relatively high pressure liquid comprising a composition of the
present invention. This relatively high pressure liquid preferably
then undergoes a nominally isoenthalpic reduction in pressure to
produce a relatively low temperature, low pressure liquid. In such
embodiments, it is this reduced temperature refrigerant liquid
which is then vaporized by heat transferred from the body or fluid
to be cooled. In another process embodiment of the invention, the
compositions of the invention may be used in a method for producing
heating which comprises condensing a refrigerant comprising the
compositions in the vicinity of a liquid or body to be heated. Such
methods, as mentioned hereinbefore, frequently are reverse cycles
to the refrigeration cycle described above.
[0040] In preferred embodiments, the present compositions have a
Global Warming Potential (GWP) of not greater than about 1000, more
preferably not greater than about 500, and even more preferably not
greater than about 150, and in certain cases of not greater than
about 100. In certain embodiments, the GWP of the present
compositions is not greater than about 75. As used herein, "GWP" is
measured relative to that of carbon dioxide and over a 100-year
time horizon, as defined in "The Scientific Assessment of Ozone
Depletion, 2002, a report of the World Meteorological Association's
Global Ozone Research and Monitoring Project," which is
incorporated herein by reference. The compositions preferably also
having an Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) of not greater than about
0.05, more preferably not greater than about 0.02 and even more
preferably about zero. As used herein, "ODP" is as defined in "The
Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion, 2002, A report of the
World Meteorological Association's Global Ozone Research and
Monitoring Project," which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0041] The invention also provides a heat transfer system
comprising:
(a) a heat transfer composition comprising the above composition;
and (b) one or more vessels containing and/or in contact with at
least a portion of the heat transfer composition. The invention
also contemplates a method of transferring heat to or from a fluid
or body comprising contacting the fluid or body with a heat
transfer composition comprising the above composition.
[0042] The invention further contemplates a method of replacing an
existing refrigerant contained in a refrigerant system comprising
replacing at least a portion of said existing refrigerant from said
system and replacing at least a portion of said existing
refrigerant by introducing into said system a refrigerant
composition comprising the above composition.
[0043] The following non-limiting example serves to illustrate the
invention.
EXAMPLE 1
[0044] A standard test used by the industry for evaluation of
thermal stability of refrigeration systems is the Sealed Tube
Stability Test (ASHRAE 97-99). In this test, refrigerant and
lubricant, typically in the weight ratio of 1:1, are sealed into an
evacuated glass tube containing samples of selected metals, copper,
steel, and aluminum immersed in the liquid. The tube is then
maintained at 175.degree. C. for 14 days, cooled, and the contents
removed for analysis. The refrigerant is analyzed by gas
chromatography for degradation; the lubricating oil is analyzed for
changes in total acid number, TAN, and the presence of metals and
halide ions; and the metal samples are evaluated for corrosion.
This accelerated test simulates the interaction between the
lubricant and the refrigerant in the presence of the mixed metals
of construction. A good refrigeration lubricant will not cause
degradation of the refrigerant or corrosion of the metals.
[0045] Three lubricants with different amounts of tertiary
hydrogens, PAG .about.17 wt % the other two .about.<5%, were
sealed in glass tubes according to the procedure outlined in ASHRAE
97-99. After exposure they were analyzed and the results are in
Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Lubricants with different amounts of
tertiary hydrogens Lubricant: Property "Di-capped"PAG Mineral Oil
Alkyl Benzene Change in TAN 13.7 0.4 0.2 Iodide (ppm) 2020 <5
<5 Fluoride (ppm) 2801 7.0 3.7 Color Dark Clear Very Pale
Yellow
[0046] While the present invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be
readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that
various changes and modifications may be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that the
claims be interpreted to cover the disclosed embodiment, those
alternatives which have been discussed above and all equivalents
thereto.
* * * * *