U.S. patent application number 15/781420 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-13 for heat transfer composition.
The applicant listed for this patent is MEXICHEM FLUOR S.A. DE C.V.. Invention is credited to Emma Jane HODGSON, Robert Elliot LOW, Andrew Paul SHARRATT.
Application Number | 20180355269 15/781420 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55234488 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180355269 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LOW; Robert Elliot ; et
al. |
December 13, 2018 |
HEAT TRANSFER COMPOSITION
Abstract
A composition comprising a heat transfer portion and a
lubricating portion, wherein the lubricating portion comprises one
or more compounds according to formula (I): wherein W is
independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, CI, Br
and I; Y is independently selected from the group consisting of F,
CI, Br and I; Z is independently selected from the group consisting
of H, OH, (CW.sub.2).sub.PCW.sub.3, CY.sub.3, OCW.sub.3,
0(CW.sub.2).sub.pCW.sub.3, OCW((CY.sub.2).sub.mCY.sub.3)CWCW.sub.2,
polyalkylene glycol and polyolester; n is an integer from 2 to 250;
m is an integer from 0 to 3; and p is an integer from 0 to 9.
##STR00001##
Inventors: |
LOW; Robert Elliot;
(Cheshire, GB) ; SHARRATT; Andrew Paul; (Cheshire,
GB) ; HODGSON; Emma Jane; (Stoke-on-Trent,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MEXICHEM FLUOR S.A. DE C.V. |
San Luis Potosi |
|
MX |
|
|
Family ID: |
55234488 |
Appl. No.: |
15/781420 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
December 7, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2016/053850 |
371 Date: |
June 4, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C09K 5/045 20130101;
C10N 2020/101 20200501; C10M 2211/06 20130101; C10M 2213/043
20130101; C10M 2203/024 20130101; C10M 2223/043 20130101; C10M
171/008 20130101; C10N 2010/10 20130101; C10N 2040/30 20130101;
C10M 107/38 20130101; C10M 2213/02 20130101; C09K 2205/126
20130101; C10M 2207/026 20130101; C10N 2020/02 20130101; C10M
2211/02 20130101; C10M 2213/0606 20130101; C10N 2030/08 20130101;
C10M 2223/04 20130101; C09K 21/14 20130101; C10N 2010/06 20130101;
C10N 2020/103 20200501; C10N 2020/099 20200501; C09K 21/12
20130101; C09K 21/08 20130101; C09K 21/10 20130101; C09K 21/02
20130101; C10M 2207/042 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C10M 107/38 20060101
C10M107/38; C09K 5/04 20060101 C09K005/04; C09K 21/12 20060101
C09K021/12; C09K 21/08 20060101 C09K021/08; C09K 21/02 20060101
C09K021/02; C09K 21/14 20060101 C09K021/14; C09K 21/10 20060101
C09K021/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 7, 2015 |
GB |
1521507.2 |
Claims
1. A composition comprising a heat transfer portion and a
lubricating portion, wherein the lubricating portion comprises one
or more compounds according to formula (I): ##STR00006## wherein W
is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br
and I; Y is independently selected from the group consisting of F,
Cl, Br and I; Z is independently selected from the group consisting
of H, OH, (CW.sub.2).sub.pCW.sub.3, CY.sub.3, OCW.sub.3,
O(CW.sub.2).sub.pCW.sub.3, OCW((CY.sub.2).sub.mCY.sub.3)CWCW.sub.2,
polyalkylene glycol and polyolester; n is an integer from 2 to 250;
m is an integer from 0 to 3; and p is an integer from 0 to 9.
2. A composition according to claim 1, wherein Y is F or Cl, and
preferably F.
3. A composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein W is H, F
or Cl, and preferably H.
4. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein n is an integer from 2 to 100, for example from 5 to 20,
and preferably n is an integer from 10 to 20.
5. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein m is 0.
6. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein p is 1 to 6, and preferably 2 to 6, for example 3 to 5.
7. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein Z is OH.
8. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein Z
comprises a polyalkylene glycol.
9. A composition according to claim 8, wherein the polyalkylene
glycol is selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene
oxide) and poly(propylene oxide), and mixtures thereof.
10. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at
least one, and preferably both, of the Z derivatives are not H or
OH.
11. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the composition comprises at least two different compounds
of formula (I).
12. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the lubricating portion has a kinematic viscosity at
40.degree. C. of from about 5 to about 250 cSt.
13. A composition according to claim 12, wherein the lubricating
portion has a kinematic viscosity at 40.degree. C. of from about 20
to 100 cSt, such as from about 30 to about 70 cSt, for example from
about 30 to 60 cSt.
14. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the weight percentage of the lubricating portion in the
composition is 1 to 30%, preferably 1 to 10%, more preferably 1 to
5%.
15. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the heat transfer portion comprises one or more compounds
selected from the group consisting of (hydro)fluoroolefins (HFOs),
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrocarbons.
16. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein
the heat transfer portion comprises one or more compounds selected
from the group of R-1234ze, R-1234yf, R-1243zf, R-134a, R-152a,
R-32, R-161, R-125, R-134, propane, propylene, carbon dioxide,
R-245fa, R-236fa, R-227ea, R-143a, n-butane, iso-butane, R-365mfc,
R-1123, R-1132a and R1336mzz.
17. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein
the heat transfer portion comprises one or more compounds selected
from the group of R-1234ze, R-1234yf, R-1243zf, R-134a, R-152a and
R-32.
18. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein
the heat transfer portion comprises R-1234ze.
19. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein
the heat transfer portion comprises R-1234yf.
20. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims,
which is less flammable than the heat transfer fluid alone.
21. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims,
which has an ignition temperature of about 500.degree. C. or
greater, preferably about 600.degree. C. or greater.
22. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 20, which is
non-flammable.
23. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims
further comprising a stabiliser.
24. A composition according to claim 23, wherein the stabiliser is
selected from diene-based compounds, phosphates, phenol compounds
and epoxides, and mixtures thereof.
25. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims
further comprising an additional flame retardant.
26. A composition according to claim 25, wherein the flame
retardant is selected from the group consisting of
tri-(2-chloroethyl)-phosphate, (chloropropyl) phosphate,
tri-(2,3-dibromopropyl)-phosphate,
tri-(1,3-dichloropropyl)-phosphate, diammonium phosphate, various
halogenated aromatic compounds, antimony oxide, aluminium
trihydrate, polyvinyl chloride, a fluorinated iodocarbon, a
fluorinated bromocarbon, trifluoro iodomethane, perfluoroalkyl
amines, bromo-fluoroalkyl amines and mixtures thereof.
27. A lubricant composition comprising a composition according to
any one of the preceding claims, preferably in a proportion of at
least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 wt % of the total weight of the
lubricant.
28. A heat transfer device containing a composition as defined in
any of claims 1 to 27.
29. Use of a composition as defined in any of claims 1 to 27 in a
heat transfer device.
30. A heat transfer device according to claim 28 or the use
according to claim 29, which is a refrigeration device.
31. A heat transfer device or use according to claim 30, which is
selected from the group consisting of automotive air conditioning
systems, residential air conditioning systems, commercial air
conditioning systems, residential refrigerator systems, residential
freezer systems, commercial refrigerator systems, commercial
freezer systems, chiller air conditioning systems, chiller
refrigeration systems, and commercial or residential heat pump
systems.
32. A heat transfer device or use according to any one of claims 28
to 30, which contains a compressor.
33. A method of cooling an article, which comprises condensing a
composition as defined in claims 1 to 27 and thereafter evaporating
the composition in the vicinity of the article to be cooled.
34. A method for heating an article, which comprises condensing a
composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 27 in the vicinity
of the article to be heated and thereafter evaporating the
composition.
35. A mechanical power generation device containing a composition
as defined in any one of claims 1 to 27.
36. A mechanical power generating device according to claim 35,
which is adapted to use a Rankine Cycle or modification thereof to
generate work from heat.
37. A method of retrofitting a heat transfer device comprising the
step of removing an existing heat transfer fluid and introducing a
composition as defined in claims 1 to 27.
38. A method according to claim 37 wherein the heat transfer device
is a refrigeration device.
39. A method according to claim 38 wherein the heat transfer device
is an air-conditioning system.
40. A method of preparing a composition according to any one of
claims 1 to 27, comprising mixing a compound according to formula
(I) with a heat transfer fluid.
41. A method according to claim 40, wherein the heat transfer fluid
comprises one or more compounds selected from the group of
(hydro)fluoroolefins (HFOs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and
hydrocarbons.
42. A method according to claim 40 wherein the heat transfer fluid
comprises one or more compounds selected from the group of
R-1234ze, R-1234yf, R-1243zf, R-134a, R-152a, R-32, R-161, R-125,
R-134, propane, propylene, carbon dioxide, R-245fa, R-236fa,
R-227ea, R-143a, n-butane, iso-butane, R-365mfc, R-1123, R-1132a
and R1336mzz.
43. A method according to claim 40 wherein the heat transfer fluid
comprises one or more compounds selected from the group of
R-1234ze, R-1234yf, R-1243zf, R-134a, R-152a and R-32.
44. A method according to claim 40 wherein the heat transfer fluid
comprises R-1234ze.
45. A method according to claim 40 wherein the heat transfer fluid
comprises R-1234yf.
46. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 27 as
a heat transfer agent.
47. The use according to claim 46, wherein the heat transfer agent
comprises at least two compounds according to formula (I).
48. The use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 27
as a lubricant, for example, in heat transfer applications.
49. The use according to claim 48, wherein the lubricant comprises
at least two compounds according to formula (I).
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to compositions, uses thereof
and methods for preparing the same, wherein the composition
comprises a heat transfer portion and a lubricating portion,
wherein the lubricating portion comprises a halogenated
polyether.
[0002] The listing or discussion of a prior-published document in
this specification should not necessarily be taken as an
acknowledgement that the document is part of the state of the art
or is common general knowledge.
[0003] Fluorocarbon-based compounds are currently used in a large
number of commercial and industrial applications, such as
propellants, blowing agents and heat transfer fluids. The interest
in and use of fluorine-based compounds, particularly
(hydro)fluoroolefins, as heat transfer fluids has increased as new
refrigerants are sought.
[0004] Dichlorodifluoromethane (refrigerant R-12) possesses a
suitable combination of refrigerant properties and was, for many
years, the most widely used refrigerant. Due to international
concern that fully and partially halogenated chlorofluorocarbons,
such as dichlorodifluoromethane and chlorodifluoromethane, were
damaging the earth's protective ozone layer, there was general
agreement that their manufacture and use should be severely
restricted and eventually phased out completely. The use of
dichlorodifluoromethane was phased out in the 1990's.
[0005] Chlorodifluoromethane (R-22) was introduced as a replacement
for R-12 because of its lower ozone depletion potential. Following
concerns that R-22 is a potent greenhouse gas, its use is also
being phased out. R-410A and R-407 (including R-407A, R-407B and
R-407C) have been introduced as a replacement refrigerant for R-22.
However, R-22, R-410A and the R-407 refrigerants all have a high
global warming potential (GWP, also known as greenhouse warming
potential).
[0006] 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (refrigerant R-134a) was
introduced as a replacement refrigerant for R-12. However, despite
having a low ozone depletion potential, R-134a has a GWP of 1430.
It would be desirable to find replacements for R-134a that have a
lower GWP.
[0007] R-152a (1,1-difluoroethane) has been identified as an
alternative to R-134a. It is somewhat more efficient than R-134a
and has a greenhouse warming potential of 120. However the
flammability of R-152a is judged too high, for example to permit
its safe use in mobile air conditioning systems. In particular its
lower flammable limit in air is too low, its flame speeds are too
high, and its ignition energy is too low.
[0008] (Hydro)fluoroolefins, particularly tetrafluoropropenes, have
been proposed as possible refrigerants for use in a variety of heat
transfer devices.
[0009] Heat transfer fluids are often used in combination with
lubricants, such as in heating and refrigeration systems. Such
lubricants are included in heat transfer compositions to ensure
continued smooth operation of the heat transfer system.
[0010] It is necessary that lubricants used in heat transfer
compositions are compatible with the refrigerants in the
compositions. The compatibility of the lubricant and the
refrigerant is predicated on a number of factors, such as a desire
for at least partial miscibility at part of the operating
temperature range, a low tendency to degrade or react in use and
appropriate viscosities for the application.
[0011] There is, therefore, a need for lubricants that can be used
in conjunction with heat transfer fluids, both those currently used
and those proposed as replacement compositions. In particular,
lubricants are desired that are miscible with a wide range of heat
transfer fluids, possess an appropriate viscosity, do not reduce
the performance of heat transfer fluids and have low flammability;
all in addition to successfully functioning as a lubricant.
[0012] Lubricants with low flammability are particularly important
for heat transfer fluids that are used in automobile
air-conditioning, as such compositions are in danger of coming into
contact with hot metal surfaces of the engine.
[0013] The subject invention addresses the above and other
deficiencies by the provision of a composition comprising a heat
transfer portion and a lubricating portion, wherein the lubricating
portion comprises a compound according to formula (I):
##STR00002## [0014] wherein [0015] W is independently selected from
the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br and I; [0016] Y is
independently selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and
I; [0017] Z is independently selected from the group consisting of
H, OH, (CW.sub.2).sub.pCW.sub.3, CY.sub.3, OCW.sub.3,
O(CW.sub.2).sub.pCW.sub.3, OCW((CY.sub.2).sub.mCY.sub.3)CWCW.sub.2,
polyalkylene glycol and polyolester; [0018] n is an integer from 2
to 250; [0019] m is an integer from 0 to 3; and [0020] p is an
integer from 0 to 9.
[0021] Such compounds show excellent resistance to ignition,
including when exposed to hot surfaces.
[0022] Also provided by the invention is the use of such
compositions described above as lubricants, for example, in heat
transfer applications.
[0023] Further provided by the invention are methods of preparing
such compositions described above.
COMPOSITIONS OF THE INVENTION
[0024] In one aspect, the invention provides a composition
comprising a heat transfer portion and a lubricating portion,
wherein the lubricating portion comprises a compound according to
formula (I):
##STR00003## [0025] wherein [0026] W is independently selected from
the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br and I; [0027] Y is
independently selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and
I; [0028] Z is independently selected from the group consisting of
H, OH, (CW.sub.2).sub.pCW.sub.3, CY.sub.3, OCW.sub.3,
O(CW.sub.2).sub.pCW.sub.3, OCW((CY.sub.2).sub.mCY.sub.3)CWCW.sub.2,
polyalkylene glycol and polyolester; [0029] n is an integer from 2
to 250; [0030] m is an integer from 0 to 3; and [0031] p is an
integer from 0 to 9.
[0032] In an embodiment, Y is F or Cl, preferably F. W may be H, F
or Cl. Preferably, W is H. Advantageously, m is an integer from 0
to 3, preferably 0 and n is an integer from 2 to 100, for example
from 5 to 20, preferably n is an integer from 10 to 20, e.g. 10,
11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20.
[0033] Such lubricant/heat transfer component compositions show low
flammability, such as when sprayed onto hot surfaces or sprayed
through a flame.
[0034] In an embodiment at least one of the Z derivatives is OH.
Preferably, both Z derivatives are OH.
[0035] In another embodiment, at least one Z derivative may
comprise a polyalkylene glycol. Alternatively, both Z derivatives
may comprise a polyalkylene glycol (PAG). In both instances, the
polyalkylene glycol may be selected from the group consisting of
poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide), and mixtures
thereof. In such embodiments, the PAG groups may be conjugated to
the compound of formula (I) through the formation of an ester bond
between a hydroxyl end-capping group of formula (I) (i.e.,
Z.dbd.OH) with a carboxylic acid end-capped PAG.
[0036] In a further embodiment, the Z derivatives may,
independently, be an alkyl or alkoxy group containing from 1 to 10
carbon atoms.
[0037] In an embodiment, both Z derivatives may be the same.
Alternatively, both Z derivatives may be different.
[0038] In an embodiment, the weight percentage of the lubricating
portion in the total composition of the invention is 1-30%,
preferably 1-10%, more preferably 1-5%.
[0039] In an embodiment of the invention, the compound of formula
(I) is a compound of formula (II):
##STR00004##
[0040] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the compound
of formula (I) is a compound of formula (III):
##STR00005##
[0041] In an embodiment of the invention, the PAG group of Formula
(III) is connected to the polymer backbone via an ester linkage. In
another embodiment of the invention, the PAG group of Formula (III)
is connected to the polymer backbone via an ether linkage.
[0042] In an embodiment of the invention, the composition may
comprise at least two different compounds of formula (I). In such
instances, the value of n may be the same for the at least two
compounds of formula (I). Alternatively, the value of n may be
different for the at least two compounds of formula (I).
[0043] In an embodiment of the invention, the lubricating portion
of the composition may have a kinematic viscosity of from about 5
to about 250 cSt at 40.degree. C. Advantageously, the lubricating
portion has a kinematic viscosity of from about 20 to about 100 cSt
at 40.degree. C., such as from about 30 to about 70 cSt, for
example, from about 30 to about 60 cSt.
[0044] Preferably, the heat transfer portion comprises one or more
compounds selected from the group of (hydro)fluoroolefins (HFOs),
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrocarbons.
[0045] Advantageously, the heat transfer portion may comprise one
or more compounds selected from the group of
1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene
(R-1234yf), 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (R-1243zf),
1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a), 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a),
difluoromethane (R-32), fluoroethane (R-161), pentafluoroethane
(R-125), 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134), propane, propylene,
carbon dioxide, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (R-245fa),
1,1,1,3,3,3-hexofluoropropane (R-236fa),
1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (R-227ea), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane
(R-143a), n-butane, iso-butane and 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane
(R-365mfc), 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene (R-1123), 1,1-difluoroethylene
(R-1132a), 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobutene (R1336mzz), such as
R-1234ze, R-1234yf, R-1243zf, R-134a, R-152a and R-32.
[0046] For the avoidance of doubt, it is to be understood that
where a compound may exist as one of two configurational isomers,
e.g. cis and trans isomers around a double bond, the use of the
term without an isomer designation (e.g. R-1234ze) is to refer to
either isomer.
[0047] Conveniently, the heat transfer portion comprises
tetrafluoropropenes. Preferably, the heat transfer portion
comprises R-1234ze, even more preferably the heat transfer portion
comprises R-1234ze(E). Advantageously, the heat transfer
composition comprises R-1234yf.
[0048] Advantageously, compositions of the invention are less
flammable than a composition comprising the same heat transfer
portion combined with a polyalkylene glycol (PAG) and/or a polyol
ester (POE) based lubricant.
[0049] In an embodiment, the composition of the invention is
miscible with existing polyalkylene glycol, polyalkylene glycol
ester and polyol ester lubricating oils.
[0050] In an embodiment, the compounds comprising the lubricating
portion comprise carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, with a ratio of
oxygen to carbon sufficient to provide a degree of miscibility with
the heat transfer portion, such as when the lubricating portion is
added to the heat transfer portion in a proportion of from about 1
to 30 wt %, preferably 1 to 10 wt % and even more preferably 1 to 5
wt % of the total composition, the mixture has one liquid phase.
Preferably, the mixture has one liquid phase when 1 to 20 wt % of
the lubricating portion is present in the composition. Even more
preferably, the composition is one liquid phase regardless of the
proportions of the heat transfer portion to the lubricating
portion.
[0051] This solubility or miscibility preferably exists at all
normal operating temperatures. For example, the solubility or
miscibility exists at at least one temperature between -100.degree.
C. and +100.degree. C., preferably at at least one temperature
between -75.degree. C. and +75.degree. C. and even more preferably,
at at least one temperature between -50.degree. C. and +50.degree.
C. Advantageously, the solubility or miscibility exists over all
temperature ranges wherein the composition is in the liquid
phase.
[0052] Conveniently, the compositions of the invention are less
flammable than the heat transfer portion alone.
[0053] Preferably, the composition of the invention has a lowest
temperature of ignition of about 500.degree. C. or greater, such as
510.degree. C., 520.degree. C., 530.degree. C., 540.degree. C.,
550.degree. C., 560.degree. C., 570.degree. C., 580.degree. C.,
590.degree. C., preferably about 600.degree. C. or greater, for
example 610.degree. C., 620.degree. C., 630.degree. C. or
640.degree. C.
[0054] In an embodiment, the composition of the invention may be
non-flammable.
[0055] Flammability may be determined in accordance with ASHRAE
Standard 34 incorporating the ASTM Standard E-681 with test
methodology as per Addendum 34p dated 2004, the entire content of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0056] Conveniently, the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of the
compositions of the invention may be less than about 3500, 3000,
2500 or 2000. For instance, the GWP may be less than 2500, 2400,
2300, 2200, 2100, 2000, 1900, 1800, 1700, 1600 or 1500. The GWP of
the compositions of the invention preferably is less than 1400,
1300, 1200, 1100, 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600 or 500.
[0057] Preferably, the compositions of the invention have zero or
near zero ozone depletion.
[0058] In an embodiment, the compositions of the invention have
improved heat transfer properties than the heat transfer fluid
alone.
[0059] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that
compounds of formula (I) may further act as heat transfer agents
and therefore increase the heat transfer properties of the
compositions of the invention.
[0060] Advantageously, the composition further comprises a
stabiliser.
[0061] Preferably the stabiliser is selected from group consisting
of diene-based compounds, phosphates, phenol compounds and
epoxides, and mixtures thereof.
[0062] Conveniently, the composition further comprises an
additional flame retardant.
[0063] Preferably, the flame retardant is selected from the group
consisting of tri-(2-chloroethyl)-phosphate, (chloropropyl)
phosphate, tri-(2,3-dibromopropyl)-phosphate,
tri-(1,3-dichloropropyl)-phosphate, diammonium phosphate, various
halogenated aromatic compounds, antimony oxide, aluminium
trihydrate, polyvinyl chloride, a fluorinated iodocarbon, a
fluorinated bromocarbon, trifluoro iodomethane, perfluoroalkyl
amines, bromo-fluoroalkyl amines and mixtures thereof.
[0064] In an embodiment, the composition of the invention may be
comprised within a lubricant composition in a proportion of at
least 10 to 90 wt %, preferably in a proportion of 10 to 75 wt %,
such as 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 wt %.
[0065] The invention also provides a heat transfer device
containing a composition of the invention and/or the use of a
composition of the invention in a heat transfer device.
[0066] In an embodiment, the heat transfer device is a
refrigeration device.
[0067] Conveniently, the heat transfer device is selected from the
group consisting of automotive air conditioning systems,
residential air conditioning systems, commercial air conditioning
systems, residential refrigerator systems, residential freezer
systems, commercial refrigerator systems, commercial freezer
systems, chiller air conditioning systems, chiller refrigeration
systems, and commercial or residential heat pump systems.
[0068] Preferably, the heat transfer device contains a
compressor.
[0069] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of cooling an article, which comprises condensing
a composition of the invention and thereafter evaporating the
composition in the vicinity of the article to be cooled.
[0070] According to an another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method for heating an article, which comprises
condensing a composition of the invention in the vicinity of the
article to be heated and thereafter evaporating the
composition.
[0071] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided a mechanical power generation device containing a
composition of the invention.
[0072] Preferably, the mechanical power generating device is
adapted to use a Rankine Cycle or modification thereof to generate
work from heat.
[0073] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of retrofitting a heat transfer device comprising
the step of removing an existing heat transfer fluid and
introducing a composition of the invention. Preferably, the heat
transfer device is a refrigeration device. Advantageously, the heat
transfer device is an air-conditioning system.
[0074] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of reducing the flammability of a composition by
the addition of a composition of the invention.
METHODS OF PREPARATION OF COMPOSITIONS OF THE INVENTION
[0075] Compositions of the invention may be prepared by mixing one
or more compounds of formula (I) with a heat transfer fluid.
[0076] Preferably, the heat transfer fluid comprises one or more
compounds selected from the group of (hydro)fluoroolefins (HFOs),
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrocarbons.
[0077] Advantageously, the heat transfer fluid comprises one or
more compounds selected from the group of R-1234ze, R-1234yf,
R-1243zf, R-134a, R-152a, R-32, R-161, R-125, R-134, propane,
propylene, carbon dioxide, R-245fa, R-236fa, R-227ea, R-143a,
R-1123, R-1132a, R1336mzz, n-butane, iso-butane and R-365mfc.
[0078] Conveniently, wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises one
or more compounds selected from the group of R-1234ze, R-1234yf,
R-1243zf, R-134a, R-152a and R-32.
[0079] Preferably, the heat transfer fluid comprises R-1234ze.
[0080] Preferably, the heat transfer fluid comprises R-1234yf.
USES OF THE COMPOSITION OF THE INVENTION
[0081] In an aspect, the composition of the invention may be used
as a heat transfer agent. In an embodiment, when used as a heat
transfer agent, the compositions of the invention may comprise at
least two compounds according to formula (I).
[0082] In another aspect, the compositions of the inventions may be
used as lubricants. In an embodiment, the lubricant composition may
comprise at least two compounds according to formula (I).
[0083] The use of effective amounts of compounds according to
formula (I) in a lubricant composition or a heat transfer
composition is advantageous due to their thermal and mechanical
stability, lubricity, viscosity, pour point, anti-oxidation and
anti-corrosive properties.
EXAMPLE
[0084] A compound according to the invention was synthesised by the
following method. A 450 mL Parr reactor was placed in an inert
atmosphere inside a glove-box and 150 mL of 1,2-dimethoxyethane was
added. 50 g (0.45 mol) of 3,3,3-trifluoropropylene oxide was then
added along with 1.3 g (0.012 mol) of potassium tert-butoxide. The
reactor was then sealed, removed from the glove-box and connected
to a stirrer. The reactor contents were then stirred and heated to
90.degree. C. for 5 days. The contents were then cooled and
quenched with 200 mL of water. The resulting polytrifluoropropylene
oxide (PTFO) was extracted with diethyl ether and dried over a
rotary evaporator.
[0085] The PTFO was tested to assess its flammability and/or
combustibility alone and mixed with fluorocarbon refrigerant
compositions. It was found that the fluorinated species exhibited
elevated combustion temperature compared to commercially available
polyalkylene glycol (PAG) and polyol ester (POE) lubricant
materials.
[0086] Hot Manifold Testing
[0087] An assessment was made of the ease of ignition of the fluids
when in contact with a hot metal surface, using the test apparatus
and test method as described in ISO Standard ISO 20823:2003. In
this test droplets of the fluid were allowed to fall vertically
downwards onto an internally heated, cylindrical hot surface,
inclined at a shallow angle to the horizontal, and which was
additionally fitted with a horizontal gutter to trap liquid at one
side of the cylindrical body. (The surface is hereinafter described
as the "manifold").
[0088] The temperature of the manifold was increased stepwise until
ignition was observed. Observations on the character and vigour of
ignition were also recorded during each test. Five fluids of the
invention, two PAG type lubricants (Nippon Denso ND12 and Daphne
FD46XG, Comparative Examples 1 and 2, respectively) and one POE
lubricant (Emkarate RL68H, comparative Example 3) were tested. A
perfluorinated lubricant material (DuPont Krytox.TM. GPL150) was
also tested as a comparative example. The results are tabulated
below.
TABLE-US-00001 Highest temperature Lowest without ignition
temperature with Fluid (.degree. C.) ignition (.degree. C.)
Observations Example 676 -- No sustained ignition found, though
some brief flame flashes were observed on hot surface Comparative
438 443 Immediate ignition; Example 1 burning liquid collected
Comparative 462 467 Immediate ignition; Example 2 burning liquid
collected Comparative 628 633 Immediate ignition; Example 3 gas
above tray also ignited by droplets
[0089] The results clearly show a significant improvement in
ignition resistance offered by compounds according to the invention
over conventional lubricants used in refrigeration
technologies.
[0090] Preferences and options for a given aspect, feature or
parameter of the invention should, unless the context indicates
otherwise, be regarded as having been disclosed in combination with
any and all preferences and options for all other aspects, features
and parameters of the invention.
[0091] Where a molecule, for example HFO-1234ze, may take the form
of E and Z isomers, the general disclosure of that molecule is
intended to refer equally to both the E and Z isomers.
[0092] The invention is defined by the following claims.
* * * * *