Integrated system and process for producing regenerated, stabilized, and traceable refrigerant compositions

Abstract

The present invention relates to an integrated system and process for regenerating fluoroolefin refrigerant compositions that are not suitable or compliant with existing industrial and environmental standards, and for producing industry-compatible refrigerant compositions that are traceable and stabilized to prevent oligomerization or polymerization of the fluoroolefin components.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an integrated system and process for regenerating refrigerant materials containing impurities and contaminants that render them unsuitable and incompatible with existing industrial and environmental standards, and producing industry compatible refrigerants and refrigerant blends that are traceable and / or stabilized against oligomerization / polymerization. [Background technology]

[0002] Over the past decade, the refrigeration industry has replaced ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) with low-ozone-depleting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). More recently, fluoroolefins such as HFO-1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene), HFO-1234ze (1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, Z-isomer, E-isomer, or blends of E and Z isomers), HFO-1234yf, and HFO-Z / E-1234ze have been used alone or in blends with HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), many of which are commercially available, such as in the Chemours Opteon™ series of refrigerants and the Honeywell Solstice® series of refrigerants, including R-448A. However, the olefin portion of the hydrofluoroolefin molecule can be reactive to materials encountered during use. Typically, HFO reactivity is encountered during extreme use conditions (i.e., conditions outside the normal operating conditions of the refrigerant and / or refrigerant blend) or misuse, such as blending with incompatible products, or introduction of counterfeit materials, or inadvertent contamination. Thus, the reactivity of the HFO portion of such refrigerants or refrigerant blends can cause decomposition in such a way as to produce undesirable by-products. The resulting formation of by-products introduces materials into the refrigerant composition that can reduce the desired or intended performance of the refrigerant, and any lubricants that may be present. One source of impurities can be the result of side reactions acting on one or more of the refrigerants in the system. Side reactions can result from a variety of processes, including, for example, thermal decomposition, polymerization, oxidation, or hydration. Side reactions can occur between materials in the system or as a result of the ingress of external materials, such as air or water, into the system. The resulting impurities can include, for example, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, oligomers, or polymers resulting from the reaction of one or more of the refrigerants. Another source of impurities can result from side reactions acting on other materials present in the system, such as the lubricating oil.These may include, for example, polyol esters, polyvinyl ethers, polyxylylene glycols, mineral oils, or alkylbenzene oils. In one embodiment, polyol ester lubricants may hydrolyze to the corresponding acids. The resulting impurities may exist as solids, liquids, or gases. Additionally, materials such as thread locking agents may also produce undesirable by-products. Other sources of undesirable contaminants include plasticizers from hoses, gaskets, and O-rings. Currently, because refrigerants have unknown impurities in them that cannot be conveniently removed during recovery or recycling processes using techniques that have been suitable for the regeneration of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), these degraded HFO-containing refrigerants are discarded (destroyed) and the system is recharged with fresh, i.e., new or unused, refrigerants or refrigerant blends. This leads to unnecessary losses of valuable refrigerants or refrigerant blends. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Thus, there is a need for systems and methods to recycle and regenerate depleted fluoroolefin refrigerant compositions for further use in existing systems or for reuse in entirely new systems. It would also be desirable to upgrade depleted fluoroolefin refrigerants or refrigerant blends, remove contaminants, and re-blend neat or existing blends with other materials to form new blends or even blends with improved performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The present invention can solve problems associated with unique characteristics and by-product contaminants not encountered in traditional regeneration of CFCs and HCFCs by providing systems and methods for recovering, testing, treating, controlling and reformulating refrigerant compositions for reuse / recycling unregenerated fluoroolefin-containing refrigerant compositions, which systems and methods are preferably integrated and can be used to recover, test, treat, control and reformulate refrigerant compositions for reuse / recycling unregenerated fluoroolefin-containing refrigerant compositions, including, but not limited to, HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, HFO-E-1225ye, HFO-1132a, HFO-Z / E-1132, and HFO-Z / E-1336mzz alone or in combination with HFC-152a, HFC-134a, HFC-134, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-143a, HFC-227ea, CO 2 (R744), HFO-1123 (1,1,2-trifluoroethylene), HFO-1224yf, HFO-Z / E-1233zd, HFO-Z / E-1336mzz, HCO-1130(E), HFO-1132, HFO-1132a, and CF 3 I in combination with one or more additional members selected from the group consisting of fluoroolefins.

[0005] The present invention also relates to integrated systems and processes for processing unregenerated refrigerant compounds, components, and blends that have been analyzed, purified, conditioned, reconstituted or reformulated to possess purity characteristics consistent with AHRI-700 refrigerant standards, and then traceable and / or stabilized against oligomerization or polymerization.

[0006] The present invention relates to a regeneration procedure that provides HFC / HFO / HCFO refrigerant compositions that meet the AHRI 700(2019) standards and have the same stability as packaged, virgin HFCs, HFOs, and HCFOs (and mixtures containing HFCs / HFOs / HCFOs), but are also stabilized to protect against oligomerization or polymerization of the fluoroolefin components, such as HFO-1234yf, and are traceable to identify the source of the regenerated HFCs, HFOs, and HCFOs (and mixtures containing HFCs / HFOs / HCFOs).

[0007] The present invention produces traceable regenerated refrigerant compositions that can improve their ability to withstand conventional and abnormal conditions and resolve potential problems associated with initiators (e.g., contaminants) that oligomerize or homopolymerize fluoroolefins (e.g., tetrafluoropropene) because at least one inhibitor is added to the fluoroolefin-containing composition. The addition of an oligomer inhibitor to the regenerated fluoroolefin-containing composition will increase its stability during packaging, storage, and use in refrigeration or air conditioning system applications. The stabilized composition can be useful in cooling systems and as a replacement for existing refrigerants with higher global warming potential.

[0008] The embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include a system for recovering used, spent, and unregenerated refrigerant from refrigerant equipment and storage tanks, including, for example, a testing station for determining the physical and chemical properties of the regenerated refrigerant composition. The testing station will necessarily include a used, spent, e.g., unregenerated refrigerant receiving tank that can facilitate the determination of the physical and chemical properties of the regenerated refrigerant composition prior to purification, including, but not limited to, the weight of the refrigerant composition, NAG (non-absorbable gas) content, acidity, air, oil, particulates / solids, stabilizers, moisture, HFO, HFC, HCFO, other refrigerant content, and purity for comparison with industry standards. The receiving tank can be ASHRAE and AHRI compliant, thereby providing an overhead / vapor space for the collection of vapors and non-absorbable or non-condensable gases. A sensor or detector can be associated directly to the overhead / vapor space or in-line via a sampling valve to measure the air, oxygen, or moisture content of the unregenerated refrigerant.

[0009] Upon determining the chemical and / or physical properties of the unregenerated refrigerant at the testing station, the unregenerated refrigerant is sent to a primary or first purification station where the unregenerated refrigerant is processed in at least one of a distillation station, an adsorption station, a desorption station, and a cryogenic cooling station, and then analyzed again to determine the purity of the processed refrigerant, as well as its purity and industry suitability. If appropriate, the refrigerant composition or blend once processed is transferred to a second purification station for at least one of the targeted purifications, including but not limited to NAG (purge station), water (distillation / desiccant dryer), solids (filter), acidity (base bath), high boiling point residue / chlorides (distillation), and retested to verify purity and industry suitability. Once regenerated, the regenerated refrigerant component or blend is transferred or collected in an ASHRAE or AHRI compliant regenerated refrigerant collection vessel / tank, which may be part of a conditioning station for adding additional refrigerant components to create the targeted refrigerant or refrigerant blend. The target compatible refrigerant or refrigerant blend is then stabilized, traceable, and its purity verified to ensure that the regenerated refrigerant meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard. Similar to the unregenerated refrigerant receiving vessel, the regenerated refrigerant collection vessel / vessel provides an overhead / vapor space for collection of vapors and non-absorbable or non-condensable gases. Sensors or detectors can be directly associated with the overhead / vapor space to measure air, oxygen, or moisture content.

[0010] In one particular embodiment, the present invention relates to processing unrecycled fluoroolefin containing compositions comprising HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze to produce high purity and AHRI compliant HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze blends.

[0011] In another particular embodiment, the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a fluorocarbon polymer comprising at least 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf) and C 2 and at least one additional member comprising a hydrofluorocarbon,2 Hydrofluorocarbons include, but are not limited to, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134, HFC-134a, HFC-143a, or HFC-152a, and optionally carbon dioxide, or HFC-32 and HFC-125, or HFC-32 and HFC-134a, or HFC-32 and HFC-152a, or R-448A, R449A, R-454A, R-454B, R454C, R-463A, R-513A, Contains R-516A or R-457A.

[0012] In another particular embodiment, the present invention provides a fluorocarbon fluoride (FGF) comprising 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze(E)) alone or at least one C selected from HFC-227ea, HFC-134a, HFC-134, HFO-1336mzz(E), HFO-1225ye(E), HCFO-1224yd(Z), HCFO-1224yd(E), HFO-1234ze(Z), HCFO-1233zd(E). 2 Or C 3 Processing unregenerated refrigerants and mixtures containing hydrofluorocarbons.

[0013] In another specific embodiment, the present invention relates to processing unregenerated 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze(E / Z)) refrigerant blends, including but not limited to R471A, R476A, R482A, R515A, and R-515B.

[0014] In another specific embodiment disclosed herein, the unregenerated refrigerant and refrigerant blend components, including but not limited to HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, HFO-Z / E-1336mzz, HFC-152a, HFC-134a, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-143a, HFC-227ea, HFO-1123, HFO-E-1225ye, HFO-1132a, or HFO-E / Z-1132, are separated and purified into individual components suitable for reblending.

[0015] In other specific embodiments disclosed herein, the unregenerated refrigerant and refrigerant to be treated include, but are not limited to: R404A (ASHRAE name for a blend of 44 weight percent R125, 52 weight percent R143a (1,1,1-trifluoroethane), and 4.0 weight percent R134a), or R407A, R407B, R407C, R407D, and R407E (ASHRAE names for blends of R134a, R125 (pentafluoroethane), and R32 (difluoromethane) at different concentrations); or R408A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 7 weight percent R125, 46 weight percent R143a, and 47 weight percent R22), or R410A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 50 weight percent R125 and 50 weight percent R32), or R413A (ASHRAE designation for a blend containing R218, R134a, and isobutane), R417A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 46.6 weight percent R125, 50.0 weight percent R134a, and 3.4 weight percent n-butane), or R419A (ASHRAE name for a blend containing R125, R134a, and DME), or R422A, R422B, R422C, and R422D (ASHRAE names for blends of R125, R134a, and isobutane with different concentrations of the components), or R423A (ASHRAE name for a blend containing R134a and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (R227ea)), R424A (ASHRAE name for a blend containing R125, R134a, isobutane, n-butane, and isopentane), R426A (ASHRAE name for a blend containing R125, R134a, n-butane, and isopentane), or R427A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 15 weight percent R32, 25 weight percent R125, 50 weight percent R134a, and 10 weight percent R143a), or R428A (ASHRAE name for a blend containing R125, R143a, propane, and isobutane), or R430A (ASHRAE name for a blend containing R152a and isobutane), or R434A (ASHRAE name for a blend containing R125, R134a, R143a, and isobutane), or R437A (ASHRAE name for a blend containing R125, R134a, n-butane, and n-pentane), or R438A (ASHRAE name for a blend containing R32, R125, R134a, n-butane, and isopentane), or R507A and R507B (ASHRAE names for blends of R125 and R143a with different concentrations of the components), or R508A and R508B (ASHRAE names for blends of trifluoromethane (R23) and hexafluoroethane (R116) with different concentrations of their components), or R471A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of R-1234ze(E), R-227ea, and HFO-1336mzz(E) (78.7 / 4.3 / 17.0 weight percent), or R473A (ASHRAE name for a blend of R-1132a / R-23 / R-744 / R-125 (20.0 / 10.0 / 60.0 / 10.0)), or R474A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of R-1132(E) and R-1234yf (23.0 / 77.0 weight percent), or R-514A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of R-1336mzz(Z) and R-1130(E) (74.7 / 25.3 weight percent), or R-515A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of R-1234ze(E) and R-227ea (88.0 / 12.0 weight percent), or R-515B (ASHRAE designation for a blend of R-1234ze(E) and R-227ea (91.1 / 8.9 weight percent), or R-516A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of R-1234y, R-134a, and R-152a (77.5 / 8.5 / 14.0 weight percent), or R-457A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of R-32, R-1234yf, and R-152a (18.0 / 70.0 / 12.0 weight percent), or May contain R-463A (ASHRAE name for a blend of R-744 / 32 / 125 / 1234yf / 134a (6.0 / 36.0 / 30.0 / 14.0 / 14.0)).

[0016] In another embodiment, the system, preferably an integrated one, includes a blending station for reconstituting or reformulating blends to meet AHRI-700 standards, including, but not limited to, blends such as: (1) HFC-32, HFC-125, HFO-1234yf, and HFC-R134a, or (2) HFC-32 and HFO-1234yf, (3) HFC-32, HFC-134a, and HFC-152a, or (3) HFO-1234yf, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, and HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or (4) HFO-1234yf, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, or having up to about 10 weight percent trans-HFO-1234ze. (5) Includes HFO-1234ze(E) and HFO-1336mzz(E).

[0017] In other embodiments, the system may be an integrated system that tests, regenerates, and produces high purity refrigerant components including, but not limited to, at least one of HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, HFO-E / Z-1336mzz, HFO-1225ye, HFO-1132a, HFC-1130(E), HFO-1123, E / Z-HFO-1132, HFC-134a, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-227ea, HFC-236fa, or HFC-134.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, unregenerated R-407C that is a blend of HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134a is tested, purified, separated into its HFC-32, HFC-125, and HFC-134a components, reblended, compositionally adjusted to meet AHRI-700 standards for reuse, and amended to include effective amounts of oligomeric / polymeric inhibitors and / or tracers.

[0019] The regenerated refrigerant compositions disclosed herein may also include an effective amount of an oligomeric / polymeric inhibitor, which is an oligomeric / polymeric inhibitor that is a soluble refrigerant having at least one chemical moiety C, including, but not limited to, cyclic monoterpenes, lipophilic organic compounds, including tocopherols, such as α-tocopherol, phenols, benzene-1,4-diol, 6 H 4 The inhibitors include aromatic organic compounds having (OH), specifically hydrocarbons including at least one of limonene, α-terpinene, α-tocopherol, butylated hydroxytoluene, 4-methoxyphenol, and at least one member selected from the group consisting of benzene-1,4-diol, which are used in effective amounts up to 0.5% by weight of the HFO and HFC refrigerants. Examples of such inhibitors include at least one of limonene and α-terpinene. Limonene has the following structure:

[0020] [ka]

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, limonene or alpha-terpinene, optionally containing antioxidants, has a unique aroma even at a few ppm level. This pleasant odor can be utilized for refrigerant leak detection with refrigerants and blends based on hydrofluoroolefins (e.g., including at least one of 1234yf, 1234ze, and combinations thereof). This is particularly useful for early detection of refrigerant leaks in home or portable air conditioners, since paraprofessional electronic leak detectors are often not available everywhere.

[0022] The regenerated refrigerant compositions disclosed herein also include an effective amount of an oligomeric / polymeric inhibitor, including but not limited to, ethane, propane, propylene, butane, butene, isobutene, and xylene, used alone or with limonene or terpinene in an effective amount up to 0.5% by weight of the HFO and HFC refrigerants. Disclosed herein are reclaimed fluoroolefin compositions comprising any of the foregoing compositions present in an amount of about 0.5 wt% or less, less than 0.5 wt% but greater than 0, for example, 0.001 wt%, 0.005 wt%, 0.01 wt%, 0.015 wt%, 0.02 wt%, 0.03 wt%, 0.04 wt%, 0.05 wt% (500 ppm), 0.06 wt%, 0.07 wt%, 0.08 wt%, 0.09 wt%, 0.1 wt% (1000 ppm), 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt% (3000 ppm), 0.4 wt%, 0.5, and all values ​​therebetween, but in an amount sufficient to maintain formation of oligomers, homopolymers, or other polymer products at less than about 0.03 wt%, or to provide a composition free of oligomers, homopolymers, or other polymer products.

[0023] The regenerated refrigerant compositions disclosed herein comprise at least one tracer member selected from HFO-E-1336mzz, HFO-1123, HCFO-1233zd, 1224yd, CFO-1112, HFO-1327, HFO-Z-1336mzz, HFO-1336yf, HFO-1336ze, and HFC-263fb in an amount up to about 5000 ppm.

[0024] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an integrated system in which the unregenerated compositions disclosed herein include one or more analyses and one or more processes including, but not limited to, recovery and transfer, contaminant detection, physical and chemical characterization, purity verification, distillation, adsorption, desorption, cooling, solid-liquid separation, filtration, drying, neutralization, blending, addition of stabilizers, tracers, compatibilizers, and packaging, recycling, and filling of refrigerant equipment containing the regenerated compositions disclosed herein.

[0025] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an integrated system for processing unregenerated HFO-1234yf and HFO-1234yf blend compositions containing inhibitors and / or oxidized derivatives thereof, with one or more analyses and one or more treatments including, but not limited to, recovery and transfer, contaminant detection, physical and chemical characterization, purity confirmation, distillation, adsorption, desorption, cooling, solid-liquid separation, filtration, drying, and neutralization.

[0026] In one process embodiment, the unregenerated liquid refrigerant is passed through an absorbent material such as silica gel, or the refrigerant is passed through mineral oil, molecular sieves, carbon, activated charcoal, alumina, or diatomaceous earth, all prior to distillation, to provide an inhibitor-free, partially regenerated product which is then subjected to one or more distillations in at least one of the first and / or second purification processes, or passes mineral oil as a vapor prior to distillation.

[0027] In another processing embodiment, the unregenerated liquid refrigerant is passed through one or more distillation columns and then passed through an absorbent material such as silica gel, or the refrigerant is passed through mineral oil, molecular sieves, carbon, activated charcoal, alumina, or diatomaceous earth to provide an at least partially regenerated product free of inhibitors.

[0028] Another embodiment of the disclosed invention relates to a system or process that includes multiple evaluations including purity verification to at least current AHRI 700 standards.

[0029] Another embodiment of the disclosed invention relates to multiple purification steps including, but not limited to, one or more of adsorption, desorption, and cryogenic cooling, water removal selected from one of distillation, drying, and dehydration, and neutralization of acidic components.

[0030] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to any combination of the embodiments disclosed herein that results in a regenerated refrigerant having a purity of greater than 99.5 weight percent, or greater than 99.9 weight percent, based on the total weight of the refrigerant composition. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a method and system for regenerating unregenerated refrigerant according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The present invention relates to an integrated system and process for processing unregenerated refrigerant compounds, components, and blends that are preferably analyzed, purified, conditioned, reconstituted, and then stabilized and / or traceable to meet AHRI 700 refrigerant standards.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, block diagram 100 shows a non-limiting example of a process and system for regenerating refrigerant. Unregenerated refrigerant from a refrigerant equipment or storage tank is collected, for example, from a source tank (or equipment) using system 110 and collected in a receiving tank, which is transported to a recycling center. The refrigerant collected by the receiving tank from 110 (not shown) is weighed and analyzed in part by including an oxygen / air sensor in the vapor space of the receiving tank of system 110 or in contact with the vapor space of the unregenerated refrigerant associated with the receiving tank or tank containing the unregenerated refrigerant (not shown) in a weighing and testing station or system 120 to detect and measure impurities including, but not limited to, NAG (non-absorbable gas), acid, solids, water, and / or high boiling residual content. Because system 100 is designed to remove solids using a filter, optionally the filter must be capable of removing oligomers, homopolymers, and / or polymer by-products from the unregenerated refrigerant containing fluoroolefins such as HFO-1234yf. An oxygen sensor associated with the overhead / vapor space or unregenerated refrigerant of the receiving vessel (not shown) can measure the air or oxygen content of the unregenerated refrigerant and signal the need for venting or treatment to remove / reduce the oxygen content. The unregenerated refrigerant is analyzed using analytical techniques such as GC-FID, GC-TCD, GC-MS, FTIR, Goetz Bub, Karl Fischer, Byk-Garner Color, and various other analytical methods. Organic product analysis typically involves gas-chromatography (GC-MS).

[0034] The concentration of non-condensable gas (NCG) or non-absorbable gas (NAG) may be varied or modified to a concentration of less than 1.5 volume percent at 25° C. per AHRI 700, preferably less than 0.9 volume percent at 25° C. per AHRI 700. NAG typically includes air (typically composed of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and about 1% argon) that can be directly detected by a sensor and accumulates in the gas phase of the refrigerant where the solubility of air in the refrigerant liquid phase is very low. Although it may be important to reduce the total amount of NAG contained within the refrigerant, it is typically more desirable to reduce the oxygen-containing portion of the NAG preferentially over the nitrogen portion. Under certain circumstances, the oxygen-containing portion may increase the tendency of the refrigerant to decompose or form unwanted polymeric materials. NCG can be detected using one of an infrared sensor, a UV sensor, an NIR sensor, an ion mobility or plasma chromatograph, a gas chromatography, a refractometry, a mass spectrometry, a high temperature thick film sensor, a thin film field effect sensor, a pellistor sensor, a Taguchi sensor, and a quartz crystal microbalance sensor, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0069177, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0035] The unregenerated refrigerant component composition, even if provided by a customer, is analyzed as described above to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of the unregenerated refrigerant composition and perform a purity check to see how it compares to the AHRI-700 industry standard. Based on the analytical (test) results from the weighing and testing station, i.e., system 120, a first or primary purification will be performed using a distillation column (adsorption / desorption and cryogenic cooling and / or other separation techniques) in system 130, and the refrigerant purified in the first stage will be reanalyzed and its purity will be reconfirmed. The first or primary purification system 130 optionally includes one or more columns containing an absorbent / adsorbent to remove oligomerization inhibitors in the unregenerated refrigerant composition as disclosed herein. The column (not shown) can be upstream or downstream of the distillation component of system 130. If silica gel is used as a medium to remove inhibitors, the unregenerated refrigerant can be passed through a bed of silica gel as a liquid, and the inhibitor-free "partially" regenerated product is optionally transferred to one of more distillation columns to separate and isolate the individual refrigerant components. If the primary purification does not provide a treated product that is AHRI-700 compliant, it is then transferred from system 130 to system 140 for further processing, including targeted purification for NAG (purge station), water (distillation / desiccant dryer), solids (filter), acidity (base bath), high boiling point residue / chlorides (distillation), and the product is reanalyzed in a weighing and testing station and purity is reconfirmed to verify purity and industry compliance in system 140. The NAG reduction station (not shown) can contact the partially regenerated refrigerant composition with a reducing agent, such as a metal powder, which can react with oxygen or other oxidizable components of the unregenerated refrigerant composition. In one embodiment, the reducing agent can include iron powder. Processing by the NAG reduction station can reduce the concentration of one or more components of the partially regenerated refrigerant composition below one or more predetermined thresholds.

[0036] Thereafter, in system 150, a regenerated refrigerant collection vessel / tank (not shown), which may be ASHRAE / AHRI compliant, receives the regenerated refrigerant component from 130 or 140, which is mixed with additional fresh / virgin / high purity refrigerant component to provide a reconstituted regenerated refrigerant composition in system 150 that meets the AHRI 700-19 standard. The regenerated collection tank may be equipped with detectors in the headspace / vapor to determine air and / or oxygen content. Tracers, stabilizers, and conventional additives are added in system 160, and then a final purity check is performed in system 170 so that the regenerated and reconstituted refrigerant meets the AHRI 700-19 standard. Each system 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 includes components for receiving and transferring the refrigerant composition between the upstream and downstream systems, such as flow lines, valves, pumps, controls (not shown), etc.

[0037] In one embodiment, the concentration of the non-condensable materials may be modified to provide a concentration of less than 1.5 volume percent at 25° C. per AHRI700, and preferably less than 0.9 volume percent at 25° C. per AHRI700.

[0038] In another embodiment, a condenser is used with a cooling medium cold enough to condense the partially regenerated refrigerant and pass it through the NAG with minimal refrigerant loss. A compressor may be used in conjunction with the condenser to increase the pressure and facilitate condensing the refrigerant at a higher temperature.

[0039] In another embodiment, the NAG is separated from the refrigerant using a membrane positioned such that the NAG can pass through the membrane and be removed while the refrigerant does not pass through the membrane.

[0040] As used herein, a refrigerant is a compound or mixture of compounds that acts as a heat transfer fluid in a cycle in which the fluid changes phase from a liquid to a gas and back again.

[0041] As used herein, a refrigerant is a compound or mixture (blend) of compounds that acts as a heat transfer fluid in a cycle in which the fluid changes phase from a liquid to a gas and back again.

[0042] As used herein, many of the compounds, components, or members of the composition or tracer may exist as different configurational isomers or stereoisomers. The present invention is intended to include all single configurational isomers, single stereoisomers, or any combination thereof. For example, 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234ze) or HFO-1336mzz is meant to represent the E isomer, the Z isomer, or any combination or mixture of both isomers in any ratio. Similarly, HFO-E / Z or HFO-Z / E may be used interchangeably to represent the E isomer, the Z isomer, or any combination or mixture of both isomers in any ratio.

[0043] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a composition, process, method, article, or device that includes recited elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly recited or inherent in such composition, process, method, article, device, etc. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive "or," not an exclusive "or." For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or absent), A is false (or absent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0044] The transitional phrase "consisting of" excludes any unspecified element, step, or ingredient. When in a claim, such a phrase closes the claim to including materials other than those recited, except for impurities normally accompanying the materials. When the phrase "consists of" appears within a clause in the body of a claim rather than immediately following the introductory section, the phrase is limited to only the elements recited in that clause and does not exclude other elements from the claim as a whole.

[0045] The transitional phrase "consisting essentially of" is used to define compositions, methods, and methods that include materials, steps, mechanisms, components, or elements in addition to those literally disclosed, provided that these additionally included materials, steps, mechanisms, components, or elements do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention, particularly the mechanism of action for achieving any desired result of the inventive process. The term "consisting essentially of" has a meaning intermediate between "comprising" and "consisting of."

[0046] It should be readily understood that where applicants have defined an invention or a portion thereof with open-ended terms such as "comprising," the description should be construed to also include inventions that use the terms "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of" (unless otherwise expressly stated).

[0047] Additionally, the use of "a" or "an" is used to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be interpreted to include one or at least one, and the singular also includes the plural unless it is clear that a different meaning is intended.

[0048] As used herein, the term "about" in certain embodiments means up to ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, and ±10% of the stated value, and all integers and fractions therebetween.

[0049] The regenerated refrigerant compositions disclosed herein may also include an effective amount of an oligomeric / polymeric inhibitor, which may be at least one chemical moiety C including, but not limited to, cyclic monoterpenes, lipophilic organic compounds including tocopherols such as α-tocopherol, phenols, benzene-1,4-diol, as disclosed in each of U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 20210108119 and 202100430368, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 6 H 4 (OH)-containing aromatic organic compounds, specifically hydrocarbons including at least one of limonene, α-terpinene, α-tocopherol, butylated hydroxytoluene, 4-methoxyphenol, benzene-1,4-diol, comprising, consisting essentially of, or at least one member selected from the group consisting of, and used in effective amounts up to 0.5% by weight of the HFO and HFC refrigerants. Such inhibitors include at least one of d-limonene, l-limonene, β-pinene, α-pinene, α-terpinene, β-terpinene, γ-terpinene, and δ-terpinene, as well as mixtures of two or more thereof, C 2 -C 5 Hydrocarbons, xylenes (ortho-, meta-para-), and mixtures of two or more as disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63 / 321118 and 63 / 321120, filed March 18, 2022, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0050] One embodiment disclosed herein comprises the steps of: a) providing an unregenerated refrigerant composition comprising at least one component selected from HFC-32, HFC-134, HFC-134a, HFC-125, HFC-143a, HFC-152a, HFC-227ea, HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, HFO-E-1225ye, HFO-Z / E-1336mzz, HCO-1130(E), HFO-1123, and HFO-E / Z-1132; b) (1) weighing and testing the unregenerated refrigerant composition of step a) including at least one of refrigerant components, contaminants, non-condensable gases (NCG), and physical properties; and (2) verifying and comparing the purity of the unregenerated refrigerant composition against AHRI 700 standards. c) selecting a physical and / or chemical treatment according to the data obtained from step b) to treat and purify the unregenerated refrigerant composition of step b) to provide at least one first treated product; d) verifying the purity of the at least one first treated product of step c) to determine whether the first treated product meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard; e) optionally, (1) if the first treated product meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard, adding additional refrigerant components to the first treated product to form a first target refrigerant or refrigerant blend, or (2) if the first treated product does not meet the AHRI 700 standard, further purifying it to produce a second treated product and verifying the purity of the second treated product to determine whether it meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard; f) optionally, if the second treated product meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard, adding additional refrigerant components to the second treated product to form a second target refrigerant or refrigerant blend; g) optionally adding an effective amount of at least one oligomeric inhibitor pair selected from one of propane and limonene, propane and pinene, cyclopropane and limonene, cyclopropane and pinene, and xylene and limonene, pinene, or terpinene, and / or optionally adding at least one tracer selected from HFO-Z / E-1336mzz, HFO-1233zd, HFO-1224yd, HFO-1112, HFO-1327, HFO-1336yf, HFO-1336ze, and HFC-263fb to the first and / or second target refrigerant or refrigerant blend of steps e) and / or f), with the proviso that the refrigerant component and the tracer are not the same.

[0051] In another embodiment, an inhibitor additive (alternatively, "inhibitor" or "additive") is added to a composition containing at least HFO-1234yf, comprising a pair of inhibitors, one of which is limonene or pinene, the inhibitor being present in an amount up to about 0.5% by weight, less than 0.5% by weight but greater than 0, e.g., 0.001%, 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.015%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05% by weight (500 ppm), It is present in an amount of 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1 (1000 ppm), 0.2, 0.3 (3000 ppm), 0.4, and 0.5% by weight, and all values ​​therebetween, but in an amount sufficient to maintain the formation of oligomers, homopolymers, or other polymer products at less than about 0.03% by weight, or to provide a composition free of oligomers, homopolymers, or other polymer products.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, limonene or alpha-terpinene, optionally containing antioxidants, has a unique aroma even at a few ppm level. This pleasant odor can be utilized for refrigerant leak detection with refrigerants and blends based on hydrofluoroolefins (e.g., including at least one of HFO-1234yf, HFO-1234ze, and combinations thereof). This is particularly useful for early detection of refrigerant leaks in home or portable air conditioners, since paraprofessional electronic leak detectors are often not available everywhere.

[0053] In another embodiment disclosed herein, the oligomeric inhibitor stabilizer comprises a pair including at least two inhibitors, namely, one of limonene, pinene, terpinene, and one of ethane, propane, cyclopropane, propylene, butane, butene, isobutane, and isobutene.

[0054] In another embodiment disclosed herein, there is provided an oligomeric inhibitor pair, wherein one component is C 2 -C 5and other components are selected from at least one of d-limonene, l-limonene, β-pinene, α-pinene, α-terpinene, β-terpinene, γ-terpinene, and δ-terpinene, and up to 0.1 weight percent of d-limonene / propane, l-limonene / propane, β-pinene / propane, α-pinene / propane, α-terpinene / propane, β-terpinene / propane, γ-terpinene / propane, and δ-terpinene / propane, d-limonene / cyclopropane, l-limonene / cyclopropane, β-pinene / cyclopropane, α-pinene / cyclopropane, α-terpinene / cyclopropane, β-terpinene / cyclopropane, γ-terpinene / cyclopropane, and δ-terpinene / cyclopropane. Chlopropane, d-limonene / butane, l-limonene / butane, β-pinene / butane, α-pinene / propane, α-terpinene / butane, β-terpinene / butane, γ-terpinene / butane, and δ-terpinene / butane, d-limonene / isobutane, l-limonene / isobutane, β-pinene / isobutane, α-pinene / isobutane, α-terpinene / isobutane, β- terpinene / isobutane, gamma-terpinene / isobutane, and delta-terpinene / isobutane, d-limonene / butene, l-limonene / butene, beta-pinene / butene, alpha-pinene / butene, alpha-terpinene / butene, beta-terpinene / butene, gamma-terpinene / butene, or delta-terpinene / butene; isobutane is selected from isobutene, r The oligomeric inhibitor pairs may be replaced by d-limonene / xylene, or l-limonene / xylene, or β-pinene / xylene, or α-pinene / xylene, or α-terpinene / xylene, or β-terpinene / xylene, or γ-terpinene / xylene, or and δ-terpinene / xylene, with the proviso that xylene may be at least one of ortho-, meta-, or para-xylene.

[0055] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to any of the aforementioned inhibitors being added to the regenerated refrigerant composition in an amount up to about 0.5 wt%, less than 0.5 wt%, but greater than 0, for example, 0.001 wt%, 0.005 wt%, 0.01 wt%, 0.015 wt%, 0.02 wt%, 0.03 wt%, 0.04 wt%, 0.05 wt% (500 ppm), 0.06 wt%, 0.07 wt%, 0.08 wt%, 0.09 wt%, 0.1 wt% (1000 ppm), 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt% (3000 ppm), 0.4 wt%, and 0.5 wt%, and all values ​​therebetween, but in an amount sufficient to maintain the formation of oligomer, homopolymer, or other polymeric products at less than about 0.03 wt%, or to provide a composition free of oligomer, homopolymer, or other polymeric products.

[0056] The present invention employs at least one of the aforementioned oligomerization / homopolymerization inhibitors in an effective amount as described herein. Any suitable effective amount can be used, including, based on the total weight of the refrigerant composition, from about 0.001 weight percent to about 0.5 weight percent (5000 ppm), from about 0.01 weight percent to about 0.5 weight percent, from 0.01 weight percent (100 ppm) to about 0.4 weight percent, from 0.01 weight percent to about 0.3 weight percent, from about 0.01 weight percent to about 0.2 weight percent, from 0.01 weight percent to about 0.1 weight percent (1000 ppm), and all ranges and values ​​therebetween. In one embodiment, an effective amount includes from about 10 to about 2,000 ppm by weight, from about 10 to about 1,000 ppm, in some cases from about 10 to about 500 ppm, or about 400 ppm, or about 300 ppm, or about 200 ppm, from about 100 to 500 ppm, from about 100 ppm to about 2000 ppm, or about 1000 ppm, and all ranges therebetween, of at least one oligomerization / homopolymerization inhibitor comprising at least one of limonene, pinene, terpinene, and mixtures thereof.

[0057] In another embodiment, the inhibitory additive (alternatively, the "inhibitor" or the "additive") of HFO-1234yf is2 -C 5 and the other is selected from limonene or pinene, and is present in an amount up to about 0.5 wt.%, less than 0.5 wt.% but greater than 0, e.g., 0.001 wt.%, 0.005 wt.%, 0.01 wt.%, 0.015 wt.%, 0.02 wt.%, 0.03 wt.%, 0.04 wt.%, 0.05 wt.% (500 ppm), 0.06 wt.%, 0.07 wt.%, 0.08 wt.%, 0.09 wt.%, 0.1 wt.% (1000 ppm), 0.2 wt.%, 0.3 wt.% (3000 ppm), 0.4 wt.%, and up to 0.5 wt.%, and all values ​​therebetween, but in an amount sufficient to maintain formation of oligomers, homopolymers, or other polymer products at less than about 0.03 wt.%, or to provide a composition free of oligomers, homopolymers, or other polymer products.

[0058] The tracer can be a single compound or two or more tracer compounds added to the regenerated composition. The tracer includes at least one of HFO-E-1336mzz, HCFO-1233zd, 1224yd, CFO-1112, HFO-1123, HFO-1327, HFO-Z-1336mzz, and HFC-263fb. In some embodiments, the tracer is present in the composition at a total concentration of about 1 parts per million (ppm) to about 5000 ppm by weight based on the weight of the total composition. In other embodiments, the tracer is present at a total concentration of about 10 ppm to about 1000 ppm. In other embodiments, the tracer is present at a total concentration of about 20 ppm to about 500 ppm. In other embodiments, the tracer is present at a total concentration of about 25 ppm to about 500 ppm. In other embodiments, the tracer is present at a total concentration of about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm. Alternatively, the tracer is present in a total concentration of from about 100 ppm to about 300 ppm.

[0059] In some embodiments of the disclosed invention, system 110 collects used or unregenerated HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, HFO-E / Z-1336mzz, or HFO-1234yf and HFO-Z / E-1234ze refrigerants or refrigerant blends and transfers them to system 120 for weighing, testing, and initial purity verification. System 110 then transfers the weighed and tested used or unregenerated HFO-1234yf, or HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or HFO-1234yf and HFO-Z / E-1234ze refrigerant or refrigerant blend to a primary purification system 130 to obtain the individual HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze components using distillation, and / or adsorption-desorption separation, and / or cryogenic cooling, and to confirm the purity of the HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze components.The separated and purified HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze components are then transferred to either system 140 or system 150 for further purification in system 140 or for adjustment of the HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze content to a target AHRI compliant HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze composition in system 150, and the target compliant HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze composition is then transferred to system 160, which can detect up to 0.1 weight percent, or up to 0.2 weight percent, or up to 0.3 weight percent of limonene, pinene, terpinene, d-limonene / propane, or l-limonene / propane, or β-pinene / propane, or α-pinene / propane, or α-terpinene / propane, or β-terpinene / propane, or γ-terpinene / propane, or δ-terpinene / propane, or d-limonene / cyclopropane, or l-limonene / cyclopropane, or β-pinene / cyclopropane, or α-pinene / cyclopropane, or α-terpinene / cyclopropane, or β-terpinene / cyclopropane, or γ-terpinene / cyclopropane, or δ -terpinene / / cyclopropane, or d-limonene / xylene, or l-limonene / xylene, or β-pinene / xylene, or α-pinene / xylene, or α-terpinene / xylene, or β-terpinene / xylene, or γ-terpinene / xylene, or and δ-terpinene / xylene, with the proviso that the xylene may be ortho-, meta-, or para-.

[0060] In another embodiment of the disclosed invention, system 100 may collect used or unregenerated HFO-1234yf, or HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or HFO-1234yf and HFO-Z / E-1234ze blended refrigerant at station 110 and deliver the used or unregenerated HFO-1234yf, or HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or HFO-1234yf and HFO-Z / E-1234ze blended refrigerant to system 120 for weighing, testing, and initial purity verification. and then the weighed and tested used or unregenerated HFO-1234yf, or HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or HFO-1234yf and HFO-Z / E-1234ze blended refrigerant is transferred to a primary purification system 130 to obtain the individual HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze components using distillation and / or adsorption-desorption separation, and / or cryogenic cooling to confirm the purity of the HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze components. System 130 then transfers the separated HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze to either system 140 or system 150 for further purification in system 140 or for adjustment of the HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze content in system 150 to a target AHRI compliant HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze refrigerant, and then transfers the target compliant HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze to system 160, which may be configured to deliver a target compliant HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze content of from about 1 parts per million (ppm) by weight based on the weight of the total composition. HFO-E-1336mzz, or HCFO-1233zd, or HFO-1224yd, or CFO-1112, or HFO-1123, or HFO-1327, or HFO-Z-1336mzz, or HFO-1336yf, or HFO-1336ze, or HFC-263fb is added at a total concentration of 5000 ppm, or at a total concentration of about 10 ppm to about 1000 ppm, or at a total concentration of about 20 ppm to about 500 ppm, or at a total concentration of about 25 ppm to about 500 ppm, or at a total concentration of about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm, or at a total concentration of about 100 ppm to about 300 ppm.

[0061] In another embodiment of the disclosed invention, system 100 may include collecting used or unregenerated HFO-1234yf, or HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or HFO-1234yf and HFO-Z / E-1234ze blended refrigerant at station 110, transferring the used or unregenerated HFO-1234yf, or HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or HFO-1234yf and HFO-Z / E-1234ze blended refrigerant to system 120 for weighing, testing, and initial purity verification, transferring the weighed and tested used or unregenerated HFO-1234yf, or HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or HFO-1234yf and HFO-Z / E-1234ze blended refrigerant to primary purification system 130 for purification using distillation and / or adsorption-desorption separation and / or cryogenic cooling. 1 to obtain the individual HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze components, verify the purity of the HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze components, transfer the separated HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze to either system 140 or system 150 for further purification in system 140 or adjustment of the HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze content to a target AHRI compliant HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze refrigerant in system 150, and then transfer the target compliant HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze to system 160, which adjusts the HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze content to down to 0.1 weight percent, or down to 0.2 weight percent, or down to 0.5 weight percent.up to 3 weight percent of limonene / propane, or l-limonene / propane, or beta-pinene / propane, or alpha-pinene / propane, or alpha-terpinene / propane, or beta-terpinene / propane, or gamma-terpinene / propane, or delta-terpinene / propane, or d-limonene / cyclopropane, or l-limonene / cyclopropane, or beta-pinene / cyclopropane, or alpha-pinene / cyclopropane, or alpha-terpinene / cyclopropane, or beta-terpinene / cyclopropane, or gamma-terpinene / cyclopropane, or delta-terpinene / cyclopropane, and the tracer content, HFO About 1 parts per million (ppm) by weight (ppm) to about 5000 ppm, or about 10 ppm to about 1000 ppm, or about 20 ppm to about 500 ppm, or about 25 ppm to about 500 ppm, or about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm, or about 100 ppm to about 300 ppm of HFO-E-1336mzz, or HCFO-1233zd, or HFO-1224yd, or CFO-1112, or HFO-1123, or HFO-1327, or HFO-Z-1336mzz, or HFO-1336yf, or HFO-1336ze, or HFC-263fb, based on the total weight of HFO-1234yf and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze.

[0062] In yet another embodiment of the disclosed invention, the system 110 is adapted to process spent or unregenerated HFC-32, HFC-125, and HFO-1234yf blends, or HFC-32, HFO-1234yf, and blends, or HFO-1234yf, HFC-32, and HFC-125 blends, HFC-134a and HFO-Z / E-1234ze blends, or HFO-1234yf, HFC-32, HFC-125, and HFC-134a blends. and transferring the collected spent or unregenerated blend to system 120 for weighing, testing, and initial purity verification, and then transferring the weighed and tested spent or unregenerated blend to primary purification system 130 for purification of the individual refrigerant components, HFO-1234yf, and / or HFC-32, and / or HFC-134a, and / or HFC-125, and / or HFO-Z / HFO-Z using distillation and / or adsorption-desorption separation, and / or cryogenic cooling. and / or HFO-1234yf, and / or HFC-32, and / or HFC-134a, and / or HFC-125, and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze, confirming the purity of the individual components, and then further purifying in system 140, or adding unused HFO-1234yf, and / or HFC-32, and / or HFC-134a, and / or HFC-125, and / or HFO-Z / E-1234ze in system 150. To adjust the FO-Z / E-1234ze content to the target AHRI compliant component or blend, the individual components are transferred to either system 140 or system 150, and then the target compliant HFO-1234yf, and / or HFC-32, and / or HFC-134a, and / or HFC-125 refrigerant or refrigerant blend is transferred to system 160, which adjusts the FO-Z / E-1234ze content to the target AHRI compliant component or blend, up to 0.1 weight percent, or up to 0.2 weight percent, or up to 0.Up to 3 percent by weight of ethane, or propane, or propylene, or butane, or butene, or isobutene, or limonene / propane, or l-limonene / propane, or β-pinene / propane, or α-pinene / propane, or α-terpinene / propane, or β-terpinene / propane, or γ-terpinene / propane, or δ-terpinene / propane, or d-limonene / cyclopropane, or l-limonene / cyclopropane, or β-pinene / cyclopropane, or α-pinene / cyclopropane, or α-terpinene / cyclopropane, or β-terpinene / cyclopropane, or γ-terpinene / cyclopropane cyclopropane, or δ-terpinene / cyclopropane, and / or about 1 parts per million (ppm) to about 5000 ppm, or about 10 ppm to about 1000 ppm, or about 20 ppm to about 500 ppm, or about 25 ppm to about 500 ppm, or about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm, or about 100 ppm to about 300 ppm of HFO-E-1336mzz, or HCFO-1233zd, or HFO-1224yd, or CFO-1112, or HFO-1123, or HFO-1327, or HFO-Z-1336mzz, or HFO-1336yf, or HFO-1336ze, or HFC-263fb.

[0063] In still other embodiments, the system 110 may be configured to use spent or unregenerated R404A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 44 weight percent R125, 52 weight percent R143a (1,1,1-trifluoroethane), and 4.0 weight percent R134a), or unregenerated R407A, R407B, R407C, R407D, and R407E (ASHRAE designations for blends of R134a, R125 (pentafluoroethane), and R32 (difluoromethane) at different component concentrations), or unregenerated ... R408A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 7 weight percent R125, 46 weight percent R143a, and 47 weight percent R22), or unregenerated R410A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 50 weight percent R125 and 50 weight percent R32), or unregenerated R413A (ASHRAE designation for a blend containing R218, R134a, and isobutane), R417A (46.6 weight percent R125, 50.0 weight percent R134a, and 3.or unregenerated R419A (ASHRAE name for blends containing R125, R134a, and DME), or unregenerated R422A, R422B, R422C, and R422D (ASHRAE name for blends of R125, R134a, and isobutane at different component concentrations), or unregenerated R423A (ASHRAE name for blends containing R134a and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (R227ea)), or unregenerated R424A (ASHRAE name for blends containing R125, R134a, isobutane, n-butane, and isopentane), or unregenerated R426A (ASHRAE name for blends containing R125, R134a, n-butane, and isopentane), or unregenerated R427A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 15 weight percent R32, 25 weight percent R125, 50 weight percent R134a, and 10 weight percent R143a), or unregenerated R428A (ASHRAE designation for a blend containing R125, R143a, propane, and isobutane), or unregenerated R430A (ASHRAE designation for a blend containing R152a and isobutane), or unregenerated R434A (ASHRAE designation for a blend containing R125, R134a, R143a, and isobutane), unregenerated R-463A (R-744 / 32 / 125 / 1234yf / 134a (6.0 / 36.0 / 30.0 / 14.0 / 14.0) or unregenerated R437A (ASHRAE name for a blend containing R125, R134a, n-butane, and n-pentane) or unregenerated R438A (ASHRAE name for a blend containing R32, R125, R134a, n-butane, and isopentane) or unregenerated R507A and R507B (ASHRAE name for a blend of R125 and R143a at different concentrations) or unregenerated R508A and R508 (ASHRAE name for a blend of trifluoromethane (R23) and hexafluoroethane at different concentrations) The system 160 collects used unregenerated refrigerant components (ASHRAE name for blends with ethyl benzene (R116) and processes any of the used unregenerated blends in systems 120-140 to form a regenerated refrigerant component that is reconstituted in system 150, and fresh or unused refrigerant is added and made stable and traceable in system 160, which system 160 is configured to collect up to 0.1 weight percent, or up to 0.2 weight percent, or up to 0.3 weight percent ethane, or propane, or propylene, or butane, or butene, or isobutene, or limonene / propane, or l-limonene, and / or by weight of the total composition, Based on this, a total concentration of about 1 parts per million (ppm) to about 5000 ppm, about 10 ppm to about 1000 ppm, or about 20 ppm to about 500 ppm, or about 25 ppm to about 500 ppm, or about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm, or about 100 ppm to about 300 ppm of HFO-E-1336mzz, or HCFO-1233zd, or HFO-1224yd, or CFO-1112, or HFO-1123, or HFO-1327, or HFO-Z-1336mzz, or HFO-1336yf, or HFO-1336ze, or HFC-263fb is added.

[0064] Other embodiments Process embodiment 1 includes one or more of steps a) to g), or all of steps a) to g), or at least steps a) and b), wherein steps a) to g) include: a) providing a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant composition: a used or unregenerated fluoroolefin refrigerant composition comprising HFC-32, HFC-134a, HFC-125, HFC-143a, HFC-152a, or HFC-227ea, and fluoroolefin components HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, HFO-E / Z-1336mzz, HFO-E / Z-1225ye, Z / E-HFO-1132, HFO-1123, or a blend of HFO-1234yf and HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or HFO-1234y and Z / E-1225ye, or HFO-1234yf and HFO-Z / E-1132E blend, or HFO-Z / E-1336mzz and HFO-Z / E-1234ze blend; b) weighing and testing the unregenerated refrigerant or blend of step a) to identify at least one of refrigerant components, contaminants, non-condensable gases (NCGs), and physical properties, and verifying and comparing the purity of the unregenerated refrigerant or blend to the AHRI 700 standard; and if the unregenerated refrigerant or blend of step a) does not meet the AHRI 700 standard, c) selecting at least one or all of the physical and / or chemical treatments according to step b) to treat and purify the unregenerated refrigerant or blend of step b) to provide at least one first refrigerant product; d) verifying the purity of the at least one first treated refrigerant product of step c) to determine whether the first treated refrigerant product meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard; e) (1) if the first treated refrigerant product meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard, adding additional refrigerant components to the first treated refrigerant product to form a first target refrigerant or refrigerant blend, or (2) further refining the first treated refrigerant product that does not meet the AHRI 700 standard to produce a second treated product and verifying the purity of the second treated product to determine whether it meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard; f) if the second treated product meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard, adding additional refrigerant components to the second treated product to form a second target refrigerant or refrigerant blend; g) adding an effective amount of (1) at least one oligomeric inhibitor from ethane, and / or propane, and / or cyclopropane, and / or limonene or pinene, and / or propane and limonene, propane and pinene, cyclopropane and limonene, and cyclopropane and / or pinene, and / or at least one tracer from HFO-Z / E-1336mzz, and / or HFO-1233zd, and / or HFO-1224yd, and / or HFO-1112, and / or HFO-1327, and / or HFO-1336yf, and / or HFO-1336ze, and / or HFC-263fb to the first and / or second target refrigerant or refrigerant blend of steps e) and / or f), with the proviso that the refrigerant / component / compound and the tracer are not the same.

[0065] Process embodiment 2 is a) providing a used or unregenerated fluoroolefin refrigerant composition comprising a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant: HFC-32, HFC-134a, HFC-125, HFC-143a, HFC-152a, or HFC-227ea, and a fluoroolefin HCO-1132, HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, HFO-E / Z-1336mzz, HFO-Z / E-1225ye, or Z / E-HFO-1132, or a blend of HFO-1234yf and HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or a blend of HFO-1234y and Z / E-1225ye, or a blend of HFO-1234yf and Z / E-HFO-1132, or a Z / E-HFO-1234ze blend; b) weighing and testing the unregenerated refrigerant composition or blend of step a) including at least one of refrigerant components, contaminants, and non-condensable gases (NCGs), physical properties to verify and compare the purity of the unregenerated refrigerant or blend against the AHRI 700 standard; if the unregenerated refrigerant or blend of step a) does not meet the AHRI 700 standard, c) optionally selecting a physical and / or chemical treatment according to step b) to treat and purify the unregenerated refrigerant or blend of step b) to provide at least one first refrigerant product; d) verifying the purity of the at least one first treated refrigerant product of step c) and determining whether the first treated refrigerant product meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard; e) optionally, (1) if the first treated refrigerant product meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard, adding additional refrigerant components to the first treated refrigerant product to form a first target refrigerant or refrigerant blend, or (2) further refining the first treated refrigerant product that does not meet the AHRI 700 standard to produce a second treated product and verifying the purity of the second treated product to determine whether it meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard; f) optionally, if the second treated product meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard, adding additional refrigerant components to the second treated product to form a second target refrigerant or refrigerant blend; g) optionally adding an effective amount of (1) at least one oligomeric inhibitor from ethane, and / or propane, and / or cyclopropane, and / or limonene or pinene, and / or propane and limonene, propane and pinene, cyclopropane and limonene, and cyclopropane and / or pinene, and / or at least one tracer from HFO-Z / E-1336mzz, and / or HFO-1233zd, and / or HFO-1224yd, and / or HFO-1112, and / or HFO-1327, and / or HFO-1336yf, and / or HFO-1336ze, and / or HFC-263fb to the first and / or second target refrigerant or refrigerant blend of steps e) and / or f), with the proviso that the refrigerant and the tracer are not the same.

[0066] Process embodiment 1 or 2, wherein an oligomer inhibitor is added, or an effective amount of an oligomer inhibitor is added to maintain the formation of oligomers, homopolymers, or other polymer products at a level that is less than about 0.03% by weight.

[0067] Process embodiment 1 or 2, wherein an oligomer inhibitor is added in an effective amount to maintain the first and / or second target refrigerant or refrigerant blend of steps e) and / or f) free of oligomers, homopolymers, or other polymeric products.

[0068] Process embodiment 1 or 2, wherein an oligomeric inhibitor is added and comprises at least one of ethane, propane, cyclopropane, and limonene or pinene, and / or a tracer is added.

[0069] Process embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the added oligomeric inhibitor comprises up to about 0.5 wt%, or less than 0.5 wt% but greater than 0, or 0.001 wt% to 0.005 wt%, or 0.01 wt% to one of 0.015 wt%, 0.02 wt%, 0.03 wt%, 0.04 wt%, 0.05 wt%, 0.06 wt%, 0.07 wt%, 0.08 wt%, 0.09 wt%, and 0.1 wt%, or 0.2 wt% to one of 0.3 wt% (3000 ppm), 0.4 wt%, and 0.5 wt%.

[0070] Process embodiment 1 or 2, in which at least one tracer is added, comprising from about 10 ppm to about 1000 ppm, or from about 20 ppm to about 500 ppm, or from about 25 ppm to about 500 ppm, or from about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm, or from about 100 ppm to about 300 ppm, where "about" is less than or equal to ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, and ±10% of the ppm amount.

[0071] Process embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the used or unrecycled fluoroolefin refrigerant composition comprises HFO-1234yf or HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or from 1 to 99 weight percent HFO-1234yf and 99 to about 1 weight percent HFO-Z / E-1234ze.

[0072] Process embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the spent or unregenerated HFO-1234yf or HFO-Z / E-1234ze fluoroolefin refrigerant composition also comprises HFC-32, and / or HFC-134 and / or HFC-134a, and / or HFC-32 and HFC-134a, and / or HFC-125.

[0073] The used and unregenerated refrigerant or refrigerant blend is HFC-32, or HFC-32 and HFC-125, or HFC-134, HFC-125, and HFC-32, or HFC-134a and HFC-125, or HFO-1234yf, or HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or HFO-1234yf and HFO1234ze, or HFO-1234yf with HFC-32, HFC-134a, HFC-125, HFC-152a, and CO 2 (R744), or HFO-Z / E-1234ze and at least one of HFC-32, HFC-134a, and HFC-125, or HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, and at least one of HFC-32, HFC-134a, and HFC-125.

[0074] Process embodiment 1 or 2, wherein an oligomeric inhibitor is added and comprises an inhibitor pair comprising propane and limonene or pinene, or xylene and limonene or pinene.

[0075] Process embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the testing of step b) comprises GC-FID, and / or GC-TCD, and / or GC-MS, and / or FTIR, and / or Goetz Bub, and / or Karl Fischer, and / or Byk-Garner Color, and / or acidity test, and / or moisture, and / or NAG.

[0076] Process embodiment 1, wherein the tests of step b) include GC-MS, FTIR, acidity, moisture, and NAG tests.

[0077] Process embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the system 120 includes a NAG test by using an infrared sensor, or a UV sensor, or a NIR sensor, or an ion mobility or plasma chromatograph, or a high temperature thick film sensor, or a thin film field effect sensor, or a pellistor sensor, or a Taguchi sensor, or a quartz crystal microbalance sensor.

[0078] Process embodiment 1 or 2, comprising distillation, and / or adsorption, and / or desorption, and / or cryogenic cooling, and step e) or f) comprising NAG purge, and / or water removal by distillation and / or desiccant drying, and / or solids filter, and / or acidity neutralization, and / or high boiling point residue / chloride distillation.

[0079] 2. Process embodiment 1, wherein step f) comprises separating and purifying HFO-1234yf and HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, and HFO-Z / E-1225ye, or HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, HFO-Z / E-1225ye, and Z / E-HFO-1132, or HFO1234ze(E) and HFO-1336mzz(E).

[0080]

[0023] In step f) a reaction mixture containing HFO-1234yf, or HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or E-1225ye, or Z / E-HFO-1132, or HFO-1132a, or HFO-1336mzz(E), or HFO-1336mzz(Z), HFC-152a, or HFC-134a, or HFC-32, or HFC-125, or HFC-143a, or HFC-227ea, or CH 3 I, or HFC-32 and HFC-134a, or HFC-32, HFC-134a, and HFC-125, or HFO-1234yf and Z / E-HFO-1234ze, or HFO-1234yf, HFO-1336mzz(E), and HFO-1234ze(E).

[0081] Composition embodiment 1 of the disclosed invention is a regenerated, reconstituted, stabilized and traceable refrigerant composition comprising regenerated, reconstituted, stabilized and traceable HFC-32, or regenerated, reconstituted, stabilized and traceable HFC-32 and HFC-125, or regenerated, reconstituted, stabilized and traceable HFC-134 and HFC-125, or regenerated, reconstituted, stabilized and traceable HFC-32 or HFC-134a and HFC-125, or HFO1234yf, or Z / E-HFO-1234ze, or HF O-1234yf and Z / E-HFO-1234ze are mixed with propane, or cyclopropane, or propylene, or butane, or butane, or isobutene, or a xylene selected from one of meta-, or ortho-, or para-xylene, or d-limonene, or l-limonene, or β-pinene, or α-pinene, or α-terpinene, or β-terpinene, or γ-terpinene, or δ-terpinene, or d-limonene / propane, or l-limonene / propane, or β-pinene / propane, or α-pinene / propane, or -terpinene / propane, or β-terpinene / propane, or γ-terpinene / propane, or δ-terpinene / propane, or d-limonene / cyclopropane, or l-limonene / cyclopropane, or β-pinene / cyclopropane, or α-pinene / cyclopropane, or α-terpinene / cyclopropane, or β-terpinene / cyclopropane, or γ-terpinene / cyclopropane, or δ-terpinene / cyclopropane, or d-limonene / butane, or l-limonene / butane, or β-pinene / butane, or α-pinene / propane or α-terpinene / butane, or β-terpinene / butane, or γ-terpinene / butane, or δ-terpinene / butane, or d-limonene / isobutane, or l-limonene / isobutane, or β-pinene / isobutane, or α-pinene / isobutane, or α-terpinene / isobutane, or β-terpinene / isobutane, or γ-terpinene / isobutane, or δ-terpinene / isobutane, or d-limonene / butene, or l-limonene / butene, or β-pinene / butene, or α-pinene / butene, or α-terpinene / butene,or β-terpinene / butene, or γ-terpinene / butene, or δ-terpinene / butene, together with HFO-Z / E-1336mzz, or HFO-1233zd, or HFO-1224yd, or HFO-1112, or HFO-1327, or HFO-1336yf, or HFO-1336ze, together with HFC-263fb.

[0082] Composition embodiment 1 of the disclosed invention is a reconstituted, stabilized and traceable refrigerant composition comprising up to about 0.5 wt%, or less than 0.5 wt% but greater than 0, or 0.001 wt% to 0.005 wt%, or 0.01 wt% to one of 0.015 wt%, 0.02 wt%, 0.03 wt%, 0.04 wt%, 0.05 wt%, 0.06 wt%, 0.07 wt%, 0.08 wt%, 0.09 wt%, and 0.1 wt%, or 0.2 wt% to 0.4 wt%, based on the total weight of the reconstituted refrigerant or refrigerant blend. Up to one of 3% by weight (3000 ppm), 0.4, and 0.5% by weight of propane, or cyclopropane, or propylene, or butane, or butane, or isobutene, a xylene selected from one of meta-, or ortho-, or para-xylene, or d-limonene, or l-limonene, or β-pinene, or α-pinene, or α-terpinene, or β-terpinene, or γ-terpinene, or δ-terpinene, or d-limonene / propane, or l-limonene / propane, or β-pinene / propane, or α-pinene / propane or α-terpinene / propane, or β-terpinene / propane, or γ-terpinene / propane, or δ-terpinene / propane, or d-limonene / cyclopropane, or l-limonene / cyclopropane, or β-pinene / cyclopropane, or α-pinene / cyclopropane, or α-terpinene / cyclopropane, or β-terpinene / cyclopropane, or γ-terpinene / cyclopropane, or δ-terpinene / cyclopropane, or d-limonene / butane, or l-limonene / butane, or β-pinene / butane, or α-pinene / propane, or α-terpinene / butane, or β-terpinene / butane, or γ-terpinene / butane, or δ-terpinene / butane, or d-limonene / isobutane, or l-limonene / isobutane, or β-pinene / isobutane, or α-pinene / isobutane, or α-terpinene / isobutane, or β-terpinene / isobutane, or γ-terpinene / isobutane, or δ-terpinene / isobutane, or d-limonene / butene, or l-limonene / butene, or β-pinene / butene, or α-pinene / butene,or α-terpinene / butene, or β-terpinene / butene, or γ-terpinene / butene, or δ-terpinene / butene and from about 10 ppm to about 1000 ppm, or from about 20 ppm to about 500 ppm, or from about 25 ppm to about 500 ppm, or from about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm, or from about 100 ppm to about 300 ppm of HFO-Z / E-1336mzz, or is a regenerated-reconstituted, stabilized and traceable refrigerant composition comprising HFO-1233zd, or HFO-1224yd, or HFO-1112, or HFO-1327, or HFO-1336yf, or HFO-1336ze, or HFC-263fb, optionally where "about" is within ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, and ±10% or less of the ppm value.

[0083] A system embodiment 1 of the disclosed invention includes an unregenerated refrigerant recovery station, a weighing and testing station including an analytical system for determining physical and chemical properties of the unregenerated refrigerant including refrigerant components, contaminants, and non-condensable gases (NCGs), a first purification system for receiving and processing the unregenerated refrigerant from the weighing and testing station and a first transportation line, and optionally a second purification system for receiving and processing the refrigerant from the first purification system and the second transportation line, and a regenerated refrigerant recovery station for recovering the unregenerated refrigerant following purification at the first and second purification stations. a target refrigerant system including a blending station in fluid communication with first and second transfer lines for receiving treated refrigerant from first and second purification systems for adjusting the levels of refrigerant components to target refrigerant levels of the AHRI 700 standard, and for providing a regenerated refrigerant blend component consistent with the AHRI 700 standard; and an oligomer and tracer tank system, comprising: (1) propane, or cyclopropane, or propylene, or butane, or butane, or isobutene, or d-limonene, or l-limonene, or β-pinene, or α-pinene, or α-terpinene, or β-terpinene, or γ-terpinene, or and δ-terpinene, or d-limonene / propane, or l-limonene / propane, or β-pinene / propane, or α-pinene / propane, or α-terpinene / propane, or β-terpinene / propane, or γ-terpinene / propane, or and δ-terpinene / propane, or d-limonene / cyclopropane, or l-limonene / cyclopropane, or β-pinene / cyclopropane, or α-pinene / cyclopropane, or α-terpinene / cyclopropane, or β-terpinene / cyclopropane, or β-terpinene terpinene / cyclopropane, or γ-terpinene / cyclopropane, or and δ-terpinene / cyclopropane, or d-limonene / butane, or l-limonene / butane, or β-terpinene / butane, or α-pinene / propane, or α-terpinene / butane, or β-terpinene / butane, or γ-terpinene / butane, or and δ-terpinene / butane, or d-limonene / isobutane, or l-limonene / isobutane, or β-pinene / isobutane, or α-pinene / isobutane, or α-terpinene / isobutane, or β-terpinene / isobutane,or gamma-terpinene / isobutane, or and delta-terpinene / isobutane, or d-limonene / butene, or l-limonene / butene, or beta-pinene / butene, or alpha-pinene / butene, or alpha-terpinene / butene, or beta-terpinene / butene, or gamma-terpinene / butene, or delta-terpinene / butene, and (2) HFO-Z / E-1336mzz, or HFO-1233zd, or HFO-1224yd, or HFO-1112, or H an oligomer and tracer tank system containing a feed of FO-1327, or HFO-1336yf, or HFO-1336ze, or HFC-263fb; and a purity verification station for verifying the purity of the unregenerated refrigerant before purification, the purity after the first and / or second purification treatments, and the purity of at least one of the first treated products of step c) and determining whether the first treated product meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard.

[0084] System embodiment 1 of the present invention includes a weighing and testing station including a balance and a GC-FID, or GC-TCD, or GC-MS, or FTIR, or Goetz Bub, or Karl Fischer, or Byk-Garner Color, or NCG detector.

[0085] System embodiment 1 includes a first and an optional second purification system, either or both of which include one or more distillation columns, or one or more adsorption / desorption columns, one or more cryogenic chillers, or at least one distillation column, and at least one adsorption / desorption column, and at least one cryogenic chiller, and an NCG purge unit, or a water distillation or desiccant dryer unit, or a solids filter unit, or an acidity neutralizer, or a high distillation bottoms column.

[0086] While certain aspects, embodiments, and principles have been described above, it is understood that this description is made by way of example only and does not limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims. The various aspects, embodiments, and principles described above can be used alone and in combination with each other.

Claims

1. 1. A process comprising the steps of: a) providing an unregenerated refrigerant composition comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of HFC-32, HFC-134, HFC-134a, HFC-125, HFC-143a, HFC-152a, HFC-227ea, HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, E-1225ye, HFO-Z / E-1132, and HFO-E / Z-1336mzz, and mixtures of two or more thereof; b) (1) weighing and testing the unregenerated refrigerant composition of step a) to determine at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of refrigerant components, contaminants, non-condensable gases (NCGs), and physical properties; (2) verifying and comparing the purity of the unregenerated refrigerant composition against AHRI 700 standards; and if the unregenerated refrigerant composition of step a) does not meet the AHRI 700 standards, selecting a physical and / or chemical treatment according to the data obtained from step b) (1); and treating and purifying the unregenerated refrigerant composition of step b) (1) to provide at least one first treated product. c) verifying the purity of the at least one first treated product of step b) and determining whether said at least one first treated product meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard; d) optionally, (1) if the at least one first treated product meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard, adding at least one additional refrigerant component to the at least one first treated product to form a first target refrigerant or refrigerant blend, or (2) if the at least one first treated product does not meet the AHRI 700 standard, further purifying it to produce a second treated product and verifying the purity of the second treated product to determine whether it meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard; e) optionally, if the second treated product meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard, adding at least one additional refrigerant component to the second treated product to form a second target refrigerant or refrigerant blend; f) optionally adding an effective amount of (1) at least one oligomeric inhibitor selected from the group consisting of ethane, propane, cyclopropane, limonene, pinene, both propane and limonene, both propane and pinene, both cyclopropane and limonene, and both cyclopropane and pinene, and / or (2) at least one tracer selected from the group consisting of HFO-Z / E-1336mzz, HFO-1233zd, HFO-1224yd, HFO-1112, HFO-1327, HFO-1336yf, HFO-1336ze, and HFC-263fb to said first and / or second target refrigerant or refrigerant blend of steps d) and / or e), with the proviso that said at least one component and said at least one tracer are not the same; The process includes:

2. The process of claim 1 , wherein an oligomeric inhibitor is added.

3. 3. The process of claim 2, comprising adding an effective amount of said oligomer inhibitor to maintain the formation of oligomers, homopolymers, or other polymeric products at a level that is less than about 0.03% by weight.

4. 3. The process of claim 2 comprising adding an effective amount of said oligomer inhibitor to maintain said first and / or second target refrigerant or refrigerant blend of steps d) and / or e) free of oligomers, homopolymers, or other polymeric products.

5. 5. The process of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the oligomeric inhibitor comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of ethane, propane, cyclopropane, limonene, and pinene.

6. 6. The process of claim 5, wherein a tracer is added.

7. The oligomeric inhibitor is up to about 0.5% by weight, or less than 0.5% by weight but greater than 0; or 0.001% to 0.005% by weight, or 0.01% by weight to one of 0.015%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, and 0.1% by weight; or 0.2% by weight to one of 0.3% by weight (3000 ppm), 0.4% by weight, and 0.5% by weight; The process of claim 5, comprising:

8. At least one tracer is added, based on the total weight of the first and / or second target refrigerant or refrigerant blend, from about 10 ppm to about 1000 ppm, or from about 20 ppm to about 500 ppm, or from about 25 ppm to about 500 ppm, or from about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm, or Approximately 100ppm to approximately 300ppm The process of claim 7, comprising:

9. The process of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the unregenerated fluoroolefin refrigerant composition comprises HFO-1234yf.

10. The process of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the unregenerated fluoroolefin refrigerant composition comprises HFO-Z / E-1234ze.

11. The process of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the unrecycled fluoroolefin refrigerant composition comprises from about 1 to about 99 weight percent HFO-1234yf and from about 99 to about 1 weight percent HFO-Z / E-1234ze.

12. The process of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the unregenerated fluoroolefin refrigerant composition comprises HFC-32.

13. The process of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the unregenerated fluoroolefin refrigerant composition comprises HFC-134 and / or HFC-134a.

14. The process of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the unregenerated fluoroolefin refrigerant composition comprises HFC-32 and HFC-134a.

15. The process of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the unregenerated fluoroolefin refrigerant composition comprises HFC-125.

16. The unregenerated refrigerant composition is HFC-32, or HFC-32 and HFC-125, or HFC-134 and HFC-125, HFC-32, or HFC-134a and HFC-125, or HFO1234yf, or HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or HFO-1234yf and HFO1234ze, or HFO-1234yf, HFC-32, HFC-134a, HFC-125, HFC-152a, and CO ２ and at least one of HFO-Z / E-1234ze and at least one of HFC-32, HFC-134a, and HFC-125; or HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, and at least one of HFC-32, HFC-134a, and HFC-125; 9. The process of claim 1, 7, or 8, comprising:

17. 3. The process of claim 1 or 2, wherein an oligomeric inhibitor is added and comprises a pair of inhibitors.

18. 18. The process of claim 17, wherein the oligomeric inhibitor pair comprises propane and one of limonene and pinene.

19. 15. The process of claim 14, wherein the testing of step b) comprises at least one of GC-FID, GC-TCD, GC-MS, FTIR, Goetz Bub, Karl Fischer, Byk-Garner Color, an acidity test, a moisture test, and a NAG test.

20. 20. The process of claim 19, wherein the tests of step b) include GC-MS, FTIR, acidity test, moisture test, and NAG test.

21. 21. The process of claim 20, wherein the NAG testing involves using one of an infrared sensor, a UV sensor, a NIR sensor, an ion mobility or plasma chromatograph, a gas chromatography, a refractive index measurement, a mass spectrometry, a high temperature thick film sensor, a thin film field effect sensor, a pellistor sensor, a Taguchi sensor, and a quartz crystal microbalance sensor.

22. 17. The process of claim 16, wherein step b) comprises at least one of distillation, adsorption, desorption, and cryogenic cooling, and step f) comprises NAG purging, water removal by distillation and / or desiccant drying, solids filtration, acidity neutralization, and / or high boiling residue / chloride distillation.

23. 23. The process of claim 22, wherein the treatment in step b) also includes at least one of NAG purge, water removal by distillation and / or desiccant drying, solids filtration, acidity neutralization, and high boiling residue / chloride distillation, which are different from step c).

24. Step f) is HFO-1234yf and HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, HFO-Z / E-1225ye, or HFO-Z / E-1132 17. The process of claim 16, comprising separating and purifying

25. Step f) is HFO-1234yf, or HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or E-1225ye, or HFO-Z / E-1132 17. The process of claim 16, comprising separating and purifying

26. Step f) is HFC-152a, or HFC-134a, or HFC-32, or HFC-125, or HFC-143a, or HFC-227ea, or CH ３ I 17. The process of claim 16, comprising separating and purifying

27. Step f) HFC-32 and HFC-134a, or HFC-32, HFC-134a, and HFC-125 17. The process of claim 16, comprising separating and purifying

28. Step f) is HFO-1234yf and HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, HFO-Z / E-1225ye, or HFO Z / E-1132 17. The process of claim 16, comprising separating and purifying

29. Step f) is HFO-1234yf, or HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or E-1225ye, or HFO-E / Z-1336mzz, or HFO-Z / E-1132 17. The process of claim 16, comprising separating and purifying

30. Step f) is HFC-152a, or HFC-134a, or HFC-32, or HFC-125, or HFC-143a, or HFC-227ea, or CH ３ I 17. The process of claim 16, comprising separating and purifying

31. A regenerated refrigerant composition comprising a first or second target refrigerant according to any one of claims 1 and 7-18.

32. 1. A regenerated refrigerant composition comprising: a. HFC-32, HFC-227ea, or HFC-32 and HFC-125, or HFC-134 and HFC-125, or HFC-134a and HFC-125, or HFO1234yf, or HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or HFO-E / Z-1336mzz, or HFO-1234yf and HFO-1234ze, HFO1234ze and HFO-E / Z-1336mzz, or HFO-1234yf, or at least one regenerated refrigerant selected from the group consisting of HFC-32, HFC-134a, and HFC-125, or HFO-Z / E-1234ze and at least one of HFC-32, HFC-134a, and HFC-125, or HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, and at least one of HFC-32, HFC-134a, and HFC-125; b. d-limonene, l-limonene, β-pinene, α-pinene, α-terpinene, β-terpinene, γ-terpinene, and δ-terpinene, d-limonene / propane, l-limonene / propane, β-pinene / propane, α-pinene / propane, α-terpinene / propane, β-terpinene / propane, γ-terpinene / propane, and δ-terpinene / propane, d-limonene / cyclopropane, l-limonene / cyclopropane, β-pinene / cyclopropane, α-pinene / cyclopropane, α-terpinene / cyclopropane, β-terpinene / cyclopropane, γ-terpinene / cyclopropane, and δ-terpinene / cyclopropane, d-limonene / butane, l-limonene / butane at least one oligomeric inhibitor selected from the group consisting of: tallow, β-pinene / butane, α-pinene / propane, α-terpinene / butane, β-terpinene / butane, γ-terpinene / butane, and δ-terpinene / butane, d-limonene / isobutane, l-limonene / isobutane, β-pinene / isobutane, α-pinene / isobutane, α-terpinene / isobutane, β-terpinene / isobutane, γ-terpinene / isobutane, and δ-terpinene / isobutane, d-limonene / butene, l-limonene / butene, β-pinene / butene, α-pinene / butene, α-terpinene / butene, β-terpinene / butene, γ-terpinene / butene, and δ-terpinene / butene; c. at least one tracer selected from the group consisting of HFO-Z / E-1336mzz, HFO-1233zd, HFO-1224yd, HFO-1112, HFO-1327, HFO-1336yf, HFO-1336ze, and HFC-263fb, with the proviso that the at least one regenerated refrigerant and the at least one tracer are not the same; A regenerated refrigerant composition comprising:

33. The oligomer inhibitor comprises, based on the total weight of the refrigerant component, up to about 0.5% by weight, or less than 0.5% by weight but greater than 0; or 0.001% to 0.005% by weight, or 0.01% by weight to one of 0.015%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, and 0.1% by weight; or 0.2% by weight to one of 0.3% by weight (3000 ppm), 0.4% by weight, and 0.5% by weight; 33. The regenerated refrigerant composition of claim 32, comprising:

34. The at least one tracer comprises, based on the total weight of the refrigerant component: from about 10 ppm to about 1000 ppm, or from about 20 ppm to about 500 ppm, or from about 25 ppm to about 500 ppm, or from about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm, or Approximately 100ppm to approximately 300ppm 34. The regenerated refrigerant composition of claim 32 or 33, comprising:

35. 1. A system comprising: a. an unregenerated refrigerant recovery station configured to receive unregenerated refrigerant; b. a weighing and testing station including at least one analytical system configured to determine physical and chemical properties of the unregenerated refrigerant, the physical and chemical properties including at least one property selected from the group consisting of refrigerant components, the presence and / or content of contaminants, and the presence and / or content of non-condensable gases (NCGs); c. a first purification system for receiving and processing the unregenerated refrigerant from the weighing and testing station; d. a first transportation line; e. a second purification system for receiving and processing the refrigerant from the first purification system via the first transfer line; f. a second transportation line; g. a target refrigerant system in fluid communication with the first and second transfer lines and configured to receive treated refrigerant from the first and second purification systems following purification at the first and second purification stations to adjust levels of regenerated refrigerant components to AHRI 700 target refrigerant levels, the target refrigerant system including a blending station configured to provide a regenerated refrigerant blend component consistent with the AHRI 700 standard; h. an oligomer inhibitor tank system and a tracer tank system, respectively, containing a supply of (1) at least one oligomer inhibitor and (2) at least one tracer selected from the group consisting of HFO-Z / E-1336mzz, HFO-1233zd, HFO-1224yd, HFO-1112, HFO-1327, HFO-1336yf, HFO-1336ze, and HFC-263fb, wherein the oligomer inhibitor tank system and the tracer tank system are configured to add an effective amount of the at least one oligomer inhibitor and / or the at least one tracer to the target regenerated refrigerant and regenerated refrigerant blend; i. a purity verification station configured to verify the purity of the unregenerated refrigerant before purification and / or after the first and / or second purification treatments and determine whether the first treated product meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard; A system comprising:

36. 36. The system of claim 35, wherein the weighing and testing station includes at least one of a balance or a GC-FID, GC-TCD, GC-MS, FTIR, Goetz Bub, Karl Fischer, and Byk-Garner Color detector.

37. 36. The system of claim 35, wherein the weighing and testing station includes one of an infrared sensor, a UV sensor, a NIR sensor, an ion mobility or plasma chromatograph, a gas chromatography, a refractive index measurement, a mass spectrometry, a high temperature thick film sensor, a thin film field effect sensor, a pellistor sensor, a Taguchi sensor, and a quartz crystal microbalance sensor.

38. 36. The system of claim 35, wherein the weighing and testing station includes a scale, a GC-MS, and a Taguchi sensor.

39. 36. The system of claim 35, wherein at least one of the first and second purification systems includes one of a distillation column, an adsorption / desorption column, and a cryogenic chiller.

40. 36. The system of claim 35, wherein at least one of the first and second purification systems includes one of an NCG purge unit, a water distillation or desiccant dryer unit, a solids filter unit, an acidity neutralizer, and a high distillation bottoms column.

41. 1. A process comprising at least one of HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, HFO-E-1225ye, HFO-Z / E-1336mzz, and HFO-Z / E-1132, and optionally HFC-152a, HFC-134a, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-143a, HFC-227ea, and CH ３ 36. A process comprising: delivering an unregenerated refrigerant composition comprising at least one additional component selected from I to the system of claim 35; and recovering a stabilized, traceable regenerated refrigerant composition.

42. The unregenerated refrigerant composition is HFC-32, or HFC-32 and HFC-125, or HFC-134 and HFC-125, HFC-32, or HFC-134a and HFC-125, or HFO1234yf, or HFO-Z / E-1234ze, or HFO-E / Z-1336mzz, or HFO-1234yf and HFO1234ze, or HFO-1234ze and HFO-E / Z-1336mzz, or HFO-1234yf, HFC-32, HFC-134a, HFC-125, HFC-152a, and CO ２ (R744), or HFO-Z / E-1234ze and at least one of HFC-32, HFC-134a, HFC-125, and HFC-227ea, or HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, and at least one of HFC-32, HFC-134a, or HFC-125; 42. The process of claim 41 , comprising:

43. 37. The process of claim 35 or 36, wherein the weighing and testing station is configured to detect the acidity, air, oil, particulates / solids, stabilizers, and moisture content of the unregenerated refrigerant composition.

44. The inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of propane, cyclopropane, propylene, butane, butane, isobutene, and mixtures of two or more, d-limonene, l-limonene, β-pinene, α-pinene, α-terpinene, β-terpinene, γ-terpinene, and δ-terpinene, d-limonene / propane, l-limonene / propane, β-pinene / propane, α-pinene / propane, α-terpinene / propane, propane, β-terpinene / propane, γ-terpinene / propane, and δ-terpinene / propane, d-limonene / cyclopropane, l-limonene / cyclopropane, β-pinene / cyclopropane, α-pinene / cyclopropane, α-terpinene / cyclopropane, β-terpinene / cyclopropane, γ-terpinene / cyclopropane, and δ-terpinene / cyclopropane , d-limonene / butane, l-limonene / butane, β-pinene / butane, α-pinene / propane, α-terpinene / butane, β-terpinene / butane, γ-terpinene / butane, and δ-terpinene / butane, d-limonene / isobutane, l-limonene / isobutane, β-pinene / isobutane, α-pinene / isobutane, α-terpinene / isobutane, β- 43. The process of claim 35 or 42, wherein the isomer is selected from the group consisting of terpinene / isobutane, gamma-terpinene / isobutane, and delta-terpinene / isobutane, d-limonene / butene, l-limonene / butene, beta-pinene / butene, alpha-pinene / butene, alpha-terpinene / butene, beta-terpinene / butene, gamma-terpinene / butene, and delta-terpinene / butene.

45. A process comprising: a) providing an unregenerated refrigerant composition comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of HFC-32, HFC-134, HFC-134a, HFC-125, HFC-143a, HFC-152a, HFC-227ea, HFO-1234yf, HFO-Z / E-1234ze, HFO-E-1225ye, HFO-E / Z-1336mzz, and HFO-Z / E-1132; b) (1) weighing and testing the unregenerated refrigerant composition of step a) to determine at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of refrigerant components, the presence and / or content of contaminants, the presence and / or content of non-condensable gases (NCGs), and physical properties; and (2) verifying and comparing the purity of the unregenerated refrigerant composition against AHRI 700 standards. c) if the unregenerated refrigerant composition of step a) does not meet the AHRI 700 standard, selecting a physical and / or chemical treatment according to step b)(1) to treat and purify the unregenerated refrigerant composition of step b)(1) to provide a first treated product; d) verifying the purity of the first treated product of step c) and determining whether the first treated product meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard; e) optionally, (1) if the first treated product meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard, adding at least one additional refrigerant component to the first treated product to form a first target refrigerant or refrigerant blend, or (2) if the first treated product does not meet the AHRI 700 standard, further purifying it to produce a second treated product and verifying the purity of the second treated product to determine whether it meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard; f) optionally, if the second treated product meets or exceeds the AHRI 700 standard, adding at least one additional refrigerant component to the second treated product to form a second target refrigerant or refrigerant blend; g) optionally adding an effective amount of at least one oligomeric inhibitor selected from the group consisting of ethane, propane, cyclopropane, limonene or pinene, propane and limonene, propane and pinene, cyclopropane and limonene, and cyclopropane and pinene; and / or h) optionally adding at least one tracer selected from the group consisting of HFO-Z / E-1336mzz, HFO-1233zd, HFO-1224yd, HFO-1112, HFO-1327, HFO-1336yf, HFO-1336ze, and HFC-263fb to said first and / or second target refrigerant or refrigerant blend of steps e) and / or f), with the proviso that the at least one tracer is different from the at least one component; The process includes:

46. 46. ​​The process of claim 1 or 45, wherein the unregenerated refrigerant is HFO-1234yf or an HFO-1234yf blend, and the treating in step c) comprises passing the unregenerated HFO-1234yf or an HFO-1234yf blend in a liquid state through an absorbent material to reduce or remove oligomerization inhibitors, and then subjecting the reduced or inhibitor-free refrigerant to distillation.

47. 36. The system of claim 35, wherein the purification system includes an absorbent bed for reducing or removing oligomerization inhibitors from the unregenerated refrigerant, and the system is configured to transfer the inhibitor-reduced or inhibitor-free refrigerant from the absorbent bed to and through one or more distillation columns.

48. 47. The process of claim 46, wherein the air / oxygen content of at least one of the unregenerated refrigerant and the regenerated refrigerant is detected.

49. 47. The process of claim 46, wherein at least one of the unregenerated refrigerant and the regenerated refrigerant is placed in a weighable container containing an air / oxygen detector.

50. 36. The system of claim 35, further comprising at least one of an unregenerated refrigerant receiving vessel or an unregenerated refrigerant container including an air / oxygen detector.

51. 47. The process of claim 46, wherein the unregenerated, partially regenerated, or fully regenerated refrigerant is filtered to remove solids prior to any distillation, optionally the solids including fluoroolefin derived by-products.

52. 48. The process of claim 47, further comprising a filter for unregenerated, partially regenerated, or fully regenerated refrigerant to remove solids before or after any distillation, and optionally a filter for the solids derived from fluoroolefin by-products.

53. 36. The system of claim 35, wherein the system is integrated.

54. The process of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the unregenerated fluoroolefin refrigerant composition comprises HFO-1336mzz(Z), HFO-1336mzz(E), or a mixture of HFO-1336mzz(Z) and HFO-1336mzz(E).

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