Thermal management fluid conversion kit

Abstract

A thermal management fluid conversion kit includes at least one component selected from the group consisting of at least one low global warming potential (GWP) service port connector sized to fit over a high GWP refrigerant service port of an air conditioning (A / C) system, a recharge hose for charging a miscibility additive to the A / C system, an additive container containing the miscibility additive, a retrofit label meeting SAE J639 standards, conversion instructions for converting the A / C system from operating with a high GWP refrigerant to operating with the low GWP refrigerant, and combinations thereof.

Description

TS0111-W001TITLE OF THE INVENTIONTHERMAL MANAGEMENT FLUID CONVERSION KITCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 691 ,574 filed September 6, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to kits, components, compositions, systems, and methods for converting an air-conditioning (A / C) system from operating on a high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant to operating on a low GWP refrigerant. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to thermal management fluid conversion kits, components, compositions, systems, and methods for converting A / C systems that may contain HFC-134a lubricants and specific additives into an environmentally friendly system, such as a system that uses HFO-1234yf and the associated lubricants and additives.BACKGROUND

[0003] Since the mid-1990s, automotive air-conditioning (A / C) systems have generally used the refrigerant 1 ,1 ,1 ,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) in the vapor compression cycle. Now, due to environmental and societal pressures, global automotive manufacturers are transitioning to the low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf), as the vehicle A / C refrigerant. However, there are several hundred million vehicles currently on the road that are using the older, high GWP refrigerant, HFC-134a. As the vehicle fleet ages, it will be necessary to recharge the vehicle A / C system. Vehicles greater than 10 years old may require A / C service. However, due to societal and global regulations, many countries are facing a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phasedown, where high GWP refrigerants are being phased out and will eventually become less available and more expensive. Therefore, there is a need to enable the existing HFC-134a vehicle fleet estimated at several hundred million a path to continued operation, thereby increasing the vehicle’s useful lifetime and meeting global sustainability goals. ATS0111-W001 vehicle that is ten to twenty years old may still be in good working condition but may need minor repairs or servicing to extend its lifetime. Vehicle A / C is a critical part of that sustainability requirement and will also need to be serviced or upgraded to be able to be serviced over the vehicle’s extended lifetime. Therefore, as HFCs become more difficult to find due to cost and availability issues, it will be imperative to use low GWP hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) type refrigerants in existing HFC containing A / C systems.

[0004] To operate accordingly, A / C compressors require lubricants with the correct physical parameters, such as, for example, correct dynamic and kinematic viscosity, moisture, and total acid number (TAN). The lubricant must completely circulate through the A / C system. The lubricant must be carried by the refrigerant from one part of the system to the next and the lubricant must also be able to carry the refrigerant from one part of the system to a different part of the system while providing lubrication when internal to the compressor. Therefore, mutual refrigerant / oil compatibility at different weight percents of refrigerant / oil ranges over the A / C system operating range of 0°C to 40°C is essential to effective operation of the system, particularly the compressor.

[0005] Automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) add A / C lubricants during the initial vehicle A / C filling process. A / C systems may require repair due to a component failure (hose or line break) or vehicle accident that compromises the A / C system. As noted earlier, there is a large portion of the automotive fleet which contains the high GWP refrigerant HFC-134a. Those vehicles contain lubricant that is compatible with HFC-134a and miscible across the desired temperature range. However, the lubricant which is used with HFC-134a is not necessarily compatible with HFO-1234yf. Some lubricants used with HFO-1234yf are backwards compatible with HFC-134a, whereas others are not. Therefore, converting refrigerant from HFC-134a to HFO-1234yf is not simple and straight forward. Several key aspects should be addressed during this conversion process.

[0006] Typically, the automotive aftermarket or service industry employs an A / C service machine, noted in the United States as a recovery, recycle, recharge (R / R / R) machine, to re-inject / re-fi II refrigerant and lubricant into the A / C systems after repair. However, a current R / R / R machine designed for use with HFO-1234yf, which is basedTS0111-W001 on SAE J2843 (SAE International, Warrendale, PA), particularly section 8.9.5.1 of the SAE standard (hereby incorporated by reference), does not allow automatic injection of the lubricant into the system after repair by the R / R / R machine. The lubricant must instead be “hand injected” or “mechanically injected”.

[0007] During a typical vehicle A / C conversion, the current refrigerant is first identified and confirmed that is the expected refrigerant noted on the manufacturer’s label, If the refrigerant is identified as not matching the label, that refrigerant is removed and sent for destruction. If the correct refrigerant is identified in the system, the refrigerant is taken out of the system using an A / C service machine. The amount of refrigerant removed and the amount recorded on the A / C system label is noted. If the amount of refrigerant removed from the system is different than an acceptable level (typically 5% by weight), the system is checked for leaks. If the system is found to be in good operating condition and having no leaks, it is prepared for conversion to the new refrigerant. Before the conversion to the new refrigerant, the existing low and high side fittings A / C service ports, also call A / C fittings, are “changed” or “converted” to a fitting type that corresponds to the new refrigerant being used per SAE J639. After the low and high side A / C service ports have been converted for the new low GWP refrigerant, HFO-1234yf, the system is recharged using the A / C service machine. The amount of HFO-1234yf refrigerant added to the system is based on the A / C system label. Once the A / C system is recharged with the low GWP refrigerant HFO-1234yf, a “conversion” label is added to the system to alert service technicians that a new refrigerant is in the A / C system along with the new A / C service ports.

[0008] During the part of the conversion process when the high GWP refrigerant, typically HFC-134a, is being removed, some, but not all, of the HFC-134a compatible compressor lubricant is also removed. In the United States, the conversion process to replace a high GWP refrigerant with a low GWP refrigerant is typically called a retrofit. Even though the A / C service machine is very efficient in recovering 95% to 99% of the refrigerant, it does not remove lubricant that is trapped in the compressor. It is estimated that about 75 to 80% of the HFC-134a lubricant remains contained within the compressor during a typical conversion.TS0111-W001SUMMARY

[0009] A kit aids in the introduction of an environmentally friendly refrigerant, a lubricant, and / or a miscibility additive, into a vehicle heat management system, including passenger vehicle compartment air conditioning (A / C) systems that are currently not using or containing an environmentally friendly refrigerant.

[0010] A thermal management fluid conversion kit includes at least one component selected from the group consisting of at least one low global warming potential (GWP) service port connector sized to fit over a high GWP refrigerant service port of an air conditioning (A / C) system, a recharge hose for charging a miscibility additive to the A / C system, an additive container containing the miscibility additive, a retrofit label meeting SAE J639 standards, conversion instructions for converting the A / C system from operating with a high GWP refrigerant to operating with the low GWP refrigerant, and combinations thereof.

[0011] The service port connectors may include a service port connector for the low service port and / or the high service port.

[0012] The thermal management fluid conversion kit may optionally include a refrigerant container containing the low GWP refrigerant.

[0013] The thermal management fluid conversion kit may optionally include a tool. The tool is sized to aid in attaching the service port connectors to the service ports.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 schematically shows a system for using a thermal management fluid conversion kit to convert an A / C system from HFC-134a to HFO-1234yf.

[0015] FIG. 2 schematically shows components of a thermal management fluid conversion kit for delivering a thermal management fluid conversion composition from one or more containers into an A / C system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Provided are kits, components, compositions, systems, and methods for introducing environmentally friendly refrigerants, lubricants, and / or additives, into a vehicle heat management system, including passenger vehicle compartment airTS0111-W001 conditioning (A / C) systems that are currently not using or containing an environmentally friendly refrigerant.

[0017] Changing from a high GWP refrigerant to a low GWP refrigerant further aids in the overall sustainability of the vehicle A / C system and the vehicle itself by extending the useful lifetime of the vehicle and also ensuring that any potential future A / C leaks have negligible environmental impacts.

[0018] As used herein, “high GWP refrigerant” refers to any refrigerant having a 100-year GWP of 150 or greater. GWP is an index for estimating relative global warming contribution due to atmospheric emission of a kilogram of a particular greenhouse gas compared to emission of a kilogram of carbon dioxide. GWP can be calculated for different time horizons showing the effect of atmospheric lifetime for a given gas. The GWP for the 100-year time horizon is commonly the value referenced. For mixtures, a weighted average can be calculated based on the individual GWPs for each component.

[0019] In some embodiments, the high GWP refrigerant includes a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC). In some embodiments, the HFC includes HFC-134a. HFC- 134a has a GWP of 1530 according to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Control (IPCC), which provides vetted values for refrigerant GWPs in official assessment reports (ARs.) The fourth assessment report is denoted as AR4, the fifth assessment report is denoted as AR5, and the sixth assessment report is denoted as AR6. The GWP values reported for refrigerant blends of the present invention herein refer to the AR4 values, which regulating bodies are currently using for legislation. AR6 is the most recent published report. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the GWP values may refer to the AR4 or AR6 values.

[0020] As used herein, “low GWP refrigerant” refers to any refrigerant having a 100-year GWP of less than 150. An appropriate GWP for a low GWP refrigerant may include, but is not limited to, less than 150, less than 100, less than 50, less than 10, less than 5, less than 1 , or any value, range, or sub-range therebetween.

[0021] In some embodiments, the low GWP refrigerant includes a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO). Appropriate low GWP refrigerants may include, but are not limited to, HFO-1234yf, E-1 ,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234zeE), Z-1 ,3,3,3- tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234zeZ), E-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFO-TS0111-W0011233zdE), Z-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFO-1233zdZ), Z-1 , 1 , 1 ,4,4,4- hexafluoro-2-butene (HFO-1336mzzZ), E-1 ,1 ,1 ,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (HFO- 1336mzzE), 1 ,1 -difluoroethane (HFC-152a), propane (R-290), other hydrocarbons, or blends including any of these. In some embodiments, the HFO includes HFO- 1234yf. HFO-1234yf has a GWP of 0.5 according to the United Nations IPCC AR6. Appropriate low GWP refrigerants may include, but are not limited to, the HFOs disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,426,657, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0022] In some embodiments, the low GWP refrigerant includes minor amounts of HFC or other HFO compounds. For example, when the refrigerant includes HFO- 1234yf, the refrigerant may include up to 1 mol%, alternatively up to 0.5 mol%, alternatively up to 0.1 mol% of one or more of 1 ,1 ,1 ,2-tetrafluoro-2,3-dichloropropane (HCFC-234bb), 2-chloro-1 ,1 ,1 ,2-tetrafluoropropane (HCFC-244bb), 3-chloro-1 , 1 ,1,2- tetrafluoropropane (HCFC-244eb), 1 ,1 ,1 ,2-tetrafluoropropane (HFC-254eb), 1 ,1 ,1- trifluoropropane (HFC-263fb), 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233xf), 1 ,1 ,1 ,2,2-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245cb), 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFO-1243zf), methyl chloride (HCC-40), 1 ,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene (HFO-1225ye), 1 ,1 ,3,3,3- pentafluoropropene (HFO-1225zc), 1-chloro-1 -fluoroethylene (HCFO-1131a), E-1- chloro-2-fluoroethylene (HCFO-E-1131), Z-1-chloro-2-fluoroethylene (HCFO-Z- 1131), 1-chloro-1 ,1 -difluoroethane (HCFC-142b), 1-chloro-1 ,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC-124), 1 -chloro-1 ,2-difluoroethylene (HCFO-1122a), 2-chloro-1 ,1- difluoroethylene (HCFO-1122), E-1 ,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-E-1234ze), Z- 1 ,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-Z-1234ze), and vinyl chloride (HFO-1140).

[0023] In some embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit is a complete A / C conversion package that enables a less environmentally friendly vehicle A / C system to be sustainably upgraded to a more environmentally friendly A / C system.

[0024] In some embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit is a retrofit kit including a retrofit package, which may be shrink wrapped or otherwise bound together, for retrofitting an A / C system.TS0111-W001

[0025] In some embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit converts an A / C system currently using a high GWP hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant to use an environmentally more desirable, low GWP refrigerant.

[0026] In some embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit includes a conversion package for changing from the current high global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant, HFC-134a, to an environmentally desirable (low GWP) refrigerant, such as a system that uses HFO- 1234yf.

[0027] In some embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit solves problems associated with retrofitting from existing high GWP refrigerant HFC-134a to low GWP refrigerant HFO-1234yf.

[0028] As noted earlier, some lubricants used with HFO-1234yf are backwards compatible with HFC-134a, whereas others are not. Therefore, converting from HFC- 134a to HFO-1234yf is not simple and straight forward. There is a need for one or more additives that improves the miscibility of the remaining HFC-134a lubricant with the new refrigerant, HFO-1234yf without impacting or changing the viscosity of lubricants that are currently compatible with both HFC-134a and HFO-1234yf. The one or more additives ensures miscibility of the new refrigerant without negatively impacting the compressor or A / C system. The existing compressor continues to work across the same operating temperature range with the new refrigerant. The one or more additives also ensures that system parameters such as dynamic and kinetic viscosity, TAN, and moisture are not negatively impacted.

[0029] In some embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit includes one or more of at least one service port connector, a recharge hose, a miscibility additive, a low GWP refrigerant, a stabilizer, a thermal management fluid conversion composition, a container containing the refrigerant, miscibility additive, stabilizer, and / or thermal management fluid conversion composition, a syringe containing the miscibility additive, a label, and conversion instructions.

[0030] In some embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit includes at least one service port connector. In some embodiments, the service port connectors includes two retrofit SAE J639 low GWP refrigerant A / C service port connectors, one fitting over the current high GWP refrigerant A / C high side serviceTS0111-W001 port and the other fitting over the current high GWP refrigerant A / C low side service port, allowing field conversion from low GWP refrigerant to high GWP refrigerant. The low and high side A / C service ports are an important part of a conversion system. In some embodiments, the provided service port connectors are attachable to be robust enough for future connection to and use with an R / R / R machine.

[0031] Since the conversion may be a retrofit of an existing A / C system, the service port connectors may be retrofit service port connectors sized and shaped to attach or fit over the current HFC-134a-based A / C system fittings. The dimensions of the low and high side A / C service port connectors meet SAE J639 for the low GWP lubricant. These service port connectors may be included in the thermal management fluid conversion kit to enable a smooth transition to the new low GWP refrigerant.

[0032] Furthermore, attachment of the different retrofit service port connectors may require a special tool. The thermal management fluid conversion kit may contain any added tool needed to ensure proper attachment of the service port connectors to the existing A / C service ports.

[0033] In some embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit includes a recharge hose meeting SAE J2888 standards for low GWP refrigerants. In some embodiments, the recharge hose includes a low side coupler meeting SAE J639 standards that connects to the low side vehicle A / C service port. The recharge hose may charge at least the refrigerant, the lubricant, the miscibility additive, and / or any combination of these to the A / C system.

[0034] In some embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit includes a miscibility additive. The miscibility additive improves the miscibility of the low GWP refrigerant with the old lubricant, HFC-134a, remaining in the A / C system. The miscibility additive includes a surfactant or surface active agent. In some embodiments, the surfactant includes a dispersant. In some embodiments, the surfactant includes a wetting agent. In some embodiments, the surfactant is biodegradable. In some embodiments, the surfactant is free of or substantially free of fluorination.

[0035] Appropriate surfactants may include, but are not limited to, polyether surfactants, such as, for example, primary alcohol ethoxylates, secondary alcoholTS0111-W001 ethoxylates, and block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO); polysiloxanes; and hydrocarbon surfactants.

[0036] Appropriate surfactants may also include, but are not limited to, commercially-available surfactants marketed under the trade name Carbowet (Evonik Industries AG, Essen, Germany), such as, for example, Carbowet™ GA-100 and Carbowet™ 109; commercially-available surfactants marketed under the trade name Cirrasol (Croda International PLC, Snaith, UK), such as, for example, Cirrasol™ G-1086 and Cirrasol™ G-1096; commercially-available surfactants marketed under the trade name Dapro (Elementis Specialties, Inc., East Windsor, NJ), such as, for example, Dapro® DF 451 ; commercially-available surfactants marketed under the trade name Dowanol (Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Ml), such as, for example, Dowanol™ DPM and Dowanol™ PM Glycol Ether; commercially-available surfactants marketed under the trade name Igepal (Rhodia Operations, La Defense, France), such as, for example, Igepal® CA-407, Igepal® CO-630, Igepal® CO-890, and Igepal® CTA-639W; commercially-available surfactants marketed under the trade name Tamol (Dow Chemical Company), such as, for example, Tamol® 731 A; commercially-available surfactants marketed under the trade name Tergitol (Dow Chemical Company), such as, for example, Tergitol™ 15-S-9, Tergitol™ 15-S-12, Tergitol™ 15-S-20, Tergitol™ L-62, Tergitol™ L-64, Tergitol™ NP-10, Tergitol™ TMN-6, and Tergitol™ TMN-10; and commercially- available surfactants marketed under the trade name Triton (Dow Chemical Company), such as, for example, Triton™ GR-7M and Triton™ X-100, polyoxyethylene Sorbitol / Sorbitan Fatty Acid Esters” family, which includes the following products Ethox TO-20, Cirrasol G-1096 and Cirrasol G-1086, and coemulsifiers that create emulsions with lower levels of agitation (pair of surfactant of co-emulsifiers), such as TO-20 / Hexamethyldisiloxane, G-1096 / Ethal NP9, G- 1086 / Ehtal NP9 and the like.

[0037] In some embodiments, the miscibility additive further includes a lubricant. Appropriate lubricants may include, but are not limited to, PAG, polyester oil (POE), polyvinyl ether (PVE), and combinations thereof.

[0038] In some embodiment the lubricant is a lubricant for a low GWP refrigerant. Appropriate lubricants for the low GWP refrigerant may include, but are not limitedTS0111-W001 to, a PAG lubricant, such as, for example, the PAG marketed under the trade name FD46XG (Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), the PAGs marketed under the trade names ND-8 and ND-12 (Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.), the PAG marketed under the trade name PS-D1 (ACDelco, Warren, Ml), the PAG marketed under the trade name RL-897 (Dow Chemical Company), and the PAGs marketed under the trade names SP-A2, SP-10, and SP-15 (Sanden International, Inc., Wylie, TX); a POE lubricant, such as, for example, the POE marketed under the trade name ND-11 (ENEOS Corporation, Tokyo, Japan); a PVE lubricant; alkylated naphthalene, epoxylated naphthalene, and combinations thereof.

[0039] In some embodiments, the kit further includes a low GWP refrigerant.

[0040] In some embodiments, the kit further includes a stabilizer. In some embodiments, the stabilizer includes at least one inhibitor compound that inhibits, if not eliminates, an HFO-type refrigerant from interacting with another compound and forming dimers, oligomers, homopolymers, or polymeric products.

[0041] Appropriate inhibitors may include, but are not limited to, hydrocarbons such as cyclic monoterpenes (e.g., limonene, pinene, a-pinene, -pinene, and terpinene); lipophilic organic compounds such as tocopherols (e.g., a-tocopherol) or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT); phenols or aromatic organic compounds having at least one chemical moiety -CeH^OH) (e.g., benzene-1 ,4-diol, 4-methoxyphenol); and mixtures thereof. Specific examples of inhibitor compounds may include at least one member selected from limonene (particularly D-limonene), a-terpinene, pinene, a- pinene, 3-pinene, a-tocopherol, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), 4-methoxyphenol, benzene-1 ,4-diol, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the inhibitor composition includes a liquid at a temperature from about -80°C to about 180°C, about -70°C to about 170°C, and in some cases about -60°C to about 160°C. By “stabilized” it is meant to refer to a composition including an effective amount of at least one inhibitor compound that inhibits, if not eliminates, a fluoroethylene from interacting with another compound and forming dimers, oligomers, homopolymers, or polymeric products.

[0042] In some embodiments, the stabilizer includes at least one acid scavenger. The stabilizer may be present at about 0.0001 % to about 1 %, by weight, in the additive mixture.TS0111-W001

[0043] Appropriate acid scavengers may include, but are not limited to, a siloxane, an activated aromatic compound, or a combination of both. The siloxane may be any molecule having a siloxy functionality. The siloxane may include an alkyl siloxane, an aryl siloxane, or a siloxane containing mixtures of aryl and alkyl substituents. For example, the siloxane may be an alkyl siloxane, including a dialkylsiloxane or a polydialkylsiloxane. Preferred siloxanes include an oxygen atom bonded to two silicon atoms. For example, the siloxane may be a siloxane of the following Formula: Ri[Si(R2R3)4O]nSi(R2R3)R4, where n is 1 or more. Siloxanes of this Formula may have n that is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more, (e.g., about 4 or more). Siloxanes of this Formula have n that is preferably about 30 or less, more preferably about 12 or less, and most preferably about 7 or less. Preferably the R4group is an aryl group or an alkyl group. Preferably the R2 groups are aryl groups or alkyl groups or mixtures thereof. Preferably the R3 groups are aryl groups or alkyl groups or mixtures thereof. Preferably the R4group is an aryl group or an alkyl group. Preferably R1, R2, R3, R4, or any combination thereof are not hydrogen. The R2groups in a molecule may be the same or different. Preferably the R2groups in a molecule are the same. The R2groups in a molecule may be the same or different from the R3 groups. Preferably, the R2groups and R3 groups in a molecule are the same. Preferred siloxanes include siloxanes of this Formula, where R1, R2, R3, R4, Rs, or any combination thereof is a methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl group, or any combination thereof. Exemplary siloxanes that may be used include hexamethyldisiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, polymethylphenylsiloxane, dodecamethylpentasiloxane, decamethylcyclo-pentasiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane, octamethyltrisiloxane, or any combination thereof.

[0044] In some embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit includes one or more containers containing the refrigerant, the stabilizer, and / or the miscibility additive.

[0045] In some embodiments, the refrigerant, stabilizer, and miscibility additive are provided as part of a thermal management retrofit fluid composition provided in a single container.

[0046] In some embodiments, the refrigerant is provided in a refrigerant container and the miscibility additive is provided in an additive container.TS0111-W001

[0047] In some embodiments, the refrigerant and stabilizer are provided in a refrigerant container and the miscibility additive is provided in an additive container.

[0048] In some embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit includes one or more accessory items to inject the miscibility additive into the vehicle A / C system. In some embodiments, the additive container is an accessory item. In some embodiments, the accessory items include a syringe.

[0049] In some embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit contains more than one accessory items to inject the miscibility additive into the A / C system.

[0050] In some embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit includes an accessory item to inject the refrigerant with the miscibility additive.

[0051] In some embodiments, one or more of the containers or other components of the thermal management fluid conversion kit includes molecular sieves to reduce a moisture content in the surfactant, lubricant, or miscibility additive. The molecular sieves may alternatively be contained in a recharge hose.

[0052] In some embodiments, one or more of the containers or other components of the thermal management fluid conversion kit includes a mesh screen to reduce foaming in the miscibility additive.

[0053] In some embodiments, a container includes, by weight, about 4% to about 25% surfactant and about 75% to about 96% lubricant, alternatively about 4% to about 20% surfactant and about 80% to about 96% lubricant, alternatively about 5% to about 25% surfactant and about 75% to about 95% lubricant, alternatively about 8% to about 16% surfactant and about 84% to about 92% lubricant, alternatively about 10% to about 20% surfactant and about 80% to about 90% lubricant, or any value, range, or sub-range therebetween.

[0054] In some embodiments, a container includes, by weight, about 20% to about 50% low GWP refrigerant and about 50% to about 80% miscibility additive, alternatively about 30% to about 45% low GWP refrigerant and about 55% to about 70% miscibility additive, alternatively about 35% to about 40% low GWP refrigerant and about 60% to about 65% miscibility additive, alternatively about 85% to aboutTS0111-W00190% low GWP refrigerant and about 10% to about 15% miscibility additive, or any value, range, or sub-range therebetween.

[0055] In some embodiments, the label is a retrofit label meeting SAE J639 standards. The retrofit SAE J639 label attaches to the vehicle A / C system to indicate the conversion. The retrofit SAE J639 label allows for application to the current vehicle A / C system without covering the refrigerant charge level or the lubricant charge level while denoting that the system has been retrofit.

[0056] In some embodiments, the label indicates 1 ) that the A / C system is converted, 2) the conversion date, 3) the amount of low GWP refrigerant charged in the system, and 4) the amount of lubricant added to the system.

[0057] In some embodiments, the conversion instructions explain to an automotive A / C service professional or automotive enthusiast how to convert an A / C system currently using a high GWP HFC refrigerant to use an environmentally more desirable, low GWP refrigerant. In some embodiments, the conversion instructions explain how to convert the A / C system using one or more other components of the thermal management fluid conversion kit described herein.

[0058] In some embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit is compatible with both an air conditioning service machine for a high GWP refrigerant and an air conditioning service machine for a low GWP refrigerant.

[0059] In some embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit is compatible with an A / C service machine and both a low service port and a high service port.

[0060] In other embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit is used without an A / C service machine and is compatible with only a low service port.

[0061] In some embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit is compatible with both an R / R / R machine for a high GWP refrigerant and an R / R / R machine for a low GWP refrigerant.

[0062] In some embodiments, the thermal management fluid conversion kit is compatible with a commercial air conditioning service machine, such as, for example, those marketed under the trade name AirSept (AirSept, Inc., Atlanta, GA),TS0111-W001 and / or commercial devices, such as, for example, those marketed under the trade name Qwikinjector (Mainstream Engineering Corporation, Rockledge, FL) or under the trade name Schrader (Schrader-Bridgeport International, Inc., Altavista, VA).

[0063] Referring to FIG. 1 , a system 10 introduces a miscibility additive into a heat management system such as an automotive A / C system. The system includes a container 12 containing low GWP refrigerant, miscibility additive, stabilizer, and / or a combination thereof as a thermal management fluid conversion composition, a compressor 14, a condenser 16, a dryer 18, an expansion valve 20, and an evaporator 22. The system 10 additionally includes a low side service port 24 and a high side service port 26. The container 12 is connected via a recharge hose 28 to the low side service port 24 of the compressor 14. The recharge hose 28 and lines 30 connecting the compressor 14, condenser 16, dryer 18, expansion valve 20, and evaporator 22 are constructed and assembled using materials and methods known in the art.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, a kit 40 includes a first port connector 42 that converts the low side service port 24 of an A / C system 50 from one for the current high GWP refrigerant to one for a low GWP refrigerant and a second port connector 44 that converts the high side service port 26 from one for the current high GWP refrigerant to one for a low GWP refrigerant. The kit 40 also includes at least one container 12 for low GWP refrigerant, miscibility additive, stabilizer, and / or a combination thereof as a thermal management fluid conversion composition. The container 12 has a container port 46 and a hand operated dispenser 48 for controlling the flow of the low GWP refrigerant, miscibility additive, stabilizer, or thermal management fluid conversion composition into the A / C system 50. A non-limiting example of the hand operated dispenser may be a syringe. In an alternate embodiment (not shown) the container port 46 is designed to connect in fluid communication with a R / R / R machine. In a further embodiment, kit 40 may include the container port 46 designed to engage the container 12 as illustrated in FIG. 2 and a second container port (not shown) designed to connect in fluid communication with the R / R / R machine.

[0065] The kit 40 further includes a recharge hose 28 configured to attach to the container port 46 and to the low side service port 24 of the A / C system 50 to facilitate transfer of the low GWP refrigerant, miscibility additive, stabilizer, or thermalTS0111-W001 management fluid conversion composition into the A / C system 50. The recharge hose 28 includes a service port coupler 62 configured to attach to the low side service port 24, a container coupler 64 configured to couple to the container port 46, and tubing 66 connecting the service port coupler 62 to the container coupler 64.

[0066] The service port coupler 62 is a low side quick connect coupler to mate with a low side service port for a low GWP refrigerant or the first port connector 42. The container coupler 64 is a female Compressed Gas Association (CGA) 166 coupler. The tubing 66 is SAE J2888-compliant.

[0067] The container port 46 may alternatively connect directly to the first port connector 42 or the low side service port 24. The container 12 or an attachment thereto may include molecular sieves 70 and / or a mesh screen 72 to reduce or avoid addition of moisture and to reduce or avoid formation of a foam. The recharge hose 28 may also or alternatively include molecular sieves 70 and / or a mesh screen 72 to reduce or avoid addition of moisture and to reduce or avoid formation of a foam.

[0068] The kit 40 further includes at least one tool 80. The tool 80 aids in ensuring proper attachment of the service port connectors to the existing A / C service ports

[0069] The kit 40 further includes conversion instructions 82 for converting the A / C system 50 from operating with the high GWP refrigerant to operating with the low GWP refrigerant.OTHER EMBODIMENTS

[0070] Embodiment 1 : a thermal management fluid conversion kit comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of at least one low global warming potential (GWP) service port connector sized to fit over a high GWP refrigerant service port of an air conditioning (A / C) system, a recharge hose for charging a miscibility additive to the A / C system, an additive container containing the miscibility additive, a retrofit label meeting SAE J639 standards, conversion instructions for converting the A / C system from operating with a high GWP refrigerant to operating with the low GWP refrigerant, and combinations thereof.

[0071] Embodiment 2: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of embodiment 1 , wherein the at least one component comprises the at least oneTS0111-W001 service port connector sized to fit over a high GWP refrigerant service port of an A / C system.

[0072] Embodiment 3: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of embodiment 2, wherein the at least one service port connector comprises a first service port connector sized to fit over a low side service port of the A / C system and having internal dimensions meeting SAE J639 standards to adapt the low side service port for the low GWP refrigerant.

[0073] Embodiment 4: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the at least one service port connector comprises a second service port connector sized to fit over a high side service port of the A / C system and having internal dimensions meeting SAE J639 standards to adapt the high side service port for the low GWP refrigerant.

[0074] Embodiment 5: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of any of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the at least one component comprises the recharge hose for charging a miscibility additive to the A / C system.

[0075] Embodiment 6: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of embodiment 5, wherein the recharge hose comprises a service port coupler configured to attach at the low side service port, a container coupler configured to couple to the additive container, and tubing connecting the service port coupler to the container coupler.

[0076] Embodiment 7: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of any of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the at least one component comprises the additive container containing the miscibility additive.

[0077] Embodiment 8: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of embodiment 7, wherein the miscibility additive comprises a surfactant.

[0078] Embodiment 9: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of embodiment 7, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of a primary alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, a secondary alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide surfactant; hexamethyldisiloxane, a polysiloxane, a hydrocarbon surfactant, and combinations thereof.TS0111-W001

[0079] Embodiment 10: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the miscibility additive further comprises a lubricant.

[0080] Embodiment 11 : the thermal management fluid conversion kit of embodiment 10, wherein the lubricant is selected from the group consisting of a polyalkyl glycol, a polyester oil, a polyvinyl ether, and combinations thereof.

[0081] Embodiment 12: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of embodiment 10 or 11 , wherein the miscibility additive includes an amount, by weight, in the range of about 4% to about 25% surfactant to about 75% to about 96% lubricant.

[0082] Embodiment 13: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of any of embodiments 7 to 12, wherein the additive container further contains the low GWP refrigerant.

[0083] Embodiment 14: the thermal management fluid of embodiment 13, wherein the additive container includes, by weight, in the range of about 20% to about 50% low GWP refrigerant and about 50% to about 80% additive mixture.

[0084] Embodiment 15: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of any of embodiments 7 to 14, wherein the additive container comprises a syringe.

[0085] Embodiment 16: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of any of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the at least one component comprises the retrofit label meeting SAE J639 standards.

[0086] Embodiment 17: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of embodiment 16, wherein the retrofit label indicates that the A / C system is converted and lists a conversion date, an amount of low GWP refrigerant charged in the system, and an amount of lubricant added to the system.

[0087] Embodiment 18: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of any of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the at least one component comprises the conversion instructions for converting the A / C system from operating with the high GWP refrigerant to operating with the low GWP refrigerant.

[0088] Embodiment 19: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of embodiment 18, wherein the conversion instructions instruct use of at least one ofTS0111-W001 the at least one low GWP service port connector, the recharge hose, the additive container, and the retrofit label meeting SAE J639 standards in a conversion from operating with the high GWP refrigerant to operating with the low GWP refrigerant.

[0089] Embodiment 20: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of any of embodiments 1 to 19 further comprising a refrigerant container containing the low GWP refrigerant.

[0090] Embodiment 21 : the thermal management fluid conversion kit of embodiment 20, wherein the refrigerant container further contains a stabilizer for the low GWP refrigerant.

[0091] Embodiment 22: the thermal management fluid conversion kit of any of embodiments 1 to 21 further comprising a tool, wherein the tool is sized to aid in attaching the service port connector to the service port.

[0092] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a composition, process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such composition, process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to 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 not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0093] The transitional phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified. If in the claim such would close the claim to the inclusion of materials other than those recited except for impurities ordinarily associated therewith. When the phrase “consists of” appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole.

[0094] The transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” is used to define a kit, composition, or method that includes materials, steps, features, components, or elements, in addition to those literally disclosed provided that these additionalTS0111-W001 included materials, steps, features, components, or elements do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention, especially the mode of action to achieve the desired result of any of the processes of the present invention. The term “consisting essentially of” occupies a middle ground between “comprising” and “consisting of”.

[0095] Where applicants have defined an invention or a portion thereof with an open-ended term such as “comprising”, it should be readily understood that (unless otherwise stated) the description should be interpreted to also include such an invention using the terms “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of”.

[0096] Also, use of “a” or “an” are employed 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 read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0097] Although certain aspects, embodiments, and principals have been described above, it is understood that this description is made only way of example and not as limitation of the scope of the invention or appended claims.

Claims

TS0111-W001CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A thermal management fluid conversion kit comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of at least one low global warming potential (GWP) service port connector sized to fit over a high GWP refrigerant service port of an air conditioning (A / C) system, a recharge hose for charging a miscibility additive to the A / C system, an additive container containing the miscibility additive, a retrofit label meeting SAE J639 standards, conversion instructions for converting the A / C system from operating with a high GWP refrigerant to operating with the low GWP refrigerant, and combinations thereof.

2. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of claim 1 , wherein the at least one component comprises the at least one service port connector sized to fit over a high GWP refrigerant service port of an A / C system.

3. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of claim 2, wherein the at least one service port connector comprises a first service port connector sized to fit over a low side service port of the A / C system and having internal dimensions meeting SAE J639 standards to adapt the low side service port for the low GWP refrigerant.

4. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one service port connector comprises a second service port connector sized to fit over a high side service port of the A / C system and having internal dimensions meeting SAE J639 standards to adapt the high side service port for the low GWP refrigerant.

5. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one component comprises the recharge hose for charging a miscibility additive to the A / C system.

6. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of claim 5, wherein the recharge hose comprises a service port coupler configured to attach at the low side service port, a container coupler configured to couple to the additive container, and tubing connecting the service port coupler to the container coupler.TS0111-W0017. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one component comprises the additive container containing the miscibility additive.

8. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of claim 7, wherein the miscibility additive comprises a surfactant.

9. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of claim 7, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of a primary alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, a secondary alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide surfactant; hexamethyldisiloxane, a polysiloxane, a hydrocarbon surfactant, and combinations thereof.

10. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of claim 8 or 9, wherein the miscibility additive further comprises a lubricant.11 . The thermal management fluid conversion kit of claim 10, wherein the lubricant is selected from the group consisting of a polyalkyl glycol, a polyester oil, a polyvinyl ether, and combinations thereof.

12. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of claim 10 or 11 , wherein the miscibility additive includes an amount, by weight, in the range of about 4% to about 25% surfactant to about 75% to about 96% lubricant.

13. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of any of claims 7 to 12, wherein the additive container further contains the low GWP refrigerant.

14. The thermal management fluid of claim 13, wherein the additive container includes, by weight, in the range of about 20% to about 50% low GWP refrigerant and about 50% to about 80% additive mixture.

15. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of any of claims 7 to 14, wherein the additive container comprises a syringe.

16. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least one component comprises the retrofit label meeting SAE J639 standards.

17. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of claim 16, wherein the retrofit label indicates that the A / C system is converted and lists a conversion date, anTS0111-W001 amount of low GWP refrigerant charged in the system, and an amount of lubricant added to the system.

18. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the at least one component comprises the conversion instructions for converting the A / C system from operating with the high GWP refrigerant to operating with the low GWP refrigerant.

19. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of claim 18, wherein the conversion instructions instruct use of at least one of the at least one low GWP service port connector, the recharge hose, the additive container, and the retrofit label meeting SAE J639 standards in a conversion from operating with the high GWP refrigerant to operating with the low GWP refrigerant.

20. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of any of claims 1 to 19 further comprising a refrigerant container containing the low GWP refrigerant.21 . The thermal management fluid conversion kit of claim 20, wherein the refrigerant container further contains a stabilizer for the low GWP refrigerant.

22. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of any of claims 1 to 21 further comprising a tool, wherein the tool is sized to aid in attaching the service port connector to the service port.

23. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of any of claims 7 to 14, wherein the additive container comprises a cartridge adaptable to connect in fluid communication with a R / R / R machine, preferably one of a R / R / R / machine for a low GWP refrigerant or a R / R / R machine for a high GWP refrigerant.

24. The thermal management fluid conversion kit of claim 23 wherein the R / R / R machine comprises, or is, the R / R / R / machine for a low GWP refrigerant.

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