Azeotropic Hydrogen Fluoride Compositions for Low GWP Refrigerants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) contribute to global warming despite not depleting stratospheric ozone, necessitating compositions that avoid ozone destruction and have low global warming potentials.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising hydrogen fluoride and specific hydrofluoroolefins, such as (Z)-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene, forming azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions to facilitate easier purification and reduce energy costs, while offering low global warming potential and non-flammability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are used to replace CFCs and HCFCs, then ozone depletion is avoided, but global warming potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by formulating azeotropic mixtures of HFC-134a with specific HFO compounds (1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene and 1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluorobut-2-ene) in precise ratios. This parameter change achieves both low GWP (below 150) and ozone safety while maintaining desired refrigerant properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite refrigerant compositions by combining HFC-134a with HFO compounds to form azeotropic mixtures. These composite materials achieve synergistic effects where the mixture as a whole has lower GWP than conventional HFCs while avoiding ozone depletion, thus resolving the contradiction between ozone safety and global warming impact
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional purification methods are used for HFCs, then purification is achieved, but energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits phase transition properties by forming azeotropic compositions that exhibit specific boiling and condensation behaviors. The azeotropic mixture allows for easier separation and purification through phase changes at lower energy input compared to conventional methods, reducing the energy required for distillation and purification processes
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The azeotropic compositions enable improved purification of HFCs at lower energy costs and reduce global warming contributions, addressing the need for ozone-safe and low-GWP alternatives to CFCs and HCFCs.
Implementation Method 1
the compound of Formula I is present in an amount effective to form an azeotrope composition or an azeotrope-like composition with the hydrogen fluoride
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses compositions comprising hydrogen fluoride and fluorinated compounds (e.g., hydrochlorofluorocarbons), wherein the fluorinated compound is present in the composition in an amount effective to form an azeotrope composition or azeotrope-like composition with the hydrogen fluoride.