Fluoroolefin Refrigerant Composition With Inhibitors Against Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluoroolefin refrigerants face degradation and polymerization issues under abnormal conditions, such as extreme temperatures or contact with contaminants, leading to the formation of unwanted by-products, which can compromise their stability and performance in refrigeration systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating inhibitors like limonene, α-terpinene, and α-tocopherol into fluoroolefin refrigerant compositions to prevent oligomerization and homopolymerization, while maintaining refrigeration performance and compatibility with refrigerant oil and system components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluoroolefins are used as refrigerants under abnormal conditions, then refrigeration performance is maintained, but degradation and polymerization occur leading to unwanted by-products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating inhibitors (limonene, α-terpinene, or α-tocopherol) into the fluoroolefin composition before use. These inhibitors are pre-positioned to intercept and neutralize自由基 (free radicals) that would otherwise initiate polymerization or degradation reactions, preventing the formation of unwanted by-products while maintaining refrigeration performance
Solution Approach 2:
The inhibitors act as intermediary substances between the fluoroolefin and the abnormal conditions (extreme temperatures, contaminants). They intercept自由基 generated under abnormal conditions, preventing direct attack on the fluoroolefin molecules, thus protecting the chemical stability while allowing the refrigerant to function under varying conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluoroolefins are exposed to contaminants, then system operation continues, but oligomerization and homopolymerization are accelerated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of contaminants (which generate自由基 that initiate polymerization) into a beneficial outcome. The inhibitors are designed to preferentially react with these自由基, transforming the harmful polymerization-initiating radicals into harmless stable products, thereby preventing oligomerization and homopolymerization even in contaminated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The inhibitors serve as intermediary substances that intervene between contaminants and fluoroolefin molecules. They capture自由基 generated by contaminant interaction, preventing these radicals from initiating polymerization reactions, thus allowing continued operation in contaminated conditions without harmful polymer formation
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 addition of these inhibitors significantly enhances the stability of fluoroolefin refrigerants, reducing the formation of polymers and maintaining refrigeration performance even under abnormal conditions, thus providing a stable and effective alternative to traditional refrigerants with higher global warming potential.
Implementation Method 1
The inhibitor can function as a radical inhibitor and without affecting the refrigeration performance or compatibility of the refrigerant composition with refrigerant oil and parts
Implementation Method 2
The stabilized refrigerant compositions may be useful in cooling systems and as replacements for existing refrigerants with higher global warming potential
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to refrigerant compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin, at least one lubricant and an effective amount of at least one inhibitor wherein the inhibitor is present in the fluoroolefin and the lubricant.