Fluoroolefin Refrigerant Stabilization Against Heat and Oxidation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fluoroolefins used as refrigerants degrade due to instability at high temperatures and oxidation when exposed to air, limiting their practical application in cooling systems due to degradation mechanisms such as condensation reactions with moisture or oxygen.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising fluoroolefins stabilized with epoxides, fluorinated epoxides, thiophosphates, butylated triphenylphosphorothionates, fullerenes, and other stabilizers is used to prevent degradation, including the addition of stabilizers like epoxides, phosphites, and phenols to reduce reaction with oxygen and air presence in refrigeration systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluoroolefins are used as refrigerants, then low global warming potential and excellent refrigeration performance are achieved, but chemical stability and reliability deteriorate due to degradation at high temperatures and oxidation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical stabilityVSAvoiddegradation from heat and oxidation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces stabilizers (amines, phenols, phosphites, epoxides) as intermediary substances that intervene between the fluoroolefin refrigerant and the harmful factors (oxygen, moisture, high temperature). These stabilizers act as sacrificial agents that react with oxidizing species and hydrolytic byproducts, preventing direct attack on the fluoroolefin molecules and thus maintaining chemical stability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful degradation reactions into beneficial protective reactions. The stabilizers are designed to preferentially react with oxygen, moisture, and thermal stress, transforming what would be destructive processes into controlled reactions that protect the main refrigerant. For example, phosphite stabilizers oxidize to phosphates, and amine stabilizers react with acidic degradation products, thereby neutralizing harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If stabilizers are added to fluoroolefins, then chemical stability and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases due to multi-component composition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical stabilityVSAvoidcomposition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of multiple stabilizer components to achieve effective protection without excessive complexity. Specific ranges are defined: amines (10-1000 ppm), phenols (10-1000 ppm), phosphites (10-1000 ppm), and epoxides (10-1000 ppm). By controlling these parameters within defined ranges, the system achieves reliable stabilization while maintaining manageable composition complexity for manufacturing and system integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 stabilization of fluoroolefins with these compounds enhances their chemical stability, maintaining refrigeration performance and reducing degradation, allowing their safe use in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems without significant loss of refrigeration capacity.

Implementation Method 1

a composition comprising at least one fluoroolefin and an effective amount of a stabilizer comprising: a. at least one compound selected from the group consisting of epoxides and fluorinated epoxides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComplex formation:

Implementation Method 2

b. at least one compound selected from the group consisting of thiophosphates, butylated triphenylphosphorothionates, organo phosphates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation scavenging: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

ii) at least one phosphite, phenol, terpene, terpenoid, or mixture thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntioxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 4

iii) at least one metal deactivator selected from the group consisting of areoxalyl bis(benzylidene)hydrazide; N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamoylhydrazine); 2,2′-oxamidobis-ethyl-(3,5-d-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydorcinnamate)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMetal deactivation:

Data Source

PatentUS9133381B2Epoxide and fluorinated epoxide stabilizers for fluoroolefins

Publication Date: 2015.09.15 THE CHEMOURS CO FC LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin and an effective amount of stabilizer that may be an epoxide, fluorinated epoxide or oxetane, or a mixture thereof with other stabilizers. The stabilized compositions may be useful in cooling apparatus, such as refrigeration, air-conditioning, chillers, and heat pumps, as well as in applications as foam blowing agents, solvents, aerosol propellants, fire extinguishants, and sterilants.