Fluoropropene Composition Production to Minimize Isomer Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing HFO-1234ze and HFO-1234yf refrigerants require additional purification or separation steps to isolate the E-isomer, which increases costs and complexity, and there is a need for a process that minimizes or eliminates the need for these steps while maintaining the favorable properties of HFO-1234zeE.
Innovation Solution
A method involving contacting a mixture of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and Z-1,3,3-tetrafluoropropene with a catalyst such as fluorinated Cr2O3 or Cr/Ni on fluorinated alumina in the gas phase, in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas, to produce a mixture comprising Z-1,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, E-1,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropene, and 2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, without the need for subsequent purification or separation steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If catalytic dehydrofluorination of HFC-245fa is used to produce HFO-1234ze, then HFO-1234ze can be obtained, but a mixture of E-isomer and Z-isomer is produced requiring additional separation or isomerization steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying reaction conditions (temperature, catalyst type, reactant ratios) to shift the isomer distribution in favor of the E-isomer. By optimizing these parameters, the process produces a composition where the E-isomer predominates, reducing the need for extensive separation or isomerization steps while maintaining manufacturing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If separation or isomerization steps are added to isolate E-isomer, then HFO-1234zeE purity is improved, but production cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the dehydrofluorination process to preferentially produce the E-isomer from the outset, rather than producing a mixed isomer composition and then separating or isomerizing it later. This preliminary optimization of isomer distribution at the production stage reduces the need for costly downstream separation or isomerization steps, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining E-isomer purity.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional purification steps are implemented, then composition purity is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing reaction conditions to directly produce a composition with high purity of the desired components (HFO-1234zeE, HFO-1234yf, and controlled amounts of HFO-1225zc and HFO-1234zc). By adjusting parameters such as temperature, catalyst selection, and reactant ratios, the process achieves high composition purity in a single step, eliminating the need for additional purification operations and thereby maintaining high productivity.
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
This method produces a composition rich in HFO-1234ze(E) and HFO-1225zc with minimal excess HFO-1234yf, suitable for use as refrigerants, reducing the need for costly purification steps and enhancing the efficiency of the refrigeration process.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a mixture of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and Z-1,3,3-tetrafluoropropene with a catalyst such as fluorinated Cr2O3 or Cr/Ni on fluorinated alumina in the gas phase
Data Source
AI summary
A fluoropropene composition comprising E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene, and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, wherein the total amount of 1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene is 1.0 wt. % or less, based on the total weight of the fluoropropene composition. A method of producing the fluoropropene, composition and methods for using the fluoropropene composition are also disclosed.