HFC-143 Refrigerant Composition for Low-GWP Azeotropic Separation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerants have high global warming potential and lack efficient methods for separation and use in azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions, limiting their application in refrigerating machines.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143) with additional compounds such as 1-chloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-133) and 1-chloro-2-fluoroethylene (HCFO-1131) forms azeotropic or azeotrope-like mixtures, reducing global warming potential and enabling efficient separation and use in refrigerating machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional HFC refrigerants are used, then refrigeration performance is maintained, but global warming potential increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the refrigerant by using HFC-143 combined with specific compounds (HCFC-133, HCFC-133b, or HCFO-1131) in controlled ratios, thereby reducing global warming potential while maintaining refrigeration performance through optimized compositional parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite refrigerant system by combining HFC-143 with other fluorinated compounds to form azeotropic or azeotrope-like mixtures, achieving both environmental benefits (lower GWP) and functional reliability (stable refrigeration performance) through synergistic material composition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If HFC-143 is used as refrigerant, then refrigeration function is achieved, but separation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the compositional parameters of the refrigerant mixture to achieve azeotropic or azeotrope-like behavior, which enables efficient separation processes while maintaining reliable refrigeration function through controlled mixture properties

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 composition achieves lower global warming potential and allows for efficient separation and use in refrigerating machines, providing a stable and effective refrigerant alternative to conventional HFCs.

Implementation Method 1

A composition comprising a refrigerant, the refrigerant comprising 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143) and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 1-chloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-133), 1-chloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-133b), and 1-chloro-2-fluoroethylene (HCFO-1131)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAzeotropic mixture formation:

Data Source

PatentUS12534654B2Composition including 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143)
Publication Date: 2026.01.27
  • US12534654B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A novel composition comprising HFC-143 is provided.This invention relates to a composition comprising a refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant comprises 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143), and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 1-chloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-133), 1-chloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-133b), and 1-chloro-2-fluoroethylene (HCFO-1131).