Stabilized Fluoroolefin Refrigerant Composition Against Oligomerization

Solution Overview

Problem

Fluoroolefins used as refrigerants can degrade and form unwanted oligomers or homopolymers under abnormal conditions, such as extreme temperatures or contact with contaminants, leading to instability and performance issues in refrigeration systems.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating specific inhibitors like d-limonene, α-terpinene, α-tocopherol, butylated hydroxytoluene, and benzene-1,4-diol into fluoroolefin compositions with HFC-32 to reduce or prevent oligomerization and homopolymerization, thereby enhancing stability and compatibility with system components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluoroolefins are used as refrigerants under abnormal conditions, then refrigeration performance can be maintained, but degradation and oligomerization occur leading to instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of fluoroolefin compositionVSAvoidoligomerization and degradation products

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces inhibitors (d-limonene, α-terpinene, α-tocopherol, butylated hydroxytoluene, 4-methoxyphenol, or benzene-1,4-diol) as intermediary substances that mediate between the fluoroolefin and the abnormal conditions (extreme temperatures, contaminants). These inhibitors prevent direct harmful interactions by scavenging radicals or blocking polymerization pathways, thus maintaining stability without compromising refrigeration performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by adding inhibitors to the fluoroolefin composition before exposure to abnormal conditions. The inhibitors are pre-positioned to counteract potential degradation and oligomerization mechanisms, neutralizing threats before they can cause significant harm to the refrigerant system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Stability of the object's composition

If inhibitors are added to prevent oligomerization, then stability is improved, but composition complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of fluoroolefinVSAvoidcomposition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by carefully controlling the concentration of inhibitors in the composition. By optimizing the amount of inhibitor added (typically small percentages), the patent achieves effective stabilization while minimizing the impact on overall composition simplicity and handling characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If fluoroolefins are used without inhibitors, then composition simplicity is maintained, but degradation occurs under abnormal conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomposition simplicityVSAvoidstability under abnormal conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces inhibitors (d-limonene, α-terpinene, α-tocopherol, butylated hydroxytoluene, 4-methoxyphenol, or benzene-1,4-diol) as intermediary substances that mediate between the fluoroolefin and the abnormal conditions (extreme temperatures, contaminants). These inhibitors prevent direct harmful interactions by scavenging radicals or blocking polymerization pathways, thus maintaining stability without compromising refrigeration performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by adding inhibitors to the fluoroolefin composition before exposure to abnormal conditions. The inhibitors are pre-positioned to counteract potential degradation and oligomerization mechanisms, neutralizing threats before they can cause significant harm to the refrigerant system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 stabilizes fluoroolefin compositions, preventing degradation and maintaining refrigeration performance even under abnormal conditions, while ensuring compatibility with refrigerant oils and equipment.

Implementation Method 1

Under certain abnormal conditions and in the presence of undesired contaminants that can function as an initiator, fluoroolefins may oligomerize or homopolymerize... by adding at least one inhibitor to a composition comprising a fluoroolefin and HFC-32... The inhibitor can function as a radical inhibitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFree radical scavenging: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS20220195276A1Stabilized fluoroolefin compositions and methods for their production, storage and usage

Publication Date: 2022.06.23 THE CHEMOURS CO FC LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin, HFC-32, and an effective amount of at least one inhibitor. The stabilized compositions may be useful in cooling and heating 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.