VdF-R23 Separation Using Low-Boiling Extraction Solvents

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for separating vinylidene fluoride (VdF) and trifluoromethane (R23) require high energy for distillation due to the use of high-boiling-point extraction solvents, making it difficult to obtain high-purity VdF and efficiently collect the extraction solvent.

Innovation Solution

A method involving mixing a mixture of VdF and R23 with a compound having a boiling point of −60 to 0°C, followed by distillation, to separate VdF as a main component and the compound as a bottom component, utilizing a compound with a lower boiling point to reduce energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a high-boiling-point extraction solvent is used for separating vinylidene fluoride and trifluoromethane, then the separation effectiveness is improved, but the energy required for distillation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation effectivenessVSAvoidenergy required for distillation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the boiling point parameter of the extraction solvent from high (conventional) to low (−60 to 0°C range). This parameter change allows the solvent to be easily separated by distillation at lower temperatures, thereby reducing the energy required for distillation while maintaining separation effectiveness through selective interaction with the components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a low-boiling-point extraction solvent that can be easily removed and recovered through low-energy distillation. The solvent acts as a temporary agent during separation and is then discarded (boiled off) at low energy cost, enabling the process to proceed economically without requiring high-energy input for solvent recovery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Manufacturing precision

If a conventional extraction solvent is used, then vinylidene fluoride can be separated, but the extraction solvent cannot be collected efficiently due to high energy requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation purityVSAvoidextraction solvent collection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the boiling point parameter of the extraction solvent to a low range (−60 to 0°C), which enables efficient collection and recovery of the solvent through low-energy distillation. This parameter optimization ensures that the solvent can be rapidly boiled off and collected after completing its separation function, improving both collection efficiency and overall process productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If existing separation methods are used, then vinylidene fluoride can be obtained, but high energy consumption makes the process economically unviable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevinylidene fluoride purityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the boiling point parameter of the extraction solvent to a low range (−60 to 0°C), which fundamentally changes the energy landscape of the separation process. This parameter selection enables the solvent to be removed at low temperatures through simple distillation, dramatically reducing the energy consumption required for both separation and solvent recovery while maintaining high vinylidene fluoride purity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the typically harmful effect of high energy consumption into a benefit by selecting a low-boiling-point solvent. The low boiling point, which would normally suggest poor separation capability, actually becomes advantageous because it enables easy, low-energy removal and recovery of the solvent, making the overall process economically viable while achieving high purity separation.

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

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

Enables the production of high-purity VdF and efficient collection of the extraction solvent at lower energy levels, improving separability and reducing energy requirements in the separation process.

Implementation Method 1

an interaction distance RaR23 between trifluoromethane and the compound having a boiling point of from −60 to 0° C., determined from a Hansen solubility parameter value, is less than an interaction distance RaVdF between vinylidene fluoride and the compound having a boiling point of from −60 to 0° C.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

a step of distilling the mixture for extraction, to independently obtain a distillate including vinylidene fluoride as a main component, and a bottom including a compound having a boiling point of from −60 to 0° C. as a main component and further including trifluoromethane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDistillation: Distillation

Data Source

PatentUS20250361196A1Method for separating vinylidene fluoride and trifluoromethane, composition, and method for producing composition
Publication Date: 2025.11.27 AGC INC
  • US20250361196A1 patent drawing
  • US20250361196A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of separating vinylidene fluoride and trifluoromethane, and the like are provided. The method includes: a step of mixing a mixture including vinylidene fluoride and trifluoromethane with a compound having a boiling point of from −60 to 0° C., to obtain a mixture for extraction; and a step of distilling the mixture for extraction, to independently obtain a distillate including vinylidene fluoride as a main component, and a bottom including a compound having a boiling point of from −60 to 0° C. as a main component and further including trifluoromethane.