Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09K—MATERIALS FOR MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
  • C09K5/00—Heat-transfer, heat-exchange or heat-storage materials, e.g. refrigerants; Materials for the production of heat or cold by chemical reactions other than by combustion
  • C09K5/02—Materials undergoing a change of physical state when used
  • C09K5/04—Materials undergoing a change of physical state when used the change of state being from liquid to vapour or vice versa
  • C09K5/041—Materials undergoing a change of physical state when used the change of state being from liquid to vapour or vice versa for compression-type refrigeration systems
  • C09K5/044—Materials undergoing a change of physical state when used the change of state being from liquid to vapour or vice versa for compression-type refrigeration systems comprising halogenated compounds
  • C09K5/045—Materials undergoing a change of physical state when used the change of state being from liquid to vapour or vice versa for compression-type refrigeration systems comprising halogenated compounds containing only fluorine as halogen
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
  • F25B45/00—Arrangements for charging or discharging refrigerant
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09K—MATERIALS FOR MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
  • C09K2205/00—Aspects relating to compounds used in compression type refrigeration systems
  • C09K2205/10—Components
  • C09K2205/12—Hydrocarbons
  • C09K2205/126—Unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbons
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09K—MATERIALS FOR MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
  • C09K2205/00—Aspects relating to compounds used in compression type refrigeration systems
  • C09K2205/22—All components of a mixture being fluoro compounds
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09K—MATERIALS FOR MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
  • C09K2205/00—Aspects relating to compounds used in compression type refrigeration systems
  • C09K2205/40—Replacement mixtures
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
  • F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
  • F25B2400/12—Inflammable refrigerants
  • F25B2400/121—Inflammable refrigerants using R1234

Definitions

• This invention relates to improved compositions and methods for recharging systems of the type containing a fluid which is involved in carrying out operations, such as heat transfer operations and solvent cleaning operations, that involve a periodic need to add replacement fluids to the system to form an environmentally improved system.
• the methods relate to improved compositions and methods of recharging heat transfer systems which provide not only
• the present invention also relates to the recharged systems.
• Certain systems contain one or more fluids that are involved in carrying-out operations, frequently by circulating and/or otherwise being used in the system. As a result of being so involved in the system operation, it is frequently found that the fluid will leave the system, either by accident (such as would occur as a result of unintentional leakage) or intentionally (because the fluid has lost a desired level of effectiveness).
• mechanical refrigeration systems and related heat transfer devices such as heat pumps and air conditioners use refrigerant liquids that circulate in the system and provide heating or cooling for industrial, commercial and domestic uses.
• Fluorocarbon based fluids have found widespread use in many residential, commercial and industrial applications, including as the working fluid in systems such as air conditioning, heat pump and refrigeration systems.
• Fluorocarbons have also found use in other applications, such as solvent cleaning operations. Because of certain suspected environmental problems, including the relatively high global warming potentials associated with the use of some of the compositions that have heretofore been used in these applications, it has become increasingly desirable to use fluids having low or even zero ozone depletion and global warming potentials, such as certain hydrofluorocarbons ("HFCs"). For example, a number of governments have signed the Kyoto Protocol to protect the global environment and setting forth a reduction of C0 2 emissions (global warming). Thus, there is a need for a low- or non-flammable, non-toxic alternative to replace certain of high global warming HFCs.
• HFCs hydrofluorocarbons
• HFC-404A the combination of HFC- 125:HFC-143a:HFC-134a in an approximate 44:52:4 weight ratio is referred to in the art as HFC-404A or R-404A).
• R-404A has an estimated high Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3943.
• the present invention provides a refrigerant compositions comprising:
• the refrigerant composition provides advantages when used in the refrigerant systems described herein and particularly when used to recharge existing refrigeration systems. Particularly, the refrigerant composition is used to recharge systems that use R-404A refrigerant.
• the refrigerant composition may comprise:
• the refrigerant composition provides advantages when used in the refrigerant systems described herein and particularly when used to recharge existing refrigeration systems. Particularly, the refrigerant composition is used to recharge systems that use 404A refrigerant.
• the present invention provides a refrigerant composition comprising:
• HFO-1234yf i. from about 2.5% to about 15% of HFO-1234yf; ii. from about 0.5% to about 6% of HFO-1234ze; iii. from about 5% to about 15% of HFC-134a;
• the present invention provides a refrigerant composition comprising:
• the present invention provides a refrigerant composition comprising: i. from about 5% to about 15% of HFO-1234yf;
• each of the refrigerant compositions described above can be used as a refrigerant in existing systems, particularly existing systems designed for use with R-404A. Also, each of the refrigerant compositions described above can be used to recharge existing refrigeration systems. In particular, the composition is preferably provided to recharge refrigeration systems that use an R-404A refrigerant.
• compositions are capable of providing environmental advantages over many existing refrigerants, while at the same time providing unexpected and highly desirable advantages in terms of capacity and/or efficiency in certain refrigeration systems, as explained in more detail hereinafter.
• Another aspect provides refrigeration systems, and preferably low or medium temperature refrigeration systems, comprising:
• At least one compressor, condenser and evaporator in fluid communication
• refrigerant composition contained in said system, said refrigerant composition comprising:
• the refrigeration system may be a refrigeration system was originally designed for use with R-404A.
• the present invention provides methods of recharging an existing heat transfer system comprising:
• refrigerant comprising R-404A
• step (b) adding to said less than fully charged system of step (a) a recharge
• refrigerant composition comprising:
• said adding step producing at a least a substantially fully charged system having a refrigerant composition contained therein comprising from about 25% to about 75% by weight of said recharge refrigerant composition.
• the present invention provides methods of recharging an existing heat transfer system comprising:
• a recharge refrigerant composition comprising:
• the adding step may provide a substantially fully charged system having a refrigerant composition contained therein comprising from about 25% to about 75% by weight of said recharge refrigerant composition.
• FIG. 1 shows a comparison of the experimental results as compared to the predicted results for R-404A and the compositions of Example 1 in which various amounts of R-404A have been replaced by an N-40 composition.
• FIG. 2 shows a comparison of the compositions of R-404A and the compositions of Example 1 in which various amounts of R-404A have been replaced by an N-40 composition.
• FIG. 3 shows the comparison of the predicted versus the actual GWP impact for the replacement of R-404A with various amounts of an N-40 composition.
• FIG. 4 shows the reduction in indirect emissions (in equivalent kg of C0 2 ) that will be realized when operating with various amounts of R-404A replaced by an N-40 composition compared to what would have been predicted as the lowest indirect impact.
• the methods and systems of the present invention are useful for providing improved systems of the type which contain operating fluids, and particularly multi— component operating fluids, that are periodically required to be recharged.
• the recharged systems provided herein exhibit one or more improved properties, including and preferably environmental properties, compared to the system with the original charge. For example, a portion of the original charge may be removed from the system, either intentionally or unintentionally, and should be replaced in order to achieve continued reliable operation of the system.
• Examples of such systems include, but are not limited to, solvent cleaning systems, such as vapor degreasing systems, and refrigeration systems, such as air-conditioning, low- temperature refrigeration systems and medium-temperature refrigeration systems. It is believed that those skilled in the art will be able to use of the present invention in all such systems in view of the teachings contained herein.
• Preferred systems include medium temperature refrigeration systems. Such systems are important in many applications, such as to the food manufacture, distribution and retail industries, and play a vital role in ensuring that food that reaches the consumer is both fresh and fit to eat.
• medium temperature refrigeration systems one of the refrigerant liquids which has been commonly used is HFC-404A, which has a high estimated Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3943.
• GWP Global Warming Potential
• the present invention is directed to the use of a replacement refrigerant composition (i.e. , a recharge refrigerant) comprising, more preferably consisting essentially of, and even more preferably consisting of (a) from about 10% to about 35% by weight of HFC-32; (b) from about 10% to about 35% by weight of HFC-125; (c) from greater than 0% to about 30% by weight of HFO- 1234ze; (d) from about 10% to about 35% by weight of HFC-134a, and (e) from greater than about 0% to about 30% by weight of HFO-1234yf, with said
• refrigerants having components (a)- (e) as described herein are referred to as N-40 compositions.
• the N-40 composition refers to the refrigerant composition of HFC-32, HFC-125, HFO-1234ze, HFC-134a and HFO-1234yf that may be used as a replacement refrigerant composition in an existing system, and particularly used to partially replace R-404A in an existing system, such as a medium temperature refrigeration system.
• HFO-1234ze refers to trans- 1234ze.
• the N-40 composition comprises (a) from about 20% to about 30% by weight, preferably about 24% to about 27% by weight of HFC-32; (b) from about 20% to about 30% by weight, preferably about 24% to about 27% by weight, of HFC-125; (c) from about 5% to about 20% by weight, preferably from about 5% to about 10% by weight, of HFO-1234ze; (d) from about 15% to about 25% by weight, preferably from about 19% to about 22% by weight, of HFC-134a, and (e) from greater than about 10% to about 25% by weight of HFO-1234yf, preferably from about 15% to about 25% by weight, with said percentages being based on the total weight of the refrigerants
• This composition can be used as a replacement refrigerant composition in an existing system.
• the composition can be used to partially replace R-404A in an existing system, such as a medium temperature refrigeration system.
• the N-40 composition comprises (a) from about 20% to about 30% by weight of HFC-32; (b) from about 20% to about 30% by weight of HFC-125; (c) from about 5% to about 20% by weight of HFO-1234ze; (d) from about 15% to about 25% by weight of HFC-134a, and (e) from about 10% to about 25% by weight of HFO-1234yf, with said percentages being based on the total weight of the refrigerants.
• This composition can be used as a replacement refrigerant composition in an existing system.
• the composition can be used to partially replace R-404A in an existing system, such as a medium temperature refrigeration system.
• the N-40 composition comprises (a) from about 24% to about 27% by weight of HFC-32; (b) from about 24% to about 27% by weight of HFC-125; (c) from about 5% to about 10% by weight of HFO-1234ze; (d) from about 19% to about 22% by weight of HFC-134a, and (e) from about 15% to about 25% by weight of HFO-1234yf, with said percentages being based on the total weight of the refrigerants.
• This composition can be used as a replacement refrigerant composition in an existing system.
• the composition can be used to partially replace R-404A in an existing system, such as a medium
• each of the above N-40 compositions may be used as a recharge refrigerant composition in existing refrigeration systems.
• each of the N- 40 compositions of Table 1 may be used to partially replace R-404A in an existing refrigeration system.
• the refrigeration system may be a medium temperature refrigeration system.
• each of the N-40 compositions of Table 1 may be used to partially replace R-404A in an existing medium temperature refrigeration system.
• recharging refers to methods in which an existing system, including refrigeration and solvent cleaning systems, containing less than a full charge of existing operating fluid, such as refrigerant or solvent, respectively, but at least about 25% of a full charge of refrigerant, has added thereto a sufficient amount of replacement fluid, such as the N-40 compositions (i.e. , blends of HFC-32, HFC-125, HFO-1234ze, HFC-134a and HFO-1234yf) described herein, to produce a system that is fully charged or substantially fully charged.
• existing operating fluid such as refrigerant or solvent
• the term “fully charged” means a system, such as a heat transfer or solvent cleaning system, that contains at least the amount of the operating fluid (such as refrigerant or solvent) specified for operation of the system and/or at least the amount of operating fluid which the system is designed to contain under normal operating conditions.
• the term “substantially fully charge” refers to a system that is at least 90% by weight fully charged with the operating fluid.
• the term “medium temperature” system refers to compression refrigeration systems having an evaporator that operates in at least a portion of the range of from about -15° C to about 0° C, and the condenser operates at a temperature in at least a portion of the range of from about 20°C to about 50°C.
• low temperature system refers to compression refrigeration systems having an evaporator that operates in at least a portion of the range of from about -40° C to about -15° C and a condenser that operates in at least a portion of the range of from about 20°C to about 50°C.
• compositions according to Table 2 may result from the combination of the N-40 compositions (i.e., as disclosed in Table 1 ) with the residual R-404A in an existing refrigeration system, and particularly in a medium temperature refrigeration system.
• the methods comprise adding an N-40 composition of HFC-32, HFC-125, HFO-1234ze, HFC-134a and HFO-1234yf, particularly as provided above in Table 1 , to an existing heat transfer system containing, and preferably to an existing heat transfer system having an existing refrigerant consisting essentially of R-404A under conditions effective to produce a recharged system.
• the refrigerant contained in the system may comprise from about 25% by weight to about 75% by weight of the N-40 composition based upon the total weight of refrigerant in the system after recharging is completed. In other aspects, the refrigerant contained in the system may comprise from about 30% to about 70%, about 35 to about 65%, or about 40 to about 60%, based upon the total weight of refrigerant composition in the system after recharging is completed.
• the methods of the present invention unexpectedly provide the ability to achieve an operating refrigeration system that is not only environmentally improved compared to the same system operating with R-404A, but which
• the capacity of the recharge system is at least about 105% greater than, and even more preferably at least about 107% greater than, the capacity of the same system prior to recharging.
• the efficiency (as measured by COP) of the recharge system is at least about 105% greater than, more preferably at least about 107% greater than, and even more preferably at least about 109% greater than, the COP of the system prior to recharging.
• the methods of the present invention are carried out under conditions to produce a recharged refrigeration system containing a refrigerant comprising from about 25% to about 75% of an N-40 composition of HFC-32, HFC-125, HFO-1234ze, HFC-134a and HFO-1234yf, with the remainder of the refrigerant in the recharge system being residual R-404A.
• the N-40 composition which has been used to form the recharge system comprises (a) from about 20 to about 30% of HFC-32, (b) from about 20 to about 30% of HFC-125, (c) from about 15 to about 25% HFO-1234yf, (d) from about 20 to about 30% of HFC-134a, and (e) from about 5 to about 10% transHFO-1234ze, based on the total components (a) - (e) contained in the N-40 composition introduced into the system during recharging.
• the N-40 composition used to form the recharge system may have any of the compositions of HFC-32, HFC-125, HFO- 1234ze, HFC-134a and HFO-1234yf provided in Table 1 .
• N-40 composition compositions provides the ability to achieve a recharged heat transfer system that has highly advantageous properties, including a refrigerant having substantially reduced GWP compared to HFC-404A, that is also substantially nonflammable and non-toxic and possess an improved capacity and/or COP (i.e., compared to R-404A) as described above.
• the methods and systems of present invention may also be used to advantage in connection with recharging and/or producing recharged medium temperature refrigeration systems.
• An example of such a medium temperature system and method involves providing cooling in the fresh food compartment of a residential refrigerator.
• N-40 compositions for example as provided in Table 1 , as replacement, and particularly as a partial replacement, for refrigerant in an existing refrigeration system provides a new heat transfer composition that has unexpected advantages, particularly when used in medium temperature refrigeration systems.
• These compositions are generally useful in heat transfer applications, that is, as a heating and/or cooling medium, but are particularly well especially useful, as mentioned above, in medium and low temperature refrigeration systems, and preferably in low and/or medium temperature systems, that have heretofore used HFC-404A.
• compositions as provided in Table 1 and Table 2 herein provide an advantageous, but difficult to achieve, combination of properties that is exhibited by the present compositions, particularly when used in the preferred systems and methods, and that use of these same components but substantially outside of the identified ranges can have a deleterious effect on one or more of the important properties of the compositions, systems or methods of the invention.
• compositions of the present invention are capable of achieving a difficult to achieve combination of properties, including particularly low GWP.
• Table B illustrates the substantial improvement in GWP exhibited by certain compositions of the present invention in comparison to the GWP of HFC-404A, which has a GWP of
• compositions A1 to A4 in any of the claimed methods.
• compositions of the present invention may include other components for the purpose of enhancing or providing certain functionality to the composition, or in some cases to reduce the cost of the composition.
• refrigerant compositions according to the present invention especially those used in vapor compression systems, include a lubricant, generally in amounts of from about 30 to about 50 percent by weight of the composition, and in some cases potentially in amount greater than about 50 percent and other cases in amounts as low as about 5 percent.
• Commonly used refrigeration lubricants such as Polyol Esters (POEs) and Poly Alkylene Glycols (PAGs), PAG oils, that are used in refrigeration machinery with hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants may be used with the refrigerant compositions of the present invention.
• esters include neopentyl glycol dipelargonate, which is available as Emery 2917 (registered trademark) and Hatcol 2370 (registered trademark).
• Other useful esters include phosphate esters, dibasic acid esters, and fluoroesters.
• Preferred lubricants include polyalkylene glycols and polyol esters. Polyalkylene glycols are highly preferred in certain embodiments because they are currently in use in applications such as mobile air-conditioning. Of course, different mixtures of different types of lubricants may be used.
• the present methods, systems and compositions are useful in connection with a wide variety of heat transfer systems in general and refrigeration systems in particular, such as air-conditioning (including both stationary and mobile air conditioning systems), refrigeration, heat-pump systems, and the like.
• the methods, systems and composition are particularly useful in connection with the replacement of an HFC refrigerant in existing refrigerant systems.
• the compositions of the present invention are used in refrigeration systems originally designed for use with an HFC refrigerant, such as, for example, R- 404A.
• the preferred compositions of the present invention tend to exhibit many of the desirable characteristics of R-404A but have a GWP that is substantially lower than that of R-404A while at the same time having a capacity and/or efficiency that is substantially similar to or substantially matches, and preferably is as high as or higher than R-404A.
• the present compositions tend to exhibit relatively low global warming potentials ("GWPs"), preferably less than about 2500, more preferably less than about 2400, and even more preferably not greater than about 2300.
• GWPs global warming potentials
• the present compositions have a GWP of about 1500 or less.
• the refrigerant compositions provided herein may be used in refrigeration systems which had contained and/or had originally been designed for use with R-404A. Each of the compositions provided in Table 1 and Table 2 above may be used as such a replacement for R-404A. These refrigerant compositions may be used in refrigeration systems containing a lubricant used conventionally with R-404A, such as, polyalkylene glycol oils, and the like, or may be used with other lubricants traditionally used with HFC refrigerants. As used herein the term
• refrigeration system refers generally to any system or apparatus, or any part or portion of such a system or apparatus, which employs a refrigerant to provide cooling.
• refrigeration systems include, for example, air conditioners, electric refrigerators, chillers (including chillers using centrifugal compressors), and the like.
• the heat transfer compositions described herein, and particularly the compositions provided in Table 1 and Table 2 may be used to retrofit an existing refrigeration system with or without having to substantially modify the system and with or without having to drain completely the existing refrigerant.
• part of the refrigerant charge is drained from the system, which part may include more than 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% of the charge then existing in the system, or the like.
• the removed refrigerant charge is then replaced with an N-40 composition discussed herein (e.g., the composition provided in Table 1 ).
• the N-40 refrigerant compositions may be used to "top off" existing systems after a partial refrigerant leak.
• Many commercial systems for example, have relatively high refrigerant leak rates which require routine addition of refrigerant over the life of the system.
• a refrigerant system is provided with less than the full or designed charge of refrigerant in the system, which may occur as a result of leakage of refrigerant from the system, and an N-40 composition of the present invention is used to recharge the system, preferably during normal recharge maintenance. If the system leaked R-404A, for example, it would be recharged with one of the N-40
• compositions identified herein see e.g., Table 1 ).
• the present methods permit such to occur while substantially maintaining capacity of the system, maintaining or improving energy efficiency (lower electricity consumption which equates to lower operating cost for the users), and lowering the GWP of the refrigerant contained in the system (lowering environmental impact).
• Such a method can be performed regardless of how much refrigerant has leaked, preferably without a blend
• one advantage of the methods and compositions of the present invention is that, from a workability standpoint, there is generally not a great incentive to ensure that R-404A is entirely absent from the low GWP refrigerants, and vice versa, and under such circumstances there is an increased possibility that, in the absence of the methods provided by the present invention, substantial and severe problems would arise with the operation of many existing automatic purge systems.
• the present methods overcome these problems and add reliability, safety and efficiency to the systems.
• the walk-in cooler is as follows:
• the evaporator was installed in an environmentally controlled chamber that served as the walk-in freezer/cooler.
• the condenser unit was installed in another temperature controlled chamber to maintain the ambient temperature condition. Instrumentation was added to the system to measure refrigerant mass flow rate, refrigerant pressure and temperature before and after each component, air temperature and flow in/out of evaporator and condenser, and power to condensing unit and evaporator.
• the temperatures were typically 5°F to 15°F lower than the chamber temperatures.
• the evaporator superheat given by the TXV was initially set to 10°F in the baseline.
• a refrigeration system comprising:
• At least one compressor, condenser and evaporator in fluid communication
• a refrigerant contained in said system comprising: i. from about 2.5% to about 15% of HFO-1234yf; ii. from about 0.5% to about 6% of HFO-1234ze;
• Aspect 2 The refrigeration system according to aspect 1 , wherein the refrigerant comprises about 3% to about 15% of HFO-1234yf.
• Aspect 3 The refrigeration system according to aspects 1 or 2, wherein the
• refrigerant comprises about 5% to about 15% of HFO-1234yf.
• Aspect 4 The refrigeration system according to any one of aspects 1 to 3,
• Aspect 5 The refrigeration system according to any one of aspects 1 to 4,
• Aspect 7 The refrigeration system according to any one of aspects 1 to 6,
• Aspect 8 The refrigeration system according to any one of aspects 1 to 7,
• refrigerant comprises about 10% to about 15% of HFC-134a.
• Aspect 10 The refrigeration system according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the refrigerant comprises about 20% to about 32% of HFC-143a.
• Aspect 1 1 The refrigeration system according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the refrigerant comprises about 33% to about 37% of HFC-125.
• Aspect 12 The refrigeration system according to any one of aspects 1 to 1 1 , wherein the refrigerant comprises about 10% to about 16% of HFC-32.
• Aspect 13 A method of providing refrigeration using a medium temperature
• HFO-1234yf i. from about 2.5% to about 15% of HFO-1234yf; ii. from about 0.5% to about 5% of HFO-1234ze; iii. from about 5% to about 15% of HFC-134a;
• a method of recharging an existing heat transfer system comprising: a. providing a heat transfer system that is less than fully charged with refrigerant, particularly wherein the refrigerant comprises R-404A; and b. adding to said less than fully charged system of step (a) a recharge refrigerant composition comprising:
• Aspect 15 The method of aspect 14, wherein the adding step (b) produces at least a substantially fully charged system having refrigerant contained therein comprising from about 25% to about 75% by weight of said recharge refrigerant.
• Aspect 16 The method of aspect 14 or 15, wherein the recharge refrigerant composition comprises: from about 20% to about 30% by weight of HFC-32, from about 20% to about 30% by weight of HFC-125,
• Aspect 17 The method of aspect 14 or 15, wherein the recharge refrigerant composition comprises:
• Aspect 18 The method of aspect 14 or 15, wherein the recharge refrigerant is selected from a composition that comprises:
• Aspect 19 The method of aspect 14 to 18, wherein said recharge composition has a weight ratio of HFC-32:HFC-125 of from about 0.9: 1 .2 to about 1.2:0.9.
• Aspect 20 The method of aspect 14 or 15, wherein the recharge composition comprises about 26 wt% HFC-32, about 26 wt% HFC-125, about 21 wt %
• HFC-134a about 7 wt% HFO-1234ze and about 20 wt% HFO-1234yf.
• Aspect 21 The method of aspect 14 or 15, wherein said recharge composition comprises from greater than 0% to about 15% by weight of HFO-1234ze and from about 10% to about 30% by weight of HFO-1234yf.
• Aspect 22 The method of aspect 14 to 21 , wherein said recharge has a weight ratio of R134a to a combination of HFO-1234ze and HFO-1234yf between about 5:7 to about 1 : 1 .
• Aspect 23 The method of aspects 14 to 22, wherein said HFO-1234yf is provided in said recharge composition an amount of about 20% and HFO-1234ze is provided in an amount of about 9%.
• Aspect 24 The method of aspects 14 wherein said HFO-1234yf is provided in said recharge composition in an amount of about 26%.
• Aspect 25 The method of aspect 14 to 24, wherein said at least substantially fully charged system has refrigerant contained therein comprising from about 30% to about 70% by weight of said recharge refrigerant.
• Aspect 26 The method of aspect 14 to 24, wherein said at least substantially fully charged system has refrigerant contained therein comprising from about
• Aspect 27 The method of aspect 14 to 24, wherein said at least substantially fully charged system has refrigerant contained therein comprising from about 40 to about 60% by weight of said recharge refrigerant.
• Aspect 28 The method aspect 14 to 27, wherein the heat transfer system is a medium temperature refrigeration system.
• a method of replacing an existing heat transfer fluid contained in heat transfer system comprising:
• Aspect 30 A recharged heat transfer system formed by any of the methods of aspects 14 to 29.
• Aspect 31 Use of a refrigerant composition comprising:
• the refrigerant composition comprises: about 26 wt% HFC-32, about 26 wt% HFC-125, about 7 wt% HFO-1234ze, 21 wt% HFC-134a and about 20 wt% HFO-1234yf, wherein the percentages are based on the total weight of the refrigerants.
• Aspect 37 Use as described in any one of aspects 31 to 36 for partially replacing R-404A in an existing refrigeration system.
• Aspect 38 Use as described in any one of aspects 31 to 37, wherein the
• refrigeration system is a medium temperature refrigeration system.
• Aspect 39 Use as described in aspect 38, wherein the medium temperature system is a compression refrigeration system having an evaporator that operates in at least a portion of the range of from about -15° C to about 0° C, and a condenser that operates at a temperature in at least a portion of the range of from about 20°C to about 50°C.
• Aspect 40 Use as described in any one of aspects 31 to 37, wherein the
• refrigeration system is a low temperature refrigeration system.
• Aspect 41 Use as described in aspect 10 wherein the low temperature system is a compression refrigeration system having an evaporator that operates in at least a portion of the range of from about -40° C to about -15° C and a condenser that operates in at least a portion of the range of from about 20°C to about 50°C.
• a method of recharging an existing heat transfer system comprising: a. providing a heat transfer system that is less than fully charged with refrigerant;
• step (a) adding to said less than fully charged system of step (a) a refrigerant composition as described in any one of aspects 31 to 36
• said adding step producing at a least a substantially fully charged system.
• Aspect 43 The method as described in aspect 42, wherein the refrigerant after recharging contains therein from about 25% to about 75% by weight of said recharge refrigerant based on the total weight of refrigerant in the system.
• Aspect 44 The method as described in aspect 42 or aspect 43, wherein the refrigerant in step (a) comprises R-404A.
• Aspect 45 The method as described in any one of aspects 42 to 44, wherein the refrigerant contained in the system may comprise from about 30% to about 70%, about 35 to about 65%, or about 40 to about 60%, of the recharge refrigerant based upon the total weight of refrigerant composition in the system after recharging is completed.
• Aspect 46 The method as described in any one of aspects 42 to 45, wherein the capacity of the recharge system is at least about 105% greater than, and even more preferably at least about 107% greater than, the capacity of the same system prior to recharging.
• Aspect 47 The method as described in any one of aspects 42 to 46, wherein the efficiency (as measured by COP) of the recharge system is at least about 105% greater than, more preferably at least about 107% greater than, and even more preferably at least about 109% greater than, the COP of the system prior to recharging.
• Aspect 48 The method as described in any one of aspects 42 to 47, wherein said refrigeration system is an air-conditioning system (including both stationary and mobile air conditioning systems), refrigeration system or a heat-pump systems.
• said refrigeration system is an air-conditioning system (including both stationary and mobile air conditioning systems), refrigeration system or a heat-pump systems.
• Aspect 49 The method as described in any one of aspects 42 to 47, wherein the refrigeration systems is an air conditioner, an electric refrigerators, a chiller (including a chiller using a centrifugal compressor).
• the refrigeration systems is an air conditioner, an electric refrigerators, a chiller (including a chiller using a centrifugal compressor).
• Aspect 50 The method as described in any one of aspects 42 to 49, wherein part of the refrigerant charge is drained from the system, which part may include more than 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% of the charge then existing in the system.
• a refrigerant composition comprising:
• Aspect 52 The refrigerant composition as described in aspect 51 , wherein the refrigerant comprises about 3% to about 15% of HFO-1234yf.
• Aspect 53 The refrigerant composition as described in aspects 51 or 52, wherein the refrigerant comprises about 5% to about 15% of HFO-1234yf.
• Aspect 54 The refrigerant composition as described in any one of aspects 51 to
• Aspect 55 The refrigerant composition as described in any one of aspects 51 to
• Aspect 56 The refrigerant composition as described in any one of aspects 51 to
• the refrigerant comprises about 2.5% to about 5% of HFO-
• Aspect 58 The refrigerant composition as described in any one of aspects 51 to
• the refrigerant comprises about 10% to about 16% of HFC-32.
• a refrigerant composition comprising:
• Aspect 64 The refrigerant composition as described in aspect 63, wherein the refrigerant comprises about 5% to about 15% of HFO-1234yf.
• Aspect 65 The refrigerant composition as described in aspects 63 or 64, wherein the refrigerant comprises about 8% to about 12% of HFO-1234yf.
• Aspect 66 The refrigerant composition as described in any one of aspects 63 to
• the refrigerant comprises about 2.5% to about 5% of HFO- 1234ze.
• Aspect 68 The refrigerant composition as described in any one of aspects 63 to
• Aspect 70 The refrigerant composition as described in any one of aspects 63 to
• the refrigerant comprises about 10% to about 16% of HFC-32.
• a refrigerant composition comprising:
• Aspect 73 The refrigerant composition as described in aspect 72, wherein the refrigerant comprises about 8% to about 12% of HFO-1234yf.
• Aspect 74 The refrigerant composition as described in aspects 72 or 73, wherein the refrigerant comprises about 2.5% to about 5% of HFO-1234ze.
• Aspect 75 The refrigerant composition as described in any one of aspects 72 to
• Aspect 77 The refrigerant composition as described in any one of aspects 72 to
• a refrigerant composition comprising:
• a refrigerant composition comprising:
• a refrigerant composition comprising:
• a refrigerant composition comprising:
• a refrigerant composition comprising:
• a composition comprising a refrigerant composition as described in any one of aspects 51 to 82, and a lubricant.
• Aspect 86 A composition as described in aspect 83, wherein the lubricant is present in an amount of 5% or less by weight of the composition.
• Aspect 87 A composition as described in any one of aspects 83 to 86, wherein the lubricant is a Polyol Ester (POEs), a Poly Alkylene Glycol (PAGs) or a PAG oils.
• POEs Polyol Ester
• PAGs Poly Alkylene Glycol
• Aspect 88 A composition as described in any one of aspects 83 to 86, wherein the lubricant is a Polyol Ester (POEs).
• POEs Polyol Ester
• GWP global warming potential
• GWP global warming potential
• GWP global warming potential
• a refrigeration system comprising the composition as described in any one of aspects 51 to 91 .
• Aspect 93 The refrigeration system as described in aspect 92, wherein the
• refrigeration system is a medium temperature refrigeration system.
• Aspect 94 The refrigeration system as described in aspect 92, wherein the
• refrigeration system is a low temperature refrigeration system.
• Aspect 95 The refrigeration system as described in any of aspects 92 to 94, wherein the refrigeration system was originally designed for use with R-404A.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Thermal Sciences (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Materials Engineering (AREA)
• Organic Chemistry (AREA)
• Lubricants (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=62814130

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (1)

Family Cites Families (2)

• 2016
  • 2016-10-06 EP EP16854334.6A patent/EP3359619A4/de not_active Withdrawn

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events