US20040200992A1

US20040200992A1 - Environmentally safer replacement refrigerant for FREON 12-based refrigeration systems

Info

Publication number: US20040200992A1
Application number: US10/839,382
Authority: US
Inventors: Harrison Weber
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-04-26
Filing date: 2004-05-05
Publication date: 2004-10-14
Also published as: US6565766B1; US5942149A; US20030205691A1; US6758987B2

Abstract

An apparatus and method wherein ozone layer-damaging dichlorodifluoromethane is substituted with a mix of less environmentally damaging refrigerants chlorodifluoroethane and tetrafluoroethane in dichlorodifluoromethane-based air-cooling systems. While less environmentally damaging than dichlorodifluoromethane, the substitute refrigerant has a temperature-pressure relationship similar to that of dichlorodifluoromethane, making the substitute refrigerant suitable for use with dichlorodifluoromethane-based air-cooling systems. The substitute refrigerant can be used alone or in combination with dichlorodifluoromethane. In either event, it is mixed with a relatively small percentage of a hydrophobic lubricating oil which is compatible with both the substitute refrigerant and with dichlorodifluoromethane.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/441,998, filed 20 May 2003, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 09/371,584, filed 10 Aug. 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,766, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/949,772, filed 14 Oct. 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,149, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/603,751, filed 20 Feb. 1996, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/US95/05380, filed 26 Apr. 1995, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/233,444, filed 26 Apr. 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,643; U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/603,751, filed Feb. 20, 1996 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/233,444, filed Apr. 26, 1994; all of these patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the gradual replacement of ozone-damaging Freon 12® refrigerant with a refrigerant that is less damaging to the ozone layer in systems designed to use Freon 12®. More particularly the present invention relates to an improved refrigerant composition, method and apparatus for refrigeration wherein two non-Freon 12 refrigerants are mixed in a defined ratio such that the temperature-pressure relationship of the mix approximates that of ozone-damaging Freon 12®, especially at high operating temperatures. The mixture is compatible with Freon 12®so that it can be added to supplement and gradually replace ozone-damaging Freon 12®. A further particularity of the instant invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for refrigeration wherein refrigerant mixture is mixed with a soluble lubricating oil to provide lubrication to the apparatus. The lubricant is soluble in both the mixture of the invention and Freon 12® refrigerant. 2. General Background

Until recently, R-12 or dichlorodifluoromethane ((hereinafter sometimes called “Freon 12®”); while Freon 12® is a trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. Inc. for dichlorodifluoromethane, hereinafter “Freon 12®” is used in this specification to denote dichlorodifluoromethane, regardless of the source) was the major, if not sole refrigerant, used in automobile air-conditioners, refrigerators, freezers and window air-conditioning units. Recently, however, Freon 12® has come under attack both nationally and internationally as an ozone layer-damaging chemical. In recent years, both the national and international scientific communities have linked Freon 12® with damage to the earth's protective ozone layer. Automobile air-conditioners, refrigerator/freezers and window air-conditioning units are believed to be a significant global source of ozone-damaging Freon 12®.

In response to both scientific concern and a national and global outcry over the use of Freon 12® in air-conditioning, the United States Congress has acted to first reduce and then ban the use of Freon 12® in air-conditioning units.

One of the first areas in which the use of Freon 12® is to be phased out is in automobile air-conditioning. As a first step toward phasing out the use of Freon 12® in automobile air-conditioning units, Congress is phasing out the use of Freon 12® in new automobiles and has banned the sale of Freon 12® in small retail quantities for the do-it-yourself air-conditioner recharger market.

However, at the time of this application, the vast majority of automobiles in use in the United States contain Freon 12®-based air-conditioning units, and approximately 40% of new automobiles continue to contain Freon 12®-based air conditioners.

Prior to banning the retail sale of small quantities of Freon 12®, owners of automobiles with Freon 12®-based air-conditioning units were able to recharge, or “top-off” the level of coolant in their automobile air-conditioners without the need for expensive professional service. Millions of units of Freon 12® recharging units were sold in the United States prior to being banned in January, 1994.

These Freon 12® recharger kits typically consisted of a 12 ounce (0.36 liter) aerosol can containing Freon 12®. The cans were fitted with an aerosol dispensing outlet that was compatible with a commercially available refrigeration manifold. In order to recharge an air-conditioning system, a customer needed to only fit the can to the manifold and discharge, or “drop in” the can's refrigerant charge directly into the air conditioning system, thus eliminating the need to bleed the system of existing Freon 12® before recharging.

Following Congress's ban on the retail sale of Freon 12® recharger kits, millions of automobile owners with Freon 12®-based air-conditioning units were left with no choice other than to seek expensive professional service to recharge their automotive air-conditioning units.

Also in response to Congress's ban on the use of Freon 12® in automobile air-conditioning, professional automotive service dealers began to retrofit existing Freon 12®-based air-conditioning units into new, non-Freon 12 refrigerant-compatible units.

The refrigerant authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to replace Freon 12® in automobile air conditioners is 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “134a” or “tetrafluoroethane”). Unfortunately, 134a has a markedly different temperature-pressure relationship at high operating temperatures than does Freon 12®.

Because of this difference in the temperature-pressure relationship of Freon 12® and replacement 134a, existing Freon 12®-based systems cannot simply be bled of Freon 12® and refilled with 134a. Were Freon 12® to be replaced by 134a in a non-retrofitted Freon 12®-based air-conditioning unit, the unit could not be operated at high temperatures because the significantly higher pressure of 134a over Freon 12® would damage the unit. Hence, non-retrofitted, Freon 12®-based units that are simply refilled with replacement 134a are inoperative at high operating temperatures; thus, inoperative at precisely the time that air-conditioning is most desired.

Further, simply mixing 134a with existing Freon 12® in order to replenish, or “top off” the level of coolant is not feasible. When 134a is mixed with Freon 12®, the mixture takes on the pressure characteristics of a higher pressure azeotrope, as opposed to Freon 12®. The temperature-pressure profile of 134a becomes markedly different from that of Freon 12® at temperatures within the high end of the normal refrigerant operating temperature range. Hence, replenishing lost Freon 12® with 134a in a Freon 12®-based air-conditioning system would lead to the same problems as the use of pure 134a in a non-retrofitted Freon 12®-based system: damage to the system caused by 134a's high pressure at high operating temperatures.

In addition, 134a is insoluble with the lubricant used in existing, non-retrofit Freon 12®-based systems. Thus, mixing 134a with Freon 12® in a non-retrofit Freon 12®-based unit leads to loss of lubrication and subsequent damage to the system.

Hence, in the absence of Freon 12® recharger kits, owners of automobiles with Freon 12®-based air conditioners face but one choice when the level of their air-conditioning coolant was low: professional service—at a significant cost—to remove the existing Freon 12®, and retrofit the system to be compatible with 134a gas.

Prior to January 1994, owners of the millions of automobiles with Freon 12®-based air-conditioning units had a choice of whether to merely top off the level of air-conditioning coolant with an inexpensive do-it-yourself Freon 12® recharger kit or to undergo an expensive retrofitting process. However, at the time of this application, owners of automobiles with Freon 12®-based air-conditioners no longer have this choice. They must undergo expensive professional maintenance, or discontinue the use and enjoyment of their automobile air-conditioners.

Thomas et al. (U.S. Pat. No.5,254,280) discloses a lubricant developed for use with 134a and the combination of that lubricant with a refrigerant which is a replacement for R12. The lubricant contains polyoxyalkylene glycol, which is hydrophilic and will damage the system as discussed below.

Tamura et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,983,312) discloses a refrigerant blend similar to that claimed herein, but without a lubricant; it cannot be used in R12 automobile air conditioning systems, for the reason discussed below.

Systems that contain R12 are rarely produced today. New auto air conditioners use Refrigerant 134a. One sees R12 in older systems. These older systems have common components: R12, R12 mineral oil lubricant, and water that is sequestered into the dryer. If 134a were added to the system, it would damage the system as follows: (1) if no lubricant is added to the 134a (as in Tamura et al.), then the R12 system would be starved for lubricant, since the 134a gas is not miscible with the mineral oil lubricant; (2) if a synthetic lubricant is added to the 134a (as in Thomas et al.), then there is a different problem—that of moisture. Older systems have water trapped in their dryers. The synthetic lubricants (such as polyglycol- or polysiloxane-based lubricants) are hydrophilic. Thus, they are not only miscible with R12 and 134a, they are also partially or completely miscible with water. Thus, if they are introduced into an R12 system, they will pull this water out of the dryer into the refrigerant flow, initiating corrosion and damage to pressure switches and the TX valve. This is why Elf Atochem and DuPont publish elaborate flushing procedures and high efficiency dryer changeouts to prevent damage to the cooling system. There is also some concern with the compatibility of residual chlorine-bearing compounds on the 134a/blend lubricants (synthetic polyglycols and polysiloxanes).

Residual R12 vapors (CFC's) mixed with water yield hydrochloric acid fumes and hydrofluoric acid fumes. The dryer in a normal R12 air conditioning system contains a molecular sieve to trap moisture.

Wilczek, Gorski, and Anton of DuPont have patents on synthetic lubricants in various 134a and 134a/125 refrigerant systems. The DuPont patents discuss a gas known as 125 (pentafluorethane). 125 is five fluorine atoms bonded to an ethane molecule. This is a very large molecule for a refrigerant. It is not currently being produced, except as laboratory samples. Due to the nature of the molecular structure, the present inventor believes that the blend of 134a/125 will fractionate upon release to the atmosphere, as with a system leak. This fractionation will change the percentage composition of the blend and preclude its use in an automotive air-conditioning system where leaks are common.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The invention provides a method and apparatus that are environmentally sound alternatives to the use of Freon 12® as a refrigerant. More particularly, the invention provides a mixture of at least two refrigerants that are miscible with each other, and compatible with Freon 12® while at the same time possessing a temperature-pressure profile that approximates that of Freon 12® over the operating range of ambient temperatures usually encountered by air conditioning units or other apparatus utilizing Freon 12® as a refrigerant. The invention also provides a lubricant, that is compatible with both the environmentally sound refrigerant of the invention and with Freon 12®, so that mixtures of the refrigerant according to the invention and Freon 12® may be utilized with this lubricant in the refrigeration systems without deleterious effect upon moving parts of the refrigerating apparatus that require lubrication from the refrigerant.

More particularly, the invention provides a mixture of chlorodifluoroethane and tetrafluoroethane in specific proportions that provide a temperature-pressure relationship that approximates that of Freon 12® over the range of ambient temperature operating conditions in which Freon 12® is a useful refrigerant. More specifically, the refrigerant according to the invention comprises from about 15 to about 40 weight percent chlorodifluoroethane and from about 85 to about 60 percent tetrafluoroethane, based upon the total weight of chlorodifluoroethane and tetrafluoroethane. Preferably, the refrigerant includes from about 15 to about 20 weight percent chlorodifluoroethane and from about 85 to about 80 weight percent tetrafluoroethane. Most preferably, the refrigerant includes about 20 weight percent chlorodifluoroethane and about 80 weight percent tetrafluoroethane. In addition, the refrigerant according to the invention also includes from about 0.5 to about 2 weight percent (based on the weight of chlorodifluoroethane and tetrafluoroethane) of a lubricating oil that is soluble in dichlorodifluoromethane, chlorodifluoroethane, and tetrafluoroethane. Preferably, the lubricant is selected from those lubricants sold by Royal Lubricants Company under the trademarks ROYCO® 783C or ROYCO® 783D. It should be understood, however, that other lubricating oils may also be used, as long as they are compatible with chlorodifluoroethane, tetrafluoroethane, and Freon 12®.

ROYCO® 783C and ROYCO® 783D are trademarks of Royal Lubricants Company Inc., E. Handover, N.J., for lubricants having the following composition:

60-80% hydrotreated light naphthenic distillate,

10-20% acrylic polymer in severely hydrotreated mineral oil,

5-15% solvent refined light naphthenic distillate petroleum,

2-7% additive containing barium dinonylnaphthalenesulfonate,

<0.5% butylated triphenyl phosphate, and

<2% minor additive.

While it is intended that the substitute refrigerant according to the invention may be utilized to replace lost Freon 12® that has escaped from apparatus, the substitute refrigerant of the invention may also be utilized to completely refill apparatus that have been designed for use with Freon 12®, since the refrigerant has a temperature-pressure profile that closely approximates that of Freon 12®. Thus, when the refrigerant is used as a complete replacement for Freon 12®, it is no longer necessary that the lubricant be compatible with dichlorodifluoromethane but only that it should be compatible with tetrafluoroethane and chlorodifluoroethane.

Further, whereas the substitute refrigerant of the invention is less damaging to the ozone layer than Freon 12® is useful in air conditioning units, and in particular automobile air conditioning units, it is not so limited in its use. Indeed, the refrigerant may be utilized as a substitute or replacement for Freon 12® in virtually any application, thereby eliminating the use of ozone layer-damaging Freon 12®.

In further specifics, the invention provides a canister containing a mixture of tetrafluoroethane and chlorodifluoroethane that may be fitted with an outlet manifold that is compatible with a Freon 12® recharging manifold that is typically used to recharge an apparatus with the latter refrigerant. Refrigerant may then be allowed to flow from the container through the manifold and into the apparatus to replace Freon 12® refrigerant that has been lost from the refrigeration system or to completely fill the apparatus.

When mixing the components of the refrigerant blend of the present invention, one should first mix the lubricant with refrigerant 142b, then mix that mixture with refrigerant 134a; otherwise, the product does not mix properly.

The lubricant preferably has a viscosity of 5 to 500 centistokes, more preferably 5 to 100 centistokes, even more preferably 5 to 50 centistokes, and most preferably 5 to 10 centistokes. The lubricant having a viscosity of 5 to 10 centistokes is preferred because it is fluid enough to get to the seals in mobile air-conditioning systems and can stop leaks.

The percentage by weight of lubricant in the refrigerant blend is preferably .5-2%, more preferably 1-2%, even more preferably 1.25-2%, and most preferably 1.5-1.75%. The percentage by weight of lubricant in the refrigerant blend is for example 1.75±0.05%.

The preferred lubricant is severely hydrotreated naphthenic/paraffinic lubricant, such as ROYCO® 783C and ROYCO® 783D or Alox 1680. Other possible lubricants are Sunpar 2280, Lubrizol 403, Sunthene 200, or Alox 1680 naphthenic lubricant. Mobil One 5-weight naphthenic/paraffinic synthetic motor oil (it is hydrophobic) could work as a lubricant, but it is relatively expensive.

It is preferable to include a corrosion inhibitor (otherwise corrosion will probably occur within 6 months). The corrosion inhibitor is preferably one for anhydrous systems (such corrosion inhibitors comprise calcium, barium, or phosphated salts). The corrosion inhibitor can be bonded to the lubricant.

Preferably no more than 5% by weight of the lubricant is hydrophilic lubricant (some aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents can absorb up to 5% by weight water and still maintain lubricating integrity). More preferably, no more than 2% by weight of the lubricant is hydrophilic lubricant. Most preferably, the refrigerant blend contains no hydrophilic lubricant.

In order for the parts of the refrigerant system to function properly, 4-5% of total weight of refrigerant must be lubricant. When adding the refrigerant blend to a refrigerant system, one should leave the lubricant in the system if one for some reason takes out the Freon 12.

The lubricant is preferably hydrophobic (immiscible with water).

The present invention was designed to be utilized as a direct R12 replacement in automobile refrigeration systems. It was designed as a true replacement, in which no modifications or parts are used to adapt the system for the refrigerant of the present invention.

The naphthenic, mineral oil based lubricant system of the claimed invention is miscible with the 134a/142b blend and with R12. This allows for mixing of residual R12 and the refrigerant of the present invention, without the release of residual water in the dryer and subsequent system damage (as will happen if the synthetic lubricants disclosed in Thomas et al. and the DuPont patents are used).

The present invention can be used as a drop-in replacement for R12, without retrofitting the automobile air conditioning system or flushing it out.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides a mixture of non-Freon 12 refrigerants that are less damaging to the Earth's ozone layer and that are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use in air-conditioners. The invention mixture is compatible with Freon 12® and can be used to fill or “top off” existing Freon 12®-based refrigeration systems. It is expected that the present invention will gradually replace Freon 12® in Freon 12®-based air-cooling systems, without the need to remove Freon 12® from existing systems and without the need to retrofit existing Freon 12®-based systems for non-Freon 12 replacement refrigerants. [0046]
Specifically, the preferred embodiment includes a mixture of 142b and 134a refrigerants and a compatible lubricant such as ROYCO® 783C or 783D, provided under pressure in an aerosol can equipped with an outlet compatible with existing Freon 12® recharger kit manifolds, so that the can's refrigerant and lubricant mixture can be added on top of existing Freon 12® coolant in Freon 12®-based coolant systems. Also, the invention provides the possibility of using new refrigerant systems, originally designed for “Freon 12®,” by supplying an EPA-approved refrigerant so that retrofitting for 134a use is not required. [0047]
In the most preferred embodiment, the invention provides an aerosol can like the standard 12 ounce (0.36 liter) can formerly used for containing “Freon 12®,” but containing about 80% by weight 134a and about 20% by weight 142b. The can also contains the preferred lubricant, ROYCO® 783C or 783D in solution with the coolant mixture at a percent by weight of between 0.5% and 2%. [0048]
Existing Freon 12®-based air-conditioning systems use a small amount of a vegetable or hydrocarbon oil to lubricate the compressor. This oil has a very low vapor pressure, and is not soluble with either pure 134a or the 80/20% wt/wt mixture of 134a and 142b. Hence, adding 134a to replace Freon 12® in existing Freon 12®-based air-conditioning systems leads to compressor breakdown from lack of sufficient lubrication. The invention provides lubricants that are compatible with the invention mixture of 134a and 142b, and with “Freon 12®,” and that are suitable for lubricating refrigerant compressors and other air-conditioner component parts. The most preferred ROYCO® 783C or 783D lubricants, on the other hand, are soluble in a 134a/142b mixture. This solubility allows the replacement refrigerant blend to lubricate the air-conditioning system, preventing damage to the compressor and component parts of the system. [0049]

EXAMPLE 1

Table 1 summarizes the results of solubility tests of a 2% by weight solution of either ROYCO® 783C or 783D lubricant (both gave identical results) in an 80/20% by weight mixture of 134a and 142b refrigerants. Either ROYCO® 783C or ROYCO® 783D (available from Royal Lubricants Co. as MIL-H-6083E AM.1, NSN:9150-00-935-9808), containing red dye, was added to a clear Fisher-Porter pressure burette and a mixture of 134a/142b in an 80/20 ratio by weight was introduced under pressure to maintain the liquid state.

	TABLE 1


	Full Burette	clear red, no separation
	2/3 Full Burette	clear red, no separation
	1/2 Full Burette	clear red, no separation
	1/3 Full Burette	clear red, no separation
	Almost Empty Burette	clear red, no separation

EXAMPLE 2

In the invention, 134a and 142b are mixed at set ratios such that the temperature-pressure profile of the mixture is similar to that of Freon 12®, over the normal operating range of air-conditioners. Table 2 summarizes the results of tests of the temperature-pressure profiles of various mixes of 134a and 142b over the range of normal air-conditioner working temperatures, from 65° F. to 100° F. (18° C. to 38° C.). [0051]

For Table 2, different percentages of 134a and 142b—by weight—were mixed and sealed in a container using a high pressure burette. The container was then submerged in a water bath for 5 minutes at each temperature. All pressure readings were taken three times and an average taken as the reported reading.

TABLE 2


PRESSURE IN PSIG (MPa) OF INVENTION MIXTURE AT
TEMPERATURE IN ° F. (° C.) AS COMPARED TO FREON 12 ®
AND 134a

MIXTURE OF

1142b-134a

TEMPERATURE IN ° F. (° C.)

(in wt %)	65 (18)	70 (21)	80 (27)	90 (32)	100 (38)

5%-95%	68 (.46)	74 (.51)	86 (.59)	95 (.66)	128 (.88)
10%-90%	66 (.46)	74 (.51)	83 (.57)	93 (.64)	124 (.88)
15%-85%	66 (.46)	71 (.49)	82 (.57)	92 (.63)	123 (.85)
20%-80%	65 (.45)	70 (.48)	80 (.55)	89 (.61)	120 (.83)
100% 134a	76 (.52)	79 (.54)	90 (.62)	100 (.69)	134 (.92)
100% Freon 12 ®		70 (.48)	84 (.58)	100 (.69)	117 (.81)

As can be seen in Table 2, a range of about 15% to about 20% by weight of 142b and about 80% to about 85% by weight of 134a is preferred. The most preferred ratio is about 20% by weight 142b and about 80% by weight 134a. This is the ratio of 142b to 134a where the mixture of the invention shows the greatest similarity to “Freon 12®,” especially at the higher operating temperatures. Significantly, at this higher temperature range the pressure of 134a in pure form is well above that of Freon 12® so that it would pose a hazard if used in equipment designed for using Freon 12®. [0053]
In the most preferred embodiment of the composition, the most preferred ratios of 134a and 142b are mixed with a preferred range of from 0.5% to 2% by weight of either ROYCO® 783C or 783D lubricant. [0054]
The apparatus and method of the preferred embodiment encompass the use of a mixture of 134a and 142b at preferred ranges, as discussed above, with either ROYCO® 783C or 783D lubricant at preferred ranges, as discussed above (0.5 -2% by weight) in the operation of an air-conditioning system, wherein the coolant-oil mixture gradually replaces Freon 12® in a Freon 12®-based refrigeration system. [0055]
The method and apparatus in the preferred embodiment further details providing the above described mix of 142b/134a and 783C/D in high strength, 2 quart (1.9 liter) aerosol containers, where the containers are pressure sealed and fitted with an outlet compatible for existing Freon 12-type refrigeration regeneration manifolds. [0056]

EXAMPLE 3

A mixture of 19% by weight 142b, 79% by weight 134a and 2% by weight ROYCO® 783C was added to the cooling system of a 1987 Ford Taurus. This system was a Freon 12(®-based cooling system that contained Freon 12®, but had a slow leak. As a result, the system had a low charge of Freon 12®, requiring “topping off.”[0057]
When this system was fully charged with Freon 12® it normally ran a coolant pressure at the vacuum side of the system of 40 psig (.27 MPa) at 85° F. (29° C.) ambient temperature. Prior to applying the mixture according to the invention, the system showed 25 psig (0.17 MPa) at the vacuum side of the system at 85° F. (29° C.) ambient temperature. Further, prior to the addition of the mixture, the accumulator did not show continuous condensation and air that passed over the evaporator was not chilled. [0058]
Approximately 12 ounces (0.36 liter) of the mixture was added to the system. Following this addition, the coolant pressure increased to 42 psig (0.29 MPa) at the vacuum side of the system at 85° F. (29° C.) ambient temperature. Further, the accumulator began to show continuous condensation and the evaporation fan began to blow cold air, indicating cooling of air as it passed over the evaporator coil. [0059]
A similar charge of the mixture was added two more times over an eight month period. During this time the automobile was routinely operated in warm temperatures with the air-conditioning in use. Throughout this test period, the air-conditioning system maintained pressure, continuous condensation and blew cold air. During the length of the eight month test period, the temperature of the air exiting the cold air vent was acceptably cool and averaged 43° F. (6° C.). [0060]
Further, it was noted that the system ran more smoothly and the compressor showed less vibration during the test period, as the mixture of the invention was added. It is theorized that the lubricating oil, being soluble in the refrigerant gasses, was better able to lubricate the rotating wobble plate and reciprocating parts than the existing Freon 12® lubricant. Engine efficiency and gasoline mileage did not vary. [0061]
The refrigerant of the present invention can also be used as a replacement refrigerant or a top-off refrigerant for the new 134a air-conditioning systems, such as the mobile systems used in today's CFC-free automobiles. [0062]
The lubricant of the present invention preferably has a flash point of more than 150 degrees F. Pure refrigerant 134a is not miscible with a naphthenic lubricant like mineral oil or mineral seal oil (both of which could be used as the lubricants of the present invention). Refrigerant 142b is infinitely miscible with most naphthenic lubricants, including mineral oils. The presence of the 142b allows the use of mineral oils in the refrigerant blend and system of the present invention (a translucent, partially miscible blend is formed). The lubricant can advantageously be partially polymerized into longer chain molecules to allow it to function at very low percentage levels. The lubricant can be hydrotreated or polymerized for stability and wear resistance. [0063]
Phosphated additives add corrosion resistance in the presence of acids and salts and increase wear resistance. Barium and calcium additives help the lubricant resist rust and the effects of corrosion; barium and calcium salts reduce the corrosive effects of hydrochloric acid that is formed in the presence of water and the chlorinated gases (refrigerant 142b and R-12) present in the refrigerant systems of the present invention. [0064]
The Royco lubricants mentioned above contain the corrosion inhibitors mentioned above and also contain acrylic polymer. The present inventor believes that the function of the acrylic polymer is to increase wear resistance under severe conditions. Acrylics should help film formation, and the ability of the lubricant to coat metal and soft parts and stay in place. [0065]
The lubricant of the present invention is miscible with R-12, the R-12 lubricant, and the blend of the refrigerant gases of the present invention. [0066]
It should be understood that variations and modifications may be made of the invention herein taught, and that those are within the scope and spirit of the invention as taught above and claimed herebelow. [0067]
What is claimed as invention is: [0068]

Claims

1. A refrigerant comprising:

(a) a mixture of refrigerant gases comprising:

(a1) a first refrigerant gas;

(a2) a second refrigerant gas;

(b) about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of the refrigerant of a hydrophobic lubricating oil that is miscible with the mixture of the refrigerant gases, wherein no more than 5% by weight of the hydrophobic lubricating oil is hydrophilic lubricant.

2. The refrigerant of claim 1 wherein:

the amount by weight of the first refrigerant gas is about 15% to about 40%; and

the amount by weight of the second refrigerant gas is about 85% to about 60%.

3. The refrigerant of claim 1 wherein:

the first refrigerant gas is chlorodifluoroethane, and the amount by weight of chlorodifluoroethane is about 5% to about 20%; and

the second refrigerant gas is tetrafluoroethane, and the amount by weight of tetrafluoroethane is about 95% to about 80%.

4. The refrigerant of claim 3 wherein:

the amount by weight of chlorodifluoroethane is about 5% to about 15%; and

the amount by weight of tetrafluoroethane is about 95% to about 85%.

5. The refrigerant of claim 1, wherein the lubricating oil is also miscible with dichlorodifluoromethane.

6. The refrigerant of claim 1, consisting essentially of the mixture of refrigerant gases and the hydrophobic lubricating oil.

7. The refrigerant of claim 1, consisting of the mixture of refrigerant gases and the hydrophobic lubricating oil.

8. The refrigerant of claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic lubricating oil is present in an amount of 1.50-1.75% by weight of the refrigerant.

9. The refrigerant of claim 1, wherein the lubricant is a naphthenic lubricant.

10. The refrigerant of claim 1, wherein the lubricant has a viscosity of 5-500 centistokes.

11. The refrigerant of claim 1, wherein the lubricant has a viscosity of 5-10 centistokes.

12. The refrigerant of claim 1, further comprising a corrosion inhibitor for anhydrous systems.

13. In an apparatus for refrigerating that is designed for use with ozone layer-damaging dichlorodifluoromethane refrigerant, the improvement comprising substituting at least a part of the dichlorodifluoromethane with the refrigerant of claim 1.

14. A method for refilling an apparatus for refrigeration that is designed for use with ozone layer-damaging dichlorodifluoromethane refrigerant, the method comprising:

(1) supplying the refrigerant of claim 1 under pressure, in an aerosol can fitted with an outlet compatible with a dichlorodifluoromethane recharging manifold of the apparatus; and

(2) adding to said apparatus via the manifold the refrigerant of claim 1.

15. In an apparatus for automobile air-conditioning designed for use with ozone layer-damaging dichlorodifluoromethane refrigerant the improvement comprising substituting at least a portion of the dichlorodifluoromethane with the refrigerant of claim 1.

16. A method for refilling an apparatus for automobile air-conditioning that is designed for use with ozone layer-damaging dichlorodifluoromethane refrigerant, the method comprising:

(1) supplying the refrigerant of claim 1 under pressure in an aerosol can fitted with an outlet compatible with a dichlorodifluoromethane recharging manifold of the apparatus; and

(2) adding to said apparatus via the manifold the refrigerant of claim 1.

17. The refrigerant of claim 1, wherein no more than 2% by weight of the hydrophobic lubricating oil is hydrophilic lubricant.

18. The refrigerant of claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic lubricating oil contains no hydrophilic lubricant.

19. A refrigerant comprising:

(a) a refrigerant gas;

(b) about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of the refrigerant of a naphthenic/paraffinic hydrophobic lubricating oil that is miscible with the refrigerant gas, wherein no more than 5% by weight of the hydrophobic lubricating oil is hydrophilic lubricant.

20. The refrigerant of claim 19, wherein: the lubricating oil is also miscible with dichlorodifluoromethane.

21. The refrigerant of claim 19, consisting essentially of the mixture of the refrigerant gas and the hydrophobic lubricating oil.

22. The refrigerant of claim 19, consisting of the mixture of the refrigerant gas and the hydrophobic lubricating oil.

23. The refrigerant of claim 19, wherein the hydrophobic lubricating oil is present in an amount of 1.50-1.75% by weight of the refrigerant.

24. The refrigerant of claim 1, wherein the lubricant is a naphthenic lubricant.

25. A method for filling an apparatus for refrigeration, the method comprising:

(a) supplying a refrigerant under pressure, in an aerosol can; and

(b) adding to said apparatus the refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant comprises a refrigerant gas and a lubricant.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the apparatus is for automobile air-conditioning.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the refrigerant consists essentially of the refrigerant gas and the lubricant.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein the refrigerant consists of the refrigerant gas and the lubricant.

29. The method of claim 25, wherein the lubricant consists essentially of hydrophobic lubricating oil.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the hydrophobic lubricating oil is present in an amount of 1.50-1.75% by weight of the refrigerant.

31. Apparatus to be used for charging a refrigerating device with refrigerant, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a container;

(b) a refrigerant in the container comprising:

(1) a refrigerant gas;

(2) about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of the refrigerant of a lubricant which is miscible with the refrigerant gas.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the lubricant is miscible with R-12 and an R-12 lubricant

33. The refrigerant of claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic lubricating oil is miscible with R-12 and an R-12 lubricant

34. The refrigerant of claim 19, wherein the hydrophobic lubricating oil is miscible with R-12 and an R-12 lubricant

35. The method of claim 25, wherein the lubricant is miscible with R-12 and an R-12 lubricant.