US3733850A - Refrigeration heat pump,and heat engine apparatus - Google Patents

Refrigeration heat pump,and heat engine apparatus Download PDF

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US3733850A
US3733850A US00213174A US3733850DA US3733850A US 3733850 A US3733850 A US 3733850A US 00213174 A US00213174 A US 00213174A US 3733850D A US3733850D A US 3733850DA US 3733850 A US3733850 A US 3733850A
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oil
viscosity
percent
alkylbenzene
refrigeration
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S Olund
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Chevron USA Inc
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Chevron Research and Technology Co
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    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M171/00Lubricating compositions characterised by purely physical criteria, e.g. containing as base-material, thickener or additive, ingredients which are characterised exclusively by their numerically specified physical properties, i.e. containing ingredients which are physically well-defined but for which the chemical nature is either unspecified or only very vaguely indicated
    • C10M171/008Lubricant compositions compatible with refrigerants
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M111/00Lubrication compositions characterised by the base-material being a mixture of two or more compounds covered by more than one of the main groups C10M101/00 - C10M109/00, each of these compounds being essential
    • C10M111/04Lubrication compositions characterised by the base-material being a mixture of two or more compounds covered by more than one of the main groups C10M101/00 - C10M109/00, each of these compounds being essential at least one of them being a macromolecular organic compound
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B31/00Compressor arrangements
    • F25B31/002Lubrication
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2203/00Organic non-macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds and hydrocarbon fractions as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2203/06Well-defined aromatic compounds
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    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2203/00Organic non-macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds and hydrocarbon fractions as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2203/06Well-defined aromatic compounds
    • C10M2203/065Well-defined aromatic compounds used as base material
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    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2205/00Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2205/02Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions containing acyclic monomers
    • C10M2205/026Butene
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2205/00Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2205/02Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions containing acyclic monomers
    • C10M2205/026Butene
    • C10M2205/0265Butene used as base material
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    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2207/00Organic non-macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds containing hydrogen, carbon and oxygen as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2207/02Hydroxy compounds
    • C10M2207/023Hydroxy compounds having hydroxy groups bound to carbon atoms of six-membered aromatic rings
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    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2207/00Organic non-macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds containing hydrogen, carbon and oxygen as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2207/02Hydroxy compounds
    • C10M2207/023Hydroxy compounds having hydroxy groups bound to carbon atoms of six-membered aromatic rings
    • C10M2207/025Hydroxy compounds having hydroxy groups bound to carbon atoms of six-membered aromatic rings with condensed rings
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2207/00Organic non-macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds containing hydrogen, carbon and oxygen as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2207/04Ethers; Acetals; Ortho-esters; Ortho-carbonates
    • C10M2207/042Epoxides
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2215/00Organic non-macromolecular compounds containing nitrogen as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2215/14Containing carbon-to-nitrogen double bounds, e.g. guanidines, hydrazones, semicarbazones
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2219/00Organic non-macromolecular compounds containing sulfur, selenium or tellurium as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2219/06Thio-acids; Thiocyanates; Derivatives thereof
    • C10M2219/062Thio-acids; Thiocyanates; Derivatives thereof having carbon-to-sulfur double bonds
    • C10M2219/066Thiocarbamic type compounds
    • C10M2219/068Thiocarbamate metal salts
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    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2219/00Organic non-macromolecular compounds containing sulfur, selenium or tellurium as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2219/08Thiols; Sulfides; Polysulfides; Mercaptals
    • C10M2219/082Thiols; Sulfides; Polysulfides; Mercaptals containing sulfur atoms bound to acyclic or cycloaliphatic carbon atoms
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
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    • C10M2219/00Organic non-macromolecular compounds containing sulfur, selenium or tellurium as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2219/10Heterocyclic compounds containing sulfur, selenium or tellurium compounds in the ring
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    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2219/00Organic non-macromolecular compounds containing sulfur, selenium or tellurium as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2219/10Heterocyclic compounds containing sulfur, selenium or tellurium compounds in the ring
    • C10M2219/102Heterocyclic compounds containing sulfur, selenium or tellurium compounds in the ring containing sulfur and carbon only in the ring
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    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
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    • C10M2219/00Organic non-macromolecular compounds containing sulfur, selenium or tellurium as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2219/10Heterocyclic compounds containing sulfur, selenium or tellurium compounds in the ring
    • C10M2219/104Heterocyclic compounds containing sulfur, selenium or tellurium compounds in the ring containing sulfur and carbon with nitrogen or oxygen in the ring
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2219/00Organic non-macromolecular compounds containing sulfur, selenium or tellurium as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2219/10Heterocyclic compounds containing sulfur, selenium or tellurium compounds in the ring
    • C10M2219/104Heterocyclic compounds containing sulfur, selenium or tellurium compounds in the ring containing sulfur and carbon with nitrogen or oxygen in the ring
    • C10M2219/106Thiadiazoles
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2229/00Organic macromolecular compounds containing atoms of elements not provided for in groups C10M2205/00, C10M2209/00, C10M2213/00, C10M2217/00, C10M2221/00 or C10M2225/00 as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2229/02Unspecified siloxanes; Silicones
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2229/00Organic macromolecular compounds containing atoms of elements not provided for in groups C10M2205/00, C10M2209/00, C10M2213/00, C10M2217/00, C10M2221/00 or C10M2225/00 as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2229/04Siloxanes with specific structure
    • C10M2229/05Siloxanes with specific structure containing atoms other than silicon, hydrogen, oxygen or carbon
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10NINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2010/00Metal present as such or in compounds
    • C10N2010/04Groups 2 or 12
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10NINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2020/00Specified physical or chemical properties or characteristics, i.e. function, of component of lubricating compositions
    • C10N2020/01Physico-chemical properties

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT a viscosity in the range of about 3,000 to about 1,000,000 SUS at 100F.
  • This invention relates to apparatuses of the refrigera' tion, heat pump or heat engine type including compressor, condenser, evaporator and, in contact with the moving parts of said apparatus, a working fluid comprising halogenated alkanes and a lubricant combination of alkylbenzenes and polyisobutylene.
  • a working fluid comprising halogenated alkanes and a lubricant combination of alkylbenzenes and polyisobutylene.
  • Heat engine, heat pump, and refrigeration lubricants for use in hermetic unit designs are usually sealed in the motor-compressor unit housing and are not replaceable. They are thus required to perform under relatively severe conditions of temperature change for the life of the unit, which is generally a period of several years of intermittent daily service.
  • the lubricant is in contact with the working fluid or refrigerant and in addition to lubricating the compressor, it serves as a seal between the low-pressure and high-pressure sides of the system.
  • the lubricant for the centrifugal compressor unit design although replaceable, must be stable toward oxidation which commonly occurs due to air leakage around the drive shaft in order to avoid need for frequent oil changes.
  • the service of lubricating a heat engine, heat pump or refrigerator compressor and motor subjects the lubricant or oil to conditions not encountered in other types of service.
  • These special unique conditions include: (1) rapid swings in temperature from about l00 to +400F; (2) contact with working fluids or refrigerants, generally fluorinated, chlorinated methanes of the Freon types; (3) ability to serve as a pressure seal in the compressor; and (4) contact with electric motor windings.
  • important properties of the oil are viscosity, viscosity index, mutual solubility with working fluids or refrigerants, pour point, volatility, wear characteristics, high temperature stability, resistance to chemical reaction with working fluids or refrigerants, and corrosivity to metals.
  • the viscosity of the oil-working fluid mixture is a factor in determining the effectiveness of the seal between the high-pressure and low-pressure sides of the system; and because of the wide variation in temperatures throughout the system, the viscosity index of the oil is important.
  • An oil should be chosen with a viscosity as low as is possible, consistent with effective sealing with the working fluid or refrigerant used for the entire range of temperatures and pressures encountered.
  • Various viscosity grades of refrigerator heat engine or heat pump lubricants are supplied to provide optimum service for different types of equipment and working fluids.
  • the viscosity index should be high because of the very large changes in temperature encountered by the oil.
  • the oil and working fluid or refrigerant may be completely miscible at all temperatures and pressures encountered in the refrigeration or heat engine cycle, or they may separate into two phases at certain pressures and temperatures encountered.
  • One of the phases will be rich in working fluid or refrigerant and of low viscosity, while the other is rich in oil and higher in viscosity.
  • the mutual solubility increases so that often in regions of low temperature, such as the evaporator, two phases exist; while at high temperature regions, a single phase exits. It is necessary that in cases where phase separation occurs, the resulting liquid phases are capable of flowing readily at the existing temperatures.
  • the pour point of the lubricant must be low in order that the oil will flow at the lowest temperatures encountered. This is particularly true in the case of lubricants prepared from paraffinic waxy oils which must be dewaxed to a sufficiently low pour point.
  • the oil must have a low vapor pressure at 400F.
  • the lubricant must be stable at the highest temperatures reached in the system and nonreactive with the working fluid or refrigerant in the presence of metals it contacts which may act as catalysts.
  • the lubricantrefrigerant mixture also must not corrode metals such as iron, aluminum or copper which may be present.
  • refrigeration and heat engine oils are based upon hydrocarbon oils obtained from petroleum and highly reflned. They may be derived from naphthenic or paraffinic crudes, and each type has advantages and disadvantages.
  • the petroleum-derived oils must be dewaxed to yield a low pour point oil. They must be highly refined to eliminate components which can react with chlorine-containing refrigerants to liberate hydrogen chloride.
  • Alkylbenzenes have been suggested as lubricants for refrigeration equipment.
  • US. Pat. No. 3,092,981 teaches the use of alkylbenzenes or blends of alkylbenzenes with conventional oil for the lubrication of refrigeration compressors.
  • the alkylbenzenes are superior to conventional oils in compatibility with the refrigerant and in thermal stability.
  • a practical disadvantage of alkylbenzenes is the low viscosity of those which are actually available, that is, the alkylbenzenes containing up to about 25 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain.
  • Refrigeration oils are classified on the basis of the viscosity of 100F, and grades having nominal viscosities of 80, 100, 150, 200, 300 and 500 SUS (Saybolt Universal Seconds) are provided. In addition to these grades, heat engine oils also include grades having higher viscosities such as 750, 1,000, 1,500 SUS. Most refrigeration and heat engine equipment requires the grades covering the range from 150 to 500 SUS. Alkylbenzenes with alkyl side chains containing from 18 to 25 carbon atoms generally have viscosities in the range of about 60 to 120 SUS and thus are of too low viscosity to be generally useful.
  • an apparatus of the refrigeration, heat pump or heat engine type including compressor, condenser, evaporator, and in contact with the moving parts of said apparatus a halogenated alkane working fluid and a lubricating oil consisting essentially of alkylbenzene having one or more side chains of one to 25 carbon atoms and containing a total of from to 25 carbon atoms in the alkyl groups and from about 2 to about 50 percent by weight of polyisobutylene having a viscosity in the range of from about 3,000 to about 1,000,000 SUS at 100F.
  • the lubricating oil compositions of this invention are readily obtainable and free of shortcomings associated with the lubricants of the prior art. These lubricants are readily prepared by blending relatively low molecular weight alkylbenzenes with highly viscous polymers of isobutylene.
  • the alkylbenzenes which are generally available, may contain from one to 25 carbon atoms in each of the alkyl groups and may contain more than one alkyl side chain with a total of from 10 to 25 carbon atoms in the alkyl groups. Usually, except for methyl radicals, there will not be more than two alkyl groups in the molecule.
  • the working fluids for use in this invention are the halogenated alkanes, preferably having one or two carbon atoms, containing fluorine, and commonly called Freons" (DuPont reg. TM).
  • Typical working fluids include trifluorochloromethane, hexafluoroethane, trifluorobromomethane, difluoromonochloromethane, difluorodichloromethane, 1,1 ,2,2-tetrafluorotetrachloroethane, dichlorofluoromethane, trichloroflu oromethane, 1,1 ,2-trifluorotrichloroethane, etc.
  • the low boiling Freons are preferred as working fluids or refrigerants. These include, for example, difluoromonochloromethane, dichlorofluoromethane, and trichlorofluoromethane.
  • working fluids of high boiling point are preferred for use in heat engine. These include: sym-tetrafluorodibromoethane, 1,1,2- trifluorotrichloroethane, and 1,2- difluorotetrachloroethane.
  • the higher boiling Freon compounds are less thermally stable than the lower boiling ones. (Ref. DuPont Technical Bulletin, B-2, Freon Fluorocarbons.)
  • the isobutylene polymer is added to the alkylbenzene to increase the viscosity in the range required for a refrigerator or heat engine lubricant. It should have a viscosity at 100F of from 3,000 SUS to 1,000,000 SUS. The concentration required depends on the viscosities of the alkylbenzene and the isobutylene polymer and is generally in the range of 2 to 50 percent of the total.
  • the alkylbenzene used in preparing this refrigeration or heat engine lubricant has alkyl groups containing a total of from 10 to 20 carbon atoms, and these may have either a branched chain or a straight chain configuration. Such compounds may be prepared by various well known methods, but it is preferred to alkylate benzene with an olefin or with an alkyl halide in the presence of an appropriate catalyst, such as hydrogen fluoride or aluminum chloride.
  • the alkylbenzene should be essentially free of normal paraffms or other waxy-like materials which will raise the pour point. While alkylbenzenes prepared from straight chain olefins derived by cracking paraffin wax are not excluded, those having branched alkyl side chains are preferred. (Thus, the alkyl groups should be derived preferably from polypropylene or polybutylene.)
  • the polymerized isobutylene used in these refrigeration or heat engine lubricants is prepared in the usual way by the catalytic polymerization of isobutene.
  • a wide range of molecular weights is available, but only those polymers having a viscosity of 3,000 SUS to 1,000,000 SUS at 100F are useful in this formulation.
  • the polymerized isobutylene has a viscosity in the range of 40,000 SUS to 150,000 SUS at 100F.
  • the lubricants of the invention may contain additives of the types conventionally used. These include foam inhibitors, such as silicone polymers; metal deactivators, such as alizarine, quinizarine, Schiff bases, alkyl sulfides, zinc dithiocarbamates, and mercaptobenzothiazole; oxidation inhibitors, such as dibutyl-pcresol; and scavengers for hydrogen chloride, such as epoxides.
  • foam inhibitors such as silicone polymers
  • metal deactivators such as alizarine, quinizarine, Schiff bases, alkyl sulfides, zinc dithiocarbamates, and mercaptobenzothiazole
  • oxidation inhibitors such as dibutyl-pcresol
  • scavengers for hydrogen chloride such as epoxides.
  • compositions were prepared and subjected to tests to determine their value as refrigerator and heat engine lubricants.
  • the isobutylene polymer had a molecular weight of 1,400 (number average) and a viscosity at 100F of 123,000 SUS.
  • a description of the blends follows:
  • the alkylbenzene used was prepared by alkylating benzene with a propylene polymer blend in which percent of the material fell in the rang of 15 to 19 carbon atoms.
  • the resulting alkylbenzene had a molecular weight of 320.
  • a blend was prepared consisting of 78.4 percent of this material and 21,6 percent of the polybutene.
  • the alkylbenzene used was prepared by alkylating benzene with a propylene polymer blend having from to 23 carbon atoms. The molecular weight of the product was 328. A blend of 85.5 percent of the alkylbenzene and 14.5 percent of the polybutene was prepared.
  • the alkylbenzene was prepared by alkylating benzene with a propylene polymer of which 82 percent fell in the range of 12 to 15 carbon atoms.
  • the resulting alkylbenzene had a molecular weight of 263.
  • a blend of 69.4 percent of this material and 30.6 percent of the polybutene was prepared.
  • Oil D The above oil blends conforming to the invention were compared with the alkylbenzene used in Oil B but without the addition of any butylene polymer. This is referred to as Oil D.
  • Oil D The blends were also compared and 500 grades were prepared.
  • These oil blends were prepared from the same alkylbenzenes and polybutene used in Oils A, B and C.
  • the compositions of these oils are as follows:
  • Oil F 89 percent alkylbenzene of Oil A cent polybutene.
  • Oil G 96 percent alkylbenzene of Oil B cent polybutene.
  • Oil H 80 percent alkylbenzene of Oil C and percent polybutene.
  • Table I1 The test data obtained on these oils are listed in Table I1.
  • oils conforming to the invention have higher viscosity. These isobutylene cosity indexes than either Oils D or E, which represent prior art lubricants.
  • the oils of the invention are also superior in high temperature stability, as measured by the Elsey test procedure, and are superior in wear characteristics, as demonstrated by the Shell Four-Ball Wear Test.
  • Refrigerator and heat engine oils conforming to the invention and in the viscosity range of the nominal 150 12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) and 1 Illl. of lubricating oil is cooled at a rate of about 1 F.
  • temperalar weight number average
  • viscosity at F 890,000 SUS.
  • Oil L 74 percent alkylbenzene of Oil A cent Polybutene 24.
  • a lubricant according to the invention was tested for friction reducing properties in a tribometer. This is a device in which a cast iron pad slides over a cast iron disk, and the apparatus was operated at a temperature Oil N 82.1 percent alkylbenzene of Oil B and 17.9 of 250F and at sliding velocities similar to those enpercent Polybutene 24. countered in refrigerant and heat engine compressors.
  • Oil 89 percent alkylbenzene of Oil B and 11 per- Static friction (zero velocity) is important in a comcent Polybutene 128. pressor because of the reciprocating nature of piston Oil P 63.6 percent alkylbenzene of Oil C and 36.4 travel.
  • the lubricant used was a blend of 74 percent of alkyl- Oil Q 76.3 percent alkylbenzene of Oil C and 23.7 benzene similar to that used in Oil A and 26 percent percent Polybutene 128. Polybutene 24. It had a viscosity at 100F of 286 SUS The test data obtained on these oils are listed in and was designated R0 300. The friction characteris- Table Ill. tics of this lubricant as indicated by Coefficient of Fric TABLE III Tests on L Oil M on N Oil 0 on 1 Oil Q Viscosity, SUS;
  • Oils of the invention were prepared from alkylbention (ratio of horizontal force to the vertical force) are zenes having linear alkyl groups derived from paraffin. 30 compared in Table V with the petroleum-derived These alkylbenzenes were blended with Polybutene 32 lubricant, Oil E. to yield the following oils:
  • alkylbenzene slmflar to that used m R but con-
  • These desirable lubricity properties are surprising since taming from 10 to 15 carbon atoms and having an avera e molecular Wei ht of 259 was blended so uh uh synthetic oil refrigerator lubricants have previously g a e been poor compared to conventional mineral oil comfinal 01] contained 59 percent alkylbenzene and 41 perositions cent Polybutene 32.
  • High temperature stability pri i t, 1- 35 35 Appearancenf liquid Water w ite 65 Neutrzilimtimi number, mg. KUH/ Copper plating on steel strip Better Better K i).
  • R 300 is illustrative of the lubricant compositions of the invention.
  • Oil E as previously mentioned, is a standard petroleum base oil used for comparison.
  • the solubility of lubricant R0 300 was determined in both Freon l2 (dichlorodifluoromethane) and Freon 22 (monochlorodifluoromethane). At all temperatures up to 200F, two phases existed; one essentially Freon rich and the other oil rich. The oil rich phase was found to consist predominantly of polybutene with a low concentration of the alkylbenzene which remained dissolved in the Freon. Surprisingly, the presence of the separate phase of the viscous polybutene does not interfere with the operation of refrigerating or heat engine equipment.
  • the first test lubricant similar to Oil 0, was prepared from 87 percent by weight of alkylbenzene and 13 percent by weight polyisobutylene.
  • the alkylbenzene portion of the lubricant was a fraction having a viscosity of 126 SUS at 100F and was essentially the same as the alkylbenzene described in Oil B.
  • the polyisobutylene portion of the lubricant had a viscosity of about 890,000 SUS at 100F.
  • the resulting blend had a viscosity of 482 SUS at lO0F and is identified as Oil U.
  • the second lubricant test composition was prepared from the same alkylbenzene and polyisobutylene but in a weight ratio of /25 respectively.
  • the resulting blend had a viscosity of 1447 SUS at F, and is identified as Oil V.
  • test results show that the lubricant in combination with the halogenated alkane working fluid had satisfactory stability in the presence of aluminum to function in a typical heat engine.
  • An apparatus of the type including compressor, condenser, evaporator, and in contact with the moving parts of said apparatus, a working fluid comprising halogenated alkanes and a lubricating oil consisting essentially of alkylbenzene having one or more side chains of one to 25 carbon atoms and containing a total of from 10 to 25 carbon atoms in the alkyl groups and from about 2 to about 50 percent by weight of polyisobutylene having a viscosity in the range of from about 3,000 to about 1,000,000 SUS at 100F.
  • the apparatus in accordance with claim 1 which is a heat engine apparatus.
  • the apparatus in accordance with Claim 1 which is a heat pump apparatus.

Abstract

An apparatus capable of being employed as a refrigeration, heat pump, or heat engine containing a halogenated alkane working fluid and a lubricant combination of alkylbenzenes containing from 10 to 25 carbon atoms in the alkyl groups and from about 2 to about 50 percent by weight of polyisobutylene having a viscosity in the range of about 3,000 to about 1,000,000 SUS at 100*F.

Description

United States Patent [191 Olund REFRIGERATION HEAT PUMP, AND HEAT ENGINE APPARATUS Inventor: Sven A. O lund, San Rafael, Calif.
Chevron Research Company, San Francisco, Calif.
Filed: Dec. 28, 1971 Appl. No.: 213,174
Assignee:
Related US. Application Data Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 3,523, Jan. 16, 1970, Pat. No. 3,642,634.
US. Cl. ..62/468, 62/502, 252/59 Int. Cl ..F25b 43/02 Field of Search ..62/468, 469, 502;
[111 3,733,850 [451 May 22,1973
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,375,197 11/1972 Spzuschus ..62/468 Primary Examiner-Meyer Perlin Attorney-J. A. Buchanan, Jr., G. F. Maydeburyer and John Stoner, Jr.
{57] ABSTRACT a viscosity in the range of about 3,000 to about 1,000,000 SUS at 100F.
3 Claims, No Drawings REFRIGERATION HEAT PUMP, AND HEAT ENGINE APPARATUS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 3,523, filed Jan. 16, 1970 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,642,634.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to apparatuses of the refrigera' tion, heat pump or heat engine type including compressor, condenser, evaporator and, in contact with the moving parts of said apparatus, a working fluid comprising halogenated alkanes and a lubricant combination of alkylbenzenes and polyisobutylene. For those knowledgeable in the art, it is well known that these apparatuses are variations in the operation of the same cyclic system.
When applied to refrigeration or heat pumps, work is added to the system through a motor-driven compressor which compresses the working fluid before it is condensed. Heat from the system at this point may be employed for heating purposes. The system is then operating as a heat pump. The condensed working fluid is partly or completely vaporized in the evaporator. The head added to the system at this point or extracted from the surroundings causes cooling (refrigeration of the heat source). In heat pumps the heat source is usually outside air, whereas in refrigeration systems it is normally a relatively confined space to be cooled.
When the system is operated as a heat engine, useful work is delivered by the system. Heat is added to the evaporator from, for instance, hot gases obtained from combustion of a suitable fuel. This results in evaporation and expansion of the working fluid which drives a compressor. The working fluid is then condensed to complete the cycle. The useful work can, in turn, be used in driving other devices. This type of heat engine is of particular importance because of its possible adaptation to anti-pollution automobile engines employing external combustion.
The same working fluids and the same lubricants are used in all three types of the above-described apparatus.
Heat engine, heat pump, and refrigeration lubricants for use in hermetic unit designs are usually sealed in the motor-compressor unit housing and are not replaceable. They are thus required to perform under relatively severe conditions of temperature change for the life of the unit, which is generally a period of several years of intermittent daily service. The lubricant is in contact with the working fluid or refrigerant and in addition to lubricating the compressor, it serves as a seal between the low-pressure and high-pressure sides of the system. As the working fluid or refrigerant flows from the compressor through the condenser and evaporator and back to the intake side of the compressor, it carries some of the lubricant with it. Thus, while the lubricant is required only at the compressor, it circulates throughout the system. In addition, the lubricant for the centrifugal compressor unit design, although replaceable, must be stable toward oxidation which commonly occurs due to air leakage around the drive shaft in order to avoid need for frequent oil changes.
The service of lubricating a heat engine, heat pump or refrigerator compressor and motor subjects the lubricant or oil to conditions not encountered in other types of service. These special unique conditions include: (1) rapid swings in temperature from about l00 to +400F; (2) contact with working fluids or refrigerants, generally fluorinated, chlorinated methanes of the Freon types; (3) ability to serve as a pressure seal in the compressor; and (4) contact with electric motor windings. Because of these unusual conditions important properties of the oil are viscosity, viscosity index, mutual solubility with working fluids or refrigerants, pour point, volatility, wear characteristics, high temperature stability, resistance to chemical reaction with working fluids or refrigerants, and corrosivity to metals.
The viscosity of the oil-working fluid mixture is a factor in determining the effectiveness of the seal between the high-pressure and low-pressure sides of the system; and because of the wide variation in temperatures throughout the system, the viscosity index of the oil is important. An oil should be chosen with a viscosity as low as is possible, consistent with effective sealing with the working fluid or refrigerant used for the entire range of temperatures and pressures encountered. Various viscosity grades of refrigerator heat engine or heat pump lubricants are supplied to provide optimum service for different types of equipment and working fluids. The viscosity index should be high because of the very large changes in temperature encountered by the oil.
The oil and working fluid or refrigerant may be completely miscible at all temperatures and pressures encountered in the refrigeration or heat engine cycle, or they may separate into two phases at certain pressures and temperatures encountered. One of the phases will be rich in working fluid or refrigerant and of low viscosity, while the other is rich in oil and higher in viscosity. Under conditions of higher temperature in the cycle, the mutual solubility increases so that often in regions of low temperature, such as the evaporator, two phases exist; while at high temperature regions, a single phase exits. It is necessary that in cases where phase separation occurs, the resulting liquid phases are capable of flowing readily at the existing temperatures.
The pour point of the lubricant must be low in order that the oil will flow at the lowest temperatures encountered. This is particularly true in the case of lubricants prepared from paraffinic waxy oils which must be dewaxed to a sufficiently low pour point.
The oil must have a low vapor pressure at 400F.
Since the motor compressor system is normally sealed, the oil must prevent wear of the moving parts as the life of the equipment is dependent on the wear rate.
The lubricant must be stable at the highest temperatures reached in the system and nonreactive with the working fluid or refrigerant in the presence of metals it contacts which may act as catalysts. The lubricantrefrigerant mixture also must not corrode metals such as iron, aluminum or copper which may be present.
Generally, refrigeration and heat engine oils are based upon hydrocarbon oils obtained from petroleum and highly reflned. They may be derived from naphthenic or paraffinic crudes, and each type has advantages and disadvantages. The petroleum-derived oils must be dewaxed to yield a low pour point oil. They must be highly refined to eliminate components which can react with chlorine-containing refrigerants to liberate hydrogen chloride.
Alkylbenzenes have been suggested as lubricants for refrigeration equipment. US. Pat. No. 3,092,981 teaches the use of alkylbenzenes or blends of alkylbenzenes with conventional oil for the lubrication of refrigeration compressors. The alkylbenzenes are superior to conventional oils in compatibility with the refrigerant and in thermal stability. However, a practical disadvantage of alkylbenzenes is the low viscosity of those which are actually available, that is, the alkylbenzenes containing up to about 25 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. Refrigeration oils are classified on the basis of the viscosity of 100F, and grades having nominal viscosities of 80, 100, 150, 200, 300 and 500 SUS (Saybolt Universal Seconds) are provided. In addition to these grades, heat engine oils also include grades having higher viscosities such as 750, 1,000, 1,500 SUS. Most refrigeration and heat engine equipment requires the grades covering the range from 150 to 500 SUS. Alkylbenzenes with alkyl side chains containing from 18 to 25 carbon atoms generally have viscosities in the range of about 60 to 120 SUS and thus are of too low viscosity to be generally useful.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention there is provided an apparatus of the refrigeration, heat pump or heat engine type including compressor, condenser, evaporator, and in contact with the moving parts of said apparatus a halogenated alkane working fluid and a lubricating oil consisting essentially of alkylbenzene having one or more side chains of one to 25 carbon atoms and containing a total of from to 25 carbon atoms in the alkyl groups and from about 2 to about 50 percent by weight of polyisobutylene having a viscosity in the range of from about 3,000 to about 1,000,000 SUS at 100F.
The lubricating oil compositions of this invention are readily obtainable and free of shortcomings associated with the lubricants of the prior art. These lubricants are readily prepared by blending relatively low molecular weight alkylbenzenes with highly viscous polymers of isobutylene. The alkylbenzenes, which are generally available, may contain from one to 25 carbon atoms in each of the alkyl groups and may contain more than one alkyl side chain with a total of from 10 to 25 carbon atoms in the alkyl groups. Usually, except for methyl radicals, there will not be more than two alkyl groups in the molecule.
The working fluids for use in this invention are the halogenated alkanes, preferably having one or two carbon atoms, containing fluorine, and commonly called Freons" (DuPont reg. TM). Typical working fluids include trifluorochloromethane, hexafluoroethane, trifluorobromomethane, difluoromonochloromethane, difluorodichloromethane, 1,1 ,2,2-tetrafluorotetrachloroethane, dichlorofluoromethane, trichloroflu oromethane, 1,1 ,2-trifluorotrichloroethane, etc.
For use in a refrigeration apparatus the low boiling Freons" are preferred as working fluids or refrigerants. These include, for example, difluoromonochloromethane, dichlorofluoromethane, and trichlorofluoromethane. On the other hand, working fluids of high boiling point are preferred for use in heat engine. These include: sym-tetrafluorodibromoethane, 1,1,2- trifluorotrichloroethane, and 1,2- difluorotetrachloroethane. In general the higher boiling Freon compounds are less thermally stable than the lower boiling ones. (Ref. DuPont Technical Bulletin, B-2, Freon Fluorocarbons.)
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The isobutylene polymer is added to the alkylbenzene to increase the viscosity in the range required for a refrigerator or heat engine lubricant. It should have a viscosity at 100F of from 3,000 SUS to 1,000,000 SUS. The concentration required depends on the viscosities of the alkylbenzene and the isobutylene polymer and is generally in the range of 2 to 50 percent of the total.
The alkylbenzene used in preparing this refrigeration or heat engine lubricant has alkyl groups containing a total of from 10 to 20 carbon atoms, and these may have either a branched chain or a straight chain configuration. Such compounds may be prepared by various well known methods, but it is preferred to alkylate benzene with an olefin or with an alkyl halide in the presence of an appropriate catalyst, such as hydrogen fluoride or aluminum chloride. The alkylbenzene should be essentially free of normal paraffms or other waxy-like materials which will raise the pour point. While alkylbenzenes prepared from straight chain olefins derived by cracking paraffin wax are not excluded, those having branched alkyl side chains are preferred. (Thus, the alkyl groups should be derived preferably from polypropylene or polybutylene.)
The polymerized isobutylene used in these refrigeration or heat engine lubricants is prepared in the usual way by the catalytic polymerization of isobutene. A wide range of molecular weights is available, but only those polymers having a viscosity of 3,000 SUS to 1,000,000 SUS at 100F are useful in this formulation. Preferably, the polymerized isobutylene has a viscosity in the range of 40,000 SUS to 150,000 SUS at 100F.
The lubricants of the invention may contain additives of the types conventionally used. These include foam inhibitors, such as silicone polymers; metal deactivators, such as alizarine, quinizarine, Schiff bases, alkyl sulfides, zinc dithiocarbamates, and mercaptobenzothiazole; oxidation inhibitors, such as dibutyl-pcresol; and scavengers for hydrogen chloride, such as epoxides.
The following examples illustrate the refrigeration and heat engine lubricating oils according to the present invention. These examples are in no manner intended to limit the invention described. Unless otherwise indicated, percentages are on a weight basis.
A number of compositions were prepared and subjected to tests to determine their value as refrigerator and heat engine lubricants. Three different alkylbenzenes blended with an isobutylene polymer to prepare lubricants of the 300 viscosity grade (nominal 300 SUS at 100F). The isobutylene polymer had a molecular weight of 1,400 (number average) and a viscosity at 100F of 123,000 SUS. A description of the blends follows:
Oil A The alkylbenzene used was prepared by alkylating benzene with a propylene polymer blend in which percent of the material fell in the rang of 15 to 19 carbon atoms. The resulting alkylbenzene had a molecular weight of 320. A blend was prepared consisting of 78.4 percent of this material and 21,6 percent of the polybutene.
Oil B The alkylbenzene used was prepared by alkylating benzene with a propylene polymer blend having from to 23 carbon atoms. The molecular weight of the product was 328. A blend of 85.5 percent of the alkylbenzene and 14.5 percent of the polybutene was prepared.
Oil C The alkylbenzene was prepared by alkylating benzene with a propylene polymer of which 82 percent fell in the range of 12 to 15 carbon atoms. The resulting alkylbenzene had a molecular weight of 263. A blend of 69.4 percent of this material and 30.6 percent of the polybutene was prepared.
The above oil blends conforming to the invention were compared with the alkylbenzene used in Oil B but without the addition of any butylene polymer. This is referred to as Oil D. The blends were also compared and 500 grades were prepared. These oil blends were prepared from the same alkylbenzenes and polybutene used in Oils A, B and C. The compositions of these oils are as follows:
Oil F 89 percent alkylbenzene of Oil A cent polybutene. Oil G 96 percent alkylbenzene of Oil B cent polybutene. Oil H 80 percent alkylbenzene of Oil C and percent polybutene. Oil 1 71 percent alkylbenzene of Oil A cent polybutene. Oil .1 78 percent alkylbenzene of Oil B and 22 percent polybutene. Oil K 64 percent alkylbenzene of Oil C and 36 percent polybutene. The test data obtained on these oils are listed in Table I1.
and 11 perand 4 perand 29 per- TABLE II Tests Oil 1* Oil G Oil II Oil I Oil .1 Oil K Viscosity, SUS:
210FIIIII If i i i Viscosityindeic. Pour point, F. Freon floc, F
High temperaturestzibility:
Appearance of liquid Copper plating on steelsti-ip Etching 01' copper Wire Dielectric strength, 77 F., kv
151 158 145 518 502 474 -12. 1 63. 5 50.9 54. 2 105 03 78 107 40 40 40 55 00 00 Essentially water white Better Better Better Better Better Better 26 +35 35+ 33 1 Compared 1 Slightly poorer. 3 Same.
4 Poorer.
with a commercial conventional refrigerator lubricant which was of the highly refined naphthenic type derived from petroleum. This is referred to as Oil E. The data on all five refrigerator lubricants are presented in Table I.
to a standard petroleum base oil (Oil E in Table I).
isobutylene of lower viscosity and by one of higher vis- TABLE Tests Method Oil A Oil 13 0i] 0 Oil 1) 011 E Color, Gardner AS'IM l) 1540 1 1 1 1 5 Viscosity, SUS:
100 F AS'IM l) 445 307. 3 121. 4 201. 5
210 F ASTM D 2161. 55. 2 30. 0 47.1 Viscosity index ASTM D 2270 112 2!! Pour point, F ASTM D 07. 35 40 35 Four point (10% oil plus 00% Freon 12), F (-100 100 100 Freon floc, F. t A t 100 05 80 High teniperaturefsl'tabig E f u t h t Bl k Appearance 0 iqui r, ssen in v we or w i 0 ac Copper plating on steel stri ggg' g g g gg July Trace 2) 2 (2 a Etching of copper wire Trace Trace Trace Shell four ball wear test:
Scar diameter, mm 1,800 r.p.m.. 5 kg, 75 (1., one hour 0. 23 0. 284 0.353 0. 377 0,417
Dielectric strength, 77 F., kv ASTM D 877 35+ 35+ 35+ 32 30 The oils conforming to the invention have higher viscosity. These isobutylene cosity indexes than either Oils D or E, which represent prior art lubricants. The oils of the invention are also superior in high temperature stability, as measured by the Elsey test procedure, and are superior in wear characteristics, as demonstrated by the Shell Four-Ball Wear Test.
Refrigerator and heat engine oils conforming to the invention and in the viscosity range of the nominal 150 12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) and 1 Illl. of lubricating oil is cooled at a rate of about 1 F.
per minute. The temperalar weight (number average) of 2,700 and a viscosity at F of 890,000 SUS.
The following oils were prepared from the alkylbenzenes and Polybutene 24 and Polybutene 128:
Oil L 74 percent alkylbenzene of Oil A cent Polybutene 24.
Oil M 82.1 percent alkylbenzene ofOil A and 17.9
percent Polybutene I28.
and 26 per- A lubricant according to the invention was tested for friction reducing properties in a tribometer. This is a device in which a cast iron pad slides over a cast iron disk, and the apparatus was operated at a temperature Oil N 82.1 percent alkylbenzene of Oil B and 17.9 of 250F and at sliding velocities similar to those enpercent Polybutene 24. countered in refrigerant and heat engine compressors.
Oil 89 percent alkylbenzene of Oil B and 11 per- Static friction (zero velocity) is important in a comcent Polybutene 128. pressor because of the reciprocating nature of piston Oil P 63.6 percent alkylbenzene of Oil C and 36.4 travel.
percent Polybutene 24. The lubricant used was a blend of 74 percent of alkyl- Oil Q 76.3 percent alkylbenzene of Oil C and 23.7 benzene similar to that used in Oil A and 26 percent percent Polybutene 128. Polybutene 24. It had a viscosity at 100F of 286 SUS The test data obtained on these oils are listed in and was designated R0 300. The friction characteris- Table Ill. tics of this lubricant as indicated by Coefficient of Fric TABLE III Tests on L Oil M on N Oil 0 on 1 Oil Q Viscosity, SUS;
100 F 297 see 2% 304 a 30a 210.F 50.6 54.3 48.51 51.0 52.5 57.4; Viscosity Index. 82 107 58 2 U!) 126 Four point, F. --i0 -35 35 -io Freon Flee, F 75 -70 85 85 85 70 High temperature stability:
Appearance of liquid Essentially water white Copper plating on steel strip Better Better Better Better Better Etching of copper wire Better (1) Better Dielectric strength, 77 F., kv 35+ 35+ 35+ 34 35+ 35+ 1 Compared to a standard petroleum base oil (Oil E in Table I).
1 Slightly poorer.
Oils of the invention were prepared from alkylbention (ratio of horizontal force to the vertical force) are zenes having linear alkyl groups derived from paraffin. 30 compared in Table V with the petroleum-derived These alkylbenzenes were blended with Polybutene 32 lubricant, Oil E. to yield the following oils:
Oil R TABLE v Friction An alkylbenzene being essentially monoalkyl and 35 v I containing from 1 1 to 14 carbon atoms with an average 0ll1y (IL/min.) R0 300 on r. molecular weight of 255 was blended with polybutene 0.18 0.2:) so that the blend contained 58.5 percent alkylbenzene 0.1x 0.20 and 41.5 percent Polybutene 32. 8;
OI] S 40 0.1(i 0.17 0.14 0.15
An alkylbenzene similar to that used in Oil R but containing from 10 Q carbon atoms and having an aver- The data show that the lubricant of the invention has g 9 Welght of 236 was blended so that the a decidedly lower coefficient of friction and is superior final contamed P alkylbenzene and to conventional petroleum-based lubricants in frictionp Polybutene reducing properties in the critical region of low sliding 011 T velocities. This correlates with the low wear resulting in the Shell Four-Ball Wear Test illustrated in Table 1.
. alkylbenzene slmflar to that used m R but con- These desirable lubricity properties are surprising since taming from 10 to 15 carbon atoms and having an avera e molecular Wei ht of 259 was blended so uh uh synthetic oil refrigerator lubricants have previously g a e been poor compared to conventional mineral oil comfinal 01] contained 59 percent alkylbenzene and 41 perositions cent Polybutene 32. p
. The oxidation stability of the lubricant according to The test data obtained on these oils are listed in I Table Iv the invention was also tested using the method outlined in ASTM D 1934 both with and without copper cala lyst. In this method the test material is contacted with air for a period of 96 hours at l 15C. Changes in Gard- TABLE IV ner color, neutralization number (mg KOH/g) TOStS 011 R Oil S Oil T TABLE VI c Viscosity. SUS: itsis no 300 on 1 100 F 313 286 3 3 (Jolor, Gardner 1 -5 210 F... 5n. 8 56. s 81.1 Viscosity, SUS: Viscosity index 127 128 132 100 i 2x6 2512 Pour Point, F -55 50 -45 5H. 2 47.1 Freon F100, F !)0 -35 85 Viscosity indie 83 21) High temperature stability: pri i t, 1- 35 35 Appearancenf liquid Water w ite 65 Neutrzilimtimi number, mg. KUH/ Copper plating on steel strip Better Better K i). U] 0. U1 Etching oreomicr wire Better a e -w.- Dielectric strength, 77 1*., kv 35 35 N0 (,ii On No Cu (in Oxidation 551,;"3 hr. at (J: I v 1d Color nr( ner L 7 s1 ltl ll r. (il fifl l'fi lgl t Stflll lfllil petroleum base oil (Oil 16 in Table l). fif'fi'f'ifffli?:' T%L E L (L on (L M 1 Same.
In the above table, R 300 is illustrative of the lubricant compositions of the invention. Oil E, as previously mentioned, is a standard petroleum base oil used for comparison.
The above tests show that the heat engine and refrigeration lubricant compositions of the invention have particularly desirable oxidation resisting properties. As indicated by the color test, very little change occurs with the alkylbenzene and polyisobutylene composition of R0 300 whereas the standard petroleum base Oil E gives a substantially increased darkening in color, even more so in the presence of copper. Also the above tests show that the neutralization number of both oils is practically nil.
The solubility of lubricant R0 300 was determined in both Freon l2 (dichlorodifluoromethane) and Freon 22 (monochlorodifluoromethane). At all temperatures up to 200F, two phases existed; one essentially Freon rich and the other oil rich. The oil rich phase was found to consist predominantly of polybutene with a low concentration of the alkylbenzene which remained dissolved in the Freon. Surprisingly, the presence of the separate phase of the viscous polybutene does not interfere with the operation of refrigerating or heat engine equipment.
Additional tests were carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the lubricant combination of alkylbenzenes and polyisobutylene in a heat engine apparatus. Such applications involve maximum oil temperatures in the range of about 350-375F or 177-191C. A modification of the Elsey test method (previously described) was employed. In this modification the higher boiling, but less thermally stable, R 113 (CCl FCClF was used as a working fluid in place of the lower boiling, more thermally stable, R 12 (CCl F The working fluid-lubricant ratio was 95/5 on a weight basis. Tests were carried out at 177C and at 200C.
Two lubricant compositions were tested. The first test lubricant, similar to Oil 0, was prepared from 87 percent by weight of alkylbenzene and 13 percent by weight polyisobutylene. The alkylbenzene portion of the lubricant was a fraction having a viscosity of 126 SUS at 100F and was essentially the same as the alkylbenzene described in Oil B. The polyisobutylene portion of the lubricant had a viscosity of about 890,000 SUS at 100F. The resulting blend had a viscosity of 482 SUS at lO0F and is identified as Oil U.
The second lubricant test composition was prepared from the same alkylbenzene and polyisobutylene but in a weight ratio of /25 respectively. The resulting blend had a viscosity of 1447 SUS at F, and is identified as Oil V.
These tests were carried out in the presence of iron and aluminum, metals commonly used in the construction of heat engines.
TABLE VII Appearance after 7 days at- Metal present 177 C. 200 0.
None Water white. Al Water white D0. Al (1 Dark brown. Brown. Do. Cu/F Al Yellow tint. Cu/Fe/Al Black-much coke.
Fe/Al. Black-much coke- 1 Commercial hydrocarbon oil sample. 2 After 3 days.
The test results show that the lubricant in combination with the halogenated alkane working fluid had satisfactory stability in the presence of aluminum to function in a typical heat engine.
While the character of this invention has been described in detail with numerous examples, this has been done by way of illustration only and without limitation of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations of the illustrative examples may be made in the practice of the invention within the scope of the following claims.
I claim:
1. An apparatus of the type including compressor, condenser, evaporator, and in contact with the moving parts of said apparatus, a working fluid comprising halogenated alkanes and a lubricating oil consisting essentially of alkylbenzene having one or more side chains of one to 25 carbon atoms and containing a total of from 10 to 25 carbon atoms in the alkyl groups and from about 2 to about 50 percent by weight of polyisobutylene having a viscosity in the range of from about 3,000 to about 1,000,000 SUS at 100F.
2. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1 which is a refrigeration apparatus.
3. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1 which is a heat engine apparatus.
H050 UNITED STATES PATENT ()FFICE CERTIFICATE oF toREtmoN Patent No. 850 I Dated May 22, 1973 v Inventor(s) Sven A. Olund It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:
Column 10, following line #7, insert the following claim:
The apparatus in accordance with Claim 1 which is a heat pump apparatus.
On the cover sheet, after the abstract, "3 Claims" should read 1;, Claims Signed and sealed this 26th day of March 19714..
(SEAL) Attest:
EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. C. IARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents

Claims (2)

  1. 2. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1 which is a refrigeration apparatus.
  2. 3. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1 which is a heat engine apparatus.
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JPS5122971A (en) * 1974-08-19 1976-02-24 Maruzen Oil Co Ltd REITOKYO JUNKATSUYU
US4035308A (en) * 1975-08-21 1977-07-12 Bray Oil Company Monoalkyl benzene synthetic lubricant
US4556496A (en) * 1984-03-28 1985-12-03 Chevron Research Company Refrigeration lubricating oil containing dialkyl sulfosuccinate
EP0556662A1 (en) * 1992-02-18 1993-08-25 Idemitsu Kosan Company Limited Lubricant for refrigerating machine employing refrigerant comprising tetrafluoroethane
EP0557796A1 (en) * 1992-02-18 1993-09-01 Idemitsu Kosan Company Limited Lubricant for refrigerating machine employing refrigerant comprising tetrafluoroethane
EP0645443A2 (en) * 1991-01-30 1995-03-29 Hitachi, Ltd. Refrigeration compressor and its operating
WO1996007721A1 (en) * 1994-09-07 1996-03-14 Witco Corporation Enhanced hydrocarbon lubricants for use with immiscible refrigerants
US5792383A (en) * 1994-09-07 1998-08-11 Witco Corporation Reduction of enterfacial tension between hydrocarbon lubricant and immiscible liquid refrigerant
US5866030A (en) * 1994-09-07 1999-02-02 Witco Corporation Enhanced hydrocarbon lubricants for use with immiscible refrigerants
US20050082510A1 (en) * 2003-09-08 2005-04-21 Ponder Kenneth M. Refrigerant with lubricating oil for replacement of R22 refrigerant
US20050133756A1 (en) * 2003-11-04 2005-06-23 Ponder Kenneth M. Refrigerant with lubricating oil
US20060033073A1 (en) * 2003-11-04 2006-02-16 Ponder Kenneth M Refrigerant with lubricating oil
US20060191665A1 (en) * 2004-12-28 2006-08-31 Ponder Kenneth M Refrigerant for low temperature applications
EP0693546B2 (en) 1994-07-19 2009-03-18 Nippon Mitsubishi Oil Corporation Refrigerator oil and fluid composition for refrigerator
CN102331473A (en) * 2011-09-09 2012-01-25 李彤 Phase change actuating fluid delivery pump
US20170074747A1 (en) * 2015-09-15 2017-03-16 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Leak detector sensor systems using tag-sensitized refrigerants

Cited By (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5122971A (en) * 1974-08-19 1976-02-24 Maruzen Oil Co Ltd REITOKYO JUNKATSUYU
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