Recovery of perfluorinated polyether oils from grease matrices incorporating extraction aids by carbon dioxide extraction

US10087393B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• THE CHEMOURS COMPANY FC, LLC · US

Inventors

• Keith W. Hutchenson · McKeesport, US
• Sharon Ann Libert · Hockessin, US
• Jon Lee Howell · Bear, US
• Xian Liang · Moorestown, US
• Val Krukonis · Lexington, US
• Hans Schonemann · Newburyport, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 23, 2014
• Grant date: Oct 2, 2018
• Expiry date: Dec 23, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C10N2050/10
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a process for extracting a perfluoropolyether. The process involves: (a) contacting a solvent comprising a liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide with a lubricating grease comprising a thickener, an extraction aid material, and the perfluoropolyether in an extraction zone to form an extraction solution comprising an extracted perfluoropolyether; and (b) recovering the extracted perfluoropolyether from the extraction solution; wherein the recovered extracted perfluoropolyether comprises no more than about 2 wt % of the thickener.