Method of replacing the lubrication product in refrigeration systems
US5600959A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 11, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2400/18
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Method of replacement of at least one CFC lubricant compatible with chlorofluorocarbon-containing cooling fluids, by at least one HFC lubricant compatible with hydrofluorocarbon-containing cooling fluids, before the replacement of the CFC fluid by an HFC fluid in a cooling system. The process comprises several rinsing stages consisting in draining the lubricant present in the cooling circuit, filling said circuit with a rinsing fluid, then homogenizing the residual CFC lubrifying mixture with the rinsing fluid by switching on the cooling system, and optionally measuring, in the rinsing fluid, the percentage of lubricant to be eliminated. The method is characterized in that an intermediate fluid compatible with the CFC fluid and capable of solubilizing the CFC lubricant and itself soluble in the HFC lubricant, is added into the first rinsing stage. In a subsequent stage, the intermediate fluid is replaced by the HFC lubricant, preferably when the CFC lubricant in the intermediate fluid is 15% or less. Rinsing with the HFC lubricant is discontinued when the intermediate fluid content in the HFC lubricant is 5% or less.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.