Lubricant composition for ammonia based refrigerants with good seal performance
US6677284B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10N2040/30
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A problem with refrigeration systems using ammonia as the refrigerant and hydrocarbon lubricants is that the seals/gaskets of the systems have a tendency to harden and shrink. This can cause leakage of the refrigerant and eventually require disassembly of the equipment and replacement of the seals. The addition of a small amount polyether having an aromatic fragment of 6-18 carbon atoms or an aliphatic fragment of 10-22 carbon atoms can soften the seals and partially re-swell the seals solving the leakage problem and avoiding expensive maintenance costs. Alternatively a polyether of 1,2-butylene oxide which is more oil soluble than most other polyethers with a smaller Z group e.g. derived from alkanols of 1 to 9 carbon would be effective at reducing hardening and shrinkage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.