Effects of Chemicals in Process Fluids on the Breakdown of HFC/POE Systems

摘要

The effects different chemicals identified in manufacturing process fluids have on the stability of R-134a/POE systems were studied. These chemicals include benzotriazole, ethyl-enediamine tetraacetic acid, hydroxypropyl cellulose, iron phosphate, propylene glycol, potassium hydroxide, potassium tetraborate, sodium molybdate, sodium paratoluene sulfonate, sodium trisilicate, ethoxy propenyl phenol, triethanolamine, triethanolamine borate, and zinc chloride. Many of the chemicals studied reacted with R-134a/POE, with changes in a number of properties, such as darker lubricant color, cloudiness, deposit, film formation, darker metal color, dullness, corrosion, increased total acid number, presence of dissolved metals, presence of reactive products, and/ or depletion of the reagent chemicals. The extent of reaction depends on the chemicals and their initial concentrations, the aging temperature, and the aging time. However, the decision regarding whether or not a chemical is safe to use in a refrigeration system is highly subjective and depends on the user, the application, and the equipment.