Refrigerant composition containing hydrofluoropropene with low-global warming potential

Abstract

The present invention provides a stabilized refrigerant composition containing a hydrofluoropropene with low global warming potential (GWP) that can remain stable even in the presence of air (oxygen) for a long period of time. More specifically, the present invention provides a refrigerant composition containing a hydrofluoropropene and a stabilizer. The stabilizer is at least one member selected from the group consisting of alkylcatechols, alkoxyphenols, benzoquinones, phenothiazines, and phthalates.

1 . A refrigerant composition comprising a hydrofluoropropene and a stabilizer, the stabilizer being at least one member selected from the group consisting of alkylcatechols, alkoxyphenols, benzoquinones, phenothiazines, and phthalates. 
     
     
         2 . The refrigerant composition according to  claim 1  wherein the hydrofluoropropene is at least one member selected from the group consisting of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf), (Z- or E-)1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze), (Z- or E-)1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene (HFO-1225ye), (Z- or E-)1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene (HFO-1225zc), and (Z- or E-)3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFO-1243zf). 
     
     
         3 . The refrigerant composition according to  claim 1  comprising the stabilizer in an amount of 0.1 to 5.0 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the hydrofluoropropene. 
     
     
         4 . The refrigerant composition according to  claim 1  further comprising a lubricant. 
     
     
         5 . The refrigerant composition according to  claim 4  wherein the lubricant comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene glycols, polyol esters, and polyvinyl ethers, and has a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 5 to 400 cSt. 
     
     
         6 . The refrigerant composition according to  claim 1  wherein the refrigerant composition is used for at least one member selected from the group consisting of refrigeration systems, refrigerators, mobile air conditioners, coolers (chillers), container freezers, domestic air conditioners, air conditioners for business use, and vapor compression heat pumps such as hot-water supply systems. 
     
     
         7 . A method for stabilizing a refrigerant composition containing a hydrofluoropropene, the method comprising adding to the refrigerant composition at least one member selected from the group consisting of alkylcatechols, alkoxyphenols, benzoquinones, phenothiazines, and phthalates. 
     
     
         8 . A method for evaluating a refrigerant composition comprising a hydrofluoropropene and a stabilizer, the method comprising heat-treating the refrigerant composition in the presence or absence of oxygen in an airtight container, and determining the acid content of the refrigerant composition after the treatment. 
     
     
         9 . A method for evaluating a refrigerant composition comprising hydrofluoropropene, a lubricant, and a stabilizer, the method comprising heat-treating the refrigerant composition in the presence or absence of oxygen in an airtight container, and then determining the acid content of the refrigerant composition, and/or the total acid value of the lubricant contained in the heat-treated refrigerant composition.