MXPA99001355A - Alternative refrigerant including hexafluoropropylene - Google Patents

Abstract

An alternative refrigerant to chlorofluorocarbons having the properties of being nontoxic, non-corrosive, nonflammable and safer to the environment including a blend of one or more of fluorocarbons known in the industry as R-1216 and R-22 and/or R-218 and one or more of the hydrocarbons identified as C1 through C6 on the carbon chain.

Description

ALTERNATIVE REFRIGERANT REFERENCE WITH RELATED REQUESTS: This application is a partial continuation of the Application of the United States of America with serial number 08 / 694,279 filed on August 8, 1996.

DECLARATION REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT: Not applicable REFERENCE TO A "MICROFACE APPENDIX" Not applicable Background of the Invention Two of the refrigerants most commonly used for cooling (eg, air conditioning) refrigeration until recent years, were R-12 and R-22. In January 1994, the additional sale of R-12 (or chlorofluorocarbon) was halted, making it no longer available for automotive use (its largest application). The R-12 was also used with other refrigerants to achieve useful mixtures of other effective refrigerants. It was known that the refrigerant exhibited good compatibility with the oils used for the lubrication of the compressors in the refrigeration system, and played an important role in returning the refrigerant to the compressor. Another refrigerant that faced restricted use, which is to be used with low temperature refrigeration applications, such as freezers, is R-502. It is known that chlorocarbons in wide use with refrigerants, such as R-12, have long-term detrimental effects on the environment, and suitable alternatives have been vigorously sought since the detrimental effects were observed. The cumulative evidence that chlorofluorocarbons, due to their high stability, when released into the atmosphere can reach the stratosphere, an urgent scientific study of the impact on the stratosphere. The evidence now supports the proposition that, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, chlorine atoms are released and undergo a chemical reaction with ozone that occurs naturally in the stratosphere. S thinks that the observed effects of global warming are promoted by the thinning of the ozone layer that presents, at least in part, as a consequence of the chloro-ozone reaction, which makes it possible for larger amounts of ultraviolet light to arrive. to the surface of the earth. The search for alternative refrigerants for the harmful chlorofluorocarbons has been accelerated by the stoppage and manufacture in the United States of refrigerant R-12, which was the refrigerant of choice for automotive cooling systems and other portable commercial cooling systems. Alternatives, such as halocarbons, including fluorinated carbons, chlorinated carbon, and brominated carbons, are known and used as refrigerants. The most commonly used halocarbons are fluorocarbons. Halocarbons have the desirable properties of not being flammable or toxic. Hydrocarbons, and particularly those of lower molecular weights (ie, less than about 70), have also been used as refrigerants. Although they are both effective and economical, hydrocarbon refrigerants are flammable, which presents concern when the refrigerant leaks out of the system. When hydrocarbons are included as a constituent of a refrigerant, it is important that the refrigerant exhibit azeotropic or near-azeotropic properties. , such that any evaporation (loss) of the refrigerant experienced, occurs at approximately the same rate as the other constituents. Only if the constituents exhibit this character, the evaporated gas will be non-flammable. In a collateral manner, it is important that, during any experienced loss of refrigerant, the relative proportions of the constituents do not change in a preciable manner, or else the thermodynamic properties of the refrigerant may change, causing performance to deteriorate. , and maybe the equipment will be damaged. R-22, a chlorodifluoromethane, is widely used in commercial refrigeration systems; however, it has the undesirable characteristic of requiring a low suction temperature in the compressor, to avoid an elevation in the discharge temperature. To overcome this characteristic, R-22 is commonly mixed with smaller amounts of other refrigerants to produce a favorable pressure / temperature curve. A suitable commercial replacement for the environment for R-12 refrigerant is R-134A; however, although the refrigerant exhibits a pressure / temperature curve substantially similar to that of R-12, a substantial modification of the refrigeration / quenching systems is required before using the R-134A replacement. In the same way, R-134A is not compatible with R-12. The automotive systems that use R-12 include a lubricant, which is insoluble in R-134A, causing an additional incompatibility of the mixture. Upon the cessation of the sale of R-12, the refrigerant replenishment in the automotive system with R-134A required a costly retrofit to the system, to accommodate the parameters of the replacement refrigerant, and a complete purge of the system to ensure proper operation of the system. recharged system. The search for suitable substitutes for harmful chlorofluorocarbons is complicated by the limited number of simple fluorinated hydrocarbons that demonstrate the desirable refrigerant properties. Suitable fluorinated hydrocarbon mixtures could be used if the desired combination of properties could be found in a given mixture. The creation of simple mixtures also generates problems for the design and operation of refrigeration systems, since the components can segregate vapor and liquid phases. In accordance with the above, although the concentration is directed towards mixtures or azeotropic combinations, avoiding the problems of segregation, the identification or formulation of these mixtures is not predictable, particularly when the main concerns are cost, flammability, toxicity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a mixture of fluorocarbons and hydrocarbons in a homogeneous mixture which functions as a replacement refrigerant in systems designed for the above chlorofluorocarbons, without retro-fitting the system, in a manner essentially in accordance with the curv of temperature / pressure of the replaced refrigerant. The novel composition of the refrigerant of the present invention can be varied in percentages in pes of the components, to exhibit the different pressure / vapor temperature curves of other commercial refrigerants used in the existing systems, in such a way that it does not require a system retro-adjustment. Although it is known that hydrocarbons are flammable the mixture of particular hydrocarbons and / or certain fluorinated alkane with particular selected halocarbons, exhibit an almost azeotropic character, and the non-flammability and non-toxicity desirable, with the additional advantage of having a pressure / temperature curve of predictable and controllable steam in such a way that it can be adjusted to make a parallel closely approximate the pressure / temperature of a known commercial refrigerant that needs to be replaced. The refrigerant of the present invention is particularly suitable for the replacement of R-12, R-22, and R 502, with an alternative that does not deplete ozone, and can not be directly replaced in this system without the need for This is because the refrigerant can be modified to exhibit operating parameters similar to those of the refrigerant to be replaced. In the same way, the alternative refrigerant of the present invention can replace R-134A with a similar operational similarity; however, the lubricant used in that system must be replaced with mineral oil that, in the alternative refrigerant, provides excellent miscibility and lubrication of the system that requires it.

The refrigerant of the present invention provides a more universal refrigerant than those currently used in automotive and portable systems, and is compatible with large commercial systems, and can be modified, such as during installation in a system, in its mixture of ingredients, to be coupled to the vapor pressure / temperature of a variety of refrigerants, thus eliminating the need to inventory several different refrigerants modified formulations thereof. These and other advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred and alternative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention can be understood more fully by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a graph of vapor pressure / temperature, illustrating the operation of the invention in relation to the R -12. Figure 2 is a vapor pressure / temperature graph illustrating the operation of an alternative embodiment of the invention in relation to R-134A. Figure 3 is a steam pressure / temperature graph illustrating the operation of a further alternative embodiment of the invention in relation to R-12. Figure 4 is a vapor pressure / temperature graph illustrating the operation of a further alternative embodiment of the invention in relation to R-12. Figure 5 is a vapor pressure / temperature graph illustrating the operation of a further alternative embodiment of the invention in relation to R-22. Figure 6 is a vapor pressure / temperature graph illustrating the operation of a further alternative embodiment of the invention in relation to the R-502.

Description of the Preferred Modes With the elimination of R-12 refrigerant from the market, due to its harmful characteristics for the environment, it was important to re-examine the hydrocarbon as a refrigerant. It is well known that propane in pure form is a very efficient refrigerant, as well as butane. In the same way, ammonia has been widely used as a refrigerant. It is also well known that a refrigerant must be safe to handle, transport, install, and operate in the cooling or cooling system. The leakage of a system must be anticipated, making the characteristics of non-flammable and non-toxic factors important for a system that operates in a confined space. The development of the present invention was based on the principle of formulating a fluorocarbon composition, and preferably hydrocarbons, having known thermodynamic properties, and adjusting the proportions of constituent to achieve operating characteristics comparable to that of the selected refrigerants which, in The preferred modalities are R-12, R-134A, R-22, and R-502. Preferred component compositions are hexafluoropropylene (R-1216), chlorodifluoromethane (R-22), and additive amounts of one or more of the low molecular weight hydrocarbons known as d 1 to 6 carbon atoms (ie methane, ethane). , propane butane, isobutane, hexane, and ethylene). The hexafluoropropylene is present in a weight percentage preferably from about 70 percent to about 95 percent. Chlorodifluoromethane is present in a weight percentage preferably of about 5 percent, about 25 percent. The hydrocarbon is present in a weight percentage preferably from about 1 percent to about 10 percent. It has also been found that certain fluorinated alkanes, such as octafluoropropane and decafluorobutane, although they are very expensive refrigerants, can be conveniently included. with hexafluoropropylene. The composition of the present invention of essentially R-1216, R-22, and hydrocarbons of 1 to 6 carbon atoms provides some very important attributes in addition to the extremely efficient thermodynamic properties. Although all low molecular weight hydrocarbons have extremely good thermodynamic characteristics, and can be used in the present invention to produce the desired vapor pressure / temperature curve, to closely match the refrigerant to be replaced, propane is a preferred component when hydrocarbons are to be combined. Any hydrocarbon in the chain of 1 to 6 carbon atoms can be used to produce the desired pressure / vapor temperature curve when mixed with R-1216 and R-22.; however, propane (R-290) is preferred, because it is readily available and economical in comparison, and the use of a single component makes the manufacturing process less expensive and provides a desired fine product that is extremely efficient , non-toxic, n flammable, suitable for the environment, and a safe alternative for R-12, R-134A, R-22, and R-502. As it is known, the R-290 is a flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant that facilitates the lubrication in the system, so that it flows freely to the compressor. It is necessary that the lubrication of the compressor completes the refrigeration cycle and returns to the compressor as quickly as possible, in order to preclude a failure due to lack of lubrication. The R-29 helps the lubricant to remain fluid during the cooling cycle. Because R-290 is a flammable hydrocarbon, non-flammable components that suppress flammability are added to the refrigerant mixture. The addition of R-22 serves that purpose. Being known as a superior flame suppressor, it is frequently used in aircraft fire extinguishers. The boiling points of R-22 and R-290 are sufficiently close to the selected temperature scale, such that they are in the liquid or vapor phase on their operational scale in the present composition. In the same way, R-1216 is not flammable, and is the main constituent of the present invention, being selected due to its thermodynamic properties, its property for the environment, and its global security similarly good as a material. Collectively, the constituents provide an almost azeotropic refrigerant. One of the alternative refrigerant formulations of the present invention exhibiting the thermodynamic properties of R-12 is composed of about 80 percent, about 95 percent hexafluoropropylene; d about 4 percent to about 10 percent chlorodifluoromethane, and from about 1 percent to about 10 percent propane. L Figure 1 illustrates the pressure / temperature curve of this refrigerant (identified as MT-31) with the solid line. S will observe, when examining the curve, that the profile extends from -30 ° C to approximately 100 ° C, at pressures d approximately 0 kg / cm2 to approximately 10.5 kg / cm. Further examination of the Figure discloses that the pressure / temperature profile of the MT-31 makes a close parallel to that for R-12, as indicated by the dashed line of the Figure. The mixture of ingredients for the refrigerant whose pressure / temperature curve is illustrated, was about 90 weight percent R-1216, about 6 weight percent R-22, and about 4 weight percent. by weight of R-290. Referring now to Figure 2, it will be seen that, as with the profile of R-12 of Figure 1, the pressure / temperature profile for the alternative refrigerant of the present invention makes a close parallel to that of R 134A, indicated by the dotted line of Figure 2 on the same general scales as Figure 1. It should be noted that the pressure / vapor temperature curves for R-12 and R 134A are essentially identical. The ingredient mixture for the refrigerant whose pressure / temperature curve is illustrated, was about 90 weight percent R 1216, about 8 weight percent R-22, and about 2 weight percent of R-290. It should be noted that the pressure / vapor temperature curve of alternative refrigerant MT-31 illustrated in Figure 1 changed imperceptibly from that of Figure 2, although the percentages by weight of R-22 and R-290 are substantially varied, illustrating the stability of the curve of the MT-31 refrigerant to the variations of these magnitudes. Referring now to Figure 3, an additional modality of the alternative refrigerant MT-31 with the R-12 is compared., by including the pressure / vapor temperature curve for a mixture of components of approximately 85 percent by weight of R-1216, approximately 8 percent by weight of R-22, and approximately 7 percent e weight of R-290. It should be noted that, even with the slight changes of the curves in the upper half of the scale, the curves of the lower half of the scale remain essentially unchanged. This mixture further illustrates the ability to controllably adjust the upper portion of the curve to match a desired property of the refrigerant. Alternative embodiments of the invention, which illustrate the use of other hydrocarbons of 1 to 6 carbon atom in a mixture to replace R-12 and R-134 are: a mixture of about 92 weight percent d R-1216, about 2 weight percent R-22, about 6 weight percent isobutane, and a mixture of about 87 weight percent R-1216 about 5 weight percent R -22, about 3 weight percent ethane, about 1 weight percent hexane, and about 4 weight percent methane. These alternative embodiments exhibit pressure / vapor temperature curve very similar to the curves of M-31 of Figure 1. Referring now to Figure 4, the pressure / temperature curve for the alternative refrigerant MT-31 is illustrated, wherein the proportions of constituents are mixed in such a way that the thermodynamic properties of the refrigerant approximate those of the R-22 refrigerant. The composition of MT-31 to replace R-22 is composed of approximately 73 percent hexafluoropropylene (R 1216); approximately 23 percent chlorodifluoromethane (R-22), and approximately 4 percent propane (R-290). Figure 4 illustrates the pressure / temperature curve of this refrigerant, identified with a solid line, and of R-22 with a dotted line. It will be observed, upon examining the curve, that the profile extends from about -30 ° C to about 100 ° C, at pressures of about 0 kg / cm2 about 10.5 kg / cm. A further examination of Figur 4 discloses that the pressure / temperature profile of the MT-3 is closely parallel to that for the R-22. Figure 5 illustrates the pressure / vapor temperature curve for the alternative mode of refrigerant MT-31, adjusted further in its composition, demonstrating control over the upper half of the curve, in order to "fine-tune" the curve, to closely approximate the pressure / vapor temperature curve of a refrigerant to be replaced. By increasing the weight percent of R 1216 to about 80 percent by weight, the decrease of R-22 to about 18 percent, the reduction of R-290 to about 2 percent by weight, the The upper end of the curve, in such a way as to illustrate a generally lower increase in pressure, with a continuous increase in temperature, where the variation of the pressure / vapor temperature curve of the composition of Figure 2 shows an increase general in the pressure as the temperature increases; however, the peak of both curves appears in the same approximate point. Alternative embodiments of the invention, which illustrate the use of another of the hydrocarbons of 1 to 6 carbon atoms in a mixture to replace R-22, are a mixture of about 90 weight percent R-1216, approx. about 4 weight percent R-22, about 2 weight percent butane, and about 4 weight percent isobutane; and a mixture of about 84 weight percent R-1216, about 10 weight percent R-22, about 4 weight percent butane, and about 2 weight percent isobutane. These alternative embodiments exhibit pressure / vapor temperature curves very similar to the curves of M 31 of Figure 4. It is this recognized ability to adjust the upper portions of the vapor pressure / temperature curves of the alternative refrigerant of the present invention, l that allows coupling its vapor pressure / temperature curve with that of a selected refrigerant that may exhibit less favorable properties, such as flammability toxicity, and corrosivity. The non-flammability stability of the alternative refrigerant of the present invention was examined by gradually venting 60 percent (percent by weight) of the composition from a system. During ventilation, with the system temperature maintained at approximately 25 ° C, the vapor pressure of the component mixture varied less than percent from the initial value. This verified the stability of the refrigerant as non-flammable during the ventilation since the proportions of the components (by percentage and weight) were essentially constant. The n-flammability characteristic of the present invention is believed to be due to close coupling of the boiling point of R-22 and R 290, both included in substantially smaller amounts than R-1216, but in approximately equal amounts one pair the other, in such a way that they remain in a generally constant proportion (in a mixture of a particular modality) if they evaporate due to a leak. In the same way, and which are minor constituents of the particular mixture modality, the pressure / vapor temperature curve of the modality varies only slightly as it varies in concentration (decreases) from that of R-1216, which remains generally without changes. This feature also ensures that thermodynamic performance (including efficiency) remains relatively constant during evaporation of the refrigerant. These characteristics indicate that the alternative refrigerant of the present invention is a safe and effective replacement for the R-12 systems., R-134A, R-2 and R-502, which must be reloaded with an alternativ for the original coolant. Additional advantages of the present invention were discovered under the test of the use of the refrigerant in a system. It is well recognized in the field of refrigeration that the suction (low side) and discharge temperature (high side) of the refrigeration compressor is critical to the efficiency (capacity) of the system. The refrigerant of the present invention, when loaded in a system designed to use any of the R-12, R-134A, R-22, and R-502, reduces the suction temperature (low side) of the compressor on 10 p. one hundred or more, and reduces the discharge (high side) by 15 percent more. Those who are familiar with the principles of refrigeration will recognize that the reduction of the suction and discharge temperatures reflects the greater possibility of compression of the refrigerant of the present invention. The reduction of these temperatures illustrates the lower amount of energy needed to operate the cooling cycle and the gain and efficiency / capacity. Consequently, not only does it provide a refrigerant that is ultimately less toxic than it degrades to the environment, but it also provides better operating parameters for the system. As is recognized, the alternative refrigerants described above for R-12 and R-22 include hexafluoro propylene (R-1216) as the primary component. As described previously, R-22 is added to the hexafluoropropyne to improve the thermodynamic capacity exhibited by refrigerant, and to make its temperature / pressure curve closely match those of R-12 and R-22, so that The alternative refrigerant operates in the selected system in a manner consistent with the replaced refrigerant. 'In the same way, a hydrocarbon is incorporated to help improve global thermodynamic functioning. Both R-22 (chlorodifluoromethane) and hydrocarbon have disadvantages for use as a long-term refrigerant. The R-22 is not as suitable for the environment as numerous other refrigerants are available, and is scheduled for an arrest in 2010 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. In time, all the compounds that incorporate any amount of the component will have to be removed from the market. As mentioned earlier, it is known that hydrocarbons are flammable substances. Although in the present uses they are incorporated in small percentages and form an azeotropic compound, so that they are considered as a non-flammable mixture, some users prefer hydrocarbon-free refrigerants. An alternative embodiment for the above-described hexafluoropropylene-based refrigerant exhibits thermodynamic properties similar to R-12, R-22, and R-502. In order to reduce or eliminate the less desirable constituent R-22 for the alternative refrigerant environment of the present invention, a fluorinated alkane may be included. The fluorinated alkane, preferably octafluoropropane or decafluoro butane, can be used to substitute chlorodifluoromethane in approximately the same proportion in the refrigerant, ie, on a scale of about 5 percent, approximately 25 percent, or in mixtures with it. . S recognizes that fluorinated alkanes are currently extremely expensive refrigerants, so that most users wish to use as little of the alkane as necessary to provide the desired thermodynamic properties. In the present invention, both the fluorinated alkane and chlorodifluoromethane improve the thermodynamic properties of hexafluoropropylene in about the same proportion. If total replacement with an alkane is desired for R-22, it may be appropriate to increase the range of fluorinated alkane to approximately 30 percent or more. If a smaller amount of hydrocarbon is included as in the previous examples, the beneficial thermodynamic properties of the hydrocarbon will make it possible for it to be replaced by some fluorinated alkane, with from about 1 percent to about 10 percent by weight of the refrigerant; however, it is usually on the 1 to 2 percent scale. Examples of the alternative hexafluoropropylene based refrigerant, which shows variations in the amount of the R-22 component by the inclusion of a fluorinated alkane, with and without hydrocarbon, are as follows: Substitute of R-12 Hexafluoropropylene 80 75 90 92 2 Chlorodifluoromethane 18 10 Decafluorobutane Octafluoropropane 15 10 hydrocarbon Substitute of R-22 Hexafluoropropylene 40 60 50 70 Chlorodifluoromethane 40 10 25 Decafluorobutane 10 10 Octafluoropropane 15 20 40 3 4. Hydrocarbon 5 2 In refrigerant applications requiring a low temperature, such as freezers In demand, fast ice cream makers, operations on the outside or on the road as in the truck or railroad loading, the thermodynamic properties of the alternative refrigerant of the present invention can be modified to couple with those of the R-502, the commercial standard for this applications. In the present invention, the amount of the R-22 component is increased to be on the scale from about 40 percent to about 70 percent by weight, and the hexafluoropropylene is decreased from about 30 percent to about 60 percent by weight. percent by weight, the specific amounts being adjusted slightly to accommodate from about 1 percent to about 10 percent (preferably about 2 percent) of the hydrocarbon. In a preferred composition that provides a temperature / pressure curve approaching that of R-502, the composition consists essentially of hexafluoropropylene at about 38 percent, chlorodifluoromethane at about 60 percent, and hydrocarbon about 2 percent. percent, all by weight. As with the alternative refrigerants described above, hexafluoropropylene and a fluorinated alkanone, such as decafluorobutane and octafluoropropane, can combine and can provide remarkable performance compatibility as a replacement for the low temperature applications of R-502. In general, the alternative modality of the invention to be used in replacement of R 502, and which includes fluorinated alkane, includes hexafluoropropyl in the range of about 40 percent to 70 percent by weight. weight, and the fluorinated alkane on the scale of about 60 percent to 30 percent by weight. It can include hydrocarbons with fluorinated alkanes, in the 0 to 10 percent scale that is included in the fluorinated alkaline scale. The following diagram illustrates several provide alternatives to the components that provide this operation, showing the versatility of the invention as a refrigerant. As with the compositions described above, the mixture of R-22 and hydrocarbons contributes to improving the thermodynamic properties of the refrigerant, and to reducing cost, with the known inconvenient properties of a character less favorable to the environment and of inflammation, respectively .

Substitute of R-502 Hexafluoropropylene 38 58 60 60 Chlorodifluoromethane 60 30 Decafluorobutane Octafluoropropane 10 3 0 4 hydrocarbon 2 10 4 0 In the same way, it is well known in the refrigeration technique that the discharge pressure of the refrigerant towards the coils impacts the Coolant temperature enters the condenser. The excessive temperature of a larger portion of the condenser coils must be reduced to reduce the temperature, and smaller portions for the desired cooling of the system, dramatically lowering both the efficiency and the system capacity. Reducing the temperature of the high-side coolant reduces the amount of condenser dedicated to cooling the coolant, and allows more condenser to impact the cooling of the medium (air in an air conditioner). The alternative refrigerants given to know improve the operation of the same systems when loaded with R-12, R-134A, R-22, and R-502. As may be seen by the persons skilled in the art, various modifications, adaptations, and additional variations of the above-mentioned specific embodiments may be made, without departing from the objects and scope of the present invention.

Claims (15)

1. A non-flammable refrigerant to be used for replacing a chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant, where the pressure / vapor temperature curve of the composition can be varied by adjusting the mixture of the ingredients of the composition, to approximate the pressure curve / Chlorofluorocarbon vapor temperature, which consists essentially of: (i) one or more hydrocarbons selected from the group consisting of methane, ethane, propane, butane, isobutane, hexane, and ethylene, in an amount of about 1 per cent. one hundred to about 10 percent by weight; (ii) chlorodifluoromethane in an amount of about 5 percent to about 25 percent by weight, and (iii) the hexafluoropropylene residue being.

2. The non-flammable refrigerant composition according to claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon is predominantly propane.

3. The non-flammable refrigerant composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a substitute for refrigerant R-12 or R-134A, and consists essentially of: (i) hexafluoropropylene in an amount of about 85 percent at about 92 weight percent; (ii) chlorodifluoromethane in an amount of about 5 percent to about 8 percent by weight; and (iii) hydrocarbon in an amount of about 2 percent to about 7 percent by weight.

4. The non-flammable refrigerant composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a substitute for the refrigerant R-22, and consists essentially of: (i) chlorodifluoromethane in an amount of about 4 percent to about 23 percent by weight; (ii) hydrocarbon in an amount from about 2 percent to about 6 percent by weight; and (iii) the hexafluoropropylene residue being.

5. The non-flammable refrigerant composition according to claim 4, wherein the hydrocarbon is predominantly propane.

6. A non-flammable refrigerant to be used for replacing a chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant, where the pressure / vapor temperature curve of the composition can vary by adjusting the mixture of the ingredients of the composition to approximate the pressure curve / vapor temperature of the chlorofluorocarbon, the cua consists essentially of: (i) one or more hydrocarbons selected from the group consisting of methane, ethane, propane butane, isobutane, hexane, and ethylene, in an amount of approximately 1 percent to about 10 percent by weight; (ii) a fluorinated alkane in an amount from about 5 percent to about 65 percent by weight; and (iii) the hexafluoropropylene residue being.

7. The non-flammable refrigerant composition according to claim 6, wherein the alkane is selected from the group of decafluorobutane and octafluoropropa no.

8. The non-flammable refrigerant composition according to claim 6, wherein the composition is a substitute for refrigerant R-12 or R-134A, and consists essentially of: (i) hexafluoropropylene in an amount of about 75 percent at about 95 weight percent; (ii) a fluorinated alkane in an amount of about 5 percent to about 25 percent by weight; (iii) a hydrocarbon in an amount of about 0 percent to about 10 percent by weight.

9. The non-flammable refrigerant composition according to claim 8, wherein the composition includes chlorodifluoromethane in an amount of about 5 percent to about 25 percent.

10. The non-flammable refrigerant composition according to claim 6, wherein the composition is a substitute for R-22 refrigerant, and consists essentially of: (i) hexafluoropropylene in an amount of about 40 percent to about 75 percent by weight; (ii) a fluorinated alkane in an amount of about 5 percent to about 60 percent by weight; (iii) a hydrocarbon in an amount of about 0 percent to about 10 percent by weight.

11. The non-flammable refrigerant composition according to claim 10, wherein the composition includes chlorodifluoromethane in an amount of about 5 percent to about 25 percent.

12. A non-flammable refrigerant to be used for replacing a chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant, where the pressure / vapor temperature curve of the composition can be varied by adjusting the mixture of the ingredients of the composition, to approximate the curve of pressure / vapor temperature of chlorofluorocarbon, which consists essentially of: (i) one or more hydrocarbons selected from the group consisting of methane, ethane, propane butane, isobutane, hexane, and ethylene, in an amount of about 1 percent to about 10 percent by weight; (ii) chlorodifluoromethane in an amount of about 30 percent to about 70 percent by weight; and (iii) the hexafluoropropylene residue being. The non-flammable refrigerant composition according to claim 12, wherein the composition is a substitute for the R-502 refrigerant, and consists essentially of: (i) chlorodifluoromethane in an amount of about 55 percent to about 65 percent in weight; (ii) hydrocarbon in an amount of about 1 percent to about 3 percent by weight; and (iii) the hexafluoropropylene residue being. 14. The non-flammable refrigerant composition according to claim 6, wherein the composition is a substitute for the R-502 refrigerant, and consists essentially of: (i) hexafluoropropylene in an amount of about 30 percent to about 60 percent in weight; (ii) a fluorinated alkane in an amount of about 10 percent to about 60 percent by weight; (iii) a hydrocarbon in an amount of about 0 percent to about 10 percent by weight. 15. The non-flammable refrigerant composition according to claim 14, wherein the composition includes chlorodifluoromethane in an amount of about 30 percent to about 60 percent.