Societe Atochem

Didier Arnaud

Jean-Claude Tanguy

Jean C Tanguy

This invention proposes to employ a mixture of dimethyl ether and of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane as refrigerant fluids to replace chlorofluorocarbons. These compounds form an azeotrope which, at its normal boiling point (approximately -22.4.degree. C. at 1.013 bar), contains approximately 62.3 mass % of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. The mixture according to the invention can also be employed as aerosol propellant or as blowing agent for plastic foams.

Azeotropic mixtures of dimethyl ether and of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane

The invention relates to an azeotrope with a minimum boiling point, capable of being employed as a refrigerating fluid replacing trifluorobromomethane (Halon 1301) in industrial refrigeration systems at very low temperature with single-stage compression. The azeotrope according to the invention is a mixture of 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HFA 143a) and of propane (R290). At the normal boiling point (approximately -53.4.degree. C. at 1.013 bars), its 1,1,1-trifluoroethane content is approximately 70.6 mass % and that of propane 29.4 %. This azeotrope can also be employed as an aerosol propellant or as a blowing agent for plastic foams.

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Courbevoie, France

Didier Arnaud