Great Lakes Chemical Corporation

John S Rubacha

Charles J Mazac

Mark L Robin

A method of improving the storage life of goods by storing the goods in an environment comprising heptafluoropropane at pressures of between about 0.1 atmospheres and about 2.0 atmospheres. Foods, pharmaceuticals, and other goods adversely affected by oxygen and/or moisture are effectively stored by the claimed method. The method is particularly effective for goods stored in plastic containers, and for goods stored in containers stoppered by rubber stoppers.

Uses of heptafluoropropane

A method for storing atmosphere sensitive product includes providing an atmosphere surrounding the product which contains at least about 5% heptafluoropropane, preferably at least about 20% heptafluoropropane. The stored products include food, pharmaceutical and chemical products, and mechanical and electrical equipment. In a particular aspect, the method includes storing the product in a closed container and providing in the headspace of the container an atmosphere containing heptafluoropropane.

A method for extinguishing hydrogen fires comprises introducing to the hydrogen fire a fire extinguishing concentration of 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane and maintaining the concentration until the fire is extinguished. The method includes heptafluoropropane at a range of 13-30% volume/volume in the air. The fire extinguishing methods also include the use of heptafluoropropane in blend with other fire extinguishing compounds. Also disclosed are atmospheres of hydrogen, an oxidizer, and a sufficient amount of 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane to render the atmosphere incapable of supporting combustion of the hydrogen, as well as related methods for preparing such atmospheres.

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West Lafayette, IN, United States of America

John S Rubacha