Compositions comprising a fluoroolefin

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems wherein the composition comprises a fluoroolefin and at least one other component. The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat, as heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and fire suppression and fire extinguishing agents.

1 - 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . A composition comprising a refrigerant consisting essentially of trans-HFC-1234ze and HFC-32 and optionally HFC-134a or HFC-152a, wherein the composition comprises from about 20 to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 6  containing from about 40 to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 6  containing from about 50 to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 6  comprising a refrigerant consisting essentially of trans-HFC-1234ze, HFC-32, and HFC-134a. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 6  comprising a refrigerant consisting essentially of trans-HFC-1234ze, HFC-32, and HFC-152a. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 6 , further comprising a lubricant selected from the group consisting of polyol esters, polyalkylene glycols, polyvinyl ethers, mineral oil, alkylbenzenes, synthetic paraffins, synthetic napthenes, and poly(alpha)olefins. 
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 6 , further comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of tracers, UV dyes, compatibilizers, solubilizing agents, corrosion and oxidation inhibitors, stabilizers, water scavengers and odor masking agents. 
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein said stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of nitromethane, hindered phenols, hydroxylamines, thiols, phosphites, and lactones. 
     
     
         14 . A method of producing cooling, said method comprising: evaporating the composition of  claim 6  in the vicinity of a body to be cooled and thereafter condensing said composition. 
     
     
         15 . A method of producing heat, said method comprising: condensing said composition of  claim 6  in the vicinity of a body to be heated and thereafter evaporating said composition. 
     
     
         16 . A method for replacing a high GWP refrigerant in a refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said high GWP refrigerant is selected from the group consisting of R134a, R22, R410A, R4070, R507A and R404A, said method comprising providing the composition of  claim 6  to said refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus that uses, used or is designed to use said high GWP refrigerant. 
     
     
         17 . A method of using the composition of  claim 6  as a heat transfer fluid composition, said process comprising transporting said composition from a heat source to a heat sink. 
     
     
         18 . A refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus containing a composition of  claim 6 . 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18  comprising a refrigeration apparatus. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 18  comprising an air conditioning apparatus. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 18  comprising a chiller. 
     
     
         22 . A process for producing aerosol products comprising the step of adding a composition of  claim 6  to active ingredients in an aerosol container, wherein said composition functions as a propellant. 
     
     
         23 . A method of forming a foam comprising:
 a. adding to a foamable composition the composition of  claim 6 ; and   b. reacting the foamable composition under conditions effective to form a foam.