Hydrofluoroolefins

Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) are unsaturated organic compounds composed of hydrogen, fluorine and carbon. These organofluorides are used as refrigerants in household and car Air Conditioning (AC) systems. HFO refrigerants are categorized as having zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and low GWP (Global-Warming Potential) and so offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) and HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons).
They are unsaturated, meaning that they have at least one double bond. Such molecules are named olefins or alkenes. HFOs has become the most used name to refer refrigerants with carbon-carbon double bond.
HFOs are relatively stable compounds, but are more reactive than HFCs due to the reactivity of the carbon–carbon bond. This reduces their global warming potential and therefore became favorable property in light of increasing concerns on climate change.
HFOs are being developed as "fourth generation" refrigerants with 0.1% of the global-warming potential of HFCs. HFOs currently in use include 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf) and 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze). 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFO-1233zd) is also under development.

Manufacturing of hydrofluoroolefins

Typical methods for producing HFOs start from ethylene and methane. Ethylene and methane are selectively chlorinated (or oxychlorinated) and/or fluorinated (or oxyfluorinated) to produce chlorofluoroethene (e.g. CCIF=CF2) and chlorofluoromethane (e.g. CH2CIF). Metallic chlorides or metallic fluorides are involved as catalysts.
The processes involve reacting chlorofluoroethene with chlorofluoromethane to form (chloro)fluoropropanes in an addition reaction zone in the presence of an aluminum halide.
The processes involve dehydrofluorination (removal of HF) upon heating in the presence of a catalyst (usually aluminium based) to form the HFOs.

GAB Neumann’s process equipment

The production of hydrofluoroolefins involves the use and processing (absorption, desorption, concentration) of large amounts of hydrofluoric acid and hydrochloric acid to a lower extend. GAB Neumann offers graphite annular groove heat exchangers, graphite heaters, graphite coolers, graphite block heat exchangers, graphite absorbers, graphite evaporators, as well as fractioning graphite columns and silicon carbide plate heat exchangers, silicon carbide block heat exchangers, and silicon carbide shell & tube heat exchangers to hydrofluoroolefins producers. GAB Neumann also offers acid recovery units and dry acid generation units to the hydrofluoroolefins producers.

Associated products:

Impervious graphite annular groove interchangers

Impervious graphite annular groove heavy-duty condensers

Impervious graphite annular groove partial condensers

Impervious graphite block heat exchangers

Impervious graphite annular groove isothermal absorbers

Impervious graphite columns

Hydrochloric acid recovery units

Silicon carbide shell and tube heat exchangers

Silicon carbide block heat exchangers

Silicon carbide plate heat exchangers