MAUFACTURE OF

1,1,1,2 TETRAFLUOROETHANE

ABSTRACT

R134a is also known as Tetrafluoroethane (CF3CH2F) from the family

of HFC refrigerant. With the discovery of the damaging effect of CFCs
and HCFCs refrigerants to the ozone layer, the HFC family of
refrigerant has been widely used as their replacement.It is now being
used as a replacement for R-12 CFC refrigerant in the area of
centrifugal, rotary screw, scroll and reciprocating compresssors. It is
safe for normal handling as it is non-toxic, non-flammable and non-
corrosive.Currently it is also being widely used in the air conditioning
system in newer automotive vehicles. The manufacturing industry use
it in plastic foam blowing. Pharmaceuticals industry use it as a
propellant.It exists in gas form when expose to the environment as the
boiling temperature is -14.9°F or -26.1°C.This refrigerant is not 100%
compatible with the lubricants and mineral-based refrigerant currently
used in R-12. Design changes to the condenser and evaporator need to
be done to use this refrigerant. The use of smaller hoses and 30%
increase in control pressure regulations also have to be done to the
system.This project focuses on the manufacturing of 1,1,1,2
Tetrafluoroethane
 LIST OF SYMBOLS
SYMBOLS DEFINITIONS
X Conversion
Gs Gas flow rate
Ls Liquid flow rate
D Distillate
W Residue
F Feed
xD Fraction of distillate
xF Fraction of feed
xW Fraction of residue
Qin Heat input
Qout Heat output
M Mass of substance
Cp Specific heat
∆T Temperature difference
Nt Number of tubes
Pt Pitch
Di Internal diameter
Do External diameter
T Thickness
J Joint efficiency
R Universal gas constant
V Volume
n Number of moles
 Ρ Density

TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER
TITLE PAGE NO.
NO.
Abstract i
List of tables ii
List of figures iii
List of symbols iv
1. Introduction
Physical and Chemical Properties
Applications
3. Material Balance
Preheater
Reactor
Vapourizer
Reactor
Distillation column
4. Energy Balance
Preheater
Reactor
Vapourizer
Reactor
Distillation column
5. Design of equipment
Preheater
Reactor
Vapourizer
 Distillation column
6. Cost Estimation
7. Plant Layout
8. Conclusion
9. Reference

Introduction

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have replaced the chlo-rofluorocarbons (CFCs)

in applications as for instance refrigeration and air-conditioning. CFCs are
stable com-pounds that deplete stratospheric ozone . As a result of international
agreements (The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
the use of CFCs has been restricted. HFCs contain no chlorine and hence, they
have no potential to deplete the ozone layer . Also, their C–H bonds make them
more prone to be degraded in the atmosphere

In 1998, when substitution of CFCs was in progress, some Swedish

refrigeration mechanics reported symp-toms like headache and pain in their
joints . mechanics are moderately exposed to refrigerants at work. In spite of
that, peak exposures may occur, especially during evacuation of cooling
systems and drainage and refilling of compressor oils (Gjølstad et al., 2003;
Hagberg and Lillienberg, 1999). In a cross-sectional questionnaire study, an
increased incidence of asthma, pain in joints and influenza-like symptoms were
observed among persons occupationally exposed to refrigerants (Ahlborg et al.,
1999). Mineral oils were used for greasing the compressors in the old CFC
systems, whereas ester oils are used in the present HFC systems (Hagberg and
Lillienberg, 1999). Exposure to mineral oil was shown to be related to swollen
joints in a nested case–control study of refrigeration mechanics (Lillienberg et
al., 2002). A recent case–control study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and
randomly selected controls observed a relation between exposure to mineral oils
and rheumatoid arthritis

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) is a common CFC replacement, which

was developed as an alter-native to CFC-12. It is primarily used as coolant in
refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, as propellant in metered dose
inhalers, in fire extinguishing, and in foam blowing (ECETOC, 1995). HFC-
134a is a non-flammable gas at room temperature. In cooling applica-tions it is
used either separately (R134a) or in blends (e.g. with trifluoroethane and
pentafluoroethane in R404).

The acute and chronic toxicities of HFC-134a in ani-mal studies are low
(ECETOC, 1995). The NOEL has been estimated to 49,500 ppm and its critical
effect, based on animal data, is cardiac sensitization in dogs (Lundberg, 1995).
No effects on pulse rate, blood pres-sure, cardiac rhythm or lung function were
seen in humans after 1 h exposure at up to 8000 ppm (Emmen et al., 2000) or
after up to four single breath inhalations of 40,000 ppm HFC-134a (Denyer et
al., 1994).This project deals with the manufacturing of R134a and the material
balance , energy balance, equipment design ,cost estimation, plant layout.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Formula : C2H2F4

Molecular weight : 102.032 g/mol

Appearance : colorless gas

Solubility in water : 0.15 wt%

Density : 0.00425 g/cm3
Boiling Point : -26.3 0C (-15 0F)
Melting Point : -103.3 0C (-153.9 0F)
Critical Pressure : 4060 k pa
Critical Temperature : 213.9 0F (101.1 0C )
Flash Point : 109.4 0F
Refractive Index : 1.407
Critical Density : 513.3 kg/m3
Critical volume : 0.031 ft3/ lb
Heat Capacity : 0.339 kcal/kg or Btu/ (lb)
Autoignition Temperature : 770 0C

Applications

Refrigeration

 Automobile A/C
 Home/commercial A/C
 Industrial plant cooling and processing
 Home refrigerators and freezers
 Refrigerated transport
 Used for gas chromatography
 Used for liquid chromatography
 1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane is also being considered as an alternative to
sulphur hexafluoride
 Wine cork removers
 Propellent for aircraft

PLANT LAYOUT

One of the important parts of the final planning of a plant construction is

the plant location and layout. If the plant is not located in the most economically
favourable position the competitive advantage of the process can be wiped out.
The best location is decided taking into account of a number of factors. Some of
the most important factors that determine the location are as follows.

RAW MATERIALS SUPPLY

Quite often is the primary factor in the location. Thus petrochemical plants
invariably located near refineries or other sources of hydrocarbons.

MARKETS AND TRANSPORTATION

This is the another factor and favourable location for the plant should be
at a place that has competing railroad, highways and waterways in order that
competition will help to maintain low rates and gives better services.

The question of markets assumes a great importance for intermediate and

smaller industries and if they are located in a place where a good market is
available for the product it will help in reduction of selling expenses and quick
disposal of finished products.

POWER AND FUEL

These are taken into account in case of constructing a plant for

manufacturing any product. Power is the inevitable factor for all, which is
mainly obtained from coal and water. The location should be such that these
requirements are easily available or met.

UTILITIES

The location should be such that the sufficient water for the industry is
available. Also the waste disposal facilities should be adequately available.

CLIMATE

Excessive cold, deep snows, torrid heat and humidity are all unfavourable
conditions and these are also considered for the location of a plant.

LABOUR
 Before locating an industry in any particular locality, careful study of the
supply of available labour must be made. Factors to be considered for the labour
studies are supply, kind, diversity, wage, sales, efficiency etc.,

Thus based on the above considerations it can be said that a good location
for the plant manufacturing maleic anhydride would be a place nearer to
petroleum refinery with ample water, transportation and other facilities.

PLANT LAYOUT CONSIDERATIONS

The arrangement of equipment and facilities specified from the process

flow sheet considerations is necessary requirements for accurate pre-
construction, cost estimating and future design involving piping, structural,
electrical facilities. The layout is decided on the basis of the following
requirements.

Storage tank for Trichloroethylene, hydrogen fluoride and amyl 1,1,1,2

tetrafluoroethane are provided at extreme of plant area.

A steam generation unit and water treatment plants are required

A workshop and fire station are provided.

Roads are provided for transportation of materials.

Administrative office, canteen and dispensary are located outside processing

area.

Sample provision is made for future expansion.

Waste disposal facilities are suitably provided.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Bulk Delivery and Storage

– Tanks normally be evacuated at the start of filling and never be filled while under positive air
pressure.
– Tank pressure should never be allowed to exceed the tank manufacturer’s maximum allowable
working pressure when filling with R134a . Relief devices on either the tanks or the R 134a supply
system should be present and in good operating condition.
– Tank pressures should be monitored routinely.

– Air lines should never be connected to storage tanks

Storage

Keep away from heat and flame. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not store in direct sunlight.

REFERENCE

1. M. Guptha Rao & Marshall , 3rdedition, Dryden’s outline of chemical

technology, east west press pvt ltd (1997)

2. George T.Austin, 5thedition , shreve’s chemical process industries, Mcgraw

hill education

3. Coulson & Richardson’s,6thedition, Chemical engineering design, Butter

worth heinement ltd

4. Dr.S.D.Dawande ,volume 1,7thedition,process equipment design, Denett &

co

5. Bi –Bhatt &Siri vora 3rdedition,stoichiometry,Mcgraw hill education

6. Robert H Perry’s chemical engineering hand book,Mcgraw hill education

7. Max S. peter’s ,4th edition ,plant design and economic for chemical
engineers, Mcgraw hill education 8. Patent number US-7090818,free patent
online,2006 US patent
8 . C P Arora's ,3rd edition , Refrigeration and air conditioning,Mcgraw
hill education