Foaming technology of Cyclopentane polyurethane rigid PU foam
Cyclopentane, as a foaming agent and solvent, has brought many conveniences to our life. Cyclopentane can replace freon and be widely used in refrigerators, insulation materials for freezers and foaming agents for hard PU foam. It can also be used as a solvent for solution polymerization such as polyisoprene rubber and a solvent for cellulose ether. Cyclopentane, as a blowing agent in Polyurethane (PU) foams, is the most important raw material for high-performance insulation in refrigerators. It allows for a high energy efficiency, CO2 reduction and cost savings. At the same time, Cyclopentanes enable a particularly thin insulation for maximum volume utilisation.
Foaming technology is common in every refrigerator, and foaming materials are also very important, which are reflected in heat preservation, noise reduction, more constant box temperature and faster freezing time. There are only four kinds of foaming material technologies used in a refrigerator. The first is monochloroethane, which is the most primitive foaming process. Up to now, it can also be said to be a relatively backward foaming process. The thermal insulation performance of this foaming material is actually good. But there are two obvious shortcomings. One pollutes the atmosphere, the other is easy to crack. Therefore, internationally, the Montreal agreement clearly requires developed countries to completely ban it in 2010. Developing countries are allowed to use it until 2040. Our country has made it clear that the total phase out will be completed ten years ahead of schedule by 2030.
The second kind of Cyclopentane foaming, as a second-generation foaming technology, is used to replace monofluorodichloroethane, which is very good in environmental protection and is not easy to crack.
The third is 245fa mixed foaming agent, which initially aims to solve the problem of the lack of thermal insulation performance of cyclopentane foaming technology, and makes a balance between thermal insulation performance and environmental protection, which belongs to a transitional stage.
The fourth is HFO foaming agent, which is excellent in thermal insulation and environmental protection, and is not easy to crack. It is a luxury to use in refrigerators.
Cyclopentane is commonly used in household appliance foaming materials, and the GWP value of cyclopentane is very small. Halogen free, short life in the atmosphere, easy to decompose safely, and will not destroy the ozone layer. The thermal conductivity of gas phase is small. It can meet the technical requirements of most household appliances for thermal insulation performance.
Cyclopentane is flammable and explosive, with an explosion limit of (1.4-8.0)%. It is listed as a class a class B fire-fighting object in fire fighting. Cyclopentane is also a volatile organic compound, with a volatile amount of 8.5kg/m per hour, with a faint pungent smell. Therefore, there are strict requirements for production equipment, workshops, transportation and storage, as well as higher requirements for the quality and safety of enterprise employees.
Cyclopentane itself has low toxicity and deasterification function. Once it contacts the skin or splashes into the eyes, it should be immediately cleaned with clean water. Once cyclopentane leaks, it should be diluted and dispersed with inert gas nitrogen immediately. The above is the knowledge sharing on cyclopentane foaming process sorted out by Junyuan Petroleum Group and I hope it will be helpful to you!