Inhibition performance study of lubricating oil with 2-BTP on the combustion of R152a (1,1-difluoroethane) and R1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene)

2-BTP (2-Bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene) is a promising environment-friendly flame retardant showing high effectiveness. Because of the good mutual solubility with polyol ester oil, 2-BTP was selected as a lubricant additive in this work. The flame inhibition performance of lubricating oil with 2-BTP on the combustion of R152a (1,1-difluoroethane) and R1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene) was investigated, which was expected to enhance the safety level of accidental leaks of flammable working fluids. To assess the suppression capability, experiments were conducted using a 12 L spherical flask according to the test method of ASTM E681. The results indicated that the lower flammable limit of R152a was increased from 4.8% to 5.0% in volumetric concentration as the mass fraction of 2-BTP contained in the POE oil was 20%. As to R1234yf, the lower flammable limit was increased from 7.2% to 10.3%, and the upper flammable limit was decreased from 13.0% to 10.3%. Besides, with the addition of 2-BTP, the combustion intensity of R152a and R1234yf was weakened. Both of the flame diameter and duration were reduced. And the maximum flame transient temperature of R152a also had a decrease. The inhibition effect of lubricating oil with 2-BTP on the mildly flammable working fluid R1234yf was much better.