1234yf team to receive “Heroes” award

USA: The team behind Honeywell’s development of HFO refrigerant R1234yf have been recognised as Heroes of Chemistry by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Since 1996, the annual Heroes of Chemistry award has recognised chemical scientists whose work has led to the successful innovation and development of commercial chemical products.

The Honeywell team receiving the award comprises Rajiv Singh, Hang Pham, Harry Tung, Robert Richard, Nacer Achaichia, Amy Jones and Ron Vogl.

HFO-1234yf, which Honeywell markets as Solstice yf, was developed as a low GWP replacement for R134a in mobile air conditioning systems. It is also being used in chillers and is a component in many low GWP stationary refrigerant blends.

“This award recognises what those of us who work in this industry know to be true: scientists are everyday heroes who change the world for the better,” said Rajiv Banavali,chief technology officer, Honeywell Advanced Materials. “Global adoption of this environmentally preferable refrigerant would reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing more than 30 million cars from the roads worldwide.”