Valve bagging technology

Abstract

The present invention relates to improvements in the delivery technology, referred to as bag-on-valve (BOV) technology in the industry, and to a dispenser for use with an improved valve assembly that does not necessarily use a bag, and in which gases in the air are released and dispensed. The dispenser and method of delivery utilize the distribution of an aerial carrier gas (gas consisting of air or one of the natural components of air) that is free of adsorbents, typically activated carbon. The dispenser (20) comprises a dispenser container (90) filled with a dispensing aerial carrier gas (140), said dispenser container being equipped with a valve assembly (10). Upon actuation, the component (100) travels away via a first fitting (182) of the partition boss (80) and via a reducer insert (300), the dispensed aerial carrier gas travels away via a second fitting (184) of the partition boss (80) and via the reducer insert (300), which manages the respective flow rates of the component and dispensed aerial carrier gas, the actuator assembly (15) has a mixing chamber (280) to allow the composition and the dispensed aerial carrier gas to be mixed within the mixing chamber (280) of the actuator assembly (15) such that a substantial atomization or aerosolization of the composition occurs upon discharge when exiting the dispenser container (90) via the actuator spray nozzle (220) at an average flow rate of 0.4 g / s or greater to the environment or object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an improvement in the delivery technology known in the industry as bag-on-valve (BOV) technology, and to a dispenser for use with an improved valve assembly that does not necessarily use a bag, and releases a dispensed airborne gas in the dispenser. The dispenser and delivery method utilizes a dispensed airborne carrier gas (a gas consisting of air or a gas consisting of one of the natural components of air) that is free of an adsorbent, typically activated carbon. This is a further modification of the disclosure in WO2020 / 021473, and seeks to provide a lower cost solution for delivery using airborne gas. Background Art

[0002] The global bag-on-valve market was valued at USD 356.5 million in 2016 and continues to grow owing to rising awareness among consumers and manufacturers about its cost-effectiveness. Consumers are highly inclined towards bag-on-valve technology as a packaging solution as it minimizes product wastage and prevents contamination, thereby ensuring value for money. Hence, the technology is being adopted in several high-end products. Another notable benefit is the environmental benefits offered by the technology.

[0003] For manufacturers, valve-on-bags guarantee a longer shelf life for oxygen-sensitive products with less or no preservatives. In addition, all types of viscous and liquid products can be packaged using valve-on-bag technology, whether they are water-based or organic solvent-based products. More and more manufacturers are also investing in this technology, as the absence of propellants in the product reduces the risk of explosion or fire, as well as the risk of contamination. Furthermore, an efficient filling process is an additional advantage.

[0004] However, there are limitations and challenges due to the propellants used and the pressure drop during operation, which, for example, prevents complete emptying of the bag.

[0005] Current aerosol devices take one of two forms:

[0006] Basic aerosol dispenser

[0007] In a conventional aerosol cartridge, the aerosol cartridge is partially filled with an active ingredient dissolved in an organic solvent. A liquefied gas propellant (e.g., butane) is added and partially dissolved in the solvent. A dip tube extends from the valve to the bottom of the aerosol cartridge. Upon actuation, the vapor pressure of the propellant causes the liquid to travel up the dip tube and out of the actuator nozzle. The dissolved propellant causes the dissolved active ingredient and solvent to be aerosolized and atomized (broken) to form an aerosol spray. Furthermore, the vapor pressure of the propellant remains constant until all of the liquid propellant has been used. Only then does the pressure drop, at which point all of the active ingredient has been discharged.

[0008] Compressed gas propellant

[0009] If compressed gas is used as the propellant, a very small amount of gas is dissolved in the solvent and the emission is aerosolized and atomized to a much lesser extent, with the compressed gas mostly residing above the liquid layer in the tank. In addition, as the liquid level (active ingredient solution) decreases, the pressure of the system drops slightly, since the compressed gas occupies a larger volume than before.

[0010] In an alternative form, an aerosol dispenser may employ a bag on valve. This typically uses compressed air which is used to squeeze the bag upon actuation and release the contents of the bag. However, in this case, the discharge is not aerosolized and atomized as there is no gas to mix with the contents of the bag. This system is typically used to deliver creams or lotions. A bag on can is a variation of a bag on valve and is used to dispense, for example, shaving gel.

[0011] Systems of these types are disclosed in, for example, CA 2 412 424, US 5 125 546, EP 0 343 843, US 617 907 and US 4 141 472, all of which use liquefied gas propellants.

[0012] However, legislation has been introduced to eliminate the high global warming potential (GWP) of liquefied gas propellants in aerosols.

[0013] In contrast, the dispenser of the present invention uses airborne gases, specifically carbon dioxide (CO2), which means it has no net GWP. This is because while CO2 has a GWP of 1, it comes from the atmosphere and therefore the net effect of using CO2 is zero. CO2 is preferred over other airborne gases due to its dissolving effect on many components.

[0014] This is in contrast to new liquefied gas propellants with a low GWP, such as HFO-1234ze, because they decompose in the atmosphere within a short time. However, the decomposition products are pollutants.

[0015] Fluorocarbon-based propellants go through an endless cycle of regulatory changes. However, airborne gases are not subject to laws such as the REACH Regulation.

[0016] Over the past 12 years, the UK has seen a net reduction of 30% in VOC emissions. However, in that time, aerosol emissions have increased by 10%, which is roughly in line with the increase in population size over this period. Since 2005, aerosol emissions have increased from 4.7% to 7.9% (2017). The government wants to reduce total VOC emissions by 38% by 2030, and BAMA (British Aerosol Manufacturers Association) wants to develop plans to reduce VOC emissions from aerosols while maintaining high levels of product performance, consumer acceptance and safety.

[0017] One reason for the continued use of hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon based propellants is that, to date, compressed air gas storage volumes have been insufficient to enable the components to be fully discharged from the aerosol can valve bag, see the applicant's earlier publication WO2020 / 021473.

[0018] Applicants have previously used activated carbon to increase gas storage capacity so that the contents of normal-sized packets can be fully discharged. Like cartridges, the sizes of the packets vary and typically they include holding volumes of 35-50 ml, greater than 50-150 ml, greater than 150-250 ml, and greater than 250 ml, and are typically used for cartridges of 30 ml-100 ml, greater than 100 ml-275 ml, greater than 275 ml-500 ml, and greater than 500 ml, respectively.

[0019] Furthermore, by avoiding the use of solvents and liquefied gas propellants, solvent abuse is mitigated.

[0020] Aerosols using water as solvent and compressed air propellant have poor (low force) performance and produce a wet spray with low plume. In contrast, the dispenser described in WO2020 / 021473 produces an almost dry spray with good force and plume.

[0021] Additionally, while conventional aerosols suffer from dip tube inversion, resulting in release of excess propellant, the dispenser described in WO2020 / 021473 avoids the inversion problem.

[0022] Furthermore, conventional bag-on-valve technology cannot aerosolize the active ingredients in the bag, while the dispenser described in WO2020 / 021473 can achieve atomization (liquid breaking into fine particles) and aerosolization (dispersion into aerosol form).

[0023] The products available in the global market are aerosol BOV, standard BOV, and non-spray / low-pressure BOV. Among them, aerosol BOV is expected to occupy more than 60% of the global market by the end of 2024.

[0024] The top four players are Aptar Group, Inc., Coster Tecnologie Speciali S.pA, Toyo & Deutsche Aerosol Gmbh, and Summit Packaging System, Inc. Together, these companies held approximately 39% of the global market in 2015.

[0025] The valve or valve assembly includes a male or female valve that is connected or crimped to a dispenser container or cartridge made of aluminum, tin plate, steel or plastic. The capacity of a typical dispenser container falls into one of the following size categories: 30 ml or less, 30 ml-100 ml, 100 ml or more-275 ml, 275 ml or more-500 ml, and 500 ml or more.

[0026] Typical applications include those for the following product types: cosmetics and personal care products, such as deodorants, antiperspirants and hair sprays; pharmaceuticals and healthcare products; home care products, such as air fresheners and cleaning preparations; food and beverage products, such as cream and cheese; and automotive and industrial products, such as paints.

[0027] These conventional bag-on-valve dispensers (eg, aerosol dispensers) typically contain one of two types of propellants.

[0028] i) liquefied gas propellants, mainly based on hydrocarbons (e.g. propane / n-butane / isobutane mixtures); or

[0029] ii) Based on hydrofluorocarbons (for example, HFC-134a, HFC-152a or HFO-1234ze).

[0030] The negative issues surrounding hydrocarbon propellants are well known, as these compounds are highly flammable volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are a target of inhalation abuse and contribute to poor indoor air quality.

[0031] Another disadvantage caused by its flammability is that the filling production line requires a separate explosion-proof facility, which increases process complexity and cost.

[0032] Another disadvantage of hydrocarbon-based propellants is that they have been found to be occasionally contaminated with organic materials (e.g., benzene) that may be carcinogenic.

[0033] Hydrofluorocarbons are also problematic in aerosol applications and, for example, HFC-134a has recently been legislated to be phased out of use in many applications due to its inherently high GWP.

[0034] Two condensable gas compounds that meet the new EU F-Gas regulations with a GWP < 150 include:

[0035] ·HFC-152a (1,1-difluoroethane); and

[0036] ·HFO-1234ze (1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-2-ene).

[0037] Unfortunately, HFC-152a (GWP ~120) is designated as highly flammable, and HFO-1234ze (GWP ~6) is considered flammable above 28°C. It is also generally very expensive.

[0038] Of course, in the presence of HFCs or the combustion of HFOs, very toxic and corrosive hydrogen fluoride is also released. In addition, there have been increased reports of abuse of fluorinated hydrocarbons (HFCs), especially HFC-152a, by young people, resulting in occasional deaths. It is too early to report abuse of HFO-1234ze, but there is good reason to believe that it will provide similar euphoria / asphyxiation as HFCs. Finally, while the GWP contribution of HFO-1234ze is small, the environmental decomposition of HFO-1234ze produces fluoroacetic acid, which is toxic to plants and aquatic life. One of the atmospheric decomposition products of HFC-152a is carbonyl fluoride (COF2), which hydrolyzes in the lower atmosphere to produce hydrogen fluoride.

[0039] Therefore, it is desirable to avoid the use of such gases and use compressed air gases whenever possible.

[0040] While the development of bag-on-valve assemblies and filter-on-valve assemblies as outlined in WO2020 / 021473 has many advantages and allows for the use of non-hazardous gases such as airborne gases for dispensing a wide range of ingredients in a wide range of applications, despite its obvious advantages, the added cost of activated carbon makes it less attractive. In certain low-cost applications, airborne gases such as air, nitrogen, oxygen, argon or carbon dioxide may be used. They are cheap, readily available, have low toxicity and are not at risk of being phased out. These gases are also not subject to legislation such as the REACH Regulation.

[0041] Unfortunately, it is not possible to condense airborne gases without refrigeration or using extreme pressures (below the corresponding critical temperature) to provide sufficient quantities of gas for aerosol applications. It may be easy to compress these gases into a dispenser container, although the maximum permissible pressure is limited under the Aerosol Directive so that the pressure of the contents does not exceed 15 barg when the cartridge and its contents are brought to a test temperature of 50°C and held for 3 minutes. This limitation means that the pressure at which the cartridge is filled at room temperature must not exceed 12 barg. In this case, after actuation, as the contents of the cartridge are discharged, the pressure drops rapidly and the overall gas delivery is low, resulting in a low delivery application and poor customer perception.

[0042] As a non-limiting example, standard air fresheners that use liquefied gas typically contain ingredients (product concentrate) and solvents in addition to liquefied propellants (hydrocarbons or HFCs with all the disadvantages already described). In addition, there is the possibility of product misuse due to inversion of the dip tube, resulting in a disproportionate loss of propellant. Therefore, in addition to the dissolved fragrance concentrate, a standard compressed air-based air freshener may also contain 5% ethanol in the water compressed with the air. Such devices tend to deliver a short, wet spray, and although the system does not contain any liquefied gas propellant, it still contains solvents and has poor performance.

[0043] In view of the disadvantages described for aerosols containing liquefied gas and for aerosols containing compressed gas, an aerosol cartridge which contains neither a liquefied gas propellant nor a solvent would be advantageous.

[0044] Although valve-on-bag technology enables the active product to be separated from the propellant (usually compressed air or nitrogen, or condensed liquefied gas) to maintain the complete integrity of the product so that only pure product is dispensed, these standard valve-on-bags do not aerosolize because they do not release propellant, but they can atomize the liquid product when sprayed.

[0045] Therefore, their use is limited to, for example, the dispensing of liquids, including viscous liquids, solutions, emulsions, creams, pharmaceutical preparations, gels, olive oil and other food products (such as processed cheese). The benefits of having the ingredients in a bag are that the active ingredients are protected from oxygen, which may otherwise cause the product to deteriorate, and are protected from contact with the propellant because the propellant is filled into the space occupied between the bag and the can.

[0046] Independent of conventional bag-on-valve dispensers, the prior art includes technology involving adsorbed carbon technology, such as the applicant's own UK applications GB1703286.3 and WO 2014 / 037086, in which atmospheric propellant gas is adsorbed onto activated carbon contained within the cartridge (in the space between the bag and the cartridge), which enables a more even distribution of the contents of the bag than would be possible with compressed gas alone. As with conventional bag-on-valve arrangements, no gas is vented from the cartridge.

[0047] DE 1817899 discloses a dispenser comprising a liquefied gas propellant. The liquid to be atomized is contained in a bag located in a container, and a double valve provides a fluid flow circuit in which the liquid is atomized as it is drawn through a venturi.

[0048] One object of the present invention is to address the challenges of using BOV technology with airborne gas. Summary of the invention

[0049] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dispenser (20), comprising a dispenser container (90) filled with a dispense air carrier gas (140), the dispenser container being equipped with a valve assembly (10), the valve assembly comprising:

[0050] i) mounting cup (30);

[0051] ii) one or more washers (40; 42; 44);

[0052] iii) valve seat (50);

[0053] iv) a spring (60);

[0054] v) a housing (70); and

[0055] vi) a separation boss (80), the separation boss comprising a first fitting (182) and a second fitting (184),

[0056] Characterized in that the dispenser container (90) is free of adsorbent and:

[0057] a) the dispenser container is partially filled with a composition (100) for dispensing, or

[0058] b) the ingredients for dispensing are contained in an ingredient holding reservoir (110 / 150), and

[0059] The ingredients are carried along a first fitting (182) of a separator boss (80) which is connected to:

[0060] vii) a dip tube (152); or

[0061] viii) tubes and component holding reservoirs (82; 110; 150),

[0062] When actuated, the component (100) travels out through the first fitting (182) of the dividing boss (80) and through the speed reducer plug-in, and the distribution air carrier gas travels out through the second fitting (184) of the dividing boss (80) and through the speed reducer plug-in (300), wherein the speed reducer plug-in manages the respective flow rates of the component and the distribution air carrier gas, thereby allowing the component and the distribution air carrier gas to mix within the mixing chamber (280) of the actuator assembly (15), so that when leaving the dispenser container (90) through the actuator spray nozzle (220) at an average flow rate of 0.4 g / s or more and reaching the environment or object, a large amount of atomization or aerosolization of the component occurs when discharged.

[0063] The separator boss and fitting may also be referred to as a manifold having two inlets and an outlet communicating with the valve stem.

[0064] The key to the present invention is matching:

[0065] i) the volume of the dispenser container;

[0066] ii) the volume of the reservoir containing the ingredients;

[0067] iii) Distribution gas pressure, and important

[0068] iv) Tube diameter and orifice diameter so that the respective flow rates of the dispensed aerial gas and the ingredient are matched at the mixing point to ensure substantial atomization and aerosolization of the ingredient.

[0069] Without such control, the ingredients are not fully distributed and the quality of the exiting plume is poor.

[0070] Applicants have determined that for certain applications it is possible to use airborne gases (particularly carbon dioxide, which is a good solubilizer) in a satisfactory manner to deliver substantially all of the ingredients by carefully designing the valve and actuator assemblies to carefully control the release of the dispensing gas and ingredients.

[0071] More particularly, Applicants have used, in addition to the separation bosses, a moderator insert at the mixing point to ensure extensive atomization or aerosolization of the ingredients with the carrier gas.

[0072] The moderator insert has been configured to increase the flow rate, and more particularly to promote a faster flow of the carrier gas relative to the ingredient. By using the moderator insert, applicants have been able to achieve a large amount of evacuation of the ingredient and its delivery in a substantially dry plume (in the case of an ingredient in an aqueous solution). In a particularly advantageous embodiment, applicants select the ratio of the diameter of the air gas conduit hole to the diameter of the ingredient conduit hole to be between 1:2 and 1:8, more preferably between 1:2 and 1:6.

[0073] In a first embodiment, a liquid component is held in a dispenser container and is drawn out using a long dip tube connected to a first fitment at a divider boss.

[0074] In a second embodiment, the liquid component is held in a bag or packet connected to a first fitment that is connected to the divider boss.

[0075] In a variation of the first embodiment, the long tube is an Anyway® spray tube such as described in WO2008037969, i.e., where the tube is sealed at one end and has nanopores along the length of the tube so that it preferentially transfers liquid to airborne gas. Such an arrangement means that the device can work in any orientation.

[0076] In all the above embodiments, the distributed air carrier gas is drawn out via the second fitting of the partition boss.

[0077] Preferably, the ingredient holding reservoir is a bag or packet.

[0078] Alternatively, multiple components can be dispensed by modifying the dividing boss. Thus, a three-pronged boss may have three tubes, at least two connected to component holding reservoirs containing different components and one connected to the carrier gas, as opposed to bifurcating. Any reducer is modified appropriately.

[0079] The dispenser may also include a metering device.

[0080] The dispenser may also include a spacer.

[0081] The dispenser is filled with a dispensing gas, which is an air gas, such as air, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide or argon.

[0082] Most preferably, the airborne gas is carbon dioxide because it is the gas most soluble in the dispensing liquid employed.

[0083] A benefit of the present invention is that it is able to dispense ingredients that do not contain liquefied propellants and / or solvents.

[0084] The active ingredient may include any ingredient used in the cosmetics and personal care, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, home care, food and beverages, and automotive and industrial fields, particularly but not exclusively including fragrances, odorants, pheromones, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals or medicinal ingredients.

[0085] In the case of medicines and medicaments it is essential to deliver a constant dose and therefore the dispenser is further adapted to deliver a metered dose and may additionally comprise a spacer.The constant dose may be controlled using an algorithm that controls the dispensing time of each dose.

[0086] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of delivering a component (100) from a dispenser (20) which does not contain an adsorbent (130) including a dispense air carrier gas (140), wherein the component (100) is released under pressure from a dispenser container (90) or a component containing reservoir (110) together with the dispense air carrier gas (140) which is also released upon actuation of a valve assembly (10), the component (100) and the dispense air carrier gas (140) respectively travelling along a first fitting (182) and a second fitting (184) to a reducer insert. The component (300) is connected to the actuator assembly (15) and travels along the moderator air carrier gas conduit (270) and the moderator component conduit (260), respectively, which manage the flow rates of the component and the distributed air carrier gas, thereby allowing the component and the distributed air carrier gas to mix in the mixing chamber (280) of the actuator assembly (15), so that when it leaves the dispenser container (90) through the actuator spray nozzle (90) at an average flow rate of 0.4g / s or more and reaches the environment or object, a large amount of atomization or aerosolization of the component occurs when discharged.

[0087] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a valve and actuator assembly (10; 15) for a dispenser (20), the valve and actuator assembly comprising:

[0088] i) mounting cup (30);

[0089] ii) one or more washers (40; 42; 44);

[0090] iii) valve seat (50);

[0091] iv) a spring (60);

[0092] iv) a housing (70); and

[0093] v) a divider boss (80) communicating with at least two tubes (82; 84) located within the dispenser container (90), a first tube (82) connecting the divider boss to a component (100) containing reservoir (110 / 150) via a first fitting (182) in use, thereby allowing the component to be dispensed upon actuation of the valve and actuator assembly (10; 15), and a second tube (84) connecting the divider boss to a dispensed airborne carrier gas (140) via a second fitting (184) in use;

[0094] The valve and actuator assembly further comprises a reducer plug-in (300), the reducer plug-in comprising a reducer component flow conduit (260) having a diameter (D1) and a reducer air carrier gas flow conduit (270) having a diameter (D2) leading to a mixing chamber (280), the reducer component flow conduit and the reducer air carrier gas flow conduit managing the respective flow rates of the component (100) and the distribution air carrier gas (140), thereby allowing the component and the distribution air carrier gas to mix in the mixing chamber (280) within the actuator assembly, so that when the component leaves the dispenser container (90) through the actuator spray nozzle (220) at an average flow rate of 0.4 g / s or greater and reaches the environment or object, a large amount of atomization or aerosolization of the component occurs during discharge.

[0095] Again, this mixing can be facilitated by appropriate speed reducers.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the ingredients are contained in a reservoir which is a bag or packet.

[0097] In an alternative embodiment, the ingredients are contained in a dispenser container and the dip tube extends to the bottom of the dispenser container.

[0098] In all embodiments, the valve assembly further comprises an actuator assembly.

[0099] In yet another embodiment, the valve assembly includes three or more tubes and at least two component holding reservoirs containing different components.

[0100] The valve assembly includes a speed reducer insert to increase the flow rate of the carrier gas relative to the ingredients to ensure aerosolization upon release.

[0101] In yet another embodiment, the valve assembly comprises a metering device. The metering device preferably comprises a mechanism for adjusting the duration of the spray to control the dose volume over time.

[0102] Preferred ingredients are fragrances and the products are air fresheners. Other preferred ingredients include deodorants and antiperspirants, hair sprays, insecticides, polish cleaners and lotions, pharmaceuticals and other health products.

[0103] Furthermore, in order to control the spray performance, the pressure is preferably between 4 barg and 15 barg, more preferably 5 barg and more.

[0104] The flow rates of dispense gas and ingredient are controlled by incorporating a speed reducer in the actuator or by judicious selection of valve restrictor orifices. In fact, it may be desirable to use different diameter tubes / valve orifices to control the ratio of ingredient to dispense gas flow. Generally, ensuring a greater flow rate of dispense air gas relative to the liquid ingredient will produce a drier plume.

[0105] Obviously the emission rate will vary with composition, but for many consumer products it is desirable to have an emission rate greater than 0.5 g / s.

[0106] Exemplary product discharge rates are shown in Table 1 below:

[0107] Table 1

[0108] In some cases, it may also be desirable to include a small portion of entrainer in the distributed aerial carrier gas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0109] 3 to 4 in the accompanying drawings. Fig. 9 To further describe embodiments and aspects of the present invention, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show an existing configuration:

[0110] Figure 1A is an exploded view of a prior art male (single) valve bag assembly;

[0111] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of the assembled valve assembly;

[0112] Figure 2A is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the valve assembly of the invention disclosed in WO2020 / 021473;

[0113] Figure 2B Yes Figure 2A An exploded view of a first embodiment of a dispenser of a valve assembly;

[0114] Figure 2C yes Figure 2B A side view of the assembled dispenser;

[0115] Figure 2D yes Figure 2B or Figure 2C A cross-sectional view of a distributor;

[0116] Figure 2E yes Figure 2D Detailed view of the middle circled area;

[0117] Figure 3A is an exploded view of the valve assembly and reducer of the present invention;

[0118] Figure 3B A dip tube is shown attached to the ingredient inlet of the boss;

[0119] Figure 3C An ingredient container of a folding bag is shown to be attached to an ingredient inlet of a boss;

[0120] Figure 4A is an exploded view of the actuator assembly and the reducer of the present invention;

[0121] Figure 4B is a side cross-sectional view of the valve assembly, actuator assembly and reducer of the present invention;

[0122] Figure 4C is a front cross-sectional view of the valve assembly, the actuator assembly and the reducer of the present invention;

[0123] Figure 5 A dispenser filled with ingredients having a dip tube is one embodiment of the present invention;

[0124] Figure 6 is a dispenser with a bag containing ingredients according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0125] Figure 7 is a variation of the present invention using an Anyway® dip tube;

[0126] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C are graphs showing the solubility of the air gases carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen in water (at atmospheric pressure); and

[0127] Fig. 9 is a graph showing flow rate versus time for a series of different sized vessels, where component volumes and tube diameters are held constant at different pressures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0128] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B , a typical bag-on-valve assembly (10) includes:

[0129] i) mounting cup (30);

[0130] ii) an outer (42) gasket (40) and an inner (44) gasket (40);

[0131] iii) valve seat (50);

[0132] iv) a spring (60);

[0133] v) a housing (70); and

[0134] vi) a boss (80) with fittings such as ribs (182; 184) to which a bag (not shown) is attached (at Figure 2A more clearly seen in the ).

[0135] Actuator ( Figure 2A ) can be connected to a valve assembly (10), which can be a male valve (as shown) or a female valve.

[0136] In a variation of the single bag arrangement, two companies, Lindal Group (Bi-valve) and Toyo Aerosol Industry (Dual), have developed a dispensing system in which two bags are filled, allowing two different products to be dispensed, either as separate products or, more typically, as a single product, where mixing occurs in the valve assembly. In the latter case, the valve assembly has a divider boss (80) that separates / bifurcates the two fittings ( Figure 2A 182; 184) for attaching, for example, a bag thereto. The bag is usually a 3-layer or 4-layer packet made of polyacrylate / aluminum / polypropylene or polyethylene (PA / ALU / PP or PE) or polyethylene terephthalate / aluminum / oriented polyamide / polypropylene or polyethylene (PET / ALU / OPA / PP or PE), respectively.

[0137] Compared with the prior art, the valve assembly (10) according to WO2020 / 021473 (such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B184) has a mounting cup (30), a pair of gaskets (42 and 44), a valve seat (50), a spring (60) and a housing (70) and a dividing boss (80) which separates at its lower end to receive two tubes (82; 84) on respective fittings (182; 184). A reservoir (110) or bag or packet (150) containing the ingredient (100) is connected to the first fitting (182) and, notably, a filter (frit) or filter (120) is connected to the second fitting (184) which functions to prevent fine particles of activated carbon from being dispensed, as in this prior art embodiment it is contemplated that the dispensed carrier gas (140) will be retained in a dispenser container (90) filled with activated carbon (130). Both tubes (82; 84) extend into a dispenser container (90) which is filled with a dispense carrier gas (140) (typically carbon dioxide) which is adsorbed by activated carbon (130) which fills or partially fills the dispenser container (90). Upon actuation, the dispense carrier gas (140) is released together with the component (100) stored in the (to be inflated) bag (150), and the component (100) and the dispense carrier gas (140) are released as they travel through the valve assembly (10) to be released via the valve assembly (10). Figure 4A The actuator spray nozzle (220) is shown mixing as it exits the dispenser container.

[0138] like Figure 2C and Figure 2D As shown, the dispenser (20) in this embodiment includes a dispenser container or cartridge (90) filled or partially filled with activated carbon (130), and the valve assembly (10) is crimped or otherwise sealed to close the opening (94) of the dispenser cartridge (90) ( Figure 2B ). As disclosed in, for example, UK application GB1703286.3, incorporated by reference, the dispenser (20) may be loaded with the dispensed carrier gas (140) before or after crimping or otherwise sealing. Similarly, the bag or packet (150) may be filled with its contents (100) before or after crimping.

[0139] The present invention enables, for example, essential oils / fragrances to be mixed rapidly by evaporation / atomization due to contact with high velocity airflow.

[0140] The active ingredient (100) is usually in the form of a liquid or oil, but may be any mobile phase that carries the active ingredient.

[0141] The bag or packet (150) is typically rolled around the first tube (82) into a hollow cylinder (refer to Figure 2B) for ease of insertion, and the adjacent second tube (84) and filter device (120) are inserted into a canister pre-filled with granular activated carbon (130), the first tube (82) and second tube (84) being connected to the valve assembly via fittings (182) and (184), respectively. (The granular carbon is easily displaced to fit into the rolled bag, now surrounded by the activated carbon granules). Alternatively, to avoid any possibility of tearing when inflated, the bag or packet may be located directly above the activated carbon granules. The canister (90) is then crimped and the bag side of the canister is filled with the desired amount of active ingredient (100). The filter device side of the valve is then filled with pressurized gas (typically air, oxygen, nitrogen or carbon dioxide). Upon actuation of the valve, the assembly enables the dispensed carrier gas (140) to be at least partially mixed with or physically saturated with any one or more active ingredients (e.g., fragrances, medications or insecticides for air freshening applications). In the case where the dispensed carrier gas is air or oxygen, air or oxygen may be provided that is sufficiently mild in odor for breathing. Filling the bag (150) with a pharmaceutical preparation, such as a vegetable oil or an active substance therein, and using a dispensed carrier gas (140) allows use as a medical inhaler, optionally equipped with i) a dose regulator and ii) a spacer.

[0142] In the present invention, applicants have determined that for certain applications they can eliminate the activated carbon (130) and filtration device (120) and use only the dispensed airborne carrier gas (140) to achieve effective exhaust of the constituents.

[0143] This can be done using basically a reference Figure 3A , Figure 3B or Figure 3C The valve assembly shown includes Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C The valve / actuator assembly of the reducer shown and the Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The allocator shown is implemented by further explanation with reference to examples.

[0144] Figure 3A A valve assembly (10) is provided. Figure 4A It relates to an actuator assembly (15). Figure 3A The valve assembly shown includes a valve stem (200) and a reducer (300) located above a mounting cap (30), as well as one or more washers (40), a valve seat (50), a spring (60), a housing (70) and a boss (80). The boss has two fittings (182; 184), such as Figure 2A The component carrying tube (82) and the gas carrying tube (84) are connected to the two fittings respectively. The component carrying tube (82) can be a dip tube (152) (such as Figure 3B ) or bag (150) ( Figure 3C ) form.

[0145] The actuator assembly (15) and the reducer (300) are shown in exploded view. Figure 4A and includes an actuator top (210), an inner body (230) and a reducer (300) located just above the valve stem (200) - see the cross-sectional view ( Figure 4B and Figure 4C ). The actuator has an actuating mechanism, lever or button (240) which is actuated by depressing the valve stem (200), thereby allowing the ingredient to flow through the (liquid) ingredient flow conduit (260) and allowing the carrier gas to flow through the gas flow conduit (270). The carrier gas and ingredient are mixed in the mixing chamber (280) before exiting at the nozzle (220).

[0146] In use, as shown in the cross-sectional view ( Figure 4B and Figure 4C ), the gas travels along the gas flow conduit (270) and then exits from the hole (340) of the reducer (300) of diameter D2. In the example shown, diameter D2 is between 0.4mm and 0.6mm. Similarly, the liquid component (100) travels along the component flow conduit (260) and then exits from the hole (320) of the reducer of diameter D1. In the example shown, diameter D1 is between 0.7mm and 1.0mm. The exiting gas component and liquid component are mixed in the mixing chamber (280). Diameter D2 is smaller than diameter D1, and the dimensions of both are determined to ensure that the mixing in the mixing chamber (280) causes the component (usually dissolved or dispersed in the liquid) to be aerosolized based on the dispenser volume and pressure (see example).

[0147] exist Figures 5 to 7 An exemplary filling dispenser is shown in FIG.

[0148] Figure 5 A dispenser is shown in which a liquid ingredient is held in the bottom of a cartridge (100). A dip tube (152) connects the valve / actuator assembly to an ingredient carrying fitting (182) and an ingredient conduit (260) and a moderator orifice (320). A second gas carrying fitting (184) allows a carrier gas (140) to enter the carrier gas conduit (270) and the moderator orifice (340). The carrier gas and ingredient mix in a mixing chamber (280) and then exit as a plume via an outlet nozzle (220).

[0149] Figure 6A dispenser is shown in which a liquid ingredient is held in a bag (150) in a cartridge. Tubing within the bag connects the valve / actuator assembly to a fitting (182), a first conduit (260), and a reducer orifice (320). A second fitting (184) allows a carrier gas (140) to flow along a second conduit (270) and a reducer orifice (340). The carrier gas and ingredient mix in a mixing chamber (280) and then exit as a plume via an outlet nozzle (220).

[0150] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A variation of an embodiment in which an Anyway® tube (154) replaces the standard dip tube. The Anyway® dip tube has a closed end and a nanopore so that liquid (but not gas) can travel through it no matter which direction it is oriented. A shorter dip tube (156) is attached to the gas side of the valve to enable the device to operate when inverted, since the liquid level will always be below the dip tube opening when inverted.

[0151] Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C Graphs showing the solubility of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen in water at atmospheric pressure, respectively, demonstrating the benefit of using carbon dioxide as a dispensing carrier gas.

[0152] It was demonstrated that effective partitioning can be achieved without activated carbon, resulting in a substantially dry plume, as illustrated in the example below:

[0153] Example 1:

[0154] A commercially available dual valve (e.g., Lindal Valve Co. Ltd.) was used in this example. It includes a first tube (82) attached to a partition boss (80) on the liquid side of the valve assembly and a second tube (84) attached to the partition boss (80) on the gas side of the valve assembly (10), the second tube remaining open and unconstrained and without a filtration device or filter. The valve assembly was then inserted into a 395 cm capacity 3 And contains 60cm 3 The water dispenser container (90) is then crimped onto the container, ensuring that the first tube (82) on the valve assembly (10) extends to the bottom of the container. (In this example, no bag is used. Instead, a cartridge is used with the first tube extending to the bottom of the container). The valve is then crimped onto the container.

[0155] The contents of the cartridge were pressurized to 10 barg with carbon dioxide by opening the valve for ventilation, resulting in a gas uptake of 6.8 g in the canister. Figure 4AThe valve is then equipped with an actuator (Lindal T130.013) containing a flow restriction insert (300) such that the area ratio (πr 2 ) is approximately 4:1.

[0156] When the valve is actuated, the contents of the container are dispersed in a powerful continuous spray over a period of approximately 110 seconds. The spray has a range of more than 1.5 meters and a uniform cone angle of 10-15 degrees, providing a very useful spray during this period. The average flow rate exceeds 0.5 g / s. After opening, the cartridge appears to be essentially empty, with a total of only 4.5 g of water remaining on the inner surface of the can, which corresponds to about 92.5% of the discharge.

[0157] The solubility of carbon dioxide in water at 10 barg and 20°C is about 17.7 g / L, and it was determined that approximately 1 g of carbon dioxide was dissolved in water (60 cm 3 ) and when it reaches ambient pressure, it is released in large quantities. This is believed to provide further enhanced atomization / aerosolization of the spray, thereby contributing to its dry sensory feel. The assembly will provide an excellent environmentally friendly air freshener.

[0158] Example 2:

[0159] The conditions of Example 1 were repeated except that a similar volume of an exemplary organic solvent (propylene glycol (η=0.042 Pa.s) was used instead of water. Upon actuation of the valve, a strong plume was observed, as observed in Example 1, and it provided a usable dry-feeling spray in about 90 seconds. However, only 31% of this higher viscosity liquid was discharged at an average flow rate of 0.21 g / s. The discharge also contained approximately 1 g of dissolved carbon dioxide, which is believed to improve the spray quality.

[0160] Example 3:

[0161] Assemble the double valve described in Example 1 so that the liquid component (water) is contained in an impermeable bag (approximately 60 cm) connected to the first tube (82). 3 The bag is then filled into a reservoir (110) of the same capacity (capacity). The second tube (84) on the valve gas (carbon dioxide) side remains open. The bag and valve assembly is inserted into containers of different capacities and the assembly is crimped. Each bag is filled to approximately 60 cm using a semi-automatic BOV filling machine. 3 of water, and the gas side of the valve is used to fill with carbon dioxide at pressures of 7, 10 and 13 barg via a semi-automatic gas filling machine.

[0162] The results are shown in Tables 2 to 4 below.

[0163] Table 2: Small capacity cylinder (395cm 3 )

[0164] Table 3: Medium Capacity Cylinder (644cm 3 )

[0165] Table 4: Large capacity cylinder (1000cm 3 )

[0166] From the results, in order to achieve efficient drainage (90+%), it appears necessary to configure the container assembly to achieve an average flow rate of greater than 0.40 g / s for a liquid of density 1.

[0167] The benefits of large barrels Fig. 9 This is obvious in the example below - see Example 4.

[0168] However, it is evident from the results that effective emissions may be achieved through careful control of multiple interrelated variables, including:

[0169] a. Container volume;

[0170] b. Volume and density of ingredients;

[0171] c. Distribution gas pressure; and

[0172] d. By using a speed reducer to select the diameters of the gas flow conduit bore (340) and the ingredient (liquid) conduit bore (320), along which the dispensed gas and ingredient travel before mixing in the actuator mixing chamber (280).

[0173] The skilled person will be able to determine appropriate values ​​of c and d by trial and error and from a and b without undue burden.

[0174] Clearly, the use of pressures greater than 7 barg at 20°C, more particularly 10 barg and above, more preferably also greater than 11 barg, 12 barg, 13 barg to 13.5 barg or above is most desirable if permitted, as this in turn allows for increased flow rates.

[0175] Desirable flow rates are greater than 0.50 g / s, more particularly also greater than 0.55 g / s, through 0.60, 0.65 g / s, 0.70 g / s, 0.75 g / s up to 0.80 g / s or more.

[0176] Such flow rates can be more easily achieved by increasing the volume of gas dispensed, or alternatively increasing the gas weight (more than 6.5 g for CO2).

[0177] CO2 appears to be a particularly favorable gas because it dissolves well in water and some organic liquids.

[0178] Apparently, it is more soluble than the two main airborne gases, nitrogen and oxygen—reference FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C This approximately 100-fold difference in solubility is functionally important because it facilitates aerosolization. The finer droplets formed as the CO2 expands as it leaves the liquid provide a dry spray as it disperses, which is highly desirable in many of the applications discussed.

[0179] Example 4:

[0180] For each tank size, the container designated as Sample 4 in the table above was used for subsequent flow rate tests. In these tests, each container was discharged in 5 second increments and the weight after each discharge was recorded, enabling the flow rate to be calculated. This flow rate was plotted against the number of runs (each run representing a 5 second interval), as Fig. 9 After each discharge, the temperature of the cartridge was returned to room temperature by immersion in a thermostatic bath controlled at 22°C. At the end of the discharge, after opening the cartridge, all bags were found to contain very small amounts of water residue, which corresponded to approximately >95% of the discharge.

[0181] Fig. 9 It is shown that the large canister with the largest gas reservoir gives a flatter line than the smaller canister. This means that the flow rate is more consistent for the large canister and that the flow rate drops more slowly with continued discharge. The average flow rate for the small canister during these incremental discharge runs was estimated to be 0.69 ± 0.30 g / s. For the medium canister, the average flow rate was 0.81 ± 0.17 g / s and for the large canister, the average flow rate was 0.99 ± 0.08 g / s. However, using a canister of approximately 1 liter size to dispense an effective 60 cm 3 of active ingredients might be considered excessive, while the medium-sized cartridge seems like a reasonable compromise.

[0182] Thus, compressed gas can be used with a dual valve to provide acceptable atomization and aerosolization, provided the canister size is selected to supply an adequate gas reservoir. The pressure must also be selected to enable adequate discharge of the contents without exceeding the flow rate requirements. Finally, the valve restriction insert must be selected based on the relative area ratios to provide the best balance between liquid and gas flow. The choice of whether to use a bag or a dip tube attached to the valve depends on the importance placed on inversion of the device, the need for separation of product and propellant, and the need for product confinement.

[0183] Additionally, after it has been emptied, it has been found that the bag can be refilled multiple times and the cartridge can be re-inflated multiple times for continued reuse.

[0184] Example 5:

[0185] Using conditions similar to those outlined in Example 4, fill the bag to 59.8 cm 3 of pure propylene glycol and the tank was filled with carbon dioxide at a pressure of 10 barg. After discharging through the actuator with a good initial plume, it was found that only 19.1% of the liquid had been discharged.

[0186] High viscosity products certainly present challenges to the use of compressed gases in aerosol propulsion. Generally speaking, the flow rate of a liquid through a valve is proportional to the fourth power of the valve orifice radius and inversely proportional to the viscosity. Therefore, in order to promote the flow of viscous liquids, it may be necessary to enlarge the valve orifice (and actuator) carrying the liquid product.

Claims

1. A dispenser (20), comprising a dispenser container (90) filled with a dispense air carrier gas (140), the dispenser container being equipped with a valve assembly (10), the valve assembly comprising: i) mounting cup (30); ii) one or more washers (40; 42; 44); iii) valve seat (50); iv) a spring (60); v) a housing (70); and vi) a separation boss (80), the separation boss comprising a first fitting (182) and a second fitting (184), Characterized in that the dispenser container (90) is free of adsorbent (130), and: a) the dispenser container is partially filled with a composition (100) for dispensing, or b) the ingredients for dispensing are contained in the ingredient containing reservoir (110 / 150), and The components are carried along a first fitting (182) of the partition boss (80), the first fitting being connected to: vii) a dip tube (152); or viii) tubes and component holding reservoirs (82; 110; 150), When actuated, the component (100) travels out through the first fitting (182) of the dividing boss (80) and through the decelerator plug-in (300), and the distributed air carrier gas travels out through the second fitting (184) of the dividing boss (80) and through the decelerator plug-in, and the decelerator plug-in manages the respective flow rates of the component and the distributed air carrier gas, thereby allowing the component and the distributed air carrier gas to mix in the mixing chamber (280) of the actuator assembly (15), so that when leaving the dispenser container (90) through the actuator spray nozzle (220) at an average flow rate of 0.4 g / s or more and reaching the environment or object, a large amount of atomization or aerosolization of the component occurs when discharged.

2. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein: The second fitting (184) or tube (84) is free of a filtering device or filter (120).

3. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein: The flow rate is controlled by matching: i) Container volume (Vc); ii) ingredient volume (Vi); iii) distribution gas pressure (P); and iv) a moderator conduit diameter (D1; D2), such that the diameter (D2) of the moderator air carrier gas conduit (270) is smaller than the diameter (D1) of the moderator component conduit (260).

4. The dispenser according to claim 3, wherein: The ratio of the diameter (D1) of the moderator air carrier gas conduit (270) hole to the diameter (D2) of the moderator component conduit (260) hole is between 1:2 and 1:

8.

5. A dispenser according to any preceding claim, having a pressure of at least 5 barg.

6. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The distributed air gas is air, oxygen, nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

7. The dispenser according to claim 6, wherein: The distributed air carrier gas is carbon dioxide.

8. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The ingredients are present in an aqueous system.

9. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The components are present in organic systems.

10. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The composition is present as an emulsion.

11. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The ingredients are present as a partition.

12. The dispenser according to claims 7 to 11, wherein The ingredients are contained in the dispenser container (90).

13. The dispenser according to claims 7 to 11, wherein The component is contained in the component containing reservoir (110).

14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein: The ingredient holding reservoir (110) is a bag or packet (150).

15. The dispenser according to any one of claims 13 or 14, comprising three or more fitments and at least two ingredient containing reservoirs (110) containing different ingredients (100).

16. The dispenser of any preceding claim further comprising a metering device.

17. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein: The metering device includes a mechanism for adjusting the duration of the spray (time (t)) to ensure dose-to-dose consistency.

18. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The dispenser is free of liquefied propellants or hydrocarbon or fluorocarbon based propellants.

19. A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The active ingredient is a deodorant, a fragrance, an odorant, a pheromone, an insecticide, a nutraceutical, a pharmaceutical or a health product.

20. A method of delivering a component (100) from a dispenser (20) that is free of a sorbent (130) comprising dispensing an airborne carrier gas (140), wherein: The component (100) is released under pressure from a dispenser container (90) or a component holding reservoir (110) together with the dispensed air carrier gas (140) which is also released upon actuation of the valve assembly (10), the component (100) and the dispensed air carrier gas (140) respectively travelling along a first fitting (182) and a second fitting (184) to a reducer plug-in (300) and respectively travelling along a reducer air carrier gas conduit (270) and a reducer component conduit (260), the reducer air carrier gas conduit and the reducer component conduit managing the flow rates of the dispensed air carrier gas and the component, thereby allowing the component and the dispensed air carrier gas to mix within a mixing chamber (280) of an actuator assembly (15) such that substantial atomization or aerosolization of the component occurs upon discharge when leaving the dispenser container (90) via an actuator spray nozzle (220) at an average flow rate of 0.4 g / s or greater to reach an environment or an object.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The distributed air carrier gas is carbon dioxide.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein: The distributed air carrier gas flows along a gas flow conduit (270), the diameter D2 of which is smaller than the diameter D1 of the component flow conduit (260).

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein: The ratio of the diameter of the moderator air carrier gas conduit (270) hole to the diameter of the moderator component conduit (260) hole is between 1:2 and 1:

8.

24. A valve and actuator assembly (10; 15) for a dispenser (20), the valve and actuator assembly comprising: i) mounting cup (30); ii) one or more washers (40; 42; 44）； iii) valve seat (50); iv) a spring (60); vi) a housing (70); and vii) a divider boss (80) communicating with at least two tubes (82; 84) located within the dispenser container (90), a first tube (82) connecting the divider boss to a component (100) containing reservoir (110 / 150) in use via a first fitting (182) to allow dispensing of the component upon actuation of the valve and actuator assembly (10; 15), and a second tube (84) connecting the divider boss to a dispenser of an airborne carrier gas (140) in use via a second fitting (184); The valve and actuator assembly further comprises a reducer plug-in (300), the reducer plug-in comprising a reducer component flow conduit (260) having a diameter (D1) and a reducer air carrier gas flow conduit (270) having a diameter (D2) leading to a mixing chamber (280), the reducer component flow conduit and the reducer air carrier gas flow conduit managing the respective flow rates of the component (100) and the distributed air carrier gas (140), thereby allowing the component and the distributed air carrier gas to mix in the mixing chamber (280) within the valve and actuator assembly, so that when the component leaves the dispenser container (90) through the actuator spray nozzle (220) at an average flow rate of 0.4 g / s or more and reaches the environment or object, a large amount of atomization or aerosolization of the component occurs during discharge.

25. A valve and actuator assembly according to claim 24, wherein: The diameter (D2) of the moderator air carrier gas flow conduit (270) is smaller than the diameter (D1) of the moderator component flow conduit (260).

26. A valve and actuator assembly according to claim 25, wherein: The ratio of the diameter of the moderator air carrier gas flow conduit (270) hole to the diameter of the moderator component flow conduit (260) hole is between 1:2 and 1:

8.

27. The valve and actuator assembly of claim 24, wherein: The ingredient holding reservoir (110) is a bag or packet (150).

28. The valve and actuator assembly of claim 24, wherein: The ingredients are contained in the dispenser container (90) and a dip tube (152) extends to the bottom of the dispenser container.

29. A valve and actuator assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 28, further comprising a metering device.

30. The valve assembly of claim 29, wherein: The metering device includes a mechanism for adjusting the spray duration (t) to ensure dose-to-dose consistency.

Images