Urea-containing compositions for brine formation

Abstract

The invention relates to a urea-containing composition for brine formation. A composition for brine formation comprising a deliquescent desiccant, urea, and an optional component selected from the group consisting of starch, citric acid, clay, glucose, and combinations thereof. Methods of making and using the compositions are provided. The composition may be compressed into a tablet form. The composition can be used in a dehumidification device.

Description

This application is a divisional application of an invention patent application filed on October 12, 2018, with application number 201880065890.0 and invention name “Urea-containing composition for brine formation”.

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 16 / 157,275 filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on October 11, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 571,825 filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on October 13, 2017. The disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a composition for salt water formation and a dehumidification device having the composition therein. Background Art

[0003] Atmospheric water vapor in high humidity environments can be problematic for personal items (e.g., clothing) and other items that are susceptible to corrosion, mold, mildew, and other types of water-related damage and deterioration. In addition, the interiors of vehicles, boats, and airplanes that are subject to damp and humid weather conditions can develop odors as well as mold and mildew, and rot due to continued exposure to moist air. Poorly sealed homes, especially in rainy climates, are particularly susceptible to moisture damage. For these reasons, consumers need dehumidification products that will quickly remove moisture when faced with direct moisture threats from major storms and floods, as well as products that will last for long periods of time when trying to maintain healthy humidity levels for stored items.

[0004] One of the most common chemicals used in deliquescent dehumidification devices is calcium chloride (CaCl2). Devices currently on the market have several different designs that use calcium chloride to extract moisture from the air.

[0005] One of the most common devices on the market includes a basket and reservoir design. In this design, the consumer pours a bag of flaked or granular calcium chloride into a perforated basket. As the calcium chloride absorbs moisture, it becomes liquid brine and will drain and collect in a basin below the basket. At the end of the life of the product, the consumer pours the brine out of the bottom reservoir and refills the basket with more calcium chloride. One of the problems that consumers may experience with these devices is when the temperature or high humidity conditions in their homes decrease. This may cause the liquid brine to begin to recrystallize and cause "icicles" to form on the basket, which may block the holes that allow drainage. When humidity and temperature suddenly rise to higher levels, this may cause the product to overflow. It may also cause the brine that has been collected in the bottom reservoir to become solid calcium chloride bricks. This makes it very inconvenient for consumers to pour out and reuse the plastic shell.

[0006] Another common device on the market includes calcium chloride placed in a sealed bag. These bags usually have a moisture barrier built into the design, which allows moisture to enter the interior of the bag and be absorbed by the calcium chloride contained in the bag. These bags can have a single compartment design, where the granular, flake or granular calcium chloride will absorb moisture and turn into a brine cement in the same single compartment, or can be a multi-chamber bag design, where one compartment containing the moisture barrier contains the granular or flake calcium chloride, while another compartment acts as a basin and collects the liquid brine as it forms. In both the single compartment and double compartment designs, the brine can recrystallize again under lower temperature and humidity conditions and form sharp edges that can pierce the bag, causing a leak. Another problem seen in the single compartment design is that when it is placed in a high humidity environment for a long time, the brine will continue to absorb moisture and continue to expand in volume to the point where it can bulge the bag and cause it to leak. This is due to the fact that 1 pound of 77% active calcium chloride can absorb up to 14 pounds of water at 95% humidity.

[0007] Another commonly used device on the market uses compressed calcium chloride tablets. These device designs are very similar to the perforated basket over basin design, but consist of a top section with a single larger drain port instead of a perforated basket. In this design, the consumer places the calcium chloride tablet into the top section and drains it back into the basin. The same problem is seen in this design where when the temperature or high humidity conditions drop inside their home, the liquid brine begins to recrystallize and clogs the drain port causing overflow outside the device.

[0008] In addition to designs that prevent leaks and spills, consumers also expect fast-acting brine formation. Consumers want to see their desiccant work quickly because it gives them confidence that their product is working quickly to remove excess moisture from their home. Consumers also prefer their dehumidification products to last a long time to give them long-term humidity protection.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for new deliquescent desiccant compositions, alternative forms of such compositions, and dehumidification devices for use with such deliquescent desiccant compositions that address the above-mentioned needs and concerns. Summary of the invention

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition for brine formation comprises a deliquescent desiccant such as calcium chloride (CaCl2) and one or more components that interact with calcium chloride and increase the rate at which calcium chloride is converted from a solid state to a liquid state (brine). The composition is preferably a mixture of solid components. Other deliquescent desiccants that can be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, lithium chloride, and combinations thereof.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition for brine formation comprises a deliquescent desiccant such as calcium chloride (CaCl2) and urea, and one or more optional components that interact with the calcium chloride and increase the rate at which the calcium chloride is converted from a solid state to a liquid state (brine). The composition is preferably a mixture of solid components.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, a composition is provided, comprising a deliquescent desiccant and a component selected from the group consisting of urea, starch, citric acid, clay, glucose and a combination thereof.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, a composition is provided, comprising a deliquescent desiccant, urea and an optional component selected from the group consisting of starch, citric acid, clay, glucose and combinations thereof.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, a composition is provided, comprising calcium chloride and a component selected from the group consisting of urea, starch, citric acid, clay, glucose and a combination thereof.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, a composition is provided, comprising calcium chloride, urea and an optional component selected from the group consisting of starch, citric acid, clay, glucose and combinations thereof.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of using the composition is provided, the method comprising adding the composition to a dehumidification device to increase the brine formation rate and / or prevent the brine from recrystallizing under reduced humidity conditions. The dehumidification device can take a variety of forms, including but not limited to bags, pouches, baskets, tablets, etc.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of preparing a composition comprises combining a tablet comprising a deliquescent desiccant and a component selected from the group consisting of urea, sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, clay, glucose and / or other carbohydrates and combinations thereof.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, a tablet is provided, comprising a deliquescent desiccant, urea and an optional component selected from the group consisting of sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, clay, glucose, other carbohydrates and combinations thereof.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of preparing a composition comprises combining a tablet comprising a deliquescent desiccant and a component selected from the group consisting of urea, sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, clay, glucose and / or other carbohydrates and combinations thereof.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, a method of preparing a composition comprises combining a tablet comprising a deliquescent desiccant, urea and an optional component selected from the group consisting of sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, clay, glucose and / or other carbohydrates and combinations thereof.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, a dehumidification device is provided, the device comprising a deliquescent desiccant and a component selected from the group consisting of urea, sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, clay, glucose and / or other carbohydrates and combinations thereof.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, a dehumidification device is provided, the device comprising a deliquescent desiccant, urea and an optional component selected from the group consisting of sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, clay, glucose and / or other carbohydrates and combinations thereof.

[0023] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, in which: Figure 1 Instructions for the multi-compartment hanging bag.

[0025] Figure 2 Graph depicting the benefit of faster brine formation by adding urea to calcium chloride flake desiccant. The weights of the separate compartments of the container (the basin where the brine is collected compared to the basket where the solid product is initially placed) are compared.

[0026] Figure 3 A graph depicting the change in slope versus time (days) further illustrates the benefit of faster brine formation by adding urea and low levels of clay to the calcium chloride flake desiccant.

[0027] Figure 4Graph depicting the benefit of the presence of starch, citric acid and urea in increasing initial brine formation in a basket and reservoir system.

[0028] Figure 5 Graph depicting the benefit resulting from the ability of starch, citric acid and urea to initially reduce the amount of calcium chloride in the basket of a two compartment system and begin forming brine more quickly.

[0029] Figure 6 A graph depicting the slope versus time further illustrates the benefit of faster brine formation by adding urea and citric acid to the calcium chloride flake desiccant.

[0030] Figure 7 Graph depicting expanded evidence of the benefits of the presence of starch, citric acid, urea, and glucose over pure calcium chloride alone in the initial formation of a brine.

[0031] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B This graph is an evaluation of calcium chloride tablets containing starch in an 80% humidity chamber, depicting that the starch in the compressed tablets lasts longer than pure calcium chloride tablets.

[0032] Fig. 9 is a graph of the liquid brine weight percent versus the CaCl2 percent of DampRid FG01. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following description of the embodiments of the present invention is essentially only exemplary and is not intended to limit the present invention, its application or use. The present invention has a wide range of potential applications and uses. The following description is provided only by way of example to provide an achievable disclosure of the present invention, but not to limit the scope or essence of the present invention.

[0034] Composition In one embodiment of the invention, a composition for increasing the rate of formation of brine is provided. According to certain embodiments, the composition comprises, is essentially composed of, or is composed of a deliquescent desiccant and urea (also referred to as urea). The deliquescent desiccant is calcium chloride, and the calcium chloride is present in an amount greater than 20% by weight of the composition, preferably greater than 30% by weight of the composition. The composition comprising calcium chloride and urea effectively increases the rate of formation of brine. The composition can be in the form of a mixture of particles, granules, powders or flakes. The composition can also be in the form of a compressed tablet comprising calcium chloride and urea.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises a deliquescent desiccant and urea, wherein the urea is present in the composition in an amount of up to 50% by weight of the composition, preferably from about 1% to about 50% by weight.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises calcium chloride and urea, wherein the urea is present in the composition in an amount of up to 50% by weight of the composition, preferably from about 1% to about 50% by weight.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises a deliquescent desiccant, calcium chloride and a component selected from the group consisting of urea, sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, clay, glucose, other carbohydrates and combinations thereof.

[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, a composition for increasing the rate of formation of brine is provided. According to certain embodiments, the composition comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a deliquescent desiccant and citric acid. The deliquescent desiccant is calcium chloride, and the calcium chloride is present in an amount greater than 20% by weight of the composition, preferably greater than 30% by weight of the composition. The composition is effective in increasing the rate of formation of brine. The composition is in the form of a granular mixture, a pellet, a flake, or a powder mixture. The composition may also be in the form of a compressed tablet comprising calcium chloride and citric acid.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, a composition for increasing the rate of formation of brine is provided. According to certain embodiments, the composition comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a deliquescent desiccant and sodium citrate. The deliquescent desiccant is calcium chloride, and the calcium chloride is present in an amount greater than 20% by weight of the composition, preferably greater than 30% by weight of the composition. The composition is effective in increasing the rate of formation of brine. The composition is in the form of a granular mixture, a pellet, a flake, or a powder mixture. The composition may also be in the form of a compressed tablet comprising calcium chloride and sodium citrate.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, a composition for increasing the rate of formation of brine is provided. According to certain embodiments, the composition comprises a deliquescent desiccant and starch, consists essentially of a deliquescent desiccant and starch, or consists of a deliquescent desiccant and starch. The deliquescent desiccant is calcium chloride, and the calcium chloride is present in an amount greater than 20% by weight of the composition, preferably greater than 30% by weight of the composition. The composition effectively increases the rate of formation of brine at a relatively low amount (e.g., 1-10% by weight) of starch. The composition may be in the form of a granular mixture, pellets, flakes, or a powder mixture.

[0041] In one embodiment of the invention, a composition for increasing the rate of formation of brine is provided. According to certain embodiments, the composition comprises a deliquescent desiccant and a lower level of clay, is essentially composed of a deliquescent desiccant and a lower level of clay, or is composed of a deliquescent desiccant and a lower level (e.g., 1-10% by weight) of clay. The deliquescent desiccant is calcium chloride, and the calcium chloride is present in an amount greater than 20% by weight of the composition, preferably greater than 30% by weight of the composition. The composition effectively increases the rate of formation of brine. The composition may be in the form of a granular mixture, a pellet, a flake, or a powder mixture. The composition may also be in the form of a compressed tablet comprising calcium chloride and clay.

[0042] In another embodiment of the present invention, a composition for increasing the rate of formation of salt water is provided. According to certain embodiments, the composition comprises a deliquescent desiccant and a component selected from starch, citric acid, clay, urea and a combination thereof, is essentially composed of a deliquescent desiccant and a component selected from starch, citric acid, clay, sodium citrate, urea, glucose and / or other carbohydrates and a combination thereof, or is composed of a deliquescent desiccant and a component selected from starch, citric acid, clay, sodium citrate, urea, glucose and / or other carbohydrates and a combination thereof. Preferably, the deliquescent desiccant is calcium chloride. The composition effectively increases the rate of formation of salt water. The composition may be in the form of a granular mixture, a pellet, a flake mixture or a powder. The composition may also be in the form of a compressed tablet comprising calcium chloride and a component selected from citric acid, clay, sodium citrate, urea, glucose and / or other carbohydrates and a combination thereof.

[0043] Flavors, carbohydrate encapsulated flavors and flavor beads, and other additives may optionally be added to any of the above compositions.

[0044] How to use In one embodiment of the invention, a method of using urea to increase the rate of producing brine from calcium chloride is provided. The method includes adding urea to the calcium chloride. For example, a 77% active calcium chloride can be used. The weight percentage of urea can vary depending on the calcium chloride activity level. Calcium chlorides with different activity percentages are contemplated and are still within the scope of the invention.

[0045] The advantage of using urea is that urea helps the calcium chloride form brine faster, and urea prevents the liquid calcium chloride brine from recrystallizing under reduced humidity conditions. Helping the calcium chloride form brine faster is even more important in a pouch containing less Tyvek surface area to allow moisture to pass through. It is desirable to prevent the brine from recrystallizing in the pouch, where it could potentially pierce or rupture the pouch with its sharp ends.

[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, a method of increasing the rate of producing brine from calcium chloride using citric acid is provided. The method comprises adding citric acid to the calcium chloride. For example, a 77% active calcium chloride may be used. Calcium chlorides with different activity percentages are contemplated and still within the scope of the invention. Preferably, the method comprises adding citric acid to the calcium chloride.

[0047] In one embodiment of the invention, a method for increasing the rate of brine formation using starch at a relatively low amount of starch is provided. The method comprises adding starch to calcium chloride. Preferably, the method comprises adding starch to calcium chloride in a relatively low amount (e.g., 1 to 10 weight % starch).

[0048] The advantage of using starch is that when lower amounts (e.g., 1 wt % to 10 wt %) of starch are used, starch helps the calcium chloride form brine faster, at higher amounts (e.g., 10 wt % to 50 wt %) of starch, starch slows the absorption of water by the liquid brine solution, and when combined with liquid brine, starch used in higher amounts (e.g., 10 wt % to 50 wt %) helps reduce leakage from the pouch and slows the rate of absorption from the atmosphere. Humidity is a quantity that represents the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for increasing the rate of producing brine from calcium chloride using clay is provided. Preferably, the method comprises adding clay to the calcium chloride in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % clay based on the weight of the total composition.

[0050] The advantages of using clay are that the clay helps the calcium chloride form brine faster when lower amounts of clay are used, the clay provides leak protection, and the clay does not allow the brine solution to pass through small holes or seals in a sachet or other container.

[0051] In one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for increasing the rate of producing brine from calcium chloride using a component selected from starch, citric acid, clay, sodium citrate, urea, glucose and / or other carbohydrates and combinations thereof. The method comprises adding a component selected from starch, citric acid, clay, sodium citrate, urea, glucose and / or other carbohydrates and combinations thereof to the calcium chloride. For example, a 77% active calcium chloride may be used. Calcium chlorides with different activity percentages are contemplated and are still within the scope of the invention.

[0052] tablet In another embodiment of the present invention, a tablet is provided, wherein the tablet comprises a deliquescent desiccant and a component selected from the following: urea, clay, sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, glucose and / or other carbohydrates and combinations thereof. Preferably, the desiccant is calcium chloride. The starting calcium chloride may be in the form of a granular mixture, flakes, pellets or a powder mixture, for example. The tablet may also be in the form of a heterogeneous mixture of the above substances.

[0053] In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for preparing tablets is provided. The additive is preferably in the form of a powder, granules or other solids. The method comprises combining a deliquescent desiccant (preferably calcium chloride) and a component selected from the following: urea, clay, sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, glucose and / or other carbohydrates, magnesium stearate and combinations thereof to form a heterogeneous mixture; and pressing the heterogeneous mixture into tablet form. Other deliquescent desiccants that can be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, lithium chloride and combinations thereof. Consideration of other additives for optimal tableting remains within the scope of the present invention.

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, a compressed calcium chloride tablet containing starch-encapsulated spices is combined with a granular, granular, powdered or flaky calcium chloride heterogeneous mixture. Alternatively, the compressed calcium chloride tablet containing starch-encapsulated spices can be broken into small pieces of compressed material and included in this mixture. The compressed calcium chloride tablet can also be used in combination with PEG spice beads to obtain the best fragrance experience. The composition and method will allow the fragrance to last longer and the complete dissolution of the tablet.

[0055] With respect to tablet size, the terms "small" and "smaller" as well as "large" and "larger" are relative terms to one another. The actual size of these tablets can vary while still being within the scope of the present invention. For example, small can refer to a tablet having an approximate weight of 1 gram to 150 grams. For example, a large tablet can refer to a tablet having an approximate weight of greater than 150 grams up to 1,000 grams. It is contemplated that tablets can comprise different shapes, but round is preferred.

[0056] Dehumidification device In one embodiment of the present invention, a dehumidification device is provided, such as a pouch, hanging bag or container. The dehumidification device comprises a deliquescent desiccant and a component selected from the group consisting of urea, sodium citrate, clay, starch, citric acid, glucose and / or other carbohydrates and combinations thereof. Preferably, the deliquescent desiccant is calcium chloride. It is contemplated that spices, spice tablets or spice beads may also be included in the mixture.

[0057] In one embodiment of the invention, a single chamber dehumidification device (which can hold 750 ml of water) includes 10.5 ounces of a composition in the form of a solid mixture having 50-80 wt % CaCl2 (which is 77% active), 15-50 wt % starch, 3-20 wt % urea, and 0-10 wt % spices or spice beads or spice tablets, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the solid mixture. The mixture may optionally contain other components and / or additives. Pouches, bags or containers with other volumes are contemplated and are still within the scope of the invention. Calcium chlorides with different active percentages are contemplated and are still within the scope of the invention.

[0058] For example, urea (Univar, pellets, 46% nitrogen) was used in the dehumidification unit to produce brine faster, and starch was used to slow the absorption rate when 100% brine state was reached. It was also surprisingly found that urea eliminated the formation of stalagmites after the brine state.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, a two-compartment hanging bag is provided. The two-compartment hanging bag includes a first compartment in the upper half of the hanging bag and a second compartment in the lower half of the hanging bag. The first compartment in the upper half of the hanging bag includes a fast-acting, deliquescent desiccant, which includes calcium chloride mixed with urea to activate faster and show faster salt water formation. Alternatively, the first compartment may include any combination of one or more of calcium chloride and urea, sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, clay and glucose and / or other carbohydrates. There is a broken seal, groove or opening between the first chamber in the upper half and the second chamber in the lower half so that once liquefied, the desiccant can flow into the lower compartment. Examples of hanging bags that can be used with the novel composition of the present invention are described in co-owned U.S. Patent No. 5,907,908, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-compartment hanging bag is provided. Figure 11 is an illustration of a four-compartment hanging bag 100. The upper half of the hanging bag is divided into at least two upper compartments 10A, 10B. The first upper compartment 10A contains a fast-acting deliquescent desiccant 15A, such as calcium chloride mixed with 5% urea to activate faster and show faster brine formation. Alternatively, the first upper compartment 10A can contain any combination of calcium chloride and one or more of urea, sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, clay and glucose and / or other carbohydrates. The second upper compartment 10B contains a durable deliquescent desiccant 15B containing calcium chloride to provide a more durable humidity control that extends the overall life of the product. The upper half of the hanging bag is separated from the lower half of the hanging bag. The lower half can be divided into one or more lower compartments 20A, 20B. There is a broken seal, groove or opening 30 between the upper compartment and the lower compartment so that once liquefied, the desiccant can flow into the lower compartment.

[0061] Preferably, heat seal 40 is present below the center of the bag to separate the bag. Heat seal 40 allows two separate compartments 10A, 10B, in which various materials can be placed, and also allows two separate compartments 20A, 20B to keep absorbed separate moisture. The benefit of this four-compartment system is that the fast-acting side can be made desirable by consumers while maintaining the lasting characteristics of the hanging bag 100. Consumers can be enabled to see faster salt water formation on one side of the bag, which shows the consumer that the bag is initially working to remove moisture. Producing fast-acting and lasting effects can be achieved by packaging or by chemical methods. Changes in the type or quantity of Tyvek (or other barriers) that allow air flow allow control of the air entering. This configuration allows control of the airflow in contact with CaCl2, thereby allowing us to form salt water faster or slower. Another operating area is the actual composition of the different sides of the pouch. Components include but are not limited to urea, sodium citrate, starch, clay, citric acid and glucose and / or other carbohydrates. Compressed CaCl2 tablets can also be present in one or more compartments of the hanging bag. Creating a mix containing one or more of the above components placed on the fast acting side allows the consumer to see that one side of the bag is working faster than the other. Example

[0062] As demonstrated in the examples, there is a synergistic effect between calcium chloride and at least each of urea, starch, citric acid, clay, and glucose.

[0063] Example - Additives and Accelerated Brine Generation Experiments were conducted with various additives to see how they affected the absorption rate of CaCl2. Several pouches were made with various substances (including clay and urea) and CaCl2 to prepare 10.5 oz pouches. The pouches were placed in a constant humidity chamber maintained at 26°C and 80% humidity (1 inch side gussets, bottom 1 / 2 inch seal). The pouches were visually observed. The pouches with urea (Univar, pellets, 46% nitrogen) converted to brine faster than the other pouches. Urea did not show the greatest weight gain over time, even though it converted to brine faster. This was attributed to the 5 wt % to 10 wt % reduction in CaCl2 within the pouch. Further experiments showed that urea had the effect of faster brine formation.

[0064] Urea (Univar, pellets, 46% nitrogen) was added to CaCl2 and tested in a two-compartment container. The container had a top basket and bottom container with 5 pounds of saturated CaCl2 to collect the brine produced by the above CaCl2. The experiment was conducted with a first two-compartment container, in which 10% of its weight of urea was held, and a second two-compartment container, in which only 5 pounds of CaCl2 were contained. The two containers were placed in a humidity chamber, and the other two containers were placed in a staircase / stairwell for real-life simulation. In a room with 80 / 80 humidity, brine was produced from a two-compartment container containing all CaCl2, compared to a two-compartment container containing CaCl2 mixed with 10% by weight urea. The experimental results show that in both the humidity chamber and the real-life environment (stairs), CaCl2 containing urea produces brine faster than a two-compartment container containing only CaCl2.

[0065] Brine formed in the container containing only CaCl2 placed in the humidity chamber, but at a much slower rate than in the container with 10% urea.

[0066] Brine formed in containers containing CaCl2 and 10% urea placed in a humidity chamber at a faster rate than in containers with only CaCl2.

[0067] Brine formed in the control (CaCl2 without urea) and in the container with 10% urea in the humidity chamber. Recrystallization of the brine that had formed was observed in the container in the humidity chamber as the control (CaCl2 without urea). The container with 10% urea in the humidity chamber was weighed with more brine weight and reduced basket weight compared to the container in the humidity chamber as the control (CaCl2 without urea). The container with 10% urea also showed no recrystallization.

[0068] Next, to help quantify this urea acceleration, baskets containing either solid CaCl2 or the CaCl2 / urea mixture were weighed over time after being held in these humidity conditions. This was compared to the weight of the bottom basin containing only liquid saline over time. Figure 2The weight of individual compartments (basket only vs. basin only) in a building staircase in summer (Memphis, TN) is illustrated. All tests were conducted in a building staircase. The staircase is an uncontrolled, non-air-conditioned area that is subject to changes in temperature and humidity throughout the day. Experiments were conducted in the staircase to simulate real life fluctuations.

[0069] Urea produces brine faster Figure 2 Support from data in . Figure 2 was compiled from data from two containers placed within a staircase. They showed significant differences in the rate at which weight was lost from the basket and gained from the bottom of the container.

[0070] exist Figure 2 , which depicts the weight change of the separate compartments of the container (basin and basket). This shows that the weight change between the basket and the bottom of the container is different in the presence and absence of 10 wt% urea. Visual evidence was observed throughout the experiment where urea formed brine faster than the container without urea. Note the circle where the basket weight and basin weight converge. This point is the point where the weight of the basin exceeds the weight of the basket with CaCl2. The container with urea converged almost 300 hours before the container without urea.

[0071] exist Figure 3 Further studies in the present study produced a plot of slope versus time to see how the different states of CaCl2 affect the rate of brine formation. Figure 3 It is shown that the initial exposure to humidity shows the largest slope (highest peak). This suggests that the CaCl2 flakes initially gain weight rapidly. When the CaCl2 flakes have transformed into a "brick-shaped" state, the weight gain slope is seen to decrease significantly ( Figure 3 ). The rate at which CaCl2 absorbs water depends on its surface area. When CaCl2 is in its initial particle phase, there is more surface area. Once the CaCl2 becomes "brick-shaped", the surface area decreases. When the CaCl2 comes out of its "brick-shaped" state and forms a brine, another peak is observed. This is also attributed to the surface area. When the brine begins to form, it increases the surface area of ​​the CaCl2 to absorb more water. This is where urea is thought to transition faster from its brick-shaped state to its mixed state. After the brine formation begins, the slope shows a gradual decrease as the CaCl2 moves toward its maximum absorption capacity into its brine state.

[0072] Figure 3 Also described are sachets containing CaCl2 and varying amounts of urea and clay (kaolin) (each Figure 2 shows a graph of the change in slope of weight gain (g) versus time (days) - tested in a humidity chamber for the pouches (1 50 wt % urea, 1 1 / 2 inch long, 1 inch side gussets, bottom 1 / 2 inch seal). At day 9, most of the pouches had reached the brick state. For the pouches containing 10 wt % urea, the transition to the 100% brine state occurred more quickly at day 16. In addition, at day 20, the brine state for the pouches with 5 wt % urea was 100%. The pouches containing 5 wt % kaolin reached the 100% brine state at day 23. The control pouches without urea reached the 100% brine state at day 29.

[0073] Example - Starch and Absorption Control Starch was added to various bags (each 1 inch side gussets, bottom 1 / 2 inch seal). For this experiment, pouches were made to contain 10.5 ounces of a set total weight of various starch compositions. Initial data indicated that the addition of lower levels of starch (5 wt%) surprisingly accelerated the absorption rate of CaCl2, as more saline appeared to appear faster than in pouches containing pure CaCl2. Figure 5 As shown, pouches of CaCl2 blended with different amounts of starch were placed in a car during the summer (Memphis, TN). In most of the experiments, the 5 wt% starch value had a higher weight gain than the control until the point where 100% liquid saline was present in the pouch. It was also noted that when the pouch reached the 100% saline state, the control pouch containing 10.5 ounces of CaCl2 gained more weight than the pouch containing starch. This indicates that starch also appears to slow the rate of absorption when the liquid saline state is reached. In this state, the slower absorption rate prevents the pouch from bulging and leaking, which has been seen in the pouch containing only CaCl2.

[0074] Thus, there is a synergistic effect between the urea and the starch such that when the 100% saline state is reached, the urea promotes faster brine formation and the starch slows the rate of absorption. This is an improvement over pouches made with pure CaCl2, which continue to absorb water when the CaCl2 is in its 100% saline state, causing the pouch to substantially bulge and leak the saline solution out of the pouch.

[0075] Example 4 - Stabilization of Urea and Brine States Another problem observed is the formation of stalagmites when CaCl2 recrystallizes at lower humidity. This recrystallization in the drain hole of the FG91 product (which has a two-compartment system consisting of a basket in which the CaCl2 flakes are placed and a bottom basin that collects the brine as the CaCl2 absorbs moisture from the environment) and Aero 360, UniBond (Henkel) products causes undesirable leakage. The brine cannot drain in the basin resulting in pooling in the top compartment. If the liquid stays in the top compartment and moves in any way, the brine pours out the sides of the container. Urea eliminates the formation of stalagmites behind the brine state. The reduced formation of stalagmites is an important feature to prevent leakage in containers.

[0076] In Aero 360, recrystallization is visible on the bottom of the UniBond product. The drain hole to the reservoir is blocked in the Aero 360, UniBond product. The brine is recrystallized in the basin, where the brine is a solid brick and cannot be poured out by the consumer. The basin can be turned upside down and the brine stuck in it. Example

[0077] With a two-compartment system The product (herein referred to as FG01) was experimented. The product consists of a basket for placing CaCl2 flakes and a bottom basin for collecting salt water when CaCl2 absorbs moisture from the environment. The test was carried out under a consistent amount of 10.5 ounces or 297.7g of CaCl2 was maintained in each container. In each experiment, the entire container (basket, basin and lid) was weighed over time. The basket containing the CaCl2 flake mixture and the basin for collecting salt water were also weighed separately. A separate compartment weight was used to observe how fast the flakes attached H2O molecules to CaCl2 and turned into liquid. When CaCl2 absorbed moisture, the basket lost weight as the salt water was released to the basin of the container.

[0078] In an initial experiment, five FG01 containers were placed in a humidity chamber maintained at 80% humidity and 26°C. Each container contained 10.5 ounces of CaCl2 and 5% of various other molecules. The four molecules tested in this particular experiment were urea, starch, salt, citric acid (a white crystalline solid commercially available from Alfa Aesar), and a control containing only CaCl2. The data were summarized and graphically analyzed for the weight gain of the pots and the weight loss of the baskets ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0079] exist Figure 4In the FG01 data from the humidity chamber recording the weight gain of the pots. Note the different slopes of the initial weight gain of the baskets between 20 hours and 40 hours (circles). Starch initially has the most brine formation. Citric acid shows the steepest initial slope within the first data point collected. Urea shows the steepest slope after a period of time (circles between 60-80 hours). By 100 hours, the urea, citric acid, and starch data points overlap.

[0080] exist Figure 5 In Figure 1, data is recorded for basket weight loss when the FG01 product is placed in a humidity chamber. Note the initial weight loss trend. The starch and citric acid baskets have the largest initial weight loss, while the others have the smallest weight loss. It is observed that initially the basket gains weight until the CaCl2 picks up enough H2O molecules from the environment to change to its brine state. It is observed that initially the citric acid and starch begin to form brine the fastest, and therefore lose weight the fastest from the basket.

[0081] exist Figure 6 In the graph, an initial peak is seen between 20 and 40 hours for the brine collected in the basin from citric acid FG01 (circles). A peak is then seen in the weight of the brine collected in the basin from urea FG01 at about 60 hours (red circles).

[0082] The second experiment was performed in the same manner as the first experiment. This experiment included the addition of glucose FG01 and the removal of salt FG01.

[0083] exist Figure 7 In the FG01 data recorded from the humidity chamber for net pot weight gain. Note that the citric acid (circles) with FG01 exceeds the initial weight gain relative to the container. Brine formation then appears to increase consistently throughout the remainder of the experiment until it reaches a plateau when the CaCl2 is used up. The data depicts glucose (dashed line) having an effect on increased brine formation within FG01 during the initial phase, followed by a sharp decrease in brine formation. Urea initially shows the lowest amount of brine weight gain. However, by 140 hours, brine formation peaks. The data follows the same trend as in the first experiment.

[0084] It was also observed at the end of the experiment how much recrystallization occurred in the basin containing the brine.

[0085] Observe the recrystallization occurring in the containers and basins at the end of Experiment 1. Note that container 2 (urea (carbamide)) has significantly less recrystallization than the corresponding FG01 container.

[0086] Observe the recrystallization occurring in the containers and basins at the end of Experiment 2. Note that the containers containing 5% urea and 5% glucose exhibited less recrystallization at the end of the experiment. Example

[0087] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B This is a graph of the evaluation of calcium chloride tablets containing starch in an 80% humidity chamber, depicting that the starch in the compressed tablets lasts longer than the pure calcium chloride tablets. Calcium chloride tablets containing starch were evaluated in basket and tub products in an 80F, 80% humidity chamber. The pure CaCl2 tablets were completely converted to saline in about 75 hours, while the tablets containing starch were completely converted to saline in about 160 hours. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B This indicates that the starch in the compressed tablets lasted longer than the pure calcium chloride tablets. Therefore, it is inferred that the starch in the calcium chloride tablets slowed down the formation of brine.

[0088] Table 1 is an exemplary formulation of a tablet comprising CaCl2, starch and urea according to the present invention.

[0089] Table 1 Note: Weight % is based on weight % of tablet. Example

[0090] An experiment was performed to show how urea affects recrystallization. The weights of basins collecting brines from CaCl2 and various percentages of urea were taken. These values ​​were used to quantify the percentage of liquid brine formed versus how much recrystallization occurred within the basin. Fig. 9 It is demonstrated that as the level of urea increases, the weight percentage in the liquid brine increases. This shows how urea prevents the recrystallization of the CaCl2 brine. Example

[0091] Table 2 shows an example composition for a tablet having an approximate weight of 175 grams.

[0092] Table 2 Components weight% <![CDATA[CaCl2]]> 93.8 Urine 5 Magnesium Stearate 0.5 Sipernat 500LS 0.2 spices 0.5 Example

[0093] The following compositions of urea in tablets were tested. Compositions were tested to optimize urea levels in 175 gram tablets.

[0094] Table 3 Components I II III IV V VI VII VIIII <![CDATA[%CaCl2]]> 88.5 78.5 68.5 58.5 92.5 85.5 83.5 48.5 Shit 15 20 30 40 5 10 10 50 Starch D 1 l l l l l I l Magnesium Stearate 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Blue carbonate 0 0 0 0 1 3 5 0 Therefore, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention allows for a wide range of uses and applications. Without departing from the essence or scope of the present invention, in addition to those embodiments described herein, many embodiments of the present invention and adaptations and many changes, modifications and equivalent arrangements will be apparent or reasonably implied from the present invention and its foregoing description. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail herein with respect to its preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is merely illustrative and exemplary to the present invention, and is made only for the purpose of providing a complete and achievable disclosure of the present invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended or interpreted as limiting the present invention or otherwise excluding any such other embodiments, adaptations, changes, modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

1. A composition comprising: Solid deliquescent desiccant, Urea, Starch, and Optional solid components are selected from the group consisting of sodium citrate, citric acid, clay, dextrose, other carbohydrates, carbohydrate encapsulated flavors, and combinations thereof, wherein the composition is a mixture of solid components.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein The deliquescent desiccant is selected from calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, lithium chloride and a combination thereof.

3. The composition according to claim 2, wherein Calcium chloride is present in the composition in an amount greater than 20% by weight of the composition.

4. The composition according to claim 2, wherein Calcium chloride is present in the composition in an amount ranging from 50% to 97% by weight of the composition.

5. The composition according to claim 1, wherein The composition is in the form of a mixture of granules, pellets, powder or flakes.

6. The composition according to claim 1, wherein The composition is in the form of a compressed tablet.

7. The composition according to claim 1, wherein Urea is present in the composition in an amount of up to 50% by weight of the composition.

8. The composition according to claim 1, wherein Urea is present in the composition in an amount ranging from 1 wt % to 50 wt % of the composition.

9. The composition according to claim 1, wherein The starch is present in the composition in an amount ranging from 1 wt % to 50 wt % of the composition.

10. The composition according to claim 1, wherein The clay is present in the composition in an amount ranging from 1% to 10% by weight of the composition.

11. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a flavor, a starch encapsulated flavor, a flavor bead, a carbohydrate encapsulated flavor, or a combination thereof.

12. A method of use, comprising: The composition of any one of claims 1-11 is added to a dehumidification device to increase the brine formation rate.

13. A dehumidification device, comprising: The composition of any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. The dehumidification device according to claim 13, wherein: The dehumidification device is in the form of a small bag, a hanging bag or a container.

15. The dehumidification device according to claim 14, wherein: The hanging bag is a multi-compartment hanging bag having an upper half and a lower half.

16. The dehumidification device according to claim 15, wherein: The multi-compartment hanging bag has two or more compartments.

17. The dehumidification device according to claim 15, wherein: The composition is present in the upper half of the hanging bag.

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