Alkali Metal Hydrogen Sulfate Acid Tablets for Water pH Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for modifying the pH of water sources, such as those containing free available halogen, face challenges in controllability, safety, and environmental impact, particularly when using liquid acids like hydrochloric acid, which can result in undesirable pH ranges, safety hazards, and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising 95-99.999% alkali metal hydrogen sulfate with 0.001-0.08% alkali or alkaline earth metal salt of a fatty carboxylic acid, formulated into tablets, prills, or granules that can effectively acidify aqueous solutions, reducing pH while minimizing safety and environmental concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If liquid acid (hydrochloric acid) is used to reduce pH of water source, then pH can be reduced below 7, but safety hazards and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the acid from liquid to solid form (alkali metal hydrogen sulfate). This solid acid form provides the same pH reduction capability while eliminating the safety and environmental hazards associated with liquid acid handling, storage, and spillage.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid acid composition is designed as a disposable tablet or granule that dissolves in water to provide acidification. This eliminates the need for repeated handling of hazardous liquid acid, reducing cumulative safety risks and environmental impact while maintaining effective pH control.
2Manufacturing precision
If liquid acid is used for pH reduction, then pH modification can be achieved, but controllability deteriorates resulting in pH outside predetermined range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dosage form from liquid to solid (tablet or granule), which allows for pre-measured, controlled amounts of acid to be added to the water source. This improves controllability by ensuring consistent, predictable pH reduction within the desired range of 6.5-7.5.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid acid composition is prepared in advance with precise formulation (95-99.999% alkali metal hydrogen sulfate with 0.001-0.08% metal salt of fatty carboxylic acid). This preliminary preparation ensures that the correct amount of acid is provided in each tablet or granule, eliminating the need for complex dosing calculations and improving pH control reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If liquid acid storage is implemented, then pH modification can be performed, but costs increase due to secondary containment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable solid acid tablets or granules that are dissolved in water as needed. This eliminates the need for expensive secondary containment infrastructure, special storage facilities, and ongoing maintenance costs associated with liquid acid storage, while maintaining the ability to perform pH modification.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from liquid to solid acid form, the patent eliminates storage-related costs entirely. The solid acid can be stored in simple, inexpensive containers without special safety requirements, significantly reducing the quantity of capital and operational costs associated with acid storage infrastructure.
4Manufacturing precision
If liquid acid handling is performed, then pH reduction is achieved, but worker and equipment exposure risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state from liquid to solid acid (tablet or granule). This eliminates vapor exposure risks and reduces the likelihood of spills and splashes that could expose workers and equipment to corrosive acid. The solid form can be handled with simple gloves and minimal protective equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable solid acid tablets or granules are handled briefly during dissolution and then discarded. This minimizes the time workers are exposed to any potential hazards and eliminates the need for ongoing handling of hazardous liquid acid, thereby reducing cumulative exposure risks to workers and equipment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition allows for controlled pH modification of water sources, enhancing sanitizing properties and reducing microbial presence without the safety and environmental issues associated with traditional acid use, while maintaining structural integrity and dissolution rates.
Implementation Method 1
a composition comprising: (a) about 95 to about 99.999 weight percent of at least one alkali metal hydrogen sulfate; and (b) about 0.001 to less than 0.08 weight percent of at least one alkali metal salt of a fatty carboxylic acid and/or at least one alkaline earth metal salt of a fatty carboxylic acid
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions, tablets, prills and granules are provided including (a) about 95 to about 99.999 weight percent of at least one alkali metal hydrogen sulfate; and (b) about 0.001 to less than 0.08 weight percent of at least one alkali metal salt of a fatty carboxylic acid and/or at least one alkaline earth metal salt of a fatty carboxylic acid; wherein the composition includes less than 1 weight percent of chlorite and/or hypochlorite and less than 1 weight percent of alkali metal salt and/or alkaline earth metal salt that is chemically different from the at least one alkali metal hydrogen sulfate, the at least one alkali metal salt of a fatty carboxylic acid and the at least one alkaline earth metal salt of a fatty carboxylic acid, on a basis of total weight of the composition. Methods of use also are provided.