Odour-Masked Amine Composition Using Ether and Terpene Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively and economically eliminate the unpleasant odors generated by amines, particularly tertiary amines, in industrial processes, leading to logistical and health issues for workers.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising at least 90% amine and up to 10% odor masking agents, such as ethers, terpenes, and oximes, which are added to the amines to significantly reduce or eliminate their nauseating odors without reacting with them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If chemical washing towers are used to eliminate amine odors, then amine residues are neutralized and salified, but the unpleasant odor generated by amines upstream before use by workers is not eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding odor masking agents to the amine composition before the amine is used in industrial processes. This prevents the unpleasant odor from being generated in the first place, rather than treating it after generation. The masking agents are incorporated into the amine formulation upstream, so workers are never exposed to the nasty odor during handling and application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses odor masking agents as intermediaries that bridge between the amine functional requirements and the odor problem. These agents (such as terpenes, esters, aldehydes, or perfumes) do not neutralize the amine chemically but rather mask its odor through aromatic composition, allowing the amine to maintain its chemical functionality while the odor issue is resolved through sensory interference.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If odor masking agents are added to amines, then the nauseating odors are masked, but the chemical stability and functionality of the amines must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the concentration of odor masking agents in the amine composition. The agents are present in small amounts (typically 0.01% to 10% by weight) sufficient to mask the odor but low enough to not interfere with the amine's chemical stability or reactivity. This optimization of concentration parameters allows simultaneous achievement of odor masking and functional preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs volatile odor masking agents that evaporate or degrade over time, providing temporary odor masking without forming stable compounds that could interfere with amine functionality. These agents (such as terpenes, esters, and perfumes) are chosen for their ability to provide effective odor masking while being chemically inert or easily removable, thus not compromising the long-term stability or reactivity of the amine.
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 solution effectively masks the odors of amines, improving workplace safety and reducing odor-related issues, while maintaining the chemical stability and functionality of the amines, even under storage conditions for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
at least one amine and at least one odor masking agent, in particular making it possible to mask, entirely or at least to a very large extent, the nauseating and annoying odors
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition comprising: a) at least one primary, secondary or tertiary amine and b) at least one agent which masks the odour of said at least one amine, said at least one odour-masking agent comprising at least one ether (b1), optionally, but preferably, at least one terpene and/or one terpenoid (b2) and optionally, but preferably, at least one oxime (b3). The invention also relates to the use of an odour-masking agent in order to mask the odour of at least one amine.