Biocide Solvent System Hansen Parameters Crystallization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biocide formulations, particularly emulsifiable and suspension concentrates, face issues with crystallization that lead to equipment clogging and limited stability, necessitating immediate application and requiring the use of environmentally hazardous solvents, with low biocide solubility and stability in water-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A solvent system comprising a first component selected from organic acids or alcohols and a second component from organic acids, alcohols, esters, or ethers, with differing Hansen solubility parameters, is used to create a stable emulsifiable concentrate that dissolves biocides at higher concentrations, reducing crystallization and allowing for longer storage and easier application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If biocides are formulated as aqueous solution or emulsifiable concentrate, then the biocide can be applied via spray equipment, but crystallization occurs leading to filter and nozzle blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the solvent system by selecting specific organic solvents with appropriate solubility parameters (δ ≥ 18.0 MPa^1/2) and using them in combination with water and optional co-solvents. This parameter optimization prevents biocide crystallization while maintaining spray application capability, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solvent system combining multiple components: organic solvent (5-50 wt%), water (50-95 wt%), and optional co-solvent (5-30 wt%). This composite formulation synergistically prevents crystallization blocking while enabling reliable spray application, addressing both the ease of operation and reliability concerns.
2Quantity of substance
If emulsifiable concentrate is used, then biocide can be dissolved, but crystallization increases over time necessitating immediate application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes solvent composition parameters, specifically using organic solvents with solubility parameters δ ≥ 18.0 MPa^1/2 and controlling the organic solvent content at 5-50 wt%. This parameter selection ensures high biocide solubility (at least 5 wt%) and prevents crystallization during storage, simultaneously achieving high concentration and long storage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent formulates a solvent system that maintains continuous biocide solubility over extended periods. The specific combination of organic solvent, water, and optional co-solvent creates a stable homogeneous solution that prevents crystallization throughout storage and application, enabling continuous use without immediate application requirements.
3Reliability
If suspension concentrate is used instead of emulsifiable concentrate, then crystallization problem is avoided, but equipment clogging and higher cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the formulation approach from suspension concentrate to a specifically designed emulsifiable concentrate using organic solvents with δ ≥ 18.0 MPa^1/2. This parameter-optimized solvent system dissolves biocides completely without crystallization, preventing equipment clogging while maintaining reliability, thus resolving the contradiction between crystallization prevention and ease of operation.
4Quantity of substance
If aromatic hydrocarbon solvent is used, then biocide solubility is achieved, but environmental hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces aromatic hydrocarbon solvents with aliphatic organic solvents that have solubility parameters δ ≥ 18.0 MPa^1/2. This substitution maintains adequate biocide solubility (at least 5 wt%) while eliminating the environmental hazards associated with aromatic hydrocarbons, resolving the contradiction between solubility achievement and environmental safety.
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 solvent system effectively increases biocide solubility to at least 5 wt.%, reduces crystallization, and eliminates equipment clogging, enabling stable emulsions and extended application windows while replacing hazardous solvents with more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Implementation Method 1
A solvent system comprising a first component selected from organic acids or alcohols and a second component from organic acids, alcohols, esters, or ethers, with differing Hansen solubility parameters, is used to create a stable emulsifiable concentrate that dissolves biocides at higher concentrations
Implementation Method 2
A problem often encountered when emulsifying the emulsifiable concentrate is the crystallization of the biocide(s) from the emulsion. There have been numerous suggestions on how to solve this crystallization problem of the biocide(s)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a composition (C) including: (A) a solvent system; and (B) at least one biocide. The solvent system includes: (A1) a first component selected from an organic acid (A1a) or an alcohol (A1b); and (A2) a second component selected from an organic acid (A2a), an alcohol (A2b), an ester (A2c) or an ether (A2d), with the proviso that the Hansen solubility parameters of the first component (A1) are different from the Hansen solubility parameters of the second component (A2).