Blowing-Agent Adhesive for Safe Elastomer Liner Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of elastomer liners from metal substrates in mineral processing plants typically involves high temperatures and strong solvents, leading to harmful emissions and an unsafe work environment.
Innovation Solution
A primer composition containing a blowing agent, such as 5-phenyltetrazole, is used to bond the elastomer layer to the metal substrate, allowing the layer to be removed by heating to a temperature below the elastomer's combustion point, where the blowing agent decomposes and forms gas to break the adhesive bond.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If high temperatures and strong solvents are used to remove the elastomer liner, then the adhesive bond is broken and the liner is removed, but harmful emissions are produced and the work environment becomes unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the adhesive by incorporating a blowing agent that decomposes at lower temperatures. This allows the adhesive to break down and release the elastomer liner at temperatures below the elastomer's combustion point, avoiding the need for high temperatures and strong solvents that produce harmful emissions
Solution Approach 2:
The blowing agent acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates the liner removal process. When heated, the blowing agent decomposes and generates gas that breaks the adhesive bond, serving as a mediator between the heat source and the elastomer liner, enabling removal without direct contact with harmful high temperatures or solvents
2Ease of operation
If high temperatures are used to remove the elastomer liner, then the adhesive bond is broken, but the temperature may reach the elastomer's combustion point creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the thermal decomposition parameters of the adhesive system by adding a blowing agent with a specific decomposition temperature range. This creates a controlled thermal response that breaks the adhesive bond at safe temperatures, preventing the elastomer from reaching its combustion point and ensuring workplace safety
Solution Approach 2:
The blowing agent is pre-incorporated into the adhesive composition before application. When removal is needed, the blowing agent is activated by heating to decompose first, generating gas that breaks the adhesive bond before the elastomer can be damaged or ignite, thus preventing safety hazards in advance
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
Enables safe and emission-free removal of elastomer layers from metal substrates, improving workplace safety and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
heating the lined metal substrate to a temperature of between about 110°C and about 350°C whereby the adhesive composition bonding the elastomer layer to the metal substrate degrades
Data Source
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AI summary
An adhesive composition for adhering an elastomer layer to a metal substrate is described, wherein the adhesive composition includes a blowing agent which may be in an amount of about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%. A method of adhering an elastomer layer to a metal substrate is also described, which includes (a) adhering the elastomer layer to the metal substrate by applying the adhesive composition between the elastomer layer and the metal substrate; and, (b) allowing the adhesive composition to cure.