Cationic GPAM for Reduced Shipping Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glyoxalated polyacrylamide (GPAM) products require large volumes of aqueous carriers for storage and transport, leading to increased shipping costs due to rapid crosslinking issues, which limits their utility and efficiency in the paper industry.
Innovation Solution
Developing cationic GPAM with a base polymer comprising at least 15% cationic monomer, a weight average molecular weight of at least 25,000 Da, and a glyoxal:base polymer weight ratio of 17:83, allowing for higher solids percentage (2-11%) that can be stored and transported without large volumes of aqueous carriers, thus reducing shipping costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional GPAM is stored and transported in bulk aqueous fluid carrier, then the product can be maintained in a stable state, but the shipping volume and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter by providing GPAM at higher solids percentages (e.g., 5-20% or higher) compared to conventional dilute formulations. This parameter change reduces the volume of aqueous carrier needed for transport while maintaining product stability through controlled formulation and handling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares GPAM formulations with optimized solids content and stability characteristics before transport. By preliminarily formulating the product at higher concentrations with appropriate stabilizers and handling instructions, the product can be transported in reduced volumes without requiring stabilization during transit.
2Volume of moving object
If GPAM is dried into solid particulate form, then the storage and transport volume is reduced, but significant and rapid crosslinking occurs that limits product utility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the moisture content parameter during drying to achieve a stable solid or semi-solid form without inducing rapid crosslinking. By optimizing the drying process to reach specific moisture levels (e.g., 5-20% solids) and maintaining appropriate pH and temperature parameters, the product achieves reduced storage volume while preserving functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent may use intermediaries such as buffering agents, pH controllers, or crosslinking inhibitors that allow the GPAM to be dried to a solid or semi-solid state without triggering unwanted crosslinking reactions. These intermediaries stabilize the polymer during the drying and storage process.
3Ease of operation
If GPAM is formulated with lower solids percentage, then the product is easier to handle and transport, but larger volumes are required increasing shipping costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the solids percentage parameter to a range that balances handling ease with transport efficiency (e.g., 5-20% or higher). This parameter optimization reduces transport volume compared to dilute formulations while maintaining adequate fluidity and workability for handling and application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent formulates GPAM products with dynamic rheological properties that allow them to be pumped, mixed, and applied effectively at higher solids percentages. By adjusting viscosity, flow characteristics, and other dynamic parameters, the product remains easy to handle despite the reduced volume.
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 cationic GPAM products enhance paper strength and stability while minimizing transportation volumes and costs, enabling efficient handling and use in papermaking processes.
Implementation Method 1
glyoxalated polyacrylamide can increase the initial wet strength of many household tissues... increase the compression strength and the dimensional stability
Implementation Method 2
GPAM is typically prepared through a reaction between glyoxal and a polyacrylamide base polymer... significant and rapid crosslinking of the GPAM
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to glyoxalated polyacrylamide (GPAM) products, compositions comprising GPAM products, and methods of use thereof, particularly in the paper industry. Moreover, the present disclosure generally pertains to cationic GPAM products, compositions comprising, and use thereof in papermaking applications and in products such as paper-based products, wherein the cationic GPAM products may provide increased wet and/or dry strength to the paper-based product and wherein such GPAMs optionally can be stored and transported to a papermaking site without the addition of large volumes of aqueous carriers.