Portable Chlorine Dioxide Generator Using Water-Soluble Pouch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chlorine dioxide, a biocide and disinfectant, is unstable and requires on-site generation using bulky industrial equipment, making it inaccessible and costly for smaller sites, and its generation poses risks due to premature mixing or leakage.
Innovation Solution
A portable, disposable, and biodegradable chlorine dioxide micro generator that uses water-soluble paper and hydrogel or compressed cellulose in a filter paper pouch to stabilize sodium chlorite and acid, preventing premature reaction until activated by water, ensuring safe storage and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If chlorine dioxide is generated using large industrial equipment, then sufficient chlorine dioxide can be produced for commercial buildings, but the equipment becomes bulky and inaccessible to smaller sites
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the chemical reaction components into separate compartments: sodium chlorite is contained in a water-soluble pouch while acid is stored in a separate canister. This segmentation allows the chemicals to be transported in a compact form without premature reaction, and only mixed when needed at the application site, thus reducing equipment size while maintaining chlorine dioxide generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The chemicals are prepared and packaged in advance in a stable, separated state. Sodium chlorite is pre-packaged in water-soluble material and the acid is pre-measured in a canister, both ready for deployment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for bulky on-site mixing equipment, as the reaction components are already portioned and protected until use
2Ease of operation
If sodium chlorite and acid are mixed in large canister reservoirs, then chlorine dioxide can be generated on site, but porting around excess equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple functions into a single integrated package: the water-soluble pouch containing sodium chlorite, the separate acid canister, and the reaction chamber are all part of one deployable unit. This merging reduces the number of separate equipment pieces that need to be transported and assembled on-site, simplifying the overall system while maintaining on-site generation capability
3Reliability
If chemicals are stored in a dry stabilized form, then safe storage and transportation is achieved, but premature mixing or leakage could still occur
Solution Approach 1:
A water-soluble pouch acts as an intermediary barrier between sodium chlorite and the acid. The pouch allows water to pass through to activate the chemical reaction only when intended, while preventing direct contact between the chemicals during storage and transport. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable safe storage while controlling the timing of the reaction to prevent premature mixing
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a disposable water-soluble pouch that is discarded after a single use. This disposable approach eliminates the need for complex cleaning and sterilization procedures that could lead to contamination or premature reaction, ensuring safety through simple replacement rather than repeated handling and maintenance
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 provides a safe, stable, and efficient generation of chlorine dioxide gas, preventing unintended reactions and leakage, suitable for smaller sites without the need for bulky equipment, while ensuring environmental safety and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
uses exposure to water to trigger a reaction between small quantities of provided chemicals, such as sodium chlorite and an acid to produce the chlorine dioxide
Implementation Method 2
provide cellulose material to absorb and contain the liquid ClO2 solution and expedites the aeration of said solution for a more efficient and rapid release of ClO2 gas from the system
Implementation Method 3
These levels include desiccants, physical separation, stabilizers, and impermeable barriers. These levels protect against early exposure to water to allow for the safe storage and transportation of the chemicals
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a safe, disposable and biodegradable chlorine dioxide micro generator that uses water soluble paper and hydrogel or compressed cellulose encased in filter paper pouch. The chemicals are kept in a stabilize form until activated by the addition of water. Multiple levels of protection against early exposure to water such as a foil pouch and an impermeable outer container allow for the safe transportation and storage in small, ready for deployment amounts of the chemicals. Water permeated the chemical pack housing and dissolves the paper walls of the chemical pouch housing and then the water facilitates the reaction between the acid and the sodium chlorite to form chlorine dioxide gas as will be described further hereunder. Absorbent and permeable materials packaged around the chemicals provide for the safe containment of the chlorine dioxide solution, and the expeditious aeration and release of the chlorine dioxide gas, once the chemical reaction has been completed.