Chlorine Dioxide Stabilization via Segmented Dual-Chamber Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chlorine dioxide-based disinfectants and sanitizers face challenges with long-term stability, leading to limited shelf life and requiring on-site production or complex user mixing, which complicates manufacturing and consumer usage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the acidification of sodium chlorite with hydrochloric acid, followed by the addition of DOWFAX and sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 4.5-6.5, stabilizing chlorine dioxide and enhancing its shelf life, allowing for a ready-to-use product in various delivery formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chlorine dioxide is used as a biocidal agent, then disinfection efficacy is improved, but long-term stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the chlorine dioxide product into two separate chambers: Chamber A contains the biocidal agent (chlorine dioxide), while Chamber B contains the surfactant and other ingredients. This segmentation prevents direct contact between incompatible components, maintaining stability while preserving disinfection efficacy when the components are mixed at the point of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the dual-chamber dispensing system with separate supply tubes) that keeps the biocidal agent and surfactant separated until the moment of application. This intermediary structure allows both components to coexist stably in storage while enabling their interaction for effective disinfection during use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If chlorine dioxide is produced at the source, then stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-mixing the surfactant and other stable ingredients in Chamber B, while keeping the biocidal agent separate in Chamber A. This allows most of the product formulation to be prepared in advance, with only the final mixing occurring at the point of use, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a dual-chamber bottle with separate supply tubes is used, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dual-chamber bottle structure with an integrated dispensing mechanism that automatically draws from both chambers and mixes the contents during normal dispensing operation. This combining of storage and mixing functions into a single device reduces overall system complexity compared to separate storage and mixing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system is designed to automatically perform the mixing function by drawing equal amounts from both chambers through separate supply tubes and combining them in the dispensing mechanism. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual mixing by the consumer while maintaining the stability benefits of separate storage.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If shelf life is extended, then consumer appeal is improved, but microbiological efficacy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the product into two stable components that are mixed only at the point of use, the patent extends shelf life significantly while ensuring that the biocidal agent maintains its microbiological efficacy. The separation prevents degradation reactions that would otherwise occur over time, and the fresh mixing ensures full efficacy when applied.
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 stabilization of chlorine dioxide extends its shelf life, simplifies product usage, and maintains microbiological efficacy, making it more appealing and easier to handle for consumers while avoiding the need for complex packaging or on-site mixing.
Implementation Method 1
The chlorine dioxide is produced using a method that includes adding a first amount of Hydrochloric acid (HCl) to a second amount of Sodium chlorite (NaClO2) that is dissolved in water
Implementation Method 2
adding a fourth amount of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) to adjust the pH of the resulting ClO2 solution to a desired pH and concentration
Implementation Method 3
adding a third amount of DOWFAX (i.e., sodium alkyl diphenyloxide disulfonate) to the solution and slowly agitate the HCl, NaClO2 and DOWFAX solution to distribute the DOWFAX
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for producing broad spectrum disinfectants, sanitizers, cleaner and deodorizers using chlorine dioxide compositions, and more particularly, to methods for producing chlorine dioxide compositions having improved long term stability by the proper choice of pH and through the careful choice of other product formula ingredients.