Citrate-Modified Deicing Brine for Low-Temperature Ice Melting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current de-icing compositions, such as sodium chloride brines, are ineffective at temperatures below -6° F (-21° C) and require frequent reapplication, as they do not effectively melt snow and ice, and alternative methods like spreading sand can cause safety risks and vehicle damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating citrate compounds into alkali metal and alkali earth metal halide salts to lower the eutectic temperature of de-icing compositions, allowing them to melt ice at lower temperatures and maintain effectiveness even when diluted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If sodium chloride brine is used for de-icing, then it is effective at temperatures above -6° F, but it becomes ineffective at temperatures below -6° F
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the de-icing solution by adding citrate compounds (such as trisodium citrate, disodium citrate, or citric acid) to the sodium chloride brine. This compositional change lowers the eutectic temperature of the solution from -6° F to approximately -20° F or lower, extending the effective temperature range while maintaining de-icing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite de-icing solution by combining sodium chloride with citrate compounds. This composite composition leverages the properties of both components: sodium chloride provides the base de-icing capability, while citrate compounds depress the freezing point and extend effectiveness to lower temperatures
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sand or gravel is spread over snow and ice to increase friction, then vehicle safety is improved, but the materials are quickly pushed off the road and require frequent reapplication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical friction-enhancement approach (spreading sand or gravel) with a chemical de-icing approach using citrate-modified brine solutions. This substitution eliminates the need for abrasive materials while providing both ice melting and friction enhancement through the liquid brine, which remains effective for longer durations
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sand or gravel is spread on the road surface, then coefficient of friction increases, but vehicle tires kick up materials into windshields and grilles causing damage and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes abrasive solid materials (sand, gravel) with a liquid brine solution containing citrate compounds. This replacement eliminates the kick-up problem entirely while maintaining friction enhancement through the liquid medium, and additionally provides ice melting capabilities that sand alone cannot achieve
4Quantity of substance
If de-icing composition is diluted by melting ice, then the eutectic temperature increases towards the freezing point of pure water, but the composition loses effectiveness at lower temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the eutectic temperature parameter of the de-icing solution by incorporating citrate compounds. This changes the phase diagram of the solution, creating a new eutectic point at approximately -20° F or lower. As the solution dilutes during ice melting, the temperature progression follows this new eutectic baseline, maintaining effectiveness at lower temperatures throughout the dilution process
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 addition of citrate compounds to de-icing compositions significantly lowers the eutectic temperature, enhancing their ability to melt ice at lower temperatures and reducing the need for frequent reapplication, thereby improving de-icing performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the addition of citrate compound significantly lowers the eutectic temperature of the composition. The eutectic temperature represents a temperature minima at which the deicing composition can melt water-ice
Implementation Method 2
the process of melting ice dissolves and increasingly dilutes the deicing composition in an aqueous solution (sometimes called the 'brine')
Data Source
AI summary
Deicing compositions are described for reducing an amount of ice formed on a surface. The deicing compositions may include about 1 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of a salt of citric acid. The compositions may further include about 23 wt. % to about 28 wt. % sodium chloride when the deicing composition forms an aqueous solution.