Controlled Release Container with Liquid-Permeable Membrane

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adding chemical additives to industrial liquid compositions, such as those in cooling systems, often result in sudden 'slug' formations that can damage equipment due to large additive quantities, and are not effectively controlled in aqueous solutions, leading to contamination and system failure.

Innovation Solution

Development of containers with a casing and a liquid-permeable membrane that allow for a controlled, sustained release of additive compositions into liquid compositions, using insoluble components that do not dissolve and can be reused or disposed of after use, ensuring safe and effective additive distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large quantities of additives are added periodically to industrial liquid compositions, then the liquid composition can be effectively treated for contamination, but sudden 'slug' formations occur that can damage equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of contamination treatmentVSAvoidequipment damage from additive slugs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The additive composition is segmented into controlled release portions through the use of a container with a liquid-permeable membrane. This segmentation allows the additive to be released in manageable quantities over time rather than in sudden large slugs, preventing equipment damage while maintaining treatment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container with controlled release mechanism performs preliminary action by regulating the additive release rate before the additive enters the liquid composition. This preliminary control prevents the formation of harmful slug formations that would otherwise occur when large quantities are added periodically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If additives are added at regular maintenance intervals, then the system can be maintained, but the concentration of additives in the system is not known at any given time leading to potential contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of maintenance schedulingVSAvoidcontrol of additive concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controlled release container provides feedback control by maintaining a predetermined concentration of additive in the liquid composition. The liquid-permeable membrane regulates the release rate to match the consumption rate, ensuring the concentration remains within desired parameters without requiring continuous monitoring or adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The container system is self-regulating, automatically adjusting the additive release rate based on the liquid composition's needs. The liquid-permeable membrane allows the system to self-service by maintaining proper additive concentration without external intervention, eliminating the uncertainty associated with periodic addition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If thermoplastic materials are used for additive containers, then additives can be released through dissolution, but most thermoplastics do not dissolve in aqueous solutions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of additive release mechanismVSAvoidcompatibility with aqueous-based liquids

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid-permeable membrane acts as an intermediary between the additive composition and the aqueous-based liquid. This intermediary component enables controlled release in aqueous environments without requiring the container material itself to dissolve, thus maintaining both ease of manufacture and adaptability to water-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The use of a porous liquid-permeable membrane provides a physical structure that allows additive molecules to pass through while maintaining container integrity in aqueous solutions. This porous material approach replaces the dissolution mechanism of thermoplastics with a permeation-based release system that is compatible with water-based liquids.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 enables a gradual and controlled release of additives, preventing contamination and equipment damage, while ensuring user safety and cost-effectiveness through the use of non-reusable containers with insoluble components.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid-permeable membrane that allow for a controlled, sustained release of additive compositions into liquid compositions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

using insoluble components that do not dissolve and can be reused or disposed of after use

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInsolubility:

Data Source

PatentUS8591747B2Devices and methods for controlled release of additive compositions

Publication Date: 2013.11.26 DOVER CHEM CORP

AI summary

Containers for controlled release of an additive composition into a liquid composition include a liquid impermeable casing having a hollow interior, at least one opening and a membrane component secured to the casing. Methods of releasing additive compositions into liquid compositions are also provided.