Diamine Transport Stabilization via Water Content Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The transport of hexane-1,6-diamine and pentane-1,5-diamine, which have low melting points, poses risks of phase transitions during transport, and existing methods require additional process steps and large quantities of solvents, making them inefficient and unsafe.

Innovation Solution

A method involving providing a diluted aqueous solution of hexane-1,6-diamine or pentane-1,5-diamine, partially removing water by distillation to create a second composition with 1-35% water content, which is then transported over a span of time, allowing for stable transport and further processing into polyamides or diisocyanates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the diamine is transported as a diluted aqueous solution, then the risk of phase transitions is reduced, but the amount of substance to be transported increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability during transportVSAvoidamount of aqueous solution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the concentration parameter of the diamine solution, transporting it as a diluted aqueous solution (1-35 wt.-% diamine) instead of concentrated or pure form. This parameter change prevents phase transitions during transport while maintaining stability, accepting the trade-off of increased volume as a necessary condition for reliable transport over long distances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If water is completely removed from the diamine solution, then the concentration is increased, but phase transitions may occur during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediamine concentrationVSAvoidphase transition risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the water content parameter to a specific range (1-35 wt.-%) that balances concentration and stability. Complete water removal is avoided as it would lower the melting point and increase phase transition risk. This parameter optimization allows the diamine to remain stable during transport while maintaining sufficient concentration for efficient processing at the destination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If additional process steps are introduced for purification and concentration, then the purity is improved, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediamine purityVSAvoidnumber of process steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary concentration and stabilization actions at the production location before transport. By partially removing water and adjusting the composition to the optimal range (1-35 wt.-% diamine) at the source, the need for complex purification processes at the destination is reduced. This preliminary action simplifies the overall process while maintaining product quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If the diamine is transported in heatable containers, then the phase transition risk is reduced, but the safety and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase transition preventionVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using heatable containers that require active temperature control, the patent changes the compositional parameters of the diamine solution itself. By adjusting the water content to 1-35 wt.-%, the melting point is depressed to a level that prevents phase transitions during normal transport conditions. This eliminates the need for heated containers and associated safety risks while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This method stabilizes the diamines against phase transitions during transport, reduces the need for additional process steps, and enables efficient further processing into valuable chemicals like polyamides and diisocyanates, improving safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

partially removing water from the first composition by distillation at a first production location

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDistillation: Distillation

Data Source

PatentUS20240336555A1Method for the Processing and Transport of Hexane-1,6-Diamine or Pentane-1,5-Diamine
Publication Date: 2024.10.10 COVESTRO DEUTSCHLAND AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the processing and transport of hexane-1,6-diamine or pentane-1,5-diamine comprising the steps of: a) Providing a first composition including 60 to 98 wt.-% water and 2 to 40 wt.-% hexane-1,6-diamine or pentane-1,5-diamine, b) partially removing water from the first composition by distillation at a first production location, whereby a second composition is generated, said second composition including the hexane-1,6-diamine or pentane-1,5-diamine and 1 wt.-% to 35 wt.-% water, and c) transporting said second composition during a span of time t from the first production location to a second production location, wherein the span of time t including times for optional temporary storage is at least 6 h.