Ether Carboxylic Acid Composition for Hard Water Lubricity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preparing ether carboxylic acids do not adequately address the requirements of industrial applications, particularly in terms of water hardness stability and improved lubricity.

Innovation Solution

A process involving the carboxyalkylation of oxyalkylated alcohol compounds with C2 to C5 chlorocarboxylic acid, using a molar ratio of chlorocarboxylic acid to alkali salt between 1:2.05 to 1:3, to produce ether carboxylic acids with specific alkyl or alkenyl chains and varying degrees of alkoxylation, which are then used in oilfield compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing methods for preparing ether carboxylic acids are used, then the basic preparation function is achieved, but water hardness stability and lubricity are insufficient for industrial applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater hardness stabilityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the molar ratio parameter of reactants (chloroacetic acid to alkali metal hydroxide) from conventional ratios to a specific range of 1:2.05 to 1:3, which directly improves water hardness stability and lubricity of the ether carboxylic acid product for industrial applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses an excess of alkali metal hydroxide (beyond the stoichiometric 1:1 ratio) to ensure complete reaction and improve product quality, specifically achieving better water hardness stability and lubricity characteristics required for industrial use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If existing preparation methods are used, then ether carboxylic acid is produced, but lubricity for industrial applications is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelubricityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the molar ratio parameter of reactants to a specific range of 1:2.05 to 1:3, which directly enhances the lubricity of the ether carboxylic acid product, making it suitable for industrial applications such as metal working fluids and lubricants

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional molar ratios are used in carboxyalkylation, then the reaction proceeds efficiently, but the product lacks enhanced water hardness stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater hardness stabilityVSAvoidraw material consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the molar ratio parameter of chloroacetic acid to alkali metal hydroxide within the range of 1:2.05 to 1:3, achieving enhanced water hardness stability of the product while managing raw material consumption through controlled excess of base

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

The process results in ether carboxylic acids with enhanced water hardness stability and improved lubricity, suitable for industrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

carboxyalkylating the oxyalkylated alcohol compounds of formula (II) with C 2 to C 5 chlorocarboxylic acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCarboxyalkylation: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3842407B1Process for the preparation of an ether carboxylic acid composition
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 KAO CHEM GMBH

AI summary

The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least an ether carboxylic acid. The present invention also relates to the method for obtaining of the composition and to the use of the composition in industrial applications such as engine oil compositions, metal working compositions, lubricant compositions and oil fuel compositions.