Filming Amine Detection Using Non-Ionic Polymer Solubilizer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting and quantifying filming amines in water are prone to inaccurate results due to the pH-sensitive rose bengal complex precipitating out of solution, causing foam and bubbles with surfactants, which interfere with colorimeter readings.

Innovation Solution

A method and composition using a pH-dependent indicator with an acidic buffer and a water-soluble non-ionic polymer like hydroxypropyl cellulose to keep the rose bengal/filming amine complex soluble, preventing precipitation and foam formation, facilitating accurate and repeatable absorbance readings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If rose bengal reagent is added to detect filming amines by photometry, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the complex precipitates out of solution causing inaccurate measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidcomplex solubility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A wetting agent (non-ionic surfactant) is introduced as an intermediary substance to prevent the filming amine/rose bengal complex from precipitating. The surfactant adsorbs at the interface and reduces surface tension, keeping the complex in solution and allowing accurate photometric measurements to proceed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pH of the sample is lowered to between 2.3 and 3.3 by adding hydrochloric acid after rose bengal reagent addition. This parameter change optimizes the formation and stability of the colored complex, enabling accurate detection while the wetting agent simultaneously prevents precipitation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a wetting agent is added to prevent complex precipitation, then the complex remains in solution, but foam and bubbles form interfering with colorimeter readings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplex solubilityVSAvoidfoam and bubbles
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pH is lowered to a specific range (2.3-3.3) which not only optimizes complex formation but also reduces the foaming tendency of the surfactant. This parameter optimization simultaneously addresses both the solubility issue and the foam generation problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The wetting agent is used in optimized, controlled amounts specifically tailored to prevent precipitation without excessive foaming. The local concentration and positioning of the surfactant is optimized to perform its solubilizing function while minimizing harmful foam formation that would interfere with measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If gas chromatography is used to determine filming amine levels, then accuracy is improved, but equipment complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantification accuracyVSAvoidequipment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex mechanical gas chromatography system is replaced with a simple photometric measurement system. The chemical complexation reaction between rose bengal and filming amines produces a colored complex whose absorbance can be measured by a simple colorimeter, eliminating the need for complex chromatographic equipment while providing sufficient accuracy for industrial applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 ensures accurate and reproducible quantification of filming amines without precipitation or bubble interference, providing a more reliable and precise measurement of filming amine concentrations.

Implementation Method 1

rose bengal forms a colored complex with filming amines. The absorbance of this complex is proportional to the concentration of filming amines.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComplexation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The absorbance of this complex is measured at 560 nm and is directly proportional to the level of filming amine active in the sample.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

The presence of a wetting agent or detergent prevents the deposition of the filming amine/rose bengal complex by lowering surface tension and increasing solubility.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface tension reduction: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 4

The absorbance of this complex is measured at 560 nm and is directly proportional to the level of filming amine active in the sample.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption Spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS11619590B2Method and composition for detecting and quantifying filming amines in liquids
Publication Date: 2023.04.04 TAYLOR WATER TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A composition and method for the photometric determination of a film-forming amine in liquid by adding an indicator reagent to an aqueous system that is pH dependent, combining a water soluble non-ionic polymer to modify the physical properties of the aqueous system, and adding an acidic buffer to said aqueous system to lower pH and activate said indicator, said water soluble polymer keeping the filming amine/indicator complex in solution despite the acidic buffer and preventing it from precipitating out.