Malodorous Composition Using Fluorinated Solvents for Mine Warning Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing malodorous compositions for warning systems in pressurized air systems, such as those used in mines, have caused ozone depletion and increased climate change due to the use of chlorinated solvents, and there is a lack of solutions incorporating trans-1,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene and trans-1-chloro-3,3-trifluoropropene for nonflammable and climate-friendly alternatives.
Innovation Solution
A malodorous composition using trans-1,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene as a nonflammable solvent and trans-1-chloro-3,3-trifluoropropene as a flame suppression component, combined with a suitable mercaptan and inert gas, forming a nonflammable and climate-friendly blend that eliminates ozone depletion and climate change issues, specifically designed for use in pressurized air breathing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If chlorinated solvents are used in malodorous compositions, then the composition provides effective warning signal, but it causes ozone depletion and increases climate change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing chlorinated solvents with fluorinated alternatives (trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene and trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene). This substitution maintains the solvent properties needed for effective warning signal delivery while eliminating ozone depletion and climate change harmful effects associated with chlorinated compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite malodorous composition by combining fluorinated solvents with mercaptans and inert gases under pressure. This composite formulation achieves both effective warning signaling and environmental sustainability by integrating multiple components that work together to provide the desired functional properties without the harmful effects of traditional chlorinated solvents.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flammable mercaptans are used to provide strong odor, then the warning signal is effective, but the composition becomes flammable and explosive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluorinated solvents as intermediary substances that dissolve and carry the flammable mercaptan components. These fluorinated solvents act as mediators that allow the mercaptans to provide effective odor signaling while the fluorinated base prevents the overall composition from being flammable or explosive, thus resolving the contradiction between odor effectiveness and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates inert gases (such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide) into the malodorous composition to create an inert environment. This inert atmosphere surrounds the flammable mercaptan components, preventing combustion and explosion while allowing the mercaptans to continue providing effective warning signals through their odor properties.
3Speed
If high pressure is applied to deliver the composition quickly, then the response time is reduced, but the container requires higher pressure rating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the pressure parameters by charging containers to moderate pressures (up to 500 psi) rather than extremely high pressures. This parameter change allows for sufficiently fast delivery speed to provide timely warning while keeping the required container pressure rating manageable and safe for practical application.
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 provides a nonflammable and non-explosive composition that reduces Global Warming Potential and avoids ozone depletion, effectively warning personnel while maintaining safety and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
this mixture has a suitable vapor pressure which is not over 80 pounds per square inch at sea level and at a maximum temperature of 25 degrees Centigrade
Implementation Method 2
The container for the malodorous composition of matter is charged to an internal pressure of up to 500 pounds per square inch at room temperature with nitrogen gas so that sufficient pressure exists to expel the malodorous composition of matter into pressurized air breathing systems
Data Source
AI summary
A climate change reducing malodorous composition of matter that contains a liquid mercaptan mixed with a solvent, trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene, and a flame suppression component, trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, and with an inert gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide under pressure in a container for introduction into a pressurized breathing or pneumatic tool system, such as in mines, thereby forming a warning system to warn a person of danger when the malodorous composition of matter is released from the container.