Foaming Root Killer Composition for Sewer Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for killing tree roots in sewer lines are inefficient, environmentally harmful, and require frequent reapplications, as they either fail to reach all roots due to inactivation by organic materials or pose toxicity risks, and existing foaming techniques result in wasteful herbicide distribution and rapid washaway.
Innovation Solution
A foaming root killer composition generated by reacting sodium bicarbonate with sulfamic acid and surfactants, using synthetic latex and organosilicone polymers to create a long-lasting, sticky foam that adheres to pipe surfaces and roots, reducing herbicide load and preventing root regrowth, with soybean oil enhancing absorption and penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If Diquat is used to kill roots on contact, then environmental friendliness is improved, but effectiveness deteriorates due to inactivation by organic materials on roots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (surfactant or penetration enhancer) that mediates between the herbicide and the root surface. This intermediary helps the herbicide penetrate through the organic coating on roots, ensuring effective delivery of the active ingredient while maintaining environmental friendliness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical-chemical parameters of the herbicide formulation, such as solubility, surface activity, or penetration characteristics, to enable it to effectively reach and kill roots even in the presence of organic coatings, while using environmentally benign substances.
2Area of stationary object
If foaming techniques are used to deliver herbicide, then coverage is improved, but herbicide distribution becomes wasteful and rapid washaway occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a foaming delivery system that provides continuous coverage and adhesion of the herbicide to the root surface. The foam structure allows the herbicide to remain in contact with the target over an extended period, preventing rapid washaway and reducing the need for frequent reapplications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a foam matrix that forms a flexible, adherent film on the root surface. This foam film acts as a carrier that holds the herbicide in place, ensuring continuous exposure and preventing premature washoff, thereby improving both coverage and reducing waste.
3Reliability
If frequent reapplications are made to control root regrowth, then root prevention is improved, but treatment cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a foaming delivery system that enables preliminary and thorough penetration of the herbicide into the root system in a single application. This preliminary action ensures complete kill of the root system, preventing regrowth and eliminating the need for frequent reapplications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a foam-based formulation that provides continuous herbicide release and sustained action over time. This continuous action ensures long-term root prevention, reducing the frequency of required treatments and associated time losses.
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 significantly reduces environmental impact, minimizes herbicide usage, and provides long-term root prevention, reducing the need for frequent treatments and pipe replacements by ensuring the herbicide remains in the sewer line, achieving up to 100 times more effective root kill and lasting for weeks to years.
Implementation Method 1
A foaming root killer composition generated by reacting sodium bicarbonate with sulfamic acid
Implementation Method 2
A foaming root killer composition generated by reacting sodium bicarbonate with sulfamic acid and surfactants
Implementation Method 3
using synthetic latex and organosilicone polymers to create a long-lasting, sticky foam that adheres to pipe surfaces and roots
Implementation Method 4
with soybean oil enhancing absorption and penetration
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to the application of herbicides in sewer liens to kill tree roots inside the lines and preventing re-growth into the lines for years after application. It relates to the discovery that latex polymers, organosilicone surfactants, deposition agents and other surfactants can be used to “glue” the herbicides to pipe surfaces. This discovery allows the use of plant killing herbicides to treat roots in sewer lines—killing them—which results in their subsequent removal by decay and erosion processes. It also allows for the use of the herbicides to prevent regrowth back into the sewer lines by applying the herbicides in a compound which adheres to the sewer line surfaces and forms a long term coating on the pipe and joint surfaces where the roots might attempt to grow back in. The compound resists erosion and washing away preventing long term root re-infestations in the sewer lines.