Halogen Generator On-Demand Vapor Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The storage and usage of halogen gases like chlorine and bromine are problematic due to their toxicity and corrosiveness, requiring expensive containment and venting systems, and existing alternatives like XeF2 are also corrosive and limited in application.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generates halogen gases, such as chlorine or bromine, by contacting a solid oxidizing agent with a halide compound vapor at sub-atmospheric pressures, eliminating the need for storage and using inexpensive, readily available halide compounds like acetyl chloride or acetyl bromide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If halogen gases are stored and used directly, then immediate availability is achieved, but expensive containment and venting systems are required due to toxicity and corrosiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the halogen gas from its stored form and generates it on-demand through chemical reaction between a solid oxidizing agent and a halide compound vapor. This eliminates the need for storing hazardous halogen gases while maintaining availability when needed, directly resolving the contradiction between safety and containment system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning safe, stable precursors (solid oxidizing agents and halide compounds) that can be readily converted to halogen gas when needed. This allows immediate gas generation without requiring pre-stored hazardous halogen gases, eliminating containment requirements while ensuring availability
2Device complexity
If halogen gases are generated on demand from halide compounds, then containment costs are eliminated, but gas must be produced continuously during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling temperature to regulate the vapor pressure of halide compounds, thereby controlling the rate of halogen gas generation. By adjusting temperature parameters, the system can match gas production rates to application requirements while maintaining simple containment, resolving the contradiction between eliminating containment costs and maintaining adequate productivity
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 approach reduces costs and safety concerns by producing halogen gases on demand, enhancing applications like beam etching and synthesis, and eliminating the need for expensive containment and venting systems, while providing a safer and more efficient halogen gas delivery.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a solid oxidizing agent with a vapor comprising a halide compound to produce a gas stream comprising a halogen gas
Implementation Method 2
contacting a solid oxidizing agent with a vapor comprising a halide compound at sub-atmospheric pressures
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a method and system for producing a halogen gas. The method may comprise contacting a solid oxidizing agent with a vapor comprising a halide compound, to produce a gas stream comprising a halogen corresponding to the halide in the halide compound. The halide compound may be an acyl halide, such as an acetyl halide or an oxalyl halide. The oxidizing agent may be any suitable oxidizing agent, and in certain examples, potassium permanganate is used. The method may be performed under a reduced pressure. Also disclosed herein is a system suitable to perform the disclosed method. The system may comprise a reservoir, an oxidizing agent support and a gas stream outlet.