HFMOP Azeotropic Composition for Predictable Cleaning Formulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The formation of azeotropic compositions is unpredictable, making it challenging to develop new compositions with desirable properties such as solvency and cleaning capabilities for industrial applications.

Innovation Solution

Formulating azeotropic compositions containing 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-methoxypropane (HFMOP) with varying ratios of isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, or trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, which exhibit a substantially constant boiling point, enabling effective removal of flux residues and precision cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If new azeotropic compositions are developed through traditional methods, then diverse cleaning applications can be achieved, but the formulation process becomes time-consuming and unpredictable due to inability to predict azeotrope formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning application versatilityVSAvoidformulation development time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters by introducing HFMOP with specific molecular characteristics (hexafluoro-2-methoxypropane) that systematically alter the azeotropic behavior when combined with common alcohols. This parameter change enables predictable azeotrope formation at specific compositions, reducing formulation trial-and-error time while maintaining cleaning versatility across different applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite azeotropic compositions by combining HFMOP with specific ratios of alcohols (isopropyl, ethanol, or methanol). These composite formulations systematically achieve desired cleaning properties through the synergistic interaction between HFMOP and alcohol components, enabling predictable formulation development for diverse cleaning applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If azeotropic compositions are used for cleaning operations with evaporation and condensation processes, then composition recycling is simplified, but the requirement for constant boiling point behavior limits the available composition options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepost-treatment process simplicityVSAvoidcomposition selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the compositional parameters to achieve constant boiling point behavior through specific HFMOP-alcohol ratios. By changing the chemical composition parameters to form azeotropes, the system simultaneously achieves simplified distillation/recycling operations and maintains versatility through selection of different alcohol components for various cleaning applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional cleaning compositions are used, then various solvency properties can be achieved, but fractionation occurs during evaporation requiring complex post-treatment to restore original composition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolvency performanceVSAvoidpost-treatment process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the compositional parameters by forming azeotropic mixtures with constant boiling points. This parameter change ensures that during evaporation and condensation, the vapor composition matches the liquid composition, preventing fractionation. The system maintains reliable solvency performance while eliminating the need for complex composition restoration processes

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 azeotropic compositions demonstrate a consistent boiling point and non-flammability, effectively dissolving and removing residues without fractionation, simplifying post-treatment processes and maintaining compositional identity during evaporation.

Implementation Method 1

an azeotropic composition may be used to remove grease and other contaminants from target articles, wherein post treatment processes of the used composition may involve evaporation and condensation to recycle the composition. The azeotropic compositions behave like a single substance and evaporate at a constant boiling temperature, such that vapor produced from evaporation or distillation processes has substantially the same composition as the initial azeotropic composition.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAzeotropic behavior: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

post treatment processes of the used composition may involve evaporation and condensation to recycle the composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS11530376B2Azeotropic composition containing 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-methoxypropane
Publication Date: 2022.12.20 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

An azeotropic composition a formulated with 1,1,1,3,3,3,-hexafluoro-2-methoxypropane and a second component selected from the group consisting of isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, methanol, and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene. The azeotropic composition exhibits a substantially constant boiling point at a constant pressure and is useful for various cleaning and degreasing applications.