Ice Melting Composition Additive Saturation Point

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current deicing solutions face issues with precipitation of deicing agents at low temperatures, leading to equipment clogging and reduced effectiveness, especially with the use of magnesium chloride, which requires labor-intensive removal and is exacerbated by the expansion and contraction of porous asphalt during freeze-thaw cycles.

Innovation Solution

An ice melting composition comprising a solvent, a deicing agent, and additives such as ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, or dispersants, which increases the saturation point of the deicing agent, preventing precipitation at lower temperatures and allowing for more concentrated solutions that can be effectively applied to surfaces before or after ice formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high concentration of deicing agent is used, then deicing effectiveness is improved, but precipitation occurs at low temperatures causing equipment clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeicing effectivenessVSAvoidequipment clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A polymer additive serves as an intermediary substance that interacts with both the deicing agent and water. The polymer forms complexes with metal ions (Ca2+, Mg2+) from the deicing agent, preventing their precipitation while maintaining solution concentration. This mediator allows high deicing effectiveness without the harmful precipitation effects that cause equipment clogging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the solution by adding polymer substances that alter the solubility characteristics of the deicing agent. The polymer modification changes how the deicing agent behaves at low temperatures, preventing the phase transition from dissolved state to precipitated state that occurs in conventional high-concentration solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high concentration of deicing agent is used, then deicing effectiveness is improved, but salt crystallization requires labor-intensive removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeicing effectivenessVSAvoidtime for solids removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer additive acts as a mediator that prevents the formation of crystalline salt structures. By binding to metal ions and modifying their hydration shells, the polymer prevents orderly crystal lattice formation, thereby eliminating the need for labor-intensive removal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potentially harmful precipitation tendency into a beneficial effect. The polymer-induced complexation prevents hard crystalline deposits while maintaining the deicing functionality, effectively transforming what would be a problematic precipitation issue into a controlled complexation process that eliminates maintenance burdens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If deicing agent flows away with melt water, then application effectiveness is reduced, but increasing concentration increases precipitation risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication effectivenessVSAvoidsolution stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer serves as a stabilizing intermediary that maintains solution integrity. By forming soluble complexes with deicing agent ions, the polymer prevents premature precipitation and maintains uniform distribution, reducing the tendency for solution separation and improving retention on treated surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 composition effectively inhibits precipitation of deicing agents, reducing equipment damage and the need for frequent application, while maintaining effectiveness in low temperatures, thus enhancing safety and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

These salts work as deicing agents by dissolving into the precipitation and lowering the freezing point of the water, thereby melting the ice and snow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFreezing point depression:

Implementation Method 2

These ice melting compositions have an increased saturation point for the deicing agent as comparted to a similar composition without the additive thereby reducing or eliminating precipitation of the deicing agent in the solution at low temperatures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSaturation point increase:

Data Source

PatentUS11584874B2Increased saturation of ice melting compositions and methods of use

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 BASF SE

AI summary

Described herein is an ice melting composition that includes at least one solvent, at least one deicing agent, and at least one additive. Possible additives include ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, dispersants and combinations thereof. The composition exhibits an increased saturation point due to the addition of the additives thereby reducing or eliminating precipitation of the deicing agent at low temperatures. Also described herein are methods of melting ice or preventing ice from forming on a surface. The methods include applying the ice melting composition to the surface either before or after ice forms.