Membrane Pouch for In-Situ Chlorine Dioxide Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storing and transporting chlorine dioxide in liquid, gas, or aqueous solution forms is impractical, costly, inconvenient, and hazardous due to its disinfectant properties and potential hazards.
Innovation Solution
A method and pouch system for in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide by combining a first and second reagent through a membrane, controlled by the quantity, relative proportions, and porosity of the membrane, with optional additives, to generate a disinfectant composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chlorine dioxide is stored and transported in liquid, gas, or aqueous solution forms, then disinfectant properties are available, but handling becomes impractical, costly, inconvenient, and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the chlorine dioxide generation process into separate compartments: a first reagent chamber containing sodium chlorite and a second reagent chamber containing an oxidizing agent. These segmented chambers prevent direct contact during storage and transport, eliminating hazards while maintaining disinfectant effectiveness. The chambers are separated by a barrier that is breached only during controlled use.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagents are pre-loaded and sealed in the pouch before use. The system is prepared in advance with all necessary components (reagents, membrane, pouch structure) assembled and ready for deployment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for hazardous handling during actual use, as the reaction is initiated simply by breaking the seal and adding to the target material.
2Reliability
If chlorine dioxide is stored and transported in liquid, gas, or aqueous solution forms, then disinfectant properties are available, but storage and transport become costly and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical state and chemical form of the reagents from finished chlorine dioxide solution to stable solid or concentrated precursor forms (sodium chlorite and oxidizing agent). These precursors are far more stable, less hazardous, and cheaper to store and transport. The transformation back to active chlorine dioxide occurs only at the point of use through the controlled reaction between the two reagent chambers.
3Productivity
If membrane porosity is increased to control reagent mixing, then generation rate is improved, but reagent containment becomes less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane barrier dynamically transitions from a sealed state during storage and transport to an open state during use. The system remains in a stable closed configuration until activation, when the barrier is breached to allow controlled mixing. This dynamic transition enables both effective reagent separation during storage and controlled generation during use, resolving the contradiction between containment and generation rate.
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
Enables efficient and controlled generation of chlorine dioxide for treating organic matter, effectively eliminating pathogens and odors, with no residue, and facilitating safe handling and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane adapted in use to permit the first reagent and the second reagent to be brought together
Implementation Method 2
bringing together a first reagent and a second reagent via a membrane to generate said disinfectant composition
Data Source
AI summary
A method and products are provided for in situ generation of a disinfectant composition for the treatment of organic matter. The method comprises bringing together a first reagent (12) and a second reagent (14) via a membrane (15) to generate the disinfectant composition. A pouch (10) for use in the method comprises a first section (11) for housing the first reagent (12) and a second section (13) for housing the second reagent (14). The pouch (10) further comprises a membrane (15) adapted in use to permit the first reagent (12) and the second reagent (14) to be brought together, thereby to generate the disinfectant composition. The pouch (10) can be incorporated into the structure of a bag (17) or packaging having a chamber for the organic matter, the pouch (10) being arranged such that the generated disinfectant composition is dispensed into the chamber.