Hydrophobic Membrane Pouch for Controlled Chlorine Dioxide Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is an unmet need for a safe and effective method to generate gases like chlorine dioxide, which can be hazardous when improperly generated or stored, posing risks such as explosion or ignition.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a pouch made of hydrophobic material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, with controlled porosity and bubble point, containing a reactant like sodium chloride and citric acid, that generates gas upon exposure to an initiating agent like water vapor, allowing safe and controlled gas release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chlorine dioxide is generated or stored improperly, then gas generation effectiveness is improved, but safety deteriorates due to explosion or ignition risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the gas generation process into separate compartments - reactants are contained in individual pouches within a larger container, physically segmenting the hazardous materials from each other and from direct contact with ignition sources until activation
Solution Approach 2:
A hydrophobic membrane acts as an intermediary barrier between the reactants and the external environment, controlling the introduction of water vapor to initiate gas generation while preventing uncontrolled reactions or direct exposure to ignition sources
2Reliability
If a hydrophobic membrane with controlled porosity is used, then safety is improved by controlling gas introduction, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrophobic porous membrane is employed to provide controlled permeability - the pore structure allows selective passage of water vapor while maintaining mechanical integrity and chemical resistance, achieving safety control through material properties rather than complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite construction combining the hydrophobic porous membrane with reactant pouches and container structures, integrating multiple functions (containment, selective permeability, chemical resistance) into a unified system that manages complexity through material composition rather than mechanical complexity
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 apparatus ensures stable and neutral pH gas generation, preventing hazards by controlling the introduction and release of gases like chlorine dioxide, ensuring safety and efficacy in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The pouch is comprised of a hydrophobic material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and has enough porosity to allow water vapor to penetrate through the pouch
Implementation Method 2
The pouch contains a reactant, such as sodium chloride, that generates the gas in the presence of an initiating agent
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses for generation of a gas, for example chlorine dioxide, methods of forming an apparatus, and methods of use thereof are provided. The apparatus may include at least one pouch composed of a hydrophobic material and a reactant disposed within the interior of the pouch. The reactant generates a desired gas in the presence of an initiating agent.