Microalgal Ester Odor Reduction in Cleaning Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monoalkyl esters derived from triglyceride vegetable oils have unpleasant odors, limiting their acceptance in applications with human exposure, especially in areas with inadequate ventilation, and are not suitable for high-quantity use due to odor issues, which is a challenge in applications like personal care products and oil/gas well remediation.
Innovation Solution
The development of alkyl esters from microalgae oils with a fatty acid profile of at least 10% C10:0 and 40% C12:0, which have reduced odor and lower VOC content compared to vegetable or animal-based esters, formed through transesterification of microalgal oils with C1-C4 alcohols, and can be used in cleaning products, lubricants, and drilling fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If monoalkyl esters are derived from triglyceride vegetable oils with high C12 content, then the esters can be produced effectively for use in cleaning agents and lubricants, but the esters develop unpleasant and potent odors that limit acceptance in applications with human exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the source material parameter from conventional vegetable oils to microalgal oils, which fundamentally alters the fatty acid profile to reduce unpleasant odors while maintaining the desired C12 fatty acid content for effective ester production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the typically harmful odor characteristic of lauric acid esters into a benefit by using microalgal oils that produce esters with reduced odor, making the esters suitable for applications with human exposure while retaining their cleaning and lubricating effectiveness
2Quantity of substance
If large quantities of esters are required for effective use in cleaning agents and lubricants, then the esters can achieve desired performance, but the unpleasant odor becomes more pronounced and limits acceptance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the source parameter from vegetable oils to microalgal oils, which allows production of large quantities of esters with inherently reduced odor, enabling high-quantity applications without the odor limitation
3Adaptability or versatility
If esters are used in areas with inadequate ventilation, then the esters can be applied in various locations, but the unpleasant odor becomes more problematic and limits acceptance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the odor parameter of the esters by using microalgal oil as the source, which reduces the unpleasant odor and enables use in areas with inadequate ventilation, thereby expanding application location flexibility
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 microalgal-derived esters exhibit improved odor characteristics, faster drying rates, and lower VOC content, making them more acceptable for human exposure and high-quantity applications while maintaining effectiveness in cleaning and drilling fluid performance.
Implementation Method 1
Transesterification of these oils with an alkyl alcohol forms esters rich in laurates
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are compositions containing alkyl esters derived from triglyceride oils produced from genetically engineered microalgae. Specific embodiments relate to esters derived from oils with high C10-C12 fatty acid profile. Compositions comprising the esters include cleaning products, completion fluids, work-over fluids, drilling fluids, metal working fluids, lubricants, paints, and inks.