Mixing Device for Stable Hypochlorous Acid Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) produced by existing methods is highly unstable, degrading within a few hours to weeks, and its storage stability is challenged by pH-dependent degradation into toxic chlorine gas or hypochlorite anions, limiting its use due to the need for onsite generation.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device that produces a stable form of HOCl by creating fluidic vortices within a chamber with strategically placed apertures, allowing controlled protonation and hypochlorite ion reaction in an air-free environment, using a weaker acid like acetic acid to maintain pH stability and prevent gas formation, enabling longer storage without onsite generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hypochlorous acid is produced by electrochemical activation or disproportionation methods, then it can be generated effectively as a biocide, but it becomes highly unstable and degrades within hours to weeks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the solution by using a buffered system with pH 5-9 (optimally pH 6.5-7.5), which stabilizes hypochlorous acid and prevents its degradation into chlorine gas or hypochlorite anions. This parameter control allows the solution to maintain its biocide effectiveness while achieving long-term storage stability of 6-12 months or longer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an air-free environment during production and storage, excluding oxygen and other gases that could accelerate degradation. This is achieved through controlled production methods and sealing the solution in appropriate containers, thereby maintaining both biocide effectiveness and storage stability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pH of hypochlorous acid solution becomes more acidic (pH below 3), then chlorine gas is formed which is harmful, but storage stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent buffers the solution to maintain pH between 5-9 (optimally 6.5-7.5), which is sufficiently above pH 3 to prevent chlorine gas formation while remaining low enough to maintain hypochlorous acid stability. This buffered pH range eliminates the harmful chlorine gas effect while preserving storage stability for months
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a buffer system as an intermediary substance that mediates between the conflicting requirements of preventing chlorine gas formation and maintaining storage stability. The buffer acts as a pH regulator, absorbing excess H+ ions that would otherwise drive the formation of chlorine gas, thereby enabling long-term stable storage
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pH of hypochlorous acid solution becomes more basic (pH above 8), then hypochlorite anions are formed which are toxic to people, but storage stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent buffers the solution to maintain pH below 8 (optimally 6.5-7.5), which prevents the formation of toxic hypochlorite anions while maintaining storage stability. This pH control ensures the solution remains safe for human exposure while achieving 6-12 months or longer storage stability
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 solution achieves a stable HOCl that can be stored for several months to a year, eliminating the need for onsite generation and maintaining storage stability, ensuring safety and effectiveness across various industries.
Implementation Method 1
a chamber configured to produce a plurality of fluidic vortexes within the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to a mixing device. In certain embodiments, devices of the invention include a fluidic inlet, a fluidic outlet, and a chamber, the chamber being configured to produce a plurality of fluidic vortexes within the chamber.