Moisture-Absorbing Composition with Sequestering Agent for Brine Leakage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moisture-absorbing compositions face challenges with brine leakage and low moisture absorption efficiency, making them unsuitable for dehumidifying larger spaces like homes, as they transform absorbed humidity into liquid brine, which is difficult to handle and dispose of without spillage.

Innovation Solution

A moisture-absorbing composition comprising 50-90% drying agents like CaCl2 salt, 5-30% sequestering agents such as polycarboxylate polymers, and 3-30% super-absorbent agents, which work together to absorb the formed brine instantly, preventing leakage and allowing easy disposal, and increasing the moisture absorption capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If hygroscopic salts like CaCl2 are used to absorb humidity from air, then moisture absorption efficiency is improved, but liquid brine leakage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture absorption efficiencyVSAvoidbrine leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A super-absorbent polymer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the hygroscopic salt and the external environment. This polymer absorbs the liquid brine formed during humidity absorption, preventing it from leaking while allowing the hygroscopic salt to continue functioning efficiently. The intermediary layer converts the harmful liquid byproduct into a contained, manageable form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state parameter of the brine from liquid to solid-like gel form through the super-absorbent polymer. This parameter change prevents leakage while maintaining the dehumidification function, resolving the contradiction between high absorption efficiency and leakage prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If thickening agents like polysaccharides are used to gel brine, then brine leakage is prevented, but moisture absorption efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrine leakage preventionVSAvoidmoisture absorption efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The super-absorbent polymer acts as a dedicated intermediary that selectively interacts only with the brine after formation, without interfering with the hygroscopic salt's ability to absorb atmospheric humidity. This separation of functions maintains high moisture absorption efficiency while effectively preventing brine leakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The super-absorbent polymer is pre-positioned in the composition to immediately absorb brine as soon as it forms during the dehumidification process. This preliminary action prevents leakage before it can occur, without requiring the polymer to be in direct contact with or interfere with the humidity absorption mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If dehumidification products are designed for confined spaces, then brine leakage is minimized, but they cannot be used for dehumidifying rooms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrine leakage controlVSAvoidapplication space range
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a composite dehumidification material combining hygroscopic salt, super-absorbent polymer, and optional additives. This composite structure integrates the high absorption capacity needed for large spaces with the leakage prevention capability required for safe household use, expanding applicability from confined spaces to entire rooms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the physical state of brine from liquid to gel through the super-absorbent polymer, the invention enables safe use in various spatial configurations and orientations, making the product adaptable for room-scale dehumidification without leakage concerns that limited previous products to confined horizontal spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 absorbs humidity in rooms without brine leakage, enabling easy disposal into household waste networks and enhancing moisture absorption efficiency, making it suitable for dehumidifying homes and other spaces.

Implementation Method 1

The drying agents present in the compositions in the form of hygroscopic salts, in particular CaCl2, capture humidity from the air and return it to water highly charged with Ca2+

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeliquescence: Deliquescence

Implementation Method 2

3 to 30% by weight of at least one super-absorbent agent capable of absorb the brine formed by said drying agent after absorption of humidity from the air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3307420B1Moisture-absorbing composition comprising a sequestering agent
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 EUROTAB OPERATIONS

AI summary

The present invention concerns a moisture-absorbing composition comprising at least one desiccant, at least one sequestering agent and, optionally, at least one super-absorbent agent. The present invention also concerns a moisture-absorbing device comprising said composition. Moreover, the present invention concerns the use of at least one sequestering agent in a moisture-absorbing composition, in order to prevent any leak of the liquid resulting from the absorption of humidity from the air by said absorbing composition.