Nonflammable Propellant Blend for Organic Formulations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spray and aerosol delivery systems face challenges in finding nonflammable, VOC-compliant propellants that are compatible with organic chemical-based formulations, as existing options like Dymel® 134A and Dymel® 152A are limited in compatibility and availability, and flammable propellants pose environmental and regulatory risks.
Innovation Solution
A propellant blend comprising a liquid component soluble in the organic chemical-based material, a soluble gas component with at least 3% solubility, and a substantially insoluble gas component with less than 3% solubility, specifically using Dymel® 134A, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen to achieve compatibility and stability, resulting in a nonflammable, zero VOC propellant blend.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If flammable propellants like Dymel 152A and Dymel 134A are used to achieve nonflammability and VOC compliance, then environmental and safety issues are improved, but compatibility with organic chemical-based formulations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The propellant system is segmented into three distinct components: a liquid propellant (Dymel 134A) providing nonflammability and VOC compliance, a soluble gas (carbon dioxide) enhancing compatibility with organic formulations, and an insoluble gas (nitrogen) providing pressure. This segmentation allows each component to address specific requirements independently, resolving the contradiction between environmental compliance and formulation compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite propellant system combining three different substances with complementary properties. The liquid component provides baseline nonflammability and VOC exemption, the soluble gas component enhances compatibility with organic chemical-based formulations through its solubility characteristics, and the insoluble gas component provides pressure. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by synthesizing multiple functions in a single propellant system.
2Device complexity
If a single propellant component is used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously achieve nonflammability, VOC compliance, and formulation compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The propellant function is segmented across three components, each addressing specific requirements: the liquid component handles nonflammability and VOC compliance, the soluble gas enhances compatibility, and the insoluble gas provides pressure. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multiple objectives simultaneously without requiring a single complex substance.
Solution Approach 2:
The propellant system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: nonflammability, VOC compliance, formulation compatibility, and pressure generation. By distributing these functions across three components rather than relying on a single substance, the system achieves multi-functionality that resolves the contradiction between simplicity and comprehensive performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If soluble gas is added to improve formulation compatibility, then adaptability to organic formulations is improved, but the solubility equilibrium and spray pattern consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gas phase is segmented into two components with different solubility characteristics: carbon dioxide provides formulation compatibility through its solubility in organic chemicals, while nitrogen provides pressure and maintains solubility equilibrium by being substantially insoluble. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both compatibility and stability without relying on a single gas component.
Solution Approach 2:
Nitrogen acts as an intermediary substance that provides pressure while maintaining solubility equilibrium, allowing the carbon dioxide to fulfill its compatibility function without disrupting the solubility balance. The insoluble gas component serves as a mediator that enables the soluble gas to perform its compatibility role while preserving overall system 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 propellant blend provides excellent spray patterns and consistency, overcoming compatibility and flammability issues, while meeting environmental and regulatory requirements, allowing for efficient aerosolization and reduced waste in airless systems.
Implementation Method 1
this component must be able to vaporize rapidly when the liquid/vapor equilibrium is disturbed by the spraying operation
Implementation Method 2
a soluble gas component that has a solubility of at least about 3% by weight in the organic chemical-based material
Implementation Method 3
both aerosolize the contents into a useful spray pattern and maintain sufficient pressure to deliver the contents until the canister is empty
Data Source
AI summary
Propellants comprising a combination of: (a) a liquid component that is soluble in the organic chemical-based material; (b) a soluble gas component that has a solubility of at least about 3% by weight in the organic chemical-based material; and, (c) a substantially insoluble gas component that has a solubility of less than about 3% by weight of the organic chemical-based material are effective for a wide range of airless applications. Adjustment of the ratios of (a) to (b) to (c) can lead to propellants that provide excellent spray patterns for a wide range of organic chemical-based formulations.