On-Site Peracetic Acid Generation Using Triacetin and Hydrogen Peroxide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating non-equilibrium peroxyacetic acid (PAA) solutions on-site face challenges such as high capital costs, safety hazards, inefficiency in using hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid, regulatory restrictions, and difficulties in maintaining steady-state conditions, which limit their practicality and scalability in industries like food processing and laundry bleaching.
Innovation Solution
A method involving hydrogen peroxide-acetyl precursor solutions, specifically using triacetin as the acetyl precursor, which is soluble in hydrogen peroxide, allowing for the rapid generation of non-equilibrium PAA solutions at the point-of-use without the need for expensive equipment or hazardous materials, and can be used in both liquid and solid compositions for disinfection and bleaching applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If equilibrium solutions of PAA are prepared in advance with high concentration, then the product can be stored and shipped, but the product becomes hazardous and explosive requiring special handling and transportation restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the PAA product into two separate stable components: hydrogen peroxide and an acetyl precursor (such as triacetin). These components are stored separately and do not react to form PAA until mixed at the point of use. This segmentation eliminates the hazard of storing and shipping concentrated PAA while maintaining storage stability of the individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an acetyl precursor (triacetin, acetone, or acetic acid) as an intermediary substance that can be safely stored and transported. This intermediary reacts with hydrogen peroxide only when mixed at the point of use, mediated by a catalyst or under specific conditions, to generate the desired PAA product without the hazards of storing concentrated PAA.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-equilibrium PAA solutions are generated on-site, then hazardous material restrictions are avoided, but expensive equipment and complex processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the PAA generation system to be self-sufficient using readily available materials and simple mixing equipment. The acetyl precursor and hydrogen peroxide are mixed in a simple container with a catalyst or under basic conditions, eliminating the need for expensive specialized equipment while avoiding hazardous material restrictions through on-site generation of low-concentration PAA.
3Measurement precision
If equilibrium PAA products are manufactured in advance, then quality confirmation can be performed, but large inventories must be stored before shipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary stabilization of the individual components (hydrogen peroxide and acetyl precursor) separately before use. Each component is pre-tested and confirmed stable, eliminating the need to store large inventories of PAA. The components remain stable during storage and only react to form PAA when mixed at the point of use, allowing just-in-time production without inventory buildup.
4Reliability
If PAA concentration is increased above 6%, then transportation restrictions and permitting requirements are imposed, but product effectiveness is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high-concentration PAA product into two separate components that can be safely transported at lower concentrations. The hydrogen peroxide and acetyl precursor are each transported in stable, non-hazardous concentrations, avoiding transportation restrictions. PAA is then generated on-site at the desired effective concentration through controlled reaction of these two components.
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
This approach enables efficient, safe, and cost-effective production of high-concentration PAA solutions with rapid conversion rates, overcoming previous limitations and allowing for continuous or intermittent operation, suitable for various industrial uses without the need for expensive equipment or hazardous materials.
Implementation Method 1
hydrogen peroxide-acetyl precursor solutions, specifically using triacetin as the acetyl precursor, which is soluble in hydrogen peroxide, allowing for the rapid generation of non-equilibrium PAA solutions
Implementation Method 2
hydrogen peroxide-acetyl precursor solutions comprise a solution of aqueous hydrogen peroxide
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for the generation of non-equilibrium solutions of peroxyacetic acid are disclosed. These methods comprise introducing triacetin sad aqueous hydrogen peroxide to water, mixing, and then adding an aqueous source of an alkali metal or earth alkali metal hydroxide. Triacetin is converted rapidly and with a high conversion rate into peracetic acid. These methods produce solutions with a high level of peracetic acid.