Aqueous Oxidant Composition for Surface Contaminant Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detergents and disinfectants with strong oxidants struggle to effectively clean vertical or tilted surfaces and result in the formation of manganese dioxide, which is difficult to remove, and lack a reliable method for visualizing the degree of contamination on industrial surfaces.

Innovation Solution

An aqueous composition comprising a strong oxidant, a color indication system, and one or more thickening agents, such as synthetic sheet silicates or organic surfactants, that stabilizes the oxidant and prevents manganese dioxide formation, allowing for visual detection of organic contaminants on surfaces by maintaining a non-flowable consistency and color change indication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If strong oxidants are used to clean surfaces, then oxidation effectiveness is improved, but manganese dioxide formation occurs which is difficult to remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxidation effectivenessVSAvoidmanganese dioxide formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful side effect of manganese dioxide formation into a useful detection mechanism. The color change from Mn(VII) to Mn(VI) and subsequent Mn(IV) formation serves as a visual indicator of organic contaminant presence and oxidation progress, transforming a harmful byproduct into a beneficial detection signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls the oxidation process by adjusting parameters such as pH level (maintaining alkaline conditions), oxidant concentration ratios, and contact time. These parameter changes optimize the oxidation effectiveness while controlling manganese dioxide formation through regulated reduction pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If detergents are applied to vertical or tilted surfaces, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the solution drains off due to gravity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidsolution retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the detergent solution by adjusting viscosity through additives or formulation modifications. This increased viscosity allows the solution to adhere to vertical and tilted surfaces without draining off, while maintaining its cleaning and detection functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If permanganate is used as oxidant, then oxidation speed is improved, but the solution loses stability and changes color prematurely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxidation speedVSAvoidsolution stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces stabilizing agents or intermediary substances that prevent premature decomposition of permanganate. These intermediaries protect the oxidant from early reduction while allowing it to remain active and stable during storage and application, releasing its oxidizing power only when needed for contaminant degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 adheres to vertical surfaces, stabilizes the oxidant to prevent manganese dioxide formation, and provides a clear visual indication of contamination, enabling accurate detection and easy removal of residues without draining off or leaving behind inorganic deposits.

Implementation Method 1

an aqueous-based composition comprising: a) at least one strong oxidant, b) a color indication system, and c) one or more thickening agents for detecting any contaminants on a surface with organic substances

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscosity increase:

Implementation Method 2

The oxidation of organic compounds (here referred to as 'CH2O' in representation of the oxidation step ±0 and in particular of carbohydrates) to oxalate by Mn(VII) and the associated reduction of the permanganate is quick in any case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reaction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 3

the thickening agent(s) being stable in the composition during the predefined period

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStabilization:

Data Source

PatentUS9625392B2Detecting organic contaminants

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 THONHAUSER

AI summary

A composition including at least one strong oxidant, a color indicating system, and one or more thickening agents is provided. A method of using the composition on an aqueous basis includes detecting any contaminants on a surface with organic substances by visual control after superficially applying the composition to the surface. The composition is not flowable for a predefined period after the superficial application due to the effect of the thickening agent. The one or more thickening agents are stable in the composition during the predefined period, and are selected from synthetic sheet silicates, pyrogenic silicic acid, fatty alkyl (benzene) sulfates, sulfonates, carboxylates, phosphates and aminoxides and mixtures thereof. A color change in the composition applied to the surface during the predefined period indicates that organic contaminants are present on a portion of the surface.