Discharging Oxidizable Compounds via Controlled Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in efficiently unloading oxidizable compounds with a melting point greater than 15°C in solid form without degradation or coloration, particularly for polymerization inhibitors like para-methoxyphenol, which are sensitive to oxidation, and existing methods either require costly solvent use or are not suitable for solid forms.

Innovation Solution

A method involving heating the container to a temperature below the compound's melting point plus 105°C to liquefy the oxidizable compound, allowing for its safe discharge while minimizing product loss and avoiding blockages, using a heating means such as a double jacket with circulating water or steam, and optionally under an inert atmosphere.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the oxidizable compound is heated to a high temperature to liquefy it for unloading, then the unloading efficiency is improved, but the compound degrades and becomes colored

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunloading efficiencyVSAvoiddegradation and coloration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the heating temperature to remain below the melting point of the oxidizable compound. This temperature parameter control allows the compound to liquefy sufficiently for unloading while preventing thermal degradation and coloration that would occur at higher temperatures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an inert atmosphere (such as nitrogen or argon) during the heating and unloading process to prevent oxidation of the compound. This inert environment eliminates oxygen contact, thereby preventing oxidative degradation and coloration while allowing efficient unloading to proceed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the compound is kept in solid form to avoid oxidation, then the compound stability is improved, but the unloading process becomes difficult and prone to blockages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompound stabilityVSAvoidunloading ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transition by heating the solid compound to just above its melting point, transforming it into a liquid state that flows easily for unloading. The controlled heating ensures complete liquefaction without excessive temperature that would cause degradation, and the inert atmosphere protects stability during this phase transition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter from below melting point (solid state) to above melting point (liquid state) to enable easy unloading. This parameter change transforms the physical state from solid to liquid, eliminating blockage issues while the inert atmosphere and controlled heating maintain compound stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a solvent is used to dissolve the compound for unloading, then the unloading process is simplified, but the cost increases and solvent traces remain in the product

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunloading process simplicityVSAvoidproduct purity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the oxidizable compound from its solid state and processes it in a controlled manner through heating and inert atmosphere protection, eliminating the need for solvent extraction. This direct processing approach avoids solvent contamination while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an inert atmosphere as an intermediary medium during the heating and unloading process, replacing the need for liquid solvents. This gaseous intermediary protects the compound from oxidation while allowing easy unloading without leaving traces in the final product

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

This method effectively prevents degradation and coloration of the compound during unloading, ensuring a high-quality product with minimal loss and easy implementation, suitable for handling and transportation of oxidizable compounds like polymerization inhibitors.

Implementation Method 1

heating the container using a heating means until the oxidizable compound is liquid, the temperature of the heating means remaining less than or equal to Tf+105°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

heating the container using a heating means until the oxidizable compound is liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP3194354B1Method for discharging an oxidisable compound in the liquid state
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 RHODIA OPERATIONS SAS

AI summary

The invention relates to a discharge method for a container containing an oxidisable compound having a melting point Tf higher than 15°C. This method comprises steps of heating the container by means of a heating means until the oxidisable compound is liquid, the temperature of the heating means being lower than, or equal to, Tf + 105°C, then discharging the oxidisable compound in the liquid state. The invention also relates to a method for handling such an oxidisable compound, comprising said discharging step, and to a device allowing the implementation of said method.