Peroxyformic Acid Precursors for Mild-pH In Situ Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The instability and explosive nature of peroxyformic acid make it challenging to manufacture, store, and transport, and existing methods for generating peroxycarboxylic acids, such as perhydrolysis, require strong alkaline conditions or expensive enzymes, complicating on-site generation and use.
Innovation Solution
A peroxyformic acid forming composition comprising an ester of a polyhydric alcohol and formic acid, combined with hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide-generating substance, allows for in situ generation of peroxyformic acid under mild pH conditions without enzymes, ensuring a pH below 11 within 1 minute.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If peroxycarboxylic acids are generated through traditional perhydrolysis, then peroxycarboxylic acid is produced, but strong alkaline conditions (pH > 12) or expensive enzymes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter from strong alkaline conditions (pH > 12) to mild alkaline conditions (pH 9-11), enabling perhydrolysis without expensive enzymes. This parameter change simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces operational complexity while maintaining effective peroxycarboxylic acid generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive, readily available materials such as sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate as alkaline agents instead of expensive enzymes. These simple chemical agents can be easily handled and disposed of, reducing both initial cost and ongoing operational complexity
2Reliability
If peroxyformic acid is manufactured and stored, then peroxycarboxylic acid is available for use, but instability and explosive nature make it challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the peroxycarboxylic acid generation process into separate stable precursor components that are stored independently. The active peroxycarboxylic acid is generated only when needed by mixing precursors on-site, eliminating storage stability issues and explosive hazards associated with concentrated peroxyformic acid
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares stable precursor solutions in advance that can be stored safely. The actual peroxycarboxylic acid formation is triggered preliminarily only when required for application, allowing the system to maintain reliability without exposing the system to the harmful explosive nature of concentrated peroxyformic acid during storage
3Ease of operation
If peroxycarboxylic acids are shipped to customers, then on-site use is enabled, but special containers and strict DOT guidelines are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the peroxycarboxylic acid system into separate stable precursor components that can be shipped using ordinary containers without special DOT guidelines. The active agent is assembled on-site by mixing precursors, eliminating the need for specialized shipping equipment and complex storage requirements while maintaining on-site use capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the unstable peroxycarboxylic acid component from the shipping process entirely. Only stable precursor materials are shipped to the customer site, where the active peroxycarboxylic acid is generated locally. This extraction eliminates all shipping and storage complexity associated with handling dangerous peroxycarboxylic acids
4Reliability
If peroxycarboxylic acids are used at high concentrations, then biocidal efficacy is achieved, but residues and toxicity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter by using highly efficient peroxycarboxylic acid generation that achieves effective biocidal action at lower concentrations. The controlled generation method produces sufficient active agent locally to maintain efficacy while reducing overall用量, thereby minimizing toxic residues and harmful effects
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 method enables rapid and efficient production of peroxyformic acid, suitable for treating surfaces and biofilms, with improved microbial reduction and bleaching efficacy compared to traditional peroxycarboxylic acids.
Implementation Method 1
A peroxyformic acid forming composition comprising an ester of a polyhydric alcohol and formic acid, combined with hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide-generating substance, allows for in situ generation of peroxyformic acid under mild pH conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to peroxyformic acid forming compositions, methods for forming peroxyformic acid, preferably in situ, using the peroxyformic acid forming compositions. The present invention also relates to the peroxyformic acid formed by the above compositions and methods. The present invention further relates to the uses of the peroxyformic acid, preferably in situ, for treating a surface or a target. The present invention further relates to methods for treating a biofilm using peroxyformic acid, including peroxyformic acid generated in situ.