Potassium Formate-Glycerin Deicing Liquid for Corrosion and Dust Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deicing solutions are either corrosive, environmentally harmful, ineffective at low temperatures, or require complex applicators, and they often produce dust and debris, failing to provide a universal, eco-friendly, and easy-to-use deicing liquid formulation.

Innovation Solution

A deicing liquid formulation comprising potassium formate (20-60 wt%), glycerin (5-40 wt%), and water, with optional biofilm-forming bacteria, designed for spray application, which is stable, effective across a wide temperature range, and minimizes dust emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If chloride salts (NaCl, MgCl2, CaCl2) are used for deicing, then deicing effectiveness is improved, but corrosion damage to vehicles and infrastructure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeicing effectivenessVSAvoidcorrosion damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing chloride salts with non-chloride alternatives (acetates, formates, carbamates, oxalates, succinates), fundamentally altering the chemical properties to eliminate corrosion while maintaining deicing effectiveness through freezing point depression

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material formulations combining multiple non-chloride deicing agents with complementary properties (e.g., calcium magnesium acetate combined with other salts) to achieve both effective deicing and environmental compatibility, creating a synergistic mixture that addresses both performance and corrosion concerns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-chloride deicers (acetates, formates) are used, then corrosion is reduced, but dust emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecorrosionVSAvoiddust emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines non-chloride deicing agents with dust suppressant materials (clay, cement, organic polymers) in composite formulations, where the dust suppressants bind to particles and reduce airborne dust while the non-chloride salts provide deicing function, simultaneously addressing both concerns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dust suppressant materials as intermediary substances that mediate between the non-chloride deicing agents and the environment, preventing dust generation from the deicer application while allowing the deicing chemicals to perform their function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If deicing formulations are applied at temperatures below -9°C, then deicing action is maintained, but reaction speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating temperature rangeVSAvoiddeicing reaction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts chemical composition parameters by selecting deicing agents with appropriate solubility and reaction characteristics for low-temperature conditions, and optimizes concentration ratios to ensure rapid dissolution and effective freezing point depression even at sub-freezing temperatures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces solvents and surfactants as intermediary substances that facilitate rapid dissolution and distribution of deicing agents on ice surfaces, enhancing reaction speed by improving contact and dissolution kinetics before the chemical deicing action begins

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Speed

If liquid deicers are used instead of granular products, then deicing speed is improved, but applicator complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeicing action speedVSAvoidapplicator complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes viscosity parameters of the liquid deicer formulation to ensure it flows easily through simple spray equipment while maintaining effective application coverage, adjusting concentration and additive ratios to achieve ideal rheological properties for conventional applicators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 formulation effectively melts ice and frost at various temperatures, reduces dust emissions, and forms a biofilm to suppress dust, using conventional applicators, while being environmentally friendly and stable during storage and transport.

Implementation Method 1

The working principle of deicers is by lowering the freezing point of water and forming a brine solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFreezing point depression:

Implementation Method 2

deicing liquid formulation which is stable, effective across a wide temperature range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

with optional biofilm-forming bacteria, designed for spray application, which is stable, effective across a wide temperature range, and minimizes dust emissions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBiofilm formation:

Data Source

PatentEP4578926A1Deicing liquid formulation
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 EARTH ALIVE CLEAN TECH
  • EP4578926A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4578926A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3
  • EP4578926A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a deicing liquid formulation intended for spray application comprising glycerin, potassium formate and water. The present invention also refers to a method for deicing. The present invention finally concerns a utilization of the deicing liquid formulation of the invention. Moreover, the present invention concerns a deicing and dustsuppressant liquid formulation.