Propionic Acid-Glycerol Ester Feed Additive for Non-Corrosive Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of propionic acid as a preservative in animal feed is limited by its corrosive and flammable properties, leading to classification as hazardous for storage and transport, and existing methods to mitigate these issues are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A mixture of propionic acid and glyceryl propionates, with optional alkali metal salts, is used to create a non-corrosive and safer preservative for animal feed, produced through a reaction of propionic acid and glycerol with an acidic catalyst, which maintains effective mould inhibition properties while reducing volatility and flash point risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If propionic acid is used as a preservative in animal feed, then mould inhibition effectiveness is improved, but storage and transport safety deteriorates due to corrosive and flammable properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines propionic acid with glycerol to create a composite preservative composition. This composite material integrates the mould-inhibiting properties of propionic acid with the safety benefits of glycerol, resulting in a formulation that maintains effectiveness while reducing harmful characteristics such as corrosiveness and flammability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by introducing glycerol at specific concentrations (1-20% w/v) to alter the physical and chemical properties of the preservative system. This parameter change reduces the flash point concerns and corrosiveness while preserving the mould inhibition capability through the synergistic interaction of the components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If propionic acid is neutralized by addition of alkaline compounds to reduce corrosiveness, then storage and transport safety is improved, but process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses glycerol as an intermediary substance that modifies the properties of propionic acid without requiring complete neutralization. Glycerol acts as a mediator that reduces the harmful effects of propionic acid while maintaining its preservative function, thereby simplifying the overall process compared to full neutralization with alkaline compounds.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vapour pressure depressants are added to reduce flammability, then transport safety is improved, but formulation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite preservative system where glycerol serves as both a safety modifier and a functional component. This composite approach reduces flammability through the inherent properties of glycerol while maintaining formulation simplicity, as glycerol is a single, well-defined ingredient that integrates seamlessly with propionic acid.
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 resulting feed additive is non-corrosive, reducing storage and transport hazards, maintains effective mould inhibition, and can be safely used in animal feed, with demonstrated stability and safety in skin irritation and corrosion tests.
Implementation Method 1
A mixture of propionic acid and glyceryl propionates, with optional alkali metal salts, is used to create a non-corrosive and safer preservative for animal feed, produced through a reaction of propionic acid and glycerol
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a novel animal feed additive effective as preservative. Said animal feed additive comprises 30-80% by weight of propionic acid, 20-70%) by weight of glyceryl propionates and optionally 1 - 10% by weight of an alkali metal salt. The product is non-corrosive and effective as for instance mould inhibitor.