Release Agent Composition for Bulk Solid Adhesion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Bulk solids tend to adhere to surfaces during storage and transportation, causing inefficiencies in handling and requiring manual removal or 'carryback', which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
Wetting the surface with a substance comprising water, a fatty acid, an emulsifier, and a carrier oil, such as mineral or silicone oil, to enhance the release of bulk solids from surfaces like bin interiors, chutes, and conveyor belts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bulk solids are stored and transported on surfaces, then storage and transportation functions are achieved, but adherence of bulk solids to surfaces occurs causing manual removal and carryback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an intermediary substance (release agent composition) between the bulk solids and the surface to prevent direct contact and adhesion. This composition acts as a mediator that reduces the harmful adhesive forces while allowing the bulk solids to flow smoothly over the surface during storage and transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface properties by applying a release agent composition that modifies the surface energy and chemical characteristics. This parameter change transforms the surface from one that promotes adhesion to one that facilitates release, thereby preventing carryback and improving handling efficiency.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If manual removal of adhering bulk solids is performed, then carryback is eliminated, but time and labor are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the release agent composition in advance before bulk solids are stored or transported. This preliminary action prevents adhesion from occurring in the first place, eliminating the need for subsequent manual removal operations and the associated time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The release agent composition enables the bulk solids to self-release from surfaces without requiring external manual intervention. The composition creates conditions where the bulk solids naturally flow and release themselves, making the system self-servicing and eliminating manual removal activities.
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 effectively prevents adherence of bulk solids to surfaces, allowing for smooth flow and reducing carryback issues during handling and transportation, as demonstrated in examples with bauxite and coal hopper railcars.
Implementation Method 1
wet the surface with a substance comprising water, a fatty acid, an emulsifier, and a carrier oil
Implementation Method 2
substance comprising water, a fatty acid, an emulsifier, and a carrier oil
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of enhancing release of bulk solids from a surface are provided. The methods comprise wetting the surface with a substance comprising water, a fatty acid, an emulsifier, and a carrier oil. The carrier oil may be selected from mineral oil, silicone oil, and combinations thereof. The fatty acid may be tall oil fatty acid. The substance may be formed from diluting a concentrate with water. The substance may be applied to the surface at a dose of from about 0.1 gallons to about 50 gallons of the substance per about 2000 square feet of surface, thereby wetting the surface.