Rotating Sodium Chlorite Reactor for Rapid Chlorine Dioxide Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chlorine dioxide generation methods are costly, cumbersome, and prone to premature activation by ambient moisture, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns, making on-site generation challenging, especially for point-of-use applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving a chamber with a motor-driven shaft to spin a sodium chlorite member in an acidic liquid, accelerating the generation of chlorine dioxide gas by agitating the reactants, thereby overcoming the inefficiencies and safety issues of conventional methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional chlorine dioxide generators are used for on-site generation, then chlorine dioxide can be produced locally, but the process becomes costly and cumbersome due to generator handling and chemical management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the chlorine dioxide generation process into separate functional components: a storage container holding sodium chlorite and acid in isolated compartments, a pump system for controlled liquid delivery, and a reaction chamber. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies overall system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary substance that triggers the reaction between sodium chlorite and acid without requiring direct handling of hazardous chemicals by the user. Water activates the generation process through controlled delivery to the reaction chamber, making the system safer and easier to operate.
2Productivity
If conventional two-compartment membrane systems are used, then chlorine dioxide generation is achieved, but premature activation by ambient moisture occurs reducing shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible plastic membranes to separate the sodium chlorite and acid compartments. These membranes provide reliable containment that prevents premature activation by ambient moisture while allowing for manufacturing flexibility and cost-effective production. The membranes are specifically chosen to be impermeable to water vapor under storage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system design proactively prevents premature reaction by maintaining strict physical separation of reactants through sealed compartments and membranes during storage. The activation mechanism is designed to prevent any contact between sodium chlorite and acid until deliberate user activation, counteracting the natural tendency toward premature activation by environmental moisture.
3Productivity
If more acid is used to compensate for slow dissolution rate, then chlorine dioxide generation is maintained, but the system becomes more corrosive and toxic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the acid concentration and delivery rate parameters to achieve the minimum effective amount needed for chlorine dioxide generation. By precisely controlling the acid delivery through pump systems and dosing mechanisms, the system maintains productivity while minimizing excess acid that would increase corrosiveness and toxicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous controlled delivery of acid to the reaction chamber, ensuring steady chlorine dioxide generation without interruption. This continuous action allows for precise control of the reaction rate, preventing the need for large excess amounts of acid that would be required if intermittent dosing were used.
4Productivity
If conventional electrolytic cells are used, then chlorine dioxide is produced, but the equipment becomes very large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex electrolytic cell mechanism with a simpler chemical reaction system using sodium chlorite and acid. This substitution eliminates the need for large electrolytic tanks, power-intensive electrode systems, and ion separation membranes, dramatically reducing equipment size and cost while maintaining chlorine dioxide production capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses consumable chemical cartridges containing sodium chlorite and acid that can be easily replaced rather than requiring expensive, durable electrolytic cell infrastructure. This approach trades the need for large capital equipment investment in favor of smaller, replaceable chemical containers, reducing both equipment volume and upfront cost.
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 system enables rapid on-site production of chlorine dioxide gas, meeting shipping and handling regulations while ensuring a faster reaction rate and extended shelf life, enhancing disinfection and deodorization efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A system and method involving a chamber with a motor-driven shaft to spin a sodium chlorite member in an acidic liquid, accelerating the generation of chlorine dioxide gas by agitating the reactants
Implementation Method 2
In the chemical processes, chlorine dioxide is typically generated by oxidizing chlorite
Implementation Method 3
or by reducing chlorate
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems, apparatus, and methods for accelerating the generation of chlorine dioxide gas by rotating a member such as a puck, tablet, or pouch of reactant such as sodium chlorite in an acidic solution that will cause and help accelerate a reaction to generate chlorine dioxide gas.