Siloxane Solvent Extraction for Hydrocarbon Contaminant Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solvent extraction methods for measuring hydrocarbon contaminants in water and soil are hindered by the use of hazardous, expensive, and environmentally detrimental solvents, such as halogenated compounds and petroleum-based solvents, which are ozone-depleting, flammable, and contribute to global warming, leading to variability and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
The use of siloxane solvents, which are non-toxic, have low to moderate flammability, and are exempt from VOC regulations, allowing for effective extraction and measurement of hydrocarbon contaminants using vibrational spectroscopy, providing a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If halogenated solvents are used for solvent extraction, then extraction effectiveness is improved, but environmental harm and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the solvent from halogenated compounds to siloxane-based compounds. This parameter change maintains the solvent's ability to extract hydrocarbon contaminants while eliminating the harmful environmental effects associated with halogenated solvents, including ozone depletion and marine life toxicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs siloxane solvents that are inexpensive to purchase and dispose of compared to halogenated solvents. The solvent system is designed to be discarded after use without requiring expensive disposal procedures, thereby reducing both cost and environmental impact while maintaining extraction effectiveness.
2Measurement precision
If petroleum-based solvents are used for solvent extraction, then extraction effectiveness is improved, but contribution to global warming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition from petroleum-based hydrocarbons to siloxane compounds. This parameter change eliminates the greenhouse gas emissions associated with petroleum-based solvents while maintaining the solvent's effectiveness in extracting hydrocarbon contaminants from environmental samples.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cyclohexane is used as solvent, then measurement capability is improved, but infrared absorption variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an internal standard compound with known infrared absorption characteristics as an intermediary reference. This internal standard serves as a mediator to correct for variability in methyl group absorption, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining the adaptability of the cyclohexane-based measurement system.
4Measurement precision
If traditional solvents are used for solvent extraction, then extraction effectiveness is improved, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable siloxane solvent cartridges that are pre-filled with the extraction solvent. These single-use cartridges eliminate the need for storing and handling large quantities of hazardous traditional solvents, thereby reducing safety risks associated with flammability and toxicity while maintaining extraction effectiveness.
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
Siloxane solvents enable accurate and cost-effective on-site measurements of hydrocarbon contaminants with reduced environmental impact, offering improved safety and lower operational costs compared to traditional methods, while maintaining precision and accuracy comparable to existing ASTM and EPA standards.
Implementation Method 1
a defined quantity of the sample and a defined quantity of a siloxane solvent are mixed to extract the hydrocarbon contaminant from the sample to form a contaminant solution with the siloxane solvent
Implementation Method 2
The spectrometer measures the absorption of infrared light by the solution at a defined infrared wavelength or in a defined infrared wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
Solvent extraction to quantify contamination of a sample by a hydrocarbon contaminant is performed by providing a defined quantity of the sample, providing a defined quantity of a siloxane solvent, mixing the defined quantity of the siloxane solvent and the defined quantity of the sample to extract the hydrocarbon contaminant from the sample to form a contaminant solution with the siloxane solvent, and separating the contaminant solution from the sample. A concentration of the hydrocarbon contaminant in the contaminant solution can be measured by vibrational spectroscopy. Siloxane solvents are CFC free, VOC exempt, odorless, colorless, low to moderately flammable, non-toxic, and safe for incidental skin contact. Some are even used in cosmetic products.