Solid Betaine De-icer with Moisture Control Additives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current de-icing agents, such as sodium chloride and acetates, are corrosive and environmentally harmful, and betaine solutions have limited melting capacity and are hygroscopic, making them unsuitable for airport de-icing due to corrosion risks and precipitation issues.
Innovation Solution
A solid betaine product is developed that includes non-betaine compounds like glycerol, erythritol, or sorbitol to control moisture movement, reducing lumpiness and hygroscopicity, and can be used alone or combined with other de-icing agents to enhance de-icing efficiency and environmental safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional de-icing agents like sodium chloride and acetates are used, then de-icing effectiveness is achieved, but corrosion of metal parts and environmental harm occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using betaine (trimethylglycine) as the active de-icing component instead of traditional chlorides and acetates. This parameter change maintains de-icing effectiveness while eliminating corrosion and environmental harm, as betaine is non-corrosive and biodegradable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite de-icing agent by combining solid betaine with specific non-betaine compounds (propanediol, glycerol, erythritol, mannitol, sorbitol, inositol, fructose, or glucose) in controlled amounts. This composite formulation enhances the de-icing performance and stability while maintaining the non-corrosive and environmentally friendly properties
2Object-generated harmful factors
If betaine aqueous solution is used for de-icing, then environmental friendliness is improved, but melting capacity is insufficient and precipitation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from aqueous solution to solid form, and adjusts the compositional parameters by incorporating specific non-betaine compounds. This transforms betaine from a hygroscopic substance that precipitates in concentrated solutions into a stable solid product with improved melting capacity and no precipitation issues
Solution Approach 2:
The non-betaine compounds (propanediol, glycerol, erythritol, etc.) act as intermediary substances that modify the properties of solid betaine. These compounds control water and moisture movement in the solid betaine, preventing lumping and hygroscopicity while enhancing melting capacity and stability
3Object-generated harmful factors
If solid betaine is used for de-icing, then non-corrosive and environmentally friendly properties are achieved, but lumpiness and hygroscopicity in humid conditions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The non-betaine compounds serve as intermediary agents that control water and moisture movement in the solid betaine structure. These compounds prevent the hygroscopic behavior that causes lumping in humid conditions, while maintaining the non-corrosive and environmentally friendly characteristics of betaine
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality modification by incorporating specific non-betaine compounds into the solid betaine matrix. These compounds are distributed throughout the solid structure to locally control moisture absorption and prevent lumping, while the bulk betaine maintains its non-corrosive properties
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 solid betaine product effectively prevents ice formation and slipperiness without causing corrosion, maintains stability in humid conditions, and can be used efficiently in combination with other de-icing agents to improve melting capacity and reduce environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the solid betaine comprises at least one non-betaine compound affecting water and/or moisture movement in said solid betaine
Implementation Method 2
The solid betaine product effectively prevents ice formation and slipperiness without causing corrosion
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the use of solid betaine for de-icing and/or preventing slipperiness. The solid betaine comprises at least one non-betaine compound affecting water and/or moisture movement in said solid betaine. The invention further relates to a process for the manufacture of solid betaine. A suspension comprising betaine crystals is prepared from a feed liquid and the betaine crystals are separated and washed. The amount of wash liquid is adjusted in order to leave 0.5 to 10 w-% of at least one non-betaine compound in said solid betaine.