Solid Chlorine Dioxide Formulation for Stable In Situ Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chlorine dioxide is difficult to store and transport due to its explosive nature and low Threshold Limit Value, requiring on-site generation, which results in unstable concentrations and handling challenges, limiting its application and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A solid formulation comprising metal chlorite, acid source, free halogen source, binder, lubricant, and desiccant, designed to generate chlorine dioxide in situ when immersed in water, providing a stable and safe disinfectant with high yield and long shelf life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If chlorine dioxide is generated at site using conventional liquid chemical mixing methods, then chlorine dioxide can be produced, but the concentration becomes unstable and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state from liquid chemical mixture to solid formulation (tablet or granule form). This parameter change allows the chlorine dioxide generating system to be stable during storage and transport, while still producing chlorine dioxide when activated by water contact. The solid form eliminates the handling difficulties associated with liquid chemicals and unstable concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates all necessary reactants (chlorite source, acid source, and other components) in pre-measured amounts within the solid formulation before use. This preliminary action ensures that when the tablet is activated in water, the chlorine dioxide is generated consistently and stably, eliminating the need for separate chemical dosing and mixing operations that cause concentration instability.
2Ease of manufacture
If chlorine dioxide is stored in liquid or gaseous form, then it can be transported, but it becomes explosive and prohibited from transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the chlorine dioxide generating system into a solid formulation containing separate reactant components (chlorite source and acid source) that remain stable and non-explosive during storage. The harmful explosive chlorine dioxide gas is not present in the stored form, but is only generated when the tablet contacts water and activates the chemical reaction at the point of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses water as an intermediary substance that triggers the controlled generation of chlorine dioxide only when needed. The water activates the solid formulation by facilitating the chemical reaction between chlorite and acid components, thereby mediating the safe transition from stable stored form to functional chlorine dioxide production only at the moment of use.
3Productivity
If conventional powder mixing methods are used to generate chlorine dioxide, then chlorine dioxide can be produced, but the process requires long contact time and constant monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite solid formulation containing multiple pre-mixed components (chlorite source, acid source, binder, and other agents) in specific proportions. This composite structure ensures rapid and complete reaction when activated by water, significantly reducing the contact time required compared to conventional separate powder mixing methods. The composite formulation is designed to dissolve and react quickly, improving productivity.
4Quantity of substance
If liquid chemical dosing is used to generate chlorine dioxide, then chlorine dioxide can be produced, but the concentration varies constantly requiring frequent adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the solid formulation to be self-dosing upon activation. When the tablet contacts water, it automatically dissolves and releases the correct amount of chlorine dioxide based on its pre-formulated composition. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external dosing systems, pumps, or monitoring equipment, providing consistent concentration without adding device complexity.
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 formulation allows for efficient, safe, and controlled generation of chlorine dioxide with high conversion rates and rapid dissolution, overcoming storage and handling issues, and offering a stable product with extended shelf life and multiple application uses.
Implementation Method 1
The formulation, upon coming in contact with water starts releasing chlorine dioxide
Implementation Method 2
at least one free halogen source in an amount ranging from 10 to 15 weight %
Implementation Method 3
at least one desiccant in an amount ranging from 5 to 10 weight %
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a formulation for generating chlorine dioxide in situ when immersed in water having a pre-determined volume and a process for the preparation of the formulation. The formulation comprises at least one metal chlorite in an amount ranging from 15 to 25 weight %; at least one acid source in an amount ranging from 15 to 25 weight %; at least one free halogen source in an amount ranging from 10 to 15 weight %; at least one binder in an amount ranging from 12.5 to 17.5 weight %; at least one lubricant in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 1 weight %; and at least one desiccant in an amount ranging from 5 to 10 weight %, wherein the formulation is characterized by being stable at room temperature.