Solid Chlorine Dioxide Composition Using Hydrophobic and Super Absorbent Compounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating chlorine dioxide face challenges such as uncontrolled reaction rates leading to explosions, premature activation by moisture, and the need for calcium or magnesium salts which can cause premature release or add water hardness, limiting shelf life and application flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A multi-compound, multi-stage physicochemical approach using hydrophobic compounds and super absorbents to control solvent access, eliminating the need for calcium or magnesium salts and free halogen sources, while maintaining a long shelf life and high yield of chlorine dioxide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If aqueous solutions of chlorite-containing salts and acid are used to generate chlorine dioxide, then chlorine dioxide can be produced, but the reaction rate becomes uncontrolled leading to explosions at high concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reactants into separate compartments within a single container. The chlorite-containing salt is placed in one compartment while the acid is placed in another compartment, physically separating them to prevent direct contact and uncontrolled reaction. This segmentation allows safe storage and controlled generation when compartments are brought into contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (such as a membrane or barrier material) that controls the interaction between chlorite and acid. This intermediary regulates the reaction rate by controlling the transfer of reactants or products between compartments, preventing explosive reactions while maintaining effective chlorine dioxide generation.
2Reliability
If calcium or magnesium salts are used in chlorine dioxide generation systems, then water hardness increases, but premature release of chlorine dioxide occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates calcium and magnesium salts from the system entirely by using alternative compounds for chlorine dioxide generation. This extraction of harmful substances removes the source of water hardness while maintaining the ability to generate chlorine dioxide effectively through the segmented reactant system.
3Productivity
If the composition is activated by water vapor or liquid water, then chlorine dioxide generation is initiated, but premature activation occurs reducing shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible membranes or thin film barriers to separate the chlorite and acid compartments. These films are designed to be impermeable to water vapor under normal storage conditions, preventing premature activation. The membranes allow controlled interaction when deliberately activated, thus extending shelf life while maintaining generation capability.
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 approach safely generates chlorine dioxide with controlled reaction rates, avoiding explosions and maintaining high yield and quality, even in the absence of calcium or magnesium salts, and extends shelf life beyond one year.
Implementation Method 1
control the supply of water to the solid reactants. This is often done using some type of physical barrier
Implementation Method 2
A multi-compound, multi-stage physicochemical approach using hydrophobic compounds and super absorbents to control solvent access
Implementation Method 3
The reaction by which sodium chlorite and acid generate chlorine dioxide is exceedingly vigorous at high concentrations of reactants
Data Source
AI summary
A composition for generating chlorine dioxide comprises active ingredients, a suitable hydrophobic compound, and a suitable super absorbent compound. A suitable hydrophobic compound will, among other characteristics, repel the solvent for at least the initial 30 seconds of exposure thereto. A suitable super absorbent compound will, among other characteristics, absorb at least 75 times its weight in solvent and will not gel until the chlorine-dioxide generating reaction is substantially complete.