One-Part Solid Decontamination Blend for Chemical Agents
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current decontamination solutions for chemical and biological warfare agents, such as bleach and hydrogen peroxide-based products, pose logistical challenges due to corrosiveness, instability, and incompatibility with materials, requiring complex handling and storage, and often result in 'run-away' reactions and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A one-part, solids containing decontamination blend composition that generates peracetic acid and peroxygen compounds upon addition of water, utilizing an acetyl donor coated with a hydrolysis-resistant coating, a solid inorganic peroxygen source, and optional catalysts and surfactants, providing stability and ease of transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid or granular hypochlorite solutions (bleach) are used for decontamination, then decontamination capability is achieved, but corrosiveness to materials and poor materials compatibility occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters by using alternative active ingredients (peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite in controlled concentrations) and adjusting pH levels with buffers to achieve effective decontamination while reducing corrosiveness to materials compared to traditional high-concentration bleach solutions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite decontamination formulations combining multiple chemicals (peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, surfactants, buffers) to achieve synergistic effects that provide both effective decontamination and improved materials compatibility, reducing the harmful corrosive effects of individual components
2Reliability
If high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are used for decontamination, then decontamination capability is improved, but special packaging and controlled storage are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the decontamination system into multiple components (concentrate formulation and activator solution) that can be stored separately under less restrictive conditions, then combined at the point of use to generate the active decontamination agents, thereby reducing packaging and storage complexity while maintaining decontamination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary preparation by formulating stable concentrate solutions containing precursors (peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, surfactants, buffers) that can be stored without special requirements, and only activates the full decontamination capability when the activator is added at the point of use
3Reliability
If multiple part decontaminant systems are used, then decontamination capability is achieved, but complicated measuring and blending procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple decontamination functions (oxidizing agents, surfactants, pH buffers, stabilizers) into a single pre-formulated concentrate that requires only the addition of water or a simple activator solution, eliminating the need for complex measuring and blending of multiple separate components while maintaining effective decontamination capability
4Ease of operation
If decontamination solutions are stored at elevated temperatures, then availability is maintained, but rapid decomposition occurs resulting in loss of efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary stabilization by incorporating buffers and stabilizers into the concentrate formulation that protect the active ingredients from thermal decomposition during storage, allowing the product to be stored at elevated temperatures without significant loss of decontamination efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention provides beforehand protection against thermal decomposition by including buffering agents and stabilizing compounds in the formulation that cushion the active ingredients from the effects of elevated storage temperatures, preventing rapid decomposition and maintaining availability
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 composition effectively decontaminates chemical and biological warfare agents, toxic industrial materials, and infectious diseases with improved safety and stability, reducing the need for complex handling and storage, and minimizing logistical challenges.
Implementation Method 1
an acetyl donor that is coated with a hydrolysis resistant or preferably an alkaline hydrolysis resistant coating
Implementation Method 2
peracetic acid and various peroxygen compounds are produced which readily decontaminate, via oxidation, surfaces, clothes, or articles contaminated
Implementation Method 3
A catalyst is optionally utilized to ensure stability as well as to catalyze oxidation reactions of the peracetic acid and the peroxygen with the chemical or biological agent
Data Source
AI summary
A one part, solids containing decontamination blend composition comprises a solid acetyl donor coated with a compound that protects it from hydrolysis, a peroxygen source, optionally a catalyst, optionally a surfactant, and optionally a buffer. The decontamination blend composition is generally in a dry powder, particle, etc form or in a tablet, pill, etc form and is complete in and of itself in that no additional compounds are required prior to use and is readily distributed as a one package system. Upon the addition of water, a peroxygen compound such as hydrogen peroxide is formed, and peracetic acid is generated under alkaline conditions. The decontamination blend composition is particularly suitable for oxidizing various chemical and biological compounds thereby eradicating the same in situ as on surfaces, clothes, articles, and the like. Representative contaminants include mustard gas, nerve gas, bacterial toxins, anthrax, bird flu, and the like.