Solvent Blend for Metal Cleaning via Hansen Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal parts cleaners, such as chlorinated and hydrocarbon solvents, pose health risks due to classification as potential carcinogens or volatile organic compounds, limiting their use in commercial settings despite having favorable cleaning properties.
Innovation Solution
A solvent composition comprising a blend of organic solvents with specific Hansen Solubility Parameters (δD ≥ 14-16, δP < 7, δH 5.5-6.9) that are exempt from VOC and HAP classification, including halogenated aromatic, ester, hydrocarbon, and ketone solvents, which are present in specific ratios to enhance cleaning action and evaporation rates without residue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chlorinated solvents are used for cleaning metal components, then the cleaning performance is maintained and the solvent is non-flammable, but the solvent poses health risks as a potential carcinogen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating a multi-component solvent formulation that combines ester solvents (e.g., tert-butyl acetate, dimethyl carbonate), ketone solvents (e.g., acetone, methyl ethyl ketone), and hydrocarbon solvents (e.g., isoparaffins). This composite approach achieves effective metal cleaning performance while eliminating the carcinogenic properties of traditional chlorinated solvents through synergistic interactions among the components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by carefully controlling the Hansen solubility parameters (δD, δP, δH) of the solvent blend to match those of traditional chlorinated solvents. The formulation specifies δD ≥ 15, δP < 7, and δH 5.5-6.9, which enables the new solvent to dissolve grease and oils effectively while maintaining physical properties similar to proven cleaning agents, thus achieving reliable cleaning without health risks.
2Reliability
If hydrocarbon solvents are used for cleaning metal components, then the cleaning action and evaporation rate are favorable, but the solvents are classified as VOC or HAP limiting their use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the Hansen solubility parameters of the solvent blend to achieve δD ≥ 15, δP < 7, and δH 5.5-6.9. This parameter optimization enables the formulation to deliver cleaning action comparable to hydrocarbon solvents while using ester and ketone components that are not classified as VOC or HAP, thus avoiding regulatory limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ester solvents (e.g., tert-butyl acetate, dimethyl carbonate) and ketone solvents (e.g., acetone, methyl ethyl ketone) as intermediary substances that bridge the gap between cleaning effectiveness and environmental compliance. These intermediaries provide the necessary solvating power and evaporation characteristics of hydrocarbon solvents without triggering VOC or HAP classifications.
3Reliability
If a blend of organic solvents is created to match Hansen solubility parameters of traditional solvents, then the cleaning performance is improved, but the formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages formulation complexity by establishing clear parameter ranges for the solvent blend: δD ≥ 15, δP < 7, and δH 5.5-6.9. These defined parameters guide the selection and proportioning of ester, ketone, and hydrocarbon components, enabling consistent cleaning performance while simplifying the formulation process through objective criteria rather than trial-and-error approaches.
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 achieves effective cleaning performance comparable to traditional solvents while avoiding health risks, with optimized evaporation rates and reduced residue, demonstrating synergistic solvation effects among the solvent components.
Implementation Method 1
The composition includes a blend of organic solvents... Hansen Solubility Parameters for the composition are δD ≥ 15, δP < 7, and δH 5.5-6.9... demonstrating synergistic solvation effects among the solvent components
Implementation Method 2
Hydrocarbon solvents... possess favorable cleaning action and fast evaporation without residue... optimized evaporation rates and reduced residue
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A composition for use in cleaning metal components having Hansen Solubility Parameters for the composition of δD≥ 15, δP< 6, and δH from about 5.5 to about 6.9. The composition includes a blend of organic solvents, none of which are classified as a volatile organic compound, a hazardous air pollutant, or a potential carcinogen, or exhibit a vapor pressure of less than 0.1 mmHg at 20°C. Further, the blend of organic solvents includes a halogenated aromatic solvent having one or more halide groups and from 6 to 8 carbon atoms, an organic solvent having one or more ester functional group and from 3 to 9 carbon atoms, and one or more of a linear or branched hydrocarbon solvent with 6-12 carbon atoms with a single polar moiety head group or a solvent containing one or more ketone functional groups and from 2 to 5 carbon atoms.