Stable Hypochlorous Acid via Air-Free Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) produced by existing methods is highly unstable, degrading quickly due to acidic pH and exposure to air, which limits its storage stability and requires onsite generation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves air-free mixing of a compound that generates a proton (H+) and a compound that generates a hypochlorite anion (OCl−) in water, producing a stable HOCl composition that can be stored for several months to a year without degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hypochlorous acid is produced by electrochemical activation of brine or disproportionation of chlorine gas in alkaline solutions, then hypochlorous acid can be generated, but the product is highly unstable and degrades quickly due to acidic pH and exposure to air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inert atmosphere by conducting the mixing process in an air-free environment using inert gas sparging (nitrogen or carbon dioxide) to displace oxygen. This prevents oxidation and degradation of hypochlorous acid, enabling storage stability of 6-12 months while maintaining biocidal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pH parameter by using acids with pKa values between 3-6 (acetic, formic, hydrochloric, sulfuric) to maintain the solution in the optimal pH range for hypochlorous acid stability. This parameter control prevents degradation while maintaining effectiveness.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If acidic pH is used to maintain hypochlorous acid stability, then storage life is extended, but chlorine gas is formed which is harmful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely controls the pH parameter by selecting acids with specific pKa values (3-6) and adjusting concentrations to maintain pH between 3.6-5.6. This parameter optimization allows sufficient stability while preventing chlorine gas formation, as chlorine gas forms only at pH below 3.
3Reliability
If hypochlorous acid is produced using conventional methods, then biocidal effectiveness is achieved, but onsite generation is required due to poor storage stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an inert storage environment using inert gas sparging during mixing, which prevents degradation and enables long-term storage. This eliminates the need for complex onsite generation systems while maintaining biocidal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive materials (inert gases, common acids, water) to create a stable formulation that can be stored indefinitely, replacing complex expensive onsite generation equipment with simple storage containers.
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
This approach results in a highly pure and stable HOCl composition with mild buffering capacity, significantly extending its storage stability and eliminating the need for onsite generation.
Implementation Method 1
a compound that generates a proton (H+) in water
Implementation Method 2
a compound that generates a hypochlorite anion (OCl−) in water
Implementation Method 3
mixing together in water in an air-free environment, a compound that generates a proton (H+) in water and a compound that generates a hypochlorite anion (OCl−) in water to thereby produce air-free hypochlorous acid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to compositions of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and methods of manufacture thereof. In certain aspects, the invention provides air-free compositions of HOCl. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of making HOCl that involve mixing together in water in an air-free environment, a compound that generates a proton (H+) in water and a compound that generates a hypochlorite anion (OCl−) in water to thereby produce air-free hypochlorous acid.