Continuous Surfactant Composition Filling via Segmented Injection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing liquid surfactant-containing compositions face challenges such as high space requirements, inefficiencies in batch processes, and difficulties in adding solid ingredients in continuous processes, leading to incompatibilities and storage issues in multi-chamber containers.

Innovation Solution

A continuous sequential process for producing multiple liquid surfactant-containing compositions by adding different additives to a basic mixture, allowing for precise filling of multi-chamber containers without parallel system requirements, enabling efficient production and storage of diverse compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If batch processes are used to produce liquid surfactant-containing compositions, then formulation adjustment and quality control are improved, but space requirements and production efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation adjustment capabilityVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The production system is segmented into multiple independent injection points along the continuous flow line, allowing different formulations to be produced simultaneously in separate chambers while using a single continuous reactor system. This maintains formulation precision while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The process transitions from time-based batch production to spatial-based continuous production with multiple parallel streams. By adding the dimension of multiple simultaneous injection points along the flow path, the system achieves both formulation flexibility and continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If continuous processes are used to produce liquid surfactant-containing compositions, then productivity and space utilization are improved, but the ability to add solid components and adjust formulations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous production capabilityVSAvoidformulation adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic control of injection timing and dosage at multiple points along the continuous flow line. This allows the formulation to be adjusted dynamically during production, enabling both continuous operation and formulation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple independent injection points are segmented along the continuous flow path, allowing different solid and liquid components to be added at specific locations. This maintains adaptability while preserving continuous production capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multi-chamber containers are filled with different compositions, then product versatility and storage stability are improved, but the complexity of the filling system and synchronization requirements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-formulation capabilityVSAvoidfilling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple filling operations are merged into a single continuous process. The reactor system produces different formulations simultaneously in different chambers using one continuous flow line, eliminating the need for separate filling systems and reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The different compositions are prepared and separated into different chambers before final filling. By pre-preparing the formulations in separate streams within the continuous system, the filling process becomes simpler and more synchronized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If large quantities of product are produced in each batch, then production efficiency is improved, but storage space requirements and handling complexity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebatch production volumeVSAvoidstorage space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system eliminates interruptions between production batches by maintaining continuous operation. Multiple chambers are filled continuously with different formulations, eliminating the need for large storage spaces for finished goods and reducing handling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous production is segmented into multiple parallel streams that fill different chambers simultaneously. This allows continuous production of multiple products without requiring large storage spaces for any single formulation, as they are produced and stored separately in dedicated chambers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3798295B1Method for the preparation of surfactant-containing compositions in a sequential method
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP3798295B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for producing liquid surfactant-containing compositions in a sequential, continuous process, which makes it possible to fill multi-chamber containers simultaneously with different compositions.