Tackifier Volatile Removal via Thin-Film Evaporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for removing volatile compounds from tackifiers like Koresin, used in rubber compositions, are inefficient and costly, and result in high residual volatile content, which is a concern for technical applications and environmental protection.
Innovation Solution
A process involving passing the tackifier through a thin-film evaporator at controlled temperatures and pressures, with a preferred temperature range of 170 to 230°C and pressure of 0.1 to 100 mbar, to significantly reduce volatile compounds, particularly tertiary butyl phenol, while maintaining low operational and investment costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional evaporation processes are used to remove volatile compounds from tackifiers, then some volatile compounds are removed, but the residual volatile content remains high and the process is inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by operating the evaporator at specific temperature ranges (170-230°C) and pressure ranges (0.1-100 mbar) to optimize volatile compound removal. By carefully controlling these parameters, the process achieves high removal efficiency while maintaining cost-effectiveness and avoiding excessive energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts volatile compounds from the tackifier by passing it through an evaporator where volatiles are separated and removed. This extraction process reduces residual volatile content to less than 1000 ppm, achieving the desired purification while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If higher temperatures and longer residence times are used in evaporation, then volatile compound removal improves, but energy consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the balance between temperature and energy consumption by operating within a specific temperature range of 170-230°C. This parameter optimization achieves effective volatile removal without requiring excessive energy input, making the process both efficient and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs continuous evaporation processing where the tackifier is continuously passed through the evaporator. This continuous operation maintains steady-state conditions that improve energy efficiency compared to batch processes, while consistently achieving the required volatile reduction.
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 process effectively reduces volatile compound content in tackifiers to less than 1000 ppm, enhancing their suitability for technical applications and environmental safety without incurring high costs.
Implementation Method 1
the volatile compounds are removed from the film
Implementation Method 2
passed through at least one evaporator as film with a thickness of 0.01 to 20 mm, more preferably 0.01 to 10 mm, notably of 0.1 to 6 mm and most preferably of 0.5 to 3 mm
Data Source
AI summary
Process for the removal of volatile compounds from a tackifier comprising a resin with repeating units of formula I wherein R1 is a linear or branched alkylen group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms and R2 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated N aliphatic hydrocarbon group with up to 20 carbon atoms, and optionally a plasticizer, wherein the tackifier is passed through at least one evaporator as film and the volatile compounds are removed from the film.