TCCA Sanitizing Tablet Composition for Controlled Chlorine Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitizing tablets for recirculating water systems, such as swimming pools, have non-uniform chlorine delivery due to their characteristic peak and tailing dissolution patterns, which can lead to unsafe high chlorine levels or ineffective sanitization.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising trichloro-s-triazinetrione (TCCA) in a range of 75% to 98% by mass, an inorganic salt such as gypsum in a range of 2% to 25% by mass, and an auxiliary agent in up to 10% by mass, which maintains the familiar tablet form-factor and longevity while adjusting the chlorine release profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the surface area of the tablet is increased to accelerate dissolution, then the initial chlorine release rate is improved, but the peak chlorine level exceeds the safe limit of 4 ppm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the tablet by incorporating TCCA (trichloro-s-triazinetrione) at 75-98% combined with specific inorganic salts (calcium sulfate at 2-25%, magnesium sulfate at 2-25%, or sodium sulfate at 2-25%). This compositional parameter change allows the tablet to maintain a controlled dissolution rate that prevents peak chlorine levels from exceeding 4 ppm while ensuring adequate sanitization effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the mass of the tablet is reduced to lower peak chlorine release, then the safe chlorine level is maintained, but the longevity of the tablet is reduced requiring more frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite tablet material combining TCCA (75-98%) with inorganic salts (calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, or sodium sulfate at 2-25% each). This composite structure allows the tablet to maintain optimal mass for extended longevity while the inorganic salt components modulate the dissolution profile to keep peak chlorine levels below 4 ppm, achieving both safety and durability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If inert components with lower solubility are added to extend dissolution time, then the tablet longevity is improved, but the visual indication of depletion becomes unreliable and material may accumulate in the pool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects inorganic salts (calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, or sodium sulfate) at controlled concentrations (2-25%) that provide sufficient dissolution time extension without creating highly insoluble residues. These parameters are optimized to maintain reliable visual depletion indication and prevent accumulation in the pool, unlike conventional highly insoluble inert materials.
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 inclusion of an inorganic salt like gypsum allows for a reduced overall chlorine content while maintaining a similar dissolution time, ensuring a consistent and safe chlorine residual in the water system.
Implementation Method 1
The characteristic dissolution behavior of a typical TCCA tablet (non-formulated, ~99% trichloro-s-triazenetrione) is driven by the surface area of the tablet exposed to the water. As such, the delivery of free chlorine is not uniform.
Implementation Method 2
Including a component of the formulation with lower solubility within the tablet would be expected to reduce the surface area of TCCA exposed to the water, and as such extend the time required for the full tablet to dissolve.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a composition for the treatment of a recirculating water system, comprising: trichloro-s-triazentrione (TCCA) in an amount of from about 75% to about 98% by mass of the composition; an inorganic salt present in an amount of from about 2% to about 25% by mass of the composition; and an auxiliary agent in a total amount of from about 0% to about 10% by mass of the composition. Also disclosed herein is a formed object comprising the composition, a process for preparing the formed object, and a method of using the formed object.