Terpene-Modified Solvent Systems for Flash Point Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in industrial and commercial applications have low flash points, making them highly flammable and subject to stringent regulations, limiting their use and requiring safer, more environmentally friendly alternatives that can increase their flash points without significantly increasing costs or reducing their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating terpenes, such as pure gum turpentine or oil of turpentine, into solvent systems, particularly with acetone or other VOCs, to raise the flash point of the mixture to a safer range of 110 to 120°F, thereby reducing flammability and compliance with environmental regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are used as solvents in industrial applications, then solvent effectiveness and performance are maintained, but flash point is low making them highly flammable and subject to stringent regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by blending terpenes with VOCs to modify the flash point parameter of the solvent system. By adjusting the ratio of terpene to VOC, the flash point is raised from below 100°F to above 100°F, transforming the safety classification while maintaining solvent effectiveness. This directly addresses the contradiction by changing a critical physical parameter (flash point) to eliminate flammability hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solvent system by combining terpenes with conventional VOCs. This composite approach leverages the high flash point characteristic of terpenes to elevate the overall safety profile of the solvent mixture, while preserving the effective cleaning and dissolving properties of the VOC component. The composite structure allows both functional requirements (solvent performance) and safety requirements (high flash point) to be satisfied simultaneously.
2Reliability
If terpenes are added to VOCs to raise flash point, then flammability is reduced and safety is improved, but the composition becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the approach to safety improvement by focusing on a single parameter change - the flash point - through terpene addition. Rather than complex formulation adjustments, the invention achieves safety enhancement by adjusting one critical parameter (flash point) through a straightforward blending process, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the addition of a second component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional VOCs are used to maintain solvent performance, then effectiveness is preserved, but environmental compliance is compromised due to low flash point and high volatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves environmental compliance by modifying the flash point parameter of VOC-based solvents through terpene blending. This parameter change enables the solvent system to meet regulatory requirements for reduced volatility and lower flammability, thereby improving adaptability to environmental standards while preserving the fundamental solvent performance needed for industrial applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a composite solvent formulation that combines the environmental benefits of terpenes with the functional effectiveness of VOCs. This composite approach allows the solvent system to simultaneously achieve regulatory compliance (through elevated flash point) and maintain operational effectiveness, thereby resolving the contradiction between environmental adaptability and performance reliability.
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 addition of terpenes effectively increases the flash point of VOCs, enhancing their safety and usability while maintaining their performance and reducing environmental impact, thus offering a 'greener' and more compliant solvent solution.
Implementation Method 1
the addition of a minimal amount of terpene to the organic solvent or organic solution raises the flash point of the mixture
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions and solvent mixtures include at least one organic solvent and at least one terpene. In some embodiments, the terpene is a monoterpene. In some embodiments, the terpene is pure gum turpentine, oil of turpentine, a component of turpentine, or a combination of these. In some embodiments, the organic solvent is acetone or a green solvent. Addition of a minimal amount of terpene to the organic solvent or organic solution raises the flash point of the mixture, preferably to a predetermined value. The predetermined value is preferably in the range of 110 to 120° F. The amount of terpene is preferably in the range about 0.05 to about 5 percent by total weight of the mixture. In some embodiments, the compositions are used as coatings, such as paints or adhesives. In some embodiments, at least one terpene is added to a lubrication formulation.