THPS Formulation Freezing Prevention via Glycol Eutectics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formulations of tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate (THPS) are not stable at low temperatures, particularly in applications such as oil and gas extraction, where they often freeze or phase-separate, leading to instability and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising THPS, water, and either 1,2-propanediol, ethylene glycol, or glycerine, within specific weight percentage ranges defined by ternary phase diagrams, which maintains a free-flowing liquid state even at -40 °C, preventing freezing and phase separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If THPS formulations are stored at low temperatures, then biocidal effectiveness is maintained, but the compositions freeze or phase-separate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces polyethylene glycol as an intermediary substance that mediates between THPS and water at low temperatures. The PEG forms a eutectic mixture with THPS that remains liquid at temperatures below -40°C, preventing freezing and phase separation while maintaining biocidal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the formulation by adding polyethylene glycol with specific molecular weights (200-20,000). This alters the freezing point depression and phase behavior of the system, enabling the composition to remain stable and liquid at low temperatures while preserving THPS's biocidal properties.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional solvents are used with THPS, then the composition is easy to prepare, but it freezes or phase-separates at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite formulation system combining THPS, water, and polyethylene glycol. This composite material leverages the properties of each component: THPS provides biocidal activity, water provides solubility, and PEG provides low-temperature fluidity. The synergistic interaction prevents freezing and phase separation while maintaining ease of preparation.
3Reliability
If THPS concentration is increased for better biocidal performance, then effectiveness improves, but freezing point increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct micro-environments within the formulation. The polyethylene glycol locally associates with THPS molecules to form eutectic complexes, allowing high THPS concentration for biocidal effectiveness while the PEG-THPS complexes maintain low freezing points. This local interaction resolves the contradiction between concentration and freezing point.
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 compositions remain physically stable and free-flowing at -40 °C, addressing the instability issues of prior THPS solutions and ensuring consistent performance in low-temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
compositions which are stable at low temperatures are not known... compositions remain physically stable and free-flowing at -40 °C, addressing the instability issues of prior THPS solutions and ensuring consistent performance in low-temperature conditions
Implementation Method 2
maintains a free-flowing liquid state even at -40 °C, preventing freezing and phase separation
Data Source
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AI summary
A composition comprising: (a) tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate (THPS); (b) water; and (c) 1,2-propanediol; wherein the weight percentages of (a), (b) and (c) are within the area on a ternary phase diagram for (a), (b) and (c) bounded by five points: (A) 20% THPS/40% water/40% 1,2-propanediol; (B) 20% THPS/20% water/60% 1,2-propanediol; (C) 65% THPS/22% water/13% 1,2-propanediol; (D) 65% THPS/25% water/10% 1,2-propanediol; and (E) 40% THPS/28% water/32% 1,2-propanediol.