Odor Neutralization via Triethyl Citrate Mist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling foul odors in large volumes of air from sources like waste sorting plants and asphalt mixing facilities are inefficient and require high concentrations of active ingredients, which is impractical for extensive odor treatment.
Innovation Solution
Aqueous solutions or propellant gas mixtures containing a concentrate of triethyl citrate, 1,2-propanediol, and dipropylene glycol methyl ether, used in finely divided form to chemically neutralize odors, reducing the need for additional active ingredients and enhancing odor suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional fluids containing glycerol, glycol, and n-butyl acetate are used for odor control, then odor suppression is achieved, but large quantities of active ingredients are required and efficacy is limited for strongly smelling foul odors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the active ingredient concentrate, specifically using triethyl citrate (55-65 wt.%) combined with 1,2-propanediol (17.5-22.5 wt.%) and dipropylene glycol methyl ether (17.5-22.5 wt.%), which fundamentally alters the odor-neutralizing mechanism to achieve higher efficacy at lower concentrations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite active ingredient concentrate combining triethyl citrate with specific diols (1,2-propanediol and dipropylene glycol methyl ether) in defined ratios, where the synergistic interaction between components enhances odor elimination efficiency beyond what individual substances can achieve
2Area of stationary object
If large quantities of outgoing air from large halls or open air plants are treated, then comprehensive odor coverage is achieved, but the cost and complexity of delivering sufficient active ingredient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the active ingredient delivery system into multiple distributed spray points or mist generators throughout the large treatment area, allowing comprehensive coverage of extensive spaces like large halls or open air plants while maintaining efficient use of the concentrated active ingredient formulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic or hydraulic mist generation systems to disperse the active ingredient concentrate as fine droplets throughout large volumes of air, enabling effective distribution over extensive areas with minimal active ingredient consumption through enhanced surface area to volume ratio
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
Significantly reduces active ingredient quantities while maintaining effective odor elimination, achieving rapid degradation of odor-forming substances and creating an odor barrier in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
The catalytic action of triethyl citrate in particular has the effect that odors are not just covered or masked but are eliminated by chemical reaction of the odor-forming substances
Implementation Method 2
the mist-forming and hygroscopic 1,2-propanediol, and dipropylene glycol methyl ether which acts as a solvent and is likewise hygroscopic
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for controlling unpleasant odors in discharge air from containers, rooms or plants in which strong smelling substances such as feces, waste or highly odorous foods are stored or processed, a fluid is introduced into the discharge air in a finely distributed form, which physically and/or chemically neutralizes the odor of the substances contained in the discharge air. The fluid is a 0.1% to 8% aqueous solution of an active substance concentrate which is 55-65 wt.-% triethylcitrate, 17.5 to 22.5 wt.-% 1,2 propanediol and 17.5 to 22 wt.- % di-propylene glycol-methylether. Alternatively, the fluid can also be a mixture of a suitable propellant gas mixture and the active substance concentrate specified above.