Zeolite Binder-Catalyst for Stable Oxygen Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional oxygen generators experience destabilization due to localized melting during decomposition and oxygen loss, leading to interrupted oxygen flow, especially in vibrating environments, and produce oxygen at high temperatures.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating multifunctional zeolites with transition metals into the oxygen generating composition, which act as both binders and catalysts, replacing conventional binders and catalysts, to maintain mechanical stability and control decomposition without forming a liquid phase, thus ensuring continuous oxygen production at lower temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional binders and catalysts are used in oxygen generators, then the decomposition reaction can proceed, but the composition becomes mechanically unstable due to liquid phase formation during decomposition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidcontinuous oxygen flow
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite material system consisting of chlorate/perchlorate oxygen source combined with zeolite binder-catalyst. The zeolite framework integrates both binding and catalytic functions in a single composite material that maintains structural integrity while enabling the decomposition reaction, preventing liquid phase separation that occurs with conventional separate binder and catalyst systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The zeolite component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a binder to hold the composition together, as a catalyst to promote decomposition reaction, and as a structural framework that prevents liquid phase formation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate binder and catalyst components, resolving the mechanical instability issue

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the oxygen generator operates at high decomposition temperatures, then the decomposition reaction proceeds rapidly, but the oxygen stream becomes too hot for breathable use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecomposition rateVSAvoidoxygen stream temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical and physical parameters of the catalyst system by using zeolite with specific framework structures and metal ion compositions. This alters the decomposition mechanism to proceed at lower temperatures while maintaining high reaction rates, producing breathable oxygen at controlled temperatures between 20-40°C

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If conventional catalysts are used to speed up decomposition, then the reaction rate increases, but the mechanical stability of the composition deteriorates due to liquid zone formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecomposition rateVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The zeolite composite material provides a rigid framework structure that maintains mechanical stability while the embedded metal ions (Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Mn³⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺) provide catalytic activity. This composite structure prevents the liquid phase formation that occurs with conventional catalysts, allowing high decomposition rates without sacrificing mechanical integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of operation

If the oxygen generator is used in vibrating environments, then portability is improved, but the liquid zone causes separation and interrupts oxygen flow

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidcontinuous oxygen flow
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The zeolite's multi-functional role as binder-catalyst-structural-framework creates a unified solid structure that resists separation under vibration. The interconnected zeolite framework traps the decomposition reaction within a stable matrix, preventing the liquid zone from causing separation and ensuring continuous oxygen flow even in portable, vibrating applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 use of multifunctional zeolites stabilizes the oxygen generator, prevents liquid phase formation, and provides a continuous and breathable oxygen stream at a lower temperature, enhancing mechanical stability and reaction control, even under adverse conditions.

Implementation Method 1

catalysts such as oxides of various transition metals for speeding up reaction rates or for lowering reaction temperatures, respectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

the compositions produce oxygen by thermal decomposition of alkali metal chlorates or perchlorates or alkaline earth metal chlorates or perchlorates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Thermolysis

Implementation Method 3

additives for suppressing undesired side reactions or for capturing undesired side products

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP2990378B1Zeolite components for use in solid chemical oxygen generators
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 DIEHL AVIATION GILCHING GMBH
  • EP2990378B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a composition for generating oxygen, comprising at least one oxygen source selected from chlorates and perchlorates, to an oxygen generator comprising such a composition, and a method for generating oxygen by decomposing such a composition. The present invention further relates to the use of zeolite compounds as multifunctional components in the oxygen generating compositions.