U.S. patent application number 15/167714 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-22 for antifreeze solution, depletion prevention agent for a plant and heating medium solution.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tetsuya Shibano. Invention is credited to Sei Tanaka.
Application Number | 20160272866 15/167714 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47016612 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160272866 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tanaka; Sei |
September 22, 2016 |
ANTIFREEZE SOLUTION, DEPLETION PREVENTION AGENT FOR A PLANT AND
HEATING MEDIUM SOLUTION
Abstract
An antifreeze solution includes a urea, a surfactant, a purified
glycerol, and one of water and alkaline reducing water. The
combination of the urea, the surfactant, the purified glycerol, and
the water or the alkaline reducing water can be used for a
depletion prevention agent for a plant, and can be used for a
heating medium solution.
Inventors: |
Tanaka; Sei; (Osaka,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shibano; Tetsuya |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
47016612 |
Appl. No.: |
15/167714 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14346598 |
Mar 21, 2014 |
9353510 |
|
|
PCT/JP2012/074274 |
Sep 21, 2012 |
|
|
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15167714 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/294 20130101;
C09K 15/04 20130101; C09K 3/18 20130101; E03C 1/281 20130101; C09K
5/20 20130101; Y10T 137/0391 20150401 |
International
Class: |
C09K 5/20 20060101
C09K005/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 22, 2011 |
JP |
2011-206982 |
Claims
1. An antifreeze solution comprising a urea, a surfactant, a
purified glycerol, and one selected from a group consisting of a
water and an alkaline reducing water.
2. The antifreeze solution according to claim 1, wherein an amount
of the urea is 5 to 20 wt %, an amount of the surfactant is 0.1 to
5 wt %, an amount of the purified glycerol is 10 to 80 wt %, and
the rest of the agent is mainly the water or the alkaline reducing
water.
3. The antifreeze solution according to claim 2, wherein an amount
of the urea is 10 to 15 wt %.
4. The antifreeze solution according to claim 1, wherein an amount
of the water or the alkaline reducing water is 20 to 80 wt %.
5. The antifreeze solution according to claim 1, wherein pH of the
solution is 9.0 to 10.0.
6. The antifreeze solution according to claim 1, wherein the
antifreeze solution is for use of lawns.
7. The antifreeze solution according to claim 1, wherein the
antifreeze solution is for use of road surfaces.
8. The antifreeze solution according to claim 1, wherein the
antifreeze solution is for use of building surfaces, automobile
surfaces or airplane surfaces.
9. A depletion prevention agent for plant comprising a urea, a
surfactant, a purified glycerol, and one selected from a group
consisting of a water and an alkaline reducing water.
10. The depletion prevention agent for plant according to claim 9,
wherein an amount of the urea is 5 to 20 wt %, an amount of the
surfactant is 0.1 to 5 wt %, an amount of the purified glycerol is
10 to 80 wt %, and the rest of the agent is mainly the water or the
alkaline reducing water.
11. The depletion prevention agent for plant according to claim 10,
wherein an amount of the urea is 10 to 15 wt %.
12. The depletion prevention agent for plant according to claim 9,
wherein an amount of the water or the alkaline reducing water is 20
to 80 wt %.
13. The depletion prevention agent for plant according to claim 9,
wherein pH of the agent is 9.0 to 10.0.
14. A heating medium solution comprising a urea, a surfactant, a
purified glycerol, and one selected from a group consisting of a
water and an alkaline reducing water.
15. The heating medium solution according to claim 14, wherein an
amount of the urea is 5 to 20 wt %, an amount of the surfactant is
0.1 to 5 wt %, an amount of the purified glycerol is 10 to 80 wt %,
and the rest of the agent is mainly the water or the alkaline
reducing water.
16. The heating medium solution according to claim 15, wherein an
amount of the urea is 10 to 15 wt %.
17. The heating medium solution according to claim 14, wherein an
amount of the water or the alkaline reducing water is 20 to 80 wt
%.
18. The heating medium solution according to claim 14, wherein pH
of the solution is 9.0 to 10.0.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/346,598 filed on Mar. 21, 2014, which is a nationalization
application under 35 U.S.C. Section 371 of PCT/JP2012/074274 filed
on Sep. 21, 2012 claiming Convention priority based on Japanese
Patent Application No. 2011-206982 filed on Sep. 22, 2011, the
contents of these applications of which, including specifications,
claims and drawings, are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to an antifreeze solution,
depletion prevention agent for a plant and a heating medium
solution.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] In order to prevent vaporization of the seal water, an oil
is added to the seal water to cover the surface of the water.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The subject matter of this application relates to an
antifreeze solution that includes urea, a surfactant, purified
glycerol, and water or alkaline reducing water. The subject matter
of this application relates to a depletion prevention agent for a
plant. The combination of the urea, the surfactant, the purified
glycerol, and the water or the alkaline reducing water can be used
for a depletion prevention agent for a plant, and can be used for a
heating medium solution.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a simple explanatory diagram of a usage state of a
vapor pressure lowering agent according to the present
invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a simple explanatory diagram of the usage state of
the vapor pressure lowering agent according to the present
invention.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a graph showing an experiment result of
vaporizability of water 100%.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a graph showing an experiment result of
vaporizability of a mixture of 50 cc of water and 50 cc of a vapor
pressure lowering agent of an example (product) of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a graph showing an experiment result of
vaporizability of a mixture of 50 cc of water and 30 cc of the
vapor pressure lowering agent of the example (product) of the
present invention.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a simple explanatory diagram of another usage
state of the vapor pressure lowering agent according to the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a graph showing an experiment result of
vaporizability of a mixture of 170 cc of water and 30 cc of the
vapor pressure lowering agent of the example (product) of the
present invention.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a graph showing an experiment result of
vaporizability of a mixture of 320 cc of water and 30 cc of the
vapor pressure lowering agent of the example (product) of the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a graph showing an experiment result of
freezability of a mixture of 75 cc of water and 25 cc of the vapor
pressure lowering agent of the example (product) of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a graph showing an experiment result of
freezability of a mixture of 50 cc of water and 50 cc of the vapor
pressure lowering agent of the example (product) of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 11 is a simple explanatory diagram explaining a method
for preventing seal breakage in a drain trap according to the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 12 is a graph showing a vaporization time when water is
filled in the drain trap.
[0017] FIG. 13 is a change graph showing a vaporization time when
mixture liquids having various water contents are filled in the
drain trap.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0018] In FIGS. 1 and 2, when a water vapor pressure lowering agent
5 according to the present invention is introduced through an upper
opening 3 of a drain pipe 2 having a S-shaped drain trap T, the
water vapor pressure lowering agent 5 is mixed with seal water W
within the S-shaped drain trap T.
[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, when the water vapor pressure lowering
agent 5 is introduced from the opening side of the drain trap T,
the water vapor pressure lowering agent 5 is naturally mixed with
the entirety of the seal water W to make a mixed seal water liquid
10 as shown in FIG. 2.
[0020] The water vapor pressure lowering agent 5 according to the
present invention includes urea, a surfactant, purified glycerol,
and water or alkaline reducing water. Specifically, an amount of
the urea is 5 to 20 wt %, an amount of the surfactant is 0.1 to 5
wt %, an amount of the purified glycerol is 10 to 80 wt %, and the
rest of the agent is mainly the water or the alkaline reducing
water. Desirably, the purified glycerol is obtained (produced) by
purifying waste glycerol containing ethanol, an oil or fat, and a
carbide by distillation.
[0021] Waste glycerol is a by-product (black unwanted matter)
obtained when a bio-diesel fuel (abbreviated as BDF) is purified by
esterifying a waste plant-derived edible oil (The iodine value is
equal to or higher than 120 and the boiling point is also high. For
example, the iodine value is 124 to 139 in the case of soybean
oil.). As compared to the melting point of pure glycerin which is
17.8.degree. C., the melting point of waste glycerol is as low as
-8.degree. C. to -7.degree. C., and waste glycerol is more
difficult to freeze. Presently, waste glycerol is problematic as
special industrial waste in disposal thereof. In other words, it is
possible to reutilize (recycle) the unwanted waste by using the
above properties, thereby contributing to reduction and effective
use of waste.
[0022] The amount of the purified glycerol is 10 to 80 wt % but
preferably 50 to 75 wt %. When the amount is less than the lower
limit, (the vapor pressure does not sufficiently lower)
vaporization of water from the mixed seal water liquid 10 shown in
FIG. 2 is fast and the mixed seal water liquid 10 easily freezes.
Thus, the mixed seal water liquid 10 is not practicable in a cold
region. When the amount exceeds the upper limit, a risk of ignition
(burning) arises. In addition, when the amount exceeds the upper
limit, the viscosity of the agent is increased, and the agent may
deposit and stay at a lower portion of the drain trap T. Moreover,
the freezing point is lowered and the boiling point is increased by
the purified glycerol.
[0023] The urea has a weak bactericidal activity, the boiling point
thereof is 135.degree. C., and the component ratio thereof is 5 to
20 wt % but preferably 10 to 15 wt %. When the component ratio is
less than the lower limit, (the vapor pressure does not
sufficiently lower) vaporization of water from the mixed seal water
liquid 10 is fast and the mixed seal water liquid 10 easily
freezes. Thus, the mixed seal water liquid 10 is not practicable in
a cold region. When the component ratio exceeds the upper limit,
the purified glycerol and the urea react with each other to cause a
solidified matter. In other words, since fats and oils are
contained in the waste glycerol and it is impossible to completely
remove the fats and oils even when purification is conducted by
distillation, the urea and a minute amount of the fats and oils
contained in the purified glycerol react with each other and
solidify to become a milky color. In addition, it is possible to
reduce the freezing point (to make freezing less likely to occur)
by the urea and the purified glycerol, and an effect as an
antifreeze agent is obtained.
[0024] The amount of the surfactant is 0.1 to 5 wt % but preferably
equal to or greater than 0.1 wt % and less than 5 wt % and more
preferably 2 to 4 wt %. The surface tension is decreased by the
surfactant. When the surface tension is decreased (as compared to
water), a capillary phenomenon due to filth or garbage attached to
an inner peripheral wall of a drain pipe is less likely to occur,
suction of the mixed seal water liquid 10 is suppressed, and it is
possible to reduce the quantity of vaporization. When the amount
exceeds the numerical range, there is a concern that when the vapor
pressure lowering agent 5 is introduced, bubbles are generated and
mixing becomes insufficient. When the amount is less than the lower
limit, there is a concern that it is difficult to obtain an effect
of suppressing a capillary phenomenon. The surfactant is
preferably, for example, an alkaline detergent ("Smart Wash"
manufactured by Smart Co., Ltd.).
[0025] In addition, the ratio (wt %) of the water or the alkaline
reducing water is increased, the vapor pressure rises and the
freezing point also rises. The freezing point of the purified
glycerol is originally about -120.degree. C., but since water or
electrolytic alkaline ionized water is added thereto, the freezing
point rises and becomes -40.degree. C. to -25.degree. C. The
freezing point is preferably -40.degree. C. to -35.degree. C. and
more preferably -40.degree. C. to -38.degree. C.
[0026] In addition, when the rest is mainly water (purified water
or tap water), the cost for manufacture, facility, and the like is
low as compared to the alkaline reducing water, and there is an
advantage that it is possible to manufacture the vapor pressure
lowering agent 5 at low cost. When the rest is the alkaline
reducing water, it is possible to suppress degradation (oxidation)
of the drain pipe 2 as compared to water. It should be noted that
"mainly" in "the rest is mainly water (or alkaline reducing water)"
means that when the rest of the liquid excluding the purified
glycerol, the urea, and the surfactant is set as 100 wt %, 95 to
100 wt % of the rest is water (or alkaline reducing water). For
example, it means the case where the entirety of the above rest of
the liquid is water (or alkaline reducing water), or the above rest
of the liquid includes a pigment, a perfume, a bactericidal agent,
and the like in an amount of 0.1 to 5 wt % for each in addition to
the water (or the alkaline reducing water). It should be noted that
the alkaline reducing water is water also called electrolytic
alkaline ionized water or electrolytic alkaline reducing water.
[0027] In addition, it is necessary to include the water or the
alkaline reducing water in an amount of 20% to 80%. As shown in
FIGS. 11 to 13, when the amount is less than 20 wt %, the viscosity
of the vapor pressure lowering agent increases and it is difficult
to introduce the vapor pressure lowering agent to the seal water,
and when the amount is greater than 80 wt %, the ratio of the urea
and the purified glycerol decreases and the vapor pressure lowering
effect is reduced. It should be noted that in FIGS. 12 and 13, the
horizontal axis indicates day, and the vertical axis indicates
volume (cc) of the mixed liquid. In other words, when water is
filled to an overflow level H (80 cc) in a seal water portion of an
S-shaped drain trap T shown in FIG. 11, the water vaporizes in
about 11 days (FIG. 12). On the other hand, according to a graph
shown in FIG. 13, in a curved line A obtained in the case where
seal water is replaced with the agent in which an amount of water
is 90% as the mixed seal water liquid 10, the volume of the mixed
seal water liquid 10 becomes equal to or less than 16 cc at about
360 days and later due to a reduction in the amount of a
vaporization component, the level of the mixed seal water liquid 10
becomes equal to or less than a lower limit level L equivalent to a
water volume of 17 cc which is a seal water maintenance lower
limit, water seal is broken, and an offensive odor from the
sewerage side is released into a room.
[0028] On the other hand, in a curved line B obtained in the case
of being replaced with the agent in which an amount of water is 80%
as the mixed seal water liquid 10, the volume of the mixed seal
water liquid 10 becomes constant at over 17 cc at about 360 days
and later due to a reduction in the amount of the vaporization
component, and the seal water is maintained. In a curved line C
obtained in the case of being replaced with the agent in which an
amount of water is 75%, the volume of the mixed seal water liquid
10 becomes 40 cc and constant at about 360 days and later due to a
reduction in the amount of the vaporization component. Therefore,
regarding the ratio of water in the agent, 80% is the maximum.
[0029] In addition, the pH value of the vapor pressure lowering
agent 5 is 9.0 to 10.0 and more preferably 9.5 to 10.0. When the
vapor pressure lowering agent 5 is alkalified, an effect of
suppressing proliferation of saprophytic bacteria is exerted. It
should be noted that in consideration of an environment for
microorganisms in a septic tank, the pH value may be adjusted by a
pH adjustor or the like. In addition, the specific gravity of the
vapor pressure lowering agent 5 is 1.00 to 1.10, preferably 1.01 to
1.09, and more preferably 1.07 to 1.09. In other words, when the
specific gravity is made slightly heavier (greater) as compared to
water, the vapor pressure lowering agent 5 is prevented from
staying in a large amount at an upper portion of the seal water W
like a supernatant, and is well mixed with the seal water W near
the sewerage side. Moreover, the boiling point of the vapor
pressure lowering agent 5 in atmospheric pressure is 120.degree. C.
to 130.degree. C. and more preferably 125.degree. C. to 130.degree.
C. In addition, the vapor pressure lowering agent 5 has no burning
point and no ignition point and is highly safe.
EXAMPLES
[0030] A vapor pressure lowering agent in Table 1 below was
produced.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Component Purified glycerol: 60 wt % Urea:
10 wt % Surfactant: 3 wt % Rest: alkaline reducing water Liquid
properties Alkali, pH 10.0 Boiling point +125.degree. C. Freezing
point -38.degree. C. Specific gravity 1.08
[0031] A result of an experiment for 100 cc of a mixed seal water
liquid 10 obtained by mixing 50 cc of the agent of the example in
the above Table 1 (example product) (hereinafter, may be referred
to as the present agent) and 50 cc of water (as a substitute for
the seal water W provided previously in the drain trap T) (the case
of a mixed seal water liquid 10 in which the concentration of the
present agent is 50%) is shown in a graph of FIG. 4. The horizontal
axis indicates day, and the vertical axis indicates volume (cc).
For comparison with this, FIG. 3 shows the case where 100 cc of
water 100% was used as the seal water W (the case where the
concentration of the present agent is 0%). In either case, the room
temperature is 27.degree. C.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, only with water, the water vaporizes and
disappears in 12.5 to 13 days. On the other hand, in the example
(experimental example) shown in FIG. 4, 58 cc remains even at 540
days, and it is recognized that it suffices to refill with about 40
to 50 cc of water once in 10 months.
[0033] In addition, FIG. 5 is an experiment result obtained when 80
cc of a mixed seal water liquid 10 obtained by mixing 30 cc of the
present agent and 50 cc of water (in which the concentration of the
present agent is 38%) was filled in the S-shaped drain trap T shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2. The horizontal axis indicates day, and the
vertical axis indicates volume (cc). As shown in FIG. 5, 40 cc
remains even at 540 days, and it is recognized that it suffices to
refill the drain trap T with about 40 to 50 cc of water once in 10
months. Moreover, experiment results in the case of being used in a
bell-shaped drain trap T' provided at a sink or a drain outlet as
shown in FIG. 6 are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0034] FIG. 7 is an experiment result obtained when 200 cc of a
mixed seal water liquid 10 obtained by mixing 30 cc of the present
agent and 170 cc of water (in which the concentration of the
present agent is 15%) was filled in a bell-shaped drain trap T'
having a maximum filling quantity of 200 cc.
[0035] FIG. 8 is an experiment result obtained when 350 cc of a
mixed seal water liquid 10 obtained by mixing 30 cc of the present
agent and 320 cc of water (in which the concentration of the
present agent is 8.5%) was filled in a bell-shaped drain trap T'
having a maximum filling quantity of 350 cc. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the
horizontal axis indicates day, and the vertical axis indicates
volume (cc) of the mixed seal water liquid.
[0036] As is obvious in FIG. 7, about 75 cc remains at 300 days to
330 days (about 10 months), and it is recognized that it suffices
to refill with about 125 cc of water once in 10 months. In
addition, as is obvious in FIG. 8, about 150 cc remains at 300 days
to 330 days (about 10 months), and it is recognized that it
suffices to refill with about 200 cc of water once in 10
months.
[0037] As described above, regarding the effect of suppressing
vaporization, the present invention exhibits an excellent effect.
It should be noted that a slight difference in vaporizability
occurs depending on the season or the shape or size of the drain
trap T or T'. In addition, in actual use (as a vapor pressure
lowering method), where an amount of the mixed seal water liquid 10
corresponding to the (seal water) maximum filling quantity of the
drain trap T or T' is set as 100%, the vapor pressure lowering
agent 5 is desirably introduced to the (previously stored) seal
water W as shown in FIG. 1 such that the concentration of the vapor
pressure lowering agent 5 is 5 to 90% and preferably 8% to 70%. The
reason is as follows. When the amount of the vapor pressure
lowering agent 5 is less than the lower limit, the quantity of
vaporization is large, and there is a concern that before 10 months
after the introduction, the remaining amount becomes less than a
(seal water) minimum filling quantity at which the drain trap T or
T' exerts a deodorant or insect-protection effect. In addition,
when the amount exceeds the upper limit, a vaporization reducing
effect is sufficiently obtained, but no great difference from the
case where the concentration is the maximum within the above
numeric range is produced. Thus, the vapor pressure lowering agent
5 is wasted. Next, results of experiments for freezability
(easiness of freezing) of the present agent are shown in FIGS. 9
and 10.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a result of an experiment in which a mixed seal
water liquid 10 obtained by mixing 25 cc of the present agent and
75 cc of water (4-times dilution, a concentration of 25%, a liquid
temperature of 25.degree. C.) was allowed to stand in a room (a
freezing room) at -22.degree. C.
[0039] FIG. 10 is a result of an experiment in which a mixed seal
water liquid 10 obtained by mixing 50 cc of the present agent and
50 cc of water (2-times dilution, a concentration of 50%, a liquid
temperature of 25.degree. C.) was allowed to stand in the room at
-22.degree. C. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the horizontal axis indicates
time (minute), and the vertical axis indicates temperature
(.degree. C.).
[0040] As is obvious from FIGS. 9 and 10, it is recognized that the
temperature fall becomes gentle from around a time just exceeding
50 minutes after the start. Thereafter, in the example
(experimental example) in FIG. 9, it took 160 minutes until
freezing (-11.2.degree. C.). In the example (experimental example)
in FIG. 10, it took 260 minutes until freezing (-18.3.degree. C.).
As described above, an antifreeze effect is obtained such that the
higher the concentration of the present agent is, the lower the
freezing point is and the longer the time until freezing is (such
that the time until freezing is delayed). Thus, it is obvious that
the present invention has an excellent antifreeze effect. It should
be noted that a slight difference in freezability occurs depending
on the season or the shape or size of the drain trap T or T'.
[0041] It should be noted that the vapor pressure lowering agent 5
of the present invention may be introduced and used in a stool
within a toilet. In addition, a slight amount of a bactericidal
agent may be included as a component. Moreover, the vapor pressure
lowering agent 5 may be used in a refrigerant (water) for central
heating.
[0042] As described above, since the water vapor pressure lowering
agent of the present invention includes the urea, the surfactant,
the purified glycerol, and the water or the alkaline reducing
water, the water vapor pressure lowering agent has a small effect
on the natural world, is safe, and does not freeze and can be
safely used in a cold region. In addition, with the water vapor
pressure lowering agent, water is less likely to vaporize and does
not disappear over a long period of time, and, for example,
refilling once in 10 months is sufficient. Furthermore, when the
water vapor pressure lowering agent is introduced to a trap or the
like, the water vapor pressure lowering agent is easily and
naturally mixed with the seal water W. Moreover, the present
invention is widely usable in a refrigerant (water) for central
heating or for prevention of other freezing and is applicable to
wide use in a cold region.
[0043] In addition, since the amount of the urea is 5 to 20 wt %,
the amount of the surfactant is 0.1 to 5 wt %, the amount of the
purified glycerol is 10 to 80 wt %, and the rest is mainly the
water or the alkaline reducing water, the water vapor pressure
lowering agent has a small effect on the natural world, the vapor
pressure is sufficiently lowered, and the water vapor pressure
lowering agent does not freeze and can be safely used in a cold
region.
[0044] Furthermore, with the water vapor pressure lowering agent,
water is less likely to vaporize and does not disappear over a long
period of time, and, for example, refilling once in 10 months is
sufficient. Moreover, when the water vapor pressure lowering agent
is introduced to the drain trap T or T' or the like, the water
vapor pressure lowering agent is easily and naturally mixed with
the seal water W. In addition, the water vapor pressure lowering
agent has no risk of ignition, does not deposit at the lower
portion of the drain trap T or T', and is also less likely to cause
a solidified matter. In particular, the water vapor pressure
lowering agent is usable even in a cold region where the
temperature becomes about -35.degree. C.
[0045] In addition, since the purified glycerol is obtained by
purifying waste glycerol containing ethanol, an oil or fat, water,
and a carbide by distillation, there is an advantage that it is
possible to effectively reutilize waste glycerol which is
problematic in disposal of a large amount thereof
[0046] Here, a method for preventing seal breakage in a drain trap
will be described with the vapor pressure lowering agent 5 as an
example. As shown in FIG. 11, the vapor pressure lowering agent 5
is introduced such that the liquid level is a liquid level Ws equal
to or higher than a seal water maintenance lower limit in a seal
water portion Ts of the S-shaped drain trap T. When the liquid
level Ws of the seal water liquid 10 is less than the seal water
maintenance lower limit, a liquid level Ws' (an alternate long and
short dash line in the drawing) of the seal water liquid 10 is
located below an upper portion Tu of a curved portion Tc in the
seal water portion Ts, and a gap G occurs between the upper portion
Tu and the liquid level Ws'. Thus, the sealing function is not
exerted.
[0047] Therefore, when the vapor pressure lowering agent 5 is
introduced, the mixing ratio of the purified glycerol in the vapor
pressure lowering agent 5 may be previously set such that the
purified glycerol in the vapor pressure lowering agent 5 is ensured
in such a remaining amount as to be equal to or higher than the
seal water maintenance lower limit in the seal water portion Ts of
the drain trap T. By so setting, even when a vaporization component
such as water in the vapor pressure lowering agent 5 introduced to
the seal water portion Ts of the drain trap T vaporizes, at least
the purified glycerol remains at the seal water maintenance lower
limit or higher (the liquid level Ws does not become lower than the
upper portion Tu of the curved portion Tc in the seal water portion
Ts), and thus it is possible to prevent an offensive odor from
entering the indoor side from the sewerage side and it is possible
to keep the indoor environment favorable. It should be noted that
although the method for preventing seal breakage in the drain trap
by using the vapor pressure lowering agent 5 has been described,
the same applies to the case of using an antifreeze agent. In
addition, the seal water maintenance lower limit is varied
depending on the shape or the size (volume) of the drain trap, and
thus the amount of introduction and/or the mixing ratio of the
purified glycerol in the vapor pressure lowering agent 5 may be
adjusted as appropriate in accordance with these factors.
Other Embodiments
[0048] The present invention is usable as an antifreeze agent for
plant. In this case, since the urea, the surfactant, the purified
glycerol, and the water or the alkaline reducing water are
included, each of the urea and the purified glycerol is dissolved
well in water to reduce the freezing point of the water. In
addition, due to the synergistic effect of them, it is possible to
reduce the freezing point of water in a plant. Moreover, the
hydrophilicity of the fat or oil or the carbide in the purified
glycerol is increased by the surfactant to decrease the surface
tension, thus wettability to plant is improved, the agent does not
flow out and is easily caused to stay, and it is possible to
continue the antifreeze effect.
[0049] The present invention is usable as a depletion prevention
agent for plant. In this case, since the urea, the surfactant, the
purified glycerol, and the water or the alkaline reducing water are
included, vaporization of fed water is suppressed by using the
characteristic as a vapor pressure lowering agent, and wettability
with water can also be increased by combination of the surfactant
and the purified glycerol, thereby exerting a water retention
effect. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a plant from dying
from water shortage.
[0050] The present invention is usable as an antifreeze agent
(antifreeze solution) for road or the like. In this case, since the
urea, the surfactant, the purified glycerol, and the water or the
alkaline reducing water are included, each of the urea and the
purified glycerol is dissolved well in water to reduce the freezing
point of the water. In addition, due to the synergistic effect of
them, it is possible to reduce the freezing point of water on a
road. Moreover, since no chloride is contained, the agent does not
cause corrosion of a metallic material. The antifreeze agent
(antifreeze solution) is sprayed to a paved or unpaved road surface
as well as the surfaces of a parking lot, a runway or an apron in
an airport, and the like, to prevent freezing of these road
surfaces. In addition to a paved or unpaved road surface and the
like, the present invention is also usable as an antifreeze agent
for soil in a playground, a farm, and the like, and as an
antifreeze agent for lawn in a golf course, a park, and the like.
Moreover, the present invention is usable as an agent for
preventing ice-coating on a road surface, soil, or the like from
ice or snow (an anti-icing and deicing agent).
[0051] The present invention is usable as an antifreeze agent for
article. In this case, since the urea, the surfactant, the purified
glycerol, and the water or the alkaline reducing water are
included, each of the urea and the purified glycerol is dissolved
well in water to reduce the freezing point of the water. In
addition, due to the synergistic effect of them, it is possible to
reduce the freezing point of water on the surface of an article.
The antifreeze agent for article is sprayed to, for example, a
window glass, a wall surface, and a roof in a house, a building, or
the like, a traffic sign, a signboard, and the like, to prevent
freezing of the surfaces of these articles. In addition, the
antifreeze agent for article is sprayed to opening/closing
(movable) portions such as a door and a window, non-movable
portions such as a rail, and the like in a building, to prevent
immobilization of these movable members which is caused due to
freezing. Moreover, the antifreeze agent for article is also
applicable to a glass, a mirror, and the like in an automobile, a
motorbike, and the like. Furthermore, the present invention is
usable as an agent for preventing ice-coating on the above various
articles such as an automobile and an airplane from ice or snow (an
anti-icing, deicing, and snow-removing agent). It should be noted
that it is possible to make an antifreeze paint by causing the
antifreeze agent for article to contain a paint.
[0052] The present invention is also usable as a heating medium
solution (heat storage agent) for floor heating, an ice storage
device, or the like. For example, when the present invention is
used for floor heating, a heating medium solution stored within a
heating tank is heated by a heater or the like, and heat is
released while the heated heating medium solution is circulated
under a floor. Since the urea, the surfactant, the purified
glycerol, and the water or the alkaline reducing water are
included, the specific heat is relatively good, and the fluidity is
also high.
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