U.S. patent application number 16/595917 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-30 for solubility enhancing composition.
The applicant listed for this patent is ITI Technolgies, Inc.. Invention is credited to David H. Creasey, Samuel Horace McCall, IV.
Application Number | 20200239324 16/595917 |
Document ID | 20200239324 / US20200239324 |
Family ID | 1000004426904 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-30 |
Patent Application | download [pdf] |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200239324 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCall, IV; Samuel Horace ;
et al. |
July 30, 2020 |
Solubility Enhancing Composition
Abstract
A solubility enhancing aqueous composition comprising a first
solution comprising an anionic component comprising sulfate ions,
alone or in combination with bisulfate ions, having a concentration
from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter of
the first solution volume, and a cationic comprising ammonium ions
having a concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to about
2.01 moles per liter of the first solution volume, combined with a
volume of water at least equal to the volume or weight of the first
solution forming a second solution is provided. Variations of this
general composition are also provided. The compositions are useful
for enhancing solubility of a variety of molecules, typically metal
ions.
Inventors: |
McCall, IV; Samuel Horace;
(Leland, NC) ; Creasey; David H.; (Leland,
NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ITI Technolgies, Inc. |
Leland |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004426904 |
Appl. No.: |
16/595917 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62797427 |
Jan 28, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C01C 1/24 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C01C 1/24 20060101
C01C001/24 |
Claims
1. A solubility enhancing aqueous composition comprising a first
solution comprising an anionic component consisting essentially of
sulfate ions, alone or in combination with bisulfate ions, having a
concentration from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles
per liter of the first solution volume, and a cationic component
consisting essentially of ammonium ions having a concentration from
about 1.45 moles per liter to about 2.01 moles per liter of the
first solution volume, combined with a volume of water at least
equal to the volume of the first solution forming a second
solution.
2. A composition of claim 1, wherein said composition further
comprises in the first solution hydrogen ions in a concentration
from about 17.38 to about 21.68 moles per liter of the total volume
of the second solution.
3. A composition of claim 1, wherein said second solution is
substantially free of solids.
4. A composition of claim 1, wherein said second solution is free
of solids.
5. A solubility enhancing aqueous composition comprising a first
solution comprising an anionic component comprising sulfate ions,
alone or in combination with bisulfate ions, having a concentration
from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter of
the first solution volume, and a cationic comprising ammonium ions
having a concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to about
2.01 moles per liter of the first solution volume, combined with a
volume of water at least equal to the volume of the first solution
forming a second solution.
6. A composition of claim 5, wherein said composition further
comprises in the second solution hydrogen ions in a concentration
from about 17.38 to about 21.68 moles per liter of the total volume
of the second solution.
7. A composition of claim 5, wherein said second solution is
substantially free of solids.
8. A composition of claim 5, wherein said second solution is free
of solids.
9. A solubility enhancing aqueous composition comprising an anionic
component consisting essentially of sulfate anions having a
concentration from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles
per liter in about one-half of the final composition volume and a
cationic component consisting essentially of ammonium ions having a
concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to about 2.01 moles
per liter in about one-half the final composition volume.
10. A solubility enhancing aqueous composition comprising an
anionic component consisting essentially of sulfate anions having a
concentration from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles
per liter and a cationic component consisting essentially of
ammonium ions having a concentration from about 1.45 moles per
liter to about 2.01 moles per liter of no more than approximately
one half the final composition volume wherein said liter volume for
calculation for the volume of water comprising the ammonium ions
and sulfate anions comprises at least one percent of the total
volume of the composition.
11. A solubility enhancing aqueous composition comprising an
anionic component comprising sulfate anions having a concentration
from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter and
a cationic component comprising ammonium ions having a
concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to about 2.01 moles
per liter of no more than approximately one half the final
composition volume wherein said liter volume for calculation for
the volume of water comprising the ammonium ions and sulfate anions
comprises at least one percent of the total volume of the
composition.
12. A solubility enhancing aqueous composition comprising a first
solution comprising an anionic component comprising sulfate ions,
alone or in combination with bisulfate ions, having a concentration
from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter of
the first solution volume, and a cationic comprising ammonium ions
having a concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to about
2.01 moles per liter of the first solution volume, combined with a
mass of water at least equal to the mass of the first solution
forming a second solution.
13. A composition of claim 11, wherein said composition further
comprises in the first solution hydrogen ions in a concentration
from about 17.38 to about 21.68 moles per liter of the total volume
of the second solution.
14. A composition of claim 11, wherein said second solution is
substantially free of solids.
15. A composition of claim 11, wherein said second solution is free
of solids.
16. A solubility enhancing aqueous composition comprising a first
solution comprising an anionic component comprising sulfate ions,
alone or in combination with bisulfate ions, having a concentration
from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter of
the first solution volume, and a cationic comprising ammonium ions
having a concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to about
2.01 moles per liter of the first solution volume, combined with a
mass of water at least equal to the mass of the sum of the ammonium
ions and the sulfate ions in the first solution.
17. A composition of claim 15, wherein said second solution is
substantially free of solids.
18. A composition of claim 15, wherein said second solution is free
of solids.
19. A solubility enhancing aqueous composition comprising a first
solution comprising an anionic component comprising sulfate ions,
alone or in combination with bisulfate ions, having a concentration
from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter of
the first solution volume, and a cationic comprising ammonium ions
having a concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to about
2.01 moles per liter of the first solution volume, combined with a
total mass of water from the sum of water used to solubilize
ammonium sulfate plus added water at least equal to fifty percent
of the mass of the sum of the ammonium ions and the sulfate ions in
the first solution.
20. A composition of claim 18, wherein said second solution is
substantially free of solids.
21. A composition of claim 18, wherein said second solution is free
of solids.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The presently disclosed subject matter is related to and
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/797,427 entitled "Solubility Enhancing Composition" filed on
Jan. 28, 2019; the entire disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to an aqueous solubility
enhancing composition comprising ionic ammonium and ionic sulfate
molecules having various industrial uses.
[0003] Historically, chelating agents have been used to carry, for
example, metal ions for industrial applications such as water
treatment (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 9,938,171). The '171 patent
teaches a solid chelating compound having the formula:
((NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4).sub.a.(H.sub.2SO.sub.4).sub.b.(H.sub.2O).sub.c-
.(NH4HSO.sub.4).sub.x wherein "a" is at least 1, "b" is at least 1,
"c" is at least 1, and "x" is between 1 and 10 which, when added to
water, forms the same molecules, including ammonium bisulfate
solids. The present invention does not form a chelating agent and
is substantially free of solids, which has significant benefits to
industrial applications which are further discussed herein
below.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present invention includes a solubility enhancing
aqueous composition comprising a first solution comprising an
anionic component consisting essentially of sulfate ions, alone or
in combination with bisulfate ions, having a concentration from
about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter of the
first solution volume, and a cationic component consisting
essentially of ammonium ions having a concentration from about 1.45
moles per liter to about 2.01 moles per liter of the first solution
volume, combined with a volume of water at least equal to the
volume of the first solution forming a second solution.
[0005] The composition can further include in the first solution
hydrogen ions in a concentration from about 17.38 to about 21.68
moles per liter of the total volume of the second solution.
[0006] In the composition, the second solution can be substantially
free of solids.
[0007] In the composition, the second solution can be free of
solids.
[0008] The present invention also includes a solubility enhancing
aqueous composition comprising a first solution comprising an
anionic component comprising sulfate ions, alone or in combination
with bisulfate ions, having a concentration from about 8.00 moles
per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter of the first solution
volume, and a cationic comprising ammonium ions having a
concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to about 2.01 moles
per liter of the first solution volume, combined with a volume of
water at least equal to the volume of the first solution forming a
second solution.
[0009] The composition can further include in the second solution
hydrogen ions in a concentration from about 17.38 to about 21.68
moles per liter of the total volume of the second solution.
[0010] In the composition, the second solution can be substantially
free of solids.
[0011] In the composition, the second solution can be free of
solids.
[0012] The present invention can further include a solubility
enhancing aqueous composition comprising an anionic component
consisting essentially of sulfate anions having a concentration
from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter in
about one-half of the final composition volume and a cationic
component consisting essentially of ammonium ions having a
concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to about 2.01 moles
per liter in about one-half the final composition volume.
[0013] The present invention can additionally include a solubility
enhancing aqueous composition comprising an anionic component
consisting essentially of sulfate anions having a concentration
from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter and
a cationic component consisting essentially of ammonium ions having
a concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to about 2.01 moles
per liter of no more than approximately one half the final
composition volume wherein said liter volume for calculation for
the volume of water comprising the ammonium ions and sulfate anions
comprises at least one percent of the total volume of the
composition.
[0014] The present invention can additionally include a solubility
enhancing aqueous composition comprising an anionic component
comprising sulfate anions having a concentration from about 8.00
moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter and a cationic
component comprising ammonium ions having a concentration from
about 1.45 moles per liter to about 2.01 moles per liter of no more
than approximately one half the final composition volume wherein
said liter volume for calculation for the volume of water
comprising the ammonium ions and sulfate anions comprises at least
one percent of the total volume of the composition.
[0015] The present invention can additionally include a solubility
enhancing aqueous composition comprising a first solution
comprising an anionic component comprising sulfate ions, alone or
in combination with bisulfate ions, having a concentration from
about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter of the
first solution volume, and a cationic comprising ammonium ions
having a concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to about
2.01 moles per liter of the first solution volume, combined with a
mass of water at least equal to the mass of the first solution
forming a second solution.
[0016] The composition can further include in the first solution
hydrogen ions in a concentration from about 17.38 to about 21.68
moles per liter of the total volume of the second solution.
[0017] In the composition, the second solution is substantially
free of solids.
[0018] In the composition, the second solution is free of
solids.
[0019] The present invention can further include a solubility
enhancing aqueous composition comprising a first solution
comprising an anionic component comprising sulfate ions, alone or
in combination with bisulfate ions, having a concentration from
about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter of the
first solution volume, and a cationic comprising ammonium ions
having a concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to about
2.01 moles per liter of the first solution volume, combined with a
mass of water at least equal to the mass of the sum of the ammonium
ions and the sulfate ions in the first solution.
[0020] In the composition, the second solution is substantially
free of solids.
[0021] In the composition, the second solution is free of
solids.
[0022] The present invention can additionally include a solubility
enhancing aqueous composition comprising a first solution
comprising an anionic component comprising sulfate ions, alone or
in combination with bisulfate ions, having a concentration from
about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter of the
first solution volume, and a cationic comprising ammonium ions
having a concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to about
2.01 moles per liter of the first solution volume, combined with a
total mass of water from the sum of water used to solubilize
ammonium sulfate plus added water at least equal to fifty percent
of the mass of the sum of the ammonium ions and the sulfate ions in
the first solution.
[0023] In the composition, the second solution is substantially
free of solids.
[0024] In the composition, the second solution is free of
solids.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Features of the present invention will be more fully
appreciated by reference to the following detailed description when
taken in conjunction with the following drawings in which:
[0026] FIG. 1. depicts a low resolution spectrogram with 1 part
reaction unit to 5 parts total.
[0027] FIG. 2. depicts a high resolution spectrogram with 1 part
reaction unit to 5 parts total.
[0028] FIG. 3. depicts a low resolution spectrogram with 1 part
reaction unit to 10 parts total.
[0029] FIG. 4. depicts a high resolution spectrogram with 1 part
reaction unit to 10 parts total.
[0030] FIG. 5. depicts a low resolution spectrogram with 1 part
reaction unit to 20 parts total.
[0031] FIG. 6. depicts a high resolution spectrogram with 1 part
reaction unit to 20 parts total.
[0032] Each of the spectrograms was run according to the respective
teachings of Example 5. Each of the spectrograms depicts
compositions that are free of salt crystals or other solids formed
from the ammonium sulfate and sulfuric acid reactants.
[0033] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by
way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in
detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and
detailed description are not intended to limit the disclosure to
the particular forms illustrated but, on the contrary, the
intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present
disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The headings used
herein are used for organizational purposes only and are not meant
to limit the scope of the description. As used throughout this
application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense, meaning:
"having the potential to"; rather than the mandatory sense meaning:
"must". Similarly, the words "include", "including" and "includes"
means including, without limitation. Additionally, as used in this
specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a`, "an"
and "the" include singular and plural referents unless the content
clearly dictates otherwise.
[0034] The scope of the present disclosure includes any feature or
combination of features disclosed herein (either explicitly or
implicitly), or any generalization thereof, whether or not it
mitigates any or all of the problems addressed herein. Accordingly,
new claims may be formulated during prosecution of this application
(or an application claiming priority thereto) to any such
combinations of features. In particular, with reference to the
appended claims, features from dependent claims may be combined
with those of independent claims and features from respective
independent claims may be combined in any appropriate manner and
not merely in the specific combinations enumerated in the appended
claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Definitions
[0035] The term "first solution" means a solution of ammonium
sulfate and sulfuric acid as further described herein.
[0036] The term "free of solids" means that the compositions of the
present invention do not form salt crystals or other solids that
remain in the composition over time, such salt crystals or other
solids being formed from the reactants of ammonium sulfate and
sulfuric acid.
[0037] The term "reaction unit" means the desired total volume of a
first solution as expressed as a ratio of a range of ammonium
sulfate concentrations to sulfuric acid concentrations (the
reactants).
[0038] The term "second solution" means the first solution as
prepared for a final volume plus the requisite amount of water to
form a composition of the present invention as further described
herein.
[0039] The term "sulfate anions" encompasses each of sulfate
anions, bisulfate anions and combinations thereof. Combinations of
sulfate anions and bisulfate anions are common in the compositions
described herein.
[0040] The term "sulfuric acid" means concentrated sulfuric acid
having a concentration of from about 95% to about 98%.
[0041] The term "substantially free of solids" means that the
compositions of the present invention are at least 95 percent
aqueous or, alternatively, at least 98 percent aqueous without the
formation of salt crystals or other solids exclusively from the
reactants of ammonium sulfate and sulfuric acid.
DESCRIPTION
[0042] The following description and examples are included to
demonstrate the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be
appreciated by those of skill in the art that the compositions,
techniques and methods disclosed in the examples herein function in
the practice of the disclosed embodiments. However, those skilled
in the respective arts should, in light of the present disclosure,
appreciate that changes can be made to the specific embodiments and
still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the
spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments.
[0043] The present specification includes references to "one
aspect/embodiment" or "an aspect/embodiment". These phrases do not
necessarily refer to the same embodiment although embodiments that
include any combination of the features or elements disclosed
herein are generally contemplated unless expressly disclaimed
herein. Particular features, processes, elements or characteristics
may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this
disclosure.
[0044] One aspect of the present invention provides a solubility
enhancing aqueous composition comprising a first solution
comprising an anionic component consisting essentially of sulfate
ions, alone or in combination with bisulfate ions, having a
concentration from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles
per liter of the first solution volume, and a cationic component
consisting essentially of ammonium ions having a concentration from
about 1.45 moles per liter to about 2.01 moles per liter of the
first solution volume, combined with a volume of water at least
equal to the volume of the first solution forming a second
solution. Alternatively, the first solution is combined with a
volume of water, typically deionized water, at least equal to the
mass of the first solution forming a second solution. Generally,
the first solution of this composition will also comprise hydrogen
ions in a concentration from about 17.38 to about 21.68 moles per
liter of the total volume of the first solution.
[0045] Another aspect of the present invention provides a
solubility enhancing aqueous composition comprising a first
solution comprising an anionic component comprising sulfate ions,
alone or in combination with bisulfate ions, having a concentration
from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter of
the first solution volume, and a cationic comprising ammonium ions
having a concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to about
2.01 moles per liter of the first solution volume, combined with a
volume of water at least equal to the volume of the first solution
forming a second solution. Alternatively, the first solution is
combined with a mass of water, typically deionized water, at least
equal to the mass of the first solution forming a second solution.
Generally, the first solution of this composition will also
comprise hydrogen ions in a concentration from about 17.38 to about
21.68 moles per liter of the total volume of the first
solution.
[0046] It is the intent of the present disclosure to permit the
skilled artisan to prepare compositions of the present invention
using a range of water in a ratio to the concentrations of ammonium
sulfate and sulfuric acid for each preparation, with the resultant
sulfate anions and ammonium anions, and the amount of water to be
determined by such artisan, each within the parameters taught
herein.
[0047] For the sake of clarity, three solutions are formed in
preparing the second solution which comprises compositions of the
present invention: 1) ammonium sulfate stock solution; 2) a first
solution comprising the ammonium sulfate stock solution in sulfuric
acid; and 3) second solution comprising compositions of the present
invention.
[0048] To prepare the first solution of a composition of the
present disclosure, one needs to first prepare an ammonium sulfate
stock solution. For example and without limitation, an ammonium
sulfate stock solution is prepared to contain 20%, 24%, 30%. 40%,
50% or 60% of ammonium sulfate in water, typically, without
restriction, deionized water. For the sake of clarity, the percent
concentration of ammonium sulfate can be any whole number or
fraction thereof in a range from about 20% to about 60%. The molar
concentration of the stock solution varies by the ammonium sulfate
concentration in a known volume of water.
[0049] By means of exemplification, the following calculations are
used to determine the amount of ammonium sulfate and sulfuric acid
to add to form the first solution.
[0050] Ammonium Sulfate:
[0051] Ammonium sulfate equals 132.14 grams per mole. Using, for
example, a 24% ammonium sulfate solution, such solution would have
240 grams of ammonium sulfate per 1 L of water. Because the ratio
of ammonium sulfate to sulfuric acid in this exemplification is
about 48% ammonium sulfate to about 52% sulfuric acid, the first
solution would contain 115.20 grams of ammonium sulfate, equaling
0.872 moles per liter. As such, one mole of ammonium sulfate
provides 2 moles of ammonium and 1 mole of sulfate. Accordingly,
0.872 moles of ammonium sulfate provides to the ammonium sulfate
stock solution 1.744 moles of ammonium and 0.872 moles of sulfate
required per liter of reaction in forming the first solution.
[0052] Sulfuric Acid (Concentrated):
[0053] Sulfuric acid equals 98.079 g/mole as concentrated (95% to
98%) reagent grade sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid exists as a liquid
and has a density of 1.840 g/mL. For this example, sulfuric acid
comprises 52% of a first solution of 1 liter. As such, 520 mL (0.52
L) of sulfuric acid is added to the ammonium sulfate stock
solution. 520 mL times 1.840 g/mL equals 956.8 grams. 956.8 grams
divided by 98.079 grams per mole provides the target concentration
of 9.755 moles of sulfuric acid per liter of preparation. 9.755
moles of sulfuric acid provides 9.755 moles of sulfate anion and 2
moles of hydrogen resulting from each mole of acid, in this
example, 19.51 moles of hydrogen per liter of said first
solution.
[0054] Reaction Unit:
[0055] Using the values set forth above, in this instance, there
are about 0.872 moles of ammonium sulfate to about 9.755 moles of
sulfuric acid providing: [0056] about 0.872 moles of ammonium
sulfate provides about 0.872 moles of sulfate and about 1.744 moles
of ammonium required per reaction unit liter; and [0057] about
9.755 moles per liter of sulfuric acid provides about 9.755 moles
of sulfate anion and about 19.51 moles of hydrogen per liter of
reaction unit.
[0058] Using this example, each reaction unit, forming a first
solution, would contain: [0059] about 0.972 moles of sulfate (from
ammonium sulfate) plus about 9.755 moles of sulfate from ammonium
sulfate equaling about 10.627 moles of sulfate anion per liter
comprising sulfate anions alone, bisulfate anions alone or,
typically, a mixture of sulfate and bisulfate anions; [0060] about
1.744 moles of ammonium per liter; and [0061] about 19.51 moles of
hydrogen per liter.
[0062] To accomplish the formation of the compositions of the
present invention, a second solution is formed by the addition of
water, a critical component, in an appropriate amount as taught
herein, to provide solubility enhancing aqueous compositions that
are substantially free, or free, of solids. Alternatively, a first
solution can be added to the appropriate amount of water to form a
second solution. As such, the order of addition of a first solution
to water or water to the first solution to form a second solution
is not of consequence. Use of the present compositions may form
solids when combined with other chemicals or other materials when
using such compositions for its intended purpose: enhancing
solubility of such chemical compounds or other materials.
[0063] Generally, water is at least fifty percent of the second
solution, by mass or by volume, which represents the compositions
of the present invention. Moreover, water can comprise from at
least fifty percent up to ninety-nine percent of the second
solution or final composition. However, the lower concentrations of
water, as taught herein, are typically more useful for further use
of the present compositions used for solubility enhancement.
Accordingly, the amount of water used to form a second solution is
at least 50% of the volume of the first solution or at least 50% of
the mass of the first solution. Alternatively, the mass of the sum
of the ammonium ion concentration plus sulfate ion concentration in
a first solution can also serve as the basis of the amount of water
to be added to form a second solution wherein the amount of water
added, by mass, to form a second solution equals at least 50% of
the sum of the mass of ammonium ions plus sulfate ions. Another
means by which to represent the amount of water added to the first
solution is that the amount of water used to form a second solution
is at least equal to the volume of the first solution or at least
equal to the mass of the first solution. Alternatively, the mass of
the sum of the ammonium ions plus sulfate ions in a first solution
can also serve as the basis of the amount of water to be added to
form a second solution wherein the amount of total water, including
the water used to solubilize the ammonium sulfate and added water,
is at least equal to the sum of the mass of ammonium ions plus
sulfate ions.
[0064] The amount of water used to prepare the second solution,
representing compositions of the present invention, can be
calculated in volume/volume (total volume of the first solution
plus at least the same volume of water). Alternatively, the ratio
of reactants to water (mass/mass) may be used. Using the values for
ammonium sulfate and sulfuric acid from the above example, 115.20
grams of ammonium sulfate and 956.8 grams of sulfuric acid were
used providing a sum of 1072 grams of reactants. Accordingly, for
water to equal at least fifty percent of the final composition, at
least 1072 grams of water are added to the first solution to form
the second solution, a composition of the present disclosure.
Alternatively, as referenced above, the amount of water used to
form a second solution can be based on the total mass or volume of
the first solution. Accordingly, any method taught herein can be
used for calculating the amount of water required to form a second
solution. As taught above, using the mass of the reactants to
dictate the amount of water required to form a second solution is
the minimum amount of water required to provide an aqueous solution
and to impart the qualities of the compositions of the present
invention as further delineated herein.
[0065] To achieve solubility enhancement, ranges of concentration
of sulfate ions and ammonium ions in the present compositions are
used while maintaining compositions that are essentially free or
are free of salt crystals or other solids from the reactants that
form a first solution. Accordingly, a first solution comprises an
anionic component consisting essentially of sulfate ions, alone or
in combination with bisulfate ions, has a concentration range from
about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter of the
first solution volume. The first solution also comprises a cationic
component consisting essentially of ammonium ions has a
concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to about 2.01 moles
per liter of the first solution volume. Typically, when the lower
values within the range for sulfate ions are selected for preparing
a first solution, a lower value within the stated range for
ammonium ions is selected and included in the preparation of the
first solution. Similarly, when higher values within the stated
range for sulfate ions are selected for the preparation of a first
solution, higher values of ammonium ions are selected for the
preparation of a first solution. Although not imperative,
typically, the sulfate ion concentration within the given range of
from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter of
first solution volume is proportionally commensurate with the range
of ammonium ion concentration within the given the given range of
from about 1.45 moles per liter to about 2.01 moles per liter of
first solution volume.
[0066] In another embodiment of the present invention, a first
solution comprises an anionic component comprising sulfate ions,
alone or in combination with bisulfate ions, has a concentration
range from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per
liter of the first solution volume. The first solution also
comprises a cationic component comprising ammonium ions has a
concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to about 2.01 moles
per liter of the first solution volume. Typically, when the lower
values within the range for sulfate ions are selected for preparing
a first solution, a lower value within the stated range for
ammonium ions is selected and included in the preparation of the
first solution. Similarly, when higher values within the stated
range for sulfate ions are selected for the preparation of a first
solution, higher values of ammonium ions are selected for the
preparation of a first solution. Although not imperative,
typically, the sulfate ion concentration within the given range of
from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter of
first solution volume is proportionally commensurate with the range
of ammonium ion concentration within the given the given range of
from about 1.45 moles per liter to about 2.01 moles per liter of
first solution volume.
[0067] When prepared according to the embodiments provided herein,
the resulting hydrogen ion concentration will typically fall within
the range from about 17.38 moles per liter to about 21.68 moles per
liter of first solution volume but falling within this hydrogen
range is not necessarily critical to the final first solution but
is beneficial when using the compositions of the present invention
for enhancing solubility of compounds or other materials depending
upon the nature thereof.
[0068] The process for preparing the compositions of the present
invention can be carried out using traditional laboratory and
safety equipment when using concentrated acid and water that could
generate significant heat. Within these considerations, the
selection of laboratory equipment is not critical to the formation
of the present solutions or compositions. More particularly, the
preparation of the first solution wherein the reactants ammonium
sulfate stock solution is combined with sulfuric acid requires
laboratory apparatuses that are approved for heat generation,
splashing and, potentially, pressure relief. Accordingly, the first
solution should be prepared in a laboratory vessel that is not
sealed providing for pressure relief, rather than a potential
hazardous situation with pressure build up in an unrated vessel.
The ordinarily skilled artisan should be knowledgeable in the
selection and use of such apparatuses.
[0069] For commercial-scale production of compositions of the
present invention, the ordinarily skilled artisan will recognize
that the reaction between the solubilized ammonium sulfate and
sulfuric acid is typically exothermic. As such, a reaction vessel
appropriate to safely contain and, typically, cool this reaction,
is recommended. Commercial production of a first solution and a
second solution can be accomplished using any of the teachings
herein but on a larger scale than the laboratory scale teachings
and examples disclosed herein. Moreover, such commercial production
can be accomplished, without limitation, as taught herein or with
equipment known to the ordinarily skilled artisan.
[0070] The order of adding the reactants to each other is not
critical in the preparation of a first solution. Either the stock
ammonium sulfate solution can be added to the sulfuric acid or
sulfuric acid is added to the stock ammonium sulfate stock solution
to avoid the splattering typical of adding a solution containing
water to acid. Typically, the heat generating reaction forming the
first solution is permitted to run to conclusion, with the term
"conclusion" having the meaning understood by the ordinarily
skilled artisan, prior to adding the first solution to the required
water or water to the first solution, without preference to the
order of addition. For the sake of clarity, conclusion of the
reaction between the ammonium sulfate stock solution and sulfuric
acid typically occurs when the reactants no longer produce an
exothermic reaction and the temperature of the solution begins to
decrease to ambient temperature.
[0071] Alternatively, the formation of a first solution is not
required and the ammonium sulfate stock solution and sulfuric acid
can be combined with the final desired volume of a composition of
the present invention. Accordingly, another aspect of the present
invention provides a solubility enhancing aqueous composition
comprising an anionic component consisting essentially of sulfate
anions having a concentration from about 8.00 moles per liter to
about 13.00 moles per liter comprising about one-quarter of the
final composition volume or less, a cationic component consisting
essentially of ammonium ions having a concentration from about 1.45
moles per liter to about 2.01 moles per liter of about one-quarter
of the final composition volume or less, and water comprising at
least one-half of the final composition volume.
[0072] An additional aspect of the present invention provides a
solubility enhancing aqueous composition comprising an anionic
component comprising sulfate anions having a concentration from
about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter
comprising about one-quarter of the final composition volume or
less, a cationic component comprising ammonium ions having a
concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to about 2.01 moles
per liter of about one-quarter of the final composition volume or
less and water comprising at least one-half of the final
composition volume.
[0073] Another aspect of the present invention further provides a
solubility enhancing aqueous composition comprising an anionic
component consisting essentially of sulfate anions having a
concentration from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles
per liter and a cationic component consisting essentially of
ammonium ions having a concentration from about 1.45 moles per
liter to about 2.01 moles per liter of the final composition volume
wherein said liter volume for calculation for the volume of water
comprising the ammonium ions and sulfate anions comprises at least
one percent of the total volume of the composition.
[0074] A further aspect of the present invention provides a
solubility enhancing aqueous composition comprises an anionic
component consisting essentially of sulfate anions having a
concentration from about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles
per liter of not more than about one-half of the final composition
volume and a cationic component consisting essentially of ammonium
ions having a concentration from about 1.45 moles per liter to
about 2.01 moles per liter of not more than about one-half the
final composition volume.
[0075] Another aspect of the present invention provides a
solubility enhancing aqueous composition comprising an anionic
component comprising sulfate anions having a concentration from
about 8.00 moles per liter to about 13.00 moles per liter of not
more than about one-half of the final composition volume and a
cationic component comprising ammonium ions having a concentration
from about 1.45 moles per liter to about 2.01 moles per liter of
not more than about one-half the final composition volume.
[0076] Although certain aspects of the present invention allow for
highly dilute concentrations for the ammonium ions and sulfate
anions, specific concentrations of these ions can be calculated on
a basis as if such combination were prepared on a per liter basis
wherein the volume of such preparation comprises 1%, 10%, 20%, 30%,
40%, 48% or 50% of the total volume or mass of the final
composition. r the sake of clarity, the volume of water can be any
whole number or fraction thereof in a range from about 1% to about
60%. In addition, the volume of total water in each of the
compositions taught herein can be calculated by a variety of
methods as taught herein and are not limited by any one teaching.
As such, the amount of water used to form a second solution of the
present invention can be based on weight/weight (first solution
weight to the weight of water added to form a second solution);
mass/mass (first solution mass to the mass of water added to form a
second solution; and mass/mass (the mass of the sum of ammonium
ions and sulfate ions to the mass of total water in the second
solution). Each of these methods can be used in a two-step process
wherein a first solution is formed and water is added to form a
second solution, or a one-step process where the elements of a
second solution of the present invention are pre-calculated and
added accordingly.
[0077] One benefit of using the present compositions for solubility
enhancement is for industrial applications, particularly when
solutions are sprayed in the formation of products or finishes that
must have a high degree of consistency and/or smooth surfaces.
Products used for solubilization of other materials, typically
metals, frequently have a significant percentage of solids in such
products, minimizing the consistency of coating, leaving
imperfections on the coated surface. Moreover, a variety of low and
high-pressure nozzles are used for deposition of such coatings or
to blend with other materials in the preparation of various
products. In these instances, any degree of solids used in the
sprayed material creates wear on the spray nozzles, even nozzles
made with stainless steel or other wear-resistant materials. Worn
nozzles, even slightly worn nozzles for critical depositions,
especially high pressure depositions, result in inconsistent
depositions in terms of coating and/or thickness, rendering the
process more expensive and, potentially, a need to rework or
destroy the material on which the coatings are deposited.
[0078] For example, the compositions of the present invention can
be used in many applications where chelated products have been the
sole or primary tool used for certain industrial and or
agricultural applications. Generally, the compositions of the
present invention have the ability, with many uses, to minimize or
eliminate issues associated with the use of chelating agents
including the potential formation of solids, particularly salt
crystals, creating deposition problems, accelerated wear and tear
of deposition equipment, final product quality issues, and
limitations of performance.
[0079] Uses of the present compositions are wide and varied. For
example and without limitation, the present compositions can be
used for industrial cleaning by dissolving metal ions and removing
scale. Metal salts are known to cause scaling problems in boilers
and heat exchangers found in the power, agricultural (dairy
industries) and a myriad of other industries. Compositions of the
present invention can be used to solubilize and help eliminate such
metal salts and scale. As such, the present compositions are useful
for applications requiring the dissolution and removal of metal
salts, scales and other industrial cleaning applications.
[0080] For other uses of the present compositions, the addition or
introduction of metal ions are desired and/or required. Examples of
such uses include, for example and without limitation, agricultural
uses (micronutrient fertilizers including, for example, iron),
plastics formation and paper coatings. Regarding paper
applications, the compositions of the present invention can
effectively solubilize, for example and without limitation, copper
and silver. The present compositions, plus copper and/or silver and
other excipients, carriers, diluents, surfactants and the like
effectively solubilize these metal ions allowing for uniform
distribution of paper coatings that strengthen the paper and
provide certain antimicrobial properties to the paper. The present
compositions can also be used, for example and without limitation,
to solubilize silver for use in photographic film preparations,
forming water-soluble trace metals for use in food fortification,
preparing nickel-chromium aluminum alloy thermal coatings,
preparing high density nickel coatings for pre-spray or post-spray
metal milling, preparing nickel and/or chromium anti-corrosion
coatings and a myriad of other industrial and agricultural
uses.
[0081] Although specific embodiments have been described above,
these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the
present disclosure, even where only a single embodiment is
described with respect to a particular feature. Examples of
features provided in this disclosure are intended to be
illustrative rather than restrictive unless stated otherwise. The
present disclosure is intended to cover such alternatives,
modifications and/or equivalents as would be apparent to a person
skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0082] It is to be understood that the present compositions are
limited only to the ranges and or limitation set forth herein and
not to variations within such ranges. It is also to be understood
that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be
limiting.
[0083] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various
aspects of the embodiments described in this disclosure will be
apparent to the skilled artisan in view of the present disclosure.
It is to be understood that the forms of the embodiments shown and
described herein are to be taken as the presently preferred
embodiments. Elements and materials may be substituted for those
illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be
reversed and certain features of the embodiments may be utilized
independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art
after having the benefit of the description. Changes may be made in
the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the appended claims.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0084] Preparation of an Ammonium Sulfate Stock Solution: Into a
Volumetrically
[0085] calibrated common 250 mL beaker, 90 mL of deionized H.sub.2O
was added. 20 grams of (NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4 was completely
dissolved into the deionized water. The total volume was brought to
100 mL using additional deionized water. 20 grams
(NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4 per 100 mL H.sub.2O is a 20% solution and
is a 1.51 M solution.
Example 2
[0086] Direct preparation of a second solution without the prior
preparation of a first solution wherein the ratio of a first
solution equivalent to water addition in this step is four parts
water to one part first solution equivalent: [0087] 1.15 mL of 20%
(NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4 was added to a common 10 mL polypropylene
centrifuge tube [0088] 8.0 mL deionized water added to tube [0089]
0.850 mL of concentrated (95-98%) sulfuric acid (H.sub.2SO.sub.4)
added to tube with sufficient force to mix
Example 3
[0090] Direct preparation of a second solution without the prior
preparation of a first solution wherein the ratio of a first
solution equivalent to water addition in this step is nine parts
water to one part first solution equivalent: [0091] 0.576 mL of 20%
(NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4 was added to a common 10 mL polypropylene
centrifuge tube [0092] 9.0 mL deionized water added to tube [0093]
0.424 mL of concentrated (95-98%) sulfuric acid (H.sub.2SO.sub.4)
added to tube with sufficient force to mix
Example 4
[0094] Direct preparation of a second solution without the prior
preparation of a first solution wherein the ratio of a first
solution equivalent to water addition in this step is nineteen
parts water to one part first solution equivalent: [0095] 0.288 mL
of 20% (NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4 was added to a common 10 mL
polypropylene centrifuge tube [0096] 9.5 mL deionized water added
to tube [0097] 0.212 mL of concentrated (95-98%) sulfuric acid
(H.sub.2SO.sub.4) added to tube with sufficient force to mix
Example 5
[0098] Preparation of samples for liquid chromatography-mass
spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis: Each of Examples 2, 3 and 4,
following addition of the sulfuric acid: [0099] the centrifugation
tubes were briefly capped and vortexed to mix thoroughly [0100]
caps were loosened to vent. It was observed that the temperatures
of the centrifugation tubes were greater than ambient temperature.
Such temperature was not sufficient to melt the centrifugation
tubes. [0101] reactions were allowed to run for about 60 minutes
[0102] after completion of the reaction time, 1 mL samples of the
reacted solutions were filtered through a 0.44 micro Pall syringe
filter and placed into labeled mass spectrometry vials [0103] vials
were loaded into a Thermo Q Exactive Plus MS system with a Vanquish
LC front end [0104] LC Settings: [0105] 0.25 ml/min [0106] 40%
methanol/60% water/0.1% formic acid [0107] column temp
30.quadrature. [0108] Thermo Accucore AQ C18 polar end cap column
(150 mm.times.3 mm) [0109] Injection volumes of 20 uL [0110] Low
resolution parameters [0111] Full MS-SIM [0112] 0-10 minutes [0113]
Positive polarity [0114] Resolution: 70,000 [0115] AGC Target:
3.times.10.sup.6 [0116] Max IT: 200 ms [0117] Scan Range: 50-700 mz
[0118] High resolution parameters [0119] Full MS/dd-MS.sup.2 [0120]
0-7 minutes [0121] Positive polarity [0122] Full MS: Resolution:
70,500 [0123] AGC Target: 3.times.10.sup.6 [0124] Max IT: 100 ms
[0125] Scan range: 50-700 mz [0126] dd-MS.sup.2: Resolution: 17,500
[0127] AGC target: 2.times.10.sup.6 [0128] Max IT: 50 ms [0129]
Scan range: 50-700 mz [0130] Minimum AGC Target:
2.times.10.sup.3
Example 6
[0131] Laboratory Preparations of First Solutions for Ion
Chromatographic Quantification
[0132] A 24% solution of ammonium sulfate was created by adding 96
grams of ammonium sulfate to 400 grams deionized water. The
solution was mixed to completely dissolve the ammonium sulfate.
[0133] Ten (10) identical 20 mL reactions were produced: [0134] 9.6
mL of the preceding 24% ammonium sulfate solution was added to
individually labeled common 50 mL conical tubes by way of
calibrated macropipette [0135] 10.4 mL of concentrated sulfuric
acid (95-98% reagent grade) was added to each tube by way of
calibrated micropipette with sufficient force to thoroughly mix
[0136] Tubes were allowed to stand loosely capped for an hour for
reaction to run to completion.
Example 7
[0137] Ion Chromatography (IC) Method
[0138] Samples from Example 6 were transferred to IC vials, diluted
appropriately (1:2500) to bring the ionic concentrations into the
range of testing equipment used, and ion chromatography was
undertaken using the following parameters: [0139] Ion
Chromatography: [0140] Dual Thermo Dionex Aquion [0141] Anion Side:
[0142] Column: Dionex IonPac AS22 RFIC 4.times.250 mm [0143] Mobile
phase: carbonate/bicarbonate buffet at 4.8/1.2 mM [0144] Flow: 1.2
mL/min isocratic [0145] Suppressor: Dionex ADRS 600 4 mm [0146]
Sup. Voltage: 33 mA [0147] Standard: IC STD for sulfate, 50-500 ppm
[0148] Anion cell: 35.degree. C. [0149] Anion column: 30.degree. C.
[0150] 18 minute run time [0151] Cation Side: [0152] Column: Dionex
IonPac CS16 RFIC 5.times.250 mm [0153] Mobile phase: 30 mM MSA
solution [0154] Flow: 1 mL/min isocratic [0155] Suppressor: Dionex
CDRS 600 4 mm [0156] Sup voltage: 89 mA [0157] Standard: IC STD for
ammonium 20-100 ppm [0158] Cation cell: 40.degree. C. [0159] Cation
column: 35.degree. C. [0160] 18 minute run time [0161] All 25 uL
injections
Example 8
[0162] Ion Chromatography Results
[0163] Using the sample preparations set forth in Example 6 and the
ion chromatography methods set forth in Example 7, the following
results (10 samples; 2 replicates) were obtained:
TABLE-US-00001 Sulfate mol/L Ammonium mol/L 9.1904799 1.6264427
8.00-13.00 1.45-2.01
Example 9
[0164] Commercial Production of a Solubility Enhancing Composition
First Solution
[0165] Into a 500-gallon polyethylene conical-bottom tank was added
160.5 pounds (about 19.2 gallons) of deionized water. Upon addition
of the water, a magnetic-driven shearing pump with an impeller was
engaged, circulating the water in the tank. To the water was slowly
added 50.7 pounds of pre-weighed ammonium sulfate (GAC Chemical
Corp., Searsport Me., U.S.A.) to enable solubilization of the
ammonium sulfate preparing a 31.6% ammonium sulfate solution. The
recirculating pump was allowed to run for about 20 minutes for this
batch size. Complete solubilization of the ammonium sulfate was
visually confirmed by decanting about 250 mL of solution into a PET
bottle that was allowed to stand undisturbed for about 15 minutes,
confirming complete solubilization.
[0166] A 50-gallon Dietrich (Corpus Christi, Tex., U.S.A.)
closed-loop, stainless steel-jacketed, glass-lined reactor was
pre-cooled using a CTS T-230 cooling tower (Cooling Tower Systems,
Macon, Ga. U.S.A.) circulating a mixture of municipal water and
sufficient sodium hypochlorite to maintain a pH from about 7.5 to
about 7.8. To this reactor was added 400.6 pounds (about 26.1
gallons) of 98% sulfuric acid (Brenntag; Henderson, Ky. U.S.A.)
while a shaft-driven paddle mixer was engaged at 1700 rpm. To the
sulfuric acid was rapidly added the ammonium sulfate solution and
was mixed for about 20 minutes (until the reaction mixture cooled
to a temperature of about 130 degrees Fahrenheit) at which time the
reaction to form this first solution was complete.
Example 10
[0167] Commercial Production of a Solubility Enhancing Composition
Second Solution
[0168] To a one thousand gallon polyethylene conical-bottom tank is
added deionized water equal to the volume or mass of the first
solution. To this water is added the first solution. The resulting
mixture represents a second solution of the present invention.
Example 11
[0169] Ion Chromatography Results
[0170] Using the sample preparations set forth in Example 9 and the
ion chromatography methods set forth in Example 7, the following
results (averages of 3 replicates of 3 samples) were obtained:
TABLE-US-00002 Sulfate mol/L Ammonium mol/L 10.77769681
1.677964718
[0171] Target Ranges:
TABLE-US-00003 Sulfate mol/L Ammonium mol/L 8.00-13.00
1.45-2.01
* * * * *