US4268405A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for forming Glauber's salt crystals with reduced encapsulation by the addition of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
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Filing: 1979-08-03
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Granted: 1981-05-19
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Expires: 1999-08-03
Abstract
Abstract Encapsulation of Na 2 SO 4 particles by Glauber's salt crystals formed by crystallization of Na 2 SO 4 from aqueous solution in systems comprising Na 2 SO 4 , H 2 O and Glauber's salt is decreased by including ethylene glycol monobutyl ether in the system.
Inventors
- 👤 Carlyle S. Herrick
- 👤 Kenneth P. Zarnoch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 15:05
CPC Classifications
C; C09; C09K; C09K5/00; C09K5/02; C09K5/06; C09K5/063
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
In the method of storing thermal energy in and retrieving thermal energy from a liquid-solid phase-change material for which sodium sulfate decahydrate is the solid form, wherein said phase-change material is maintained in a container and fluid is circulated over the outer surface of said container to effectuate heat exchange between said fluid and said material, the improvement comprising the steps of: (A) including ethylene glycol monobutyl ether in admixture with said phase-change material in said container, said ethylene glycol monobutyl ether being included in an amount effective to effect at least a decrease in average thickness of the Na 2 SO 4 -encapsulating wall of sodium sulfate decahydrate crystals relative to the average thickness of the Na 2 SO 4 -encapsulating wall thereof which would be formed in the absence of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and (B) subjecting said container to motion which will induce interparticle-motion of crystals present in said phase-change material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
154 words
In the method of storing thermal energy in and retrieving thermal energy from a liquid-solid phase-change material for which sodium sulfate decahydrate is the solid form, wherein said phase-change material is maintained in a container and fluid is circulated over the outer surface of said container to effectuate heat exchange between said fluid and said material, the improvement comprising the steps of: (A) including ethylene glycol monobutyl ether in admixture with said phase-change material in said container, said ethylene glycol monobutyl ether being included in an amount effective to effect at least a decrease in average thickness of the Na 2 SO 4 -encapsulating wall of sodium sulfate decahydrate crystals relative to the average thickness of the Na 2 SO 4 -encapsulating wall thereof which would be formed in the absence of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and (B) subjecting said container to motion which will induce interparticle-motion of crystals present in said phase-change material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The improved method of claim 1, wherein said amount is sufficient to effect such decrease so that the heat flux is increased during the freezing mode which accompanies the retrieval of thermal energy from said phase-change material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The improved method of claim 1, wherein said amount is sufficient to effect a substantial decrease in said average thickness.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The improved method of claim 1, wherein said amount of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether is from about 0.01 to about 10 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said phase-change material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
69 words
A liquid-solid phase-change mixture comprising sodium sulfate decahydrate and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, the latter being included in an amount effective to effect at least a decrease in average thickness of the Na 2 SO 4 -encapsulating wall of sodium sulfate decahydrate crystals relative to the average thickness of the Na 2 SO 4 -encapsulating wall thereof which would be formed in the absence of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
69 words
A liquid-solid phase-change mixture comprising sodium sulfate decahydrate and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, the latter being included in an amount effective to effect at least a decrease in average thickness of the Na 2 SO 4 -encapsulating wall of sodium sulfate decahydrate crystals relative to the average thickness of the Na 2 SO 4 -encapsulating wall thereof which would be formed in the absence of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
The mixture of claim 7, wherein said amount of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether is from about 0.01 to about 10 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the phase-change material for which said sodium sulfate decahydrate is the solid form.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-05-18 | 1984-11-17 | 1985-05-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-05-18 | 1988-11-17 | 1989-05-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-05-18 | 1992-11-17 | 1993-05-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |