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CSIC TIC004- Indicator supported for detection of bad smells from sulphured compounds
A Spanish research institute has patented a new indicator system for detection of both mercaptans and thiols. The system consists in an organic adsorbed on a porous support witch change the colour in presence of mercaptans or thiols.The institute is looking for industrial partners in the different sectors of application for detection of bad smells from industrial residues, treatments of wastewater, halitosis, breeding of animals and in general, environments where there are sulphured smells
Ficha técnica:
DESCRIPTION

The system that allows detection of mercaptans in both liquid and gas phases consists of a chromatic indicator adsorbed on a porous support that changes colour in presence of mercaptans or thiols. In case of mercaptans present in the atmosphere, the above-mentioned change might be visible before the concentration of mercaptans in the enclosure was sufficiently raised as to be detected by human smell, that is to say that the change of colour would take place before the bad smells appeared.

The usual methods of detection of thiol involve its behaviour in liquid phase and not in steam phase; this is a way in which thiol forms part of an environment with bad smells. Therefore the development of a system becomes necessary where it could detect in addition the presence of sulphured compounds in steam phase, by means of a chromatic indicator that allow to know for changes of coloration the possible appearance of evil smell.

In addition the system can act equally when it gets in contact with liquids that contain mercaptans, producing a similar effect.

The indicator compound is incorporated into the solid material from a solution. This system is applicable for detection and manifestation as changes of colour of the presence in the air or in fluids of chemical compounds that contain the radical SH, presenting a multitude of such applications, many of them related to the hygienic conditions of the environment.

The chromatic indicator used has to be an indicator that to a given concentration, changes colour preferably before the concentration of mercaptans is sufficient as to produce the sensation of evil smell. With these requirements complies the behaviour of the indicator known as Michler’s Hydrol.

This compound provides bluish coloration to the solid phase, which gradually disappears when exposed to mercaptans in its environment. The solid materials used in the process can be solid of different nature, which there include those of clayey type, such as minerals of the type of the bentonite, actapulgite, sepiolite, synthetic clays or other supports of siliceous type included silica gel, zeolites or supports of diverse nature used as adsorbents, such as for example cellulose, acrylic fibres, etc.

The solid materials or supports are combined by the chromatic indicator, Michler’s Hydrol, and its derivatives, allowing to visualise by means of a change of colour the presence of mercaptans in the environment after interaction with them. This is because the presence of these compounds is the result of the activity of bacteria present in the environment.

INNOVATIVE ASPECTS

With this system it will be possible to detect levels of unhealthiness in atmospheres where human crowds gather in enclosed places (in airports, underground, surgery, colleges, quarters, dining hall, etc).

Also this technology can be used to detect the loss of hygienic conditions in farms (breeding of pork, birds, rabbits, etc.), or in other areas where of emission of mercaptans is located, for example in processes of halitosis

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

Till now, the use of the smell sense appears as the unique sensor of the hygienic condition of the bed for cats and of his environment. The appearance of bad smells coming from the hygienic bed during its use is considered by most of the owners of cats as the principal disadvantage in maintenance of the animal. This fact has motivated the manufacturer to act towards elimination of the bad smell as a basic aim in the design of his new products of bed for cats.

As the indicator is in supported phase the visual inspection of bed allow knowing its hygienic condition during its use, independently of the quality of the product and of the additives that are incorporated in his composition

KEYWORDS

Fine Chemicals, Dyes and Inks;Other system software

PATENT

Patent(s) applied for but not yet granted

CONTACT

José Mª Bielza
email: M.Bielza@orgc.csic.es
phone: +34 91 5854955

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