COMPOSITION FOR THE NEUTRALISATION OF INORGANIC AND ORGANIC STRONG ACIDS

Abstract: Composition for the neutralisation of strong organic and inorganic acids comprising one or more carbonates and alkaline metals or alkaline earth metals hydroxides and at least one absorbing and/or adsorbing powder (Bentonite, kaolin, etc.).

Description: COMPOSITION FOR THE NEUTRALISATION OF INORGANIC AND ORGANIC STRONG ACIDS The present invention relates to a composition for the neutralisation of inorganic and organic strong acids. Particularly, the invention concerns a composition for the neutralisation of acids, such as, for example, sulphuric acid, contained within batteries. Accumulators are employed in many industrial plants, such as uninterruptible power supplies or as supplementary power supply when peak loads occur. Examples of places where the batteries are employed are telephone exchanges, banks, hospitals, state authorities, mechanical workshops, car electrical repairs, naval dockyards. Maintenance or replacement of the above devices often involves loss of the acids therein contained, with the consequent hazard for authorised persons. Furthermore, disposal of large amounts of acid provided into the batteries is a serious reason of pollution of ground and water. In fact, often, acid substances are dispersed in the ground and are poured into the water of rivers and seas without previously carrying out efficient neutralisation treatments. It is known that the value of the hydrogen ion concentration into the water is essential for the development of the aquatic flora and fauna. Most suitable pH values for the development of the aquatic life are included within the range between 7 and 8, and in any case not lower than 6 and not higher than 9. Industrial acid disposal into the waters thus determines an unbalance of natural pH in such a way to cause remarkable ecological damages. In view of the above, it is well evident the needing of having available a product able to solve the above problems. The Applicant of the present invention found a composition comprising compounds such as carbonates and hydroxides, neutralising inorganic and organic strong acids, as well as absorbing and adsorbing powders. The composition can be advantageously employed to decontaminate polluted surfaces and waters from inorganic and organic strong acids. Particularly, the above composition can be employed in all rooms where batteries groups exist or where other radical acids are employed. The composition according to the present invention is insoluble in water, neutral when dry, not polluting since it is related to the mineral comprising the ground, not toxic for men, animals and vegetables, is not caustic when wet or irritating the skin. The composition has a high absorption and fixing feature of liquids preventing the expansion of the same, rapidly conjugating with acid radicals, mainly with those of the sulphuric acid, extinguishing its acidity, toxicity, corrosive action and cauterising power on the living tissues. The composition transforms sulphuric acid into non-toxic, water insoluble products, having a pH included within the range between about 6 and 7. Mortar obtained from the reaction of the composition with sulphuric acid can be easily collected and poured, through the draining water, into the rivers, where, due to its insolubility, will tend to precipitate on the bottom without any damaging to the flora and fauna; it can be also dispersed on the agricultural ground, thus contributing to enrich the same with mineral elements. To extinguish acids by the composition according to the invention, it is sufficient to distribute the same on the surfaces polluted by the same acids, letting the reaction proceed for about 5 - 8 minutes, until when, once ceased the effervescence, the mortar created is hardened into a sandy - farinose mass, that can be easily removed. Finally, surface treated can be washed by water. As already mentioned, neutralisation of the acid occurs with effervescence that, thanks to the presence of the absorbing and/or adsorbing powders, determines only little sprays, not rising more than 3 cm above the reaction level. Temperature developed during the reaction does not exceed values included between 40 and 45°C. Effervescence terminates when all the acid is extinguished. Therefore, the use of the composition for the neutralisation of the acids does not determine hazards for the operators. Furthermore, neutral product deriving from the reaction can be left in situ for an indeterminate time, without the occurrence of secondary corrosive actions. Said product can also be discharged also by sewage mixed with water for the outflow in a minimum proportion of 4:1 in volume with respect to the mass to be discharged. It is therefore specific object of the present invention a composition for the neutralisation of strong organic and inorganic acids comprising one or more carbonates and alkaline metals or alkaline earth metals hydroxides and at least one absorbing and/or adsorbing powder. Carbonates are chosen from the group comprised of sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate. Concentration of sodium carbonate is included between about 5 and 15% in weight, while that of the calcium carbonate is included between about 50 and 70% in weight. Alkaline metals or alkaline earth metals can be included in the composition with a concentration included between about 2 and 10% in weight. An example of hydroxide that can be used in the composition is calcium hydroxide. Absorbing and/or adsorbing powder can be ashes, feldspati, aluminium/silicate compounds. Concentration of the aluminium/silicate compounds can be included between 5 and 20% in weight. Said compounds are for example bentonite, preferably employed with a concentration included between about 10 and 20% in weight, and kaolin, preferably employed at a concentration included between about 5 and 15% in weight. Preferably, the composition is comprised of 57.25% in weight of calcium carbonate, 15.57% in weight of bentonite, 9.70% in weight of sodium carbonate, 6.45% in weight of calcium hydroxide. Still more preferably, the composition is comprised of 63.23% in weight of calcium carbonate, 14,59% in weight of bentonite, 9.73% in weight of kaolin, 7.59% in weight of sodium carbonate, 4.86% in weight of calcium hydroxide. Composition according to the invention is particularly suitable for the neutralisation of sulphuric acid, that is present in the batteries, but it can be advantageously used for the neutralisation of each strong organic or inorganic acid. Therefore, it is further object of the present invention the use of the above composition for the decontamination of surfaces and waters polluted by strong inorganic and/or organic acids. It is further object of the present invention a method for the decontamination of surfaces polluted by strong inorganic and/or organic acids, comprising the following steps: a) distributing the composition according to the present invention on the surface polluted by the acids; b) letting the neutralisation reaction proceed until the effervescence is finished; c) removing the neutralisation reaction products. In the following, it is provided a table showing the amount of composition according to the present invention that can be employed for the neutralisation of the acids of batteries groups in function of the kind of battery used. Particularly, the table refers to the composition comprised of 57.25% in weight of calcium carbonate, 15.57% in weight of bentonite, 9.70% in weight of sodium carbonate, 6.45% in weight of calcium hydroxide. This is a neutral composition, having the appearance of a grey coloured, pulverous mass, with a styptic taste, a density (specific weight) of about 0.7 - 0.8 Kg/dm 3 , negative electrical conductivity and water solubility lower than 0.1%. The preparation of the composition according to the invention is carried out mixing the elements in the established proportion. Components are sent by sacks breaking worm screws, one for each component, to a first metering device that, by a loading cell, introduces them, in sequence, and in the appropriated amounts, within the counter-rotating blade planetary mixer. Simultaneous rotation of the mixing arms, on which the blades are fixed, allows to obtain the suitable mixing in very short time. Afterwards, the composition is sent by gravity to the second metering device placed along the packaging line, providing the filling of the containers by a suction system, in order to eliminate the spreading of the product in the surrounding air. At the end of each mixing cycle, it is in any case taken a sample to carry out a laboratory analyses confirming the full correspondence with the use features and allowing the issuing of the relevant conformity certificate. Containers are closed by a sealing cover guaranteeing the perfect conservation and allowing, if necessary, the taking of the amount necessary to complete the neutralisation reaction and thus the following sealed closure. Packaging line is substantially comprised of: - an automatic distributor of the containers; - a belt conveyor for its advancement; once carried out the filling under the metering device, the line further comprises: - a scale, able to discharge packaging not respecting the pre- established weight; - a packaging machine to automatically apply the cover; - a pailettiser, able to realise the loading unit to send to the finished product store, after having been suitably finished by a plastic film. The present invention has been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that modifications and/or changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed claims.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Composition for the neutralisation of strong organic and inorganic acids comprising one or more carbonates and alkaline metals or alkaline earth metals hydroxides and at least one absorbing and/or adsorbing powder. 2. Composition according to claim 1, wherein carbonates are chosen from the group comprised of sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate. 3. Composition according to claim 2, wherein concentration of sodium carbonate is included between about 5 and 15% in weight. 4. Composition according to claim 2, wherein concentration of the calcium carbonate is included between about 50 and 70% in weight. 5. Composition according to claim 1, wherein concentration of alkaline metals or alkaline earth metals is included between about 2 and 10% in weight. 6. Composition according to claim 5, wherein the hydroxide of alkaline earth metal is calcium hydroxide. 7. Composition according to claim 1 , wherein absorbing and/or adsorbing powder is chosen from the group comprised of ashes, feldspati, aluminium/silicate compounds. 8. Composition according to claim 7, wherein concentration of the aluminium/silicate compounds is included between about 5 and 20% in weight. 9. Composition according to claim 7-8, wherein said aluminium/silicate compounds are bentonite, kaolin. 10. Composition according to claim 9, wherein concentration of bentonite is included between about 10 and 20% in weight. 11. Composition according to claim 9, wherein concentration of kaolin is included between about 5 and 15% in weight. 12. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, comprising 57.25% in weight of calcium carbonate, 15.57% in weight of bentonite, 9.70% in weight of sodium carbonate, 6.45% in weight of calcium hydroxide. 13. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, comprising 63.23% in weight of calcium carbonate, 14,59% in weight of bentonite, 9.73% in weight of kaolin, 7.59% in weight of sodium carbonate, 4.86% in weight of calcium hydroxide. 14. Composition according to claim 1, wherein inorganic acid is sulphuric acid. 15. Use of the composition according to one of the preceding claims for the decontamination of surfaces and waters polluted by strong inorganic and/or organic acids. 16. Method for the decontamination of surfaces polluted by strong inorganic and/or organic acids, comprising the following steps: a) distributing the composition according to one of the preceding claims 1 - 14 on the surface polluted by the acids; b) letting the neutralisation reaction proceed until the effervescence is finished; c) removing the neutralisation reaction products.

Inventors: GLORIO GIOVANNI, GLORIO, GIOVANNI
Applicants: EUROISET ITALIA S R L, GLORIO GIOVANNI, EUROISET ITALIA S.R.L., GLORIO, GIOVANNI
Application year: 2001
Main classification: C02F1
IPC codes: C02F1