US 9737072

Patent Analysis: US 9737072

Date of Analysis: 2026-05-14

Summary

Title: Methods and compositions for the generation of peracetic acid on site at the point-of-use

Assignee: Enviro Tech Chemical Services Inc

Inventors: Michael S. Harvey, Jonathan N. Howarth

Filing Date: 2016-03-07

Issue Date: 2017-08-22

Abstract:
Methods for the generation of non-equilibrium solutions of peroxyacetic acid are disclosed. These methods comprise introducing triacetin and aqueous hydrogen peroxide to water, mixing, and then adding an aqueous source of an alkali metal or earth alkali metal hydroxide. Triacetin is converted rapidly and with a high conversion rate into peracetic acid. These methods produce solutions with a high level of peracetic acid.

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Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims

US Patent 9,737,072 contains three independent claims: 1, 14, and 20.

Independent Claim 1:
This claim describes a method for generating a peracetic acid (PAA) solution directly where it is needed ("on site"). The process involves several key steps:

1. Start with a pre-mixed solution containing aqueous hydrogen peroxide and a liquid acetyl precursor (specifically, triacetin).
2. Introduce this pre-mixed solution into a stream of flowing water.
3. Mix the solution with the water using a mixing device.
4. Add an aqueous solution of an alkali or earth alkali metal hydroxide (like sodium hydroxide) to the mixture.

This sequence of steps creates a "reaction medium" where the hydrogen peroxide reacts with the triacetin to form a non-equilibrium solution of PAA. This process can be run continuously or stopped and started as needed.

Independent Claim 14:
This claim outlines a similar method for generating a PAA solution on-site, but for a batch process rather than a continuous flow. The steps are:

1. Start with a container of water (e.g., a mixing tank).
2. Provide a pre-mixed solution of aqueous hydrogen peroxide and triacetin.
3. Introduce this pre-mixed solution into the container of water.
4. Mix the components together.
5. Add an aqueous solution of an alkali or earth alkali metal hydroxide.

As with claim 1, this creates a reaction that quickly generates a non-equilibrium PAA solution.

Independent Claim 20:
This claim focuses on the composition of a specific liquid product used to generate the PAA. The composition consists of:

• Approximately 23% to 40% hydrogen peroxide.
• Approximately 20% to 52% triacetin.
• Water.
• A trace amount of peracetic acid that forms naturally after the components are mixed.

This claim defines the chemical concentrate that is stable enough to be transported and then used in the methods described in claims 1 and 14.

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Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. A search of the CAFC 2026 dockets for US Patent 9,737,072 did not yield any specific results.