Fluid storage media and method of delivering a fluid
Inventors
Aytug, Tolga • Li, Kai • Lamm, Meghan E. • Hun, Diana • Biswas, Kaushik
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12090461-B2
Publication Date
2024-09-17
Expiration Date
2041-07-23
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Abstract
A fluid storage media includes a plurality of microspheres. Each microsphere includes a porous core with a porous core material and having an exterior surface. A stored fluid is within the porous core. A coating layer covers all of the exterior surface of the porous core. The coating layer includes a coating material which transitions from a first state to a second state, wherein in the first state the coating material is permeable to the stored fluid, and in the second state the material is impermeable to the stored fluid. The coating material in the second state is configured to encapsulate and maintain the stored fluid inside the porous core. A method of making a fluid storage media, a method of delivering a fluid and a method of delivering a biologically active fluid medication to a patient are also disclosed.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a fluid storage media consisting of a plurality of microspheres, where each microsphere has a porous core made from materials such as glass, diatomaceous earth, calcium silicate, or polymers. The porous core contains interconnected pores or channels and supports the introduction of a stored fluid inside. The entire exterior surface of each porous core is coated with a layer of material that transitions between two defined states. In the first state, the coating layer is permeable to the fluid, allowing the fluid to diffuse in or out; in the second state, the coating becomes impermeable and thus encapsulates and retains the fluid within the core.
The coating layer may be composed of a variety of polymeric or inorganic materials, such as methyl methacrylate copolymer, polyvinyl butyral, soda-lime glass, or aluminum. This layer transitions from the permeable to the impermeable state through processes such as polymerization, densification, sintering, or heating. The method allows for the fluid to be inserted into the core while the coating is permeable and then seals the fluid by transitioning the coating to an impermeable state, ensuring containment under specified pressure conditions.
The problem addressed by the invention relates to the limitations and inefficiencies of existing insulation and fluid storage technologies, such as vacuum-insulated panels (VIPs), which suffer from fragility, loss of performance upon damage, and lack of adaptability. The invention provides a scalable and adaptable solution to storing fluids or gases within microspheres, improves resistance to accidental damage, and retains insulation or storage properties localized to individual microspheres rather than an entire panel or medium.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim of the patent introduces a method of making a fluid storage media with four main inventive features.
Microsphere with porous core and exterior coating
A plurality of microspheres is provided, where each microsphere consists of a porous core made of porous core material and an exterior surface. The entire surface is covered with a coating layer formed from a material that transitions from a first, permeable state to a second, impermeable state.
State-changeable coating for controlled fluid permeability
The coating layer is engineered to be permeable to a fluid in its first state, allowing fluid to diffuse through and enter the porous core. Upon transitioning to the second state, the coating becomes impermeable, effectively sealing the fluid within the core.
Establishment and retention of fluid within core during transition
A fluid is applied to the coated porous core during the coating’s permeable state so that the fluid can infiltrate the porous core. The transition of the coating material from permeable to impermeable is performed while retaining the fluid inside, ensuring the core is sealed with the stored fluid.
Transition process to seal and encapsulate fluid
The process specifically requires the transition of the coating from permeable to impermeable to happen while the fluid remains within the porous core, so that the final state is a sealed microsphere containing the desired fluid.
In summary, the inventive features collectively describe a method for manufacturing microspheres with porous cores and specialized coating layers, enabling selective ingress and permanent encapsulation of fluids for storage applications.
Stated Advantages
Provides improved thermal insulation performance by maintaining partial vacuum or gas containment inside individual microspheres.
Enhances durability and resistance to localized damage, as only a few microspheres lose containment upon puncture or impact, minimizing total performance loss.
Utilizes scalable, industry-standard equipment and processes suitable for mass production.
Enables storage, delivery, and targeted release of a wide variety of fluids, gases, or medications in a controlled manner.
Permits flexible incorporation into various matrix materials and applications, including cut-to-size insulation boards.
Documented Applications
Thermal insulation for buildings, including use in wall panels and insulating structures to meet energy performance requirements.
Insulated packaging mediums, such as those comprising corrugated paper, for maintaining the temperature of stored items.
Storage and controlled release of fluids, including gases such as H2, CO2, NH3, hydrocarbons, and refrigerants.
Medical delivery systems for biologically active fluid medications, with targeted delivery and controlled degradation for release in patients.
Transport, separation, purification, or sequestration of gases using the encapsulated microsphere design.
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