CRANBURY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Innophos Inc., a leading producer of specialty phosphates, announces that the US Patent and Trademark Office Patent, has issued US Patent 10,767,118 on September 8, 2020. The patent covers a family of metal-based scavengers that reduce hydrogen sulfide emissions in asphalt, thereby improving the safety of those working with the asphalt and reducing equipment corrosion. The patent has an expiration date of August 2, 2036.
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) in Asphalt
H2S is a naturally occurring gas that is found in crude oil and its derivatives from the refining process, such as asphalt. H2S is also formed by the degradation of sulfur compounds in the oil when it is exposed to high temperatures or catalysts in the refining process. H2S is a toxic and corrosive gas, and its presence can lead to hazardous conditions for humans and equipment. To reduce H2S in asphalt, many asphalt producers and terminals use metal-based scavengers to remove the H2S prior to transporting to downstream destinations.
About INNOVALT® Scavenger
When liquid asphalt is modified with polyphosphoric acid (PPA) to achieve a higher performance grade for use in asphalt pavements, not all metal-based H2S scavengers are capable of withstanding the transiently acidic environment created by the PPA resulting in the increased release of H2S. INNOVALT® SL70’s newly patented, metal-based liquid technology is capable of withstanding the acidic condition generated in asphalt when it is PPA-modified and maintains the metal sulfide bond in suspension instead of releasing H2S into the storage vessel’s headspace.
“This patent expands Innophos’ portfolio in the PPA-modified asphalt space in which Innophos has been a lead innovator over the past 25 years with several patent-protected applications,” said Sherry Duff, Chief Marketing and Technology Officer. “It’s very exciting to see how our solution allows the asphalt industry to achieve a higher level of performance for their products while improving the safety of those working with the asphalt.”
About the Company
Innophos is a leading international producer of essential ingredients. We partner with world-leading health & nutrition, food & beverage, and industrial brands to create science-based solutions that improve quality of life. Our knowledgeable teams apply science to unlock the potential that lies within the blends and formulations that we deliver. Forward thinking and people centric at heart, we execute with purpose and efficiency to create value in everything we do. Headquartered in Cranbury, New Jersey, Innophos has manufacturing operations across the United States, in Canada, Mexico and China. For more information, please visit www.innophos.com.