Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal science, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a method for producing a heat-generating agent containing aluminum powder that generates heat through a reaction with water by adding a certain amount of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to a mix of calcium oxide (CaO) and aluminum (Al) to ensure that more amount of heat is generated compared to conventional heat-generating materials.

BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION:
[002] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as of the priority date of the application. The details provided herein the background if belongs to any publication is taken only as a reference for describing the problems, in general terminologies or principles or both of science and technology in the associated prior art.
[003] Generally, heat-generating agents are very useful for soldiers performing operations or mountaineers climbing mountains or in an emergency when no burner or heater is available to easily heat and cook food. Its commercial usefulness can be very extensive as it can also be used as medical hot packs, hand warmers, etc.
[004] Heat-generating agents developed so far are composed of several metals and metal oxides or metal salts. For example, a compound of calcium oxide (CaO), potassium hydroxide (KOH), calcium chloride (CaCl2), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), etc. is properly mixed or magnesium alloy (Mg-Alloy) is mixed with electrolytes (NaCl, KCl, MgCl2 ,FeCl 2 , NiCl 2, etc. ) to form heat-generating agent. Such heat-generating agents use heat of reaction generated when contacting water or electrolyte solution to heat packaged food without such heating utensils as burner, heater, etc.
[005] However, these heat-generating agents in general are disadvantageous in several aspects. They cannot be stored for a long period of time due to their hygroscopic property. They are susceptible to shock as well. Especially, if not effectively packaged to be stored for a long period of time, the reactive substances degrade over time. These drawbacks are examined in detail as follows.
[006] On the other hand, a major problem encountered by soldiers or mountaineers when performing operations or climbing mountains is low swiftness due to the weight and volume of their belongings. Therefore, reducing the weight and volume of heat-generating materials used in special situations is crucial for expedience, as well as for saving time in the rapid heating process. Moreover, the amount of water required to activate the heat-generating material is also very important because it is not easy to obtain drinking water in the field and the amount of water in soldiers' water canteen is limited, making it important to reduce the amount of water required to activate the heat-generating material.
[007] Before filing this patent application, a worldwide prior art search was conducted by the applicant to identify the distinguishing features with technical advantages and/or synergistic effects.
[008] The Korean Patent Publication No. 2000-58524 discloses a method of heating 300mL of water to 73 to 100℃ by contacting 2 to 35 weight % of phosphoric acid solution (H3PO4) with calcined limestone. This method, however, is not desirable due to the risk of explosive exothermic reaction in the course of distribution resulting from violent hydration reaction by deliquescence of phosphorus pentoxide, leading to a self-heating reaction with the calcined limestone. In addition, disposal of the phosphoric acid solution is not eco-friendly as it can cause eutrophication in the ecosystem.
[009] Japanese Patent Publication No. Sho62-9151 discloses a method of heating 180mL of a beverage to 50℃ or higher by contacting an inorganic salt solution with calcined limestone. This method has the advantage of preventing the solution from freezing in extremely cold weather but has thedisadvantage of failing to reach a sufficiently high temperature to cook food.
[010] Registered US Patent No. 5,205,277 discloses a method of using three heating packages, in which calcined limestone is placed at the bottom to generate heat; acetic acid (CH3COOH), water and sodium chloride solution are placed in the middle layer; and sodium chloride solution of different concentration is placed at the top to induce hydration reaction heat of calcined limestone caused by the rupture of the solution pouch, thereby causing a secondary reaction heat by the solution in the top layer. While this method has the advantage of relatively high temperature to be useful in cold weather or regions, it has the economic disadvantage of relatively high unit cost.
[011] US Patent No. 4,522,190, No. 5,117,809 and No. 5,593,792 disclose a heating package for heating food or grocery, which is an exothermic agent composed of a highly reactive metal alloy powder using a porous polymer of polyethylene. A relatively high temperature can be obtained when a highly reactive magnesium-iron alloy is brought into contact with such electrolyte solution such as seawater, but this method has a vulnerability of producing a large amount of flammable and explosive hydrogen gas and a slow reaction speed of magnesium-iron alloy with an electrolyte solution.
[012] Korean Patent Application No. 1999-46130 developed a magnesium-iron alloy with the same high reactivity as the magnesium-iron alloy of US Patent Nos. 4,522,910 and 5,117,809 into a different form of heating package, improving portability and maximum heating temperature. Nevertheless, it still does not solve the fundamental risk of explosion and fire due to the generation of hydrogen gas and has a disadvantage of a very slow reaction rate.
[013] When compared with the cited prior art documents, the applicant noticed that the cited closest relevant prior art patent and non-patent documents failed to disclose an effective and economical method for producing heat-generating agents with comparatively low weight and volume that saves heating process time and reducing use the amount of water for activating proposed heat generating material.Conventional heat-generating agents using aluminum powder have limited application areas due to low heat generation.
[014] In light of this problem, the inventor conducted research and completed the proposed invention through experimentation, showing that the mixing of different mesh sizes can adjust the heating temperature and generate high temperatures with small amounts of heat-generating material.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[015] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows.
[016] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a method for producing a heat-generating agent containing aluminum powder that solves the problems prevalent in the prior art and increases the amount of heat.
[017] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a heat-generating agent containing aluminum a powder, wherein the invention solves the problem observed in the prior art through the production of a heat-generating agent that generates more amount of heat by mixing calcium oxide with aluminum to generate aluminum powder that reacts with minimum water. It reduces use of water.
[018] Another object of the present invention is to provide amethod for producing a heat-generating agent containing aluminum powder that generates more amount of heat compared to previous technologies and expand the application areas of heat-generating agents that contain aluminum powder.
[019] Another object of the present invention is to provide amethod for producing a heat-generating agent containing aluminum powder, wherein the heating process time is reduced.
[020] Another object of the present invention is to provide amethod for producing a heat-generating agent containing aluminum powder, wherein the weight and volume of the agent are reduced which facilitates the easy carrying of the agent.
[021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide amethod for producing a heat-generating agent containing aluminum a powder that provides sufficient heat for cooking food.
Principle Technical objectives achieved by the Applicant through this invention on the date of filing of this patent application when compared with cited prior art documents:
- The proposed heat-generating agent allows the user toadjust the heating temperature by mixing different mesh sizes and generating high heating temperatures with a small amount, making it a more efficient heat-generating agent than conventional ones.
- In addition, this proposed invention is intended to reduce the weight and volume of the heat-generating agent, which is an important factor for such users as soldiers or mountaineers carrying heat-generating materials, and thus can be differentiated from conventional heat-generating agents in this aspect.
[022] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[023] The present invention provides a method for producing a heat-generating agent containing aluminum powder.
[024] In one aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a thermite composition containing aluminum (Al) powder with a particle size of 300-350 mesh, 16-20 weight %; aluminum (Al) powder with a particle size of 180-220 mesh, 53-57 weight %; calcium oxide (CaO), 20-24 weight %; and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), 3-7 weight %, comprises the following steps:
- a) Mix aluminum (Al) powder with a particle size of 180-220 mesh, 26.5-28.5 weight %; aluminum (Al) powder with a particle size of 300-350 mesh, 16-20 weight %; and calcium oxide (CaO), 20-24 weight % in a primary mixer;
- b) Mix the mixture obtained in step a) with aluminum (Al) powder with a particle size of 180-220 mesh, 26.5-28.5 weight % in a secondary mixer;
- c) Add sodium hydroxide (NaOH), 3-7 weight % to the mixture obtained in step b) and stirring for 1 to 2 hours;
- d) Seal and package the mixture obtained in step c) in 65-68g increments in a non-woven fabric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[025] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
[026] Figures 1-4 disclose experimental results.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[027] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim.
[028] As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[029] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting of”, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[030] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[031] The present invention provides a method for producing a heat-generating agent containing aluminum powder.
[032] In one aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a thermite composition containing
- aluminum (Al) powder with a particle size of 300-350 mesh, 16-20 weight %;
- aluminum (Al) powder with a particle size of 180-220 mesh, 53-57 weight %;
- calcium oxide (CaO), 20-24 weight %; and
- sodium hydroxide (NaOH), 3-7 weight %,
The method comprises the following steps:
- a) Mixing aluminum (Al) powder with a particle size of 180-220 mesh, 26.5-28.5 weight %; aluminum (Al) powder with a particle size of 300-350 mesh, 16-20 weight %; and calcium oxide (CaO), 20-24 weight % in a primary mixer;
- b) Mix the mixture obtained in step a) with aluminum (Al) powder with a particle size of 180-220 mesh, 26.5-28.5 weight % in a secondary mixer;
- c) Add sodium hydroxide (NaOH), 3-7 weight % to the mixture obtained in step b) and stirring for 1 to 2 hours;
- d) Seal and package the mixture obtained in step c) in 65-68g increments in a non-woven fabric.
[033] The applicant noticed that the prior art documents considered during the prior art search failed to disclose the exact compositions of the heat-generating agent with the aluminum (Al) powder of a particle size of 300-350 mesh, 16-20 weight %; the aluminum (Al) powder of particle size of 180-220 mesh, 53-57 weight %; the calcium oxide (CaO) of 20-24 weight %; and the sodium hydroxide (NaOH) of 3-7 weight %. The prior art documents failed to achieve objectives such as adjusting the heating temperature by mixing different mesh sizes and generating high heating temperatures with a small amount, providinga more efficient heat-generating agent, reducing the weight and volume of the heat-generating agent, using the abovementioned composition. Also, the prior art documents analyzed by the applicant failed to disclose the proposed method/steps of a method (a, b, c, and d) for producing the abovementioned composition of the heat-generating agent.
[034] The experimental results in form of graphs are provided in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4the change in temperature with change in environment, wherein Weight set 50g, and water 150ml; Weight set 60g, and water 180ml; Weight set 80g, and water 240ml; Weight set 90g, and water 270ml. It takes only 1min 30sec to reach near 100 ℃.The following table represents the recorded performance data of the proposed heating agent:

[035] Wherein, the heating agent is packed into a bag (size given in mm, weight given in g/ib).
BEST METHOD TO USE:
[036] Example 1: The 25 g(0.00 lbs) agent is used to heat up small meals, desserts, etc. with a specially made plastic container.lt can generate thermal energy which can heat water up to 96 T (204-8 F) in 2 minutes and stay above 65 'C (149 F) for about 12 minutes. The method comprises the following steps:
- Putting the food in a food box and the agent in a heating box, wherein the food box is configured above the heating box;
- Opening a water inlet of the heating box for injecting 75cc of water; and coveringa lid thereof;
- Opening the lid and stirring the food after 7 min, if required;
- Closing the lid and waiting for 5 min more.
[037] Example 2: 40 g(0.09 lbs) agent is used to heat up meals, bread, etc. with a specially made plastic bag or container.40 g(0.09 lbs). The agent generates thermal energy which can heat water up to 96 "C (204.8) in 2 minutes and stay above 65'C (149 F) for about 12 minutes.
[038] The method comprises the following steps:
- Putting the food in a food box and the agent in a heating box, wherein the food box is configured above the heating box;
- Opening a water inlet of the heating box for injecting 120cc of water; and covering a lid thereof;
- Opening the lid and stirring the food after 7 min, if required; and
- Closing the lid and waiting for 5 min more.
[039] Example 3: 25 g*2EA(0.11 lbs) agent is used to heat up meals, bread, etc. with a specially made plastic bag or container.25 g * 2EA(0.1 1 lbs) agent generates thermal energy which can heat water up to 96 'C (204.8T)in2 minutes and stay above 65'C (149 F) for about 12 minutes.The method comprises the following steps:
- Putting the food in a food box and the agent in a heating box, wherein the food box is configured above the heating box;
- Opening a water inlet of the heating box for injecting 150cc of water; and covering a lid thereof;
- Opening the lid and stirring the food after 7 min, if required; and
- Closing the lid and waiting for 5 min more.
[040] The 60 g(0.t3lbs) agent is used to cookdried riceand ramenwith a specially made plastic bag or container.60 g(0.13 lbs).Agent generates thermal energy which can heat water up to 96 t (204.8 F) in 2 minutes and stay above 65 t (149 T) for about 12 minutes. The method includes:
- Putting the agent from the wrapper and putting it in an Outer bag;
- Putting ramen, soup, and water into the inner bag and shaking it so that it mixes well and closing the zipper.
- Putting the inner bag inside the outer bag, inject 180cc of water, and closing the zipper.
- After 13 min, the meal gets ready.
[041] The present invention is not restricted to given examples only, it can be used another ways too using one or more or less steps.
[042] The disclosure has been described withreference to the accompanying embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein.
[043] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.

, C , Claims:1) A method for producing a heat-generating agent, the method comprises steps of:

- a) mixing (i) an aluminum (Al) powder with a particle size of 180-220 mesh, 26.5-28.5 weight %; (ii)an aluminum (Al) powder with a particle size of 300-350 mesh, 16-20 weight %; and (iii) a calcium oxide (CaO), 20-24 weight % in a primary mixer;
- b) mixing the mixture obtained in step a) with the aluminum (Al) powder with a particle size of 180-220 mesh, 26.5-28.5 weight % in a secondary mixer; and
- c) adding sodium hydroxide (NaOH), 3-7 weight % to the mixture obtained in step b) and stirring for 1 to 2 hours.

2) The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method includes an additional step of:
- d) sealing and packaging the mixture obtained in step c) in 65-68g increments in a non-woven fabric.

3) The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein theheat-generating agent contains:
- the aluminum (Al) powder with a particle size of 300-350 mesh, 16-20 weight %;
- the aluminum (Al) powder with a particle size of 180-220 mesh, 53-57 weight %;
- the calcium oxide (CaO), 20-24 weight %; and
- the sodium hydroxide (NaOH), 3-7 weight %.

4) A heat-generating agent, the agent contains:
- an aluminum (Al) powder with a particle size of 300-350 mesh, 16-20 weight %;
- an aluminum (Al) powder with a particle size of 180-220 mesh, 53-57 weight %;
- a calcium oxide (CaO), 20-24 weight %; and
- a sodium hydroxide (NaOH), 3-7 weight %.