FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to solid rinse aid compositions, and methods for manufacturing
and using the same. The rinse aid compositions generally include a novel solidification
system and surfactants designed for use in pressed or extruded solid formation. The
rinse aids can be used in aqueous use solutions on articles including, for example,
cookware, dishware, flatware, glasses, cups, hard surfaces, healthcare surfaces, glass
surfaces, vehicle surfaces, etc. but are particularly useful for metal surfaces.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Mechanical warewashing machines have been common in the institutional and household
environments for many years. Such automatic warewashing machines clean dishes using
two or more cycles which can include initially a wash cycle followed by a rinse cycle,
but may also utilize soak, pre-wash, scrape, sanitizing, drying, and additional wash
cycles. Rinse agents are conventionally used in warewashing applications to promote
drying and to prevent the formation of spots.
[0003] Rinse agents may also be used in healthcare environments, typically for cleaning
a medical cart, cage, instrument, or device. Typically, cleaning a medical cart, cage,
instrument, or device includes contacting the medical cart, cage, instrument, or device
with an aqueous cleaning composition and, rinsing or contacting the same with a rinse
solution comprising a dissolved rinse aid. The method can also involve antimicrobial
treatment of the medical cart, cage, instrument, or device by contacting with an aqueous
antimicrobial composition formed by dissolving or suspending a solid antimicrobial
composition, preferably a solid quaternary ammonium or solid halogen antimicrobial
composition.
[0004] In either household, institutional, or healthcare environments, rinse agents to reduce
the formation of spotting have been, commonly been added to water to form an aqueous
rinse that is sprayed on the hard surfaces after cleaning is complete. The precise
mechanism through which rinse agents work is not established. One theory holds that
the surfactant in the rinse agent is absorbed on the surface at temperatures at or
above its cloud point, and thereby reduces the solid-liquid interfacial energy and
contact angle. This leads to the formation of a continuous sheet which drains evenly
from the surface and minimizes the formation of spots. Generally, high foaming surfactants
have cloud points above the temperature of the rinse water, and, according to this
theory, would not promote sheet formation, thereby resulting in spots. Moreover, high
foaming materials are known to interfere with the operation of warewashing machines.
[0005] The document
US 8 383 570 B2 discloses a GRAS preservative system including sodium bisulfate and a combination
of specific organic acids that act in a synergistic capacity. The preservative further
has the benefit of a higher melting point of approximately 110° or higher making it
particularly suited for solid wash applications. According to the invention it has
surprisingly been found that a combination of sodium bisulfate, sorbic acid, and benzoic
acid produced better preservative properties than other organic acid combinations
or each acid by itself.
[0006] US 2005/101516 A1 discloses a rinse aid composition and methods of making and using the same. A rinse
aid composition may generally include an effective amount of a sheeting agent component,
and an effective amount of a defoamer component. The sheeting agent component may
include one or more alcohol ethoxylate compounds that include an alkyl group that
includes 12 or fewer carbon atoms. The defoamer component may include an ethylene
oxide containing surfactant configured for reducing the stability of foam that may
be created by the one or more alcohol ethoxylate compounds of the sheeting agent in
an aqueous solution.
[0007] US 6 432 906 A1 discloses that a stable, substantially homogeneous, solid block cleaning composition
can be made for general purpose cleaning and for cleaning hard surfaces such as floors
of varying surface composition. Unique solid block materials contain substantially
useful concentrations of liquid acid materials, but are in the form of a stable solid.
The acidic solid detergent can be dispensed using a water spray creating a concentrate
which can then be diluted in proper ratio to form the use-solution. Such use-solutions
may be applied to remove a variety of soils subject to acid cleaning including soils
containing water hardness components, inorganic soils, and the like. The acid cleaners
can be used alone or in combination with other cleaners in a cleaning protocol for
a variety of hospitality, industrial or institutional cleaning locations having a
broad spectrum of contaminated soil residue.
[0008] Further,
US 2011/126858 A1 discloses a method of rinsing cleaned dishware comprising the steps of: (a) cleaning
dishware in an automatic dishwasher; and (b) during the rinse cycle of said automatic
dishwasher, rinsing said dishware with a rinse aid composition comprising: at least
one a graft polymer comprising an acrylic acid backbone and alkoxylated side chains,
said polymer comprising a molecular weight of from about 2,000 to about 20,000, said
graft polymer comprising from about 20 wt % to about 50 wt % of an alkylene oxide;
an acid; a non-ionic surfactant; and optionally at least one component selected from
the group consisting of dispersant polymer, perfume, hydrotrope, binder, carrier medium,
antibacterial active, dye, zinc carbonate, zinc chloride, and mixtures thereof.
[0009] A number of rinse aids are currently known, each having certain advantages and disadvantages.
There is an ongoing need for alternative rinse aid compositions, especially alternative
rinse aid compositions that are environmentally friendly (e.g., biodegradable), non-corrosive
to metal, can handle high total dissolved solids, can handle high water hardness and
are easily manufactured as solids.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The invention includes a solid rinse aid that is particularly designed for pressed
or extrusion solid formation and which is effective for leaving spotless surfaces
after rinsing, especially rinsing metals without corrosion. According to the invention,
a solid acid is combined with a short-chain alkylbenzene and alkyl naphthalene sulfonate
class of hydrotopes, selected from the group consisting of sodium xylene sulfonate,
sodium toluene sulfonate, sodium cumene sulfonate, potassium toluene sulfonate, ammonium
xylene sulfonate, calcium xylene sulfonate, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, and/or
sodium butylnaphthalene sulfonate. Said short-chain alkylbenzene and alkyl naphthalene
sulfonate class of hydrotopes act as a solidification agent as well as a surfactant
and are combined with at least one nonionic surfactant.
[0011] A solid rinse agent composition of the present invention thus includes a solid acid
for hardness control, from 50 wt.% to 80 wt.% of a short chain alkyl benzene and/or
alkyl naphthalene according to claim 1, preferably sodium xylene sulfonate (SXS) or
sodium cumene sulfonate, and a surfactant system. The surfactant is a non-ionic surfactant.
[0012] The composition of the invention is particularly beneficial for use with hard water
and also high total dissolved solid (TDS) conditions.
[0013] The rinse aid concentrate is provided in a solid form. This is typically prepared
by the steps of combining the solid materials then mixing preservative, additional
surfactant, water, and dyes. The material is then pressed or extruded to form a solid.
In general, it is expected that the solid concentrate will be diluted with water to
provide the use solution that is then supplied to the surface of a substrate. The
use solution preferably contains an effective amount of active material to provide
spotless surfaces by rinse water. It should be appreciated that the term "active materials"
refers to the nonaqueous portion of the use solution that functions to reduce spotting
and filming.
[0014] Some example methods for using the rinse aid generally include the step of providing
the rinse aid, mixing the rinse aid into an aqueous use solution, and applying the
aqueous use solution to a substrate surface.
[0015] In some embodiments, the solid acid is present in an amount of from 5 wt.% to 40
wt. %. The short chain alkyl benzene or alkyl naphthalene sulfonate is present 50wt
% to 80 wt % and the nonionic surfactant is present from 5 wt. % to 20 wt. % for pressed
solid and from 5 wt. % to 30 wt. % for an extruded solid. The solid rinse aid can
also in some embodiments and as enumerated hereinafter, include an additional surfactant,
a processing aids such as polyethylene glycol or urea, as well as other components
such as a chelant, preservative, fragrant, or dye.
[0016] In some aspects, the present invention is related to methods for rinsing surfaces
in a warewashing application or surfaces involved in healthcare. The methods comprise
providing an aqueous rinse aid composition, diluting the rinse aid composition with
water to form an aqueous use solution; and applying the aqueous use solution to the
surfaces.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0017]
Figure 1 is s a graph showing hardness performance of compositions of the invention
A and B and different commercial rinse aids A-D.
Figure 2 is a graph showing the total dissolved solids (TDS) performance of compositions
of the invention A and B and different commercial rinse aids A-D.
Figure 3 is a graph showing the metal compatibility data of compositions of the invention
A and B and different commercial rinse aids A-D.
Figure 4 is a graph showing the foam height of compositions of the invention A and
B and different commercial rinse aid D at dispenser sump concentration using Glewwe
Foam Apparatus.
Figure 5 is a graph showing foam height of compositions of the invention A and B and
different commercial rinse aids A-D at RTU concentration
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention relates to rinse aid compositions, and methods for making and
using rinse aid compositions. In some aspects, the present invention provides rinse
aid compositions including an acid which is naturally or treated to be in solid form
at room temperature, from 50 wt.% to 80 wt.% of a short-chain alkylbenzene and alkyl
naphthalene sulfonate, selected from the group consisting of sodium xylene sulfonate,
sodium toluene sulfonate, sodium cumene sulfonate, potassium toluene sulfonate, ammonium
xylene sulfonate, calcium xylene sulfonate, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, and/or
sodium butylnaphthalene sulfonate, and at least one additional nonionic surfactant.
[0019] The compositions of the present invention can be used to reduce spotting and filming
on a variety of surfaces including, but not limited to, plasticware, cookware, dishware,
flatware, glasses, cups, hard surfaces, glass surfaces, healthcare surfaces and vehicle
surfaces.
So that the invention may be understood more clearly, certain terms are first defined.
[0020] As used herein, the term "ware" refers to items such as eating, cooking, and serving
utensils. Exemplary items of ware include, but are not limited to: dishes, e.g., plates
and bowls; silverware, e.g., forks, knives, and spoons; cups and glasses, e.g., drinking
cups and glasses; serving dishes, e.g., fiberglass trays, insulated plate covers.
As used herein, the term "warewashing" refers to washing, cleaning, or rinsing ware.
The items of ware that can be contacted, e.g., washed, or rinsed, with the compositions
of the invention can be made of any material. For example, ware includes items made
of wood, metal, ceramics, glass, etc. Ware also refers to items made of plastic. Types
of plastics that can be cleaned or rinsed with the compositions according to the invention
include but are not limited to, those that include polycarbonate polymers (PC), acrilonitrile-butadiene-styrene
polymers (ABS), and polysulfone polymers (PS). Another exemplary plastic that can
be cleaned using the methods and compositions of the invention include polyethylene
terephthalate (PET).
[0021] As used herein, the term "hard surface" includes showers, sinks, toilets, bathtubs,
countertops, windows, mirrors, transportation vehicles, floors, and the like.
[0022] As used herein, the phrase "healthcare surface" refers to a surface of an instrument,
a device, a cart, a cage, furniture, a structure, a building, or the like that is
employed as part of a health care activity. Examples of health care surfaces include
surfaces of medical or dental instruments, of medical or dental devices, of autoclaves
and sterilizers, of electronic apparatus employed for monitoring patient health, and
of floors, walls, or fixtures of structures in which health care occurs. Health care
surfaces are found in hospital, surgical, infirmity, birthing, mortuary, and clinical
diagnosis rooms. These surfaces can be those typified as "hard surfaces" (such as
walls, floors, bed-pans, etc.,), or fabric surfaces, e.g., knit, woven, and non-woven
surfaces (such as surgical garments, draperies, bed linens, bandages, etc.,), or patient-care
equipment (such as respirators, diagnostic equipment, shunts, body scopes, wheel chairs,
beds, etc.,), or surgical and diagnostic equipment. Health care surfaces include articles
and surfaces employed in animal health care.
[0023] As used herein, the term "instrument" refers to the various medical or dental instruments
or devices that can benefit from cleaning using water treated according to the methods
of the present invention.
[0024] As used herein, the phrases "medical instrument," "dental instrument," "medical device,"
"dental device," "medical equipment," or "dental equipment" refer to instruments,
devices, tools, appliances, apparatus, and equipment used in medicine or dentistry.
Such instruments, devices, and equipment can be cold sterilized, soaked or washed
and then heat sterilized, or otherwise benefit from cleaning using water treated according
to the present invention. These various instruments, devices and equipment include,
but are not limited to: diagnostic instruments, trays, pans, holders, racks, forceps,
scissors, shears, saws (e.g. bone saws and their blades), hemostats, knives, chisels,
rongeurs, files, nippers, drills, drill bits, rasps, burrs, spreaders, breakers, elevators,
clamps, needle holders, carriers, clips, hooks, gouges, curettes, retractors, straightener,
punches, extractors, scoops, keratomes, spatulas, expressors, trocars, dilators, cages,
glassware, tubing, catheters, cannulas, plugs, stents, scopes (e.g., endoscopes, stethoscopes,
and arthoscopes) and related equipment, and the like, or combinations thereof.
[0025] By the term "solid" as used with reference to the composition of the invention, it
is meant that the hardened composition will not flow perceptibly and will substantially
retain its shape under moderate stress or pressure or mere gravity, as for example,
the shape of a mold when removed from the mold, the shape of an article as formed
upon extrusion from an extruder, and the like. The degree of hardness of the solid
composition can range from that of a fused solid block which is relatively dense and
hard, for example, like concrete, to a consistency characterized as being malleable
and sponge-like, similar to caulking material.
[0026] The "cloud point" of a surfactant rinse or sheeting agent is defined as the temperature
at which a 1 wt. % aqueous solution of the surfactant turns cloudy when warmed.
[0027] As used herein, the phrase "health care surface" refers to a surface of an instrument,
a device, a cart, a cage, furniture, a structure, a building, or the like that is
employed as part of a health care activity. Examples of health care surfaces include
surfaces of medical or dental instruments, of medical or dental devices, of electronic
apparatus employed for monitoring patient health, and of floors, walls, or fixtures
of structures in which health care occurs. Health care surfaces are found in hospital,
surgical, infirmity, birthing, mortuary, and clinical diagnosis rooms. These surfaces
can be those typified as "hard surfaces" (such as walls, floors, bed-pans, etc.,),
or fabric surfaces, e.g., knit, woven, and non-woven surfaces (such as surgical garments,
draperies, bed linens, bandages, etc.,), or patient-care equipment (such as respirators,
diagnostic equipment, shunts, body scopes, wheel chairs, beds, etc.,), or surgical
and diagnostic equipment. Health care surfaces include articles and surfaces employed
in animal health care.
[0028] As used herein, the phrase "medical cart" refers to a cart employed in a health care
environment to transport one or more medical instruments, devices, or equipment and
that can benefit from cleaning with a use composition of a solid cleaning composition,
rinsing with a use composition of a solid rinse composition, and/or antimicrobial
treatment with a use composition of a solid antimicrobial composition. Medical carts
include carts for transporting medical or dental devices or instruments or other medical
or dental equipment in a health care environment, such as a hospital, clinic, dental
or medical office, nursing home, extended care facility, or the like.
[0029] As used herein, the phrase "medical cage" refers to a cage employed in a health care
environment to house and/or transport one or more animals employed in experiments,
in clinical or toxicological testing, in diagnostics, or the like. Such animals include
a rodent (e.g. a mouse or a rat), a rabbit, a dog, a cat, or the like. A medical cage
typically includes an animal cage that actually houses the animal and which can be
mounted on a wheeled rack. The medical cage can also include one or more containers
or dispensers for animal food, one or more vessels or dispensers for water, and/or
one or more systems for identifying the cart or animals. Medical cages can benefit
from cleaning with a use composition of a solid alkaline cleaning composition, rinsing
with a use composition of a solid rinse composition, and/or antimicrobial treatment
with a use composition of a solid antimicrobial composition.
[0030] As used herein, the term "instrument" refers to the various medical or dental instruments
or devices that can benefit from cleaning with a use composition of a solid alkaline
cleaning composition, rinsing with a use composition of a solid rinse composition,
and/or antimicrobial treatment with a use composition of a solid antimicrobial composition.
[0031] As used herein, the phrases "medical instrument," "dental instrument," "medical device,"
"dental device," "medical equipment," or "dental equipment" refer to instruments,
devices, tools, appliances, apparatus, and equipment used in medicine or dentistry.
Such instruments, devices, and equipment can be cold sterilized, soaked or washed
and then heat sterilized, or otherwise benefit from cleaning in a composition of the
present invention. These various instruments, devices and equipment include, but are
not limited to: diagnostic instruments, trays, pans, holders, racks, forceps, scissors,
shears, saws (e.g. bone saws and their blades), hemostats, knives, chisels, rongeurs,
files, nippers, drills, drill bits, rasps, burrs, spreaders, breakers, elevators,
clamps, needle holders, carriers, clips, hooks, gouges, curettes, retractors, straightener,
punches, extractors, scoops, keratomes, spatulas, expressors, trocars, dilators, cages,
glassware, tubing, catheters, cannulas, plugs, stents, scopes (e.g., endoscopes, stethoscopes,
and arthoscopes) and related equipment, and the like, or combinations thereof.
[0032] As used herein, the term "alkyl" refers to a straight or branched chain monovalent
hydrocarbon radical optionally containing one or more heteroatomic substitutions independently
selected from S, O, Si, or N. Alkyl groups generally include those with one to twenty
atoms. Alkyl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with those substituents that
do not interfere with the specified function of the composition. Substituents include
alkoxy, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, alkyl substituted amino, or halo, for example. Examples
of "alkyl" as used herein include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,
n-butyl, n-pentyl, isobutyl, and isopropyl, and the like. In addition, "alkyl" may
include "alylenes", "alkenylenes", or "alkylynes".
[0033] As used herein, the term "alkylene" refers to a straight or branched chain divalent
hydrocarbon radical optionally containing one or more heteroatomic substitutions independently
selected from S, O, Si, or N. Alkylene groups generally include those with one to
twenty atoms. Alkylene groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with those substituents
that do not interfere with the specified function of the composition. Substituents
include alkoxy, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, alkyl substituted amino, or halo, for example.
Examples of "alkylene" as used herein include, but are not limited to, methylene,
ethylene, propane-1,3-diyl, propane-1,2-diyl and the like.
[0034] As used herein, the term "alkenylene" refers to a straight or branched chain divalent
hydrocarbon radical having one or more carbon--carbon double bonds and optionally
containing one or more heteroatomic substitutions independently selected from S, O,
Si, or N. Alkenylene groups generally include those with one to twenty atoms. Alkenylene
groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with those substituents that do not interfere
with the specified function of the composition. Substituents include alkoxy, hydroxy,
mercapto, amino, alkyl substituted amino, or halo, for example. Examples of "alkenylene"
as used herein include, but are not limited to, ethene-1,2-diyl, propene-1,3-diyl,
and the like.
[0035] As used herein, the term "alkylyne" refers to a straight or branched chain divalent
hydrocarbon radical having one or more carbon--carbon triple bonds and optionally
containing one or more heteroatomic substitutions independently selected from S, O,
Si, or N. Alkylyne groups generally include those with one to twenty atoms. Alkylyne
groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with those substituents that do not interfere
with the specified function of the composition. Substituents include alkoxy, hydroxy,
mercapto, amino, alkyl substituted amino, or halo, for example.
[0036] As used herein, the term "alkoxy", refers to -O-alkyl groups wherein alkyl is as
defined above.
[0037] As used herein, the term "halogen" or "halo" shall include iodine, bromine, chlorine
and fluorine.
[0038] As used herein, the terms "mercapto" and "sulfhydryl" refer to the substituent -SH.
[0039] As used herein, the term "hydroxy" refers to the substituent -OH.
[0040] A used herein, the term "amino" refers to the substituent -NH
2.
[0041] The methods and compositions of the present invention can comprise, consist of, or
consist essentially of the listed steps or ingredients. As used herein the term "consisting
essentially of' shall be construed to mean including the listed ingredients or steps
and such additional ingredients or steps which do not materially affect the basic
and novel properties of the composition or method. In some embodiments, a composition
in accordance with embodiments of the present invention that "consists essentially
of' the recited ingredients does not include any additional ingredients that alter
the basic and novel properties of the composition, e.g., the drying time, sheeting
ability, spotting or filming properties of the composition.
[0042] As used herein, "weight percent (wt%)," "percent by weight," "% by weight," and the
like are synonyms that refer to the concentration of a substance as the weight of
that substance divided by the total weight of the composition and multiplied by 100.
[0043] As used herein, the term "about" modifying the quantity of an ingredient in the compositions
of the invention or employed in the methods of the invention refers to variation in
the numerical quantity that can occur, for example, through typical measuring and
liquid handling procedures used for making concentrates or use solutions in the real
world; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture,
source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make the compositions or carry out
the methods; and the like. The term about also encompasses amounts that differ due
to different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular
initial mixture.
[0044] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an",
and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally
employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
Solid Rinse Aid Compositions
[0045] A solid rinse agent composition of the present invention includes a solid acid, from
50 wt.% to 80 wt.% of a short-chain alkylbenzene or alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, selected
from the group consisting of sodium xylene sulfonate, sodium toluene sulfonate, sodium
cumene sulfonate, potassium toluene sulfonate, ammonium xylene sulfonate, calcium
xylene sulfonate, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, and/or sodium butylnaphthalene
sulfonate, and a one or more nonionic surfactant. The solid rinse aid composition
is advantageously formulated to give spotless surfaces after rinsing, especially in
high hardness and high total dissolved solids (TDS) situations. The rinse aid is also
particularly useful for metal surfaces and avoids corrosion of the same.
Solid Acid
[0046] The invention includes one or more solid acids. The solid acid of the composition
includes any acid which is naturally or treated to be in solid form at room temperature.
The term solid here includes forms such as powdered, particulate, or granular solid
forms. Acidic substances (herein referred to as "acids") include, but are not limited
to, pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic acids, hydroxyl-acids, amino
acids, Lewis acids, mono- or di-alkali or ammonium salts of molecules containing two
or more acid groups, and monomers or polymeric molecules containing at least one acid
group. Examples of suitable acid groups include carboxylic, hydroxamic, amide, phosphates
(e.g., mono-hydrogen phosphates and di-hydrogen phosphates), sulfates, and bi-sulfites.
[0047] In particular, the acids are organic acids with 2-18 carbon atoms, including, but
not limited to, short, medium, or long chain fatty acids, hydroxyl acids, inorganic
acids, amino acids, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the acid is selected from the
group consisting of lactic acid, gluconic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, hydrochloric
acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, maleic acid, monosodium citrate,
disodium citrate, potassium citrate, monosodium tartrate, disodium tartrate, potassium
tartrate, aspartic acid, carboxymethylcellulose, acrylic polymers, methacrylic polymers,
and mixtures thereof.
[0048] For example many organic acids are crystalline solids in pure form (and at room temperature),
e.g. citric acid, oxalic acid, benzoic acid. Sulphamic acid in an example of an inorganic
acid that is solid a room temperature.
[0049] The solid acid or combination of one or more solid acids is present in the rinse
aid compositions of the invention in an amount of from 5 wt. % to 40 wt. %, preferably
from 7.5 wt. % to 27.5 wt. % and more preferably from 10 wt. % to 25 wt. %.
Short Chain Alkyl Benzene Or Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate
[0050] The class of short chain alkyl benzene or alkyl naphthalene sulfonates work as both
a hardening agent and as a hydrotrope and TDS control active in the composition. The
group includes alkyl benzene sulfonates based on toluene, xylene, and cumene , and
alkyl naphthalene sulfonates. Sodium toluene sulfonate and sodium xylene sulfonate
are the best known hydrotopes. These have the general formula below:

[0051] This group includes but is not limited to sodium xylene sulfonate, sodium toluene
sulfonate, sodium cumene sulfonate, potassium toluene sulfonate, ammonium xylene sulfonate,
calcium xylene sulfonate, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, and sodium butylnaphthalene
sulfonate. In a preferred embodiment the solidification agent is SXS.
[0052] The invention provides a solid rinse aid composition including from 50 wt.% to 80
wt.% of one or more of a short chain alkyl benzene or alkyl naphthalene sulfonates.
Surprisingly, this class of hydrotopes has been found to add to performance of the
solid rinse aid as well as functioning as solidification agent. The short chain alkyl
benzene or alkyl naphthalene sulfonate may also function as a builder. The solid rinse
aid composition typically has a melt point greater than 43.33° C (110°F) and is dimensionally
stable. In some embodiments, not according to the invention, the hardening agent of
a short chain alkyl benzene or alkyl naphthalene sulfonate is present in an amount
of from 40 wt. % to 90 wt. %, and preferably from 45 wt. % to 85 wt. % . According
to the invention, the hardening agent of a short chain alkyl benzene or alkyl naphthalene
sulfonate is present in an amount of 50 wt. % to 80 wt. %.
[0053] The solid rinse aid can also in some embodiments and as enumerated hereinafter, include
an additional processing aids, such as polyethylene glycol, or urea. The additional
processing aids if used is present in an amount of from. 1 wt % to 10 wt %.
Nonionic Surfactant
[0054] Nonionic surfactants useful in the invention are generally characterized by the presence
of an organic hydrophobic group and an organic hydrophilic group and are typically
produced by the condensation of an organic aliphatic, alkyl aromatic or polyoxyalkylene
hydrophobic compound with a hydrophilic alkaline oxide moiety which in common practice
is ethylene oxide or a polyhydration product thereof, polyethylene glycol. Practically
any hydrophobic compound having a hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, or amido group with a
reactive hydrogen atom can be condensed with ethylene oxide, or its polyhydration
adducts, or its mixtures with alkoxylenes such as propylene oxide to form a nonionic
surface-active agent. The length of the hydrophilic polyoxyalkylene moiety which is
condensed with any particular hydrophobic compound can be readily adjusted to yield
a water dispersible or water soluble compound having the desired degree of balance
between hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. Useful nonionic surfactants in the
present invention include:
Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include alkoxylated surfactants, such as
Dehypon LS-54 (R-(EO)
5(PO)
4) and Dehypon LS-36 (R-(EO)
3(PO)
6); and capped alcohol alkoxylates, such as Plurafac LF221 and Genepol from Clariant,
Tegoten EC11; mixtures thereof, or the like.))
Other nonionic surfactants that can used include:
[0055]
- 1. Block polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene polymeric compounds based upon propylene
glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane, and ethylenediamine as the
initiator reactive hydrogen compound. Examples of polymeric compounds made from a
sequential propoxylation and ethoxylation of initiator are commercially available
under the trade names Pluronic® and Tetronico manufactured by BASF Corp.
Pluronic® compounds are difunctional (two reactive hydrogens) compounds formed by
condensing ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by the addition of propylene
oxide to the two hydroxyl groups of propylene glycol. This hydrophobic portion of
the molecule weighs from 1,000 to 4,000. Ethylene oxide is then added to sandwich
this hydrophobe between hydrophilic groups, controlled by length to constitute from
10% by weight to 80% by weight of the final molecule. Tetronic® compounds are tetra-functional
block copolymers derived from the sequential addition of propylene oxide and ethylene
oxide to ethylenediamine. The molecular weight of the propylene oxide hydrotype ranges
from 500 to 7,000; and, the hydrophile, ethylene oxide, is added to constitute from
10% by weight to 80% by weight of the molecule.
- 2. Condensation products of one mole of alkyl phenol wherein the alkyl chain, of straight
chain or branched chain configuration, or of single or dual alkyl constituent, contains
from 8 to 18 carbon atoms with from 3 to 50 moles of ethylene oxide. The alkyl group
can, for example, be represented by diisobutylene, di-amyl, polymerized propylene,
iso-octyl, nonyl, and di-nonyl. These surfactants can be polyethylene, polypropylene,
and polybutylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols. Examples of commercial compounds
of this chemistry are available on the market under the trade names Igepal® manufactured
by Rhone-Poulenc and Triton® manufactured by Dow.
- 3. Condensation products of one mole of a saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched
chain alcohol having from 6 to 24 carbon atoms with from 3 to 50 moles of ethylene
oxide. The alcohol moiety can consist of mixtures of alcohols in the above delineated
carbon range or it can consist of an alcohol having a specific number of carbon atoms
within this range. Examples of like commercial surfactant are available under the
trade names Neodol® manufactured by Shell Chemical Co. and Alfonic® manufactured by
Vista Chemical Co.
- 4. Condensation products of one mole of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched
chain carboxylic acid having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms with from 6 to 50 moles of
ethylene oxide. The acid moiety can consist of mixtures of acids in the above defined
carbon atoms range or it can consist of an acid having a specific number of carbon
atoms within the range. Examples of commercial compounds of this chemistry are available
on the market under the trade names Nopalcol® manufactured by Henkel Corporation and
Lipopeg® manufactured by Lipo Chemicals, Inc.
In addition to ethoxylated carboxylic acids, commonly called polyethylene glycol esters,
other alkanoic acid esters formed by reaction with glycerides, glycerin, and polyhydric
(saccharide or sorbitan/sorbitol) alcohols have application in this invention. All
of these ester moieties have one or more reactive hydrogen sites on their molecule
which can undergo further acylation or ethylene oxide (alkoxide) addition to control
the hydrophilicity of these substances. Care must be exercised when adding these fatty
ester or acylated carbohydrates to compositions of the present invention containing
amylase and/or lipase enzymes because of potential incompatibility.
In a preferred embodiment the nonionic surfactant is a low-foaming anionic surfactant.
Examples of nonionic low foaming surfactants include:
- 5. Compounds from (1) which are modified, essentially reversed, by adding ethylene
oxide to ethylene glycol to provide a hydrophile of designated molecular weight; and,
then adding propylene oxide to obtain hydrophobic blocks on the outside (ends) of
the molecule. The hydrophobic portion of the molecule weighs from 1,000 to 3,100 with
the central hydrophile including 10% by weight to 80% by weight of the final molecule.
These reverse Pluronics® are manufactured by BASF Corporation under the trade name
Pluronic® R surfactants.
Likewise, the Tetronic® R surfactants are produced by BASF Corporation by the sequential
addition of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to ethylenediamine. The hydrophobic
portion of the molecule weighs from 2,100 to 6,700 with the central hydrophile including
10% by weight to 80% by weight of the final molecule.
- 6. Compounds from groups (1), (2), (3) and (4) which are modified by "capping" or
"end blocking" the terminal hydroxy group or groups (of multifunctional moieties)
to reduce foaming by reaction with a small hydrophobic molecule such as propylene
oxide, butylene oxide, benzyl chloride; and, short chain fatty acids, alcohols or
alkyl halides containing from 1 to 5 carbon atoms; and mixtures thereof. Also included
are reactants such as thionyl chloride which convert terminal hydroxy groups to a
chloride group. Such modifications to the terminal hydroxy group may lead to all-block,
block-heteric, heteric-block or all-heteric nonionics.
Additional examples of effective low foaming nonionics include:
[0056]
7. The alkylphenoxypolyethoxyalkanols of U.S. Pat. No. 2,903,486 issued Sep. 8, 1959 to Brown et al. and represented by the formula

in which R is an alkyl group of 8 to 9 carbon atoms, A is an alkylene chain of 3 to
4 carbon atoms, n is an integer of 7 to 16, and m is an integer of 1 to 10.
The polyalkylene glycol condensates of U.S. Pat. No. 3,048,548 issued Aug. 7, 1962 to Martin et al. having alternating hydrophilic oxyethylene chains and hydrophobic oxypropylene chains
where the weight of the terminal hydrophobic chains, the weight of the middle hydrophobic
unit and the weight of the linking hydrophilic units each represent one-third of the
condensate.
The defoaming nonionic surfactants disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,382,178 issued May 7, 1968 to Lissant et al. having the general formula Z[(OR)nOH]z wherein Z is alkoxylatable material, R is a radical derived from an alkaline oxide
which can be ethylene and propylene and n is an integer from, for example, 10 to 2,000
or more and z is an integer determined by the number of reactive oxyalkylatable groups.
The conjugated polyoxyalkylene compounds described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,677,700, issued May 4, 1954 to Jackson et al. corresponding to the formula Y(C3H6O)n(C2H4O)m H wherein Y is the residue of organic compound having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and
one reactive hydrogen atom, n has an average value of at least 6.4, as determined
by hydroxyl number and m has a value such that the oxyethylene portion constitutes
10% to 90% by weight of the molecule.
The conjugated polyoxyalkylene compounds described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,674,619, issued Apr. 6, 1954 to Lundsted et al. having the formula Y[(C3H6On(C2H4O)mH]x wherein Y is the residue of an organic compound having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and
containing x reactive hydrogen atoms in which x has a value of at least 2, n has a
value such that the molecular weight of the polyoxypropylene hydrophobic base is at
least 900 and m has value such that the oxyethylene content of the molecule is from
10% to 90% by weight. Compounds falling within the scope of the definition for Y include,
for example, propylene glycol, glycerine, pentaerythritol, trimethylolpropane, ethylenediamine
and the like. The oxypropylene chains optionally, but advantageously, contain small
amounts of ethylene oxide and the oxyethylene chains also optionally, but advantageously,
contain small amounts of propylene oxide.
Additional conjugated polyoxyalkylene surface-active agents which are advantageously
used in the compositions of this invention correspond to the formula: P[(C3H6O)n(C2H4O)mH]x wherein P is the residue of an organic compound having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms
and containing x reactive hydrogen atoms in which x has a value of 1 or 2, n has a
value such that the molecular weight of the polyoxyethylene portion is at least 44
and m has a value such that the oxypropylene content of the molecule is from 10% to
90% by weight. In either case the oxypropylene chains may contain optionally, but
advantageously, small amounts of ethylene oxide and the oxyethylene chains may contain
also optionally, but advantageously, small amounts of propylene oxide.
8. Polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants suitable for use in the present compositions
include those having the structural formula R2CONR1Z in which: R1 is H, C1-C4 hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxy ethyl, 2-hydroxy propyl, ethoxy, propoxy group, or a mixture
thereof; R is a C5-C31 hydrocarbyl, which can be straight-chain; and Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having
a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyls directly connected to the chain,
or an alkoxylated derivative (preferably ethoxylated or propoxylated) thereof. Z can
be derived from a reducing sugar in a reductive amination reaction; such as a glycityl
moiety.
9. The alkyl ethoxylate condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from 0 to
25 moles of ethylene oxide are suitable for use in the present compositions. The alkyl
chain of the aliphatic alcohol can either be straight or branched, primary or secondary,
and generally contains from 6 to 22 carbon atoms.
10. The ethoxylated C6-C18 fatty alcohols and C6-C18 mixed ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols are suitable surfactants for use
in the present compositions, particularly those that are water soluble. Suitable ethoxylated
fatty alcohols include the C10-C18 ethoxylated fatty alcohols with a degree of ethoxylation of from 3 to 50.
11. Suitable nonionic alkylpolysaccharide surfactants, particularly for use in the
present compositions include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,647, Llenado, issued Jan. 21, 1986. These surfactants include a hydrophobic group containing from 6 to 30 carbon atoms
and a polysaccharide, e.g., a polyglycoside, hydrophilic group containing from 1.3
to 10 saccharide units. Any reducing saccharide containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms can
be used, e.g., glucose, galactose and galactosyl moieties can be substituted for the
glucosyl moieties. (Optionally the hydrophobic group is attached at the 2-, 3-, 4-,
etc. positions thus giving a glucose or galactose as opposed to a glucoside or galactoside.)
The intersaccharide bonds can be, e.g., between the one position of the additional
saccharide units and the 2-, 3-, 4-, and/or 6-positions on the preceding saccharide
units.
12. Fatty acid amide surfactants suitable for use in the present compositions include
those having the formula: R6CON(R7)2 in which R6 is an alkyl group containing from 7 to 21 carbon atoms and each R7 is independently hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl, or --(C2H4O)xH, where x is in the range of from 1 to 3.
13. A useful class of non-ionic surfactants includes the class defined as alkoxylated
amines or, most particularly, alcohol alkoxylated/aminated/alkoxylated surfactants.
These non-ionic surfactants may be at least in part represented by the general formulae:
R20--(PO)sN-(EO)t H,
R20--(PO)sN-(EO)tH(EO)tH, and
R20--N(EO)tH;
in which R20 is an alkyl, alkenyl or other aliphatic group, or an alkyl-aryl group of from 8 to
20, preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms, EO is oxyethylene, PO is oxypropylene, s is
1 to 20, preferably 2-5, t is 1-10, preferably 2-5, and u is 1-10, preferably 2-5.
Other variations on the scope of these compounds may be represented by the alternative
formula:
R20--(PO)v--N[(EO)wH][(EO)zH]
in which R20 is as defined above, v is 1 to 20 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 (preferably 2)), and w and
z are independently 1-10, preferably 2-5.
[0057] These compounds are represented commercially by a line of products sold by Huntsman
Chemicals as nonionic surfactants. A preferred chemical of this class includes Surfonic
PEA 25 Amine Alkoxylate.
[0058] The treatise Nonionic Surfactants, edited by Schick, M. J., Vol. 1 of the Surfactant
Science Series, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1983 is an excellent reference on the wide variety of nonionic compounds generally employed
in the practice of the present invention. A typical listing of nonionic classes, and
species of these surfactants, is given in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678 issued to Laughlin and Heuring on Dec. 30, 1975. Further examples are given in "
Surface Active Agents and Detergents" (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch).
Water
[0059] The solid rinse aid composition can in some embodiments includes water. Water many
be independently added to the solid rinse aid composition or may be provided in the
solid rinse aid composition as a result of its presence in a material that is added
to the solid rinse aid composition. For example, materials added to the solid rinse
aid composition include water or may be prepared in an aqueous premix available for
reaction with the solidification agent component(s). Typically, water is introduced
into the solid rinse aid composition to provide the composition with a desired viscosity
prior to solidification, and to provide a desired rate of solidification.
[0060] In general, it is expected that water may be present as a processing aid and may
be removed or become water of hydration. It is expected that water may be present
in the solid composition. In the solid composition, it is expected that the water
will be present in the solid rinse aid composition in the range of between 0 wt.%
and 5wt.%. For example, water is present in embodiments of the solid rinse aid composition
in the range of between .1 wt.% to 5 wt.%, or further embodiments in the range of
between .5 wt.% and 4 wt.%, or yet further embodiments in the range of between 1 wt.%
and 3 wt.%. It should be additionally appreciated that the water may be provided as
deionized water or as softened water.
[0061] The components used to form the solid composition can include water as hydrates or
hydrated forms of the binding agent, hydrates or hydrated forms of any of the other
ingredients, and/or added aqueous medium as an aid in processing. It is expected that
the aqueous medium will help provide the components with a desired viscosity for processing.
In addition, it is expected that the aqueous medium may help in the solidification
process when is desired to form the concentrate as a solid.
Additional Functional Materials
[0062] As indicated above, the solid rinse aid may contain other functional materials that
provide the desired properties and functionality to the solid composition. Functional
materials include a material that when dispersed or dissolved in a use solution, provides
a beneficial property in a particular use. Examples of such a functional material
include preservatives, chelating/sequestering agents; bleaching agents or activators;
sanitizers/anti-microbial agents; activators; builder or fillers; anti-redeposition
agents; optical brighteners; dyes; odorants or perfumes; stabilizers; processing aids;
corrosion inhibitors; fillers; solidifiers; additional hardening agent; additional
surfactants, solubility modifiers; pH adjusting agents; humectants; hydrotropes; or
a broad variety of other functional materials, depending upon the desired characteristics
and/or functionality of the composition. In the context of some embodiments disclosed
herein, the functional materials, or ingredients, are optionally included within the
solidification matrix for their functional properties. Some more particular examples
of functional materials are discussed in more detail below.
Preservatives
[0063] The solid rinse aid composition may also include effective amounts of preservatives.
Often, overall acidity and/or acids in the solid rinse aid composition and the use
solution serves a preservative and stabilizing function.
[0064] Some embodiments of the inventive solid rinse aid composition also include a preservative
system for acidification of the solid rinse aid including sodium bisulfate and organic
acids. In at least some embodiments, the solid rinse aid has pH of 2.0 or less and
the use solution of the solid rinse aid has a pH of at least pH 4.0. Typically, sodium
bisulfate is included in the solid rinse aid composition as an acid source. In certain
embodiments, an effective amount of sodium bisulfate and one or more other acids are
included in the solid rinse aid composition as a preservative system. Suitable acids
include for example, inorganic acids, such as HCl and organic acids. In certain further
embodiments, an effective amount of sodium bisulfate and one or more organic acids
are included in the solid rinse aid composition as a preservative system. Suitable
organic acids include sorbic acid, benzoic acid, ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, citric
acid, etc... Preferred organic acids include benzoic and ascorbic acid. Generally,
effective amounts of sodium bisulfate with or without additional acids are included
such that a use solution of the solid rinse aid composition has a pH that shall be
less than pH 4.0, often less pH 3.0, and may be even less than pH 2.0.
[0065] In other embodiments, the solid rinse aid composition includes sanitizers/anti-microbial
agents, in addition to or in alternative the preservative system described above.
Suitable sanitizers/anti-microbial agents are described below.
[0066] The preservative component, if present is typically an amount of the solid rinse
aid component in an amount of from 0.05 to 20 wt % preferably 0.1 to 15 wt % and most
preferably 1 wt % to 10 wt %.
Chelating/Sequestering Agents
[0067] The solid rinse aid composition may also include effective amounts of chelating/sequestering
agents, also referred to as builders. In addition, the rinse aid may optionally include
one or more additional builders as a functional ingredient. In general, a chelating
agent is a molecule capable of coordinating (i.e., binding) the metal ions commonly
found in water sources to prevent the metal ions from interfering with the action
of the other ingredients of a rinse aid or other cleaning composition. The chelating/sequestering
agent may also function as a threshold agent when included in an effective amount.
[0068] Often, the solid rinse aid composition is also phosphate-free and/or aminocarboxylate-free.
In embodiments of the solid rinse aid composition that are phosphate-free, the additional
functional materials, including builders exclude phosphorous-containing compounds
such as condensed phosphates and phosphonates.
[0069] Suitable additional builders include polycarboxylates. Some examples of polymeric
polycarboxylates suitable for use as sequestering agents include those having a pendant
carboxylate (--CO
2) groups and include, for example, polyacrylic acid, maleic/olefin copolymer, acrylic/maleic
copolymer, polymethacrylic acid, acrylic acid-methacrylic acid copolymers, hydrolyzed
polyacrylamide, hydrolyzed polymethacrylamide, hydrolyzed polyamide-methacrylamide
copolymers, hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile, hydrolyzed polymethacrylonitrile, hydrolyzed
acrylonitrile-methacrylonitrile copolymers, and the like.
[0070] In embodiments of the solid rinse aid composition which are not aminocarboxylate-free
may include added chelating/sequestering agents which are aminocarboxylates. Some
examples of aminocarboxylic acids include, N-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic
acid (NTA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriacetic
acid (HEDTA) (in addition to the HEDTA used in the binder), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic
acid (DTPA), and the like.
[0071] In embodiments of the solid rinse aid composition which are not phosphate-free, added
chelating/sequestering agents may include, for example a condensed phosphate, a phosphonate,
and the like. Some examples of condensed phosphates include sodium and potassium orthophosphate,
sodium and potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate,
and the like. A condensed phosphate may also assist, to a limited extent, in solidification
of the composition by fixing the free water present in the composition as water of
hydration.
[0072] In embodiments of the solid rinse aid composition which are not phosphate-free, the
composition may include a phosphonate such as 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid
CH
3C(OH)[PO(OH)
2]
2; aminotri(methylenephosphonic acid) N[CH
2PO(OH)
2]
3 ; aminotri(methylenephosphonate), sodium salt
2-hydroxyethyliminobis(methylenephosphonic acid) HOCH2 CH2 N[CH2 PO(OH)2 ]2; diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid) (HO)2 POCH2 N[CH2 CH2 N[CH2PO(OH)2]2]2; diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonate), sodium salt C9 H(28-x) N3 NaxO15P5 (x=7); hexamethylenediamine(tetramethylenephosphonate), potassium salt C10 H(28-x)N2KxO12P4 (x=6);
bis(hexamethylene)triamine(pentamethylenephosphonic acid) (HO2)POCH2N[(CH2)6 N[CH2PO(OH)2]2]2 ; and phosphorus acid H3PO3. In some embodiments, a phosphonate combination such as ATMP and DTPMP may be used.
A neutralized or alkaline phosphonate, or a combination of the phosphonate with an
alkali source prior to being added into the mixture such that there is little or no
heat or gas generated by a neutralization reaction when the phosphonate is added can
be used.
Processing Aids
[0074] In some embodiments the solid rinse aid composition can include additional processing
aids. Examples of processing aids include an amide such as stearic monoethanolamide
or lauric diethanolamide, or an alkylamide, and the like; a solid polyethylene glycol,
or a solid EO/PO block copolymer, urea and the like; starches that have been made
water-soluble through an acid or alkaline treatment process; various inorganics that
impart solidifying properties to a heated composition upon cooling, and the like.
Such compounds may also vary the solubility of the composition in an aqueous medium
during use such that the rinse aid and/or other active ingredients may be dispensed
from the solid composition over an extended period of time. The composition may include
a secondary hardening agent in an amount in the range of up to 10 wt%. In some embodiments,
secondary hardening agents are may be present in an amount in the range of 0-10 wt%,
often in the range of 0 to 5 wt% and sometimes in the range of 0 to.5 wt-%.
Additional surfactant
[0075] In addition to the nonionic surfactants specified above, the composition may also
include other surfactants as enumerated hereinafter.
Anionic Surfactants
[0076] Certain embodiments of the invention contemplate the use of one or more anionic surfactants
which electrostatically interact or ionically interact with the positively charged
polymer to enhance foam stability. Anionic surfactants are surface active substances
which are categorized as anionics because the charge on the hydrophobe is negative;
or surfactants in which the hydrophobic section of the molecule carries no charge
unless the pH is elevated to neutrality or above (e.g. carboxylic acids). Carboxylate,
sulfonate, sulfate and phosphate are the polar (hydrophilic) solubilizing groups found
in anionic surfactants. Of the cations (counter ions) associated with these polar
groups, sodium, lithium and potassium impart water solubility; ammonium and substituted
ammonium ions provide both water and oil solubility; and, calcium, barium, and magnesium
promote oil solubility.
[0077] As those skilled in the art understand, anionics are excellent detersive surfactants
and are therefore traditionally favored additions to heavy duty detergent compositions
as well as rinse aids. Generally, anionics have high foam profiles which are useful
for the present foaming cleaning compositions. Anionic surface active compounds are
useful to impart special chemical or physical properties other than detergency within
the composition.
[0079] The first class includes acylamino acids (and salts), such as acylgluamates, acyl
peptides, sarcosinates (e.g. N-acyl sarcosinates), taurates (e.g. N-acyl taurates
and fatty acid amides of methyl tauride), and the like. The second class includes
carboxylic acids (and salts), such as alkanoic acids (and alkanoates), ester carboxylic
acids (e.g. alkyl succinates), ether carboxylic acids, and the like. The third class
includes sulfonic acids (and salts), such as isethionates (e.g. acyl isethionates),
alkylaryl sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, sulfosuccinates (e.g. monoesters and diesters
of sulfosuccinate), and the like. A particularly preferred anionic surfactant is alpha
olefin sulfonate. The fourth class includes sulfonic acids (and salts), such as isethionates
(e.g. acyl isethionates), alkylaryl sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, sulfosuccinates
(e.g. monoesters and diesters of sulfosuccinate), and the like. The fifth class includes
sulfuric acid esters (and salts), such as alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfates, and
the like. The fifth class includes sulfuric acid esters (and salts), such as alkyl
ether sulfates, alkyl sulfates, and the like. A particularly preferred anionic surfactant
is sodium laurel ether sulfate.
[0080] Anionic sulfate surfactants suitable for use in the present compositions include
the linear and branched primary and secondary alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxysulfates,
fatty oleyl glycerol sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, the C
5-C
17 acyl-N--(C
1-C
4 alkyl) and --N--(C
1-C
2 hydroxyalkyl) glucamine sulfates, and sulfates of alkylpolysaccharides such as the
sulfates of alkylpolyglucoside (the nonionic nonsulfated compounds being described
herein). Ammonium and substituted ammonium (such as mono-, di- and triethanolamine)
and alkali metal (such as sodium, lithium and potassium) salts of the alkyl mononuclear
aromatic sulfonates such as the alkyl benzene sulfonates containing from 5 to 18 carbon
atoms in the alkyl group in a straight or branched chain, e.g., the salts of alkyl
benzene sulfonates or of alkyl toluene, xylene, cumene and phenol sulfonates; alkyl
naphthalene sulfonate, diamyl naphthalene sulfonate, and dinonyl naphthalene sulfonate
and alkoxylated derivatives.
[0081] Examples of suitable synthetic, water soluble anionic surfactant compounds include
the ammonium and substituted ammonium (such as mono-, di- and triethanolamine) and
alkali metal (such as sodium, lithium and potassium) salts of the alkyl mononuclear
aromatic sulfonates such as the alkyl benzene sulfonates containing from 5 to 18 carbon
atoms in the alkyl group in a straight or branched chain, e.g., the salts of alkyl
benzene sulfonates or of alkyl toluene, xylene, cumene and phenol sulfonates; alkyl
naphthalene sulfonate, diamyl naphthalene sulfonate, and dinonyl naphthalene sulfonate
and alkoxylated derivatives.
[0082] Anionic carboxylate surfactants suitable for use in the present compositions include
the alkyl ethoxy carboxylates, the alkyl polyethoxy polycarboxylate surfactants and
the soaps (e.g. alkyl carboxyls). Secondary soap surfactants (e.g. alkyl carboxyl
surfactants) useful in the present compositions include those which contain a carboxyl
unit connected to a secondary carbon. The secondary carbon can be in a ring structure,
e.g. as in p-octyl benzoic acid, or as in alkyl-substituted cyclohexyl carboxylates.
The secondary soap surfactants typically contain no ether linkages, no ester linkages
and no hydroxyl groups. Further, they typically lack nitrogen atoms in the head-group
(amphiphilic portion). Suitable secondary soap surfactants typically contain 11-13
total carbon atoms, although more carbons atoms (e.g., up to 16) can be present.
[0083] Other anionic surfactants suitable for use in the present compositions include olefin
sulfonates, such as long chain alkene sulfonates, long chain hydroxyalkane sulfonates
or mixtures of alkenesulfonates and hydroxyalkane-sulfonates. Also included are the
alkyl sulfates, alkyl poly(ethyleneoxy)ether sulfates and aromatic poly(ethyleneoxy)sulfates
such as the sulfates or condensation products of ethylene oxide and nonyl phenol (usually
having 1 to 6 oxyethylene groups per molecule). Resin acids and hydrogenated resin
acids are also suitable, such as rosin, hydrogenated rosin, and resin acids and hydrogenated
resin acids present in or derived from tallow oil.
[0084] The particular salts will be suitably selected depending upon the particular formulation
and the needs therein.
Zwitterionic Surfactants
[0086] Zwitterionic surfactants can be thought of as a subset of the amphoteric surfactants.
Zwitterionic surfactants can be broadly described as derivatives of secondary and
tertiary amines, derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, or derivatives
of quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium or tertiary sulfonium compounds. Typically,
a zwitterionic surfactant includes a positive charged quaternary ammonium or, in some
cases, a sulfonium or phosphonium ion, a negative charged carboxyl group, and an alkyl
group. Zwitterionics generally contain cationic and anionic groups which ionize to
a nearly equal degree in the isoelectric region of the molecule and which can develop
strong "inner-salt" attraction between positive-negative charge centers. Examples
of such zwitterionic synthetic surfactants include derivatives of aliphatic quaternary
ammonium, phosphonium, and sulfonium compounds, in which the aliphatic radicals can
be straight chain or branched, and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains
from 8 to 18 carbon atoms and one contains an anionic water solubilizing group, e.g.,
carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate. Betaine and sultaine surfactants
are exemplary zwitterionic surfactants for use herein.
[0087] A general formula for these compounds is:

wherein R1 contains an alkyl, alkenyl, or hydroxyalkyl radical of from 8 to 18 carbon
atoms having from 0 to 10 ethylene oxide moieties and from 0 to 1 glyceryl moiety;
Y is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur atoms;
R
2 is an alkyl or monohydroxy alkyl group containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms; x is 1 when
Y is a sulfur atom and 2 when Y is a nitrogen or phosphorus atom, R
3 is an alkylene or hydroxy alkylene or hydroxy alkylene of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms
and Z is a radical selected from the group consisting of carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate,
phosphonate, and phosphate groups.
[0088] Examples of zwitterionic surfactants having the structures listed above include:
4-[N,N-di(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-octadecylammonio]-butane-1-car- boxylate; 5-[S-3-hydroxypropyl-S-hexadecylsulfonio]-3-hydroxypentane-1-sul-
fate; 3-[P,P-diethyl-P-3,6,9-trioxatetracosanephosphonio]-2-hydroxypropane- -1-phosphate;
3-[N,N-dipropyl-N-3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyl-ammonio]-propan-e-1-phosphonate; 3-(N,N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonio)-propane-1-sulfonate;
3-(N,N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonio)-2-hydroxy-propane-1-sulfonate; 4-[N,N-di(2(2-hydroxyethyl)-N(2-hydroxydodecyl)ammonio]-butane-1-carboxyl-
ate; 3-[S-ethylS-(3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyl)sulfonio]-propane-1-phosphat- e; 3-[P,P-dimethyl-P-dodecylphosphonio]-propane-1-phosphonate;
and S [N,N-di(3-hydroxypropyl)-N-hexadecylammonio]-2-hydroxy-pentane-1-sulfate. The
alkyl groups contained in said detergent surfactants can be straight or branched and
saturated or unsaturated.
[0089] The zwitterionic surfactant suitable for use in the present compositions includes
a betaine of the general structure:

[0090] These surfactant betaines typically do not exhibit strong cationic or anionic characters
at pH extremes nor do they show reduced water solubility in their isoelectric range.
Unlike "external" quaternary ammonium salts, betaines are compatible with anionics.
Examples of suitable betaines include coconut acylamidopropyldimethyl betaine; hexadecyl
dimethyl betaine; C
12-14 acylamidopropylbetaine; C
8-14 acylamidohexyldiethyl betaine; 4-C
14-16 acylmethylamidodiethylammonio-1-carboxybutane; C
16-18 acylamidodimethylbetaine; C
12-16 acylamidopentanediethylbetaine; and C
12-16 acylmethylamidodimethylbetaine.
[0091] Sultaines useful in the present invention include those compounds having the formula
(R(R1)
2N.sup.+R
2SO
3-, in which R is a C
6-C
18 hydrocarbyl group, each R
1 is typically independently C
1-C
3 alkyl, e.g. methyl, and R
2 is a C
1-C
6 hydrocarbyl group, e.g. a C
1-C
3 alkylene or hydroxyalkylene group.
[0093] Betaines and sultaines and other such zwitterionic surfactants are present in an
amount of from Anionic surfactants are present in the composition in any detersive
amount which can range typically from 0.01 wt. % to 75 wt. % of the rinse aid composition.
In a preferred embodiment, 10 wt. % to 30 wt. % and more preferably from 15 wt. %
to 25 wt. %.
Semi-Polar Nonionic Surfactants
[0094] The semi-polar type of nonionic surface active agents is another class of nonionic
surfactant useful in compositions of the present invention. Generally, semi-polar
nonionics are high foamers and foam stabilizers, which can limit their application
in CIP systems. However, within compositional embodiments of this invention designed
for high foam cleaning methodology, semi-polar nonionics would have immediate utility.
The semi-polar nonionic surfactants include the amine oxides, phosphine oxides, sulfoxides
and their alkoxylated derivatives.
[0095] Amine oxides are tertiary amine oxides corresponding to the general formula:

wherein the arrow is a conventional representation of a semi-polar bond; and R
1, R
2, and R
3 may be aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic, alicyclic, or combinations thereof. Generally,
for amine oxides of detergent interest, R
1 is an alkyl radical of from 8 to 24 carbon atoms; R
2 and R
3 are alkyl or hydroxyalkyl of 1-3 carbon atoms or a mixture thereof; R
2 and R
3 can be attached to each other, e.g. through an oxygen or nitrogen atom, to form a
ring structure; R
4 is an alkaline or a hydroxyalkylene group containing 2 to 3 carbon atoms; and n ranges
from 0 to 20.
[0096] Useful water soluble amine oxide surfactants are selected from the coconut or tallow
alkyl di-(lower alkyl) amine oxides, specific examples of which are dodecyldimethylamine
oxide, tridecyldimethylamine oxide, tetradecyldimethylamine oxide, pentadecyldimethylamine
oxide, hexadecyldimethylamine oxide, heptadecyldimethylamine oxide, octadecyldimethylamine
oxide, dodecyldipropylamine oxide, tetradecyldipropylamine oxide, hexadecyldipropylamine
oxide, tetradecyldibutylamine oxide, octadecyldibutylamine oxide, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dodecylamine
oxide, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-dodecoxy-1-hydroxypropylamine oxide, dimethyl-(2-hydroxydodecyl)amine
oxide, 3,6,9-trioctadecyldimethylamine oxide and 3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyldi-(2-
- hydroxyethyl)amine oxide.
[0097] Useful semi-polar nonionic surfactants also include the water soluble phosphine oxides
having the following structure:

wherein the arrow is a conventional representation of a semi-polar bond; and R
1 is an alkyl, alkenyl or hydroxyalkyl moiety ranging from 10 to 24 carbon atoms in
chain length; and R
2 and R
3 are each alkyl moieties separately selected from alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups containing
1 to 3 carbon atoms.
[0098] Examples of useful phosphine oxides include dimethyldecylphosphine oxide, dimethyltetradecylphosphine
oxide, methylethyltetradecylphosphine oxide, dimethylhexadecylphosphine oxide, diethyl-2-hydroxyoctyldecylphosp-
hine oxide, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dodecylphosphine oxide, and bis(hydroxymethyl)tetradecylphosphine
oxide.
[0099] Semi-polar nonionic surfactants useful herein also include the water soluble sulfoxide
compounds which have the structure:

wherein the arrow is a conventional representation of a semi-polar bond; and, R
1 is an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl moiety of 8 to 28 carbon atoms, from 0 to 5 ether linkages
and from 0 to 2 hydroxyl substituents; and R
2 is an alkyl moiety consisting of alkyl and hydroxyalkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon
atoms.
[0100] Useful examples of these sulfoxides include dodecyl methyl sulfoxide; 3-hydroxy tridecyl
methyl sulfoxide; 3-methoxy tridecyl methyl sulfoxide; and 3-hydroxy-4-dodecoxybutyl
methyl sulfoxide.
Cationic Surfactants
[0102] Surface active substances are classified as cationic if the charge on the hydrotrope
portion of the molecule is positive. Surfactants in which the hydrotrope carries no
charge unless the pH is lowered close to neutrality or lower, but which are then cationic
(e.g. alkyl amines), are also included in this group. In theory, cationic surfactants
may be synthesized from any combination of elements containing an "onium" structure
RnX+Y-- and could include compounds other than nitrogen (ammonium) such as phosphorus
(phosphonium) and sulfur (sulfonium). In practice, the cationic surfactant field is
dominated by nitrogen containing compounds, probably because synthetic routes to nitrogenous
cationics are simple and straightforward and give high yields of product, which can
make them less expensive.
[0103] Cationic surfactants preferably include, more preferably refer to, compounds containing
at least one long carbon chain hydrophobic group and at least one positively charged
nitrogen. The long carbon chain group may be attached directly to the nitrogen atom
by simple substitution; or more preferably indirectly by a bridging functional group
or groups in so-called interrupted alkylamines and amido amines. Such functional groups
can make the molecule more hydrophilic and/or more water dispersible, more easily
water solubilized by co-surfactant mixtures, and/or water soluble. For increased water
solubility, additional primary, secondary or tertiary amino groups can be introduced
or the amino nitrogen can be quaternized with low molecular weight alkyl groups. Further,
the nitrogen can be a part of branched or straight chain moiety of varying degrees
of unsaturation or of a saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring. In addition, cationic
surfactants may contain complex linkages having more than one cationic nitrogen atom.
[0104] The surfactant compounds classified as amine oxides, amphoterics and zwitterions
are themselves typically cationic in near neutral to acidic pH solutions and can overlap
surfactant classifications. Polyoxyethylated cationic surfactants generally behave
like nonionic surfactants in alkaline solution and like cationic surfactants in acidic
solution.
[0105] The simplest cationic amines, amine salts and quaternary ammonium compounds can be
schematically drawn thus:

in which, R represents a long alkyl chain, R', R", and R'" may be either long alkyl
chains or smaller alkyl or aryl groups or hydrogen and X represents an anion. The
amine salts and quaternary ammonium compounds are preferred for practical use in this
invention due to their high degree of water solubility.
[0106] The majority of large volume commercial cationic surfactants can be subdivided into
four major classes and additional sub-groups known to those of skill in the art and
described in "
Surfactant Encyclopedia," Cosmetics & Toiletries, Vol. 104 (2) 86-96 (1989). The first class includes alkylamines and their salts. The second class includes
alkyl imidazolines. The third class includes ethoxylated amines. The fourth class
includes quaternaries, such as alkylbenzyldimethylammonium salts, alkyl benzene salts,
heterocyclic ammonium salts, tetra alkylammonium salts, and the like. Cationic surfactants
are known to have a variety of properties that can be beneficial in the present compositions.
These desirable properties can include detergency in compositions of or below neutral
pH, antimicrobial efficacy, thickening or gelling in cooperation with other agents,
and the like.
[0107] Cationic surfactants useful in the compositions of the present invention include
those having the formula R
1mR
2xYLZ wherein each R
1 is an organic group containing a straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl group optionally
substituted with up to three phenyl or hydroxy groups and optionally interrupted by
up to four of the following structures:

or an isomer or mixture of these structures, and which contains from 8 to 22 carbon
atoms. The R
1 groups can additionally contain up to 12 ethoxy groups. m is a number from 1 to 3.
Preferably, no more than one R
1 group in a molecule has 16 or more carbon atoms when m is 2, or more than 12 carbon
atoms when m is 3. Each R
2 is an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a benzyl
group with no more than one R
2 in a molecule being benzyl, and x is a number from 0 to 11, preferably from 0 to
6. The remainder of any carbon atom positions on the Y group is filled by hydrogens.
[0108] Y can be a group including, but not limited to:

or a mixture thereof.
[0109] Preferably, L is 1 or 2, with the Y groups being separated by a moiety selected from
R
1 and R
2 analogs (preferably alkylene or alkenylene) having from 1 to 22 carbon atoms and
two free carbon single bonds when L is 2. Z is a water soluble anion, such as sulfate,
methylsulfate, hydroxide, or nitrate anion, particularly preferred being sulfate or
methyl sulfate anions, in a number to give electrical neutrality of the cationic component.
Amphoteric Surfactants
[0110] Amphoteric, or ampholytic, surfactants contain both a basic and an acidic hydrophilic
group and an organic hydrophobic group. These ionic entities may be any of the anionic
or cationic groups described herein for other types of surfactants. A basic nitrogen
and an acidic carboxylate group are the typical functional groups employed as the
basic and acidic hydrophilic groups. In a few surfactants, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphonate
or phosphate provide the negative charge.
[0111] Amphoteric surfactants can be broadly described as derivatives of aliphatic secondary
and tertiary amines, in which the aliphatic radical may be straight chain or branched
and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains from 8 to 18 carbon atoms and
one contains an anionic water solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, sulfo, sulfato, phosphato,
or phosphono. Amphoteric surfactants are subdivided into two major classes known to
those of skill in the art and described in "
Surfactant Encyclopedia," Cosmetics & Toiletries, Vol. 104 (2) 69-71 (1989). The first class includes acyl/dialkyl ethylenediamine derivatives (e.g. 2-alkyl
hydroxyethyl imidazoline derivatives) and their salts. The second class includes N-alkylamino
acids and their salts. Some amphoteric surfactants can be envisioned as fitting into
both classes.
[0112] Amphoteric surfactants can be synthesized by methods known to those of skill in the
art. For example, 2-alkyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline is synthesized by condensation
and ring closure of a long chain carboxylic acid (or a derivative) with dialkyl ethylenediamine.
Commercial amphoteric surfactants are derivatized by subsequent hydrolysis and ring-opening
of the imidazoline ring by alkylation--for example with ethyl acetate. During alkylation,
one or two carboxy-alkyl groups react to form a tertiary amine and an ether linkage
with differing alkylating agents yielding different tertiary amines.
[0113] Long chain imidazole derivatives having application in the present invention generally
have the general formula:

wherein R is an acyclic hydrophobic group containing from 8 to 18 carbon atoms and
M is a cation to neutralize the charge of the anion, generally sodium. Commercially
prominent imidazoline-derived amphoterics that can be employed in the present compositions
include for example: Cocoamphopropionate, Cocoamphocarboxy-propionate, Cocoamphoglycinate,
Cocoamphocarboxyglycinate, Cocoamphopropyl-sulfonate, and Cocoamphocarboxy-propionic
acid. Preferred amphocarboxylic acids are produced from fatty imidazolines in which
the dicarboxylic acid functionality of the amphodicarboxylic acid is diacetic acid
and/or dipropionic acid.
[0114] The carboxymethylated compounds (glycinates) described herein above frequently are
called betaines. Betaines are a special class of amphoteric discussed herein below
in the section entitled, Zwitterion Surfactants.
[0115] Long chain N-alkylamino acids are readily prepared by reacting RNH2, in which R.dbd.C
8-C
18 straight or branched chain alkyl, fatty amines with halogenated carboxylic acids.
Alkylation of the primary amino groups of an amino acid leads to secondary and tertiary
amines. Alkyl substituents may have additional amino groups that provide more than
one reactive nitrogen center. Most commercial N-alkylamine acids are alkyl derivatives
of beta-alanine or beta-N(2-carboxyethyl) alanine. Examples of commercial N-alkylamino
acid ampholytes having application in this invention include alkyl beta-amino dipropionates,
RN(C
2H
4COOM)
2 and RNHC
2H
4COOM. In these, R is preferably an acyclic hydrophobic group containing from 8 to
18 carbon atoms, and M is a cation to neutralize the charge of the anion.
[0116] Preferred amphoteric surfactants include those derived from coconut products such
as coconut oil or coconut fatty acid. The more preferred of these coconut derived
surfactants include as part of their structure an ethylenediamine moiety, an alkanolamide
moiety, an amino acid moiety, preferably glycine, or a combination thereof; and an
aliphatic substituent of from 8 to 18 (preferably 12) carbon atoms. Such a surfactant
can also be considered an alkyl amphodicarboxylic acid. Disodium cocoampho dipropionate
is one most preferred amphoteric surfactant and is commercially available under the
tradename Miranol™ FBS from Rhodia Inc., Cranbury, N.J. Another most preferred coconut
derived amphoteric surfactant with the chemical name disodium cocoampho diacetate
is sold under the tradename Miranol C2M-SF Conc., also from Rhodia Inc., Cranbury,
N.J.
[0118] Additional surfactant may be present in the compositions in any detersive amount
so long as they do not interfere with the electrostatic, ionic interactions that provide
for foam stabilization.
Bleaching Agents
[0119] The rinse aid can optionally include bleaching agent. Bleaching agent can be used
for lightening or whitening a substrate, and can include bleaching compounds capable
of liberating an active halogen species, such as Cl
2, Br
2, -OCl
- and/or -OBr
-, or the like, under conditions typically encountered during the cleansing process.
Suitable bleaching agents for use can include, for example, chlorine-containing compounds
such as a chlorine, a hypochlorite, chloramines, of the like. Some examples of halogen-releasing
compounds include the alkali metal dichloroisocyanurates, chlorinated trisodium phosphate,
the alkali metal hypochlorites, monochloramine and dichloroamine, and the like. Encapsulated
chlorine sources may also be used to enhance the stability of the chlorine source
in the composition (see, for example,
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,618,914 and
4,830,773). A bleaching agent may also include an agent containing or acting as a source of
active oxygen. The active oxygen compound acts to provide a source of active oxygen,
for example, may release active oxygen in aqueous solutions. An active oxygen compound
can be inorganic or organic, or can be a mixture thereof. Some examples of active
oxygen compound include peroxygen compounds, or peroxygen compound adducts. Some examples
of active oxygen compounds or sources include hydrogen peroxide, perborates, sodium
carbonate peroxyhydrate, phosphate peroxyhydrates, potassium permonosulfate, and sodium
perborate mono and tetrahydrate, with and without activators such as tetraacetylethylene
diamine, and the like. A rinse aid composition may include a minor but effective amount
of a bleaching agent, for example, in some embodiments, in the range of up to 10 wt.
%, and in some embodiments, in the range of 0.1 to 6 wt. %.
Activators
[0120] In some embodiments, the antimicrobial activity or bleaching activity of the rinse
aid can be enhanced by the addition of a material which, when the composition is placed
in use, reacts with the active oxygen to form an activated component. For example,
in some embodiments, a peracid or a peracid salt is formed. For example, in some embodiments,
tetraacetylethylene diamine can be included within the composition to react with the
active oxygen and form a peracid or a peracid salt that acts as an antimicrobial agent.
Other examples of active oxygen activators include transition metals and their compounds,
compounds that contain a carboxylic, nitrile, or ester moiety, or other such compounds
known in the art. In an embodiment, the activator includes tetraacetylethylene diamine;
transition metal; compound that includes carboxylic, nitrile, amine, or ester moiety;
or mixtures thereof.
[0121] In some embodiments, an activator component can include in the range of up to 75
% by wt. of the composition, in some embodiments, in the range of 0.01 to 20% by wt,
or in some embodiments, in the range of 0.05 to 10% by weight of the composition.
In some embodiments, an activator for an active oxygen compound combines with the
active oxygen to form an antimicrobial agent.
[0122] In some embodiments, the rinse aid composition includes a solid, such as a solid
flake, pellet, or block, and an activator material for the active oxygen is coupled
to the solid. The activator can be coupled to the solid by any of a variety of methods
for coupling one solid composition to another. For example, the activator can be in
the form of a solid that is bound, affixed, glued or otherwise adhered to the solid
of the rinse aid composition. Alternatively, the solid activator can be formed around
and encasing the solid rinse aid composition. By way of further example, the solid
activator can be coupled to the solid rinse aid composition by the container or package
for the composition, such as by a plastic or shrink wrap or film.
Fillers
[0123] The rinse aid can optionally include a minor but effective amount of one or more
of a filler which does not necessarily perform as a rinse and/or cleaning agent per
se, but may cooperate with a rinse agent to enhance the overall capacity of the composition.
Some examples of suitable fillers may include sodium chloride, starch, sugars, C
1-C
10 alkylene glycols such as propylene glycol, and the like. In some embodiments, a filler
can be included in an amount in the range of up to 20 wt. %, and in some embodiments,
in the range of 1-15 wt. %. Sodium sulfate is conventionally used as inert filler.
Anti-Redeposition Agents
[0124] The rinse aid composition can optionally include an anti-redeposition agent capable
of facilitating sustained suspension of soils in a rinse solution and preventing removed
soils from being redeposited onto the substrate being rinsed. Some examples of suitable
anti-redeposition agents can include fatty acid amides, fluorocarbon surfactants,
complex phosphate esters, styrene maleic anhydride copolymers, and cellulosic derivatives
such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and the like. A rinse aid
composition may include up to 10 wt. %, and in some embodiments, in the range of 1
to 5 wt. %, of an anti-redeposition agent.
Dyes/Odorants
[0125] Various dyes, odorants including perfumes, and other aesthetic enhancing agents may
also be included in the rinse aid. Dyes may be included to alter the appearance of
the composition, as for example, FD&C Blue 1 (Sigma Chemical), FD&C Yellow 5 (Sigma
Chemical), Direct Blue 86 (Miles), Fastusol Blue (Mobay Chemical Corp.), Acid Orange
7 (American Cyanamid), Basic Violet 10 (Sandoz), Acid Yellow 23 (GAF), Acid Yellow
17 (Sigma Chemical), Sap Green (Keyston Analine and Chemical), Metanil Yellow (Keystone
Analine and Chemical), Acid Blue 9 (Hilton Davis), Sandolan Blue/Acid Blue 182 (Sandoz),
Hisol Fast Red (Capitol Color and Chemical), Fluorescein (Capitol Color and Chemical),
Acid Green 25 (Ciba-Geigy), and the like.
[0126] Fragrances or perfumes that may be included in the compositions include, for example,
terpenoids such as citronellol, aldehydes such as amyl cinnamaldehyde, a jasmine such
as CIS-jasmine or jasmal, vanillin, and the like.
Functional Polydimethylsiloxones
[0127] The composition can also optionally include one or more functional polydimethylsiloxones.
For example, in some embodiments, a polyalkylene oxide-modified polydimethylsiloxane,
nonionic surfactant or a polybetaine-modified polysiloxane amphoteric surfactant can
be employed as an additive. Both, in some embodiments, are linear polysiloxane copolymers
to which polyethers or polybetaines have been grafted through a hydrosilation reaction.
Some examples of specific siloxane surfactants are known as SILWET® surfactants available
from Union Carbide or ABIL® polyether or polybetaine polysiloxane copolymers available
from Goldschmidt Chemical Corp., and described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,161. In some embodiments, the particular siloxanes used can be described as having, e.g.,
low surface tension, high wetting ability and excellent lubricity. For example, these
surfactants are said to be among the few capable of wetting polytetrafluoroethylene
surfaces. The siloxane surfactant employed as an additive can be used alone or in
combination with a fluorochemical surfactant. In some embodiments, the fluorochemical
surfactant employed as an additive optionally in combination with a silane, can be,
for example, a nonionic fluorohydrocarbon, for example, fluorinated alkyl polyoxyethylene
ethanols, fluorinated alkyl alkoxylate and fluorinated alkyl esters.
[0128] Further description of such functional polydimethylsiloxones and/or fluorochemical
surfactants are described in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,880,088;
5,880,089; and
5,603,776. We have found, for example, that the use of certain polysiloxane copolymers in a
mixture with hydrocarbon surfactants provide excellent rinse aids on plasticware.
We have also found that the combination of certain silicone polysiloxane copolymers
and fluorocarbon surfactants with conventional hydrocarbon surfactants also provide
excellent rinse aids on plasticware. This combination has been found to be better
than the individual components except with certain polyalkylene oxide-modified polydimethylsiloxanes
and polybetaine polysiloxane copolymers, where the effectiveness is about equivalent.
Therefore, some embodiments encompass the polysiloxane copolymers alone and the combination
with the fluorocarbon surfactant can involve polyether polysiloxanes, the nonionic
siloxane surfactants. The amphoteric siloxane surfactants, the polybetaine polysiloxane
copolymers may be employed alone as the additive in the rinse aids to provide the
same results.
[0129] In some embodiments, the composition may include functional polydimethylsiloxones
in an amount in the range of up to 10 wt-%. For example, some embodiments may include
in the range of 0.1 to 10 wt-% of a polyalkylene oxide-modified polydimethylsiloxane
or a polybetaine-modified polysiloxane, optionally in combination with 0.1 to 10 wt-%
of a fluorinated hydrocarbon nonionic surfactant.
Humectant
[0130] The composition can also optionally include one or more humectants. A humectant is
a substance having an affinity for water. The humectant can be provided in an amount
sufficient to aid in reducing the visibility of a film on the substrate surface. The
visibility of a film on substrate surface is a particular concern when the rinse water
contains in excess of 200 ppm total dissolved solids. Accordingly, in some embodiments,
the humectant is provided in an amount sufficient to reduce the visibility of a film
on a substrate surface when the rinse water contains in excess of 200 ppm total dissolved
solids compared to a rinse agent composition not containing the humectant. The terms
"water solids filming" or "filming" refer to the presence of a visible, continuous
layer of matter on a substrate surface that gives the appearance that the substrate
surface is not clean.
[0131] Some example humectants that can be used include those materials that contain greater
than 5 wt. % water (based on dry humectant) equilibrated at 50% relative humidity
and room temperature. Exemplary humectants that can be used include glycerin, propylene
glycol, sorbitol, alkyl polyglycosides, polybetaine polysiloxanes, and mixtures thereof.
In some embodiments, the rinse agent composition can include humectant in an amount
in the range of up to 75% based on the total composition, and in some embodiments,
in the range of 5 wt. % to 75 wt. % based on the weight of the composition.
Other Ingredients
[0132] A wide variety of other ingredients useful in providing the particular composition
being formulated to include desired properties or functionality may also be included.
For example, the rinse aid may include other active ingredients, such as pH modifiers,
buffering agents, cleaning enzyme, carriers, processing aids, or others, and the like.
[0133] Additionally, the rinse aid can be formulated such that during use in aqueous operations,
for example in aqueous cleaning operations, the rinse water will have a desired pH.
For example, compositions designed for use in rinsing may be formulated such that
during use in aqueous rinsing operation the rinse water will have a pH in the range
of 3 to 5, or in the range of 5 to 9. Liquid product formulations in some embodiments
have a (10% dilution) pH in the range of 2 to 4. Techniques for controlling pH at
recommended usage levels include the use of buffers, alkali, acids, etc., and are
well known to those skilled in the art.
Processing and/or Manufacturing of the Composition
[0134] The present solid composition can be made by an advantageous method of pressing the
solid composition. Specifically, in a forming process, the liquid and solid components
are introduced into the final mixing system and are continuously mixed until the components
form a substantially homogeneous semi-solid mixture in which the components are distributed
throughout its mass. In an exemplary embodiment, the components are mixed in the mixing
system for at least approximately 5 seconds. The mixture is then discharged from the
mixing system into, or through, a die, press or other shaping means. The product is
then packaged. In an exemplary embodiment, the solid formed composition begins to
harden between approximately 1 minute and approximately 3 hours. Particularly, the
formed composition begins to harden in between approximately 1 minute and approximately
2 hours. More particularly, the formed composition begins to harden in between approximately
1 minute and approximately 20 minutes. According to the invention, a method of making
a solid rinse aid composition comprises admixing a solid acid, nonionic surfactant
and short chain alkyl benzene and/or alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, allowing said mixture
to set thereafter, mixing in any liquid components of said rinse aid, such as preservative,
additional surfactant, water, dyes and the like, and forming a solid with the rinse
aid mixture by pressing or extrusion.
[0135] The method of the present invention can produce a stable solid without employing
a melt and solidification of the melt as in conventional casting. Forming a melt requires
heating a composition to melt it. The heat can be applied externally or can be produced
by a chemical exotherm (e.g., from mixing caustic (sodium hydroxide) and water). Heating
a composition consumes energy. Handling a hot melt requires safety precautions and
equipment. Further, solidification of a melt requires cooling the melt in a container
to solidify the melt and form the cast solid. Cooling requires time and/or energy.
In contrast, the present method can employ ambient temperature and humidity during
solidification or curing of the present compositions. The solids of the present invention
are held together not by solidification from a melt but by a binding agent produced
in the admixed particles and that is effective for producing a stable solid.
[0136] The invention is formed to solid by pressing or extrusion.
[0137] In an exemplary embodiment, a single- or twin-screw extruder may be used to combine
and mix one or more components agents at high shear to form a homogeneous mixture.
In some embodiments, the processing temperature is at or below the melting temperature
of the components. The processed mixture may be dispensed from the mixer by pressing,
forming, extruding or other suitable means, whereupon the composition hardens to a
solid form. The structure of the matrix may be characterized according to its hardness,
melting point, material distribution, crystal structure, and other like properties
according to known methods in the art. Generally, a solid composition processed according
to the method of the invention is substantially homogeneous with regard to the distribution
of ingredients throughout its mass and is dimensionally stable.
[0138] The resulting solid composition may take forms including, but not limited to: an
extruded, molded or formed solid pellet, block, tablet, powder, granule, flake; or
the formed solid can thereafter be ground or formed into a powder, granule, or flake.
In an exemplary embodiment, extruded pellet materials formed have a weight of between
approximately 50 grams and approximately 250 grams, extruded solids have a weight
of approximately 100 grams or greater, and solid blocks formed have a mass of between
approximately 1 and approximately 10 kilograms. The solid compositions provide for
a stabilized source of functional materials. In a preferred embodiment, the solid
composition may be dissolved, for example, in an aqueous or other medium, to create
a concentrated and/or use solution. The solution may be directed to a storage reservoir
for later use and/or dilution, or may be applied directly to a point of use.
[0139] In certain embodiments, the solid rinse aid composition is provided in the form of
a unit dose. A unit dose refers to a solid rinse aid composition unit sized so that
the entire unit is used during a single washing cycle. When the solid cleaning composition
is provided as a unit dose, it can have a mass of 1 g to 50 g. In other embodiments,
the composition can be a solid, a pellet, or a tablet having a size of 50 g to 250
g, of 100 g or greater, or 40 g to 11,000 g.
[0140] In other embodiments, the solid rinse aid composition is provided in the form of
a multiple-use solid, such as, a block or a plurality of pellets, and can be repeatedly
used to generate aqueous rinse compositions for multiple washing cycles. In certain
embodiments, the solid rinse aid composition is provided as a solid having a mass
of 5 g to 10 kg. In certain embodiments, a multiple-use form of the solid rinse aid
composition has a mass of 1 to 10 kg. In further embodiments, a multiple-use form
of the solid rinse aid composition has a mass of 5 kg to 8 kg. In other embodiments,
a multiple-use form of the solid rinse aid composition has a mass of 5 g to 1 kg,
or 5 g and to 500 g.
Packaging System
[0141] The solid rinse aid composition can be, but is not necessarily, incorporated into
a packaging system or receptacle. The packaging receptacle or container may be rigid
or flexible, and include any material suitable for containing the compositions produced,
as for example glass, metal, plastic film or sheet, cardboard, cardboard composites,
paper, or the like. Rinse aid compositions may be allowed to solidify in the packaging
or may be packaged after formation of the solids in commonly available packaging and
sent to distribution center before shipment to the consumer.
[0142] For solids, advantageously, in at least some embodiments, since the rinse is processed
at or near ambient temperatures, the temperature of the processed mixture is low enough
so that the mixture may be cast or extruded directly into the container or other packaging
system without structurally damaging the material. As a result, a wider variety of
materials may be used to manufacture the container than those used for compositions
that processed and dispensed under molten conditions. In some embodiments, the packaging
used to contain the rinse aid is manufactured from a flexible, easy opening film material.
Dispensing/Use of the Rinse Aid
[0143] The rinse aid can be dispensed as a concentrate or as a use solution. In addition,
the rinse aid concentrate can be provided in a solid form or in a liquid form. In
general, it is expected that the concentrate will be diluted with water to provide
the use solution that is then supplied to the surface of a substrate. In some embodiments,
the aqueous use solution may contain about 2,000 parts per million (ppm) or less active
materials, or about 1,000 ppm or less active material, or in the range of about 10
ppm to about 500 ppm of active materials, or in the range of about 10 to about 300
ppm, or in the range of about 10 to 200 ppm.
[0144] The use solution can be applied to the substrate during a rinse application, for
example, during a rinse cycle, for example, in a warewashing machine, a car wash application,
institutional healthcare surface cleaning or the like. In some embodiments, formation
of a use solution can occur from a rinse agent installed in a cleaning machine, for
example onto a dish rack. The rinse agent can be diluted and dispensed from a dispenser
mounted on or in the machine or from a separate dispenser that is mounted separately
but cooperatively with the dish machine.
[0145] For example, in some embodiments, liquid rinse agents can be dispensed by incorporating
compatible packaging containing the liquid material into a dispenser adapted to diluting
the liquid with water to a final use concentration. Some examples of dispensers for
the liquid rinse agent of the invention are DRYMASTER-P sold by Ecolab Inc., St. Paul,
Minn.
[0146] In other example embodiments, solid products may be conveniently dispensed by inserting
a solid material in a container or with no enclosure into a spray-type dispenser such
as the volume SOL-ET controlled ECOTEMP Rinse Injection Cylinder system manufactured
by Ecolab Inc., St. Paul, Minn. Such a dispenser cooperates with a washing machine
in the rinse cycle. When demanded by the machine, the dispenser directs water onto
the solid block of rinse agent which effectively dissolves a portion of the block
creating a concentrated aqueous rinse solution which is then fed directly into the
rinse water forming the aqueous rinse. The aqueous rinse is then contacted with the
surfaces to affect a complete rinse. This dispenser and other similar dispensers are
capable of controlling the effective concentration of the active portion in the aqueous
rinse by measuring the volume of material dispensed, the actual concentration of the
material in the rinse water (an electrolyte measured with an electrode) or by measuring
the time of the spray on the cast block. In general, the concentration of active portion
in the aqueous rinse is preferably the same as identified above for liquid rinse agents.
Some other embodiments of spray-type dispenser are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,826,661,
4,690,305,
4,687,121,
4,426,362 and in
U.S. Pat. Nos. Re 32,763 and
32,818. An example of a particular product shape is shown in FIG. 9 of
U.S. Patent Application No. 6,258,765.
[0147] The composition of the invention is particularly beneficial for use with hard water.
The composition can provide good rinsing and levels up to 342.75 ppm (20gpg) water
hardness.
[0148] In some embodiments, it is believed that the rinse aid composition of the invention
can be used in a high solids containing water environment in order to reduce the appearance
of a visible film caused by the level of dissolved solids provided in the water. In
general, high solids containing water is considered to be water having a total dissolved
solids (TDS) content in excess of 200 ppm. In certain localities, the service water
contains total dissolved solids content in excess of 400 ppm, and even in excess of
800 ppm. The applications where the presence of a visible film after washing a substrate
is a particular problem includes the restaurant or warewashing industry, the car wash
industry, the healthcare instrument reprocessing and cart washing sections, and the
general cleaning of hard surfaces.
[0149] When used in these automated washing applications such as ware washers and healthcare
instrument and cart washers, the rinse aid should provide effective sheeting action
and low foaming properties. It is believed that the rinse aid composition of this
invention is adventurously formulated to control the issues mentioned above
Methods and Compositions for Cleaning, Rinsing, and Antimicrobial Treatment of Medical
Carts, Cages, Instruments, or Devices
[0150] The present methods and solid rinse aid compositions may be used for cleaning a medical
cart, cage, instrument, or device in a medical or health care environment. Typically,
cleaning a medical cart, cage, instrument, or device includes contacting the medical
cart, cage, instrument, or device with an aqueous cleaning composition and then according
to the invention, rinsing or contacting the same with a rinse solution comprising
a dissolved rinse aid of the invention. The method can also involve antimicrobial
treatment of the medical cart, cage, instrument, or device by contacting with an aqueous
antimicrobial composition formed by dissolving or suspending a solid antimicrobial
composition, preferably a solid quaternary ammonium or solid halogen antimicrobial
composition.
[0151] Contacting with a cleaning composition can take place through manual application
in a wash area or bay or through application by cart, cage, instrument, or device
washing apparatus. In a manual method rinsing and/or antimicrobial treatment can also
take place in the wash area or bay, or in a separate area or bay. A typical cart,
cage, instrument, or device washing apparatus includes a wash station which applies
the cleaning composition. Typically such a washing apparatus also includes a rinse
station that can rinse the cart, cage, instrument, or device with water or another
suitable rinse composition, such as a solid neutral or neutralizing rinse composition.
Such a washing apparatus can also, optionally, include an antimicrobial treatment
station that can contact the cart, cage, instrument, or device with a dissolved solid
antimicrobial composition, such as a solid quaternary ammonium or solid halogen antimicrobial
composition. A washing apparatus can conduct one or more of washing, rinsing, and/or
antimicrobial treatment of steps at one, two, three, or more stations.
[0152] The present methods and compositions for rinsing a medical cart, cage, instrument,
or device can be employed for rinsing a medical cart, cage, instrument, or device
made of a variety of materials in a medical or health care environment. Typically,
rinsing a medical cart, cage, instrument, or device includes rinsing the medical cart,
cage, instrument, or device using an aqueous rinse composition formed by dissolving
or suspending the solid rinse composition of the invention.
[0153] Contacting with a rinsing composition can take place through manual application in
a rinse area or bay or through application by cart, cage, instrument, or device washing
and/or rinsing apparatus. In a manual method cleaning and/or antimicrobial treatment
can also take place in the rinse area or bay, or in a separate area or bay. A typical
cart, cage, instrument, or device washing apparatus includes a rinse station that
can rinse the cart, cage, instrument, or device with a liquid rinse composition formed
from a solid neutral or neutralizing rinse composition. Such a washing apparatus can
also, optionally, include a washing and/or antimicrobial treatment station.
[0154] The antimicrobial composition employed either for manual or machine medical cart,
cage, instrument, or device antimicrobial treatment can be a solid antimicrobial composition,
preferably a solid quaternary ammonium or solid halogen antimicrobial composition,
which is described in greater detail herein below.
Methods for Medical Cart Cleaning
[0155] Medical cart cleaning can be accomplished either manually or with a machine. Manual
medical cart cleaning can include preparing a use composition of a solid cleaning
composition and applying it to the medical cart. Applying typically includes wiping
or scrubbing the medical cart with a brush, a towel, or a sponge soaked with the cleaning
composition. Applying can also include spraying the cart with the use composition.
Manual medical cart cleaning can also include preparing a use composition of a rinse
composition, preferably a neutral rinse composition, and applying it to the medical
cart. Applying a rinse composition can include spraying, pouring, or wiping the use
composition onto the cart. Manual medical cart cleaning can also include preparing
a use composition of a solid antimicrobial composition, preferably a solid quaternary
ammonium or solid halogen antimicrobial composition, and applying it to the medical
cart. Applying an antimicrobial composition can include spraying, pouring, or wiping
the use composition onto the cart. Drying the medical cart, either manually or air
drying, typically follows rinsing.
[0156] Machine cleaning of a medical cart can employ any of a variety of configurations
of medical cart cleaning apparatus. Such apparatus can be adapted to dispense the
solid detergent, rinse aid composition of the invention and/or antimicrobial composition.
A medical cart cleaning apparatus typically includes at least one chamber that houses
the medical cart during washing, rinsing, and/or antimicrobial treatment.
[0157] Smaller medical cart cleaning apparatus typically include a single chamber sized
to house, for example, 1-3 medical carts. Medical carts can be introduced into the
smaller apparatus by an operator through a door or other coverable opening in the
chamber. The apparatus then subjects the carts in the chamber to one or more of washing,
rinsing, antimicrobial treatment, and/or drying cycles. Washing typically occurs by
spraying the medical cart with a use wash composition. Rinsing typically occurs by
spraying the medical cart with a use rinse composition. Optionally, antimicrobial
treatment can occur by spraying the medical cart with a use antimicrobial composition.
Drying can occur by blowing ambient or heated air, or by treating with steam. Medical
carts can be removed from the chamber by an operator through the same door or other
coverable opening or through an exit door or other coverable opening on an opposite
side of the apparatus.
[0158] Larger medical cart cleaning apparatus typically includes a transport apparatus that
transports one or several carts through one or more chambers including washing, rinsing,
optionally antimicrobial treatment, and/or drying stations. Such a medical cart cleaning
apparatus can resemble a touchless car wash sized and configured for cleaning medical
carts instead of cars. Typically the cart is transported through the washing, rinsing,
optional antimicrobial treatment, and/or drying stations by a track or rail apparatus
while tipped at an acute angle from the horizontal, with its doors (if any) open.
This tipping can keep the doors open and allow liquid to drain off any normally horizontal
surfaces of the medical cart. The entry to a larger medical cart cleaning apparatus
can be covered, for example, by a door or with hanging plastic strips that allow entry
of carts but that retain use compositions in the apparatus. The wash station typically
sprays the medical cart with use wash composition. A rinse station typically sprays
the medical cart with use rinse composition. An optional antimicrobial treatment station
typically sprays the medical cart with use antimicrobial composition. At the drying
station, blowers blow ambient or heated air on the cart, or the cart is steam treated.
Alternatively, the cart can be removed from the apparatus and towel dried. One or
more stations can be at different, overlapping, or the same locations. The exit from
the apparatus can be covered in the same manner as the entrance.
[0159] Mechanical cart washers can employ up to 113.56 (30) to 151.41 liter (40 gallons)
of use composition of cleaning composition per wash cycle, up to 113.56 (30) to 151.41
liter (40 gallons) of use composition rinse composition per rinse cycle, and, optionally,
up to 113.56 (30) to 151.41 liter (40 gallons) of use antimicrobial composition per
antimicrobial treatment cycle. The actual amount of cleaning, rinsing, or antimicrobial
composition used will be based on the judgment of the user, and will depend upon factors
such as the particular product formulation of the composition, the concentration of
the composition, the number of soiled carts to be cleaned and the degree of soiling
of the carts.
[0160] A machine that washes medical carts can also be employed to wash other wheeled medical
equipment or supplies such as wheel chairs, wheeled stands, such as those that hold
intravenous bags, tubes and pumps, wheeled (metro) shelves, and the like.
[0161] The above description provides a basis for understanding the broad meets and bounds
of the invention. The following examples and test data provide an understanding of
certain specific embodiments of the invention. Unless otherwise noted, all parts,
percentages, and ratios reported in the following examples are on a weight basis,
and all reagents used in the examples were obtained, or are available, from the chemical
suppliers described below, or may be synthesized by conventional techniques.
EXAMPLES
[0162] The following materials are used in the examples that follow:
Plurafac SLF-180: Fatty alcohol alkoxylate
Dehypon GRA: Fatty alcohol alkoxylate
Kathon -preservative available from Dow Chemical with active ingredient 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3
-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3 -one
Sodium Xylene Sulfonate
Citric acid
[0163] Control is Water (0 or 291.33 ppm (17gpg) depending on experimental purpose).
[0164] Commercial Rinse aid A is a commercially available rinse aid from Steris.
[0165] Commercial Rinse aid B is a commercially available rinse aid from Getinge that includes
phosphoric acid.
[0166] Commercial Rinse aid C is a commercially available liquid rinse aid from Ecolab.
[0167] Commercial rinse aid D is a commercially available solid rinse aid from Ecolab that
does not include any hardness or TDS components.
[0168] Compositions of the invention were formulated per below and tested.
|
|
Composition of the Invention A |
Composition of the Invention B |
|
Name |
Wt % |
Wt % |
|
Water Deionized |
0.5 |
0.5 |
|
dye |
0.15 |
0.15 |
|
Kathon GC-ICP Preservative |
1.4 |
1.4 |
|
Plurafac SLF-180 |
13.1 |
7.1 |
|
Sodium Xylene Sulfonate 96% |
69.85 |
69.85 |
|
Citric Acid, USP, Anhydrous Grade |
15 |
15 |
|
Dehypon GRA |
|
6 |
Example 1
[0169] A hardness test was performed with Commercially available rinse aids and compositions
of the invention per the methodology below.
Hardness Test (291.33 ppm (17 grain) Water) Stainless Steel 304 & Glass microscope slide
[0170]
1. Obtain 15 of each coupon: stainless steel 304 #4 finish and glass (microscope slides).
2. Wash each coupon thoroughly with a soft sponge and Pantastic®. Rinse with 85.68
ppm (5 grain) water and DI water. Lay flat and let dry over night.
3. Obtain 30 236.58 ml (8oz) glass French square vials.
4. Rinse each vial with 85.68 ppm (5 grain) water and DI water, lay flat and let dry
over night.
5. Prepare the following Chemistries:
Sample |
Description |
|
Water condition |
1 |
control |
|
291.33 ppm (17gpg) |
2 |
Commercial rinse aid A |
2000ppm |
291.33 ppm (17gpg) |
3 |
Commercial rinse aid B |
2000ppm |
291.33 ppm (17gpg) |
4 |
Commercial Rinse aid C |
500ppm |
291.33 ppm (17gpg) |
5 |
Commercial Rinse aid C |
1000ppm |
291.33 ppm (17gpg) |
6 |
Commercial Rinse aid C |
2000ppm |
291.33 ppm (17gpg) |
7 |
Commercial Rinse aid D |
50ppm |
291.33 ppm (17gpg) |
8 |
Commercial Rinse aid D |
125ppm |
291.33 ppm (17gpg) |
9 |
Commercial Rinse aid D |
200ppm |
291.33 ppm (17gpg) |
10 |
Composition of the Invention A |
50ppm |
291.33 ppm (17gpg) |
11 |
Composition of the Invention A |
125ppm |
291.33 ppm (17gpg) |
12 |
Composition of the Invention A |
200ppm |
291.33 ppm (17gpg) |
13 |
Composition of the Invention B |
50ppm |
291.33 ppm (17gpg) |
14 |
Composition of the Invention B |
125ppm |
291.33 ppm (17gpg) |
15 |
Composition of the Invention B |
200ppm |
291.33 ppm (17gpg) |
6. To 2 separate glass French square vials 200mL of control (291.33 ppm (17 grain)
water) was added along with surfaces; stainless steel 304 #4 finish and glass microscope
slide in each separate vial. The vials were labeled.
7. Step 6 was repeated for all chemistries with 291.33 ppm (17 grain) water.
8. All of the vials were put in a 70°C temperature controlled oven and allowed to
incubate for 8 hours.
[0171] Results are shown in Figure 1. As can be seen, From the Image analysis means, one
can see that the Compositions of the invention outperform the other rinse aid products.
Example 2
[0172] Next the performance of the different rinse aids was tested in different levels of
total dissolved solids per the methodology below.
Total Dissolve Solids (1000ppm NaCl in 0 ppm (grain) Water) Stainless Steel 304 #4 finish
[0173]
1. Before beginning the dip tester was pre-heated to 65.55° C (150°F).
2. Obtain 15 of each coupon: stainless steel 304 #4 finish (7.6x12.7 cm (3x5 in)).
3. Wash each coupon thoroughly with a soft sponge and Pantastic®. Rinse with 85.68
ppm (5 grain) water and DI water. Lay flat and let dry over night.
4. Prepare the following Chemistries in a 1L beaker:
Sample |
Description |
|
NaCl |
1 |
control |
|
1000ppm |
2 |
Commercial Rinse aid A |
2000ppm |
1000ppm |
3 |
Commercial Rinse aid B |
2000ppm |
1000ppm |
4 |
Commercial Rinse aid C |
500ppm |
1000ppm |
5 |
Commercial Rinse aid C |
1000ppm |
1000ppm |
6 |
Commercial Rinse aid C |
2000ppm |
1000ppm |
7 |
Commercial Rinse aid D |
50ppm |
1000ppm |
8 |
Commercial Rinse aid D |
125ppm |
1000ppm |
9 |
Commercial Rinse aid D |
200ppm |
1000ppm |
10 |
Composition of the Invention A |
50ppm |
1000ppm |
11 |
Composition of the Invention A |
125ppm |
1000ppm |
12 |
Composition of the Invention A |
200ppm |
1000ppm |
13 |
Composition of the Invention B |
50ppm |
1000ppm |
14 |
Composition of the Invention B |
125ppm |
1000ppm |
15 |
Composition of the Invention B |
200ppm |
1000ppm |
5. To the 1L beaker 1000mL of control (0 ppm (0 grain) water + 1000ppm NaCl) was added;
the beaker was placed in a microwave and heated to 65.55° C (150°F). The beaker was
then placed in a dip tester water bath (water temperature set at 65.55° C (150°F)).
6. Set the dip tester to have the coupon in solution for 1 minute static soak.
7. After one minute when the coupon comes out of solution and the plank has risen
all the way, the coupons are suspended in air for 2 minutes.
8. After 2 minutes, the coupon is removed from the dip tester and set on a rack in
the vertical position to cool down to room temperature.
9. Steps 4-7 were repeated for all chemistries with 0 ppm (grain) water.
[0174] The results are shown in Figure 2. One can see that the compositions of the invention
outperform all other rinse at with increased levels of total dissolved solids in the
rinse water.
Example 3
Material Corrosion/Compatibility Test (0 ppm (grain) Water)
[0175]
1. Obtain coupons of desired substrate material (Aluminum).
2. Wash each coupon thoroughly with a soft sponge and Commercially available detergent.
Rinse with 0 ppm (grain) water and DI water. Lay flat and let dry over night.
3. Obtain 236.58 ml (8oz) glass French square vials.
4. Rinse each vial with 0 ppm (grain) water and DI water, lay flat and let dry over
night.
5. Prepare the following Chemistries:
|
corrosion Study |
Description |
0 ppm (gpg) |
Control: 0 ppm (0gpg) Water |
|
Commercial Rinse aid A |
2000ppm |
Commercial Rinse aid B |
2000ppm |
Commercial Rinse aid C |
500ppm |
Commercial Rinse aid C |
1000ppm |
Commercial Rinse aid C |
2000ppm |
Commercial Rinse aid D |
50ppm |
Commercial Rinse aid D |
125ppm |
Commercial Rinse aid D |
200ppm |
Composition of the Invention A |
50ppm |
Composition of the Invention A |
125ppm |
Composition of the Invention A |
200ppm |
Composition of the Invention B |
50ppm |
Composition of the Invention B |
125ppm |
Composition of the Invention B |
200ppm |
6. To 2 separate glass French square vials 200mL of control (0 ppm (gram) water) was
added along with coupons with material to be studied; example: aluminum 6061 and aluminum
1100. The vials were labeled.
7. Step 6 was repeated for every chemistry with 0 ppm (grain) water.
8. All of the vials were put in the 71.11°C (160°F) oven and allowed to incubate for
8 hours.
9. Coupons were removed from each test solution with a clean tweezers.
10. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy was used to analyze Al concentration
in each test solution respectively.
[0176] Figure 3 shows the results for the Al coupon and one can see that the compositions
of the invention demonstrated very little corrosion. Other metal coupons tested showed
that the formulations of the invention are compatible with all metals.
Example 4
[0177] The foaming tendency at use was tested on Sump solutions per below.
[0178] The Inversion foam test is used to simulate Sump solution agitation. Rinse additive
is added to the graduated cylinder, and the foam generated is measured after 10 180°
inversions.
APPARATUS AND MATERIALS:
[0179]
- 1. 250mL Graduated Cylinder with stopper.
- 2. Room temperature 85.68 ppm (5 grain) water.
Description |
0 ppm (gpg) Shake Test |
Commercial Rinse aid A |
Liquid product; N/A |
Commercial Rinse aid B |
Liquid product; N/A |
Commercial Rinse aid C |
Liquid product; N/A |
Commercial Rinse aid D |
5% |
10% |
Composition of the Invention A |
5% |
10% |
Composition of the Invention B |
5% |
10% |
PROCEDURE:
[0180]
- 1. Rinse the graduated cylinder thoroughly with soft water, followed by DI water and
air dry.
- 2. Prepare desired 5% and/or 10% simulated sump solution of solid rinse aids, stir
until dissolved.
- 3. Pour 150mL of the 5% or 10% solution or the as is liquid commercial rinse aids
into the graduated cylinder and cap with a stopper.
- 4. From a vertical position, rotate the cylinder about 180° and back to the vertical
position.
- 5. Repeat this action 10 times at a frequency of about 1 cycle/second.
- 6. The foam height was immediately recorded when the cylinder was placed on the flat
surface. Read the foam height as the difference between the top of the liquid level
to the top of the foam level. The top of the foam level is the level at which the
foam is opaque and the operator cannot see through the cylinder.
- 7. Repeat for each chemistry.
[0181] The results are shown in Figure 4 and here again the formulations of the invention
demonstrated better foam control.
Example 5
[0182] Finally, the following procedure was used to evaluate the foaming tendency of the
different rinse additives at use concentrations.
FOAM RINSE ADDITIVE EVALUATION
APPARATUS AND MATERIALS:
[0183]
- Glewwe Foam apparatus.
- Hot soft water.
- Small and large weigh boats
PROCEDURE:
[0184]
- Rinse the Glewwe apparatus thoroughly by filling it with soft water and running the
pump. Drain the apparatus by opening the gate valve. If foam is generated during this
cleaning, repeat the procedure until it is not.
- Close the gate valve and remove the top lid.
- Fill the chimney with hot soft water to the base of the ruler, 0", 3L of water.
- Turn on the pump switch and adjust the temperature to 37.77, 48.88, 60.00 or 71.11°
C (100, 120, 140 or 160°F) by adding either cold or hot soft water. Tests were run
at 71.11° C (160°F).
- Adjust the pressure to 41368.54 Pa (6 psi) by using the knob located below the pressure
gauge. Stop the pump.
- Re-adjust the water level to 0" as required.
- Turn on the pump, allow the pressure to reach 41368.54 Pa (6 psi), and add desired
concentration of the rinse additive or surfactant combination to be evaluated. Note
the time.
- After 1 minute, stop the pump and record the foam height and characteristics at time
zero, 15 seconds and 1 minute.
- Open the gate valve to drain the machine and repeat the cleaning procedure.
[0185] UNSTABLE - foam breaks rapidly (less than 15 seconds)
PARTIALLY STABLE - foam breaks slowly (within a minute)
STABLE - foam remains for several minutes
|
|
|
Glewwe Foam test at 71.11° C (160F) (in) |
Sample |
Description |
|
0 ppm (gpg) |
|
|
|
initial |
15s |
1min |
1 |
control |
|
|
|
|
2 |
Commercial Rinse aid A |
2000ppm |
|
|
|
3 |
Commercial Rinse aid B |
2000ppm |
|
|
|
4 |
Commercial Rinse aid C |
500ppm |
|
|
|
5 |
Commercial Rinse aid C |
1000ppm |
|
|
|
6 |
Commercial Rinse aid C |
2000ppm |
|
|
|
7 |
Commercial Rinse aid D |
50ppm |
|
|
|
8 |
Commercial Rinse aid D |
125ppm |
|
|
|
9 |
Commercial Rinse aid D |
200ppm |
|
|
|
10 |
Composition of the Invention A |
50ppm |
|
|
|
11 |
Composition of the Invention A |
125ppm |
|
|
|
12 |
Composition of the Invention A |
200ppm |
|
|
|
13 |
Composition of the Invention B |
50ppm |
|
|
|
14 |
Composition of the Invention B |
125ppm |
|
|
|
15 |
Composition of the Invention B |
200ppm |
|
|
|
[0186] The results are shown in Figure 5. The figures shows that the foam profile at dispenser
pump concentration are better than the controls. Foam control is a very important
aspect of rinse aids.