Long-lasting cleansing lather

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aqueous foaming cleaning composition for removing soils at low temperature from surfaces to be cleaned, characterized in that the aqueous foaming cleaning composition comprises: linear and / or branched C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide or C 12 alkyl diethyl amine oxide or C 12 alkyl methyl ethyl amine oxide; at least one anionic surfactant of the following: dodecyl (oxyethylene) 14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide or C 14 alkyl diethyl amine oxide or C 14 alkyl methyl ethyl amine oxide; at least one anionic surfactant of the following: dodecyl (oxyethylene) w sulfate, wherein w represents the average number of addition moles ranging from about 1 to 10, and / or at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I): RO-(AO) n‑1 -A'-COO m M(I) wherein R represents a linear and / or branched alkyl group having from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms; AO represents an alkyleneoxy group having from about 2 to 4 carbon atoms; n represents the average number of addition moles ranging from about 1 to 20; A' represents an alkylene group having from about 1 to 3 carbon atoms; M represents H or a cation; and m represents a number equal to the valence of M; - a basic source; and - water.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application No. 20158007658.0. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a surface cleaning foam composition with improved foam characteristics and increased dwell time, a method of making the same and uses thereof. BACKGROUND

[0003] In many industrial applications, such as food and beverage preparation, especially in the meat processing industry, hard surfaces are often contaminated with soils such as carbohydrates, proteins, blood, and water hardness soils, cooking oil soils, fat soils, and other soils. Such soils can result from the preparation of liquid and solid foodstuffs. Meat soils and residues such as proteins, fats, blood, and oils can be particularly difficult soils to remove, especially when dry. Similarly, carbohydrates soils, such as cellulose, monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, starches, gums, and other complex materials, can form hard, difficult-to-remove soils when dry, especially when combined with other soil components such as proteins, blood, fats, oils, minerals, and the like. Removal of such food soils, such as meat soils and residues, can be a significant problem.

[0004] Clean-in-place (CIP) cleaning technology is a specific cleaning regime suitable for removing soils from a wide variety of components' exterior surfaces (such as ceramic surfaces, metal surfaces), walls, sinks, immersion vessels, mop buckets, holding tanks, scrub sinks, vehicle component washers, non-continuous batch washers and systems, ceilings, exterior components of production equipment, and the like.

[0005] The clean-out-of-place method often involves a first rinse, application of a cleaning solution, and a second rinse with potable water, followed by resuming operations. The process can also include any other contacting step in which a rinsing acidic or basic functional fluid, solvent, or other cleaning component (such as hot water, cold water, and the like) can be brought into contact with the equipment at any step during the process. Conventional in-situ cleaning as well as clean-out-of-place methods require high temperatures, up to about 80°C. In production rooms, the elevated water temperature currently used for cleaning processes of this kind is in the range of about 40°C to 60°C. Thus, conventional clean-out-of-place technology (COP) requires a significant amount of energy to be consumed.

[0006] The clean-out-of-place process, and other cleaning compositions used in the food and meat processing industry, are non-foaming or low-foaming liquid compositions. Non-foaming or low-foaming cleaning compositions have the disadvantage that the dwell time, or so-called "soak time", on vertical tile walls is short due to the good flow rate of the liquid cleaning composition.

[0007] Furthermore, cleaning compositions which do not foam or foam less have the disadvantage that, due to the short dwell time and the low foam stability of the cleaning composition, the user cannot easily track the treated or untreated areas. There is a tendency for the surface to be cleaned to be treated twice, thus requiring a large amount of water and cleaning composition to be consumed.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an improved cleaning composition for the removal of soils which has an increased foam stability, an increased dwell time and is trackable at low temperatures. SUMMARY

[0009] The object addressed by the present application is to provide a long-lasting cleaning composition which can be used in the food and meat processing industry, for example, which has excellent soil removal properties, an increased foam stability, an increased dwell time and is trackable at low temperatures.

[0010] According to one aspect, there is provided an aqueous foaming cleaning composition for the removal of soils from a surface to be cleaned at low temperatures, wherein the aqueous foaming cleaning composition comprises:

[0011] - linear and / or branched C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide or C 12 alkyl diethyl amine oxide or C 12 alkyl methyl ethyl amine oxide, wherein C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide is preferred;

[0012] - linear and / or branched C 14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide or C 14 alkyl diethyl amine oxide or C 14 alkyl methyl ethyl amine oxide, wherein C 14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide is preferred;

[0013] - at least one anionic surfactant, preferably at least two anionic surfactants:

[0014] - dodecyl(oxyethylen w sulfat), wherein w denotes the average number of addition moles in the range from 1 to 10, and / or w - dodecyl(oxyethylen

[0015] - at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I):

[0016] RO-(AO) n-1 -A'-COO m M(I)

[0017] wherein,

[0018] R represents a straight-chain and / or branched alkyl group having approximately 8-18 carbon atoms;

[0019] AO represents an alkylene group having approximately 2-4 carbon atoms;

[0020] n represents the average number of added moles in the range of approximately 1-20;

[0021] A' indicates an alkylene group having approximately 1-3 carbon atoms;

[0022] M represents H or a cation; and

[0023] m represents a number with the same valence as M;

[0024] - Alkaline source; and

[0025] -water.

[0026] According to another aspect, an aqueous foaming cleaning composition is provided for removing dirt from a surface to be cleaned at low temperatures, wherein the aqueous foaming cleaning composition may comprise:

[0027] - Straight chains and / or side chains C 12 Alkyl dimethylamine oxide;

[0028] - Straight chains and / or side chains C 14 Alkyl dimethylamine oxide;

[0029] - At least one of the following anionic surfactants, preferably at least two anionic surfactants:

[0030] -Dodecyl(oxyethylene) w Sulfate, wherein w represents the average number of moles of addition in the range of about 2-8, and more preferably about 3-5, and / or

[0031] - At least one polyoxyalkylene ether carboxylic acid or a salt thereof represented by formula (I):

[0032] RO-(AO) n-1 -A'-COO m M(I)

[0033] in,

[0034] R represents a straight-chain and / or branched alkyl group having about 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably about 10 to 16 carbon atoms, and more preferably about 12 to 14 carbon atoms;

[0035] AO represents an alkylene group having about 2-4 carbon atoms, preferably about 2-3 carbon atoms, and more preferably about 2 carbon atoms;

[0036] n represents an average addition mole number ranging from about 1 to 20, preferably from about 2 to 10, and more preferably from about 3 to 5;

[0037] A' represents an alkylene group having about 1 to 3 carbon atoms, preferably about 2 to 3 carbon atoms, and more preferably about 2 carbon atoms;

[0038] M represents H or a cation; and

[0039] m represents a number equal to the valence of M;

[0040] - an alkaline source;

[0041] - water.

[0042] According to one aspect, there is provided an aqueous foaming cleaning composition for removing soils from a surface to be cleaned at low temperature, wherein the aqueous foaming cleaning composition comprises:

[0043] - linear and / or branched C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide;

[0044] - linear and / or branched C 14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide;

[0045] - at least one anionic surfactant, preferably at least two anionic surfactants:

[0046] - dodecyl (oxyethylene) w sulfate, wherein w represents an average addition mole number ranging from 1 to 10, and / or

[0047] - at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I):

[0048] RO-(AO) n-1 -A'-COO m M (I)

[0049] wherein,

[0050] R represents a linear and / or branched alkyl group having about 8 to 18 carbon atoms;

[0051] AO represents an alkyleneoxy group having about 2 to 4 carbon atoms;

[0052] n represents an average addition mole number ranging from about 1 to 20;

[0053] A' represents an alkylene group having about 1 to 3 carbon atoms;

[0054] M represents H or a cation; and

[0055] m represents a number equal to the valence of M;

[0056] - an alkalinity source;

[0057] - water.

[0058] According to another aspect, there is provided an aqueous sudsing cleaning composition for removing soils from a surface to be cleaned at low temperatures, wherein the aqueous sudsing cleaning composition can comprise:

[0059] - linear and / or branched C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide;

[0060] - linear and / or branched C 14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide;

[0061] - at least one anionic surfactant, preferably at least two anionic surfactants:

[0062] - dodecyl (oxyethylene) w sulfate, wherein w denotes an average addition of moles in the range of about 2-8 and more preferably about 3-5, and / or

[0063] - at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I):

[0064] RO-(AO) n-1 -A'-COO m M(I)

[0065] wherein,

[0066] R denotes a linear and / or branched alkyl group having about 8 to 18, preferably about 10-16, and more preferably about 12-14 carbon atoms;

[0067] AO denotes an alkyleneoxy group having about 2-4, preferably about 2-3, and more preferably about 2 carbon atoms;

[0068] n denotes an average addition of moles in the range of about 1-20, preferably about 2-10, and more preferably about 3-5;

[0069] A' denotes an alkylene group having about 1-3, preferably about 2-3, and more preferably about 2 carbon atoms;

[0070] M denotes H or a cation; and

[0071] m denotes a number equal to the valence of M;

[0072] - an alkalinity source;

[0073] - water.

[0074] According to another aspect, there is provided an aqueous sudsing cleaning composition for removing soils from a surface to be cleaned at low temperatures, wherein the aqueous sudsing cleaning composition can comprise:

[0075] - linear and / or branched C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide;

[0076] - linear and / or branched C 14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide;

[0077] - at least one anionic surfactant, preferably at least two anionic surfactants:

[0078] - dodecyl (oxyethylene) w sulfate, wherein w represents an average addition of moles in the range of about 2-8 and more preferably about 3-5;

[0079] - an alkalinity source;

[0080] - water.

[0081] According to another aspect, there is provided an aqueous sudsing cleaning composition for removing soils from a surface to be cleaned at low temperatures, wherein the aqueous sudsing cleaning composition can comprise:

[0082] - linear and / or branched C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide;

[0083] - linear and / or branched C 14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide;

[0084] - at least one anionic surfactant, preferably at least two anionic surfactants:

[0085] - at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I):

[0086] RO-(AO) n-1 -A'-COO m M(I)

[0087] wherein,

[0088] R represents a linear and / or branched alkyl group having about 8 to 18 about carbon atoms, preferably about 10-16 carbon atoms and more preferably about 12-14 carbon atoms;

[0089] AO represents an alkyleneoxy group having about 2-4 carbon atoms, preferably about 2-3 carbon atoms and more preferably about 2 carbon atoms;

[0090] n represents an average addition of moles in the range of about 1-20, preferably about 2-10 and more preferably about 3-5;

[0091] A' represents an alkylene group having from about 1 to 3 carbon atoms, preferably from about 2 to 3 carbon atoms, and more preferably about 2 carbon atoms;

[0092] M represents H or a cation; and

[0093] m represents a number equal to the valence of M;

[0094] - an alkalinity source;

[0095] - water.

[0096] It has been surprisingly found that an aqueous lathering cleaning composition can be used to remove soils at reduced temperatures while still providing excellent soil removal properties. Thus, the compositions of the present invention provide reduced energy consumption as they are active at lower cleaning temperatures.

[0097] The compositions of the present invention are applied to the surface to be cleaned in the form of a foam. Foams have an increased dwell time compared to liquid compositions and can easily be tracked to the areas treated with the foam avoiding the same areas to be treated multiple times.

[0098] In addition, the aqueous lathering cleaning compositions are active at low component concentrations thereby providing reduced chemical consumption.

[0099] According to another aspect, there is provided an aqueous lathering cleaning composition, wherein C 12 the weight % ratio of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxide to the C 14 the weight % ratio of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxide to the C

[0100] According to another aspect, there is provided an aqueous lathering cleaning composition, wherein C 12 the weight % ratio of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxide to the C 14 the weight % ratio of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxide to the C

[0101] According to another aspect, there is provided an aqueous lathering cleaning composition, wherein the aqueous lathering cleaning composition can comprise:

[0102] - linear and / or branched C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide;

[0103] - linear and / or branched C 14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide;

[0104] - at least one anionic surfactant of the following:

[0105] - dodecyl (oxyethylene) w sulfate, wherein w represents an average addition of moles in the range of about 1-10, preferably about 2-8, and more preferably about 3-5, and / or

[0106] - at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I):

[0107] RO-(AO) n-1 -A'-COO m M(I)

[0108] wherein,

[0109] R represents a linear and / or branched alkyl group having about 8-18 carbon atoms, preferably about 10-16 carbon atoms, and more preferably about 12-14 carbon atoms;

[0110] AO represents an alkyleneoxy group having about 2-4 carbon atoms, preferably about 2-3 carbon atoms, and more preferably about 2 carbon atoms;

[0111] n represents an average addition of moles in the range of about 1-20, preferably about 2-10, and more preferably about 3-5;

[0112] A' represents an alkylene group having about 1-3 carbon atoms, preferably about 2-3 carbon atoms, and more preferably about 2 carbon atoms;

[0113] M represents H or a cation; and

[0114] m represents a number equal to the valence of M;

[0115] - an alkalinity source;

[0116] - water; and

[0117] wherein C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide to C 14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide is about 10: 1-1: 10, preferably about 5: 1-1: 5, further preferably 4: 1-1: 4, and additionally preferably about 3: 1-1: 3.

[0118] According to another aspect, there is provided an aqueous lathering cleaning composition, wherein C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide to C 14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide is about 6: 1-1: 6, further preferably 5: 1-1: 4, and additionally preferably about 2: 1-1: 2, wherein the weight % is based on the total weight of the composition.

[0119] According to one aspect, there is provided an aqueous sudsing cleaning composition for removing soils at low temperatures from surfaces to be cleaned, wherein the aqueous sudsing cleaning composition can comprise:

[0120] - linear and / or branched C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide;

[0121] - linear and / or branched C 14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide;

[0122] - at least one anionic surfactant of the following:

[0123] - dodecyl (oxyethylene) w sulfate, wherein w denotes an average addition of moles in the range of about 1-10, preferably about 2-8 and more preferably about 3-5, and / or

[0124] - at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I):

[0125] RO-(AO) n-1 -A'-COO m M(I)

[0126] wherein,

[0127] R denotes a linear and / or branched alkyl group having about 8-18 carbon atoms, preferably about 10-16 carbon atoms and more preferably about 12-14 carbon atoms;

[0128] AO denotes an alkyleneoxy group having about 2-4 carbon atoms, preferably about 2-3 carbon atoms and more preferably about 2 carbon atoms;

[0129] n denotes an average addition of moles in the range of about 1-20, preferably about 2-10 and more preferably about 3-5;

[0130] A' denotes an alkylene group having about 1-3 carbon atoms, preferably about 2-3 carbon atoms and more preferably about 2 carbon atoms;

[0131] M denotes H or a cation; and

[0132] m denotes a number equal to the valence of M;

[0133] - an alkalinity source;

[0134] - water; and

[0135] wherein the weight % ratio of the total amount of a) amine oxide to b) anionic surfactant is in the range of about 1 :4 to 1 :0.2.

[0136] According to another aspect, an aqueous foaming cleaning composition is provided, wherein the weight % ratio of a) the total amount of amine oxides to b) the total amount of anionic surfactants is in the range of about 1:3 to 1:0.3, more preferably about 1:0.8 to 1:0.4, wherein the weight % is based on the total weight of the composition.

[0137] According to another aspect, an aqueous foaming cleaning composition is provided, wherein the aqueous foaming cleaning composition may comprise:

[0138] - Straight chains and / or side chains C 12 Alkyl dimethylamine oxide;

[0139] - Straight chains and / or side chains C 14 Alkyl dimethylamine oxide;

[0140] -At least one of the following anionic surfactants:

[0141] -Dodecyl(oxyethylene) w Sulfate, wherein w represents the average number of moles of addition in the range of about 1-10, preferably about 2-8, and more preferably about 3-5, and / or

[0142] - At least one polyoxyalkylene ether carboxylic acid or a salt thereof represented by formula (I):

[0143] RO-(AO) n-1 -A'-COO m M(I)

[0144] in,

[0145] R represents a straight-chain and / or branched alkyl group having about 8-18 carbon atoms, preferably about 10-16 carbon atoms, and more preferably about 12-14 carbon atoms;

[0146] AO represents an alkylene group having about 2-4 carbon atoms, preferably about 2-3 carbon atoms, and more preferably about 2 carbon atoms;

[0147] n represents the average number of added moles in the range of about 1-20, preferably about 2-10, and more preferably about 3-5;

[0148] A' indicates an alkylene group having about 1-3 carbon atoms, preferably about 2-3 carbon atoms, and more preferably about 2 carbon atoms;

[0149] M represents H or a cation; and

[0150] m represents a number with the same valence as M;

[0151] - Alkaline source;

[0152] -water; and

[0153] wherein C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide and C 14 the weight % ratio of alkyl dimethyl amine oxide is about 5: 1 to 1 :5; and wherein the weight % ratio of the total amount of a) amine oxide to the total amount of b) anionic surfactant is in the range of about 1 :4 to 1 :0.2.

[0154] According to another aspect, there is provided an aqueous foaming cleaning composition, wherein

[0155] -C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide and C 14 the weight % ratio of alkyl dimethyl amine oxide is preferably about 5: 1 to 1 :5, further preferably about 4: 1 to 1 :4, and additionally preferably about 3: 1 to 1 :3; and

[0156] the weight % ratio of the total amount of a) amine oxide to the total amount of b) anionic surfactant is in the range of about 1 :3 to 1 :0.3, further more preferably about 1 :0.8 to 1 :0.4;

[0157] wherein the weight % is based on the total weight of the composition.

[0158] It has surprisingly been found that an aqueous foaming cleaning composition can be used to remove soils at reduced temperatures, while still providing excellent soil removal properties. Thus, the composition of the present application provides reduced energy consumption as it is active at lower cleaning temperatures.

[0159] The composition of the present application can be applied to the surface to be cleaned in the form of a foam. Foams have an increased dwell time compared to liquid compositions and it is easy to track the areas treated by the foam and avoid the same areas being treated multiple times.

[0160] Furthermore, the aqueous foaming cleaning composition is active at low component concentrations, thereby providing reduced chemical consumption.

[0161] According to another aspect, there is provided an aqueous foaming cleaning composition, wherein the composition can comprise:

[0162] - linear and / or branched C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide;

[0163] - linear and / or branched C 14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide;

[0164] - at least one anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of:

[0165] - dodecyl (oxyethylene) w w sulfate, wherein w denotes an average addition of moles in the range of about 2 to 8 and more preferably about 3 to 5, and / or

[0166] - At least one polyoxyalkylene ether carboxylic acid or a salt thereof represented by formula (I):

[0167] RO-(AO) n-1 -A'-COO m M(I)

[0168] in,

[0169] R represents a straight-chain and / or branched alkyl group having about 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably about 10 to 16 carbon atoms, and more preferably about 12 to 14 carbon atoms;

[0170] AO represents an alkylene group having about 2-4 carbon atoms, preferably about 2-3 carbon atoms, and more preferably about 2 carbon atoms;

[0171] n represents the average number of added moles in the range of about 1-20, preferably about 2-10, and more preferably about 3-5;

[0172] A' indicates an alkylene group having about 1-3 carbon atoms, preferably about 2-3 carbon atoms, and more preferably about 2 carbon atoms;

[0173] M represents H or a cation; and

[0174] m represents a number with the same valence as M;

[0175] - Alkaline source;

[0176] -Water-soluble components;

[0177] - Polycarboxylate; and

[0178] -water.

[0179] According to another aspect, an aqueous foaming cleaning composition is provided, wherein the composition may comprise:

[0180] - Straight chains and / or side chains C 12 Alkyl dimethylamine oxide;

[0181] - Straight chains and / or side chains C 14 Alkyl dimethylamine oxide;

[0182] -At least one of the following anionic surfactants:

[0183] -Dodecyl(oxyethylene) w Sulfate, wherein w represents the average number of moles of addition in the range of about 2-8, and more preferably about 3-5, and / or

[0184] - At least one polyoxyalkylene ether carboxylic acid or a salt thereof represented by formula (I):

[0185] RO-(AO) n-1 -A'-COO m M(I)

[0186] wherein,

[0187] R represents a linear and / or branched alkyl group having about 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably about 10-16 carbon atoms and more preferably about 12-14 carbon atoms;

[0188] AO represents an alkyleneoxy group having about 2-4 carbon atoms, preferably about 2-3 carbon atoms and more preferably about 2 carbon atoms;

[0189] n represents an average number of addition moles in the range of about 1-20, preferably about 2-10 and more preferably about 3-5;

[0190] A' represents an alkylene group having about 1-3 carbon atoms, preferably about 2-3 carbon atoms and more preferably about 2 carbon atoms;

[0191] M represents H or a cation; and

[0192] m represents a number equal to the valence of M;

[0193] - sodium hydroxide;

[0194] - cumene sulfonate;

[0195] - polyacrylate; and

[0196] - water.

[0197] The aqueous foaming cleaning composition can be present in the form of a concentrated solution. Concentrated solutions have the advantage of transportation and storage. The concentrated solution can be diluted, for example, by admixture of a solvent, preferably water, prior to use.

[0198] It is to be understood that the aqueous foaming cleaning composition can be free of at least one additive selected from the group of dyes, color transfer inhibitors, anti-redeposition agents, optical brighteners, builders, oils and water repellents, color fastness agents, starch / sizing agents, fabric softeners, antimicrobial agents, fungicides, UV absorbers, fragrances and / or mixtures thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0199] In some aspects, the present invention relates to aqueous foaming compositions and methods for removing soil from a surface to be cleaned. The surface to be cleaned is a hard and / or soft surface. In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention are applied in a clean-in-place process (CIP) and / or a clean-out-of-place process (COP). According to the present invention, preferably, the clean-in-place process (CIP) is a fully automated cleaning process that does not require reconfiguration of the production plant prior to performing the cleaning.

[0200] In other embodiments, the compositions of the present invention can be manually applied to a surface to be cleaned. In particular, the compositions of the present invention can be used in the food processing industry, such as the meat processing industry, for cleaning purposes.

[0201] The aqueous foaming cleaning composition can be a two-component composition that can be mixed on site.

[0202] The aqueous foaming cleaning composition can be applied to the surface to be cleaned in the form of a foam. Applying a foam to a vertical surface to be cleaned provides a long contact time and can easily track the treated area.

[0203] During cleaning, the aqueous foaming cleaning composition enables the use of reduced levels of chemicals, such as alkaline sources and / or active oxygen sources, because the cleaning compositions of the present invention have a significantly increased cleaning efficiency, which enables the use of lower concentrated cleaning compositions. Thus, the methods of the present invention provide reduced energy consumption (e.g. lower cleaning temperatures) and reduced chemical consumption.

[0204] Certain terms are defined so that the present invention can be more easily understood.

[0205] As used herein, "by weight" relates to the total weight of the composition. For example, if a composition has a total weight of 100 grams and comprises 40% (by weight) of ethanol, then the composition can comprise 40 grams of ethanol.

[0206] It is understood that the total weight percent amount of all components, substances or agents of the composition is selected so that it does not exceed 100 wt%.

[0207] It is understood that as used herein, "percent", "%" and the like are intended to be synonymous with "weight percent", "wt%" and the like.

[0208] As used herein, the term "surface" refers to surfaces of medical instruments, healthcare settings, tools, machines, equipment, structures, buildings, and the like used as part of a food processing, preparation, or storage activity. Examples of healthcare settings include hospitals, doctors' offices, and long-term care facilities. Examples of food processing surfaces include surfaces of food processing or preparation equipment, such as slicing, canning, or conveying equipment, including chutes; food processing utensils, such as utensils, dishes, washware, and bar glasses; and fixtures of floors, walls, or structures where food processing occurs. Food processing surfaces are found in and applied to milking machines, food-safe air circulation systems, aseptic packaging sanitization, food refrigeration and cooling cleaners and sanitizers, warewashing sanitization, pot and pan cleaning and sanitization, food packaging materials, cutting board additives, third-sink sanitizing, beverage refrigerators and chillers, meat chilling or scalding water, automatic dishpan sanitizers, sanitizing gels, cooling towers, food processing antimicrobial apparel sprays, and non- to low-aqueous food preparation lubricants, oils, and rinse additives.

[0209] As used herein, the term "utensil" refers to articles such as eating and cooking utensils, dishes, and other hard surfaces such as shower, sink, toilet, tub, counter, window, mirror, transportation vehicle, and floor.

[0210] As used herein, the term "about" refers to a variation, e.g., via typical measurement and liquid handling procedures used in the real world to prepare a concentrate or use solution; via inadvertent error in measuring or handling; via differences in the ingredients' preparation, source, or purity; etc. The term "about" also encompasses variations that occur from different equilibration conditions of a composition. Whether or not modified by the term "about", the claims cover equivalents unless otherwise expressed.

[0211] If not otherwise stated, the temperature is about 23 °C.

[0212] If not otherwise stated, the humidity is about 40% ± 5% at about 23 °C.

[0213] It should be noted that, 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. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing "a compound" includes a composition having two or more compounds.

[0214] It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and / or" unless otherwise indicated.

[0215] It is especially understood that any numerical values recited herein, including the ranges for example, include all values from lower limit to upper limit, i.e., all numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are considered to be expressly stated in this application. For example, if a concentration range is stated as 1% to 50%, it is intended that values such as 2% to 40%, 10% to 30%, or 1% to 3%, etc., are expressly enumerated in this specification. These are only examples of what is specifically intended, and are not intended to limit the application in any way.

[0216] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present application, including the foam, can have a basic pH, for example, a pH of about 7.0-14.

[0217] According to one aspect, the aqueous lathering cleaning composition and the foam have a pH in the range of about 7.0-14.0, preferably a pH in the range of about 9.5-13.0 and more preferably a pH in the range of about 11.0-12.5.

[0218] The methods and compositions of the present application can include, consist essentially of, or consist of the steps and ingredients of the present application and other ingredients described herein. As used herein, "consisting essentially of means that the methods and compositions can include additional steps or ingredients, but only if the additional steps or ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed methods and compositions.

[0219] In some aspects, the methods and compositions of the present application can be applied to equipment that is typically cleaned using a clean in place cleaning procedure. Examples of such equipment include evaporators; heat exchangers, including double-pipe exchangers, direct steam injection, and plate-in-frame exchangers; heating coils including heated steam, flame, or heat transfer fluid; recrystallizers; disk crystallizers; spray dryers; drum dryers; and tanks.

[0220] The methods and compositions of the present application can be used in any application where removal of heat-degraded soils (i.e., baked-on or burned-on soils) such as proteins or carbohydrates is desired. As used herein, the term "heat-degraded soils" refers to one or more soils that have been exposed to heat and thus have baked onto the surface to be cleaned. Exemplary heat-degraded soils include food soils that have been heated during processing, such as dairy products, fructose, or corn syrup heated on a pasteurizer.

[0221] The methods and compositions of the present application can also be used to remove other non-thermally degradable soils that are not easily removed using conventional cleaning techniques. Soil types suitable for cleaning using the methods of the present application include, but are not limited to, starch, cellulosic fibers, proteins, simple carbohydrates, and combinations of any of these soil types with mineral complexes. Examples of specific food soils that are effectively removed using the methods of the present application include, but are not limited to, meat residues, blood residues, protein residues, vegetables and fruit juices, brewing and fermentation residues, soils generated in sugar beet and cane processing, and soils generated in the preparation of condiments and sauces, such as ketchup, tomato juice, and barbecue sauce. These soils can be generated on heat exchange equipment surfaces and other surfaces during the preparation and packaging processes.

[0222] Exemplary industries in which the methods and compositions of the present application can be used include, but are not limited to, the food and beverage industry, such as the meat processing industry; the dairy, cheese, sugar, and brewery industries; the oil processing industry; industrial agriculture and ethanol processing; and the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.

[0223] Conventional CIP and COP processes are generally well known. The process includes applying the foam composition of the present application to the surface to be cleaned. The foam adheres to the surface to slowly remove the soil.

[0224] The method of removing soil according to the present application can include an alkaline foam wash. According to one embodiment of the present application, the method of removing soil can include a fresh water rinse and an alkaline foam wash, or a fresh water rinse, an alkaline foam wash, and a fresh water rinse. Another embodiment of the method of removing soil of the present application can comprise at least three steps: an alkaline foam wash, an acid solution wash, and a subsequent fresh water rinse. The alkaline foam softens the soil and removes organic, alkaline soluble soils. The subsequent acid solution removes mineral soils left by the alkaline cleaning step. The strength of the alkaline and acid solutions and the duration of the cleaning steps are generally dependent on the tenacity of the soil. The water rinse removes any residual solution and soil and cleans the surface prior to returning the equipment to line.

[0225] The methods and compositions of the present application provide enhanced soil removal at reduced temperatures, for example, at about >1 °C to <60 °C, preferably at about 25 °C-50 °C or at about 30 °C-40 °C. The present application also provides a reduction in the amount of chemicals and water consumed during the cleaning process. Thus, the present application provides energy savings and water savings while achieving effective soil removal.

[0226] The compositions of the present application can be applied as a foam by spraying to the surface to be cleaned. By "spraying", the present application means the spraying of droplets or the projection of a foam.

[0227] According to one embodiment, the foam composition of the present application has a foam stability wherein the foam volume decreases by about 10 to 20 volume % after 1 minute, by about 15 to 25 volume % after 2 minutes, by about 15 to 25 volume % after 5 minutes and by about 20 to 30 volume % after 10 minutes, based on the initial foam volume.

[0228] The foam stability results in an improved cleaning effect, since the foam thereby can be regarded as a carrier for the aqueous foaming composition. Ensuring that the foam of the aqueous foaming cleaning composition also can adhere to vertical surfaces and ceilings. Thus, a long-lasting contact time between the foam of the aqueous foaming cleaning composition and the surface to be cleaned is achieved. The foam layer of the aqueous foaming cleaning composition has a storage effect, i.e. via the destruction of other foam bubbles, new cleaning agent solution is constantly delivered to the surface.

[0229] According to one preferred embodiment, the foam composition of the present application has an average foam pore size D 50 in the range of > 10 μm to about < 2000 μm, preferably > 80 μm to about < 1000 μm and more preferably > 100 μm to about < 300 μm.

[0230] In addition to providing an improved cleaning activity of the selected components, the increased foam stability and foam pore size of the foaming composition according to the present application provides an additional increased cleaning effect.

[0231] surface active material

[0232] Surfactants or mixtures of surfactants can be used in the method of the present application. The selected surfactants can be compatible with the surface to be cleaned. According to one aspect, the surfactants can preferably be selected from the group comprising anionic surfactants and / or non-ionic surfactants. The surfactants can preferably be selected from the group comprising linear alkyl benzene sulfonates, ethanol sulfonates, amine oxides, alcohol ethoxylates, alkyl phenol ethoxylates, polyethylene glycol esters, EO / PO block copolymers and mixtures thereof.

[0233] In addition, the level and extent of foaming under use conditions and in the subsequent recycling of the composition can be one factor in the selection of the particular surfactants and mixtures of surfactants. In particular, non-ionic surfactants and anionic surfactants can be used in combination.

[0234] The examples mentioned in the specification are merely specific illustrations of the many surfactants that can be found useful within the scope of the present application. It is understood that the selection of a particular surfactant or combination of surfactants can be based on many factors, including compatibility with the surface to be cleaned under the established use concentration and established environmental conditions including temperature and pH.

[0235] In some embodiments, the amount of total surfactant in the concentrated composition can be about > 0.2 wt% to about < 20 wt%. Acceptable amounts of surfactant include about > 0.5 wt% to about < 10 wt%, about > 0.6 wt% to about < 5 wt%, about > 0.7 wt% to about < 3 wt%, or about > 1 wt% to about < 2.5 wt%.

[0236] In some embodiments, the amount of total surfactant in the concentrated composition from lauryl ether carboxylic acid and / or myristyl ether carboxylic acid represented by formula (I) can be about > 0.5 wt% to about < 20 wt%. Acceptable amounts of surfactant include about > 1 wt% to about < 10 wt%, about > 3 wt% to about < 6 wt%, or about > 4 wt% to about < 5 wt%. w The amount of total surfactant can be about > 0.2 wt% to about < 20 wt%, where w represents an average addition mole number in the range of about 1-10. Acceptable amounts of surfactant include about > 0.5 wt% to about < 10 wt%, about > 0.6 wt% to about < 5 wt%, about > 0.7 wt% to about < 3 wt%, or about > 1 wt% to about < 2.5 wt%.

[0237] In some embodiments, the amount of total surfactant in the concentrated composition from lauryl ether carboxylic acid and / or myristyl ether carboxylic acid represented by formula (I) can be about > 0.5 wt% to about < 20 wt%. Acceptable amounts of surfactant include about > 1 wt% to about < 10 wt%, about > 3 wt% to about < 6 wt%, or about > 4 wt% to about < 5 wt%.

[0238] nonionic surface active material

[0239] Nonionic surfactants suitable for use in the compositions of the present application include, but are not limited to, at least one C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide and at least one C 14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide.

[0240] However, additional nonionic alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactants selected from the group of C 10 to C 18 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides can be used. Examples of straight chain and / or branched alkyl groups include each of decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, and octadecyl. Examples of straight chain and / or branched alkenyl groups for R include each of decenyl, undecenyl, dodecenyl, tridecenyl, tetradecenyl, pentadecenyl, hexadecenyl, heptadecenyl, and octadecenyl. Examples of aliphatic straight chain and / or branched alkyl groups having cyclic structures include the following groups: cyclodecyl, cyclododecyl, cyclodecenyl, cyclodecyl, cyclododecyl, 2-(cyclohexyl)ethyl, 3-(cyclohexyl)propyl, 2-(cyclohexenyl)ethyl, and 3-(cyclohexenyl)propyl.

[0241] In some embodiments, the total amount of linear and / or branched C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and linear and / or branched C 14 The total amount of the mixture of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides can be about > 0.1 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably about > 0.2 wt% to about < 5 wt%, and further preferably about > 0.5 wt% to about < 1 wt%.

[0242] In some embodiments, the total amount of linear C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and linear C 14 The total amount of the mixture of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides can be about > 0.1 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably about > 0.2 wt% to about < 5 wt%, and further preferably about > 0.5 wt% to about < 1 wt%.

[0243] In some embodiments, the total amount of linear C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and linear C 14 The total amount of the mixture of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides can be about > 0.5 wt% to about < 1 wt%.

[0244] In some embodiments, the total amount of linear and / or branched C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and linear and / or branched C 14 The total amount of the mixture of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides can be about > 0.002 wt% to about < 0.2 wt%, preferably about > 0.004 wt% to about < 0.1 wt%, and further preferably about > 0.01 wt% to about < 0.02 wt%.

[0245] In some embodiments, the total amount of linear C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and linear C 14 The total amount of the mixture of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides can be about > 0.002 wt% to about < 0.2 wt%, preferably about > 0.004 wt% to about < 0.1 wt%, and further preferably about > 0.01 wt% to about < 0.02 wt%.

[0246] In some embodiments, the total amount of linear C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and linear C 14 The total amount of the mixture of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides can be about > 0.01 wt% to about < 0.02 wt%.

[0247] C10 to C 18 Acceptable levels of alkyl dimethyl amine oxide include about > 0.4 wt% to about < 1 wt%, preferably about > 0.5 wt% to about < 0.9 wt% and more preferably about > 0.6 wt% to about < 0.8 wt%.

[0248] According to one aspect, the aqueous lathering cleansing composition can contain only two alkyl dialkyl amine oxides, namely lauryl amine oxide and myristyl dimethyl amine oxide.

[0249] According to one aspect, the aqueous lathering cleansing composition can contain no nonionic surfactant other than alkyl dialkyl amine oxides.

[0250] According to one aspect, the aqueous lathering cleansing composition can contain no nonionic surfactant other than lauryl amine oxide and myristyl dimethyl amine oxide.

[0251] anionic surfactant

[0252] Suitable anionic surfactants for use in the compositions of the present application include:

[0253] - at least one dodecyl (oxyethylene) w sulfate,

[0254] wherein

[0255] w represents the average number of addition moles in the range of from about 1 to 10; and / or

[0256] - at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I):

[0257] RO-(AO) n-1 -A'-COO m M(I)

[0258] wherein,

[0259] R represents a linear and / or branched alkyl group having from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms;

[0260] AO represents an alkyleneoxy group having from about 2 to 4 carbon atoms;

[0261] n represents the average number of addition moles in the range of from about 1 to 20;

[0262] A' represents an alkylene group having from about 1 to 3 carbon atoms;

[0263] M represents H or a cation; and

[0264] m represents a number equal to the valence of M.

[0265] According to one aspect, the aqueous foaming cleaning composition can contain only one anionic surfactant, preferably dodecyl (oxyethylene) w sulfate, wherein w represents an average addition mole number in the range of about 1 to 10; or at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I).

[0266] According to one aspect, the aqueous foaming cleaning composition can contain a mixture of two anionic surfactants, i.e., dodecyl (oxyethylene) w sulfate, wherein w represents an average addition mole number in the range of about 1 to 10; and at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I).

[0267] According to one aspect, wherein dodecyl (oxyethylene) w sulfate, w can represent an average addition mole number in the range of about 1 to 10, preferably about 2 to 8, and more preferably about 3 to 5.

[0268] The polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid of formula (I) can have any appropriate structure determined in accordance with the properties desired thereof and the intended use. From the viewpoint of the properties as a cleaning agent base, R can have about 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and preferably has about 10 to 14 carbon atoms. Examples of the straight chain and / or branched chain alkyl group as R can include alkyl and / or alkenyl groups. R can be a straight chain and / or branched chain primary or secondary group.

[0269] Examples of the straight chain and / or branched chain alkyl group as R include each of octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, and octadecyl.

[0270] Examples of the straight chain and / or branched chain alkenyl group as R include each of octenyl, nonenyl, decenyl, undecenyl, dodecenyl, tridecenyl, tetradecenyl, pentadecenyl, hexadecenyl, heptadecenyl, and octadecenyl.

[0271] Examples of the aliphatic straight chain and / or branched chain alkyl group having a cyclic structure include the following groups: cyclooctyl, cyclodecyl, cyclododecyl, cyclooctenyl, cyclodecenyl, cyclododecenyl, 2-(cyclohexyl)ethyl, 3-(cyclohexyl)propyl, 2-(cyclohexenyl)ethyl, and 3-(cyclohexenyl)propyl.

[0272] From the viewpoint of the versatility and economic efficiency as a raw material, AO can represent ethyleneoxy group having 2 carbon atoms, and preferably not less than 80 mole % of the total AO is ethyleneoxy group. From the viewpoint of the fluidity of the reaction mixture, n is preferably a number of about 1 to 10. Of course, a mixture of compounds having different structures commonly represented by formula (I) can be used.

[0273] In formula (I), the alkyleneoxy group having about 2-4 carbon atoms represented by AO is an ethyleneoxy group, a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group. AO is preferably an alkyleneoxy group having 2-3 carbon atoms, and more preferably an ethyleneoxy group or a mixture of ethyleneoxy group and propyleneoxy group (propane-1,2-diyl- oxy group).

[0274] From the viewpoint of foaming properties and use feeling, the average addition mole number of alkyleneoxy group is preferably about 2-10 and more preferably 3-5, and even more preferably n is about 1 or 2.

[0275] M preferably represents a hydrogen ion or an alkali metal ion.

[0276] According to one preferred aspect, the concentrated aqueous foaming cleaning composition can contain about > 0.1 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably about > 0.2 wt% to about < 5 wt% and further preferably about > 0.5 wt% to about < 2 wt% of at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I), or a mixture of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acids or salts thereof represented by formula (I).

[0277] According to one preferred aspect, the concentrated aqueous foaming cleaning composition can contain about > 0.1 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably about > 0.2 wt% to about < 5 wt% and further preferably about > 0.5 wt% to about < 2 wt% of at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I), or a mixture of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acids or salts thereof represented by formula (I), wherein R represents a linear and / or branched alkyl group having about 10-16 carbon atoms, preferably about 12-14 carbon atoms.

[0278] According to one preferred aspect, the concentrated aqueous foaming cleaning composition can contain about > 0.1 wt% to < 2.5 wt%, preferably about > 0.2 wt% to about < 2 wt% and more preferably about > 0.3 wt% to about < 1 wt% of lauryl ether carboxylic acid or myristyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I), or preferably a mixture of lauryl ether carboxylic acid and myristyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I).

[0279] According to one preferred aspect, the diluted aqueous foaming cleaning composition can contain about > 0.002 wt% to about < 0.2 wt%, preferably about > 0.004 wt% to about < 0.1 wt% and further preferably about > 0.01 wt% to about < 0.04 wt% of at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I), or a mixture of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acids or salts thereof represented by formula (I).

[0280] According to one preferred aspect, the diluted aqueous lathering cleaning composition can contain from about > 0.002 wt% to about < 0.2 wt%, preferably from about > 0.004 wt% to about < 0.1 wt%, and further preferably from about > 0.01 wt% to about < 0.04 wt% of at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I), or a mixture of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acids or salts thereof represented by formula (I), wherein R represents a linear and / or branched alkyl group having from about 10 to 16 carbon atoms, preferably from about 12 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0281] According to one preferred aspect, the diluted aqueous lathering cleaning composition can contain from about > 0.002 wt% to about < 0.2 wt%, preferably from about > 0.004 wt% to about < 0.1 wt%, and further preferably from about > 0.01 wt% to about < 0.04 wt% of lauryl ether carboxylic acid or myristyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I), or preferably a mixture of lauryl ether carboxylic acid and myristyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I).

[0282] According to one aspect, the aqueous lathering cleaning composition can contain two anionic surfactants only of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acids or salts thereof represented by formula (I), i.e. a mixture of lauryl ether carboxylic acid and myristyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I).

[0283] According to one aspect, the aqueous lathering cleaning composition can be free of anionic surfactants other than polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acids or salts thereof represented by formula (I).

[0284] According to one aspect, the aqueous lathering cleaning composition can be free of anionic surfactants other than lauryl ether carboxylic acid and myristyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I).

[0285] alkalinity source

[0286] In some aspects, the compositions of the present application include an alkalinity source. Exemplary alkalinity sources suitable for use in the present application include, but are not limited to, alkaline salts, amines, carbonates, and silicates, and mixtures thereof. Other exemplary alkalinity sources for use in the methods of the present application include sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), triethanolamine (TEA), diethanolamine (DEA), monoethanolamine (MEA), sodium carbonate, and morpholine, sodium metasilicate, and potassium silicate. The alkalinity source selected can be compatible with the surface to be cleaned. Preferably, the alkalinity source is selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof, most preferably sodium hydroxide.

[0287] According to a more preferred aspect, the aqueous foaming cleaning composition can comprise an alkalinity source, wherein the alkalinity source comprises an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkali metal salt, a phosphate salt, an amine, and mixtures thereof, preferably an alkali metal hydroxide, including sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and lithium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof, and most preferably the alkalinity source is sodium hydroxide.

[0288] The amount of alkalinity source present depends on various factors, including, for example, the type of surface to be cleaned and the amount and type of soil present on the surface.

[0289] In some embodiments of the aqueous foaming composition, the amount of alkalinity source present in the concentrated aqueous foaming cleaning composition can be from about > 0.5 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably from about > 1 wt% to about < 8 wt%, and further preferably from about > 2 wt% to about < 5 wt%; wherein the alkalinity source is preferably sodium hydroxide.

[0290] In some embodiments of the aqueous foaming composition, the amount of alkalinity source present in the diluted aqueous foaming cleaning composition can be from about > 0.01 wt% to about < 0.2 wt%, preferably from about > 0.02 wt% to about < 0.16 wt%, and further preferably from about > 0.04 wt% to about < 0.1 wt%; wherein the alkalinity source is preferably sodium hydroxide.

[0291] It is understood that "linear and / or branched C 12 Alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and linear and / or branched C 14 Alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and linear and / or branched C

[0292] According to an aspect, the aqueous foaming cleaning composition can be free of alkalinity source other than sodium hydroxide.

[0293] hydrotrope

[0294] Solubilizing media are known as hydrotropes. Hydrotropes are compounds that solubilize hydrophobic compounds in aqueous solutions. Typically, hydrotropes consist of a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion (similar to surfactants), but the hydrophobic portion is generally too small to cause spontaneous self-aggregation. Hydrotropes can be present in the aqueous foaming composition.

[0295] Hydrotropes that can be suitably used are selected from the group comprising aromatic hydrocarbon sulfonates, preferably xylene sulfonate, toluene sulfonate or cumene sulfonate; or n-octane sulfonate; or in the form of a sodium, potassium or ammonium salt or a salt of an organic ammonium base.

[0296] Also often used are polyols which contain only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. These preferably contain about 2 to 6 carbon atoms and about 2 to 6 hydroxyl groups. Examples include 1,2-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, hexanediol, glycerol, sorbitol, mannitol and glucose.

[0297] In some preferred embodiments, the hydrotrope can be selected from the group comprising xylene sulfonate, toluene sulfonate or cumene sulfonate, n-octane sulfonate and / or acids thereof, and even more preferably cumene sulfonate.

[0298] In some embodiments, sodium cumene sulfonate, linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) and / or xylene sulfonate, cumene sulfonate can be suitable for use as a hydrotrope and have improved wetting action.

[0299] According to a more preferred aspect, the aqueous lathering cleaning composition can comprise at least one hydrotrope, namely cumene sulfonate.

[0300] In some embodiments, the concentrated aqueous lathering cleaning composition can comprise hydrotrope, preferably cumene sulfonate or an acid thereof, in the range of about > 0 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably about > 1 wt% to about < 5 wt% and more preferably about > 2 wt% to about < 4 wt%, by weight of the total aqueous lathering composition.

[0301] In some embodiments, the diluted aqueous lathering cleaning composition can comprise hydrotrope, preferably cumene sulfonate or an acid thereof, in the range of about > 0 wt% to about < 0.2 wt%, preferably about > 0.02 wt% to about < 0.1 wt% and more preferably about > 0.04 wt% to about < 0.08 wt%, by weight of the total aqueous lathering composition.

[0302] It is to be understood that the hydrotrope can be present as an acid or as a salt thereof, depending on the pH of the aqueous lathering composition.

[0303] It is to be understood that the aqueous lathering cleaning composition can be free of hydrotrope.

[0304] According to an aspect, the aqueous lathering cleaning composition can be free of hydrotrope, except for cumene sulfonate or its corresponding acid.

[0305] polymeric polycarboxylate

[0306] The aqueous foaming cleaning composition can include at least one polymeric polycarboxylate salt. Suitable polymeric polycarboxylate salts include polymeric polycarboxylate salts having pendant carboxylate groups (-CO2) and include, for example, polyacrylic acid, maleic / olefin copolymers, acrylic / maleic copolymers, polymethacrylic acid, acrylic-methacrylic copolymers, hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, hydrolyzed polymethacrylamide, hydrolyzed polyamide-methacrylamide copolymers, hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile, hydrolyzed polymethacrylonitrile, hydrolyzed acrylonitrile-methacrylonitrile copolymers, and the like.

[0307] Other suitable copolymeric polycarboxylate salts are, in particular, copolymeric polycarboxylates of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid and copolymeric polycarboxylates of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid and maleic acid.

[0308] It has been found that copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid are particularly suitable, the copolymers comprising from about 50 wt% to 90 wt% acrylic acid and from about 50 wt% to 10 wt% maleic acid.

[0309] More preferred suitable polycarboxylate salts are polyacrylate salts, the molecular weight of which is preferably from 1,000 to 50,000 g / mol and preferably from about 2,000 to 10,000 g / mol.

[0310] In some embodiments, the aqueous foaming cleaning composition can include a polymeric polycarboxylate salt, preferably a polyacrylate salt, having a molecular weight of from about 500 to 50,000 Mw, preferably from about 1,000 to 20,000 Mw, further preferably from about 3,000 to 10,000 Mw, and more preferably from about 4,000 to 6,000 Mw, wherein the molecular weight of the polymeric polycarboxylate salt is based on the total neutralized polymeric polycarboxylate sodium.

[0311] More preferred is a polymeric polycarboxylate salt that is a polyacrylate salt.

[0312] In some embodiments, the concentrated aqueous foaming cleaning composition can include a polymeric polycarboxylate salt, preferably a polyacrylate salt, in an amount of from about > 0 wt% to about < 5 wt%, preferably from about > 0.5 wt% to about < 2 wt%, and more preferably from about > 0.7 wt% to about < 1 wt% of the polycarboxylate salt, preferably the polymeric polycarboxylate salt, polyacrylate salt, based on the total weight of the aqueous foaming composition.

[0313] In some embodiments, the concentrated aqueous foaming cleaning composition can include a polymeric polycarboxylate salt, preferably a polyacrylate salt, in an amount of from about > 0 wt% to about < 5 wt%, preferably from about > 0.5 wt% to about < 2 wt%, and more preferably from about > 0.7 wt% to about < 1 wt% of the polycarboxylate salt, preferably the polymeric polycarboxylate salt, polyacrylate salt, having a molecular weight of from about 4,000 to 6,000 Mw, based on the total weight of the aqueous foaming composition.

[0314] In some embodiments, the diluted aqueous foaming cleaning composition can comprise a polymeric polycarboxylate, preferably a polyacrylate, in an amount of about > 0 wt% to about < 0.1 wt%, preferably about > 0.01 wt% to about < 0.04 wt%, and more preferably about > 0.014 wt% to about < 0.02 wt% of the polyacrylate of the polymeric polycarboxylate, based on the total weight of the aqueous foaming composition.

[0315] In some embodiments, the diluted aqueous foaming cleaning composition can comprise a polymeric polycarboxylate, preferably a polyacrylate, in an amount of about > 0 wt% to about < 0.1 wt%, preferably about > 0.01 wt% to about < 0.04 wt%, and more preferably about > 0.014 wt% to about < 0.02 wt% of the polyacrylate of the polymeric polycarboxylate, based on the total weight of the aqueous foaming composition.

[0316] By virtue of their excellent solubility, preferred representatives of this group of polymeric polycarboxylates are short-chain polyacrylates with a molecular weight, based on the free acid, of 2,000 to 10,000 g / mol and more specifically 4,000 to 6,000 g / mol.

[0317] It is to be understood that the aqueous foaming cleaning composition can be free of polymeric polycarboxylates.

[0318] According to one aspect, the aqueous foaming cleaning composition can be free of polymeric polycarboxylates other than polyacrylates.

[0319] solvent

[0320] Solvents, preferably water, can be added to the aqueous foaming composition up to 100 wt%. The solvent content (e.g., water content) of the aqueous foaming cleaning composition is simply determined by subtracting the wt% amount of all other components, excluding solvents, from 100 wt%, based on the total weight of the aqueous foaming composition.

[0321] Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, water, alcohols, glycols, glycol ethers, esters, and the like, or combinations thereof. Suitable alcohols include, but are not limited to, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol (propan-2-ol), 2-butoxyethanol (glycol butyl ether), 1-decanol, benzyl alcohol, glycerol, monoethanolamine (MEA), and the like, or combinations thereof.

[0322] Suitable glycols include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol (monoethylene glycol or MEG), diethylene glycol (propylene glycol or butoxy diethylene glycol or DEG), triethylene glycol (TEG), tetraethylene glycol (TETRA EG), glycerol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and the like, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the composition can comprise at least two solvents, and more preferably the composition can comprise water and hexylene glycol.

[0323] In some embodiments, the concentrated aqueous foaming cleaning composition can comprise solvent, preferably water, in an amount of about > 45 wt.%, preferably about > 70 wt.% and further preferably about > 85 wt.% to about < 92 wt.% based on the total weight of the aqueous foaming composition.

[0324] In some embodiments, the diluted aqueous foaming cleaning composition can comprise solvent, preferably water, in an amount of about > 98 wt.%, preferably about > 99 wt.% and further preferably about > 99.9 wt.% based on the total weight of the aqueous foaming composition.

[0325] The diluted aqueous foaming cleaning composition can be obtained by diluting the concentrated liquid composition with solvent, preferably water, in a ratio of about 1 :5000 - 1 :5, preferably about 1 :1000 - 1 :10, in particular about 1 : 100 - 1 :20 and also preferably about 1 :50 - 1 :30 of concentrated liquid composition to solvent, preferably water.

[0326] concentrate

[0327] The liquid foaming cleaning composition can be present in a concentrated liquid form. The concentrate comprises a liquid medium, preferably water, and a relatively large concentration of one or more active cleaning components. The pH of the concentrated liquid cleaning composition can be in the range of about 7.0 - 14.0, preferably the pH is in the range of about 8.5 - 13.0 and more preferably the pH is in the range of about 10.0 - 12.5, and for the diluted liquid foaming cleaning composition the pH can be adjusted to a pH of about 7.0 to a pH of about 14.0, preferably to a pH of about 8.0 to a pH of about 12.5, and more preferably to a pH of about 9.5 to a pH of about 11.5.

[0328] The solvent, preferably water, is thus added to the concentrated liquid foaming cleaning composition to 100 wt.% wherein the wt.% of the components is based on the total weight of the concentrated liquid foaming cleaning composition and the wt.% of all components of the cleaning composition is selected such that it does not exceed 100 wt.%.

[0329] According to one aspect, the concentrated aqueous foaming cleaning composition can comprise:

[0330] - about > 0.1 wt.% to about < 10 wt.%, preferably about > 0.2 wt.% to about < 5 wt.% and further preferably about > 0.5 wt.% to about < 1 wt.% of linear and / or branched C 12 mixtures of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides with linear and / or branched C 14 mixtures of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides;

[0331] - at least one anionic surfactant of the following:

[0332] - about > 0.1 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably about > 0.2 wt% to about < 5 wt%, and further preferably about > 0.3 wt% to about < 1 wt% of a mixture of linear and / or branched C w sulfate, wherein w represents an average addition mole number in the range of about 1-10, preferably about 2-8, and more preferably about 3-5, and / or

[0333] - about > 0.1 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably about > 0.2 wt% to about < 5 wt%, and further preferably about > 0.5 wt% to about < 2 wt% of at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I), or a mixture of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acids or salts thereof represented by formula (I);

[0334] - about > 0.5 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably about > 1 wt% to about < 8 wt%, and further preferably about > 2 wt% to about < 5 wt% of an alkalinity source; preferably sodium hydroxide; and

[0335] - about > 60 wt%, preferably about > 70 wt%, and further preferably about > 85 wt% to about < 92 wt% of water; wherein

[0336] The wt% of the components are based on the total weight of the composition, and the components are selected such that the total weight of the components of the concentrated composition does not exceed 100 wt%.

[0337] According to one aspect, the concentrated aqueous lathering cleaning composition can comprise:

[0338] - about > 0.1 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably about > 0.2 wt% to about < 5 wt%, and further preferably about > 0.5 wt% to about < 1 wt% of a mixture of linear and / or branched C 12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides with linear and / or branched C 14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides;

[0339] - at least one anionic surfactant of:

[0340] - about > 0.1 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably about > 0.2 wt% to about < 5 wt%, and further preferably about > 0.3 wt% to about < 1 wt% of a mixture of linear and / or branched C w sulfate, wherein w represents an average addition mole number in the range of about 1-10, preferably about 2-8, and more preferably about 3-5, and / or

[0341] - about > 0.1 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably about > 0.2 wt% to about < 5 wt%, and further preferably about > 0.5 wt% to about < 2 wt% of at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I), or a mixture of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acids or salts thereof represented by formula (I);

[0342] - about > 0.5 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably about > 1 wt% to about < 8 wt%, and further preferably about > 2 wt% to about < 5 wt% of an alkalinity source; preferably sodium hydroxide; and

[0343] - about > 60 wt%, preferably about > 70 wt% and further preferably about > 85 wt% to about < 92 wt% of water; wherein

[0344] The wt% of the components are based on the total weight of the composition and the components are selected such that the total weight of the components of the concentrated composition does not exceed 100 wt%.

[0345] According to another aspect, the concentrated aqueous foaming cleaning composition can comprise:

[0346] - about > 0.5 wt% to about < 1 wt% of a linear and / or branched C 12 mixture of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and linear and / or branched C 14 mixture of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides;

[0347] - at least one anionic surfactant of:

[0348] - about > 0.3 wt% to about < 1 wt% of dodecyl (oxyethylene) w sulfate, wherein w represents an average addition mole number ranging from 3-5, and / or

[0349] - about > 0.5 wt% to about < 2 wt% of a mixture of lauryl ether carboxylic acid and myristyl ether carboxylic acid represented by formula (I);

[0350] - about > 2 wt% to about < 5 wt% of an alkalinity source; preferably sodium hydroxide;

[0351] - about > 2 wt% to about < 4 wt% of a hydrotrope, preferably cumene sulfonate;

[0352] - about > 0.7 wt% to about < 1 wt% of a polyacrylate salt;

[0353] - about > 85 wt% to about < 92 wt% of water; wherein

[0354] The wt% of the components are based on the total weight of the composition and the components are selected such that the total weight of all components of the composition does not exceed 100 wt%.

[0355] ready-to-use composition

[0356] The liquid foaming cleaning composition can be present in the form of a diluted composition or a so-called "ready-to-use" composition. The diluted composition can be obtained from a concentrated liquid foaming cleaning composition, for example by combining water (e.g. deionized water, city water or tap water) with the concentrate. The so-called ready-to-use composition can be treated to reduce hardness.

[0357] The source of alkalinity and the addition of solvent, preferably water, is such that the pH of the diluted liquid foaming cleaning composition can range from about 8.0 pH to about 12.5 pH or from about 9.0 pH to about 12.0 pH.

[0358] According to one aspect, the concentrated liquid foaming cleaning composition can be diluted with solvent, preferably water, to a diluted cleaning composition of about 1.0 wt% - 10 wt%, preferably about 2.0 wt% - 5.5 wt%, also designated as "ready-to-use solution".

[0359] The solvent, preferably water, is thus added to the diluted liquid foaming cleaning composition to 100 wt%, wherein the wt% of the components is based on the total weight of the diluted liquid foaming cleaning composition, and the wt% of all components of the cleaning composition is selected such that it does not exceed 100 wt%.

[0360] According to one aspect, the diluted aqueous foaming cleaning composition can comprise:

[0361] - about > 0.002 wt% to about < 0.2 wt%, preferably about > 0.004 wt% to about < 0.1 wt%, and further preferably about > 0.01 wt% to about < 0.02 wt% of linear and / or branched C 12 mixtures of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides with linear and / or branched C 14 mixtures of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides;

[0362] - at least one anionic surfactant of:

[0363] - about > 0.002 wt% to about < 0.2 wt%, preferably about > 0.004 wt% to about < 0.1 wt%, and further preferably about > 0.006 wt% to about < 0.02 wt% of dodecyl (oxyethylene) w sulfate, wherein w denotes an average addition of moles in the range of 1 to 10, preferably about 2 - 8 and more preferably about 3 - 5, and / or

[0364] - about > 0.002 wt% to about < 0.2 wt%, preferably about > 0.004 wt% to about < 0.1 wt%, and further preferably about > 0.01 wt% to about < 0.04 wt% of at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I), or a mixture of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acids or salts thereof represented by formula (I);

[0365] - about > 0.01 wt% to about < 0.2 wt%, preferably about > 0.02 wt% to about < 0.16 wt%, and further preferably about > 0.04 wt% to about < 0.1 wt% of an alkalinity source; preferably sodium hydroxide;

[0366] - about > 0 wt% to about < 0.2 wt%, preferably about > 0.02 wt% to about < 0.1 wt%, and more preferably about > 0.04 wt% to about < 0.08 wt% of a hydrotrope, preferably cumene sulfonate;

[0367] - about > 0 wt% to about < 0.1 wt%, preferably about > 0.01 wt% to about < 0.04 wt%, and more preferably about > 0.014 wt% to about < 0.02 wt% of a polycarboxylate, preferably polyacrylate, having about 4000-6000 Mw;

[0368] - about > 98 wt%, preferably about > 99 wt%, and further preferably about > 99.9 wt% of water; wherein

[0369] The wt% of the components are based on the total weight of the composition, and the components are selected such that the total weight of all components of the composition does not exceed 100 wt%.

[0370] According to another aspect, the diluted aqueous sudsing cleaning composition can comprise:

[0371] - about > 0.002 wt% to about < 0.2 wt% of a linear and / or branched C 12 mixtures of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides with linear and / or branched C 14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides;

[0372] - at least one anionic surfactant of the following:

[0373] - about > 0.002 wt% to about < 0.2 wt% of a dodecyl (oxyethylene) w sulfate, wherein w represents an average addition mole number in the range of 1 to 10, and / or

[0374] - about > 0.002 wt% to about < 0.2 wt% of at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or a salt thereof, or a mixture of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acids or salts thereof, the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid being selected from the group of lauryl ether carboxylic acid and myristyl ether carboxylic acid and represented by formula (I);

[0375] - about > 0.01 wt% to about < 0.2 wt% of an alkalinity source; preferably sodium hydroxide;

[0376] - about > 0 wt% to about < 0.2 wt% of a hydrotrope, preferably cumene sulfonate;

[0377] - about > 0 wt% to about < 0.1 wt% of a polycarboxylate having about 4000-6000 Mw;

[0378] - about > 98 wt%, preferably about > 99 wt% of water; wherein

[0379] The wt% of the components are based on the total weight of the composition and the components are selected such that the total weight of all components of the composition does not exceed 100 wt%.

[0380] According to one aspect, the diluted aqueous sudsing cleaning composition can comprise:

[0381] - about > 0.01 wt% to about < 0.02 wt% of a linear and / or branched C 12 mixture of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and linear and / or branched C 14 mixture of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides;

[0382] - at least one anionic surfactant of the following:

[0383] - about > 0.006 wt% to about < 0.02 wt% of a dodecyl (oxyethylene) w sulfate, wherein w represents an average addition mole number in the range of about 3-5, and / or

[0384] - about > 0.01 wt% to about < 0.04 wt% of at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or a salt thereof represented by formula (I), or a mixture of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acids or salts thereof represented by formula (I);

[0385] - about > 0.04 wt% to about < 0.1 wt% of an alkalinity source; preferably sodium hydroxide;

[0386] - about > 0.04 wt% to about < 0.08 wt% of a hydrotrope, preferably cumene sulfonate;

[0387] - about > 0.014 wt% to about < 0.02 wt% of a polycarboxylate having about 4000-6000 Mw;

[0388] - about > 99.9 wt% water; wherein

[0389] The wt% of a component is based on the total weight of the composition, and the components are selected such that the total weight of all components of the composition does not exceed 100 wt%.

[0390] cleaning method

[0391] In some aspects, the present application provides a method for removing soil from a surface. In some embodiments, the method for removing soil from a surface comprises using a clean-in-place (CIP) or clean-out-of-place (COP) cleaning process. The method comprises applying to the surface a composition of the present application, preferably in the form of a foam.

[0392] The method for removing soil from a surface to be cleaned can comprise applying to the surface a liquid foaming cleaning composition. According to another aspect, the method for removing soil from a surface to be cleaned can comprise applying to the surface a concentrated liquid foaming cleaning composition. According to another aspect, the method for removing soil from a surface to be cleaned can comprise applying to the surface, preferably a diluted liquid foaming cleaning composition.

[0393] The method for removing soil from a surface to be cleaned can comprise:

[0394] a) optionally applying to the surface to be cleaned a pre-treatment solution, preferably water, for a time amount sufficient to substantially penetrate the soil on the surface to be cleaned and / or to pre-clean the soil on the surface to be cleaned;

[0395] b) applying to the surface to be cleaned a liquid foaming cleaning composition, preferably a diluted liquid foaming cleaning composition, for a time amount for cleaning the surface to be cleaned;

[0396] c) an optional rinsing step before and / or after applying (a) and / or (b).

[0397] In some embodiments, the methods and compositions of the present application are applied to surfaces that are typically cleaned using clean-in-place or clean-out-of-place techniques. Examples of such surfaces include hard and soft surfaces, for example, top outer and / or inner outer surfaces of materials such as ceramic, metal, plastic, and / or glass; surfaces that come into contact with beverages and / or food products, beverages such as alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, for example, beer or milk, food products such as meat, vegetables, and / or cereal products. Other surfaces that can be cleaned are, for example, instruments and devices used in health or medical services, for example, evaporators; heat exchangers, including double pipe exchangers, direct steam injection, and in-frame plate exchangers; heating coils including heated steam, flame, or heat transfer fluid; recrystallizers; disk crystallizers; spray dryers; drum dryers, and tanks.

[0398] Other surfaces that can be cleaned using the methods and compositions of the present application include, but are not limited to, membranes, medical devices, laundry and / or fabric, and hard surfaces such as walls, floors, dishes, flatware, pots and pans, heat exchange coils, ovens, griddles, smokehouses, sewer drain lines, and vehicles. In some embodiments, the surfaces can be cleaned using an in-situ cleaning method. The methods of the present application can also be used to decontaminate air handling equipment, such as air conditioners and refrigeration heat exchangers. In other embodiments, the methods of the present application can be used for drain line microbial control, for example, to reduce or eliminate biofilm formation.

[0399] Exemplary industries in which the methods and compositions of the present application can be used include, but are not limited to, the food and beverage industry, such as dairy, cheese, sugar, and brewery industries; oil processing industries; industrial agriculture and ethanol processing; and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

[0400] temperature

[0401] The methods for removing soil from a surface and the aqueous foaming cleaning compositions can be applied at reduced temperatures, for example, at about > 15°C to about < 75°C, preferably at about > 30°C to about < 60°C, preferably at about > 40°C to about < 50°C. The ability to form a stable foam and clean at reduced temperatures, preferably at about 45°C, results in energy and cost savings compared to traditional cleaning techniques that require increased temperatures. In addition, the present application provides effective soil removal for surfaces that cannot withstand high temperatures.

[0402] It has also been found that the methods of the present application provide soil removal at reduced temperatures and with reduced amounts of chemicals compared to conventional cleaning methods. In some embodiments, the methods of the present application use about 25% - 50% less chemicals, such as alkalinity sources, than conventional cleaning methods. Thus, the methods of the present application can effectively remove soil at two items of low temperature and with low concentrations of chemicals, providing energy savings and a reduction in the amount of chemicals consumed per cleaning.

[0403] time

[0404] In some aspects, the aqueous foaming cleaning compositions used in the methods of the present application are applied to a surface in the form of a stable foam for a sufficient amount of time such that the composition penetrates into the soil to be removed.

[0405] In some embodiments, the composition is applied to the surface to be cleaned in the form of a foam for about 1 minute to 60 minutes, preferably about 5 minutes to 55 minutes, further preferably about 10 minutes to 50 minutes.

[0406] In other embodiments, the composition is applied to the surface for about 20-40 minutes. It is understood that the present method encompasses all values and ranges between these values and ranges.

[0407] In some embodiments, the aqueous foaming cleaning composition used in the present method is applied to the surface to be cleaned in the form of a stable foam for about 1-30 minutes. In some embodiments, the aqueous foaming cleaning composition used in the present method is applied to the surface to be cleaned in the form of a stable foam for about 5-15 minutes. In some embodiments, the aqueous foaming cleaning composition used in the present method is applied to the surface to be cleaned in the form of a stable foam for about 10 minutes. It is understood that the present method is intended to encompass any values between these ranges.

[0408] Another object is a foam comprising the components of the liquid foaming cleaning composition.

[0409] According to one embodiment, the foam composition preferably obtained from the diluted liquid foaming cleaning composition has a foam stability wherein the foam volume is reduced by about 10% to 20% by volume after 1 minute, by about 15% to 25% by volume after 2 minutes, by about 30% to 40% by volume after 5 minutes and by about 75% to about 85% by volume after 10 minutes, based on the initial foam volume.

[0410] The foam stability results in an improved cleaning effect, since the foam can thus be regarded as a carrier for the cleaning solution. It is ensured that the solution can also adhere to vertical surfaces and ceilings. Thus, a longer contact time between the cleaning solution and the surface to be cleaned is achieved. The foam layer on the cleaning agent film has a storage effect, i.e. via the destruction of further foam bubbles, new cleaning agent solution is constantly delivered to the surface.

[0411] The following non-limiting examples illustrate certain advantages of the present application.

[0412] Example

[0413] Examples E1 to E11 and C1 to C4

[0414] The compositions of Examples El to El 1 and Comparative Examples Cl to C4 of the present application were prepared by mixing the components mentioned in Tables I and II below.

[0415] A 3% solution of the composition of Examples El to El 1 and Cl to C4 was transferred at a rate of 7.5 L / h in a mixing block, wherein the solutions El to El 1 and Cl to C4 were diluted to a 3% solution with 15°dH tap water. In the mixing block, the diluted composition was mixed with air at about 1.8 bar, 20 L / min and homogenized in a static mixing line with about 10 mm inner diameter, 200 mm length and four vanes. After the mixing line, the generated foam was transferred via a 80 cm long hose with about 10 mm inner diameter to a nozzle of the type of a narrowing tube, 60 mm length, 6 mm inner diameter and sprayed on a vertically arranged stainless steel surface at a distance of 20 cm above. A circular shaped lathering area was configured. With the passage of time, the foam slides down and / or decays along the stainless steel surface. The percentage of the surface covered by the foam in a circular area of 10 cm radius around the center of the lathering area was measured at the stainless steel surface about 5 minutes after application

[0416] Table I

[0417]

[0418]

[0419] *1 = sodium salt of an acrylic acid polymer with an average molecular weight (Mw) of about 4500, fully Na neutralized.

[0420] *2 = percentage of the surface covered by the foam in a circular area of 10 cm radius around the center of the lathering area about 5 minutes after application.

[0421] Table II

[0422]

[0423] *1 = sodium salt of an acrylic acid polymer with an average molecular weight (Mw) of about 4500, fully Na neutralized.

[0424] *2 = percentage of the surface covered by the foam in a circular area of 10 cm radius around the center of the lathering area about 5 minutes after application.

[0425] Foam formation

[0426] This test method provides the basis for analyzing the foam properties of the liquid lathering cleaning compositions of the present invention.

[0427] foam testing apparatus

[0428] - microscope, Keyence VHX-600 digital microscope, used at about 23 °C with a magnification of 1 : 10000;

[0429] - device for generating foam, Krüss dynamic foam analyzer DFA 100, 1 L / min air at 20° for about 5 seconds, bottom filter of glass cuvette with a pore size of 40-100 pm.

[0430] Foams were generated with a Krüss dynamic foam analyzer DFA 100, wherein in a cuvette with a volume of 1005 ml with an inner diameter of 40 mm and a bottom containing a filter with a pore size of 40-100 pm, 50 ml of a liquid foaming cleaning test composition diluted with tap water (15° dH) at 2% were placed. Compositions C1 and E3 were used as test compositions. The foams of C1 and E3 were generated in a glass cuvette in upright arrangement by a vertical air flow of 1 L / min at 20 °C for about 5 seconds to the top end of the cuvette via the bottom filter with a pore size of 40-100 pm.

[0431] Foam formation was repeated 10 times and the foam pore size of each generated foam was determined to calculate the average value.

[0432] The average foam pore size was determined with a Keyence VHX-600 digital microscope at a magnification of 1 : 10000 at about 23 °C. The results are shown in Table III.

[0433] Table III: Average foam pore size

[0434] C1 E3 average value (pm) 181 142 standard deviation 91 41 25% of the foam pores below 127 114 50% of the foam pores below 179 160 75% of the foam pores below 269 180

[0435] The results of Table III clearly show that the average foam pore size of the foam obtained from the liquid foaming cleaning composition E3 according to the application is smaller compared to the comparative foam C1 and that a much smaller average foam pore size deviation value is generated. It is assumed that the improved cleaning performance of the liquid foaming cleaning composition according to the application is based on the foam pore size and the foam stability.

[0436] Table IV: Foam stability

[0437] t / s C1 vol.% E3 vol.% 5 100 100 100 76 82 200 75 79 400 71 78 600 67 77 800 58 76 1000 47 75 1200 41 74

[0438] Foams for determining the foam stability were generated with a Krüss dynamic foam analyzer DFA 100, wherein 50 ml of a 2% liquid foaming cleaning test composition diluted with tap water (15° dH) were placed in a cuvette of 1005 ml volume with a bottom containing a filter with a pore size of 40-100 μm and an inner diameter of 40 mm. The compositions C1 and E3 were used as test compositions. The foams of C1 and E3 were generated in an upright arranged glass cuvette by a vertical air flow of 1 L / min at 20°C for about 5 seconds via the bottom filter with a pore size of 40-100 μm to the top end of this cuvette. Thereafter, the foam generation was stopped and the reduction of the foam volume of the foams of E3 and C1 was determined.

[0439] Table IV clearly demonstrates that the foam obtained from the liquid foaming cleaning composition E3 according to the present application has a significantly increased long-lasting performance compared to the comparative composition C1.

[0440] Cleaning efficiency test method

[0441] This test method provides the basis for analyzing the foaming compositions according to the present application with regard to the cleaning efficiency of ceramic test panel surfaces contaminated with mixed animal fat / pig fat soil.

[0442] apparatus

[0443] - Prominent Elektronik A308

[0444] - 800 ml cup

[0445] - acetone

[0446] - colored mixed animal fat / pig fat (soil; colorant Sudan IV (1 g / Kg soil))

[0447] - paint knife

[0448] - ceramic test panel of 24 cm x 12 cm x 0.5 cm (ceramic test panel cleaned with acetone before use)

[0449] - clean paper towel

[0450] - stop watch

[0451] - camera.

[0452] The ceramic test panels were cleaned with acetone prior to use, thereafter cleaned with a clean paper towel and allowed to dry at room temperature for about 12 hours. The upper surface of the ceramic test panels was uniformly coated with tallow / lard test soil to form a 1.5 cm soil entry zone, such that the upper 3.5 cm of the test panel was uncoated. The coated test panels were bubbled using Prominent Elektronik A308 under the same conditions as described above, e.g. E1 to E11 and C1 to C4, with a 3% solution of composition E3 and C1, wherein the composition E3 and C1 was diluted to a 3% solution with 15°dH tap water at about 40°C. After 20 minutes, the soiled ceramic test panels were rinsed with 600 ml of rinse, allowed to dry at ambient temperature at about 23°C for 15 hours. Thereafter, the test panels were photographed and the soiled surface area after cleaning and rinsing was compared to the soiled surface area before cleaning and rinsing.

[0453] C1 cleaning composition provided about 68% tallow removal, while the E3 cleaning composition of the present application provided about 93% tallow removal. Thus, the cleaning efficiency test clearly demonstrates that the cleaning composition E3 according to the present application has significantly improved cleaning performance.

[0454] It is to be understood that whenever values and ranges are provided herein, all values and ranges encompassed by the range are meant to be encompassed within the scope of the present application. Moreover, all values within the ranges and all ranges formed by the upper and lower limits of the ranges are also encompassed by the present application.

Claims

1. An aqueous foaming cleaning composition for removing dirt from a surface to be cleaned at low temperatures, comprising the following substances: 0.2-5wt% of straight-chain and / or branched C 12 Alkyl dimethylamine oxide and straight-chain and / or branched C 14 A mixture of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides, wherein C 12 Alkyl dimethylamine oxide and the C 14 The wt% ratio of alkyl dimethyl amine oxide is 4:1-1:4; 3-10 wt% lauryl ether carboxylic acid and / or myristole carboxylic acid; 0.5-10wt% alkaline source; 1-5 wt% of water-soluble co-solubilizers selected from aromatic hydrocarbon sulfonates; 0.5-2 wt% of polymeric polycarboxylate; and At least 60 wt% water; The wt% of each component is based on the total weight of the composition, and the components are selected such that the total weight of all components in the composition does not exceed 100 wt%.

2. The aqueous foaming cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein C 12 Alkyl dimethylamine oxide and the C 14 The wt% ratio of alkyl dimethyl amine oxide is 3:1 to 1:3, where wt% is based on the total weight of the composition.

3. The aqueous foaming cleaning composition according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: N-Lauryl-N,N-dimethylamine oxide; N-Tetradecyl-N,N-dimethylamine oxide; and Lauryl ether carboxylic acid and / or myristyl ether carboxylic acid.

4. The aqueous foaming cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the alkaline source is selected from alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal salts, phosphates, amines, and mixtures thereof.

5. The aqueous foaming cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the water-soluble co-solubilizer is cumene sulfonate.

6. The aqueous foaming cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the aqueous foaming cleaning composition comprises a polyacrylate with a molecular weight of 500-50000 Mw, wherein the molecular weight of the polyacrylate is based on a fully neutralized sodium polycarboxylate.

7. The aqueous foaming cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1-6, comprising the following substances: 0.2-5wt% of straight-chain and / or branched C 12 Mixtures of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides with straight-chain and / or branched C 14 A mixture of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides; 3-5 wt% lauryl ether carboxylic acid and / or myristole carboxylic acid; 1-8wt% alkaline source; 1-5 wt% of water-soluble co-solubilizers selected from aromatic hydrocarbon sulfonates; 0.5-2 wt% of polymeric polycarboxylate; and Water content greater than 60 wt%.

8. The aqueous foaming cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the pH of the aqueous foaming cleaning composition is in the range of 7.0-14.

0.

9. A foam composition comprising the aqueous foaming cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. The foam composition according to claim 9, having foam stability, wherein the foam volume decreases by 10% to 20% of volume after 1 minute, by 15% to 25% of volume after 2 minutes, by 15% to 25% of volume after 5 minutes, and by 20% to 30% of volume after 10 minutes, based on the initial foam volume.

11. The foam composition according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the average foam pore size D 50 Within the range of ≥ 10 µm to ≤ 2000 µm.

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