A complex odor-removing composition for cleaning beverage production equipment and a method of using the same

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of equipment cleaning, in particular to a composite odor-removing composition for cleaning beverage production equipment; according to the total mass, the composition comprises: 5-35% of non-ionic surfactant, 3-20% of amine surfactant, 1-15% of chelating agent, 1-20% of organic solvent, and the rest is water to make up to 100%; by optimizing the types and relative mass of each component, the prepared composition has excellent odor-removing effect, foam inhibition and defoaming performance, and washability, and can significantly improve the cleaning efficiency of CIP by adding a small amount in the CIP process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of equipment cleaning technology, C11D1 / 00, and particularly to a composite deodorizing composition for cleaning beverage production equipment and its method of use. Background Technology

[0002] Cleaning in Place (CIP) is an ideal equipment cleaning method that cleans equipment without disassembling it. It has been widely used in food processing industries such as dairy, beer, beverages, juices, pharmaceuticals, and mineral water. This equipment includes tanks used for food and beverage production, raw material tanks, and filling machine tanks, as well as the pipes and valves connecting them. Cleaning beverage production equipment involves not only removing residual sugars, proteins, and greases, but also eliminating strong odors. Current CIP procedures, which involve cold water pre-washing – alkaline cleaning – clean water rinsing – acidic cleaning – hot water rinsing, still have many shortcomings, such as long cleaning time, high energy and water consumption, and inability to effectively remove residual odors. Therefore, developing a cleaning agent for CIP cleaning and deodorization of beverage production equipment is of great value.

[0003] Chinese patent CN107937171B discloses a low-foaming, green, CIP-type concentrated cleaning agent, which is formulated with alkyl glycosides, fatty acid methyl ester ethoxylates, modified oil ethoxylates, modified oil ethoxy compound sulfonates, coconut oil fatty acid diethanolamide 6501, undecylimidazoline amphoteric surfactants, Tween-20, and emulsified silicone oil, effectively improving its cleaning ability for food industry pipelines; however, it cannot solve the problem of deodorizing pipelines. Chinese patent CN110791391A discloses an equipment pipeline deodorizer, its preparation method, and its application. This patent uses a compound of ethoxypropoxylated C12-24-ols, C1-C25 ethylene oxide polymers, C1-C25 fatty alcohols, C1-C20 nonionic surfactants, fatty acids, and C1-C20 alcohol amines, effectively removing odors from pipelines; however, the cleaning agent in this method is difficult to rinse and requires a large amount of water for complete removal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention first provides a composite deodorizing composition for cleaning beverage production equipment; the composition comprises, by total mass, 5-35% nonionic surfactant, 3-20% amine surfactant, 1-15% chelating agent, 1-20% organic solvent, and water to make up to 100%.

[0005] Further, based on total mass, the composition comprises: 10-30% nonionic surfactant, 5-15% amine surfactant, 1-10% chelating agent, 1-30% organic solvent, and water to make up to 100%.

[0006] Furthermore, the nonionic surfactant includes at least one polymer of alkylphenol polyoxyethylene ether, fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, alkoxylated fatty alcohol, ethylene oxide, and ether.

[0007] Furthermore, the nonionic surfactant includes polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester.

[0008] Furthermore, the amount of the polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester is 1-20% of the total mass of the composition, preferably 5-15%.

[0009] Furthermore, the polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester is selected from polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester-20, polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester-21, polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester-40, polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester-60, polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester-61, polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester-65, polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester-80, polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester-81, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester-85.

[0010] Preferably, the polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester is selected from polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester-60 and / or polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester-80.

[0011] Long chains of polyethylene glycol alkyl ethers have good water solubility, which can promote the wetting and spreading of the composition on the carrier and the emulsification of odor molecules. However, the emulsification effect produced by the long chains of polyethylene glycol alkyl ethers alone is not high, and the effect of removing odors from some beverages is not good. When polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester is used in this application, it may be because the cyclic central structure of dehydrated sorbitol in the structure can make the cross-linking structure after emulsification more stable and achieve more complete odor removal. The effect is best when polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester-80 is used.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester is polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester-80.

[0013] Furthermore, the nonionic surfactant also includes alkoxylated fatty alcohols, or polymers of ethylene oxide and ethers.

[0014] Furthermore, the alkoxylated fatty alcohol is an alkoxylated C12-C20 fatty alcohol, which includes, but is not limited to, at least one of ethoxypropoxylated C12-24 straight-chain fatty alcohol and ethoxybutoxylated C12-C16 straight-chain fatty alcohol.

[0015] Preferably, the composition further comprises a polymer of ethylene oxide and ether.

[0016] Furthermore, the amount of the polymer of ethylene oxide and ether accounts for 5-15% of the total composition.

[0017] Furthermore, the polymers of the ethylene oxide and ether include, but are not limited to, at least one of polymethyl ethylene oxide / ethylene oxide mono(2-propylheptyl) ether, polymethyl ethylene oxide / (ethylene oxide) mono-2-propylheptyl ether, and polyethylene oxide / decyl ethylene oxide.

[0018] Preferably, the polymer of ethylene oxide and ether comprises polymethyl ethylene oxide / ethylene oxide mono(2-propylheptyl) ether.

[0019] Furthermore, the amine surfactant has an alkane unit with C≥9 and at least one nitrogen atom. Optional amine surfactants include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: polymers of methyl ethylene oxide with 1,2,-ethylenediamine and ethylene oxide, ethoxylated (tallow alkyl)amine, and cocamidopropyl betaine. The alkane unit with C≥9 is represented as: -[(CH2)9] n - where n is a positive integer ≥ 1.

[0020] Preferably, the amine surfactant has C9-C18 alkane links, an unsaturated cyclic structure, and at least one nitrogen atom.

[0021] This application utilizes the polarity of amine surfactants to spread and wet odor carriers, and leverages their nitrogen-containing alkalinity to saponify ester-based odor-generating molecules, thus eliminating odors. However, different amine surfactants not only differ in their deodorizing properties, but the deodorizers prepared from them also vary significantly in their washability. Only when the amine surfactant structure contains an alkyl chain segment with ≥9 C, an unsaturated cyclic structure, and at least one nitrogen atom will the above properties be better. This may be because the alkalinity provided by the nitrogen atom is conducive to the removal of odor molecules, but an excessive number of nitrogen atoms will produce strong polarity or intermolecular interactions. Higher polarity increases its adhesion to the carrier, making the deodorizer difficult to wash off. Therefore, this application specifies that the structure contains an unsaturated ring to adjust the alkalinity and polarity of the amine surfactant. Simultaneously, the alkyl chain segment with ≥9 C allows the amine surfactant to emulsify and encapsulate odor molecules, creating a repulsive effect on the carrier and improving the washability of the deodorizer.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the amine surfactant is ethoxylated (tallow alkyl) amine.

[0023] Further, the mass ratio of the polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, the polymer of methyl ethylene oxide and ethylene oxide mono(2-propylheptyl) ether, and the ethoxylated (tallow alkyl)amine is (5-15):(5-15):(5-15), preferably (8-12):(8-12):(5-10).

[0024] In the deodorizing agent of this application, the mass ratio of polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, methyl ethylene oxide and ethylene oxide mono(2-propylheptyl) ether polymer, and ethoxylated (tallow alkyl)amine is specified as 10:10:8, which optimizes the product's anti-foaming and defoaming effects, rinseability, and deodorizing properties. The reason for this is that odor-generating molecules encompass a wide variety, such as fatty acids, oxygen-containing derivatives, alkenes, aldehydes, etc. These odor-generating molecules and carriers have varying degrees of binding force. When this application uses a compound of polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, methyl ethylene oxide and ethylene oxide mono(2-propylheptyl) ether polymer, and ethoxylated (tallow alkyl)amine, because these molecules all contain numerous polar groups such as -OH, -CO-, -NH-, etc., and these groups have varying polarities, they can not only effectively spread and wet the odor-carrying carrier, but also react with a wider range of odor-generating molecules. Intermolecular interactions cause odor-source molecules to detach from the carrier. Simultaneously, the above three components rely on the interaction of polar bonds to generate appropriate molecular cross-linking, emulsifying, encapsulating, and suspending the odor-source molecules, preventing them from recombinizing with the carrier, thereby improving deodorizing performance. However, it is necessary to strictly control the relative amounts of the three components. Too much or too little content will disrupt the balance of cross-linking and the stability of the cross-linking structure, leading to the escape and reloading of odor-source molecules. It will also affect the surface tension generated by the three components, thus adversely affecting the defoaming, antifoaming, and rinseability of the deodorizer.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the mass ratio of the polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, the polymer of methyl ethylene oxide and ethylene oxide mono(2-propylheptyl) ether, and the ethoxylated (tallow alkyl)amine is 10:10:8.

[0026] Furthermore, the chelating agent includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, sodium methylglycine diacetate, sodium glutamate oxalate, calcium phosphate, pyrophosphate, citric acid, citrate, potassium tartrate, sodium gluconate, gluconate-δ-lactone, sorbitol, and calcium acetate.

[0027] Preferably, the chelating agent comprises citric acid and / or citrate.

[0028] Furthermore, the citrate includes, but is not limited to, at least one of sodium citrate, potassium citrate, and calcium citrate.

[0029] Furthermore, the organic solvent is selected from at least one of alcohols, esters, and ethers.

[0030] Furthermore, the alcohols include, but are not limited to, at least one of ethanol, propanol, propylene glycol, butanol, pentanol, and hexanol.

[0031] Furthermore, the esters include, but are not limited to, at least one of ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, butyl acetate, and caprylic / capric triglyceride.

[0032] Furthermore, the ethers include, but are not limited to, at least one of ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, and dipropylene glycol methyl ether.

[0033] Preferably, the organic solvent includes diethylene glycol butyl ether.

[0034] Furthermore, the composition further includes 0.5-15% of a solubilizer; preferably 1-5% of a solubilizer.

[0035] Furthermore, the solubilizer is at least one of alcohol ether, benzene sulfonate, and sulfonate, preferably benzene sulfonate.

[0036] Furthermore, the alcohol ether is at least one of ethylene glycol ether and propylene glycol ether.

[0037] Furthermore, the benzenesulfonate is at least one of sodium xylenesulfonate, ammonium xylenesulfonate, and sodium isopropylbenzenesulfonate, preferably sodium xylenesulfonate.

[0038] Furthermore, the sulfonate is at least one of sodium secondary alkyl sulfonate and sodium octyl sulfonate.

[0039] Furthermore, the composition is prepared by mixing the components and then stirring.

[0040] Preferably, the composition is prepared by mixing water, a chelating agent and an amine surfactant, stirring to obtain a mixture; then adding a solubilizer, a nonionic surfactant and an organic solvent and stirring to obtain the final product.

[0041] Secondly, this application also provides a method of using the composition, namely method A or method B.

[0042] Further, method A is: diluting the composition with water and then using it directly.

[0043] Further, method B involves mixing the composition, alkaline detergent, and water before use.

[0044] Furthermore, in methods A and B, the concentration of the composition used is 0.2-10%, preferably 1-5%.

[0045] Beneficial effects

[0046] 1. This application specifies that the nonionic surfactant includes polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, which can improve the deodorization effect of the composition and effectively expand the deodorization range of the composition;

[0047] 2. This application specifies that the amine surfactant has an alkyl long chain with C≥10, an unsaturated cyclic structure and at least one nitrogen atom in its structure, which can effectively improve the rinseability and deodorization of the composition;

[0048] 3. This application strictly specifies the mass ratio of polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, methyl ethylene oxide and ethylene oxide mono(2-propylheptyl) ether polymer, and ethoxylated (tallow alkyl) amine, which can further improve the product's antifoaming and defoaming effects, rinseability and deodorizing effect;

[0049] 4. The composition system of this application has excellent compatibility, good stability, and can be stored for a long time;

[0050] 5. The preparation method of the composition of this application is to mix and stir multiple different components to obtain the product. The process is simple, convenient and quick. The composition can be used directly after dilution, or it can be used after being diluted with commercially available detergents. It has excellent stain removal and deodorization effects, is not easy to leave residues, has no adverse effects on equipment, and can effectively reduce water waste and improve cleaning efficiency when used in CIP. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Example

[0052] Example 1

[0053] This embodiment provides a composite deodorizing composition for cleaning beverage production equipment; the composition comprises, by total mass, 20% nonionic surfactant, 8% amine surfactant, 3% chelating agent, 2% solubilizer, 10% organic solvent, and water to make up to 100%.

[0054] The nonionic surfactants include polymers of polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester and ethylene oxide and ether;

[0055] The polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester is polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester-80, CAS: 9005-65-6.

[0056] The polymer of the ethylene oxide and ether is polymethyl ethylene oxide / ethylene oxide mono(2-propylheptyl) ether, CAS: 166736-08-9, model number BASF-slf 180.

[0057] The amine surfactant is ethoxylated (tallow alkyl) amine, CAS: 61791-26-2, model number Clariant 1530.

[0058] The mass ratio of the polymer of polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, ethylene oxide and ether, and amine surfactant is 10:10:8.

[0059] The chelating agent is sodium citrate.

[0060] The solubilizer is sodium xylenesulfonate.

[0061] The organic solvent is diethylene glycol butyl ether.

[0062] The preparation method of the composite deodorizing composition is as follows: mix the components of the composition and stir until uniform.

[0063] Example 2

[0064] This embodiment provides a composite deodorizing composition for cleaning beverage production equipment; the composition comprises, by total mass, 30% nonionic surfactant, 5% amine surfactant, 5% chelating agent, 5% solubilizer, 15% organic solvent, and water to make up to 100%.

[0065] The nonionic surfactants include polymers of polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester and ethylene oxide and ether;

[0066] The polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester is polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester-80, CAS: 9005-65-6.

[0067] The polymer of the ethylene oxide and ether is polymethyl ethylene oxide / ethylene oxide mono(2-propylheptyl) ether, CAS: 166736-08-9, model number BASF-slf 180.

[0068] The amine surfactant is ethoxylated (tallow alkyl) amine, CAS: 61791-26-2, model number Clariant 1530.

[0069] The mass ratio of the polymer of polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, ethylene oxide and ether, and amine surfactant is 8:12:5.

[0070] The chelating agent is sodium citrate.

[0071] The solubilizer is sodium xylenesulfonate.

[0072] The organic solvent is diethylene glycol butyl ether.

[0073] The preparation method of the composite deodorizing composition is as follows: mix the components of the composition and stir until uniform.

[0074] Example 3

[0075] This embodiment provides a composite deodorizing composition for cleaning beverage production equipment; the composition comprises, by total mass, 10% nonionic surfactant, 15% amine surfactant, 1-10% chelating agent, solubilizer, 1-30% organic solvent, and water to make up to 100%.

[0076] The nonionic surfactants include polymers of polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester and ethylene oxide and ether;

[0077] The polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester is polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester-80, CAS: 9005-65-6.

[0078] The polymer of the ethylene oxide and ether is polymethyl ethylene oxide / ethylene oxide mono(2-propylheptyl) ether, CAS: 166736-08-9, model number BASF-slf 180.

[0079] The amine surfactant is ethoxylated (tallow alkyl) amine, CAS: 61791-26-2, model number Clariant 1530.

[0080] The mass ratio of the polymer of polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, ethylene oxide and ether, and amine surfactant is 12:8:15.

[0081] The chelating agent is sodium citrate.

[0082] The solubilizer is sodium xylenesulfonate.

[0083] The organic solvent is diethylene glycol butyl ether.

[0084] The preparation method of the composite deodorizing composition is as follows: mix the components of the composition and stir until uniform.

[0085] Comparative Example 1

[0086] It is basically the same as Example 1, except that the polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester-80 is replaced with PEG-300.

[0087] Comparative Example 2

[0088] It is basically the same as Example 1, except that the ethoxylated (tallow alkyl)amine is replaced with a polymer of methyl ethylene oxide and 1,2,-ethylenediamine and ethylene oxide, CAS: 26316-40-5.

[0089] Comparative Example 3

[0090] The results are basically the same as in Example 1, except that the polymethyl ethylene oxide / ethylene oxide mono(2-propylheptyl) ether is replaced with ethoxybutoxylated C12-16 linear fatty alcohol, CAS: 1301637-43-3, model DOWfax20B102.

[0091] Comparative Example 4

[0092] The composition is essentially the same as in Example 1, except that, by total mass, the composition comprises: 30% nonionic surfactant, 8% amine surfactant, 3% chelating agent, 2% solubilizer, 10% organic solvent, and water to make up to 100%.

[0093] The mass ratio of the polymer of polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, ethylene oxide and ether, and amine surfactant is 20:10:8.

[0094] Performance testing methods:

[0095] This application uses methods A and B to formulate the composition into a cleaning product for the following tests. The cleaning product prepared by method A consists of: 1 wt% composition + 99% water; the cleaning product prepared by method B consists of: 1 wt% composition + 3 wt% alkaline detergent (trade name: C1, a strong alkaline cleaning agent, purchased from Shanghai Keling Zhanxin Chemical Co., Ltd.) + 96 wt% water.

[0096] 1. Defoaming and foam suppression tests: These were conducted according to Clause 11 of standard GB / T13173-2021, Test Methods for Surfactants and Detergents, but at a test temperature of 80℃. Evaluation criteria: H: Initial bubble height less than 10mm, height less than 2mm after 5 minutes. J: Foam height greater than 10mm and less than 15mm, height less than 4mm after 5 minutes. M: Foam height greater than 15mm and less than 20mm, height less than 6mm after 5 minutes. X: Initial bubble height greater than 20mm, height negligible after 5 minutes. H, J, and M are considered practical standards. The combined test results of Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-4 are shown in Table 1.

[0097] 2. Rinability Test: Heat the cleaning products of Method A and Method B to 80°C in 500mL beakers while maintaining magnetic stirring. Immerse a weighed stainless steel plate (5cm×2.5cm×4mm; approximately 39.28g) into the cleaning product and stop stirring after 3 minutes. After stopping stirring for 30 seconds, remove the stainless steel plate and rinse it repeatedly in 80°C warm water 10 times, then dry it overnight.

[0098] The dried stainless steel plates were weighed, and the weight increase due to inadequate rinsing was evaluated according to the following criteria: H: No weight increase observed. J: Weight increase less than 5 mg. X: Weight increase more than 5 mg. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0099] 3. Odor Removal Test – Sensory Evaluation Method:

[0100] S1. Preparation of Flavor Test Sheets: First, completely immerse the EPDM sealing gasket (outer diameter 21.6mm, inner diameter 16.0mm) in the beverage (using strawberry, apple, and lime beverages as examples) and soak it at 80℃ for 4 hours. Then, remove the gasket, rinse it with running water at room temperature for 10 minutes, and then dry it at room temperature. This yields flavor test sheets with beverage flavor.

[0101] S2. Procedure: Place the test piece into the cleaning product (500 mL) prepared by method A or method B, and stir with a magnetic stirrer for 30 minutes while maintaining the temperature at 80°C. Then, remove the test piece and stir it with a magnetic stirrer in hot water at 80°C for 30 minutes. After removing it, rinse it with running water for 5 minutes. Next, dry the test piece at room temperature and evaluate its deodorizing effect through sensory testing.

[0102] Sensory evaluation was conducted by 10 reviewers using a four-level rating system to assess the deodorizing properties of the extract. Rating system: 1 point: Almost no odor. 2 points: Slightly pleasant fragrance. 3 points: Slightly pleasant fragrance. 4 points: Strong fragrance (persistent). Test results: H: Total score less than 14 points. J: Total score between 14 and 25 points. M: Total score between 25 and 30 points. X: Total score above 30 points. Results in H, J, and M are considered practical.

[0103] 4. Material Influence Test: Cut the EPDM test piece into 40mm×30mm (2mm thickness). After the operation, add 500mL of the cleaning product obtained by method A or method B to a beaker, place the test pad in it and immerse it at 80℃ for 24 hours. Then remove it from the beaker and rinse it with running tap water. Dry the test piece at room temperature to remove moisture.

[0104] The appearance changes before and after drying were evaluated according to the following criteria: H: Almost no appearance change. J: Slight appearance change. X: Obvious appearance change. Criteria H and J were determined to be practical. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0105] 5. Stability Test:

[0106] (1) High and low temperature stability: After the composition is bottled and sealed, it is placed in a high temperature (40±1℃) environment and a low temperature (4±1℃) environment respectively. After being kept at a constant temperature for 1 month, it is restored to room temperature (25±5℃) and the composition is observed to see if there is any layering or precipitation. If there is no adverse phenomenon, the stability is qualified; otherwise, it is unqualified.

[0107] (2) Freeze-thaw cycle stability: After the composition is bottled and sealed, it is placed in an environment of -15 to -20℃ and kept at a constant temperature for 24 hours. After that, it is taken out and placed in an environment of room temperature (25±5℃) for 24 hours to complete one cycle. The cycle is repeated five times, and the state of the composition is observed each time. If the composition does not separate or precipitate, the stability is qualified; otherwise, it is unqualified.

[0108] The results of high and low temperature stability and freeze-thaw cycle stability of the above embodiments and comparative examples are summarized in Table 1.

[0109] Table 1

[0110]

Claims

1. A composite deodorizing composition for cleaning beverage production equipment, characterized in that, The composition comprises, by total mass, 5-35% nonionic surfactant, 3-20% amine surfactant, 1-15% chelating agent, 1-20% organic solvent, and water to make up to 100%; The nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester and polymers of methyl ethylene oxide and ethylene oxide mono(2-propylheptyl) ether; The amine surfactants include ethoxylated (tallow alkyl) amines; The mass ratio of the polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, the polymer of methyl ethylene oxide and ethylene oxide mono(2-propylheptyl) ether, and the ethoxylated (tallow alkyl)amine is (5-15):(5-15):(5-15).

2. The composite deodorizing composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The amount of the polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester used is 1-20% of the total mass of the composition.

3. The composite deodorizing composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mass ratio of the polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, the polymer of methyl ethylene oxide and ethylene oxide mono(2-propylheptyl) ether, and the ethoxylated (tallow alkyl)amine is (8-12):(8-12):(5-10).

4. A method of using the composite deodorizing composition according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method of use is either method A or method B; Method A involves diluting the composition with water and then using it directly. Method B involves mixing the composition, alkaline detergent, and water before use.

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