Compositions for equipment degreasing and methods of use

Abstract

Solid cleaning and degreasing compositions and methods of using the solid cleaning and degreasing compositions to degrease various hard surfaces and devices are provided. The solid cleaning and degreasing composition comprises at least two alkalinity sources, a chelating agent, and a surfactant that provides soil penetrating degreasing efficacy and effective processing of solids. The composition is particularly suited for cleaning and degreasing efficacy for removing greasy dirt from bakery, including those found in ovens.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to compositions for equipment degreasing and methods of using the same. The present disclosure provides compositions having at least two alkalinity sources, a chelating agent, and a surfactant that provides degreasing efficacy of penetrating soils and effective processing of solids (including compressed tablets), which can be used to clean and degrease various types of equipment (i.e., equipment in food preparation and / or processing). The composition is particularly suitable for cleaning and degreasing efficacy for removing baked greasy soils, including those found in ovens. Background Art

[0002] Aqueous cleaning compositions are commonly used in most cleaning applications. Most liquid materials also contain a considerable amount of water even in concentrated form, which may be difficult to manufacture, transport and sell. Although many liquid formulations have achieved commercial success, it is still necessary to manufacture solid compositions to provide excellent dirt (e.g., grease) removal performance. Compared to the cleaning compositions in conventional liquid, granular or pelletized forms, solid formulations have unique advantages, including improved grip, enhanced safety, elimination of component isolation during transportation and storage, and improving the concentration of active components in the composition. Due to these advantages, it is desirable to use solids in the conventional use of a large amount of cleaning materials in commercial and institutional entities and consumer applications.

[0003] Although various compositions and methods are known for preparing solid cleaning compositions, there remains a need for highly concentrated alkaline solids that provide cleaning efficacy at least comparable to that of liquid products. There is also a need to formulate solid cleaning compositions that do not produce residues, leave films, etc. on treated surfaces and / or equipment used to produce the solid cleaning compositions.

[0004] Another need when formulating solid cleaning compositions is to provide compositions that do not contain phosphates. Phosphates are commonly used for a variety of purposes, including, for example, controlling cure rate, removing and suspending soils, and as effective hardness chelating agents. However, due to ecological and other issues, replacement of phosphorus-containing compounds and components containing nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) is also a priority. Therefore, another focus of the present disclosure is to develop solid cleaning compositions that do not contain phosphonates and / or NTA.

[0005] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide solid cleaning compositions that are overbased formulations for use in cleaning systems, equipment, and the like, including automated cleaning systems.

[0006] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a solid cleaning composition for effective cleaning and degreasing of surfaces subject to baked-on greasy soils.

[0007] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide solid cleaning compositions for effectively cleaning and degreasing surfaces without producing residues and / or leaving films.

[0008] Other objects, embodiments and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following disclosure, drawings and appended claims. Summary of the invention

[0009] The following objects, features, advantages, aspects and / or embodiments are not exhaustive and do not limit the entire disclosure. No single embodiment is required to provide each and every object, feature or advantage. Any of the objects, features, advantages, aspects and / or embodiments disclosed herein may be integrated with each other in whole or in part. The main objects, features and / or advantages of the present disclosure are to improve or overcome the deficiencies in the art in providing effective cleaning and degreasing compositions for cleaning systems, equipment, etc. (including automatic cleaning systems).

[0010] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a solid cleaning composition comprises: at least two alkali metal alkalinity sources, the at least two alkali metal alkalinity sources comprising alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal metasilicates, or combinations thereof; a chelating agent comprising an aminocarboxylic acid or a salt thereof; and a surfactant comprising a fatty acid salt, an alkyl sulfate, an alkyl ether sulfonate, an alkyl aryl sulfonate, an alkyl benzene sulfonate, an alkyl polyglucoside, a fatty alcohol polyether, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the at least two alkali metal alkalinity sources account for about 50% to 90% by weight of the composition, the at least one chelating agent accounts for about 1% to 10% by weight of the composition, and the surfactant accounts for about 0.5% to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0011] According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, a method for cleaning a hard surface includes: providing a solid cleaning composition as described herein to a hard surface or object in need of cleaning; generating a use solution of the solid cleaning composition on the hard surface or in contact with the object in need of cleaning; and cleaning dirt on the hard surface or object.

[0012] These and / or other objects, features, advantages, aspects and / or embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the following brief and detailed description of the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present disclosure encompasses aspects and / or embodiments that are not explicitly disclosed but can be understood by reading the present disclosure, including at least: (a) combinations of disclosed aspects and / or embodiments and / or (b) reasonable modifications not shown or described.

[0013] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments.Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 Photographic images of the cleaning efficacy of solid compositions evaluated based on alkalinity concentration as described in Example 1 are shown.

[0015] Figure 2 Photographic images of the comparative cleaning performance of the solid cleaning and degreasing composition compared to a commercial alternative as described in Example 2 are shown.

[0016] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals represent the same parts throughout several views. Reference to the various embodiments does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings represented herein do not limit the various embodiments according to the present disclosure, but are presented for exemplary purposes of the present disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art does not need to observe an almost unlimited number of different arrangements of the features described in the following detailed description in one or more independent drawings to facilitate understanding of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present disclosure is not limited to the content described herein, which may vary and be understood by those skilled in the art. Unless otherwise specified, the features shown or described are not essential for allowing the basic operation of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that all terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing a specific embodiment, and are not intended to be limited to any mode or scope. For example, unless the context clearly states otherwise, the singular forms "one / an" and "the / said" used in this specification and the appended claims may include plural references. In addition, all units, prefixes and symbols may be represented in the form accepted by its SI.

[0018] The numerical ranges listed in the specification include the numbers defining the ranges, and include each integer within the defined ranges. In the present disclosure, various aspects of the present disclosure may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in a range format is merely for convenience and brevity, and should not be interpreted as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the description of a range should be considered to have explicitly disclosed all possible sub-ranges, fractions, and individual values ​​within the range. For example, a description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have explicitly disclosed sub-ranges, such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6, etc., as well as individual numbers within the range, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, as well as decimals and fractions, such as 1.2, 3.8, 1 1 / 2 and 4 3 / 4. This applies regardless of the width of the range.

[0019] As used herein, the term "and / or", e.g., "X and / or Y" should be understood to mean "X and Y" or "X or Y", and should be understood to provide clear support for both meanings or either meaning, e.g., A and / or B includes options i) A, ii) B, or iii) A and B.

[0020] It should be understood that, for clarity, certain features described herein in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment for brevity may also be provided individually or in any sub-combination.

[0021] The methods and compositions of the present disclosure may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the components and ingredients of the present disclosure and other ingredients described herein. As used herein, "consisting essentially of" means that the methods, systems, apparatuses, and compositions may include additional steps, components, or ingredients, but only if the additional steps, components, or ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novel features of the claimed methods, systems, apparatuses, and compositions.

[0022] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used above have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] The term "invention" is not intended to refer to any single embodiment of a particular invention, but rather encompasses all possible embodiments as described in the specification and claims.

[0024] As used herein, the term "about" refers to the variation in numerical quantity that may occur, for example, by typical measuring techniques and equipment with respect to any quantifiable variable, including but not limited to mass, volume, time, temperature, pH, etc. In addition, with solid and liquid handling procedures used in the real world, there are certain unintentional errors and variations that may be caused by differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to make the composition or practice the method, etc. The term "about" also encompasses these variations. Whether or not modified by the term "about", the claims include equivalents to this quantity.

[0025] The terms "actives" or "active percentage" or "active percentage by weight" or "active concentration" are used interchangeably herein and refer to the concentration of those ingredients that participate in cleaning, expressed as a percentage minus inert ingredients such as water or salt. The percentages are also sometimes indicated by a percentage in parentheses, such as "chemical (10%)".

[0026] As used herein, the term "alkyl" or "alkyl group" refers to a saturated hydrocarbon having one or more carbon atoms, including straight-chain alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, etc.), cyclic alkyl groups (or "cycloalkyl" or "alicyclic" or "carbocyclyl" groups) (e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, etc.), branched alkyl groups (e.g., isopropyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, etc.) and alkyl groups substituted with alkyl groups (e.g., alkyl-substituted cycloalkyl groups and cycloalkyl-substituted alkyl groups).

[0027] Unless otherwise specified, the term "alkyl" includes both "unsubstituted alkyl" and "substituted alkyl." As used herein, the term "substituted alkyl" refers to alkyl groups in which substituents replace one or more hydrogens on one or more carbons of the hydrocarbon backbone. Such substituents may include, for example, alkenyl, alkynyl, halide, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxy, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, cyano, amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino and alkylarylamino), amide (including alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl and ureido), imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate, sulfate, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, azido, heterocyclic, alkylaryl or aromatic (including heteroaromatic) groups.

[0028] In some embodiments, substituted alkyl may include heterocyclic groups. As used herein, the term "heterocyclic group" includes a closed ring structure similar to a carbocyclic group in which one or more of the carbon atoms on the ring are not carbon elements (e.g., nitrogen, sulfur or oxygen). The heterocyclic group may be saturated or unsaturated. Exemplary heterocyclic groups include, but are not limited to, aziridine, oxirane (epoxide, oxirane), thiirane (epoxysulfide), dioxirane, azetidine, oxetane, thiamine, dioxetane, dithiamine, dithiamine, aziridine, pyrrolidine, pyrroline, oxolan, dihydrofuran and furan.

[0029] As used herein, the term "cleaning" refers to methods used to promote or assist in soil removal, bleaching, reducing microbial populations, and any combination thereof.

[0030] As used herein, the terms "dimensional stability" and "dimensionally stable" refer to a solid product having a growth index of less than about 3%. If a solid product swells after solidification, various problems may occur, including, but not limited to, a decrease in density, integrity, and appearance; and an inability to dispense or package the solid product. Generally, a solid product is considered dimensionally stable if it has a growth index of less than about 3%. The growth index refers to the percentage of growth or swelling of a product over a period of time after solidification under normal shipping / storage conditions. Because normal shipping / storage conditions for detergent products typically result in the detergent composition being subjected to high temperatures, the growth index of a solid detergent product can be determined by measuring one or more dimensions of the product before and after heating between about 100°F and 122*F at 75% relative humidity. The dimension or dimensions measured depend on the shape of the solid product and how it swells. For tablets, the changes in both the diameter and height are typically measured and added together to determine the growth index. For capsules, typically only the diameter is measured.

[0031] As used herein, the term "exemplary" refers to an example, instance, or illustration, and does not indicate the most preferred embodiment unless otherwise indicated.

[0032] As used herein, the phrase "food processing surface" refers to the surface of a tool, machine, equipment, structure, building, etc., that is used as part of a food processing, preparation, or storage activity. Examples of food processing surfaces include surfaces of food processing or preparation equipment (e.g., slicing, canning, or transport equipment, including sinks), surfaces of food processing utensils (e.g., utensils, cutlery, washware, and barglasses), and surfaces of floors, walls, or fixtures of structures where food processing occurs. Food processing surfaces are found and used in food preservative air circulation systems, aseptic packaging sanitizers, food refrigeration and cooler cleaners and sanitizers, warewashing sanitizers, blancher cleaning and sanitizers, food packaging materials, cutting board additives, third sink sanitizers, beverage coolers and warmers, meat cooling or scalding water, automatic dishware sanitizers, sanitizing gels, cooling towers, food processing antimicrobial clothing sprays, and non-aqueous to low-aqueous food preparation lubricants, oils, and rinse additives.

[0033] As used herein, the term "free of" refers to a composition that completely lacks the component or has such a small amount of the component that the component does not affect the performance of the composition. The component may be present as an impurity or as a contaminant and should be less than about 0.1% by weight, less than about 0.01% by weight, or free of the component.

[0034] The term "substantially" encompasses both "about" and "substantially".

[0035] The term "hard surface" refers to a solid, substantially non-flexible surface, such as an appliance, machine, etc. Hard surfaces are not limited by material; for example, hard surfaces can be glass, metal, tile, vinyl, linoleum, composites, wood, plastic, etc., although many hard surfaces that are cleaned and degreased according to the methods described herein are primarily metal. Hard surfaces can include, for example, food processing surfaces.

[0036] As used herein, the term "polymer" refers to a molecular complex composed of more than ten monomer units, and generally includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as, for example, block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers and higher "x" polymers, further including their analogs, derivatives, combinations and blends. In addition, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" shall include all possible isomeric configurations of the molecule, including, but not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic and random symmetries, and combinations thereof. In addition, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" will include all possible geometric configurations of the molecule.

[0037] The "scope" of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and the full scope of equivalent rights to which such claims are entitled. The scope of the present disclosure is further defined to include any possible modifications to any aspect and / or embodiment disclosed herein that would result in other embodiments, combinations, sub-combinations, or the like that would be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0038] As used herein, the term "soil" or "stain" refers to any soil, including but not limited to non-polar oily and / or hydrophobic materials, which may or may not contain particulate matter (such as industrial soils, mineral clays, sand, natural minerals, carbon black, graphite, kaolin, environmental dust) and / or food-based soils (such as blood), proteinaceous soils, starchy soils, fatty soils, cellulosic soils, etc. The compositions and methods described herein are particularly suitable for cleaning greasy soils.

[0039] It should be understood that the term "solid" refers to the state of the composition under the expected storage and use conditions of the solid composition. Generally, it is expected that the solid composition will remain solid at temperatures up to about 120°F while maintaining dimensional stability.

[0040] The term "substantially" refers to a large or significant degree. Thus, "substantially" may refer to a plurality, a majority, and / or an overwhelming majority of the quantifiable variables described, considering the appropriate context.

[0041] As used herein, the term "substantially free" means that the composition is completely lacking a component or has such a small amount of a component that the component does not affect the performance of the composition. The component may be present as an impurity or as a contaminant and should be less than about 0.5 weight %. In another embodiment, the amount of the component is less than about 0.1 weight %, and in yet another embodiment, the amount of the component is less than about 0.01 weight %.

[0042] The term "surfactant" or "surfactant" refers to an organic chemical that, when added to a liquid, changes the properties of the liquid at the surface.

[0043] As used herein, the terms "weight percent," "weight %," "percent by weight," "% by weight," and variations thereof refer to the concentration of a substance in the form of the weight of the substance divided by the total weight of the composition and multiplied by 100. It should be understood that as used herein, "percent," "%," and the like are intended to be synonymous with "weight percent," "weight %," and the like.

[0044] Solid cleaning and degreasing compositions

[0045] According to an embodiment, the solid cleaning and degreasing composition comprises at least two alkali metal alkalinity sources, a chelating agent and a surfactant. According to another embodiment, the solid cleaning and degreasing composition comprises: at least two alkali metal alkalinity sources, the at least two alkali metal alkalinity sources comprising alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal metasilicates, or combinations thereof; a chelating agent comprising an aminocarboxylic acid or a salt thereof; and a surfactant comprising a fatty acid salt, an alkyl sulfate, an alkyl ether sulfonate, an alkyl aryl sulfonate, an alkyl benzene sulfonate, an alkyl polyglucoside, a fatty alcohol polyether, or a combination thereof. The solid cleaning and degreasing composition may comprise additional functional ingredients and is provided in the form of a concentrated solid composition.

[0046] Exemplary solid cleaning and degreasing compositions are shown in weight percent in Table 1. Although a component may have an active percentage of 100%, it should be noted that Table 1 does not list the active percentage of the component, but rather the total weight percent of the raw materials (i.e., active concentration plus inert ingredients).

[0047] Table 1

[0048]

[0049] Solid cleaning and degreasing compositions are solid compositions, preferably solid tablets or solid blocks. In some embodiments, the solid is a solid pressed, cast or extruded. The solid may include solid tablets, solid blocks, molded or shaped solid granules, blocks, tablets, powders, particles or flakes. In preferred embodiments, the solid is a compressed tablet or block.

[0050] Various embodiments of the solid cleaning and degreasing compositions provide a homogenous mixture of the components of the composition. The composition does not require or include multiple phases or layers of solids, thus providing convenience in the formulation of a uniform use solution and consistent disintegration and formulation.

[0051] The solid cleaning and degreasing composition is substantially uniform in distribution of ingredients throughout the mass and is dimensionally stable. The solid cleaning and degreasing composition is a hardened composition that will not flow and will substantially retain its shape under moderate stress or pressure or gravity alone. The hardness of the solid cleaning and degreasing composition may range from a relatively dense and hard fused solid mass such as, for example, concrete to a consistency characterized as a hardened paste.

[0052] Additionally, the term "solid" refers to the state of the solid hard surface cleaning composition under the expected conditions of storage and use. Generally, it is expected that the solid hard surface cleaning composition will remain in solid form when exposed to temperatures up to about 40°C / 100*F and at a relative humidity of about 75%. The solid is dimensionally stable, meaning that the solid does not swell (or change size due to swelling), as measured by the dimensional integrity and maintained hardness (e.g., cracking, cracking, swelling) of the solid, one assessment being measuring less than about 5% or less than about 4% swelling at temperatures up to 40°C (or 100°F) for at least 8 weeks. Such a solid is referred to as dimensionally stable.

[0053] In various embodiments, the solid cleaning and degreasing composition does not comprise a solid gel.

[0054] Solid cleaning and degreasing compositions are preferably provided in the form of compressed solid tablets or blocks. Solid blocks can be provided in the form of unit doses or multi-purpose solids. Unit doses refer to solid composition units whose size is set so that all units are used during a single washing cycle. When a solid composition is provided in a unit dose, it can have a size between about 1 gram and about 1,000 grams. Alternatively, a solid tablet can have a size between about 1 gram and about 250 grams, i.e., about 30 grams to about 100 grams. In addition, in some embodiments, solid tablets are packaged individually.

[0055] The solid cleaning and degreasing composition is preferably substantially free of phosphorus and / or NTA or free of phosphorus and / or NTA, making the composition particularly suitable for cleaning applications where an environmentally friendly solid alkaline composition is desired. Phosphorus free means that the solid composition has less than about 0.5 wt%, less than about 0.1 wt%, less than about 0.01 wt% phosphorus. NTA free means that the solid composition has less than about 0.5 wt%, less than about 0.1 wt%, less than about 0.01 wt% NTA.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the solid cleaning and degreasing composition does not contain specially manufactured nanoparticles.

[0057] Alkalinity Source

[0058] The solid cleaning and degreasing composition comprises at least two alkali metal alkalinity sources. The solid cleaning and degreasing composition comprises at least two alkali metal alkalinity sources, and the at least two alkali metal alkalinity sources comprise alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal metasilicates, or combinations thereof. Generally speaking, an effective amount of an alkalinity source should be considered as an amount that provides a use solution with a pH of at least about 10, or preferably about 10 to about 13.5. Generally speaking, it is desirable to provide a use solution in the form of a highly alkaline cleaning composition having a pH greater than 10, greater than 11, greater than 12, or preferably about 10 to about 13.5.

[0059] Exemplary alkalinity sources include alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal silicates or metasilicates, and combinations thereof. Suitable alkali metal hydroxides that can be used include, for example, sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, or potassium hydroxide. Suitable alkali metal carbonates that can be used include, for example, hydrated salts - sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate, bicarbonate, sesquicarbonate, or mixtures thereof. Suitable alkali metal silicates or metasilicates that can be used include, for example, hydrated salts - sodium silicate or potassium silicate or sodium metasilicate or potassium metasilicate.

[0060] In some embodiments, at least two alkalinity sources are included in the solid cleaning and degreasing composition comprising an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkali metal carbonate and / or an alkali metal silicate or metasilicate. In other embodiments, at least three alkalinity sources are included in the solid cleaning and degreasing composition comprising an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkali metal carbonate and an alkali metal silicate or metasilicate.

[0061] In some embodiments, at least two alkalinity sources are included in a solid cleaning and degreasing composition comprising sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate and / or sodium silicate or sodium metasilicate. In other embodiments, at least three alkalinity sources are included in a solid cleaning and degreasing composition comprising sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate and sodium silicate or sodium metasilicate (preferably sodium metasilicate). In an embodiment, the alkalinity source is provided in solid form.

[0062] In some embodiments, the alkalinity source is included in the solid cleaning and degreasing composition in an amount of at least about 40% to about 90% by weight, about 50% to about 90% by weight, about 60% to about 90% by weight, about 70% to about 90% by weight, about 75% to about 90% by weight, or about 80% to about 90% by weight. In addition, without limitation according to the present disclosure, all ranges recited are inclusive of the values ​​defining the ranges, and include each integer within the defined ranges.

[0063] In some embodiments, the alkalinity source is included in the solid cleaning and degreasing composition in the following amounts of alkalinity source: (A) at least about 40% to about 80%, about 50% to about 80%, about 50% to about 75%, or about 55% to about 70% by weight of an alkali metal hydroxide, (B) at least about 5% to about 20%, about 5% to about 15%, about 7.5% to about 15%, or about 10% to about 15% by weight of an alkali metal carbonate, and (C) at least about 5% to about 20%, about 5% to about 15%, about 5% to about 12%, or about 5% to about 10% by weight of an alkali metal silicate or metasilicate. In addition, without limitation according to the present disclosure, all ranges recited are inclusive of the values ​​defining the ranges, and include each integer within the defined ranges.

[0064] Chelating agents

[0065] The solid cleaning and degreasing composition comprises a chelating agent. In an embodiment, the chelating agent comprises an aminocarboxylic acid or a salt thereof or an aminocarboxylate.

[0066] As described herein, when referring to chelating agents, aminocarboxylic acids or their salts may be referred to as aminocarboxylates, and may include materials containing little or no NTA. Exemplary aminocarboxylates include, for example, N-hydroxyethylaminodiacetic acid or its salt, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or its salt (EDTA), methylglycinediacetic acid or its salt (MGDA), hydroxyethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or its salt, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid or its salt, N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid or its salt (HEDTA), glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid or its salt (GLDA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid or its salt (DTPA), iminodisuccinic acid or its salt (IDS), ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid or its salt (EDDS), 3-hydroxy-2,2-iminodisuccinic acid or its salt (HIDS), hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid or its salt (HEIDA) and other similar acids (or its salt) having an amino group with a carboxylic acid (or its salt) substituent. In one embodiment, the aminocarboxylate is ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or its salt (EDTA).

[0067] In some embodiments, the solid cleaning and degreasing composition does not include polyepoxysuccinic acid or a salt thereof.

[0068] In some embodiments, the chelating agent is included in the solid cleaning and degreasing composition in an amount of at least about 1 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 8 wt %, or about 1 wt % to about 6 wt %. In addition, without limitation according to the present disclosure, all ranges recited are inclusive of the values ​​defining the ranges, and include each integer within the defined ranges.

[0069] Surfactants

[0070] The solid cleaning and degreasing composition comprises a surfactant. In some embodiments, the surfactant is an anionic surfactant and / or a nonionic surfactant.

[0071] In some embodiments, the surfactant is a fatty acid salt, an alkyl sulfate, an alkyl ether sulfonate, an alkyl aryl sulfonate, an alkyl benzene sulfonate, an alkyl polyglucoside, a fatty alcohol polyether, or a combination thereof.

[0072] In some embodiments, the surfactant has a C9-C20 carbon chain that can be linear or branched, and wherein the fatty alcohol polyether surfactant has 3 to 8 moles of ethylene oxide. In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium myristic acid sulfate, sodium α-olefin sulfonate, sodium palmitate, palmitoleic acid sodium salt, sodium myristate, sodium laurate, linoleic acid sodium salt, tetradecenoic acid sodium salt, lauric acid sodium salt, sodium oleate, C8-C10 polyglucosides, C12-C14 polyglucosides, fatty alcohol polyethers, or combinations thereof.

[0073] Beneficially, and without being limited to a particular mechanism of action, the inclusion of anionic surfactants (ie, alkali metal fatty acid salts) provides processing aid benefits as well as soil removal efficacy.

[0074] In some embodiments, the surfactant is included in the solid cleaning and degreasing composition in an amount of at least about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, about 1% to about 10% by weight, or about 1% to about 5% by weight. In addition, without limitation according to the present disclosure, all ranges recited are inclusive of the values ​​defining the ranges, and include each integer within the defined ranges.

[0075] In some embodiments, the solid cleaning and degreasing composition does not include additional surfactants. In some embodiments, the solid cleaning and degreasing composition does not include alkyl glucoside and / or sodium lauryl sulfate.

[0076] Additional functional ingredients

[0077] The components of the solid cleaning and degreasing composition can be further combined with various functional components suitable for the uses disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the solid cleaning and degreasing composition comprising at least two alkali metal alkalinity sources, a chelating agent, a surfactant, and optional additional functional ingredients constitutes a large part or even substantially all of the total weight of the composition. For example, in some embodiments, there are few or no additional functional ingredients provided in the composition.

[0078] In various embodiments, the solid cleaning and degreasing composition does not comprise sodium phosphate and / or sodium tripolyphosphate.

[0079] In other embodiments, additional functional ingredients may be included in the composition. Functional ingredients provide desired properties and functions to the composition. For the purpose of the present application, the term "functional ingredient" includes materials that provide favorable properties in specific applications when dispersed in or dissolved in a use solution and / or a concentrate solution (such as an aqueous solution). Some specific examples of functional materials are discussed in more detail hereinafter, but the specific materials discussed are only given by way of example, and various other functional ingredients can be used. For example, many functional materials discussed below are all relevant to the materials used in cleaning. However, other embodiments may include functional ingredients for other applications.

[0080] In some embodiments, the composition may include processing aids, additional chelating agents and / or surfactants, optical brighteners, defoamers, anti-redeposition agents, bleaching agents, solubility modifiers, dispersants, metal protectants, stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, fillers, aesthetic enhancers (including fragrances and / or dyes), additional rheology and / or solubility modifiers or thickeners, hydrotropes or coupling agents, buffers, solvents, additional cleaning agents, and the like.

[0081] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, various additional functional ingredients can be provided in the composition in an amount of about 0 wt % to about 40 wt %, about 0 wt % to about 30 wt %, about 0 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 0 wt % to about 15 wt %, about 0.01 wt % to about 15 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 15 wt %, or about 1 wt % to about 15 wt %. In addition, without limitation according to the present disclosure, all ranges described include the numerical values ​​defining the ranges, and include each integer within the defined ranges.

[0082] Corrosion Inhibitors

[0083] The solid cleaning and degreasing composition may contain an effective amount of a corrosion inhibitor. Exemplary corrosion inhibitors include alkali metal silicates or hydrates thereof, alkali metal metasilicates or hydrates thereof, alkali metal gluconates, succinates, phosphinosuccinates, or combinations thereof. Exemplary alkali metal silicates include powdered, particulate or granular silicates that are anhydrous or preferably contain water of hydration. These silicates include sodium silicate and have a Na2O:SiO2 ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:5, respectively.

[0084] Additional exemplary corrosion inhibitors include, for example, imidazoline compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds, pyridinium compounds, or combinations thereof. Still further exemplary corrosion inhibitors may include, for example, phosphate esters, monomeric fatty acids or oligomeric fatty acids, alkoxylated amines, or mixtures thereof. The disclosure of such exemplary corrosion inhibitors is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 11,155,481, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0085] In some embodiments, the solid cleaning and degreasing composition has a corrosion inhibitor present in an amount between about 0.01 wt % and about 20 wt %, between about 0.1 wt % and about 20 wt %, or between about 1 wt % and about 20 wt %. In addition, without limitation according to the present disclosure, all ranges recited are inclusive of the values ​​defining the ranges, and include each integer within the defined ranges.

[0086] Processing aids and / or fillers

[0087] The solid cleaning and degreasing composition may contain an effective amount of a processing aid and / or a filler. Examples of processing aids may include hydroxyl-containing compounds such as polyols, polyalkylene glycols, including polyethylene glycol, stearates (e.g., magnesium stearate or sodium stearate), sorbitan esters and / or binders / disintegrants.

[0088] Polyethylene glycol (also referred to as PEG) refers to a polymer containing ethylene glycol monomer units of the formula -O-CH2-CH2-. Examples of polyethylene glycol include PEG1000, PEG1500, PEG2000, PEG2500, PEG3000, PEG3350, PEG3500, PEG4000, PEG5000, PEG6000, PEG8000, and the like.

[0089] In some embodiments, the binder / disintegrant comprises a polycarboxylic acid polymer or a salt or derivative thereof or a polycarboxylate polymer, which may also provide chelating benefits. As described herein, reference to any polycarboxylic acid polymer should further encompass its salt or derivative, as it is also a polymer suitable for use in a solid cleaning composition. Examples of particularly suitable polycarboxylic acid polymers include, but are not limited to, polyacrylic acid polymers, polyacrylic acid polymers modified by fatty acid end groups ("modified polyacrylic acid polymers"), polymaleic acid polymers, and combinations of these polymeric materials. Salts of each polycarboxylic acid polymer may further be used in a solid alkaline detergent composition.

[0090] As described herein, the polycarboxylic acid polymer or salt or derivative thereof is not a surfactant of the solid composition. In one embodiment, the solid composition does not include a surfactant while providing effective solid stability and effective cleaning to the composition.

[0091] The non-limiting example of polycarboxylic acid polymer salt comprises polyacrylate and derivative, such as water-soluble acrylic acid polymer.This type of polymer includes but is not limited to polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, acrylic acid, acrylic acid-methacrylic acid copolymer, polymaleic acid, hydrolysis polyacrylamide, hydrolysis methacrylamide, hydrolysis acrylamide-methacrylamide copolymer, hydrolysis polyacrylonitrile, hydrolysis polymethacrylonitrile, hydrolysis acrylonitrile methacrylonitrile copolymer etc. or their combination or their copolymer.Also can use the water-soluble salt or partial salt of these polymers, such as its corresponding alkali metal (for example, sodium, potassium or their combination) or ammonium salt.

[0092] Examples of particularly suitable commercially available polyacrylic acid polymers and their salts and derivatives include, but are not limited to, Acusol 445ND available from Rohm & Haas LLC, Philadelphia, Pa. Examples of particularly suitable commercially available modified polyacrylic acid polymers include, but are not limited to, Alcosperse 325 available from Alco Chemical, Chattanooga, Tenn. Examples of particularly suitable commercially available polymaleic acid polymers include, but are not limited to, Belclene 200 available from Houghton Chemical Corporation, Boston, Mass., and Aquatreat AR-801 available from Alco Chemical, Chattanooga, Tenn.

[0093] Examples of particularly suitable polyacrylic acid polymers and modified polyacrylic acid polymers and salts and derivatives thereof include those having a molecular weight between about 1,000 g / mol and about 100,000 g / mol, preferably between about 1,000 g / mol and about 25,000 g / mol. In an alternative embodiment, the solid composition may comprise at least two polyacrylic acid polymers having different molecular weights.

[0094] Phosphonocarboxylic acid copolymers or phosphonopolyacrylic acid homopolymers having the following structure are also suitable polycarboxylic acid polymers:

[0095]

[0096] Wherein R1 is a phosphino (--PH(=O)(OH)) or phosphono (--P(=O)(OH)2) end group. The molecular weight is from about 1,000 g / mol to about 50,000 g / mol, and the ratio of m:n is from about 1:50 to about 2:5. In one embodiment, the phosphino or phosphono end groups account for about 0.1 wt % to about 12 wt % of the polycarboxylic acid copolymer. In certain aspects, R1 is PO2H2 or PO3H2. In additional aspects, m is an integer of 0 or greater, and n is an integer of 2 or greater. The value (m) of the maleic acid group of the phosphonocarboxylic acid copolymer or the phosphonopolyacrylic acid homopolymer can be zero for the homopolymer. The value (n) of the acrylic acid group of the phosphonocarboxylic acid copolymer or the phosphonopolyacrylic acid homopolymer can be at least 2. In one aspect of the invention, for the copolymer, the sum of m+n is from about 5 to 180, wherein the molecular weight range of the polymer is from about 1,000 to 50,000.

[0097] As used herein, the term "phosphonyl end group" refers to a phosphonyl functional group according to the formula:

[0098]

[0099] Wherein each M is independently H or a cation, preferably both M are H.

[0100] Any reference to phosphonocarboxylic acid copolymer or phosphono polyacrylic acid homopolymer should be understood to include and include any phosphonocarboxylic acid copolymer or phosphono polyacrylic acid homopolymer given by the above formula. In some embodiments, polyacrylic acid phosphono terminal polymer or acrylic acid-maleic acid phosphono terminal copolymer has the following general formula (as described above): H2PO3-(CH2--CHCOOH)n(CHCOOH--CHCOOH)m. In some aspects, n is an integer greater than 0, and m is an integer of 0 (for polyacrylic acid polymer) or greater (for acrylic acid-maleic acid copolymer). For polyacrylate, m is zero. In some aspects, n and m are independently selected integers so that the molecular weight of the polymer is between about 500g / mol and 200,000g / mol, preferably between 500g / mol and 100,000g / mol, and more preferably between 1,000g / mol and 25,000g / mol. In some embodiments, suitable polycarboxylates with phosphonyl end groups are copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid with phosphonyl end groups and homopolymers of acrylic acid with phosphonyl end groups. Examples of preferred modified polycarboxylates are copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid with phosphonyl / phosphonyl end groups according to the following general formula:

[0101]

[0102] having a variable molecular weight, wherein n is from about 10 mol % to 90 mol %, preferably about 80 mol %, and wherein m is from about 10 mol % to 90 mol %, preferably about 20 mol %.

[0103] Phosphonocarboxylic acid copolymers or phosphonopolyacrylic acid homopolymers are low-phosphorus, nitrogen-free and environmentally friendly reagents that can be synthesized as a combination of phosphonocarboxylic acid copolymers or phosphonopolyacrylic acid homopolymers of various chain lengths. Phosphonocarboxylic acid copolymers or phosphonopolyacrylic acid homopolymers can have polymers of various chain lengths and therefore have different molecular weights. Examples of suitable commercially available phosphonocarboxylic acid copolymers include Acusol 425N available from Rohm & Haas. Acusol 425N is a low molecular weight (1900 MW) acrylic acid / maleic acid (ratio 80 / 20) copolymer with phosphono end groups (about 1.6 wt % to 1.7 wt % phosphorus) and has 50% activity. In some embodiments, low molecular weight phosphonocarboxylic acid copolymers are preferred, such as polymers with a molecular weight of less than about 2,000 g / mol.

[0104] The polymer including phosphorus end groups may be present in a fully or partially neutralized form. In some aspects, the phosphonocarboxylic acid copolymer or the phosphonopolyacrylic acid homopolymer is neutralized.

[0105] However, as disclosed herein in various embodiments, the additional functional ingredients do not comprise phosphonates, as some embodiments the compositions are free of phosphonates.

[0106] In some embodiments, the solid cleaning and degreasing composition has a processing aid and / or filler present in an amount between about 0.1 wt % and about 10 wt %, between about 0.5 wt % and about 10 wt %, or between about 2 wt % and about 10 wt %. In addition, without limitation according to the present disclosure, all ranges recited are inclusive of the values ​​defining the ranges, and include each integer within the defined ranges.

[0107] How to use

[0108] The solid cleaning and degreasing composition is provided to a use application (such as an oven or other hard surface) and used to generate an aqueous cleaning composition (e.g., a use solution). Typically, the solid composition as disclosed herein dissolves quickly and completely into a stable use solution upon contact with an aqueous solution. A stable use solution does not contain any solids upon visual inspection.

[0109] In various embodiments, the solid composition is dosed into the wash cycle or dosed into a system that requires extended treatment time, such as an oven or other heavily soiled surface that requires extended contact time with the cleaning and degreasing composition. The solid composition is provided at a desired "dispensing rate", which refers to the amount of solid mass provided by the dispensing unit or preferably dosed directly into the system and subjected to water contact for a certain period of time through the mechanism of the dispenser. The solid contacts water at a certain temperature and pressure to dissolve into a use solution for cleaning applications.

[0110] Various distributors are suitable for distributing the solid cleaning and degreasing compositions disclosed herein. The distributor uses a block of a specific size and shape, and can be configured to deliver water of a certain temperature and pressure. In a preferred embodiment, a distributor is not required for using the solid cleaning and degreasing compositions. In certain embodiments, the user directly adds (or provides solid) to the system that needs to be cleaned, and the water under the desired temperature and pressure is applied to the solid in the system. For example, the solid cleaning and degreasing compositions can be directly inserted into the oven, such as by a funnel, directly inserted into the oven chamber or other components, and then the water pump and spray arm distribute the use solution of the cleaning composition to all surfaces of the oven that needs to be cleaned.

[0111] In other aspects, the solid composition can be initially used to generate an aqueous solution or suspension for delivery to hard surfaces (such as ovens) for cleaning. Thereafter, the use solution is applied to the interior surfaces of the equipment, such as, for example, by using a nozzle and / or sprayer, etc.

[0112] In any embodiment, a solid cleaning and degreasing composition is used, which is placed in a dispenser or directly in a system that needs to be cleaned, and the user controls the distribution rate of the solid (e.g., tablet) and how to apply it at a certain temperature and pressure (such as through a nozzle and a distribution plate) via a water source. When water contacts the solid composition, it dissolves the components into a use solution. In an exemplary use application, the solid composition contacts water at a temperature of at least about 90°F, at least about 115°F, or at least about 140°F. For water, a pressure of at least about 20psi, at least about 35psi, or at least about 50psi can also be used, respectively.

[0113] In preferred embodiments, the water temperature typically ranges from about 50°F to about 160°F, and the water pressure ranges from about 20 psi to about 100 psi; preferably the temperature is about 90°F to about 140°F, and the water pressure is about 20 psi to about 60 psi. Various types of water can be used. In some aspects, city or municipal water with 0, 5, 17 or more particles per gallon (gpg) is used.

[0114] Concentrated use solutions are preferably employed in the cleaning methods.In one aspect, use solutions of the solid cleaning and degreasing compositions provide a use concentration of at least about 0.1% to about 10%, or preferably about 0.1% to about 5%, to the surface in need of cleaning.

[0115] In some embodiments, the concentrated use solution has a hydroxide alkalinity between about 500 ppm and about 50,000 ppm. In other embodiments, the concentrated use solution has a total actives between about 1,000 ppm and about 100,000 ppm, or about 1,000 ppm to about 50,000 ppm.

[0116] In some embodiments, the size of the solid tablet is between about 1 gram and about 250 grams, ie, about 30 grams to about 100 grams, and in various embodiments, 1 to 2 tablets are dosed to the surface or equipment to be cleaned to produce a use solution.

[0117] The use solution generated by the solid composition provides effective removal of dirt from surfaces (e.g., hard surfaces). In some embodiments, the method includes contacting the use solution of the solid composition with the surface, and removing the composition from the surface after a period of time sufficient to promote dirt removal. The contacting step can last for any suitable time. In some embodiments, the contacting step lasts at least 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours or more, and in some embodiments, the contacting step lasts from about 30 minutes to about 3 hours.

[0118] The cleaning and degreasing composition can be contacted with the surface (or the target of removing dirt) in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the cleaning and degreasing composition is applied by means of spraying, foaming, soaking, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning and degreasing composition does not use a dispenser. In a preferred embodiment, the solid cleaning and degreasing composition can be placed directly on or in a hard surface. Afterwards, a water source (such as a hot water source) is applied to dissolve the solid cleaning and degreasing composition and generate a concentrated use solution. Advantageously, the use solution provides a high concentration alkalinity source for hydrolyzing dirt (i.e., fatty dirt and / or greasy dirt), and chelating agents and surfactants further contribute to dirt removal.

[0119] The method can be used to achieve any suitable soil removal (e.g., cleaning), and / or reduction of microbial populations in and / or on a surface or object. The method is useful and effective in removing fatty soils and / or greasy soils found in ovens. In particular, the method is useful and effective in removing chicken and other animal fat soils found in ovens.

[0120] In some embodiments, the cleaning method further comprises draining the use solution having hydrolyzed fatty and greasy soils from the hard surface (eg, oven). The cleaning method may further comprise rinsing the surface.

[0121] In some embodiments, the method further comprises mechanically applying force, agitation, and / or pressure to aid in removing soil from the surface and / or to ensure complete contact of the surface with a use solution of the solid cleaning composition.

[0122] In some embodiments, the method is followed by only a rinsing step. In other embodiments, the method is followed by a conventional CIP method applicable to the surface to be cleaned. In still other embodiments, the method is followed by a CIP method, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,398,781 and 8,114,222, entitled "Methods for Cleaning Industrial Equipment with Pre-treatment," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0123] The method can be used to remove various soils from various surfaces. For example, surfaces suitable for cleaning using the method include, but are not limited to, hard surfaces, including ovens. The ovens may include self-cleaning ovens (e.g., rotisserie-type ovens) or combination ovens (such as those used in various food service industries). For example, various ovens are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,368,008, 5,640,946, and 6,410,890, EP 0652405, and DE 2842771, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0124] Additional surfaces that may be treated according to the method may include fryers, smokehouses, sewer drain lines, walls, floors, utensils, dishes, flatware, pots and pans, heat exchange coils, and the like. Applications that require pre-soaking or extended soaking to remove soils are particularly suitable for use with solid cleaning compositions. In a preferred embodiment, the surface to be treated is self-contained to accommodate a volume of use solution and to allow soaking of the use solution of the solid cleaning composition for an extended period of time.

[0125] In one embodiment, the solid cleaning and degreasing composition provides complete soil removal on hard surfaces. In one aspect, at least about 70% soil removal, at least about 80% soil removal, at least about 85% soil removal, or at least about 90% soil removal is achieved according to the method using the solid composition.

[0126] Example

[0127] Embodiments of the present disclosure are further defined in the following non-limiting examples. It should be understood that although these embodiments illustrate certain embodiments of the present disclosure, they are provided for illustration only. According to the above discussion and these embodiments, those skilled in the art can determine the basic characteristics of the present disclosure, and without departing from its spirit and scope, various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present disclosure to make them suitable for various purposes and conditions. Therefore, in addition to those shown and described herein, those skilled in the art will understand the various modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure according to the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0128] Example 1

[0129] The cleaning performance of the solid cleaning and degreasing compositions was evaluated to assess efficacy based on variations in the alkalinity source employed in the composition. For each test, a 3% solution was prepared from the formulation shown in Table 2.

[0130] Table 2

[0131] Components (weight %) Test 1 Test 2 Sodium carbonate 30-40 15-25 Sodium hydroxide 25-35 40-50 Sodium Metasilicate 10-15 10-15 Sodium Gluconate 12-15 12-15 PEG 6000 4 4 Sodium polyacrylate 5 4 Magnesium Stearate <1 <1

[0132] Soiled metal coupons had oil, starch, protein and grease and were heated to 200°C for 15 minutes to create a soil removal challenge. These metal coupons were evaluated using the Test 1 and Test 2 formulations described in Example 1. The coupons were immersed in the composition at 60°C for 30 minutes according to the oven wash process.

[0133] like Figure 1 As shown, images captured by the photographs show that increased alkalinity in Test 2 improved soil removal as assessed by visual measurement.

[0134] Example 2

[0135] Further formulation modifications were made to compare embodiments of the solid cleaning and degreasing composition with competitive commercial products, as shown in Table 3. The same test method as described in Example 1 was used.

[0136] Table 3

[0137] Components (weight %) Test 3 Commercial preparations Sodium carbonate 10-20 15-20 Sodium hydroxide 60-70 40-45 Sodium Metasilicate 5-10 15-20 Corrosion Inhibition 0.5-5 5-10 Surfactants 0.5-5 0 Chelating agents 2-10 0 Processing Aids 4-12 0 Magnesium Stearate <1 <1

[0138] The results are shown in Figure 2, where the images captured by the photographs show that the increased alkalinity and inclusion of the alkali metal unsaturated fatty acid salt surfactant provide improved cleaning. The three samples on the left show 89% soil removal, compared to only 82% soil removal for the three samples on the right. The results were quantified by weighing the soiled samples before and after cleaning (compared to the weight of the samples without any soil), and then calculating the soil removal percentage according to the following formula: (cleaned sample - weight of the sample without soil) / (soiled sample - weight of the sample without soil).

[0139] Example 3

[0140] A commercially available oven cleaning product was evaluated in an immersion test in a 1000 mL beaker. The oven cleaning product contained sodium hydroxide and silicate. Upon dissolution and immersion to evaluate cleaning efficacy, a significant amount of undissolved lubricant (e.g., silicon dioxide or talc) from the composition remained, which produced a precipitate at the bottom of the beaker. As a result, an undesirable film was left on the treated surface. It is highly undesirable to leave a film and precipitate after cleaning the surface.

[0141] The comparative formulations shown in Table 4 did not produce any film and / or undissolved solid precipitate in the beaker immersion test.

[0142] Table 4

[0143] Material weight% Alkali metal alkalinity sources - sodium hydroxide, sodium metasilicate and sodium carbonate 80-90 Chelating agents 1-4 Surfactants 1-4 Processing Aids 2-20

[0144] It should be understood that although the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate rather than limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other embodiments, advantages and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. All publications discussed and / or referenced herein are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0145] As the case may be, the features disclosed in the preceding description or in the appended claims or in the drawings (either in their specific form or in terms of means for performing the disclosed functions or methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results) may be used alone or in any combination of such features to implement the invention in its different forms.

Claims

1. A solid cleaning composition, comprising: (a) at least two alkali metal alkalinity sources, the at least two alkali metal alkalinity sources comprising alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal metasilicates, or combinations thereof; (b) a chelating agent comprising an aminocarboxylic acid or a salt thereof; and (c) a surfactant, wherein the surfactant comprises a fatty acid salt, an alkyl sulfate, an alkyl ether sulfonate, an alkyl aryl sulfonate, an alkyl benzene sulfonate, an alkyl polyglucoside, a fatty alcohol polyether, or a combination thereof.

2. The composition of claim 1, comprising about 50 wt % to 90 wt % of the at least two alkali metal alkalinity sources, about 1 wt % to 10 wt % of the at least one chelating agent, and about 0.5 wt % to 5 wt % of the surfactant.

3. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the at least two alkali metal alkalinity sources are alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal carbonates, and alkali metal metasilicates, wherein the alkali metal hydroxides comprise about 40 to 80 weight % of the composition, the alkali metal carbonates comprise about 5 to 20 weight % of the composition, and the alkali metal metasilicates comprise about 5 to 20 weight % of the composition.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the chelating agent is an aminocarboxylate salt including salts of methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), N-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediaminetetrapropionic acid, triethylenetetraaminehexaacetic acid, or combinations thereof.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the surfactant is an alkali metal unsaturated fatty acid salt.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the surfactant has a C9-C20 carbon chain which can be linear or branched, and wherein the fatty alcohol polyether surfactant has 3 to 8 moles of ethylene oxide.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the surfactant is sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium myristic acid sulfate, sodium α-olefin sulfonate, sodium palmitate, palmitoleic acid sodium salt, sodium myristate, sodium laurate, linoleic acid sodium salt, tetradecenoic acid sodium salt, lauric acid sodium salt, sodium oleate, C8-C10 polyglucoside, C12-C14 polyglucoside, fatty alcohol polyether, or a combination thereof.

8. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising about 0.01 wt% to 10 wt% of a corrosion inhibitor.

9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the corrosion inhibitor is an alkali metal silicate, an alkali metal metasilicate, an alkali metal gluconate, or a combination thereof.

10. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising about 0.5 to 20 weight percent of a processing aid and / or filler.

11. The composition of claim 10, wherein the processing aid comprises polyethylene glycol, magnesium stearate or sodium stearate, and / or a binder / disintegrant comprising a polycarboxylic acid polymer or a salt thereof or a polycarboxylate polymer.

12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the polycarboxylic acid polymer or salt thereof or polycarboxylate polymer has a molecular weight between about 1,000 g / mol and about 25,000 g / mol, or the composition comprises a combination of polyacrylic acid polymer or salt thereof or polycarboxylate polymers having different molecular weights between about 1,000 g / mol and about 25,000 g / mol.

13. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the composition is free of phosphonates and / or additional surfactants.

14. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the solid is a compressed solid.

15. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the solid is a tablet composition having a weight between about 1 gram to about 100 grams.

16. A method for cleaning a hard surface, the method comprising: generating a use solution of the solid cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 15; providing the use solution to a hard surface or object in need of cleaning; and cleaning dirt from said hard surfaces or objects.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising rinsing the hard surface or object after cleaning the soil with the use solution of the solid cleaning composition.

18. The method of any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein the pH of the use solution is between about 10 and about 13.

5.

19. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the hard surface is metal.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the soil removed comprises carbonized soil, greasy soil and / or fatty soil.

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