Method and composition

Abstract

To provide a method for removing grease, oil or fat from a floor.SOLUTION: The method comprises the steps of: applying expanded perlite particles in dry form to the floor; and brushing the perlite across an affected area to strip or scour the grease, oil or fat, without applying water. The particle size of the perlite may be small. For example, it may be the case that at least 90% by weight of the perlite has a particle size of less than 700 microns or less than 200 microns.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to methods and compositions for removing grease or oil from surfaces, especially floors. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Background of the Invention A wide variety of products and methods exist for the removal of grease, oils or fats from floors and other hard surfaces in catering, industrial or domestic environments.

[0003] Restaurant kitchens are environments where grease may require periodic removal from floors, especially with the use of deep-fryers. A method often used in this context involves applying an aqueous composition containing detergent to the floor. Typically, hot water is mixed with degreasing chemicals and often applied with a wet mop repeatedly until the grease is removed. Such methods are not ideal for several reasons. First, floors are rarely completely degreased, and therefore the process is incomplete. Also, water and degreasing chemicals or detergents, such as surfactants, are used, which temporarily increase the slipperiness of the floor and significantly increase the risk of slipping. Also, the mop head becomes saturated with grease and oily substances, and therefore the mop head itself must be washed after use. Also, water is wasted, and degreasing chemicals and surfactants are washed down the drain and into wastewater systems and eventually into inland waterways and marine habitats (surfactants are known to be harmful toxins to the environment). Finally, if this process is performed during business hours, oil droplets from the full oil fryer will continue to fall onto the floor during the cleaning process, which will not provide a sustained drying or cleaning effect to the floor, thus creating a continuing slip hazard. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is important that the grease is removed thoroughly and efficiently to minimize the time required. Current methods require taking a bucket, filling it with hot water, mixing a surfactant or other degreaser in it, and then repeatedly applying the solution with a mop. The floor then needs to be left for a period of time to dry, which is often interrupted by ongoing cooking operations that simply add more oil to the floor. The average time observed in a typical kitchen for this process is about 20 minutes.

[0005] Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly important to minimize the environmental impact of the grease removal process, and also to minimize the use of certain chemicals and other resources in this context.

[0006] Water waste is becoming an increasing problem around the world, but especially in drier regions where industrial and commercial operations must find ways to reduce their water usage. The use of chemicals such as those used to degrease and clean floors, which end up in waterways, is known to have adverse effects on fresh water and marine life and needs to be dramatically reduced where possible. The use of polymer mops and plastic buckets, which end up in landfills because they are saturated with grease and impossible to clean, also pollutes the world with non-degradable and harmful materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Summary of the Invention From a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for removing grease, oil or fat from a floor, comprising the steps of applying particles of expanded perlite in dry form to a floor and brushing said perlite over the affected area to scrape or scrape off the grease, oil or fat without the application of water.

[0008] Surprisingly, we have found that using dry perlite rather than a water-based composition is highly effective and can strip grease from floors and leave surfaces very effectively cleaned and dried.

[0009] The perlite used in the present invention is expanded perlite. Therefore, the term "perlite" in the context of the present invention should be understood as "expanded perlite".

[0010] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the present invention is particularly effective due in part to the abrasive nature of the perlite particles. The inventors recognized that the highly abrasive edges of the perlite particles, when brushed across an oily floor, have a high affinity for grease and lift it off the floor, leaving behind a relatively dry and certainly safer surface.

[0011] This mechanism, which requires the abrasive properties of perlite to strip grease, is believed to have not been previously recognized and thus the present invention enables a new and effective way to remove grease, oil or fat from surfaces, such as floors, and is distinct from mechanisms that may use other processes such as absorption.

[0012] A further advantage of the present invention is its simplicity. Perlite is the only ingredient required to lift grease from floors, therefore the composition is cost-effective to prepare and avoids the use of other substances, including detergents or degreasers, which may be environmentally harmful or expensive. Although various prior art methods and compositions for scrubbing or degreasing utilize perlite in aqueous compositions, or in combination with other ingredients, or in a treated form, the present inventors are the first to discover and demonstrate that untreated perlite can be used alone and in a dry form to strip oil or grease from floors.

[0013] This is a significant advancement and is particularly useful in restaurant kitchens where the efficiencies and advantages offered by the present invention can translate into significant cost savings and efficiency gains.

[0014] Perlite may be applied to a portion of the floor area and brushed over the affected area, in other words, the initial application does not have to cover all of the affected area as it is effective to brush the product over the area.

[0015] Only a small amount or a thin layer of perlite may be needed to effectively remove grease, oil and fats. For example, 1 m of affected floor 2 Optionally, about 1 g to about 50 g of expanded perlite may be used, or optionally about 1 g to about 30 g, or optionally about 1 g to about 20 g, or optionally about 2 g to about 18 g, or optionally about 5 g to about 15 g, or optionally about 8 g to about 12 g, or optionally about 10 g per cubic meter. These weights of expanded perlite may optionally be applied where the density of the expanded perlite is 146 kg per cubic meter. The density may be different, for example, 30 to 300 kg / m 3 , or 30-200kg / m 3 , or 30 to 150 kg / m 3 , or 50-150kg / m 3 , or 100 ~150kg / m 3 It may be within the range.

[0016] Brushing may be performed, for example, with a soft brush head, although other brushes may be used in accordance with the present invention. "Brushing" herein may involve the use of a brush, but may alternatively involve moving or scrubbing the product across the floor by any means. The present invention is effective in removing not only freshly deposited material, but also oil or grease that has been stepped on.

[0017] Optionally, a particular particle size of perlite may be used. The particle size may be in the range of 1 micron to 700 microns, or up to 700 microns. The average particle size may be in the range of 1 micron to 700 microns, or up to 700 microns. At least 50% by weight, or at least 75% by weight, or at least 90% by weight, or at least 95% by weight, or at least 99% by weight of the perlite composition may be composed of perlite particles falling in the range of 1 micron to 700 microns, or up to 700 microns.

[0018] Optionally, instead of 1 micron to 700 microns, or up to 700 microns, the range may be, for example, 1 micron to 500 microns, 10 microns to 500 microns, 10 microns to 300 microns, 10 microns to 200 microns, 10 microns to 100 microns, or up to the upper limits of those ranges.

[0019] Particle size may be measured or determined, for example, by using a sieve of a particular mesh size. For example, a 200 micron sieve will allow particles between 0 and 200 microns to pass through. This is one of the useful ranges of particle sizes for stripping grease from beds in accordance with the present invention.

[0020] Optionally, the composition only includes expanded perlite. No other ingredients need be present. Optionally, no other grease-stripping ingredients may be present. However, other materials may be optionally present, so long as they do not prevent the composition from stripping grease. The other materials present may optionally be other minerals or other rock types. Optionally, the purity of the material may be high, for example, at least 90% by weight, or at least 95% by weight, or at least 99% by weight, or at least 99.5% by weight, or at least 99.9% by weight perlite. Other minerals or rock types in the product may be inert and may not serve any purpose, but may reduce the overall performance of the product application.

[0021] The present invention works well without requiring that the perlite be coated with other materials, such as that the perlite is not coated with surfactants, degreasers, detergents or other agents, as the perlite can function effectively and advantageously alone, and other added materials may adversely affect the behavior of the perlite, increase the cost of the product and decrease its effectiveness.

[0022] The use of products having the particular particle sizes identified herein provides a further unique point of difference. The composition differs from previously known compositions in that the perlite particle size is much smaller. Traditionally, perlite particles less than 1 mm have been considered simply waste material, too fine to be of any use. Various compositions have used perlite in particle sizes greater than 700 mm and up to 6 mm in a variety of application contexts. These include use as a soil filtration medium to support healthy plant growth in horticulture, as a bulking agent for large animal feed, as an abrasive in toothpaste, compressed and turned into insulation boards for low temperature industries, as a liquid absorbent in various fields, and in construction. Use includes as a reinforcing compound in wall panels for construction.

[0023] Additionally, the inventors have tested larger particles and found that they do not strip grease from floors as effectively as the smaller particle size ranges, but instead tend to roll around on the floor ineffectively.

[0024] Thus, the present invention is able to advantageously use small perlite particles that were previously considered waste. This adds an additional environmentally beneficial dimension. Previously, others had not considered using these materials. The inventors tested different particle sizes to determine their best application, and the smallest particles have demonstrated particularly effective use in stripping grease. This addresses the long-standing unsolved problem of greasy kitchen floors.

[0025] Previously, some companies have utilized some types of perlite particles for absorbency, which eventually led them to use larger particle sizes. This teaches away from the present invention, which uses expanded perlite for abrasively stripping grease, preferably using small particle sizes (e.g., optionally up to 700 microns, or optionally up to 500 microns, or optionally up to 300 microns, or optionally up to 200 microns, or optionally up to 100 microns). Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the smaller particle sizes function effectively by abrasively lifting grease from the surface.

[0026] Traditionally, manufacturers and suppliers have been concerned about the dangers and perceived undesirable properties of using fine powdered perlite. Not only is such material considered waste, but it is also considered a potential irritant or disadvantageous after inhalation due to its powdery nature and the resulting product's poor dispersion. However, in accordance with the present invention, fine particles may be used and are effective. In contrast, absorption-based solutions, which typically use larger particles, do not remove as much grease or oil that is stepped on and are not as effective in that situation.

[0027] From a second aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising expanded perlite as described above.

[0028] The product according to the invention may contain the composition in a sachet, bag or other container, each designed with appropriate contents to accommodate commonly encountered scenarios. The container may carry or include instructions for using the product. The product may be disposable. For example, the composition may be packaged in a disposable sachet. The container may be airtight and / or moisture-proof. The container may be degradable, biodegradable, compostable, or otherwise disposable in an environmentally beneficial manner.

[0029] Drawings and embodiments The invention will now be described in further detail, in a non-limiting manner, with reference to the following embodiments and drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a slippage test graph with exemplary measurements from a greasy / oily kitchen floor during work and cleaning procedures (comparative and in accordance with the present invention). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] EMBODIMENT 1 One of the major drawbacks of current methods for cleaning greasy kitchen floors is that they do not provide relief from slip hazards during busy periods. Looking at kitchens that rely on frequent use of deep-fryers to produce a wide variety of fried foods, it is virtually impossible to regain safe floors during intensive service hours, especially around deep-fryer stations that are often eight or more units long. Small droplets of hot oil that fall from the frying baskets are stepped on and spread onto the floor and eventually throughout the kitchen and even into the restaurant area, thereby presenting a slip hazard to both kitchen staff and customers.

[0032] A variety of tests are available to quantify the slipperiness of a floor. The UK Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) commonly uses a test known as the Pendulum Slip Resistance Test, which models the interaction between a pedestrian's heel and the floor during normal pedestrian walking.

[0033] Other tests include rollercoaster type tests. These use a ramp to bring the slider into contact with the floor. One of these is the Roller Coaster Test, developed by SlipAlert LLP (Hertfordshire, UK, www.slipalert.com). This is a slip alert test provided by the NIRS.

[0034] The SlipAlert test uses a SlipAlert instrument, which is a gravity-powered trolley that rolls down a ramp before contacting the floor surface under test. The SlipAlert test is selected herein for its ease and speed of use, and the compactness and portability of the device. The distance traveled by the trolley indicates the slipperiness of the floor and can be correlated to a coefficient of friction value or a pendulum test value.

[0035] With reference to Figure 1, performance according to the Slip Alert test is shown. This test is designed by the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to assess the slipperiness of commercial floors. It is recognised as a means of indicating the risk of slipping. The corresponding pendulum test values ​​and coefficient of friction from the UK HSE are illustrated. The dark box at the top left (depicted as dots) indicates the Green Zone (low risk of slipping). The dark box in the middle (lightly shaded) indicates the Amber or Orange Zone (medium risk). The dark box at the bottom right (heavily shaded) indicates the Red Zone (high risk). Results are illustrated for three different scenarios:

[0036] We have observed in a series of slip test data studies in working kitchens that floors around deep-frying stations are often in the HSE Red Zone (high slip hazard) and that during cleaning with the traditional method of mop, bucket, water and degreaser, even if further droplets of oil are allowed to dry for 10 minutes without affecting the area, they are only within the back levels of the Orange Zone (which the HSE considers to be the advisory level where action needs to be taken to improve the situation); before 10 minutes, the slip hazard increases to the higher, almost maximum edge of the Red Zone immediately after mopping. However, as soon as the Orange Zone reading is achieved, more droplets of oil from the deep fryer basket fall onto the floor, again increasing the slip hazard to the Red Zone. At no point do these floors enter the safe Green Zone. In contrast, the present invention allows for highly effective results in the Green Zone.

[0037] Approximately 8 square meters adjacent to the fryer station area where deep-frying is done When using 500ml of expanded perlite to remove stepped on cooking oil from a floor area of ​​200m², pouring the powder at one end of the affected floor area and brushing it back and forth across the floor area once per minute gave the results shown (values ​​below 130, thereby indicating a low slippage risk and within the green zone). Tests were performed in two different kitchens. In kitchen 1, slip alert readings of 124, 132, and 131 were obtained, giving an average value of 129. In kitchen 2, slip alert readings of 129, 118, and 140 were obtained, again giving an average value of 129. Both average readings put the floor in the aforementioned safe green zone.

[0038] EMBODIMENT 2 The present invention is advantageous over traditional methods in terms of man-hours expended, effectiveness and cost.

[0039] Traditional methods of cleaning greasy kitchen floors can take an average of 20 times longer than this invention, they can momentarily increase the slipperiness of the floor, and they have proven to be ineffective as floors rarely end up dry and safe during business hours.

[0040] The invention can significantly reduce cleaning time to 1 / 10 to 1 / 20 of the time required by conventional methods, results in a relatively dry and safe floor, and provides an immediate improvement without the environmental and treatment costs associated with known methods (such as dumping degreasing chemicals or surfactants into wastewater systems and ultimately waterways, disposing of polymeric or nylon mop heads and plastics in landfills, etc.).

[0041] The cost and material advantages of using this invention over traditional methods have been demonstrated through tests carried out by the inventors. The main cost savings is in the man-hours used in cleaning and degreasing the floor. Using the UK average man-hour cost set at the minimum wage (including employer's national insurance) of £7.64, the current practice average of cleaning a greasy floor on an 8m2 floor area as described above takes 20 minutes, represents a cost of £2.54, and in most cases still leaves behind a slippery floor that would not be deemed safe in the tests as described above. On the other hand, when the same floor is cleaned using expanded perlite as detailed in accordance with this invention, the floor is reasonably dry and safe in 1-2 minutes, representing a man-hour cost of 12.7p-25.4p. The material cost differential is a complex issue that, for accuracy, would require an evaluation of the cost of using water and detergent for each cleaning, a calculation of the fractional cost for each cleaning as a division of the maximum lifespan for the use of the polymeric mop head, any dry mop head used, and the plastic bucket, and the cost of the environmental impact of these materials. These material cost evaluations performed by the inventors have led the inventors to estimate that the overall cost of using expanded perlite is less than the cost of materials used in conventional cleaning methods.

Claims

1. 1. A method for removing grease, oil or fat from a floor, comprising: applying particles of expanded perlite in dry form to the bed; and b. brushing the perlite over the affected area to scrape or scrape off the grease, oil or fat without the application of water.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the perlite is not applied to all of the affected area, but is brushed over the entire affected area.

3. Affected area 1m ２ 3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein 1 g to 50 g of expanded perlite is applied per 1000 g of expanded perlite.

4. 10. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 90% by weight of the perlite has a particle size of less than 700 microns.

5. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein at least 90% by weight of the perlite has a particle size less than 200 microns.

6. 10. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perlite is not coated with another material.

Images