Detergent composition

Abstract

To provide a detergent composition which has excellent foam rinsing properties while having good foaming properties when diluted and used and has excellent corrosion inhibition properties of a hard surface including a metal surface such as aluminum and to provide a method for cleaning a hard surface using the detergent composition.SOLUTION: There is provided a detergent composition which comprises 0.005 mass% or more and 5 mass% or less of the following component (a), 0.01 mass% or more and 15 mass% or less of the following component (b), the following component (c) and water. The component (a): a carboxylic acid having a chain-like branched hydrocarbon group having a total of 11 to 23 carbon atoms and / or a salt thereof, in which the number of carbon atoms in the main chain of the chain-like branched hydrocarbon group is 7 to 21 and the branching positions of all side chains are a 3-position or higher on the main chain. The component (b): a corrosion inhibitor. The component (c): an alkali agent (excluding the component (c)).SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a detergent composition and a method for cleaning hard surfaces, and further to a foaming detergent composition for use by foaming and a method for cleaning hard surfaces with the foamed foam. [Background technology]

[0002] Food processing plants regularly clean the equipment and facilities used in food processing and / or cooking during interruptions in production schedules to ensure sanitary conditions. Examples of equipment to be cleaned include net conveyors, freezers, slicers, and rice polishers, while examples of facilities include floors, walls, and work tables. Because these cleaning targets are large and often have complex, intricately intertwined parts, foam cleaning, in which a cleaning agent is foamed and applied to the target, is typically used as an efficient cleaning method. Such foaming cleaners are required to have a high cleaning effect as a countermeasure against food poisoning and other pathogens, and for this reason they generally contain high concentrations of inorganic alkaline agents and water-soluble inorganic salts such as hypochlorous acid. In addition, foaming cleaners use large amounts of rinsing water, so from an environmentally friendly perspective, technology that can eliminate foam and reduce rinsing water is required.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for cleaning an object using a detergent composition containing (A) a predetermined alkyl and / or alkenyl dimethylamine oxide, (B) an alkaline agent, (C) a predetermined branched fatty acid and / or a salt thereof, (D) water, and an optional sequestering agent, wherein the mass ratio of (A) / (C) is a predetermined value. Patent Document 2 discloses a cleaning composition for food and beverage manufacturing equipment, which contains (A) an alkaline agent, (B) an anionic surfactant, (C) a specified alkyldimethylamine oxide, (D) an aromatic sulfonate, (E) a water-soluble calcium compound, (F) a sequestering agent, and water in specified proportions. Patent Document 3 discloses a detergent composition containing (A) an alkaline agent, (B) an anionic surfactant, (C) a specified alkyldimethylamine oxide, and (D) a specified fatty acid having 6 to 14 carbon atoms or a salt thereof in specified proportions, and describes in the examples detergents containing fatty acids having 7 or 8 carbon atoms. Patent Document 4 describes a detergent composition that contains a straight-chain fatty acid such as lauric acid or oleic acid, alkyldimethylamine oxide, and an anionic surfactant, and that has excellent foaming properties, storage stability, and dilution stability, as well as excellent foam-removal properties after rinsing, which inhibits corrosion of aluminum materials. Patent Document 5 describes a cleaning composition that contains dimethylamine oxide, an alkaline agent, mainly iso-branched fatty acids, phosphonic acid, and water, has good foaming properties, foam retention, and foam removal, and is used in food and beverage manufacturing factories and kitchens. Patent Documents 6 and 7 describe hard surface cleaners that contain an amine oxide and a carboxylic acid or its salt having a branched chain hydrocarbon group having from 11 to 12 carbon atoms, and that have excellent foam stability and rinsing properties. Patent Document 8 describes a detergent composition that has excellent stability, cleaning performance, and aluminum corrosion prevention properties and sufficient rinsing properties, and that contains (a) an alkaline agent, (b) a sulfonic acid surfactant having a hydrocarbon group containing from 11 to 24 carbon atoms, (c) a surfactant having a hydrocarbon group containing from 5 to 10 carbon atoms, (d) a branched fatty acid and / or a salt thereof in a predetermined amount, and optionally (e) one or more surfactants selected from an amine oxide having a hydrocarbon group containing from 11 to 18 carbon atoms and an anionic surfactant having a hydrocarbon group containing from 12 to 18 carbon atoms (excluding those corresponding to components (b) and (d)), wherein the mass ratio (c) / (b) of the content of component (c) to the content of component (b) is 1.0 or more and the mass ratio (e) / (b) of the content of component (e) to the content of component (b) is 0.5 or less. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-199619 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-150307 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-249383 [Patent Document 4] Patent Publication No. 2021-181553 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-168328 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-73732 [Patent Document 7] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-203853 [Patent Document 8] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-072672 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention provides a detergent composition that has good foaming properties when used diluted, yet has excellent foam rinsing properties, and is also excellent in corrosion inhibition properties for hard surfaces including metal surfaces such as aluminum, and a method for cleaning hard surfaces using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a cleaning composition containing the following component (a) in an amount of 0.005% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, the following component (b) in an amount of 0.01% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less, the following component (c), and water: Component (a): a carboxylic acid and / or a salt thereof having a branched chain hydrocarbon group with a total carbon number of 11 to 23, wherein the main chain carbon number of the branched chain hydrocarbon group is 7 to 21, and all side chains are branched at positions 3 or higher on the main chain. (b) Component: Corrosion inhibitor (c) Component: Alkaline agent (excluding (b) component)

[0007] The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning hard surfaces, comprising the steps of: mixing a detergent composition containing 0.005% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less of the component (a), 0.01% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less of the component (b), the component (c), and water with water; foaming the diluted solution obtained by mixing the diluted solution with water; maintaining the foam for a certain period of time after the contact; and rinsing with water after the maintenance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention provides a detergent composition that has good foaming properties when used diluted, yet has excellent foam rinsing properties, and is also excellent in corrosion inhibition properties for hard surfaces including metal surfaces such as aluminum, and a method for cleaning hard surfaces using the same. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The reason why the detergent composition of the present invention and the method for cleaning hard surfaces using the same have good foaming properties when used diluted, excellent foam rinsing properties, and excellent corrosion inhibitory properties for hard surfaces including metal surfaces such as aluminum is not entirely clear, but is presumed to be as follows. The detergent composition of the present invention contains, as component (a), a carboxylic acid and / or a salt thereof having a specific branched-chain hydrocarbon group. When foam generated using the detergent composition of the present invention is brought into contact with a hard surface, component (a) can form a liquid condensed film, i.e., an oily domain, in the foam on the hard surface by rinsing with water, thereby making the foam film on the hard surface non-uniform and defoaming. This is thought to be why the detergent composition of the present invention has excellent foam rinsing properties. Furthermore, the detergent composition of the present invention contains component (a) a carboxylic acid and / or a salt thereof having a specific branched chain hydrocarbon group, and component (b) a corrosion inhibitor. The inventors unexpectedly discovered that component (a) of the present invention does not interact with component (b) the corrosion inhibitor in the detergent composition. This is thought to be why the detergent composition achieves both rinsing performance and corrosion inhibition without inhibiting the functions of either component. However, the present invention is not limited to this mechanism of action.

[0010] [Cleaning composition] <Component (a)> Component (a) of the detergent composition of the present invention is a carboxylic acid and / or a salt thereof having a branched-chain hydrocarbon group having a total carbon number of 11 to 23, wherein the branched-chain hydrocarbon group has a main chain carbon number of 7 to 21, and all side chains branch at positions 3 or higher on the main chain. The carboxylic acid and / or salt thereof having a branched chain hydrocarbon group of component (a) refers to a branched fatty acid and / or salt thereof consisting of one branched chain hydrocarbon group and one carboxylic acid group, and is sometimes referred to as a branched aliphatic carboxylic acid and / or salt thereof. Component (a) in the detergent composition of the present invention may have the same structure, or may be a mixture of carboxylic acids and / or salts thereof having branched chain hydrocarbon groups at different branching positions. In the present invention, a mixture of two or more carboxylic acids and / or salts thereof having branched chain hydrocarbon groups at different branching positions is preferred.

[0011] From the viewpoint of rinsing properties, the carboxylic acid of component (a) is preferably a monocarboxylic acid. The salt of component (a) is preferably an alkali metal salt, more preferably one or more selected from the sodium salt and the potassium salt.

[0012] In the present invention, the branched chain hydrocarbon group refers to a hydrocarbon group having a main chain and a side chain, and having one or more branched carbon atoms as described below. Among the branched chain hydrocarbon groups, the hydrocarbon chain with the largest carbon number counted from the carbon atom bonded to the carboxylic acid is the main chain, and the hydrocarbon chains that branch off from the main chain and bond to it are side chains.

[0013] When two or more main chains are considered, that is, when there are two or more hydrocarbon chains with the largest number of carbon atoms (hereinafter also referred to as the longest hydrocarbon chains), the main chains are determined in the following order. 1. The side chain branching off from the longest hydrocarbon chain with the larger number of carbon atoms is considered the main chain. 2. Next, if the number of carbon atoms in the side chains branching off from the longest hydrocarbon chain is the same, the chain with the greater number of side chains branching off from the longest hydrocarbon chain is designated as the main chain. 3. Next, if the number of side chains branching off from the longest hydrocarbon chain is the same, the main chain is the one that has a side chain on the carbon atom closest to the oxygen atom of the carboxylic acid, counting from the carbon atom bonded to the oxygen atom of the carboxylic acid. 4. Next, if the positions of the carbon atoms having side chains closest to the oxygen atom of the carboxylic acid are the same, the side chain with the larger number of carbon atoms closest to the oxygen atom of the carboxylic acid is considered to be the main chain. When two or more longest hydrocarbon chains have the same symmetrical structure, either one may be used as the main chain.

[0014] From the viewpoint of improving rinsing performance, the total number of carbon atoms in the branched chain hydrocarbon group is 11 or more, preferably 15 or more, more preferably 16 or more, and 23 or less, preferably 22 or less, more preferably 21 or less, more preferably 20 or less, more preferably 19 or less, and more preferably 18 or less.

[0015] In order to improve rinsing performance, the number of carbon atoms in the main chain of the branched-chain hydrocarbon group is preferably 10 or more, more preferably 14 or more, even more preferably 15 or more, and preferably 22 or less, more preferably 21 or less, more preferably 20 or less, more preferably 19 or less, more preferably 18 or less, and more preferably 17 or less. The number of carbon atoms in the main chain does not include the number of carbon atoms in the side chains. In most cases, the branched-chain hydrocarbon group has one methyl group branch, and the number of carbon atoms in the longest main chain is the number obtained by subtracting the 1 carbon atom of the methyl group. For example, if the total number of carbon atoms in the branched-chain hydrocarbon group is 23, the maximum number of carbon atoms in the main chain will be 22.

[0016] In the branched-chain hydrocarbon group, the branching positions of all side chains are preferably the third or higher positions of the main chain, from the viewpoint of improving rinsing performance, where the carbon atom of the main chain bonded to the carboxylic acid group is counted as the first position. In the branched-chain hydrocarbon group, the number of carbon atoms in the side chain is preferably 1 or more, and preferably 10 or less, more preferably 5 or less, even more preferably 2 or less, and still more preferably 1, from the viewpoint of improving rinsing performance. The number of carbon atoms in the side chain refers to the number of carbon atoms in one side chain bonded to the main chain. A side chain having one carbon atom is preferably a methyl group. In the branched-chain hydrocarbon group, from the viewpoint of improving rinsing performance, the number of side chains is preferably 1 or more and preferably 3 or less, more preferably 2 or less, and even more preferably 1. The number of side chains refers to the number of side chains branching from the main chain, and the number of side chains does not change even if a side chain has a side chain branching from the side chain.

[0017] A more specific preferred component (a) is a branched aliphatic primary monocarboxylic acid and / or a salt thereof, in which the total number of carbon atoms in the chain-branched hydrocarbon group is 11 or more, preferably 15 or more, more preferably 16 or more, and 23 or less, preferably 22 or less, more preferably 21 or less, even more preferably 20 or less, still more preferably 19 or less, and still more preferably 18 or less, and the number of carbon atoms in the main chain is preferably 10 or more, more preferably 14 or more, even more preferably 15 or more, and preferably 22 or less, more preferably 21 or less, even more preferably 20 or less, still more preferably 19 or less, and still more preferably 18 or less, and in which one to three, preferably one, methyl group is branched at the 3-position or higher of the main chain, and at the ω2-position or higher, or even at the ω3-position or higher from the main chain end. More specifically, the aliphatic primary monocarboxylic acid is a fatty acid or salt thereof in which, when the main chain is considered to be linear, the side chain is located at the 3rd position or higher (from the carbonyl carbon) of the main chain, the ω2nd position or higher from the end of the main chain, and even the ω3rd position or higher, the hydrocarbon group of the side chain is an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, preferably an ethyl group or a methyl group, more preferably a methyl group, and the number of side chains is preferably 1 to 3, and preferably 1.

[0018] As described above, component (a) is preferably a mixture of carboxylic acids and / or salts thereof having chain-branched hydrocarbon groups with different branching positions. As a preferred requirement, component (a) is preferably a mixture of carboxylic acids and / or salts thereof having chain-branched hydrocarbon groups with different branching positions (hereinafter sometimes referred to as branched fatty acids) in which the chain-branched hydrocarbon group preferably has one to three side chains with 1 to 3 carbon atoms, more preferably one side chain with 1 carbon atom, and the branching positions of the side chains are distributed at positions 3 or higher on the main chain and at positions ω2 or higher from the end of the main chain. Specifically, as described above, component (a) is a mixture of branched aliphatic primary monocarboxylic acids (hereinafter sometimes referred to as methyl-branched fatty acids) and / or salts thereof, each of which has a total carbon number of 11 or more, preferably 15 or more, more preferably 16 or more, and 23 or less, preferably 22 or less, more preferably 21 or less, more preferably 20 or less, more preferably 19 or less, and more preferably 18 or less, in its main chain of 10 or more, more preferably 14 or more, even more preferably 15 or more, and preferably 22 or less, more preferably 21 or less, more preferably 20 or less, more preferably 19 or less, and more preferably 17 or less, in which one to three, preferably one, methyl group is branched at position 3 or higher of the main chain and at position ω2 or higher from the main chain end, with the branched aliphatic primary monocarboxylic acids having different branching positions (hereinafter sometimes referred to as methyl-branched fatty acids). The mixture is preferably a mixture of two or more, more preferably three or more, and preferably 12 or less, more preferably 11 or less. Component (a) can be commercially available, and branched fatty acids with different structures can be mixed. When producing it, the production method is not particularly limited. However, a mixture of fatty acids having methyl-branched chain-branched hydrocarbons with different branching positions can be prepared, for example, as a by-product in the process of polymerizing unsaturated fatty acids with one or more double bonds using an acid catalyst. For example, the production method described in Japanese Patent No. 3303947 can be used to obtain a mixture of saturated methyl-branched fatty acids with different branching positions. Whether the obtained branched fatty acids are a mixture of fatty acids with different branching positions can be confirmed by separation using GC-MS. With respect to component (a), a mixture in which the side chains are branched at positions 3 or higher on the main chain is more likely to form the oily domains that are a feature of the present invention than a single component in which the side chains are branched at the same position. This results in superior rinsing properties of the foam of the cleansing composition, and is also preferable from the viewpoint of production costs to obtaining a single component in which the side chains are branched at the same position. Furthermore, the chain hydrocarbon group of component (a) is preferably a saturated hydrocarbon group, but when unsaturated fatty acids are used as the raw material for production, unreacted unsaturated fatty acids, saturated straight-chain fatty acids, dimer acids, etc. may be mixed in. However, by reducing by-products through purification, they may be mixed in to an extent that does not have an adverse effect. Aliphatic carboxylic acids with different carbon numbers may also be mixed in.

[0019] <(b) Component> The cleaning composition of the present invention contains a corrosion inhibitor as component (b). In the present invention, the corrosion inhibitor refers to an agent that inhibits or suppresses the progress of pitting corrosion caused by chloride ions or the like, or corrosion caused by alkalis or acids, on metals such as aluminum. From the viewpoint of corrosion inhibition properties, the corrosion inhibitor of component (b) is preferably at least one selected from silicates, triazoles, alkaline earth metal salts of hydroxycarboxylic acids, organic phosphonic acid compounds, phosphinopolycarboxylic acids, chromates, molybdates, phosphates, nitrates, nitrites, tungstates, borates, sulfates, sulfites, carboxylates (excluding component (a)), and amine salts, and more preferably at least one selected from silicates, triazoles, and organic phosphonic acid compounds.

[0020] From the viewpoint of improving corrosion inhibition properties and solubility, the silicate is preferably an alkali metal silicate, and more preferably at least one selected from sodium silicate and potassium silicate. Examples of sodium silicate include at least one selected from sodium orthosilicate, sodium metasilicate, No. 1 sodium silicate, No. 2 sodium silicate, No. 3 sodium silicate, sodium metasilicate pentahydrate, and sodium metasilicate nonahydrate. Examples of potassium silicate include at least one selected from potassium orthosilicate, potassium metasilicate, potassium A silicate, potassium B silicate, and potassium C silicate. From the viewpoint of corrosion inhibition and composition stability, the alkaline earth metal salt of hydroxycarboxylic acid is preferably at least one selected from alkaline earth metal salts of gluconic acid, alkaline earth metal salts of glyceric acid, alkaline earth metal salts of ascorbic acid, alkaline earth metal salts of erythorbic acid, alkaline earth metal salts of glucuronic acid, and alkaline earth metal salts of tartaric acid. Examples of the alkaline earth metal salt include at least one selected from calcium salts and magnesium salts. From the viewpoint of improving corrosion inhibition properties and composition stability, the organic phosphonic acid compound is preferably one or more selected from 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, nitrilotris(methylenephosphonic acid), and salts thereof. Examples of the salts of these organic phosphonic acid compounds include one or more selected from potassium salts and sodium salts.

[0021] The phosphinopolycarboxylic acid may be at least one selected from bis(poly-2-carboxyethyl)phosphinic acid, bis-poly(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)phosphinic acid, poly(2-carboxyethyl)(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)phosphinic acid, bis-poly[2-carboxy-(2-carboxymethyl)ethyl]phosphinic acid, and a reaction product of acrylic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, and hypophosphorous acid. The chromate may be at least one selected from sodium chromate and sodium dichromate. The molybdate may be at least one selected from potassium molybdate and ammonium molybdate. The phosphate may be at least one selected from sodium phosphate, orthophosphate, and hexametaphosphate. The nitrate may be at least one selected from sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate. The nitrite may be at least one selected from sodium nitrite and potassium nitrite. The tungstate may be at least one selected from sodium tungstate and potassium tungstate. The borate may be at least one selected from sodium borate and potassium borate. The sulfates include calcium sulfate. The sulfite may be at least one selected from sodium sulfite and potassium sulfite. Carboxylate salts include 2-ethylhexanoic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, acetylenic carboxylic acid, cyclohexane carboxylic acid, naphthenic acid, benzoic acid, naphthoic acid, phenylacetic acid, cinnamic acid, sebacic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, hydroxybutyric acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid, hydroxynaphthoic acid, hydroxysuccinic acid, anthranic acid, leucine, phenylalanine, proline, 2-mercaptobenzothiazolyl succinic acid (registered trademark Irgaco) [Irgacor 252 (manufactured by Ciba-Geigy)], 6-[4,6-bis(5-carboxypentylamino)-[1,3,5]-triazin-2-yl-amino]hexanecarboxylic acid (registered trademark Reocor 190 (manufactured by Ciba-Geigy)], titanium or zirconium complexes of one or more carboxylic acids selected from furancarboxylic acid, pyrrolecarboxylic acid, pyrazoledicarboxylic acid, imidazoledicarboxylic acid, and nicotinic acid. The amine salt may be one or more selected from dodecylamine salt, tridecylamine salt, tetradecylamine salt, heptadecylamine salt, hexadecylamine salt, octadecylamine salt, nonadecylamine salt, eicosylamine salt, docosylamine salt, oleylamine salt, ricinoleylamine salt, linoleylamine salt, linolenylamine salt, coconut oil amine salt, and hardened beef tallow amine salt. The amine salt may be one or more selected from hydrofluoride, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, acetate, adipate, formate, nitrate, salicylate, malonate, succinate, oxalate, glutarate, and phosphate. The amine salt may be an amine salt of a compound having a long-chain aliphatic group at the amino group, such as N-oleyl-1,3-diaminopropane, N-tallow-1,3-diaminopropane, or N-coco-1,3-diaminopropane, or an amine salt of a compound having an alkylene oxide added to the amino group, such as N-tallow-1,3-diaminopropane-ethylene oxide adduct. The triazoles include one or more selected from benzotriazole and tolyltriazole.

[0022] From the viewpoint of improving corrosion inhibition, component (b) is more preferably one or more selected from potassium silicate, sodium silicate, benzotriazole, and tolyltriazole, and even more preferably one or more selected from potassium silicate and benzotriazole.

[0023] <(c) component> The cleaning composition of the present invention contains an alkaline agent as component (c), provided that component (c) does not include components that fall under component (b).

[0024] The alkaline agent of component (c) is at least one selected from alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal carbonates, amine compounds, and the like. The alkali metal hydroxide is, for example, one or more selected from sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. The alkali metal carbonate is, for example, one or more selected from sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, and potassium hydrogen carbonate. The amine compound is one or more alkanolamines selected from monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monomethylmonoethanolamine, triisopropanolamine, and the like.

[0025] From the viewpoint of improving cleaning properties and rinsing properties, component (c) is preferably one or more selected from sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium bicarbonate, and more preferably one or more selected from sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.

[0026] <Composition, etc.> From the viewpoint of improving rinsing performance, the detergent composition of the present invention contains component (a) in an amount of 0.005% by mass or more, preferably 0.05% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.2% by mass or more, and 5% by mass or less, preferably 3% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.5% by mass or less. In the present invention, the mass of component (a) is expressed as a value converted into the potassium salt.

[0027] From the viewpoint of corrosion inhibition, the cleaning composition of the present invention contains the component (b) in an amount of 0.01% by mass or more, preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, and 15% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 3% by mass or less.

[0028] In the cleaning composition of the present invention, the mass ratio (b) / (a) of the content of the component (b) to the content of the component (a) is preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.1 or more, even more preferably 1 or more, still more preferably 4 or more, and is preferably 400 or less, more preferably 100 or less, even more preferably 10 or less, and still more preferably 8 or less, from the viewpoint of improving rinsing performance and corrosion inhibition properties.

[0029] To improve detergency, the detergent composition of the present invention contains component (c) in an amount of preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.4% by mass or more, and preferably 15% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, even more preferably 5% by mass or less, still more preferably 3% by mass or less, and still more preferably 1% by mass or less. When an alkali metal hydroxide is contained as component (c), the amount refers to a combination of alkali metal ions and hydroxy ions present in the detergent composition, i.e., free alkali, and does not include combinations with other counter ions.

[0030] From the viewpoint of improving cleaning properties and foaming properties, the detergent composition of the present invention preferably further contains a surfactant as component (d), provided that component (d) excludes those that fall under component (a).

[0031] The surfactant of component (d) may be one or more selected from anionic surfactants (hereinafter referred to as component (d1)), cationic surfactants (hereinafter referred to as component (d2)), nonionic surfactants (hereinafter referred to as component (d3)), and amphoteric surfactants (hereinafter referred to as component (d4)). From the viewpoint of improving cleaning properties and foaming properties, anionic surfactants are preferred.

[0032] The anionic surfactant of component (d1) is, for example, one or more selected from alkylbenzenesulfonic acids and their salts, alkanesulfonic acids and their salts, polyoxyalkylene alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates and their salts, alkyl or alkenyl sulfates and their salts, internal olefinsulfonic acids and their salts, oxyalkylene-containing fatty acids and their salts, alkyl or alkenyl ether carboxylic acids and their salts, α-sulfofatty acids and their salts, N-acylamino acids and their salts, mono- or di-phosphate esters, and sulfosuccinate esters and their salts. The alkyl or alkenyl group of the anionic surfactant has, for example, 8 or more and 22 or less carbon atoms, preferably 10 or more and 16 or less carbon atoms, and more preferably 12 or more and 14 or less carbon atoms. The number of carbon atoms of the internal olefin sulfonic acid (excluding the number of carbon atoms of the counter ion of the anionic group) is preferably 8 or more, more preferably 12 or more, even more preferably 14 or more, and preferably 22 or less, more preferably 20 or less, even more preferably 18 or less. The polyoxyalkylene group of the anionic surfactant is preferably one or more groups selected from an oxyethylene group and an oxypropylene group, and is preferably an oxyethylene group. In the polyoxyalkylene group, the average number of moles of oxyalkylene groups added is, for example, 0 to 10, preferably 1 to 3. Counter ions of the anionic groups of these anionic surfactants include one or more selected from alkali metal ions such as sodium ions and potassium ions; alkaline earth metal ions such as calcium ions and magnesium ions; ammonium ions; and alkanolamines having 1 to 3 alkanol groups having 2 or 3 carbon atoms (e.g., monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monomethylmonoethanolamine, triisopropanolamine, etc.).

[0033] From the viewpoint of improving foaming properties and detergency, component (d1) is preferably one or more selected from alkyl or alkenyl sulfate esters and salts thereof, polyoxyalkylene alkyl or alkenyl sulfate esters and salts thereof, alkanesulfonic acids and salts thereof, and internal olefinsulfonic acids and salts thereof, and more preferably one or more selected from alkyl or alkenyl sulfate esters and salts thereof, and polyoxyalkylene alkyl or alkenyl sulfate esters and salts thereof.

[0034] The alkyl or alkenyl group of the alkyl or alkenyl sulfate ester and salts thereof is preferably an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 or more carbon atoms, more preferably 12 or more carbon atoms, and preferably 22 or less, more preferably 20 or less, even more preferably 18 or less, and still more preferably 16 or less carbon atoms, and preferably an alkyl group. The alkyl or alkenyl group of the polyoxyalkylene alkyl or alkenyl sulfate ester and salts thereof is preferably an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 or more carbon atoms, more preferably 12 or more carbon atoms, and preferably 22 or less, more preferably 20 or less, even more preferably 18 or less, and still more preferably 16 or less carbon atoms, and preferably an alkyl group. The oxyalkylene group of the polyoxyalkylene alkyl or alkenyl sulfate ester and salts thereof is preferably one or more groups selected from an oxyethylene group and an oxypropylene group, more preferably an oxyethylene group, and the average number of moles of the oxyalkylene group added is preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more, and preferably 20 or less, more preferably 15 or less, and even more preferably 10 or less. The number of carbon atoms of the internal olefin sulfonic acid and its salt (excluding the number of carbon atoms of the counter ion of the anionic group) is preferably 8 or more, more preferably 12 or more, even more preferably 14 or more, and preferably 22 or less, more preferably 20 or less, even more preferably 18 or less. The number of carbon atoms in the alkanesulfonic acid and its salt (excluding the number of carbon atoms in the counter ion of the anionic group) is preferably 8 or more, more preferably 10 or more, even more preferably 12 or more, and preferably 18 or less, more preferably 16 or less, even more preferably 14 or less.

[0035] Examples of the cationic surfactant of component (d2) include alkyltrimethylammonium salts in which the alkyl group has 8 to 22 carbon atoms, dialkyldimethylammonium salts in which the alkyl group has 8 to 22 carbon atoms, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salts in which the alkyl group has 8 to 22 carbon atoms, and benzethonium salts. Examples of the salt include halogen salts and alkyl sulfates in which the alkyl group has 1 to 3 carbon atoms. These surfactants can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0036] The nonionic surfactant of component (d3) is, for example, one or more selected from alkyl monoglyceryl ethers, polyoxyalkylene monoalkyl or alkenyl ethers, alkyl glycosides or alkyl polyglycosides (glycoside-type nonionic surfactants), sorbitan-based nonionic surfactants, aliphatic alkanolamides, fatty acid monoglycerides, and sucrose fatty acid esters.

[0037] Examples of amphoteric surfactants of component (d4) include N-alkanoylaminopropyl-N,N-dimethylamine oxide, N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylamine oxide, N-alkanoylaminopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-carboxymethylammonium betaine, N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-carboxymethylammonium betaine, N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-sulfopropylammonium sulfobetaine, N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-hydroxysulfopropyl)ammonium sulfobetaine, N-alkanoylaminopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-sulfopropylammonium sulfobetaine, N-alkanoylaminopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-hydroxysulfopropyl)ammonium sulfobetaine, etc. In these, the alkanoyl group has 8 to 22 carbon atoms, and the alkanoyl group may be, for example, lauroyl or myristyl. In these, the alkyl group has 8 to 22 carbon atoms, and examples thereof include a lauryl group and a myristyl group. These surfactants can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0038] When the detergent composition of the present invention contains the component (d), from the viewpoint of improving cleaning properties and foaming properties, the content of the component (d) in the detergent composition is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 3% by mass or more, still more preferably 6% by mass or more, still more preferably 8% by mass or more, and preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, and even more preferably 12% by mass or less. In the present invention, when component (d1) is included as component (d), the mass of component (d1) is expressed as the value converted into the sodium salt, and when component (d2) is included as component (d), the mass of component (d2) is expressed as the value converted into the chloride salt.

[0039] From the viewpoint of disinfecting properties, the cleaning composition of the present invention preferably contains an oxidizing halogen acid and / or a salt thereof as component (e). The oxidizing halogen acid and / or its salt of component (e) is, for example, one or more selected from hypochlorous acid, hypobromous acid, chlorous acid, and their salts, with hypochlorous acid and / or its salts being preferred from the viewpoint of bactericidal effect. Furthermore, the oxidizing halogen acid salt of component (e) is, for example, one or more selected from alkali metal salts of hypochlorous acid, alkali metal salts of hypobromous acid, and alkali metal salts of chlorous acid. From the viewpoint of foam stability, component (e) is preferably an alkali metal salt of hypochlorous acid, with sodium hypochlorite being more preferred.

[0040] In addition to components (a) to (e), the cleaning composition of the present invention may optionally contain other components (excluding those corresponding to components (a) to (e)) within the scope of the object of the present invention, such as organic solvents such as butyl carbitol (also known as diethylene glycol monobutyl ether), phenoxyethanol, or ethylene glycol; hydrotropes such as xylene sulfonic acid, paratoluene sulfonic acid, or salts thereof; dispersants such as polyacrylic acid, maleic acid-isobutylene copolymer, or salts thereof; bleaching agents such as hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium percarbonate; pH adjusters; thickeners; viscosity modifiers; fragrances; colorants; antioxidants; preservatives; and bleach activators.

[0041] The cleaning composition of the present invention is a liquid cleaning composition containing water. That is, in the cleaning composition of the present invention, it is preferable that the balance other than the components (a) to (e) and other optional components is water. The cleaning composition of the present invention can contain water in the cleaning composition, preferably 60% by mass or more, more preferably 65% by mass or more, still more preferably 70% by mass or more, even more preferably 75% by mass or more, even more preferably 80% by mass or more, and preferably less than 94% by mass, more preferably 93% by mass or less. It is preferable to use ion-exchanged water, sterilized ion-exchanged water, etc. as the water.

[0042] From the viewpoint of improving detergency, the pH of the cleaning composition of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 8.0 or more, more preferably 9.0 or more, still more preferably 10.0 or more, even more preferably 11.0 or more, and 14 or less, preferably 13.5 or less, more preferably 13.0 or less. The pH at 25°C can be measured by the glass electrode method. Specifically, the pH of the cleaning composition of the present invention at 25°C is measured by the following pH measurement method.

[0043] <pH Measurement Method> Connect a combined electrode for pH measurement (glass sliding sleeve type manufactured by HORIBA) to a pH meter (pH / Ion meter F-23 manufactured by HORIBA) and turn on the power. As the internal solution of the pH electrode, a saturated potassium chloride aqueous solution (3.33 mol / L) is used. Next, fill 100 mL beakers with pH 6.86 standard solution (neutral phosphate standard solution), pH 9.18 standard solution (borate standard solution), and pH 12.0 standard solution (saturated calcium hydroxide standard solution) respectively, and immerse them in a constant temperature bath at 25°C for 30 minutes. Immerse the pH measurement electrode in the standard solution adjusted to a constant temperature for 3 minutes, and perform calibration operations in the order of pH 6.86 → pH 9.18 → pH 12.0. Adjust the sample to be measured (the cleaning composition of the present invention) to 25°C, immerse the electrode of the above pH meter in the sample, and measure the pH after 1 minute. The pH at 25°C of a diluted solution obtained by diluting the cleaning composition of the present invention with water can also be measured in the same manner. In this case, the cleaning composition of the present invention in the above description should be read as a diluted solution obtained by diluting the cleaning composition of the present invention with water.

[0044] The detergent composition of the present invention may be used by diluting with water. For example, the detergent composition of the present invention may be used by diluting with water having a hardness of preferably 0.1° DH or more, more preferably 0.2° DH or more, even more preferably 0.3° DH or more, still more preferably 0.5° DH or more, still more preferably 1° DH or more, still more preferably 2° DH or more, and preferably 20° DH or less, more preferably 10° DH or less, still more preferably 8° DH or less, and still more preferably 6° DH or less. This water preferably contains calcium ions.

[0045] In this specification, water hardness (°DH) refers to German hardness, which indicates the concentration of calcium and magnesium in water expressed as a CaCO3 equivalent concentration of 1 mg / L (ppm) = approximately 0.056°DH (1°DH = 17.8 ppm). The German hardness of water used for cleaning can be adjusted, for example, based on a value calculated from the type and amount of hardness components added. Furthermore, when water with unknown hardness, such as tap water, is used for cleaning, the German hardness of the water can be determined by the chelate titration method using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt, as described below. A specific method for measuring the German hardness of water in this specification is shown below.

[0046] <Method for measuring water hardness in Germany> 〔reagent〕 0.01 mol / L EDTA·2Na solution: 0.01 mol / L aqueous solution of disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (titration solution, 0.01 M EDTA-Na2, manufactured by Sigma-Aldrich) ·Universal BT indicator (product name: Universal BT, manufactured by Dojindo Kagaku Kenkyusho Co., Ltd.) Ammonia buffer solution for hardness measurement (67.5 g of ammonium chloride dissolved in 570 mL of 28 w / v% ammonia water, and then made up to 1000 mL with ion-exchanged water) [German hardness measurement] (1) Use a volumetric pipette to collect 20 mL of sample water into a conical beaker. (2) Add 2 mL of ammonia buffer solution for hardness measurement. (3) Add 0.5 mL of Universal BT indicator. After addition, confirm that the solution is reddish purple. (4) While shaking the conical beaker well, add 0.01 mol / L EDTA·2Na solution dropwise from the buret until the sample water turns blue. The end point of the titration is determined. (5) The total hardness is calculated using the following formula. Hardness (°DH)=T×0.01×F×56.0774×100 / A T:0.01mol / L Titration amount of EDTA・2Na solution (mL) A: Sample volume (20 mL, volume of sample water) F: Factor of 0.01 mol / L EDTA·2Na solution

[0047] The cleaning composition of the present invention is foamed for use and is preferably used on the hard surfaces of hard articles, and further for food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment. That is, the present invention is a foaming cleaning composition for hard surfaces, and further preferably a foaming cleaning composition for food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment. The cleaning composition of the present invention is suitable for cleaning hard surfaces containing aluminum, such as hard surfaces of aluminum alloys and aluminum metal. In the present invention, the term "food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment" refers to the equipment and facilities used in processing and / or cooking food in a food processing factory. Examples of such equipment include net conveyors, freezers, slicers, rice polishers, etc. Furthermore, examples of such equipment include floors, walls, work tables, etc.

[0048] [How to clean hard surfaces] The present invention provides a method for cleaning hard surfaces, the method comprising the steps of: mixing a detergent composition containing 0.005% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less of the component (a), 0.01% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less of the component (b), the component (c), and water with water; foaming the diluted solution obtained by mixing the diluted solution with water; bringing the diluted solution into contact with a target hard surface; maintaining the foam for a certain period of time after the contact; and rinsing with water after maintaining the foam. In the method for cleaning a hard surface of the present invention, the detergent composition is the same as the detergent composition of the present invention, and the aspects described for the detergent composition of the present invention can be appropriately applied. The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning a hard surface with foam obtained by foaming the detergent composition. The method for cleaning hard surfaces of the present invention can be appropriately applied with the embodiments described for the detergent composition of the present invention.

[0049] In the method for cleaning hard surfaces of the present invention, the detergent composition is diluted with water at a dilution ratio of 2 times or more, preferably 5 times or more, more preferably 20 times or more, and 200 times or less, preferably 100 times or less to obtain the diluted solution.

[0050] Furthermore, the method for cleaning hard surfaces of the present invention involves diluting the detergent composition with water having a hardness of preferably 0.1° DH or more, more preferably 0.2° DH or more, even more preferably 0.3° DH or more, still more preferably 0.5° DH or more, still more preferably 1° DH or more, still more preferably 2° DH, and preferably 20° DH or less, more preferably 10° DH or less, still more preferably 8° DH or less, and still more preferably 6° DH or less. Tap water can be used as the water for dilution.

[0051] In the method for cleaning a hard surface of the present invention, the diluted solution obtained by mixing the detergent composition with water contains component (a) in an amount of preferably 0.0005% by mass or more, more preferably 0.005% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and preferably 0.5% by mass or less, more preferably 0.3% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of improving rinsing properties.

[0052] In the method for cleaning a hard surface of the present invention, the diluted solution obtained by mixing the detergent composition with water contains component (b) in an amount of preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and preferably 1.5% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of improving corrosion inhibitory properties.

[0053] In the method for cleaning a hard surface of the present invention, the diluted solution obtained by mixing the detergent composition with water contains component (c) in an amount of preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and preferably 40% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, and even more preferably 1% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of improving cleaning properties.

[0054] In the method for cleaning a hard surface of the present invention, when the diluted solution obtained by mixing the detergent composition with water contains component (d), from the viewpoint of improving cleaning properties and foaming properties, the diluted solution contains component (d) in an amount of preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.3% by mass or more, and preferably 2% by mass or less, more preferably 1.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 1% by mass or less.

[0055] In the method for cleaning a hard surface of the present invention, when the diluted solution obtained by mixing the detergent composition with water contains component (e), from the viewpoint of improving the bactericidal effect, the diluted solution contains component (e) in an amount of preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.3% by mass or more, and preferably 1% by mass or less, more preferably 0.7% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.5% by mass or less.

[0056] In addition, the mass ratio (b) / (a) of the content of the component (b) to the content of the component (a) in the diluted solution is in the same range as in the cleaning composition of the present invention.

[0057] In the method for cleaning a hard surface of the present invention, the pH at 25°C of a diluted solution obtained by mixing the detergent composition with water is preferably 8.0 or more, more preferably 9.0 or more, even more preferably 10.0 or more, still more preferably 11.0 or more, and is 14 or less, preferably 13.5 or less, more preferably 13.0 or less, from the viewpoint of improving cleaning performance.

[0058] In the method for cleaning hard surfaces of the present invention, the time for which the diluted solution is foamed and brought into contact with the target hard surface and then the foam is maintained is preferably 1 minute or more from the viewpoint of the mechanism and operability of each device, and from the same viewpoint, is preferably 60 minutes or less, more preferably 45 minutes or less, even more preferably 30 minutes or less, still more preferably 20 minutes or less, still more preferably 15 minutes or less, still more preferably 10 minutes or less, and still more preferably 5 minutes or less. In the method for cleaning hard surfaces of the present invention, the time for which the foam is retained is preferably 10 minutes or more, more preferably 15 minutes or more, and even more preferably 20 minutes or more, from the viewpoint of cleaning performance, and from the same viewpoint is preferably 60 minutes or less, more preferably 45 minutes or less, and even more preferably 30 minutes or less. It is preferable to leave it as it is while the foam is maintained, but it is also possible to add a small amount of water or the like.

[0059] After the foam is maintained for a certain period of time, the target hard surface is rinsed with water. The temperature of the rinsing water is preferably 10°C or higher, more preferably 20°C or higher, and preferably 70°C or lower, more preferably 50°C or lower. Tap water can be used as the rinsing water, and may be heated to adjust to the above-mentioned preferred water temperature. The detergent composition has excellent foam-removal properties during rinsing, and requires less rinsing water than conventional detergent compositions, which is economically advantageous and also significantly contributes to reducing the workload (work time and number of workers) and the environmental load.

[0060] Specifically, the method for cleaning hard surfaces of the present invention can be suitably used as a method for cleaning food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment, which includes the following steps 1 to 3. However, the method for cleaning hard surfaces of the present invention is not limited to this specific example.

[0061] Step 1: A step of diluting a cleaning composition containing 0.005% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less of the component (a), 0.01% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less of the component (b), the component (c), and water with water at a dilution ratio of 2 to 200 times (preferably 5 to 200 times), and / or spraying the composition in the form of foam onto food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment while diluting. Step 2: Keeping the foam for a certain period of time Step 3: Rinse food processing and / or cooking equipment with water

[0062] In step 1, the cleaning composition is the same as the cleaning composition of the present invention, and the aspects described for the cleaning composition of the present invention can be applied as appropriate. In step 1, the cleaning composition is pre-diluted with water at a dilution ratio of 2 to 200 (preferably 5 to 200) and then sprayed in the form of foam. Alternatively, the cleaning composition is placed in a dedicated container and directly connected to a water supply via a hose or the like, and the mixture is diluted and mixed and sprayed in the form of foam. The pre-dilution and simultaneous dilution can also be combined to spray the diluted solution of the cleaning composition in the form of foam. The dilution ratio in step 1 is 2 or more, preferably 5 or more, more preferably 20 or more, and 200 or less, preferably 100 or less.

[0063] In order to improve rinsing performance, the diluted solution of the detergent composition that is sprayed onto the hard surface in the form of foam in step 1 contains component (a) in an amount of preferably 0.0005% by mass or more, more preferably 0.005% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and preferably 0.5% by mass or less, more preferably 0.3% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or less.

[0064] Moreover, from the viewpoint of improving corrosion inhibiting properties, the diluted solution of the cleaning composition to be sprayed in the form of foam onto a hard surface contains the component (b) in an amount of preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and preferably 1.5% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.5% by mass or less.

[0065] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving cleaning performance, the diluted solution of the detergent composition to be sprayed onto a hard surface in the form of foam contains component (c) in an amount of preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and preferably 40% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, and even more preferably 1% by mass or less.

[0066] When the diluted solution of the detergent composition to be sprayed onto a hard surface in the form of foam contains component (d), from the viewpoint of improving cleaning properties and foaming properties, the diluted solution contains component (d) in an amount of preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.3% by mass or more, and preferably 2% by mass or less, more preferably 1.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 1% by mass or less.

[0067] When the diluted solution of the cleaning composition to be sprayed onto a hard surface in the form of foam contains component (e), from the viewpoint of improving the bactericidal effect, the diluted solution contains component (e) in an amount of preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.3% by mass or more, and preferably 1% by mass or less, more preferably 0.7% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.5% by mass or less.

[0068] In addition, the mass ratio (b) / (a) of the content of the component (b) to the content of the component (a) in the diluted solution is in the same range as in the cleaning composition of the present invention.

[0069] Here, the water used to dilute the detergent composition is generally assumed to be water containing hardness components, such as tap water. From the viewpoints of continuously spraying good foam and improving aluminum corrosion prevention, the hardness of the water used to dilute the detergent composition is preferably 0.1° DH or more, more preferably 0.2° DH or more, even more preferably 0.3° DH or more, still more preferably 0.5° DH or more, still more preferably 1° DH or more, still more preferably 2° DH or more, and preferably 20° DH or less, more preferably 10° DH or less, still more preferably 8° DH or less, and still more preferably 6° DH or less. From the viewpoint of improving detergency, the pH of a diluted solution of the detergent composition at 25°C is preferably 8.0 or higher, more preferably 9.0 or higher, even more preferably 10.0 or higher, and still more preferably 11.0 or higher, and is 14 or lower, preferably 13.5 or lower, and more preferably 13.0 or lower.

[0070] A preferred embodiment of spraying a diluted solution of the cleaning composition of the present invention in the form of foam is to fill a dedicated foam washer with an appropriate amount of the diluted solution, prepared by diluting the cleaning composition of the present invention with water to a predetermined ratio, and then spray the diluted solution in the form of foam by mixing with external air / compressed air. The content of the composition in the diluted solution (cleaning liquid) prepared by diluting the cleaning composition of the present invention is preferably 0.02 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.02 to 8% by mass, and even more preferably 0.02 to 6% by mass. For large processing areas, such as production lines in food processing factories, foam washer machines (e.g., "SCU-HF" manufactured by Spraying Co., Ltd., "KF-100" and "KF-200" manufactured by Kao Corporation, and "Foam iT" manufactured by C.B.S. Co., Ltd.) are preferably used. For small processing areas, such as cutting boards and other cooking utensils, hand sprayers capable of intermittently generating foam, such as trigger sprayers and foamer sprayers, are preferably used.

[0071] It is preferable to spray the foam without interruption in step 1. Here, "without interruption" spraying means, for example, using a foam washer, the cleaning agent continues to spray in foam continuously (for example, for 5 seconds or more) while the tap is opened with a lever or switch, and this is to be distinguished from "intermittent" spraying, for example, using a hand sprayer such as a trigger sprayer or foam sprayer, in which spraying begins when the lever is pulled and then stops instantly.

[0072] The embodiment of continuously spraying foam using a foam washer is particularly effective when the area and size of the food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment to be cleaned is large.

[0073] When using a foam washer, the foaming ratio (ratio of foam volume (mL) / foam mass (g)) is preferably 3 times or more, more preferably 5 times or more, even more preferably 10 times or more, and preferably 50 times or less, more preferably 40 times or less, and even more preferably 30 times or less. The pressure (gauge pressure) during spraying is preferably 0.1 MPa or more, more preferably 0.2 MPa or more, and preferably 1 MPa or less, more preferably 0.8 MPa or less, and even more preferably 0.5 MPa or less. When using a hand sprayer such as a trigger sprayer or foamer sprayer, the foaming ratio is preferably 2 times or more, more preferably 5 times or more, even more preferably 10 times or more, and preferably 30 times or less, more preferably 25 times or less, and even more preferably 15 times or less.

[0074] Step 2 is a step of spraying the diluted solution of the cleaning composition in step 1 in the form of foam, attaching it to food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment, and maintaining the foam for a certain period of time. The time for which the foam is maintained in step 2 is preferably 1 minute or more from the viewpoint of the mechanism and operability of each device, and from the same viewpoint, is preferably 60 minutes or less, more preferably 45 minutes or less, even more preferably 30 minutes or less, still more preferably 20 minutes or less, still more preferably 15 minutes or less, still more preferably 10 minutes or less, and still more preferably 5 minutes or less. Furthermore, the time for which the foam is maintained in step 2 is preferably 10 minutes or more, more preferably 15 minutes or more, and even more preferably 20 minutes or more, from the viewpoint of cleansing properties, and from the same viewpoint is preferably 60 minutes or less, more preferably 45 minutes or less, and even more preferably 30 minutes or less.

[0075] The time for which the foam is maintained in Step 2 varies depending on the dilution ratio of the detergent composition in the diluted solution obtained by diluting the detergent composition and the situation of use, and is not particularly limited. For example, when the dilution ratio is 2 to 50 times (preferably 10 to 50 times), the time for which the foam is maintained is preferably 1 to 60 minutes, and when the dilution ratio is 50 to 200 times, the foam is preferably stably maintained for 1 to 10 minutes.

[0076] It is preferable to leave the mixture as it is while maintaining the foam in step 2, but it is also possible to add a small amount of water or the like.

[0077] After the foam is maintained for a certain period of time, in step 3, the food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment is rinsed with water. The temperature of the rinsing water is preferably 10°C or higher, more preferably 20°C or higher, and preferably 70°C or lower, more preferably 50°C or lower. Tap water can be used as the rinsing water, and it may be heated to adjust to the above-mentioned preferred water temperature. Generally, rinsing is performed by hand using a hose or the like. The detergent composition of the present invention has excellent foam-removal properties during rinsing and requires less rinsing water than conventional detergent compositions, which is economically advantageous and also significantly contributes to reducing the workload (work time and number of workers) and the environmental load. [Example]

[0078] The components (a), (b), (c) and (d) used in the examples and comparative examples are shown below.

[0079] <Component (a)> Me-ISA-K: Potassium hydroxide neutralized isostearic acid synthesized by the following method

[0080] Synthesis method of Me-ISA-K 400 g of a fatty acid mixture (Lunac SO-90L, manufactured by Kao Corporation, composition: palmitic acid 1%, linoleic acid 3%, octadecenoic acid (oleic acid) 89%, hexadecenoic acid 2%, stearic acid 1%, others), 32 g of H-mordenite zeolite (HSZ-620HOA, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation: SiO2 / Al2O3 [molar ratio] = 15, average pore size 6.7-7 Å), and 8 g of water were placed in an autoclave, the atmosphere in the container was replaced with nitrogen, and the mixture was stirred. The autoclave was heated to 280°C and the pressure was increased to 18 kgf / cm. 2 The reaction mixture was cooled and taken out, and the zeolite was filtered off. The mixture was distilled under reduced pressure to obtain 347.6 g of monomer acid (branched unsaturated fatty acid). This monomer acid and 3.5 g of 5% Pd / C were placed in an autoclave and heated to 150 °C under a 20 kgf / cm2 hydrogen atmosphere for 3 hours. After the reaction was completed, the mixture was cooled and the catalyst was filtered off. The crude branched fatty acid thus obtained was subjected to a conventional solvent fractionation method, i.e., adding hexane in an amount approximately twice the weight of the crude branched fatty acid, cooling to -15 °C, filtering off the crystals, and then purifying the mother liquor by distilling off the hexane to obtain 276.7 g of methylheptadecanoic acid (hereinafter sometimes referred to as methylheptadecanoic acid), in which a methyl group is branched from a linear primary heptadecanoic acid. The resulting methylheptadecanoic acid is a monocarboxylic acid with a branched hydrocarbon group, a 16-carbon main chain, and one carbon atom-containing side chain, with the side chain branching positions distributed between positions 3 and 15 of the main chain. The acid value (AV), saponification value (SV) and iodine value (IV) according to JIS K3331 were as follows: AV=162.7, SV=177.7, IV=9.1

[0081] <Component (a') (comparison component of component (a))> C14FA-K: Myristic acid (Lunac MY-98, manufactured by Kao Corporation) neutralized with potassium hydroxide

[0082] <(b) Component> Potassium silicate: 1K potassium silicate (manufactured by Nippon Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) Benzotriazole: 1H-benzotriazole (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) <(c) component> KOH: Potassium hydroxide (manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd.) <(d) component> C10AS: Decyl sulfate sodium salt (EMAL 3F, manufactured by Kao Corporation)

[0083] (1) Method for producing a detergent composition A stirrer piece and purified water were placed in a beaker, and while stirring the purified water, component (a), component (b), component (d), and component (c) were added in that order so as to achieve the contents shown in Table 1, followed by stirring to produce a cleaning composition. The pH at 25°C of the cleaning compositions of each Example and Comparative Example was as shown in Table 1. All of the mass % values ​​of the components in Table 1 are based on the active ingredient.

[0084] (2) Rinseability evaluation A 1000 mL measuring cylinder was charged with 5 g of a 20-fold diluted solution of the detergent composition shown in Table 1 with 4° dH hard water, which was then foamed using a pump foamer (Biore Hand Soap, manufactured by Kao Corporation), and the initial foam volume (mL) was measured. Next, 4° dH hard water was added to the measuring cylinder with a shower at a rate of 50 mL / min, and the amount of water added when the foam volume reached 0 mL was recorded as the rinsing water volume (mL). The results are shown in Table 1.

[0085] (3) Corrosion inhibition evaluation The detergent composition in Table 1 was diluted 20 times with 4°dH hard water, and the solution was poured onto an aluminum test piece (A1050P, 2 × 5 cm 2 ) half (2 x 2.5 cm 2 ) for 10 minutes. After immersion, the aluminum test pieces were dried, and the weight loss rate of the aluminum test pieces before and after immersion was calculated, and the corrosion inhibition ability was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1. The lower the weight loss rate, the better the corrosion inhibition ability. ○: Weight loss rate of aluminum test piece is less than 0.01% by mass ×: Weight loss rate of aluminum test piece is 0.01% by mass or more

[0086] [Table 1]

Claims

1. A cleaning composition comprising the following component (a) in an amount of 0.005% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, the following component (b) in an amount of 0.01% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less, the following component (c), and water: Component (a): a carboxylic acid and / or a salt thereof having a branched chain hydrocarbon group with a total carbon number of 11 to 23, wherein the main chain carbon number of the branched chain hydrocarbon group is 7 to 21, and all side chains are branched at positions 3 or higher on the main chain. Component (b): Corrosion inhibitor Component (c): Alkaline agent (excluding component (b))

2. 2. The cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein component (b) is at least one selected from the group consisting of silicates, triazoles, alkaline earth metal salts of hydroxycarboxylic acids, and organic phosphonic acid compounds.

3. 3. The cleaning composition according to claim 1, further comprising the following component (d) in an amount of 0.01% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less: Component (d): surfactant (excluding component (a))

4. The detergent composition according to claim 1 or 2, which is a liquid detergent composition.

5. 3. The cleaning composition according to claim 1, which is for use on hard surfaces and is foamed when used.

6. A method for cleaning a hard surface, comprising: a step of mixing water with a detergent composition containing the following component (a) at 0.005% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less: the following component (b) at 0.01% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less: the following component (c), and water; foaming the diluted solution obtained by mixing the diluted solution with water; a step of maintaining the foam for a certain period of time after the contact; and a step of rinsing the diluted solution with water after the maintenance. Component (a): a carboxylic acid and / or a salt thereof having a branched chain hydrocarbon group with a total carbon number of 11 to 23, wherein the main chain carbon number of the branched chain hydrocarbon group is 7 to 21, and all side chains are branched at positions 3 or higher on the main chain. Component (b): Corrosion inhibitor Component (c): Alkaline agent (excluding component (b))

7. The method for cleaning a hard surface according to claim 6, wherein the diluted solution is obtained by diluting the cleaning composition with water at a dilution ratio of 2 to 200 times.

8. 8. The method for cleaning a hard surface according to claim 6, wherein the diluted solution contains 0.0005% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less of component (a) and 0.001% by mass or more and 1.5% by mass or less of component (b).

9. 8. The method for cleaning a hard surface according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the water used to dilute the cleaning composition and the water used to rinse after retaining the foam are tap water.

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