Solid acid cleaning compositions and methods of use thereof

Abstract

Solid acid cleaning compositions including at least about 60 wt-% of one or more acid sources, anionic surfactant, and a solidification aid comprising urea, wherein the use pH is less than about 4 are provided. Further solid acid cleaning compositions including at least about 60 wt-% of one or more acid sources, a solidification aid comprising urea, and additional optional functional ingredients for non-disinfectant applications with a use pH less than about 4 are provided. The solid compositions can be diluted and used for various applications to replace liquid compositions, including CIP systems.

Description

TITLE: SOLID ACID CLEANING COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USETHEREOFCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to provisional patent application U.S. Serial No. 63 / 518,911, filed August 11, 2023. The provisional patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, including without limitation, the specification, claims, and abstract, as well as any figures, tables, appendices, or drawings thereof.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to solid acid cleaning compositions including at least about 60 wt-% of one or more acid sources, anionic surfactant, and a solidification aid comprising urea, wherein the use pH is less than about 4. In other embodiments for nondisinfectant applications solid acid cleaning compositions include at least about 60 wt-% of one or more acid sources, a solidification aid comprising urea, and additional optional functional ingredients, wherein the use pH is less than about 4. The solid compositions can beneficially be diluted and used for various applications to replace liquid compositions.BACKGROUND

[0003] Periodic cleaning and sanitizing in the food process industry is a regimen mandated by law and rigorously practiced maintaining exceptionally high standards of food hygiene and shelf-life expected by today's consumer. Residual food soil, left on food contact equipment surfaces for prolonged periods, can harbor and nourish growth of opportunistic pathogen and food spoilage microorganisms that can contaminate foodstuffs processed in close proximity to the residual soil. Insuring protection of the consumer against potential health hazards associated with food home pathogens and toxins and maintaining the flavor, nutritional value and quality of the foodstuff requires diligent cleaning and soil removal from any surfaces of which contact the food product directly or are associated with the processing environment.

[0004] The cleaning of food preparation surfaces and equipment refers to the treatment given all food product contact surfaces following each period of operation to substantially remove food soil residues including any residue that can harbor or nourish any harmful microorganism.Freedom from such residues, however, does not indicate perfectly clean equipment. Large populations of microorganisms may exist on food process surfaces even after visually successful cleaning. The concept of cleanliness as applied in the food process plant is a continuum wherein absolute cleanliness is the ideal goal always strived for; but, in practice, the cleanliness achieved is of lesser degree.

[0005] The technology of cleaning in the food process industry has traditionally been empirical. The need for cleaning treatments existed before a fundamental understanding of soil deposition and removal mechanism was developed. Because of food quality and public health pressures, the food processing industry has attained a high standard of practical cleanliness and sanitation. This has not been achieved without great expense, and there is considerable interest in more efficient and less costly technology. As knowledge about soils, the function of cleaning chemicals, and the effects of cleaning procedures increased and, as improvements in plant design and food processing equipment became evident, the cost effectiveness and capability of cleaning treatments, i.e. cleaning products and procedures, to remove final traces of residue have methodically improved. The consequence for the food process industry and for the public is progressively higher standards.

[0006] Food processing industries regularly use cleaning-in-place (CIP) clean-up procedures and automation. CIP systems are generally found in industries which produce fluidized ingestible products for humans or animals such as the dairy industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and the food industry. CIP systems are generally regarded as large production plant systems having reservoirs, pipes, pumps and mixing vessels which cannot be broken down to be cleaned. Additionally, CIP preparation systems often require high sanitization when used in the production of ingestible substances.

[0007] In general, a ty pical CIP sequence may consist of the following five stages (see "Hygiene for Management" by R. A. Sprenger, 5th Edition, p. 135): 1. Pre-rinse with cold water to remove gross soil; 2. Detergent circulation to remove residual adhering debris and scale; 3. Intermediate rinse with cold water to remove all traces of detergent; 4. Disinfectant circulation to destroy remaining microorganisms; and 5. Final rinse with cold water to remove all traces of disinfectants.

[0008] CIP and other hard surface cleaning applications can benefit from solid cleaning compositions that replace liquid compositions. The development and use of solid products provide the desired cleaning and hygiene needs while also providing more sustainable productsthat significantly reduce plastic waste sources and disposal costs. Moreover, the use of solid compositions improves transport, overall application efficiency and worker safety, such as through reduced injuries from moving large liquid drums and / or splash hazards from the liquid compositions. For example, use of solid compositions reduces the required footprint for storage of liquid compositions, instead replacing with solids that can be diluted and used at a desired time.

[0009] Therefore, it is an objective of the compositions and methods described herein to provide solid acidic cleaning compositions for various applications of use, including CIP systems.

[0010] While liquid aqueous cleaners have had success in removing soil from a variety of hard surfaces, the aqueous liquid materials still pose a substantial drawback to a user based on both economic (e.g. costs for transportation and storage) and safety considerations. Accordingly, a substantial need exists in providing solid cleaners being efficient, more cost effective and safe.

[0011] Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.SUMMARY

[0012] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, compositions comprise: at least about 60 wt-% of at least one acid source; from about 1 wt-% to about 30 wt-% of an anionic surfactant; and a solidification aid comprising urea; wherein the composition is a low foaming solid antimicrobial composition, with a use solution pH < 4.

[0013] According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, compositions comprise: at least about 60 wt-% of at least one acid source; and a solidification aid comprising urea; wherein the composition is a low foaming solid antimicrobial composition, with a use solution pH < 4.

[0014] According to some other aspects of the present disclosure, methods of use comprise: forming a use solution of the solid composition as described herein; and contacting a hard surface in need of cleaning with the use solution.

[0015] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention.Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Several embodiments in which the present disclosure can be practiced are illustrated and described in detail, wherein like reference characters represent like components throughout the several views. The drawings are presented for exemplary purposes and may not be to scale unless otherwise indicated.

[0017] Figure 1 is a graph illustrating the Glew w e foam evaluation for inline formulations and experimental formulations.

[0018] An artisan of ordinary skill in the art need not view, within isolated figure(s), the near infinite distinct combinations of features described in the following detailed description to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The embodiments are not limited to particular compositions and methods of use thereof, which can vary and are understood by skilled artisans. It is further to be understood that all terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting in any manner or scope. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" can include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Further, all units, prefixes, and symbols may be denoted in its SI accepted form.

[0020] Numeric ranges recited within the specification are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of this disclosure are presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges, fractions, and individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically 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 that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, anddecimals and fractions, for example, 1.2, 3.8, I'A, and 43 / 4. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0021] So that the present invention may be more readily understood, certain terms are first defined. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the invention pertain. Many methods and materials similar, modified, or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the embodiments of the present invention without undue experimentation, the preferred materials and methods are described herein. In describing and claiming the embodiments of the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

[0022] The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can occur, for example, through typical measuring techniques and equipment, with respect to any quantifiable variable, including, but not limited to, concentration, mass, volume, time, molecular weight, temperature, pH, humidity, molar ratios, log count of bacteria or viruses, and the like. Further, given solid and liquid handling procedures used in the real world, there is certain inadvertent error and variation that is likely through differences in the manufacture, source, or purify of the ingredients used to make the compositions or carry out the methods and the like. The term “about” also encompasses these vanations. Whether or not modified by the term “about,” the claims include equivalents to the quantities.

[0023] The term "actives" or "percent actives" or "percent by weight actives" or "actives concentration" are used interchangeably herein and refers to the concentration of those ingredients involved in cleaning expressed as a percentage minus inert ingredients such as water or salts.

[0024] Differentiation of antimicrobial "-cidal" or "-static" activity, the definitions which describe the degree of efficacy, and the official laboratory protocols for measuring this efficacy are considerations for understanding the relevance of antimicrobial agents and compositions. Antimicrobial compositions can affect two kinds of microbial cell damage. The first is a lethal, irreversible action resulting in complete microbial cell destruction or incapacitation. The second type of cell damage is reversible, such that if the organism is rendered free of the agent, it can again multiply. The former is termed microbioci dal and the later, microbistatic. A sanitizer and a disinfectant are, by definition, agents which provide antimicrobial or microbiocidal activity.

[0025] As used herein, the term "cleaning" refers to a method used to facilitate or aid in soil removal, bleaching, microbial population reduction, rinsing, and any combination thereof

[0026] The term "commercially acceptable cleaning performance" refers generally to the degree of cleanliness, extent of effort, or both that a typical consumer would expect to achieve or expend when using a cleaning product or cleaning system to address a typical soiling condition on atypical substrate. This degree of cleanliness may, depending on the particular cleaning product and particular substrate, correspond to a general absence of visible soils, or to some lesser degree of cleanliness. Cleanliness may be evaluated in a variety of ways depending on the particular product being used and the particular surface being cleaned, and normally may be determined using generally agreed industry standard tests or localized variations of such tests. In some embodiments, the methods providing virucidal efficacy also provide commercially acceptable cleaning performance while ensuring the formulations do not leave hazy, streaky, or tacky residues on treated surfaces.

[0027] As used herein, the term "disinfectant" refers to an agent that kills all vegetative cells including most recognized pathogenic microorganisms. In an embodiment, a disinfectant according to U.S. standards can use the procedure described in A.O.A.C. Use Dilution Methods, Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, paragraph 955.14 and applicable sections, 15th Edition, 1990 (EPA Guideline 91-2). As used herein, the term "high level disinfection" or "high level disinfectant" refers to a compound or composition that kills substantially all organisms, except high levels of bacterial spores, and is affected with a chemical germicide cleared for marketing as a sterilant by the Food and Drug Administration. As used herein, the term "intermediate-level disinfection" or "intermediate level disinfectant" refers to a compound or composition that kills mycobacteria, most viruses, and bacteria with a chemical germicide registered as a tuberculocide by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As used herein, the term "low-level disinfection" or "low level disinfectant" refers to a compound or composition that kills some viruses and bacteria with a chemical germicide registered as a hospital disinfectant by the EPA.

[0028] As used herein, the term “exemplary” refers to an example, an instance, or an illustration, and does not indicate a most preferred embodiment unless otherwise stated.

[0029] As used herein, the phrase "food processing surface" refers to a surface of a tool, a machine, equipment, a structure, a building, or the like that is employed as part of a food processing, preparation, or storage activity. Examples of food processing surfaces includesurfaces of food processing or preparation equipment (e.g., slicing, canning, or transport equipment, including flumes), of food processing wares (e.g., utensils, dishware, wash ware, and bar glasses), and of floors, walls, or fixtures of structures in which food processing occurs. Food processing surfaces are found and employed in food anti-spoilage air circulation systems, aseptic packaging sanitizing, food refrigeration and cooler cleaners and sanitizers, ware washing sanitizing, blancher cleaning and sanitizing, food packaging materials, cutting board additives, third-sink sanitizing, beverage chillers and warmers, meat chilling or scalding waters, autodish sanitizers, sanitizing gels, cooling towers, food processing antimicrobial garment sprays, and non-to-low-aqueous food preparation lubricants, oils, and rinse additives.

[0030] The term "hard surface" refers to a solid, substantially non-flexible surface such as a countertop, tile, floor, wall, panel, window, plumbing fixture, kitchen and bathroom furniture, appliance, engine, circuit board, and dish. Hard surfaces may include for example, health care surfaces and food processing surfaces.

[0031] As used herein, the phrase "health care surface" refers to a surface of an instrument, a device, a cart, a cage, furniture, a structure, a building, or the like that is employed as part of a health care activity. Examples of health care surfaces include surfaces of medical or dental instruments, of medical or dental devices, of electronic apparatus employed for monitoring patient health, and of floors, walls, or fixtures of structures in which health care occurs.Health care surfaces are found in hospital, surgical, infirmity, birthing, mortuary, and clinical diagnosis rooms. These surfaces can be those typified as "hard surfaces" (such as walls, floors, bed-pans, etc.,), or fabric surfaces, e.g., knit, woven, and non-woven surfaces (such as surgical garments, draperies, bed linens, bandages, etc.,), or patient-care equipment (such as respirators, diagnostic equipment, shunts, body scopes, wheelchairs, beds, etc.,), or surgical and diagnostic equipment. Health care surfaces include articles and surfaces employed in animal health care.

[0032] The term “generally” encompasses both “about” and “substantially.”

[0033] The terms "include" and "including" when used in reference to a list of materials refer to but are not limited to the materials so listed.

[0034] As used herein, the term "microorganism" refers to any noncellular or unicellular (including colonial) organism. Microorganisms include all prokaryotes. Microorganisms include bacteria (including cyanobacteria), spores, lichens, fungi, protozoa, virinos, viroids,viruses, phages, and some algae. As used herein, the term "microbe" is synonymous with microorganism.

[0035] The term “or” is synonymous with “and / or” and means any one member or combination of members of a particular list.

[0036] As used herein, the term "sanitizer" refers to an agent that reduces the number of bacterial contaminants to safe levels as judged by public health requirements. In an embodiment, sanitizers for use in this invention will provide at least a 3-log reduction and more preferably a 5-log order reduction. These reductions can be evaluated using a procedure set out in Germicidal and Detergent Sanitizing Action of Disinfectants , Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, paragraph 960.09 and applicable sections, 15th Edition, 1990 (EP A Guideline 91-2). According to this reference a sanitizer should provide a 99.999% reduction (5-log order reduction) within 30 seconds at room temperature, 25±2°C, against several test organisms, including Pseudomonas, E. coli, and Staph.

[0037] The “scope” of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The scope of the disclosure is further qualified as including any possible modification to any of the aspects and / or embodiments disclosed herein which would result in other embodiments, combinations, subcombinations, or the like that would be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0038] As used herein, the term "soil" refers to polar or non-polar organic or inorganic substances including, but not limited to carbohydrates, proteins, fats, oils and the like. These substances may be present in their organic state or complexed to a metal to form an inorganic complex.

[0039] The term “substantially” refers to a great or significant extent. “Substantially” can thus refer to a plurality, majority, and / or a supermajority of said quantifiable variables, given proper context.

[0040] As used herein, the term "substantially free" refers to compositions completely lacking the component or having 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 shall be less than 0.5 wt-%. In another embodiment, the amount of the component is less than 0. 1 wt-% and in yet another embodiment, the amount of component is less than 0.01 wt-%.

[0041] The term "weight percent" "wt-%," "percent by weight," "% by weight," and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of a substance as the weight of that substance divided by the total weight of the composition and multiplied by 100. It is understood that, as used here, "percent," "%," and the like are intended to be synonymous with "weight percent," "wt-%," etc.

[0042] The methods and compositions of the present invention may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the components and ingredients of the present invention as well as other ingredients described herein. As used herein, "consisting essentially of means that the methods 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 characteristics of the claimed methods and compositions.

[0043] It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "configured" describes a system, apparatus, or other structure that is constructed or configured to perform a particular task or adopt a particular configuration. The term "configured" can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases such as arranged and configured, constructed and arranged, adapted and configured, adapted, constructed, manufactured and arranged, and the like.

[0044] SOLID ACID COMPOSITIONS

[0045] Exemplar}' ranges of the solid acid compositions are shown in Tables 1 A- IB on a weight percentage basis. The exemplary compositions in Table 1A provide disinfecting solid acid compositions and the exemplary compositions in Table IB provide solid acid compositions for additional applications of use. While the components may have a percent actives of 100%, it is noted that Tables 1, 1A, and IB do not recite the percent actives of the components, but rather, recites the total weight percentage of the raw materials (i.e. active concentration plus inert ingredients).TABLE 1ATABLE IB

[0046] For the purpose of the present description the solid compositions refer to those that are "solid" at use temperature, is sufficiently resistant to flow that the unsupported composition will not substantially change shape upon standing. Such a solid can be for example, in the form of a hard block or brick, a cast solid, or pressed solid. As one skilled in the art will ascertain the size and shape of the solid composition can vary based on an application of use.

[0047] In embodiments the solid compositions are cast solids based on the wt-% of liquid components contained therein. Solids can be made in varying sizes and shapes. In some embodiments the solid are blocks from about 1 kg to about 10 kg, or about 2 kg to about 5 kg. As one skilled in the art will ascertain the size and shape of the solid composition can vary based on an application of use.[004S] In some embodiments the hardness of the solid acid compositions has a penetrometer measurement of about 400 mm or less. In other embodiments the hardness of the solid acid composition a penetrometer measurement of about 200 mm or less.

[0049] A use solution may be prepared by diluting the solid concentrate with water at a desired dilution ratio that provides a use solution having a pH < 4. In embodiments the use solution of the solid composition has a pH < 4, pH < 3.5, pH < 3, or pH < 2.5. In preferred embodiments the use solution of the solid composition has a pH between about 2-4, between about 2-3, or between about 2-2.5.

[0050] The water that is used to dilute the concentrate to form the use composition can be referred to as water of dilution or a diluent. The typical dilution factor is between approximately 1 and approximately 10,000. In an embodiment, the solid is diluted into a liquid use solution at a ratio of between about 1 : 10 and about 1: 10,000 solid concentrate to water, between about 1: 10 and about 1 :1,000 solid concentrate to water, or between about 1 : 10 and about 1 :500 solid concentrate to water.Acid Source

[0051] The solid compositions include at least one acid source. In embodiments the compositions include at least one organic acid, inorganic acid and / or mineral acid. In embodiments an organic acid is a strong acid and / or a weak acid. Exemplary weak organic acids suitable for use in the compositions include alpha hydroxy carboxy lie acids, such as lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, gluconic acid, and the like, and carboxylic acids, such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid and the like. In some embodiments preferred acids are water soluble C1-C6 organic acids (i.e. citric, lactic).

[0052] Exemplar}' strong organic acids suitable for use in the compositions include for example methanesulfonic acid (MSA).

[0053] Exemplar}' mineral acids suitable for use in the compositions include for example bisulfates, such as sodium bisulfate.

[0054] In a preferred aspect, the compositions include a weak acid having a pKa (or all pKas for any di or tricarboxylic acids) greater than about 3, or greater than about 4 to beneficially provide the acidic use compositions having a pH less than about 4, less than about 3, or preferably less than about 2.5.

[0055] In some embodiments an inorganic acid can further be combined with the at least one organic acid. Exemplary inorganic acids suitable for use in the compositions include sulfuric acids, or phosphoric acids, which may include oligophosphoric acids and polyphosphoric acids. In some embodiments phosphoric acid (H3PO4) is included in the solid compositions. However, in certain embodiments phosphoric acids are not preferred and instead the organic acids,namely strong acids (e.g. MSA), alternate inorganic acids (e.g. sulfuric acid), and / or mineral acids (e.g. bisulfates) are employed instead of phosphoric acids.

[0056] In embodiments the acid source comprises or consists of organic acids (e.g. citric acid, lactic acid) and / or inorganic acids (e.g. sulfuric or phosphoric acids). In some embodiments the acid source comprises or consists of citric acid, lactic acid, phosphoric acids, or combinations thereof. In embodiments the acid source does not include sulfamic acid providing various safety and processing benefits.

[0057] In embodiments, the compositions include from about 60 wt-% to about 99 wt-% of the acid source(s),from about 60 wt-% to about 95 wt-% of the acid source(s), from about 60 wt-% to about 90 wt-% of the acid source(s), from about 70 wt-% to about 95 wt-% of the acid source(s), from about 70 wt-% to about 90 wt-% of the acid source(s), or from about 70 wt-% to about 85 wt-% of the acid source(s). In addition, without being limited according to the invention, all ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.Anionic Surfactant

[0058] In disinfectant embodiments, the solid compositions include at least one anionic surfactant. Anionic surfactants are surface active substances which are categorized by the negative charge on the hydrophobe; or surfactants in which the hydrophobic section of the molecule carries no charge unless the pH is elevated to neutrality or above (e.g. carboxylic acids). Carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate and phosphate are the polar (hydrophilic) solubilizing groups found in anionic surfactants. Of the cations (counter ions) associated with these polar groups, sodium, lithium and potassium impart water solubility; ammonium and substituted ammonium ions provide both water and oil solubility; and calcium, barium, and magnesium promote oil solubility.

[0059] Exemplary anionic surfactants include for example:, sulfonates, including alkyl sulfonates, aromatic sulfonates with or without substituents, alcohol ether carboxylates and sulfonated carboxylic acid esters, sulfates, carboxylates, including alcohol ether carboxylates, ethoxy carboxylates, and phosphate esters.

[0060] In an embodiment, the anionic surfactant of the composition is an anionic sulfonate surfactant, namely an alkyl sulfonate, including linear and branched primary and secondary alkyl sulfonates, and the aromatic sulfonates with or without substituents. In a preferred embodiment the anionic sulfonate surfactant is an alpha olefin sulfonate or its salts. Alphaolefin sulfonates are available as aqueous solutions, powders or as a solid anhydrous product. Preferred anionic sulfonates include C8-C22 alpha olefin sulfonates, or C8-C16 alpha olefin sulfonates. Beneficially, alpha olefin sulfonate surfactants are stable in hard water.

[0061] Anionic sulfate surfactants also include alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfates, the linear and branched primary and secondary alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxysulfates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, the C5 -C17 acyl-N-(Ci -C4 alkyl) and -N- (Ci -C2 hydroxyalkyl) glucamine sulfates, and sulfates of alkylpolysaccharides such as the sulfates of alkylpolyglucoside, and the like. Also included are the alkyl sulfates, alkyl poly(ethyleneoxy) ether sulfates and aromatic poly(ethyleneoxy) sulfates such as the sulfates or condensation products of ethylene oxide and nonyl phenol (usually having 1 to 6 oxy ethylene groups per molecule). In a preferred embodiment the anionic sulfate surfactant is a sodium lauryl sulfate or alternative salt thereof.

[0062] In an embodiment, anionic surfactants can include alcohol ether carboxylate. Exemplary alcohol ether carboxylates having the following formula: R-O-(CH2CH2O)n(CH2)m-CO2X, wherein R is a Cs to C22 alkyl group, or preferably a Cs to C12 alkyl group; n is an integer of 1-20; m is an integer of 1-3; and X is a counter ion, such as hydrogen, sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, or an amine salt such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine or triethanolamine. In some embodiments, n is an integer of 4 to 10 and m is 1. In some embodiments, R is a C8-C12 alkyl group. In some embodiments, R is a C8-C12 alkyl group, n is 4, and m is 1.

[0063] In an embodiment, anionic surfactants can include sulfonated carboxylic acid esters. In an aspect, suitable alkyl sulfonate surfactants include C8-C22 alkyl sulfonates, or preferably C8-C16 alkyl sulfonates or C10-C22 alkyl sulfonates. In an exemplary aspect, the anionic alkyl sulfonate surfactant is linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid (LAS). The inclusion of additional anionic alkyl sulfonates may vary based on regulatory applicability for virucidal, sanitizing and / or disinfecting applications.

[0064] Additional anionic surfactants include anionic carboxylate surfactants, those which have a carboxylic acid or an alpha hydroxyl acid group. Anionic carboxylate surfactants suitable for use in the compositions also include carboxylic acids (and salts), such as alkanoic acids (and alkanoates), ester carboxylic acids (including sulfonated carboxylic acid esters), ether carboxylic acids, sulfonated fatty acids, such as sulfonated oleic acid, and the like. In an aspect, suitable ester carboxylic acids include alkyl succinates, such as for example dioctylsulfosuccinate. Such carboxylates include alkyl ethoxy carboxylates, alkyl aryl ethoxy carboxylates, alkyl polyethoxy polycarboxylate surfactants and soaps (e.g. alkyl carboxyls).

[0065] Additional anionic surfactants include secondary carboxylates, including those which contain a carboxyl unit connected to a secondary carbon. The secondary carbon can be in a ring structure, e.g. as in p-octyl benzoic acid, or as in alkyl-substituted cyclohexyl carboxylates. The secondary carboxylate surfactants typically contain no ether linkages, no ester linkages and no hydroxyl groups. Further, they typically lack nitrogen atoms in the head-group (amphiphilic portion). Suitable secondary surfactants typically contain 11-13 total carbon atoms, although more carbons atoms (e.g., up to 16) can be present. Suitable carboxylates also include acylammo acids (and salts), such as acylgluamates, acyl peptides, sarcosinates (e.g. N-acyl sarcosinates), taurates (e.g. N-acyl taurates and fatty acid amides of methyl tauride), and the like.

[0066] Additional anionic surfactants include alkyl or alkylary l ethoxy carboxylates of the following formula: R - O - (CH2CH2O)n(CH2)m - CO2X (3) in which R is a Cs to C22 alkylgroup or, in which R1is a C4-C16 alkyl group; n is an integer of 1-20; m is an integer of 1-3; and X is a counter ion, such as hydrogen, sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, or an amine salt such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine or triethanolamine.In some embodiments, n is an integer of 4 to 10 and m is 1. In some embodiments, R is a Cs- Ci6 alkyl group. In some embodiments, R is a C12-C14 alkyl group, n is 4, and m is 1.

[0067] In other embodiments, R isand R1is a C6-C12 alkyl group. In still yet other embodiments, R1is a C9 alkyl group, n is 10 and m is 1.

[0068] Another class of anionic surfactant include the alpha sulfonated carboxylic acid esters, such as MC or PC-48 from Stepan.

[0069] In an aspect, the compositions include from about 0.5 wt-% to about 30 wt-%, from about 0.5 wt-% to about 20 wt-%, from about 0.5 wt-% to about 15 wt-%, from about 0.5 wt- % to about 10 wt-%, from about 1 wt-% to about 10 wt-%, from about 2 wt-% to about 10 wt-%, or from about 2 wt-% to about 5 wt-% of the anionic surfactant(s). In addition, without being limited according to the invention, all ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.Solidification Aid

[0070] In embodiments a solidification aid comprising urea, NH2CONH2, is included in the solid composition. Urea has been found to be especially useful in the composition as a solidifying aid to bind both the acid source(s) and anionic surfactant to provide an aqueous soluble, dispensable solid composition, including solid blocks. Urea may be obtained from a variety of chemical suppliers. Typically, urea will be available in prilled form, and any industrial grade urea may be used.

[0071] The solid composition including urea provide compositions with desired hardness and solubility. One skilled in the art will ascertain that varying the concentration of the urea solidification aid will vary the physical chemical characteristics of the composition. Accordingly, increasing the concentration of the urea will increase the hardness of the solid composition. Beneficially the solid compositions comprise up to about 20 wt-% of the urea solidification aid providing a hard stable solid as a result of the formulation with the liquid and / or solid acids. This combination provides compositions with the urea solidification aid without in-tank (or in-reservoir) solidification during processing resulting from increasing percentages of total solids. For example, in embodiments including a combination of liquid and solid acids with urea solidification agent for the hard stable solid without negatively interfering with processing, packing, storage and / or dispensing of the solid composition.

[0072] In embodiments, the solidification aid (and the compositions) do not include conventional alkaline sources such as sodium carbonate and / or bicarbonate or other basic cleaning components. Instead, the solid compositions are acidic compositions providing a use solution pH < 4.

[0073] In embodiments, the compositions include from about 1 wt-% to about 20 wt-% of the solidification agent(s), from about 1 wt-% to about 15 wt-% of the solidification agent(s), from about 2 wt-% to about 15 wt-% of the solidification agent(s), from about 5 wt-% to about 15 wt-% of the solidification agent(s). In addition, without being limited according to the invention, all ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.Additional Functional Ingredients

[0074] The components of the solid compositions can further be combined with various additional functional components. In some disinfectant embodiments, the solid compositions including the at least one acid source, anionic surfactant, and solidification aid make up alarge amount, or even substantially all of the total weight of the composition. For example, in some embodiments few or no additional functional ingredients are included therein. In other non-disinfectant embodiments, the solid compositions including the at least one acid source and solidification aid make up a large amount, or even substantially all of the total weight of the composition. For example, in some embodiments few or no additional functional ingredients are included therein.

[0075] In other embodiments, additional functional ingredients may be included in the compositions. The functional ingredients provide desired properties and functionalities to the compositions. For the purpose of this application, the term "functional ingredient" includes a material that when dispersed or dissolved in a use and / or concentrate solution, such as an aqueous solution, provides a beneficial property in a particular use. Some particular examples of functional materials are discussed in more detail below, although the particular materials discussed are given by way of example only, and that a broad variety of other functional ingredients may be used.

[0076] In preferred embodiments, the compositions do not include iron and / or aluminum salts. In further preferred embodiments, the compositions do not include conventional alkaline sources or alkaline detergent components such as alkali metal carbonates, bicarbonates, and / or hydroxides or other basic cleaning components (other than small amounts which would be suitable for minor pH modification for the acidic compositions).

[0077] In other embodiments, the compositions may include defoaming agents (including defoaming surfactants), surfactants (including detersive surfactants, e.g. nonionic surfactants), wetting agents, anti-redeposition agents, solubility modifiers, in organic fillers, dispersants, rinse aids, metal protecting agents, stabilizing agents, corrosion inhibitors, sequestrants and / or chelating agents, threshold agent, fragrances and / or dyes, rheology modifiers or thickeners, hydrotropes or couplers, buffers, solvents (including water), additional solidification agents in addition to urea, and the like.

[0078] In some embodiments an inorganic filler can be employed, including for example, sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium chloride, etc.Defoaming Agents

[0079] Defoaming agents can optionally be included in the solid compositions, in particular with the use of certain anionic surfactants. Generally, defoamers which can be used include nonionic surfactants, including for example, alcohol alkoxylates and EO / PO blockcopolymers. Defoamers can also include polyalkylene glycol condensates and propyl glycols, including polypropyl glycol. In some embodiments, the compositions can include antifoaming agents or defoamers which are of food grade quality given the application of the methods. To this end, one of the more effective antifoaming agents includes silicones.Silicones such as silicone dispersions, dimethyl silicone, glycol polysiloxane, methylphenol polysiloxane, trialkyl or tetralkyl silanes, hydrophobic silica defoamers and mixtures thereof can all be used in defoaming applications.

[0080] In some embodiments, the defoaming agents comprise at least one or more, or at least two or more of nonionic surfactant defoamers (including for example Pluronic L62 or another polyoxypropyl polyoxyethyl polymer, Pluronic 25R2 or another polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block polymer, and / or Plurafac LF403 or another fatty alcohol alkoxylate) and a silicone defoamer.

[0081] These defoamers can be present at a concentration range from about 0 wt-% to about 20 wt-%, from about 0.01 wt-% to about 20 wt-%, from about 0.1 wt-% to about 20 wt-%, from about 0.1 wt-% to about 10 wt-%, or from about 0.1 wt-% to about 5 wt-%. In some embodiments, the silicone defoamers can be present at a concentration range from about 0.01 wt-% to about 5 wt-%, from about 0. 1 wt-% to about 2 wt-%, or from about 0. 1 wt-% to about 1 wt-%, and the nonionic surfactant defoamers can further be present at a concentration range from about 0.1 wt-% to about 5 wt-%, from about 1 wt-% to about 5 wt-%, or from about 2 wt-% to about 5 wt-%.Methods of Use

[0082] The solid compositions are particularly as acidic cleaning compositions for various clean-in-place “CIP” systems. CIP systems typically include a pre-rinse to remove soils, detergent circulation to remove residual adhering debris and scale, an intermediate rinse to remove the detergent, a disinfectant circulation, and a final rinse. The solid acid cleaning compositions can be diluted using any type of manual or automated dispensing system and stored prior to use and then dispensed into a CIP system in need of cleaning. In some embodiments the solid acid cleaning composition is diluted with water and stored in a tank, such as a day tank, having any desired volume, e.g. 500 L or more, 500-1000 L or more, etc. The compositions can be further supplemented with an alkaline cleaning composition.

[0083] The solid cleaning composition is dosed through a CIP system using pump recirculation systems during the cleaning program. In some embodiments, the defoamingagent in the compositions beneficially reduces foaming to avoid decreases in flow rate and avoid cavitation of recirculation pumps, avoid delaying drainage, etc. In embodiments, the solid cleaning composition is a low foaming or no foaming composition.

[0084] The solid cleaning compositions beneficially remove various types of soils, e.g. proteins, while also being compatible with food processing. Protein soil residues, often called protein films, occur in all food processing industries but the problem is greatest for the dairy industry, including milk and milk products producers, because dairy products are among the most perishable of major foodstuffs and any soil residues have senous quality consequences. Beneficially, the acidic compositions are non-corrosive, as opposed to conventional chlorinated detergent solutions used in the food process industry. This is a benefit as corrosion is a constant concern, as is degradation of polymeric gaskets, hoses, and appliances, in CIP systems.

[0085] In a further embodiment the acidic compositions are free of halogens and organohalogens. This is beneficial as the acidic non-halogen compositions are effective against proteins and various soils without presenting health concerns.

[0086] In an embodiment, the solid acid compositions are also useful in cleaning various hard surfaces in institutional and non-institutional environments. As these cleaners are typically liquid formulations as either a non-aqueous, organic cleaner formulation, or aqueous cleaner formulations that can be neutral, acidic or alkaline in pH when diluted to use solutions, the providing of solid compositions provides benefits. The solid compositions can beneficially be diluted for use, including daily use and cleaning that can include multiple times per day, without the need to store large quantities of the liquids beyond what is being used for that day (or period of time desired). This is because unlike conventional aqueous cleaners, in use solution concentrations, the solids are not made up of predominantly the aqueous diluent. This provides benefits in reduced transportation costs to move solvent or water, as well as storage space. For example, storage of liquid compositions requires large plastic totes, drums, or the like that are costly, utilize additional plastic materials which is undesirable from an environmental perspective, and take up significant space within a facility. Further, cleaning concentrates in liquid form can be a challenge to transport for workers, they can also become contaminated or can in some cases deteriorate, phase separate and become useless. Further, liquid materials can spill, splash or otherwise be misused resulting in a safety hazard in contact between users and the acid concentrate materials.

[0087] In a further aspect, contacting the use solution of the solid composition can be for treating surfaces in need of antimicrobial efficacy, including for example virucidal efficacy. In further aspects, contacting the use solution of the solid composition can be for treating surfaces in need of virucidal efficacy against small, non-enveloped viruses, large, non-enveloped viruses and / or any enveloped viruses.

[0088] The methods of use for antimicrobial, including antiviral, disinfection along with inactivating viruses, include a contacting step, wherein the use solution of the solid composition disclosed herein are applied to a surface in need of treatment.

[0089] In a further aspect, contacting the use solution of the solid composition can be to a surface contaminated with a biofilm. As referred to herein, a biofilm is often formed on surfaces in contact with water, providing a hydrated matrix of polysaccharides to provide structural protection from biocides and antimicrobial agents, making biofilm more difficult to kill than other pathogens. The contacting step can include providing the use solution of the solid composition to a hard surface in contact with biofilm, such as for example, walls, floors, sinks, countertops, drain lines, pipes and other plumbing surfaces, tubes and valves and like. Exemplary industries in which the methods and compositions may be used include, but are not limited to, institutional industries, including hotels, housekeeping and foodservice; food processing; water care industries; janitorial industries; and health care. According to embodiments of the methods, the contacting step reduces and / or eliminating biofilm growth produced by a wide variety of bacteria and other microorganisms. For example, according to an embodiment, the methods for treating a biofilm are effective for biofilm comprising a variety of pathogens, such as both gram positive and negative bacteria, including for example Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes.

[0090] In a further aspect, contacting the use solution of the solid composition can be to a food contact and / or non-food contact hard surface. Such surfaces can further include instruments, such as medical instruments. Surfaces can also include those cleaned in third- sink sanitizing, warewashing applications, including various wares. Surfaces can also include dish machines, such as for deliming and / or cleaning the inside surfaces thereof. Still further surfaces can include floors and other hard surfaces.

[0091] In still further aspects, contacting the composition can be to a third sink sanitizing application or first sink disinfecting detergent application. In a still further aspect, thecontacting is beneficially compatible with first sink detergents, such that a third sink sanitizing step could be used as a water recycle to combine with a first sink detergent. This is a benefit over conventional compositions containing quaternary ammonium compounds which are not compatible with first sink detergents.

[0092] The various surfaces to which the compositions can be applied can include any conventional application means. In non-CIP systems applications can include, for example, by wiping, spraying, dipping, immersing, or the like with a use solution of the solid composition, or dissolving and soaking with the use solution. The contacting step allows the composition to contact the soiled surface for a predetermined amount of time. The amount of time can be sufficient to allow, including from a few seconds to an hour, from about 15 seconds, or about 30 seconds to about 60 minutes, or any range therebetween.

[0093] In some aspects, the methods can further include a precleaning step, such as where a cleaning compositions is applied, wiped and / or rinsed, and thereafter followed by the applying of the compositions. The compositions and methods of use thereof can include treating cleaned or soiled surfaces. In some embodiments, the amount of contact time between the composition and the surface is sufficient to reduce the population of microorganisms on or in a biofilm- soiled surface to provide greater than a 90% reduction (1 -log order reduction), greater than 99% reduction (2-log order reduction) in such population, greater than 99.9% reduction (3-log order reduction) in such population, greater than 99.99% reduction (4-log order reduction) in such populations, or greater than a 99.999% reduction (5-log order reduction) in the population of microorganisms and pathogens.

[0094] In some aspects, the methods do not require a rinse step. In some embodiments, the compositions are food contact approved and do not require a rinse step. As a further benefit, the methods do not cause corrosion and / or interfere with surfaces (e.g. hazy, dull or other negative aesthetic effects on the surface).

[0095] Temperature conditions for the methods can range from about 40°F-160°F, about 60°F-140°F, or about 70°F-140 F. Temperature conditions for rinsing can also include temperatures of up to about 180°F.

[0096] The methods can optionally include the use of various sensors and / or indicators. In an aspect, the level of active ingredients in use solution can be monitored by various ways. In one approach, the critical pH of the solution at which the product will start to lose its efficacy significantly is visually indicated by a color change, and the color change is achieved bychoosing a dye that show dramatic color change at this pH. The dye could be simply incorporated into the product, and preferably the dye is incorporated into a polymeric substrate to form a color change strip, and the strip will put in the container, for example the 3rdsink to show the color change when the solution pass the critical pH value. Additionally, the level of anionic surfactants in use solution could also be monitored by a similar manner, where a color change will indicate the critical concentration of anionic surfactant needed for efficacy.

[0097] In an additional embodiment, as an alternative to visual indicators, properties of the use solution including pH, anionic activity, fluorescence, and / or conductivity can be monitored by sensors that provide a visual or audible signal when the solution is no longer within a specified range. In some embodiments, a marker molecule can be added to the composition, where the change of the active ingredients in the use solution will trigger the physical and / or chemical property changes of the marker molecule, and the change is quantified through a signal processing.

[0098] All publications and patent applications in this specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated as incorporated by reference.EXAMPLES

[0099] Embodiments of the present invention are further defined in the following non-limiting Examples. It should be understood that these Examples, while indicating certain embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. From the above discussion and these Examples, one skilled in the art can ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the embodiments of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. Thus, various modifications of the embodiments, in addition to those shown and described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0100] Exemplary' components included in formulations of the Examples include: Alkoxylated alcoholPhosphoric acid (85%)Sulfuric acid (98%)Triphosphono Methyl amine 50%Ethanediamine chloromethyl polymerDecylamine OxideHydroxyacetic Acid 70%Octanephosphonic Acid 70%Alcohol 6-mole EthoxylateEO-PO block polymerCitric acid anhydrousLactic acid (88%)Silicone antifoam 544 JER - silica, silicone and siloxane defoamerUrea, prilledAlpha Olefin Sulfonate (40%)Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (30%)EXAMPLE 1

[0101] Exemplar}' formulations were compared to inline formulations and evaluated by a Glewwe foam height evaluation. The inline Formulas 1-3 were made according to Table 2 and exemplary Formulas 4-6 were made according to Table 3.TABLE 2TABLE 3

[0102] The formulations were tested in a Glewwe foam machine with powdered milk soil at 65°C with soft water at 6 psi. The composition was added to the circulating water, and the foam generated was measured initially, and then again at 15 seconds, one minute intervals up to four minutes under agitation. A low foaming product with high use concentration (both 1% and 3%) is desirable.

[0103] The foam height in the machine was noted. In reference to the results shown in Table 4, the amount of foam height in inches indicates how much foam remains, wherein a minimal amount is preferred at all time points up to 4 minutes. FIG. 1 shows the Glewwe measurements of formulations #l-#6. These results show that the exemplary formulations #4 and #6 perform as well as the inline formulations.EXAMPLE 2

[0104] Based on the Glewwe results of Example 1, exemplary formulations that incorporated lower percentage amounts of anionic surfactants AOS and SLS were created according to Table 4 below.TABLE 4

[0105] The formulations of Table 4 were evaluated for disinfectant efficacy at 65°C and 70°C against 8. aureus ATCC 6538. The exemplary formulations were in contact with clean soil for ten minutes and after the ten minutes had lapsed a ImL sample was taken and added to 9mL of DE broth. Formulations that had a greater than 5 log reduction were considered passing. Results of the efficacy are described in Table 5 below.TABLE 5

[0106] As shown by Table 5, the exemplary formulations were effective against S. aureus ATCC 6538 at 70°C and had over 5 log in reduction. 1.5% SLS formulation was effective at 65°C where temperature further contributed to micro efficacy.EXAMPLE 3

[0107] Based on the promising efficacy results of the exemplary formulations at 70°C, additional exemplary formulations were created according to Table 6 below incorporating phosphoric acid and citric acid.TABLE 6

[0108] The formulations of Table 6 were evaluated for disinfectant efficacy at 70°C against S. aureus ATCC 6538, E. hirae 10541, and E. coll ATCC 10535. The exemplary formulations were in contact with dirty soil for ten minutes and after the ten minutes had lapsed a ImL sample was taken and added to 9mL of DE broth. Formulations that had a greater than 5 log reduction were considered passing. Results of the efficacy are described in Table 7 below for the 1000 ppm formula 7 tested.TABLE 7

[0109] As shown by Table 7, Formula 7 (tested under multiple batches and temperature conditions) were effective against all of S. aureus ATCC 6538. E. hirae 10541, and E. coll ATCC 10535 and had over 5 log in reduction.EXAMPLE 4

[0110] Exemplary' solid acid formulation of the above Example 3, namely Formula 7 was evaluated for antimicrobial and antibacterial efficacy in daily' clean-in-place (“CIP”) applications. Each solid capsule of the cast solid formula weighed approximately 2.7 kg and was dissolved into a volume of water for delivery into the on-farm CIP system to provide a 0. 1 wt / v% dilution. The Formula 7 was combined with water to form an acidic use solution and was used in combination with an inline alkaline formula (concentrated caustic-based cleaning product with surfactant and chelant packages for soil wetting and preventing mineral scale formation) for cleaning and sanitization of a dairy CIP system. The dairy CIP system included milk tanks and milk lines holding raw milk from cows that is transported to dairy processors. For cleaning efficacy, hygiene assessment was conducted that included physical inspection of the milk tanks and lines for milk soil residues post CIP. Micro quality of the raw milk was also tested to confirm absence / presence of soil residue and microorganisms dependent on cleaning efficacy.

[0111] The dairy CIP systems were initially evaluated for microbial levels of generally bacteria (via flow cytometry), and more specifically coliform and thermoduric bacterium at 8 different dairy plants. The evaluation was conducted using an A-F scale with an “A” grade reflecting the best results and lowest amounts of microbes found in the dairy CIP system. For grading thebacteria levels the following standards were applied: E coli: <100cfu / mL A+,100-300cfu / mL A; Bactoscan: <10cfu / mL A+, 10-50cfu / mL A; Thermodurics: <100cfu / mL A+, 101- 400cfu / mL A. Results of the initial microbial evaluation are in Table 8.

[0112] TABLE 8The exemplary formulation and inline alkaline formula were utilized over 10 weeks at each of the 8 dairy plants and evaluated for cleaning and sanitizing of the bacteria, coliform, and thermoduric microbes. The final results after 10 weeks are shown in Table 9 below.TABLE 9

[0113] In comparing Tables 8 and 9, it is shown that the exemplary formulation and inline alkaline formula performed similar antimicrobial effects as previous cleaning and sanitizingformulations utilized by the 8 farms. The farms reported prior use of liquid alkali and acid chemistries that included two alkali products - one with built caustic, one with chlorinated alkali and three acid products - with built acid - phosphoric and sulphuric acid based. Some of the farms also used chlorine as part of the program.

[0114] In addition to evaluation of various microbes at each of the 8 dairy plants, an evaluation of the dairy CIP system was conducted to establish a baseline of the CIP system before the exemplary formulation and inline alkaline formula were used. After the 10 weeks of the exemplary formulation and inline alkaline formula, a final evaluation was also conducted to show the cleaning and sanitizing effects on the dairy CIP systems. The reported results demonstrated that the exemplary formulations (Formula 7) in combination with an inline alkaline formula were effective in cleaning dairy CIP systems. Most, 6 out of the 8 farms, cleaned well throughout the trial period as shown by comparing the initial and final evaluations. For example, farms 1, 3, 5, and 6 initially showed recommendations for manually cleaning various portions of the dairy CIP systems, but in the final evaluation show overall well cleaning of the CIP systems. Thus, as shown in Tables 8-10, the exemplary formulation (Formula 7) of the present examples demonstrate effective cleaning and sanitizing of dairy CIP systems when in a use solution and in combination with an alkaline inline formula.EXAMPLE 5

[0115] Additional lower foaming formulations are suitable for uses as described herein as well, such as that according to Table 11 below incorporating phosphoric acid and citric acid with a lower wt-% of the anionic surfactant.TABLE 11

[0116] The inventions being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the inventions and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. The above specification provides a description of the manufacture and use of the disclosed compositions and methods. Since many embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A composition comprising: at least about 60 wt-% of at least one acid source; from about 1 wt-% to about 30 wt-% of an anionic surfactant; and a solidification aid comprising urea; wherein the composition is a low foaming solid antimicrobial composition, with a use solution pH < 4.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the acid source comprises an organic and / or inorganic acid.

3. The composition of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the acid source is citric acid- phosphoric acid, or combinations thereof.

4. The composition of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfonates, aromatic sulfonates with or without substituents, alcohol ether carboxylates, sulfonated carboxylic acid esters, sulfates, carboxylates, ethoxy carboxylates, and phosphate esters.

5. The composition of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the anionic surfactant is an alpha olefin sulfonate or its salts, lauryl sulfate or its salts, or combinations thereof.

6. The composition of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises from about 1 wt-% to about 10 wt-% of the composition.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the composition is free of iron and aluminum salts.

8. The composition of any one of claims 1-7, further comprising at least one additional functional ingredient.

9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the additional functional ingredient comprises a defoaming agent in an amount from about 0.01 wt-% to about 20 wt-%.

10. The composition of claim 9, wherein the defoaming agent comprises an alcohol alkoxylate, EO / PO block copolymers, and / or silicone defoaming agent.

11. The composition of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the solidification aid comprises from about 1 wt-% to about 20 wt-% of the composition.

12. The composition of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the composition is free of alkali metal solidification aids or alkalinity sources.

13. The composition of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the solid is a block.

14. A composition comprising: at least about 60 wt-% of at least one acid source; and a solidification aid comprising urea; wherein the composition is a low foaming solid antimicrobial composition, with a use solution pH < 4.

15. The composition of claim 14, wherein the acid source comprises an organic and / or inorganic acid.

16. The composition of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the acid source is citric acid, phosphoric acid, or combinations thereof.

17. The composition of any one of claims 14-16, further comprising a chelant.

18. The composition of claim 17, wherein the chelant comprises from about 0.01 wt-% to about 20 wt-%.

19. The composition of any one of claims 14-18, wherein the composition is free of iron and aluminum salts.

20. The composition of any one of claims 14-19, wherein the solidification aid comprises from about 1 wt-% to about 20 wt-% of the composition.

21. The composition of any one of claims 14-20, wherein the composition is free of alkali metal solidification aids or alkalinity sources.

22. The composition of any one of claims 14-21, wherein the solid is a block.

23. A method of use comprising: forming a use solution of the solid composition according to any one of claims 1-22; and contacting a hard surface in need of cleaning with the use solution, preferably wherein the hard surface is a piping, tank or other component of a CIP system.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the forming of the use solution dilutes the solid composition by a dilution factor between about 1 and about 10,000.

25. The method of any one of claims 23-24, wherein the use solution is formed and stored in a tank for up to about 24 hours.

26. The method of any one of claims 23-25, further comprising contacting the hard surface following an alkaline cleaning composition, and optionally wherein the use solution of the solid composition provides disinfectant.

27. The method of any one of claims 23-26, further comprising one or more rinse steps.

28. The method of any one of claims 23-27, wherein the use solution provides at least about 100 ppm, or at least about 1000 ppm of the composition.

29. The method of any one of claims 23-28, wherein the contacting provides at least a 3- log reduction or preferably a 5-log reduction in microorganisms.

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