Phosphorus-Free Acid Warewashing Formulations for Scale Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for phosphorus-free acid compositions that can effectively replace phosphates and other phosphorus-containing compounds in warewashing detergents, as these are regulated due to environmental and health concerns, and must perform well in removing difficult soils in institutional settings.

Innovation Solution

The use of selected non-phosphorous acids such as urea sulfate, citric acid, and sulfamic acid in warewashing compositions, combined with chelating agents and surfactants, to improve cleaning performance and scale control in an alternating alkali/acid system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If phosphates and phosphorus-containing compounds are used in warewashing detergents, then cleaning performance and scale control are improved, but environmental and health concerns arise leading to regulatory restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidenvironmental and health concerns

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing phosphorus-containing compounds with alternative acid-based sequestering agents (NTA, EDTA, gluconates, citrates) that provide similar cleaning and scale control functions without the environmental harm associated with phosphates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes phosphorus-containing compounds from the detergent formulation entirely, eliminating the harmful substance while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through alternative chemical agents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If NTA and EDTA are used as sequestering agents, then cleaning performance is improved, but environmental persistence concerns lead to potential future regulations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidenvironmental persistence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition by substituting persistent aminocarboxylates (NTA, EDTA) with less persistent alternative acids and their salts (gluconates, citrates, malates, succinates) that provide comparable sequestering and cleaning performance but with reduced environmental persistence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs sequestering agents with shorter environmental lifetimes (gluconates, citrates) that break down more quickly in the environment, replacing persistent long-lived chemicals while maintaining functional effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If phosphates are used to bind calcium and magnesium ions, then scale control and cleaning performance are improved, but regulatory restrictions are imposed due to environmental concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescale controlVSAvoidregulatory restrictions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition by replacing phosphate-based scale control agents with alternative acids and their salts (gluconates, citrates, malates, succinates) that effectively bind calcium and magnesium ions to prevent scale formation without triggering regulatory restrictions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

These acid compositions provide superior cleaning performance and scale control, achieving results similar to or exceeding those of phosphoric acid, while being environmentally friendly and reducing phosphorus content, thus addressing regulatory concerns and soil removal challenges.

Implementation Method 1

select acids improve the cleaning performance and scale control of warewashing detergents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcid dissolution:

Implementation Method 2

alternative complexing agents... which are used instead of predominantly phosphorus containing compounds. Phosphates can bind calcium and magnesium ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChelation:

Implementation Method 3

detergent compositions comprising alternating acid/alkali systems

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension reduction: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS8758520B2Acid formulations for use in a system for warewashing

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 ECOLAB USA INC

AI summary

Methods of acidic warewashing are disclosed. The compositions can include other materials including surfactants and chelating agents, and are preferably phosphorous free. Methods of using the acidic compositions are also disclosed. Exemplary methods include using the acidic compositions together with other compositions, including alkaline compositions and rinse aids employed in an alternating alkaline/acid/alkaline manner. The methods also include acidic compositions that serve multiple roles.