Amidine-Based Bottle Wash Solvent for Label Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing adhesive labels and residues from bottles, particularly metallic labels, are inefficient, requiring high caustic compositions, high temperatures, and mechanical agitation, leading to incomplete removal and increased time and cost.
Innovation Solution
Aqueous or non-aqueous compositions comprising amidine solvents and surfactants, with reduced caustic levels (0-2 wt-%) and pH between 10 and 14, effectively remove adhesive labels and residues at lower temperatures (30-60°C) within 30 minutes without destroying the labels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional caustic-based compositions are used for label removal, then adhesive removal capability is improved, but the harshness of chemicals and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by replacing conventional caustic-based compositions with amidine-based formulas. This substitution maintains effective adhesive removal capability while significantly reducing chemical harshness and environmental impact, as amidines are less corrosive and more environmentally benign than traditional caustics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs biodegradable amidine compounds that break down quickly and completely after use, replacing persistent harmful chemicals. These short-living chemical agents provide effective label removal but degrade rapidly to harmless substances, eliminating long-term environmental contamination issues
2Productivity
If high temperature conditions are applied for label removal, then adhesive removal efficiency is improved, but energy consumption and equipment requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by enabling effective label removal at lower temperatures (below conventional high temperature conditions). The amidine-based chemistry provides sufficient reaction activity at reduced temperatures, thereby lowering energy consumption while maintaining removal efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces thermal energy input with chemically-driven removal mechanisms. Instead of relying on high temperature thermal energy to break down adhesives, the amidine-based composition uses chemical reactions that proceed effectively at lower temperatures, substituting chemical action for thermal mechanical energy
3Reliability
If mechanical agitation is used for label removal, then complete removal is improved, but equipment complexity and operational cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical agitation systems with chemically-driven removal. The amidine-based composition achieves complete label and adhesive removal through chemical action alone, eliminating the need for mechanical agitation equipment such as brushes, rollers, or agitating mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The composition performs label removal through self-contained chemical action without requiring external mechanical intervention. The amidine-based formula automatically penetrates and dissolves adhesives upon contact, providing self-service removal that eliminates complex mechanical agitation systems
4Reliability
If prolonged soaking time is allowed for label removal, then complete removal is improved, but production time and throughput worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the kinetic parameters of the removal process by using amidine-based chemistry that reacts rapidly with adhesives. This chemical parameter change enables complete label removal in significantly reduced time compared to conventional compositions, thereby increasing production throughput without sacrificing removal completeness
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
The compositions achieve complete removal of adhesive labels and residues, including metallic labels, in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner, reducing the need for harsh chemicals and mechanical intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The compositions require substantially lower amounts of time to remove such labels and adhesive residues from a surface... the label removing compositions comprise an aqueous or non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine solvent
Implementation Method 2
an amidine solvent in combination with wetting surfactants
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
According to the invention, the compositions and methods provide for the complete removal of labels, synthetic glues and/or adhesives from a plurality of surfaces through the use of an aqueous or non-aqueous basic organic solvent and/or an amidine, optionally in combination with surfactants, chelants, acidulants and/or additional bottle wash additives. Beneficially, the compositions and methods are suitable for use at lower temperatures and pH conditions, along with under caustic-free and/or reduced caustic conditions to effectively remove such labels, synthetic glues and/or adhesives from a surface within less than about 30 minutes.