Aqueous Cleaning Solution for Rouging Deposit Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cleaning solutions for removing rouging deposits from corrosion-resistant stainless steels are ineffective in addressing the formation of stubborn, adhering layers without etching the underlying steel surfaces, are complex to prepare and store, and pose occupational safety risks.

Innovation Solution

An aqueous cleaning solution containing a salt of peroxodisulfuric acid as an oxidizing agent, a salt of hydrofluoric acid as a catalyst, and a complexing agent for iron (II) and/or iron (III) ions, which can be formulated as a ready-to-use solution or concentrate for easy handling and efficient use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cleaning solutions are used to remove rouging deposits, then the deposits can be removed, but the underlying steel surfaces are etched and roughened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval effectivenessVSAvoidsurface etching
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning solution by using a neutral or slightly alkaline pH range (7-11) instead of strong acids, and by employing specific complexing agents (EDTA, DTPA, HEDTA) that selectively complex iron ions without etching the steel surface. This parameter change allows effective removal of rouging deposits while protecting the underlying steel surface from etching and roughening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces complexing agents as intermediary substances that mediate between the cleaning solution and the rouging deposits. These complexing agents (EDTA, DTPA, HEDTA) selectively bind to iron ions in the rouging deposits, facilitating their removal without directly attacking the steel surface. This intermediary mechanism enables selective removal of corrosion products while preserving the base metal surface integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional cleaning solutions are used, then rouging deposits can be removed, but the solutions are complex to prepare and store

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval effectivenessVSAvoidsolution preparation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cleaning solution into distinct functional components: a neutral to alkaline pH buffer system, specific complexing agents (EDTA, DTPA, HEDTA), and optional surfactants. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall formulation, making the solution easier to prepare and store while maintaining effective rouging removal capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a universal cleaning solution formulation that can be applied to various stainless steel surfaces and rouging deposit types through a single standardized recipe. The solution combines multiple functions (pH control, complexing, surfactant action) in one formulation, eliminating the need for multiple separate chemicals and simplifying both preparation and storage procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If conventional cleaning solutions are used, then rouging deposits can be removed, but occupational safety risks arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval effectivenessVSAvoidoccupational safety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the pH parameter of the cleaning solution from strongly acidic (conventional) to neutral or slightly alkaline (7-11). This parameter change dramatically reduces occupational safety risks by eliminating the corrosive and hazardous effects of strong acids, while still maintaining effective removal of rouging deposits through the action of complexing agents and surfactants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs biodegradable, environmentally friendly complexing agents and surfactants that can be safely disposed of after use. These components break down naturally in the environment, eliminating the need for special disposal procedures and reducing occupational safety concerns related to handling and disposing of hazardous chemicals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution effectively dissolves rouging deposits without etching the steel surfaces, is easier to prepare and store, and offers improved safety and logistical advantages, enabling reliable and selective removal of rouging deposits, particularly of rouge class 3, while being environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

at least one oxidizing agent, wherein the at least one oxidizing agent is a salt of peroxodisulfuric acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

at least one complexing agent to complex iron(II) ions and/or iron(III) ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComplexation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

at least one catalyst, wherein the at least one catalyst is a salt of hydrofluoric acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP4491701A1Cleaning solution and method for its production
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 HENKEL BET HLDG GMBH
  • EP4491701A1 patent drawing
  • EP4491701A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an aqueous cleaning solution for removing rouging deposits, containing at least one complexing agent for complexing iron(II) ions and/or iron(III) ions, wherein the cleaning solution further comprises: - at least one oxidizing agent, wherein the at least one oxidizing agent is a salt of peroxodisulfuric acid; - at least one catalyst, wherein the at least one catalyst is a salt of hydrofluoric acid. Furthermore, uses of the cleaning solution according to the invention and methods for preparing such a cleaning solution are specified within the scope of the invention.