Caustic free low temperature ware wash detergent for reducing scale build-up
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Solution Overview
Problem
High alkalinity detergents used in ware washing often result in scale build-up due to hard water, posing aesthetic and maintenance issues, and present safety concerns due to caustic content, while traditional methods require high temperatures for effective cleaning.
Innovation Solution
Development of caustic-free detergent compositions using aminocarboxylates, water conditioning polymers, and non-caustic alkalinity sources like alkali metal silicates, which operate effectively at low temperatures (49-60°C) to prevent scale build-up and reduce safety risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high alkalinity detergent compositions are used to achieve effective cleaning, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but scale build-up increases and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by eliminating caustic (sodium hydroxide) from the detergent formulation and replacing it with alternative alkaline builders and chelating agents. This parameter change maintains the necessary pH level for cleaning efficacy while preventing scale build-up by using ingredients that do not precipitate with hard water ions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite detergent system combining multiple functional ingredients: chelating agents (to bind calcium and magnesium ions), alkaline builders (to maintain pH without caustic), and surfactants (for cleaning action). This composite approach achieves effective cleaning while preventing scale formation through the synergistic action of these materials.
2Reliability
If high alkalinity detergent compositions are used to achieve effective cleaning, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but worker safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes caustic (sodium hydroxide) from the detergent formulation, eliminating the highly corrosive and dangerous ingredient while retaining the necessary alkalinity through safer alternative builders. This extraction improves worker safety by removing the primary hazard while preserving cleaning effectiveness.
3Reliability
If high temperatures are used to achieve effective cleaning, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical formulation to include enzymes and modified surfactants that are optimized for low-temperature operation. These ingredients maintain their cleaning effectiveness at lower temperatures, allowing the washing process to be performed at reduced temperatures without sacrificing cleaning efficacy, thereby reducing energy consumption.
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 caustic-free detergent compositions effectively prevent scale formation and provide improved safety by maintaining cleaning efficacy at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption and enhancing handling safety.
Implementation Method 1
Traditionally, chelating agents and/or threshold agents are employed with high alkaline detergent compositions because of their ability to solubilize metal salts and/or prevent water hardness from scaling and/or precipitating
Implementation Method 2
at least one chelant of a water-soluble aminopolycarboxylate and/or aminopolycarboxylic acid; at least one sequestering agent
Data Source
AI summary
Caustic-free detergent compositions are provided. Detergent compositions including an aminocarboxylate, water conditioning agent, non-caustic source of alkalinity and water beneficially do not require the use of additional surfactants and/or polymers to provide suitable detergency and prevent scale build-up on treated surfaces. The detergent compositions are used with a sanitizer to employ the caustic-free detergent compositions are particularly suitable for use as low temperature ware wash detergents that beneficially reduce scale build-up. Methods of employing the caustic-free detergent compositions are also provided.