Caustic-Free Ware Wash Detergent for Low-Temperature Scale Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alkaline detergents used in ware washing, especially in institutional and commercial settings, often result in heavy scale formation due to hard water, which is difficult to control and poses safety risks due to high alkalinity, necessitating the development of caustic-free, low-temperature detergents that effectively reduce scale build-up without compromising cleaning efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A caustic-free detergent composition comprising aminocarboxylates, water conditioning polymers, sequestrants, and non-caustic alkalinity sources, such as silicates, that operate at low temperatures (120°F to 140°F) to prevent scale build-up on treated surfaces, eliminating the need for surfactants and reducing pH to below 11.5 for improved safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional alkaline detergents are used for ware washing, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but scale build-up increases and safety risks increase due to high alkalinity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter from highly alkaline (above 11.5) to mildly alkaline (below 11.5), and changes the temperature parameter from high temperature to low temperature (120°F to 140°F). These parameter changes allow the detergent to maintain cleaning efficacy while reducing scale build-up and safety risks associated with high alkalinity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite detergent composition containing multiple ingredients including chelating agents (aminocarboxylates), surfactants, and other cleaning agents in specific combinations. This composite formulation achieves effective cleaning at lower alkalinity levels than conventional single-ingredient high-alkaline detergents
2Reliability
If high alkalinity detergent compositions are used, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but worker safety deteriorates due to caustic burns risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the pH parameter from highly alkaline (above 11.5) to mildly alkaline (below 11.5), which significantly reduces the caustic burns risk to workers while maintaining cleaning efficacy through optimized combinations of chelating agents and surfactants
3Reliability
If high temperature ware washing is used, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high temperature to low temperature (120°F to 140°F), reducing energy consumption for water heating while maintaining cleaning efficacy through the use of low-temperature-active chelating agents and surfactants optimized for low-temperature operation
4Object-affected harmful factors
If caustic-free detergent compositions are used, then worker safety is improved, but scale control ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the pH parameter to below 11.5 (caustic-free) while enhancing scale control ability through optimized concentrations of chelating agents (aminocarboxylates) and water conditioning polymers that effectively sequester calcium and magnesium ions at lower alkalinity levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite formulation combining chelating agents, surfactants, and water conditioning polymers in specific ratios that provide both worker safety (low alkalinity) and effective scale control, achieving a balance that neither component could provide alone
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 reduces or eliminates scale build-up on treated surfaces at low temperatures, enhancing safety by eliminating caustic risks and providing effective cleaning without the need for high alkalinity, thus addressing the challenges of scale formation and safety concerns associated with traditional detergents.
Implementation Method 1
from about 0.1-15 wt-% of an aminocarboxylate, from about 0.1-15 wt-% of a sequestrant
Implementation Method 2
from about 0.1-15 wt-% of a water conditioning polymer
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.