Liquid Cleanser Concentrate Using Calcined Soda Ash
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning agents containing alkaline solutions, such as caustic soda, pose safety hazards due to their corrosive nature and potential for skin and eye irritation, as well as damage to organic substances and metals when heated, making them hazardous to handle and use.
Innovation Solution
A liquid cleaning agent concentrate is formulated with 3.0 - 8.0% calcined, anhydrous soda as the alkaline solution, combined with a mixture of anionic and nonionic surfactants, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, sodium fatty alcohol ether sulfate, and dyes/fragrances, dissolved in water to create a versatile and safe cleaning solution that can be easily diluted for specific applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional cleaning agents contain alkaline solutions such as caustic soda, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but safety hazards increase due to corrosive nature and skin/eye irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of alkaline solutions from high (caustic soda) to low (calcined soda ash 3.0-8.0%). This parameter change maintains cleaning effectiveness while significantly reducing safety hazards. The alkaline solution is combined with surfactants and other cleaning agents to achieve effective cleaning at lower alkaline concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces calcined soda ash as an intermediary substance that provides alkaline cleaning action with reduced corrosiveness compared to caustic soda. The soda ash serves as a mediator between the need for effective cleaning and the need to minimize safety hazards, offering a safer alternative that maintains cleaning performance.
2Productivity
If concentrated alkaline solutions are used, then cleaning power is enhanced, but damage to organic substances and metals increases when heated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration and type of alkaline solution from concentrated caustic soda to diluted calcined soda ash (3.0-8.0%). This parameter change reduces the cleaning power to a safe level that no longer causes damage to organic substances and metals when heated, while maintaining adequate cleaning effectiveness through the combination with surfactants and other agents.
3Productivity
If high concentration of alkaline solution is used, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to handling difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the alkaline solution concentration from high to low (3.0-8.0% calcined soda ash), making the cleaning agent easier to handle and operate. The reduced alkaline concentration eliminates the handling difficulties and safety concerns associated with concentrated caustic soda, while cleaning efficiency is maintained through the synergistic combination with surfactants and other cleaning components.
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 concentrate provides a powerful, cost-effective, and versatile cleaning solution that is safer to handle and adaptable for both industrial and domestic use, maintaining effective cleaning properties while minimizing hazards associated with alkaline solutions.
Implementation Method 1
Modern cleaning agents of all kinds usually contain surfactants that reduce the interfacial tension. In addition, surfactants can promote the emulsification of immiscible liquids, e.g. oil in water
Implementation Method 2
Wetting agents reduce the surface tension of water and the interfacial tension between water and solids. As a result, the aqueous phase does not form individual droplets, but spreads out as a thin film over the surface of the solid
Implementation Method 3
Caustic soda is primarily used to adjust pH values. In particular, caustic soda has gained importance in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, viscose, cellulose and paper, as well as in water treatment
Implementation Method 4
Tetrapotassium pyrophosphate is used not only as a setting retarder for cement and concrete, but also as a dispersing agent and as a builder for industrial cleaners
Implementation Method 5
Sodium fatty alcohol ether sulfates, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, are harsh cleaning and wetting agents that are often used in the industrial sector
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid cleaner concentrate (I) comprises (by weight) (a) 3.0-8.0% alkali solution, (b) 1.5-3.5% of a mixture of anionic and nonionic surfactants, (c) 1.75-2.75% low-foam wetting agent, (d) 1.0-2.0% tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, (e) 0.15-0.45% sodium fatty alcohol ether sulfate and (f) water (plus colorants and/or perfumes) to 100%. An independent claim is included for the production of of (I), by (i) supplying water, in an amount of 50 wt. % of the batch to be formed, to a stirred vessel, (ii) successively adding (a), (d), (b), (c), (e) and the colorants and/or perfumes and (iii) making the mixture up to 100 wt. % with water.