Concentrated Rinse Aid Composition for Dish Drying and Water Run-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face issues with wet dishes after dishwashing, and there is a need for more sustainable rinse aids that use less plastic and water, and existing rinse aids do not adequately address sustainability in existing rinse aids.
Innovation Solution
A concentrated liquid rinse aid formulation comprising a surfactant mixture of ethoxylated and propoxylated C12 to C18 linear alcohol and an ethoxylated C12 to C15 branched alcohol, which is a polyoxyalkylene condensate surfactant, with a cloud point between approximately 20° C. and approximately 43° C. as measured in 1% water at 25° C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional rinse aid formulations are used, then dishes can be rinsed, but wet dishes remain and sustainability concerns arise due to excessive water and plastic packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the concentration parameter of the rinse aid formulation from conventional dilute (1-5% surfactant) to concentrated (at least 30% surfactant mixture). This parameter change allows the product to be more effective at lower volumes, reducing water consumption while maintaining drying performance. The concentrated formulation achieves better water run-off behavior and drying results with less product dilution.
2Reliability
If conventional rinse aid formulations are used, then rinsing function is provided, but excessive plastic packaging is required
Solution Approach 1:
By increasing the surfactant concentration parameter from conventional levels to at least 30%, the invention reduces the total volume of product needed to achieve the same rinsing function. This volume reduction directly translates to less plastic packaging material required, addressing the sustainability concern while maintaining reliable rinsing performance.
3Ease of operation
If surfactant concentration is increased to at least 30%, then drying performance and water run-off behavior improve, but formulation stability and solubility become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite surfactant system combining multiple surfactants (anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric types) in specific proportions. This composite approach allows the formulation to achieve at least 30% total surfactant concentration while maintaining stability. The different surfactant types work synergistically to provide both the high concentration needed for performance and the formulation stability required for practical use.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by selecting specific surfactant molecules with particular properties for specific functions within the formulation. Different surfactants are chosen to address different requirements: some provide solubility, others provide foam control, and others provide the primary water run-off behavior. This localized functional assignment allows the high-concentration formulation to remain stable and effective.
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 formulation provides effective drying and reduces water droplets on surfaces, minimizing spotting and cloudiness, while being environmentally friendly and using less plastic packaging.
Implementation Method 1
a surfactant mixture comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of (a) an ethoxylated and propoxylated C12 to C18 linear alcohol and (b) an ethoxylated C12 to C15 branched alcohol
Data Source
AI summary
Concentrated liquid rinse aid formulations for automatic dishwashing applications are disclosed comprising a surfactant mixture of an ethoxylated and propoxylated C12 to C18 linear alcohol and an ethoxylated C12 to C15 branched alcohol, wherein the minimum amount of the surfactant mixture in the concentrated liquid rinse aid formulation is at least approximately 30 wt %.