Dry Expanded Perlite Floor Cleaning for Grease Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing grease from floors, particularly in restaurant kitchens, are inefficient, environmentally harmful, and increase the risk of slips due to temporary slipperiness and water waste, while using environmentally harmful chemicals and non-degradable materials.
Innovation Solution
Applying expanded perlite particles in dry form to the floor and brushing them across the affected area to strip grease, utilizing their abrasive properties for effective grease removal without water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If aqueous compositions comprising detergents are applied to floors for grease removal, then grease can be removed from the floor surface, but the floor becomes significantly more slippery increasing slip risk
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the cleaning medium from liquid (aqueous composition) to solid (dry expanded perlite particles). This parameter change allows grease removal through abrasion and absorption mechanisms rather than surfactant action, achieving effective grease removal without creating a slippery film on the floor surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the chemical cleaning mechanism (surfactants in aqueous solutions) with a mechanical cleaning mechanism (abrasive action of dry perlite particles). The expanded perlite particles physically scrub and absorb grease through their abrasive edges and porous structure, eliminating the need for chemical detergents that leave slippery residues.
2Manufacturing precision
If water and degreasing chemicals are used for floor cleaning, then grease can be removed, but water and chemicals are wasted and cause environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses disposable dry expanded perlite particles that can be applied and then discarded after use. These particles effectively remove grease through their abrasive and absorptive properties, then can be swept away with the grease residue, eliminating the need for large volumes of water and the subsequent waste treatment required for chemical cleaners.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential cleaning function from water-based chemical systems and transfers it to dry particulate material. The expanded perlite particles are applied dry, perform the grease removal function, and then can be easily removed with the grease, extracting the cleaning action from the wasteful water rinse step.
3Manufacturing precision
If repeated applications of aqueous cleaning solution are made, then grease removal can be achieved, but the process takes significant time and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the cleaning action and the grease removal into a single step application. The dry expanded perlite particles are applied once and perform both the mechanical scrubbing and the grease absorption/removal in one operation, eliminating the need for repeated applications and subsequent water rinsing required by traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention skips the time-consuming steps of water application, repeated scrubbing, and extensive drying time required by traditional methods. The dry perlite application allows for rapid grease removal that can be completed quickly and the floor can be restored to safe condition much faster than with aqueous systems.
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional cleaning methods are used during operating times, then floors can be cleaned, but ongoing cooking operations continue to deposit oil during the cleaning process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dry expanded perlite particles that immediately begin absorbing and mechanically removing grease upon contact. This preliminary action of grease removal through absorption and abrasion creates a longer-lasting clean effect because the perlite particles continue to bind grease as it is deposited, providing ongoing protection during the cleaning process itself.
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 method achieves rapid, safe, and cost-effective grease removal, reducing slip risk and environmental impact by minimizing water and chemical use, with perlite being a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional aqueous compositions.
Implementation Method 1
The inventor has recognised that the highly abrasive edges of perlite particles, if brushed back and forth across a greasy floor, have a high affinity for the grease and lift it off the floor
Implementation Method 2
Without wishing to be bound by theory the present invention is believed to be particularly effective partly because of the abrasive nature of the perlite particles
Data Source
AI summary
A method for removing grease, oil or fat from a floor comprises applying expanded perlite particles in dry form to the floor and brushing said perlite across the affected area to strip or scour the grease, oil or fat, without applying water. The particle size of the perlite may be small, for example it may be the case that at least 90% by weight of the perlite has a particle size of less than 700 microns or less than 200 microns.