Foaming Drain Cleaner Using Enzyme Catalysis for Sidewall Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drains in commercial and residential facilities often become clogged due to the accumulation of fatty substances, proteins, cellulose fibers, and other debris, leading to bacterial growth, odors, and pest attraction, which can result in unsanitary conditions and regulatory issues.
Innovation Solution
A foaming drain cleaner system comprising two parts: one containing hydrogen peroxide and the other with catalase, amylase, protease, and a surfactant, which react to generate a stable foam that effectively cleans and sanitizes drain surfaces by decomposing hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, trapping oxygen bubbles to create a long-lasting foam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a drain cleaner is simply poured down the drain, then the application process is simple, but the cleaner does not distribute evenly on the sidewalls of the drain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the physical state of the drain cleaner from liquid to foam by changing parameters such as aeration and surfactant concentration. This foam form maintains ease of application while achieving uniform distribution on drain sidewalls, as the foam adheres better and covers surfaces more evenly than liquid alone
2Speed
If the foam acts too quickly and pushes through the drain trap, then the foam generation is fast, but the foam cannot remain in contact with the sidewalls long enough to clean effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts foam stability parameters by selecting specific surfactants and controlling foam density to create a foam that generates quickly but remains stable and adheres to sidewalls for extended periods. The surfactant concentration and type are optimized to balance foam expansion rate with foam persistence, preventing premature drainage while ensuring adequate contact time for cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The drain cleaner uses a composite formulation combining surfactants, enzymes, and foam-stabilizing agents. This composite material creates a foam with tailored properties: fast generation for immediate effect, yet sufficient stability to maintain contact with drain sidewalls for the required duration to achieve thorough cleaning
3Reliability
If multiple separate products are used for cleaning and sanitizing, then each function can be optimized, but the cleaning process requires multiple steps and applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cleaning agents (enzymes, surfactants) and sanitizing agents (oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide or chlorine-based compounds) into a single multi-functional drain cleaner product. This merged formulation allows simultaneous cleaning and sanitizing in one application, eliminating the need for separate products and multiple steps while maintaining effective performance of both functions
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 system provides a fast-acting, stable foam that thoroughly cleans and sanitizes drain surfaces, reducing bacterial populations and preventing clogs, while being compatible with various surfaces and easy to use, even in high-traffic facilities subject to stringent sanitation regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a second part that contains catalase to catalyze decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen
Implementation Method 2
decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen
Implementation Method 3
a surfactant present in at least one of the first part and the second part
Data Source
AI summary
A drain cleaner may be used on a periodic basis to clean soil residues from residential and commercial waste drains. The drain cleaner may chemically self-foam to fill a waste drain with the foam. For example, the drain cleaner may be provided in two or more parts that are physically intermixed during use of the drain cleaner. One part may include hydrogen peroxide and water while another part may include a catalase, an amylase, a protease, and an enzyme stabilizer. The drain cleaner may also include a surfactant present in at least one of the first part and the second part. Additionally, in some examples, the drain cleaner includes a sanitizing agent present in either of the two parts or in yet a third physically separate part. During use, the different drain cleaner parts can be dispensed simultaneously into a drain to generate a cleaning and/or sanitizing foam in-situ.