Gel Cleaning Agent Stability via Component Addition Sequence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gel-based cleaning agents, particularly dishwashing detergents, face challenges with storage stability due to phase separation and chemical instability, leading to undesirable optical and chemical changes such as layer formation and flake formation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a specific order of addition of components, where the thickener is added before the surfactant and sulfopolymer, with increasing stirring speed after each addition, to enhance the stability of gel-shaped cleaning agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cleaning components are mixed in gel-based cleaning agents, then the cleaning performance is improved, but phase separation and chemical instability occur after storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding the thickener first before other components, and pre-adjusting the stirring speed sequence. This preliminary arrangement of component addition order prevents phase separation during storage, as the thickener forms a stable gel network structure that locks other components in place, eliminating the stability issues that would otherwise develop over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by varying the stirring speed during the mixing process - starting with high speed to disperse the thickener, then reducing speed when adding other components. This dynamic adjustment of process parameters ensures proper incorporation of each component while maintaining gel structure integrity, preventing the phase separation and chemical instability that would occur with static mixing conditions.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the cleaning agent is stored for a long period, then the shelf life is extended, but phase separation and flake formation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the correct component addition sequence (thickener first, then other components) and stirring speed profile before storage. This preliminary structuring creates a stable gel matrix that prevents flake formation and maintains optical clarity throughout the shelf life, eliminating the need for corrective measures during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the stirring speed as a process parameter - using high initial speed for thickener dispersion, then reducing speed for subsequent additions. This parameter optimization ensures homogeneous distribution and proper gel network formation, preventing the optical degradation and flake formation that would otherwise occur during long-term storage.
3Ease of manufacture
If the thickener is added after other components, then the mixing process is simplified, but the gel structure becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding the thickener first before other components, establishing a stable gel network structure in advance. This preliminary step is essential for gel structure stability, as it creates the framework that prevents phase separation. The slight increase in process complexity is justified by the critical importance of this sequence for maintaining gel integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by adjusting the stirring speed according to the component being added - high speed initially for thickener dispersion, then reduced speed for subsequent components. This dynamic process control ensures proper gel network formation and component distribution, maintaining gel structure stability that would be impossible with static mixing conditions, even though it requires more complex process management.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the stirring speed is kept constant during component addition, then the energy consumption is reduced, but homogeneous mixing is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by varying the stirring speed during the mixing process - high speed initially to disperse the thickener and form the gel network, then reduced speed when adding other components to prevent air incorporation and maintain structure. This dynamic approach achieves homogeneous mixing and proper gel formation while optimizing energy consumption, as high speed is only used when necessary for initial dispersion.
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 results in a cleaning agent with improved storage stability, preventing phase separation and chemical instability, maintaining the desired gel-like viscosity and chemical stability over time.
Implementation Method 1
adding the cleaning agent components to the water with stirring to obtain a cleaning agent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a specific method for the production of cleaning agents, in particular gel-like cleaning agents, and a cleaning agent obtained by the method, in particular a dishwashing detergent.