Chewing Gum Cleaning Composition Without a Rinse Step
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Solution Overview
Problem
D-limonene, a biodegradable cleaning solvent, is not water-miscible and slow-drying, limiting its widespread use in cleaning applications, and requires a rinse step, which is undesirable for economic and environmental reasons.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning composition comprising 1-50 wt-% diluent, 5-40 wt-% polyol, and 10-50 wt-% alkyl ester, such as ethyl lactate, without D-limonene, that can be applied via scraping-spraying-wiping, effectively removing chewing gum and sticky soils without a rinse step, suitable for indirect food contact surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If d-limonene is used as a cleaning solvent, then effective removal of chewing gum and sticky soils is achieved, but the solvent is not water-miscible and requires a rinse step
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water-miscible solvents (ethyl lactate, propylene carbonate) as intermediary substances that bridge the gap between effective gum removal and water compatibility. These solvents act as mediators that can dissolve sticky soils while being fully miscible with water, eliminating the need for separate rinse steps with organic solvents.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning solvent by replacing d-limonene with water-miscible alternatives like ethyl lactate and propylene carbonate. This parameter change maintains cleaning effectiveness while fundamentally altering the water compatibility characteristic from immiscible to fully miscible.
2Reliability
If d-limonene is used as a cleaning solvent, then effective cleaning is achieved, but the solvent is slow-drying due to slow evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the solvent system by selecting compounds with higher vapor pressures and faster evaporation rates. Ethyl lactate and propylene carbonate evaporate significantly faster than d-limonene, directly addressing the slow-drying issue while maintaining cleaning performance.
3Reliability
If d-limonene is used for cleaning, then effective gum removal is achieved, but odor suppression is required due to low odor threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the sensory parameters of the cleaning solution by replacing d-limonene with solvents that have inherently higher odor thresholds. Ethyl lactate and propylene carbonate produce minimal odor, eliminating the need for additional fragrance additives or odor suppression mechanisms.
4Reliability
If conventional cleaning compositions are used, then effective cleaning is achieved, but components are not suitable for indirect food contact requiring rinse steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the safety parameters of the cleaning composition by selecting GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) certified solvents. Ethyl lactate and propylene carbonate are approved for indirect food contact, transforming the composition from requiring rinse steps to being safe for direct food contact applications.
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 composition provides faster drying, reduced odor, and easier rinsing, ensuring effective cleaning with minimal environmental impact and no flavor transfer to food, making it more efficient and safer for food processing surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning composition for application on a chewing gum residue or other sticky substance... effectively removes chewing gum, its components and other sticky soils from surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
Cleaning compositions and methods for removing chewing gum, its components and other sticky soils from surfaces, especially production facilities, are disclosed. Cleaning composition solutions that do not require a rinse step are disclosed and suitable for treatment of surfaces having indirect food contact. In an aspect, the cleaning compositions and methods employ a scraping-spraying-wiping procedure.