Non-Phosphorous Laundry Additive for Transition Metal Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial laundry processes face challenges in removing transition metals like iron and other contaminants that cause fabric yellowing and fabric damage, while existing methods are environmentally harmful and inefficient, and current chelants used in warewashing do not effectively address porous textiles.
Innovation Solution
A non-phosphorous laundry additive composition comprising gluconate chelants, additional chelants like aminocarboxylates, and carboxylate polymers is used to control transition metals throughout the laundry process, including alkaline wash, steaming, bleaching, and souring steps, without using surfactants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If water softening equipment is used to reduce iron impurities, then metal removal is improved, but it does not effectively control transition metals throughout the entire laundry process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding chelants to the water supply before metals can cause damage to fabrics or interfere with laundry chemicals. This preventive approach addresses metals at the source rather than attempting removal after contamination occurs, thereby improving both metal control effectiveness and fabric protection throughout the entire laundry process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses chelants as intermediary substances that bind to transition metals, forming stable complexes that prevent metals from interacting with fabrics and laundry chemicals. This intermediary approach allows for effective metal control without requiring direct removal of metals from water, resolving the contradiction between metal removal capability and overall control effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high levels of caustic are used to remove metals from stains, then metal removal is improved, but fabric damage and skin exposure risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful interaction between caustic chemicals and metals into a beneficial process by using controlled chelation. Instead of relying on high-level caustic treatment that damages fabric, the chelants selectively bind to metals, allowing for gentle metal removal that protects both fabric integrity and user safety while still effectively eliminating metal stains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces chelants as intermediary agents between metals and fabrics, replacing the need for high-level caustic treatment. These chelants mediate the removal process by binding to metals and facilitating their removal without the harsh effects of high caustic levels, thereby eliminating metal stains while preventing fabric damage and skin exposure risks.
3Reliability
If phosphorous-containing chelants are used for metal control, then metal binding capability is improved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from phosphorous-containing chelants to non-phosphorous alternatives. This change in chemical composition maintains effective metal binding capability while eliminating the environmental harm associated with phosphorous discharge, thereby resolving the contradiction between metal control effectiveness and environmental sustainability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs biodegradable, non-phosphorous chelants that can be easily broken down and removed in wastewater treatment processes. These short-living chelant molecules perform their metal binding function effectively during the laundry process but then degrade harmlessly, unlike persistent phosphorous-containing chelants that accumulate in the environment and cause long-term ecological damage.
4Productivity
If carryover alkalinity is present in laundered items, then detergent effectiveness is maintained, but fabric damage and skin irritation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding chelants during the detergent wash process to bind metals before they can cause damage. This preliminary metal control allows the detergent to work effectively while preventing the harmful interactions between metals, alkalinity, and fabrics that would otherwise occur during subsequent rinse and wear phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses chelants as intermediary substances that bind to metals, preventing direct harmful interactions between metals and fabrics in the presence of carryover alkalinity. This intermediary approach maintains detergent effectiveness by allowing alkalinity to remain active for cleaning while simultaneously protecting fabrics from metal-induced damage and skin irritation.
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 effectively prevents fabric yellowing and fabric damage by controlling transition metals across all laundry stages, ensuring improved detergency, bleaching, and wastewater operations with an environmentally friendly approach.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the laundry with a laundry additive composition comprising a gluconate chelant, at least one additional chelant comprising an aminocarboxylate or salt thereof
Implementation Method 2
a carboxylate polymer... beneficially control transition metals throughout the laundry process
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods and compositions for improving laundry quality in multiple areas including detergency, bleaching and wastewater operations are provided by a laundry additive composition. The laundry additive composition and methods of using the composition control iron and other transition metals in water utilized within laundry applications.