Low-Alkaline Ware Wash Detergent for Protein Removal and Scale Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alkaline detergents, particularly those used in institutional and commercial settings, face challenges with heavy scale formation due to hard water, which can lead to aesthetic issues and safety concerns from high alkalinity, and there is a need for low temperature washing to reduce energy consumption and improve safety.
Innovation Solution
Development of low alkaline detergent compositions with a pH below 11.5, containing aminocarboxylates, water conditioning polymers, builders, and non-caustic alkalinity sources, which reduce or eliminate scale build-up and enhance protein removal at low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high alkalinity detergent compositions are used to improve cleaning efficacy, then cleaning performance is improved, but worker safety deteriorates due to burn risks from caustic contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the detergent composition from high alkalinity (pH >12) to low alkalinity (pH 9-11.5), thereby reducing caustic burn risks to workers while maintaining effective cleaning performance through optimized surfactant and builder combinations
2Productivity
If conventional alkaline detergents are used in hard water conditions, then cleaning capability is maintained, but scale formation increases on ware surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces scale inhibitors as intermediary substances that mediate between the detergent composition and hard water minerals, preventing calcium and magnesium ions from forming scale deposits on ware surfaces while allowing the detergent to maintain its cleaning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite detergent formulation combining multiple functional components including surfactants, builders, and scale inhibitors that work synergistically to provide both effective cleaning in hard water and prevention of scale formation
3Productivity
If high temperature washing is used to improve cleaning performance, then protein removal is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high temperature washing to low temperature washing (below 140°F), and compensates for the reduced thermal energy by optimizing the chemical composition to enhance protein removal efficacy at lower temperatures, thereby reducing energy consumption
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 compositions effectively prevent scale formation and enhance protein removal without surfactants, while providing safety benefits and energy savings through low temperature washing.
Implementation Method 1
The low alkaline detergent compositions... reduce or eliminate scale build-up
Implementation Method 2
containing aminocarboxylates, water conditioning polymers, builders
Implementation Method 3
their ability to solubilize metal salts and/or prevent water hardness from scaling and/or precipitating
Data Source
AI summary
Caustic-free detergent compositions are provided. Detergent compositions including an aminocarboxylate, water conditioning agent, non-caustic source of alkalinity and water beneficially do not require the use of additional surfactants and/or polymers to provide suitable detergency and prevent scale build-up on treated surfaces and enhance protein removal from the treated surfaces. Beneficially the detergent compositions have a concentrate pH less than about 11.5. The detergent compositions are used with a sanitizer to employ the low alkaline detergent compositions are particularly suitable for use as low temperature ware wash detergents that beneficially reduce scale build-up. Methods of employing the low alkaline detergent compositions are also provided.