Non-Caustic Solid Powder Cleaner Using Chelant and Carbonate Base
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grill and oven cleaning products often rely on harsh caustic liquids that are difficult to transport, store, and use safely, posing health and environmental hazards, and require strenuous scrubbing to remove hardened food residues, while also being bulky and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A non-caustic solid powder cleaner composition is developed, comprising sodium chloride, chelators like sodium metasilicate, surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate and ethoxylated alcohol, and thickening agents like hydroxyethylcellulose, which, when mixed with water, forms a cleaning solution effective for removing residues without the need for caustic chemicals and with improved flowability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional caustic liquid cleaners are used, then cleaning effectiveness on hardened residues is improved, but safety hazards and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaner by replacing caustic bases (sodium hydroxide) with non-caustic alternatives (sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate). This parameter substitution maintains cleaning effectiveness through carbonate-based chemistry while eliminating the harmful caustic properties that cause safety hazards and environmental damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite powder formulation combining multiple ingredients including carbonate bases, chelating agents (EDTA, citric acid), surfactants, and oxidizing agents. This composite approach integrates multiple cleaning mechanisms into a single non-caustic system that effectively removes hardened residues without the harmful effects of traditional caustic cleaners.
2Productivity
If caustic liquid cleaners are used, then cleaning power is improved, but ease of transport and storage deteriorates due to bulk and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the cleaner from liquid phase to solid powder phase. This phase change dramatically reduces weight and bulk for transport and storage while maintaining cleaning power through the chemical composition of the powder. The powder form is compact, stable, and easier to handle while delivering the same cleaning effectiveness when dissolved in water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from liquid to solid powder, which fundamentally alters the density and volume characteristics. This parameter change enables concentrated cleaning agents to be stored and transported in compact forms without the bulk and weight issues of liquid cleaners, while the chemical composition ensures cleaning power is maintained.
3Productivity
If conventional liquid cleaners are used, then residue removal capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to required strenuous scrubbing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent formulates a composite powder containing carbonate bases for chemical action, chelating agents to bind to residue components, surfactants to emulsify and lift residues, and oxidizing agents to break down organic matter. This multi-component system works synergistically to remove residues more easily than conventional cleaners, reducing the need for strenuous scrubbing while maintaining or improving removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the cleaning system by introducing chelating agents and oxidizing agents in addition to carbonate bases. These parameter changes create a more effective chemical environment that softens and breaks down hardened residues, making them easier to remove with less mechanical scrubbing effort while maintaining high residue removal capability.
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 a compact, lightweight, and environmentally friendly cleaning solution that effectively removes residues from grill and oven surfaces without the hazards of caustic chemicals, reducing labor and environmental impact while maintaining cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one chelator comprising sodium metasilicate, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), ethylene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), sodium citrate, a carboxylic acid chelator, or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 2
at least one surfactant... said at least one non-ionic surfactant comprising one or more alkoxylated alcohols
Implementation Method 3
at least one solid carbonate base comprising sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, a carbonic acid salt, or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 4
at least one thickening agent comprising hydroxyethylcellulose, agar, or a combination thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A non-caustic solid powder cleaner composition is disclosed herein, as well as a method of making and using the same. A benefit of the powder cleaner composition can be providing a compact, lightweight powder composition that can be easily and efficiently transported, stored, dispensed, and used for safely cleaning grill and oven surfaces.