Quat-Anionic Surfactant Synergy for Low-Temp Sanitizing Rinse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sanitizing rinse aids using quaternary ammonium compounds are ineffective against gram-negative microbes like E. coli and have inadequate sheeting performance, particularly at low temperatures, leading to spotty and filmy surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A synergistic combination of a silane-free quaternary ammonium compound with a medium chain anionic surfactant, such as octanoic acid or nonanoic acid, is used to create a 2-in-1 sanitizing rinse composition that is effective at low temperatures and provides improved antimicrobial and surface activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quaternary ammonium compounds are used as sanitizing rinse aids, then antimicrobial activity is provided, but effectiveness against gram-negative microbes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines quaternary ammonium compounds with anionic surfactants to create a composite sanitizing rinse composition. This composite approach leverages the synergistic interaction between the two components, where the anionic surfactant enhances the antimicrobial effectiveness of the quaternary ammonium compound against gram-negative microbes, resolving the limitation of using quaternary ammonium compounds alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the sanitizing rinse by introducing anionic surfactants with specific chain lengths and structures. This parameter change transforms the composition from a single-component system to a multi-component system with enhanced spectral antimicrobial activity, particularly against gram-negative organisms.
2Ease of operation
If conventional rinse aids are used, then drying is promoted, but sheeting performance is inadequate at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the temperature parameter at which the rinse aid operates by formulating a composition that maintains effective sheeting performance across a broader temperature range, particularly at low temperatures. The synergistic combination of quaternary ammonium compounds and anionic surfactants enables reliable sheeting and drying promotion even in cold conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite rinse aid system where quaternary ammonium compounds and anionic surfactants work together to provide both drying promotion and adequate sheeting performance. This composite material approach ensures that the rinse aid functions effectively across varying temperature conditions.
3Ease of operation
If conventional rinse aids are used, then drying is achieved, but spotty and filmy surfaces are formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite formulation of quaternary ammonium compounds and anionic surfactants that works synergistically to achieve uniform drying without spotty or filmy residue. The anionic surfactant component helps prevent the formation of spots and films while maintaining the drying promotion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the chemical composition parameters to eliminate harmful residual effects. By carefully selecting the types and ratios of quaternary ammonium compounds and anionic surfactants, the formulation achieves complete drying without leaving spotty or filmy surfaces.
4Reliability
If high temperatures are used for warewashing, then sanitizing efficacy is improved, but utility costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the rinse aid to enhance sanitizing efficacy at lower temperatures. The synergistic combination of quaternary ammonium compounds and anionic surfactants maintains or improves antimicrobial effectiveness without requiring high temperature operation, thereby reducing energy and utility costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes thermal energy (heat) with chemical action (synergistic surfactant combination) to achieve sanitizing efficacy. Instead of relying on high temperatures to kill microorganisms, the enhanced chemical formulation provides effective sanitizing at lower temperatures, replacing the need for high-energy thermal processing.
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 achieves a 5-log kill of microorganisms and enhances surface activity, ensuring effective sanitizing and drying without spotting or filming, even at low temperatures, while reducing utility costs by optimizing warewashing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a synergistic combination of a quaternary ammonium compound and anionic surfactant
Implementation Method 2
The composition achieves a 5-log kill of microorganisms
Implementation Method 3
enhances surface activity, ensuring effective sanitizing and drying without spotting or filming
Data Source
AI summary
Rinse aids and sanitizing rinse aids for various applications, including institutional machine sanitizing are disclosed. In particular, concentrated and use compositions, such as concentrated liquid rinse aid compositions, employing a synergistic combination of a quaternary ammonium compound and anionic surfactant are disclosed. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods of a sanitizing rinse providing desired antimicrobial efficacy against a broad spectrum of gram negative microbes, suitable foaming profiles, and beneficial applications of use of the same, including low temperature sanitizing rinse are provided.