Solid Aluminum Degreaser Block for Bakery Wares

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing degreaser compositions for aluminum wares are often corrosive and require personal protective equipment (PPE), and they struggle to effectively remove heavy baked-on carbon, shortening, and greasy soils from bakery and deli equipment without causing silicate staining.

Innovation Solution

A solid degreaser composition containing a primary alkalinity source, a corrosion inhibitor, a nonionic surfactant, a polyacrylate polymer, and a chelant, which is designed to be used in a diluted form to soak aluminum wares, providing effective cleaning without the need for PPE and preventing silicate staining.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional liquid degreaser compositions are used to remove heavy baked-on soils, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but the compositions become corrosive to aluminum and require personal protective equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficacyVSAvoidcorrosion to aluminum

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter from liquid to solid block form, and adjusts the chemical composition parameters by using a complex blend of surfactants, builders, and corrosion inhibitors in controlled proportions. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining high cleaning efficacy through the solid form's concentrated active ingredients while the corrosion inhibitors protect aluminum from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite cleaning composition containing multiple functional ingredients: surfactants for soil removal, alkalinity sources for grease emulsification, corrosion inhibitors for aluminum protection, and builders for water softening. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of effective cleaning and corrosion prevention that simple liquid formulations cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If silicate-based corrosion inhibitors are used to protect aluminum, then corrosion protection is improved, but silicate staining occurs on the wares

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion protectionVSAvoidsilicate staining

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts or removes the problematic silicate component from the formulation while retaining corrosion protection through alternative mechanisms. The solid block composition uses a different chemical approach that provides aluminum protection without introducing silicates that cause staining, thereby eliminating the harmful side effect while preserving the protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The solid block composition is designed to be used and disposed of after a single use cycle, preventing any potential staining issues from recurring. The concentrated solid form ensures complete dissolution and rinsing, leaving no residual staining materials on the aluminum surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If liquid degreaser compositions are used, then cleaning performance is achieved, but handling requires personal protective equipment and poses safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidhandling safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state from liquid to solid block form, fundamentally altering the handling characteristics. The solid composition eliminates splashing, spilling, and skin contact hazards associated with liquid degreasers, while maintaining concentrated cleaning performance. Users can safely handle the solid block without PPE, yet achieve the same cleaning results when dissolved and applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solid composition effectively removes heavy soils from aluminum wares while protecting the metal from corrosion and avoiding silicate staining, offering superior cleaning performance and safety by eliminating the need for PPE handling.

Implementation Method 1

a nonionic surfactant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

remove heavy baked-on carbon, shortening, caramelized, and greasy soils

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEmulsion: Emulsion

Implementation Method 3

a corrosion inhibitor... providing soft metal protection against corrosion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCorrosion inhibition:

Implementation Method 4

a chelant... avoiding silicate staining

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChelation:

Data Source

PatentUS11383277B2Aluminum safe degreasing and pre-soak technology for bakery and deli wares and use thereof

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 ECOLAB USA INC

AI summary

Aluminum safe degreaser and pre-soak compositions, methods of making, and uses thereof are disclosed. In particular, a solid degreaser composition is described which provides soft metal protection against corrosion, avoids silicate staining, and maintains efficacy for removal of heavy baked-on carbon, shortening, caramelized, and greasy soils from bakery and deli wares.