Solid Benzyl Oxide Cleaning Composition for PPE-Free Soil Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning compositions for removing complex and persistent soils, such as polymerized soils, require highly alkaline and corrosive liquids that necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), posing safety hazards and operational challenges in industries like food processing.
Innovation Solution
Development of solid compositions comprising alkali metal benzyl oxide, a sulfonate carrier, and a solid acid that do not require PPE, with methods to generate these compositions in situ or through premixes, allowing for the creation of stable, flowable solids with a pH suitable for safe handling and effective cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If highly alkaline cleaning compositions are used to remove complex and persistent soils, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but safety hazards increase requiring PPE
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning composition by using alkali metal benzyl oxide (pH 11-13) instead of conventional caustic (pH 12-14), and further modulates pH to 8-11 in use. This parameter change maintains cleaning effectiveness while reducing corrosiveness and safety hazards, eliminating PPE requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite cleaning system combining alkali metal benzyl oxide with surfactants, solvents, and other cleaning agents. This composite approach achieves effective removal of complex soils while the benzyl oxide component provides a safer alternative to conventional caustics, reducing harmful factors
2Reliability
If liquid caustic compositions are used for cleaning, then cleaning power is improved, but handling safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from liquid to solid form for the cleaning composition. Solid alkali metal benzyl oxide provides equivalent cleaning power to liquid caustic but eliminates splashing, spilling, and skin contact hazards, dramatically improving handling safety and ease of operation
3Productivity
If extended time between cleanings is allowed in food processing, then productivity is improved, but soil removal difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary cleaning action to occur during routine maintenance periods rather than requiring intensive cleaning after extended operation. The safe, effective composition can be applied during regular production pauses to prevent soil buildup, allowing extended time between major cleanings without compromising future soil removal effectiveness
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 compositions provide effective soil removal without the need for PPE, maintaining a safe working environment and reducing operational disruptions by offering a stable, non-corrosive cleaning solution with pH levels between 8 to 11, effectively removing soils from various surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
solid compositions comprise an alkali metal benzyl oxide... at a pH range that does not require PPE
Data Source
AI summary
Solid alkali metal benzyl oxide compositions providing flowable solids, namely flowable powders and flowable granulates, and solid compositions containing the alkali metal benzyl oxide compositions in combination with additional components are disclosed. Methods of making the solid compositions and using the solid compositions are also provided. The solid compositions are particularly useful for making solid cleaning compositions, including degreasing compositions, that beneficially are PPE-free providing safety improvements over liquid formulations.