Solid Rinse Aid Composition Using Low Hydrotrope Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rinse aid compositions are not environmentally friendly, can be corrosive to metal surfaces, and struggle with high total dissolved solids and water hardness, while also requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A solid rinse aid composition that includes low levels of hydrotrope/coupler and a specific combination of two or more solid nonionic surfactants, along with a disruption agent and a hardening agent, which quickly hardens and is suitable for extrusion solid formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rinse aid compositions are used, then spotting and filming prevention is achieved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates and metal surface corrosion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using solid nonionic surfactants with specific HLB values (10-20) and controlled molecular weights, replacing conventional aromatic surfactants. This parameter change maintains the spotting prevention function while eliminating environmental harm and metal corrosion issues associated with conventional rinse aids
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite solid rinse aid composition combining multiple solid nonionic surfactants (including alcohol ethoxylates and alcohol propoxylates) with complementary properties. This composite approach achieves superior spotting prevention while maintaining environmental friendliness and metal compatibility that single conventional surfactants cannot achieve
2Stability of the object's composition
If high levels of coupler/hydrotrope are used, then solidification is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the coupler/hydrotrope concentration parameter to low levels (0.1-10 wt%, preferably 0.5-5 wt%) while adjusting surfactant HLB values and molecular weights to compensate. This parameter optimization achieves solidification with minimal coupler, simplifying manufacturing and improving environmental friendliness compared to conventional high-level coupler formulations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses solid nonionic surfactants with controlled molecular weights and HLB values that replicate the effective solidification function of conventional liquid rinse aids with high coupler levels, but achieves the same solidification outcome with much lower coupler concentrations and simpler manufacturing processes
3Manufacturing precision
If complex manufacturing processes are used, then formulation precision is achieved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the formulation into discrete solid nonionic surfactant components with specific HLB ranges and molecular weights, each contributing a defined function. This segmentation allows for simpler, more modular manufacturing processes while maintaining formulation precision, as each component can be independently controlled and combined without requiring complex multi-step synthesis procedures
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 effectively prevents spotting and filming on various surfaces, including plastic, while being environmentally friendly, non-corrosive, and easily manufactured as a solid.
Implementation Method 1
the surfactant in the rinse agent is absorbed on the surface at temperatures at or above its cloud point, and thereby reduces the solid-liquid interfacial energy and contact angle
Implementation Method 2
reduces the solid-liquid interfacial energy and contact angle
Implementation Method 3
The coupler/hydrotrope is present at about 0.1 wt % to about 30 wt %. In further embodiments, the coupler/hydrotrope is present at about 1 wt % to about 25 wt %. In a preferred embodiment the hydrotrope c/coupler is present in the composition in an amount of less than 20% wt %. This is in stark contrast to other solid rinse aids which can require up to 80% of coupler/hydrotrope.
Implementation Method 4
low levels of hydrotrope/coupler and a specific combination of two or more solid nonionic surfactants are combined with a disruption agent, and a hardening agent
Implementation Method 5
the surfactant in the rinse agent is absorbed on the surface at temperatures at or above its cloud point
Implementation Method 6
This leads to the formation of a continuous sheet which drains evenly from the surface and minimizes the formation of spots
Implementation Method 7
low levels of hydrotrope/coupler and a specific combination of two or more solid nonionic surfactants are combined with a disruption agent, and a hardening agent
Implementation Method 8
The composition is particularly suited for extrusion solid formation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention includes a solid rinse aid that is particularly designed for extrusion solid formation and which is effective for creating spotless surfaces after rinsing. According to the invention, application has identified the critical combination of solid surfactants, coupling agents, hydrotrope, and hardening agents that is acceptable in the extrusion process to create a solid. The hydrotrope includes one or more short-chain alkylbenzene and/or alkyl naphthalene sulfonates. The composition hardens quickly but not so quick as to negatively impact the extrusion process. The compositions may also be used to form pressed or cast solids.