Stabilized Hypochlorite Cleaning Solutions via Chelation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrated cleaning solutions tend to form visible precipitates upon storage or dilution, reducing their efficacy and aesthetic appeal, due to impurities in raw materials and diluents, and existing stabilization methods are costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a small amount of chelating agents like EDTA, MGDA, or NTA into the cleaning solutions to prevent the formation of visible precipitates during storage and dilution, maintaining the solution's efficacy and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If commercially acceptable levels of impurities are present in raw materials, then cost is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but visible precipitates form during storage and dilution
Solution Approach 1:
A chelating agent is introduced as an intermediary substance that binds to metal impurities in the raw materials, preventing them from reacting with the cleaning solution components to form precipitates. The chelating agent acts as a mediator between the impurities and the solution, allowing the use of cost-effective raw materials with acceptable impurity levels while maintaining solution stability during storage and dilution.
2Stability of the object's composition
If two chemicals (phosphono compound and silicate) are added to stabilize the concentrated cleaning solution, then precipitate formation is prevented, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stabilizing function into a single chelating agent that performs the precipitate-prevention role previously requiring two separate chemicals (phosphono compound and silicate). This merging of functions reduces the number of ingredients needed, simplifies the manufacturing process, and lowers costs while achieving the same stability outcome.
Solution Approach 2:
The chelating agent serves multiple functions: it binds metal impurities, prevents precipitate formation, and maintains solution stability during both concentrated storage and dilution. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple specialized additives, reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If concentrated cleaning solution is stored for extended periods, then inventory availability is improved, but visible precipitates form reducing efficacy and aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The chelating agent is incorporated into the concentrated cleaning solution during manufacturing, performing preliminary stabilization before storage. This preliminary action binds potential precipitating agents in advance, allowing the solution to be stored for extended periods without forming visible precipitates, thereby maintaining both efficacy and aesthetic appeal throughout the storage duration.
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 use of low concentrations of chelating agents effectively prevents the formation of visible precipitates for up to a year, enhancing the shelf stability and cost-efficiency of the cleaning solutions without compromising their bactericidal effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a small amount of chelating agents like EDTA, MGDA, or NTA into the cleaning solutions to prevent the formation of visible precipitates during storage and dilution
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to stabilized concentrated cleaning solutions comprising a source of hypochlorite ions and to a method for providing the stabilized concentrated cleaning solutions. The stabilized concentrated cleaning solutions according to the invention comprise a hydroxide ion source, hypochlorite ion source, and a chelating agent, and are provided simply by mixing the various components together. The stabilized concentrated cleaning solutions exhibit stability against, e.g., dilution with a diluent comprising amounts of copper, iron, nickel cobalt, etc., as well as storage for periods of from about 10 weeks to up to about 1 year without undergoing visible deterioration and/or a substantial deterioration in efficacy.