Alkaline Cleaning Composition with UV-Active Surfactants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning solutions face challenges in stability and detection of residual surfactants in alkaline environments, leading to inefficiencies in cleaning validation and potential contamination in pharmaceutical and other industries.
Innovation Solution
Aqueous cleaning compositions combining oxidizing agents with hydrophilic and hydrotropic surfactants, including UV analyzable surfactants, that are stable and low-foaming, allowing for effective removal of residues and validation through HPLC detection at 10 ppm or below.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chlorine containing products are used as oxidizing agents, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but equipment corrosion and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing chlorine-containing oxidizing agents with oxygen-based oxidizing agents (hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, sodium percarbonate). This parameter substitution maintains cleaning efficacy while eliminating corrosive effects on equipment and safety hazards to personnel and environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts potentially harmful chlorine-based oxidizing agents into beneficial oxygen-based oxidizing agents that provide the same cleaning function without the harmful side effects of corrosion and toxicity, effectively transforming a harmful substance into a safe alternative.
2Reliability
If hydrogen peroxide concentration is increased to improve cleaning power, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but hazardous material classification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the concentration parameter of hydrogen peroxide to remain below 8% by weight, which maintains adequate cleaning efficacy while avoiding DOT hazardous material classification. This parameter optimization allows the cleaner to be transported and handled without special hazardous material regulations.
3Reliability
If standard surfactants are used in cleaning compositions, then cleaning performance is improved, but detection of residual surfactant becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates UV analyzable surfactants containing chromophores that absorb UV light at specific wavelengths (250-290 nm). This allows residual surfactant to be easily detected through UV absorption measurements, providing a simple and sensitive method for cleaning validation without interfering with cleaning performance.
4Reliability
If oxidizing agents are used in alkaline environment, then cleaning power is improved, but oxidant stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite cleaning system combining oxidizing agents with alkaline surfactants and chelating agents. This composite formulation provides synergistic effects where the alkaline components enhance cleaning power while the overall system maintains adequate oxidant stability for effective operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the pH parameter to be alkaline (enhancing cleaning power) while controlling oxidizing agent concentration and selection to maintain sufficient stability. The patent accepts some oxidant decomposition in exchange for the superior cleaning performance provided by alkaline conditions.
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 compositions provide enhanced cleaning efficacy, stability, and environmental friendliness, enabling effective residue removal and validation, reducing contamination risks and regulatory compliance.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning compositions of the present invention contain an oxidizing agent in combination with other cleaning compounds which have synergistic results with regard to cleaning ability
Implementation Method 2
aqueous cleaning compositions comprising: a) at least one oxidizing agent... b) at least one hydrophilic surfactant... c) at least one hydrophobic surfactant
Implementation Method 3
Another component of the cleaning composition is a hydrotrope which is utilized to stabilize the various surfactants in order to allow them to remain soluble in an acidic or an alkaline aqueous solution
Implementation Method 4
d) at least one ultraviolet light analyzable phenol alkoxide surfactant... said analyzable surfactant having an analyzable functional group capable of being analyzed at a wavelength from about 250 to about 290 nanometers
Implementation Method 5
analyzing the rinsate using high performance liquid chromatography for the detectable substance
Data Source
AI summary
An oxidizing cleaning composition comprises a low concentration of aqueous hydrogen peroxide that is environmentally friendly and has good stability in strong alkaline solutions. The aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition contains a synergistic combination of one or more hydrophilic surfactants having an HLB of 10 or greater, one or more hydrotropes, one or more UV-analyzable surfactants having an aromatic detectable functional group, and optionally a surfactant having an HLB of less than 10. The cleaning composition when mixed with an alkaline compound is very effective in removing dried or baked residues of polymers, modified or natural celluloses starches, natural gels, and the like at low concentrations and temperatures.