Cleaning compositions for solid surfaces – auxiliary compositions – Cleaning compositions or processes of preparing – For cleaning a specific substrate or removing a specific...
Reexamination Certificate
2001-03-09
2001-10-09
Gupta, Yogendra N. (Department: 1751)
Cleaning compositions for solid surfaces, auxiliary compositions
Cleaning compositions or processes of preparing
For cleaning a specific substrate or removing a specific...
C510S191000, C510S235000, C510S238000, C510S245000, C510S252000, C510S272000, C510S362000, C510S435000, C510S467000, C510S470000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06300300
ABSTRACT:
I. TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to liquid cleaning concentrates and more particularly to novel concentrate compositions, and their methods of use, suitable for formulating reusable, low foaming, non-flammable, non-toxic, and biodegradable solutions for use in cleaning, degreasing, and disinfecting soiled areas and separating water from solids, oils, and greases suspended in the water.
II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART
Cleaning concentrates that remove grease from surfaces and disperse oil spills are well known. The prior art is replete with such concentrates. Much of the prior art is directed to general cleaning compositions. Of these, some prior art patents are directed to concentrates suitable for use as degreasing agents. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,225 teaches a composition for removing wax, grease, oils, and fats. This composition employs a terpene hydrocarbon, a fatty acid and water. Another example is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,486 which teaches a composition for removing tar and grease without any mechanical activity (i.e. scrubbing). This composition employs a polar solvent, a water soluble or dispersible amphiphile, and a non-polar solvent in combination. Yet another example is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,840 which teaches a composition for use in the removal of oily and greasy soil. This composition employs surfactants in combination with an ethoxylated glycerol. Further examples are seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,034; 5,527,486; 5,643,861; and 5,602,090.
While the prior art can be useful, they are not without shortcomings. For example, many formulations are toxic to the environment. As a result, the manner in which the concentrate can be used or disposed of after use is limited. A related shortcoming is that many compositions contain phosphates which can upset the ecosystems by causing planktonic blooms which can result in ecosystem imbalances.
Another shortcoming is that because the formulation is discharged along with the greases, it may be used for only a single application, thus, increasing costs associated with cleanup.
Yet another disadvantage is that some prior art compositions are high foaming which creates pumping and disposal problems. Still another shortcoming of prior art compositions is that many are not biodegradable which means that the compositions may remain harmful long after being introduced into the environment.
Still another disadvantage of prior art compositions is that when used to “clean up” oil spills they often do not provide any means to facilitate oil collection. These compositions merely cause the oil to emulsify with the water rather than force separation which would facilitate cleanup. The emulsified oil is then spread by the action of wind, waves, and tides, which merely makes the water appear to be cleaner.
Another problem associated with conventional cleaning compositions is that they leave a residue which must be removed by, for example, immersing the object in an acid bath or by using organic solvents such as mineral spirits, naphtha, or xylene. All these materials and methods pose potential health hazards and result in additional costs in labor, materials, precautions, and proper disposal.
III. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid cleaning, degreasing, and disinfecting concentrate to separate water, oils, and greases from solids and each other.
It is an object of this invention to provide a cleaning concentrate and degreaser that is non-toxic.
It is another object of this invention to provide a cleaning concentrate and degreaser that is low foaming,
It is another object of this invention to provide a cleaning concentrate and degreaser that is reusable.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a cleaning concentrate and degreaser which is biodegradable within 30-45 days after activation by contact with fresh or salt water.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a cleaning concentrate and degreaser which has de-emulsifier properties.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a composition that removes corrosion, rust and scale from metal and leaves a paintable protective microfilm layer to reduce scale build up on metal surfaces.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a cleaning concentrate and degreaser that is not carcinogenic.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a cleaning concentrate and degreaser that is not flammable.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a composition that reliquifies waxy paraffins.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a composition that separates solids and water from crude oil.
It is another object of this invention to provide a composition that has disinfecting properties.
Other objects of the present invention will become more apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description.
IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above objects of the Invention are provided for in a chemical composition in concentrate form suitable for use as a cleaning, degreasing, and disinfecting agent. According to the invention, a chemical composition comprising, in combination, caustic soda, a de-emulsifying agent, an alkyl glucoside surfactant, a phosphated alkyl ethoxylate surfactant, a tridecyl alcohol surfactant, and a bonding agent is provided in concentrate form. Water is added to the concentrate in varying amounts that are dependent on the intended use for the resulting solution. The solution at varying strengths is useful for a wide range of situations including, but not limited to, degreasing equipment to separating oil and water. The solution also provides some disinfecting properties.
V. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a chemical composition in concentrate form suitable for use as a cleaning, degreasing, and disinfecting agent. The composition provides unique characteristics and properties that include but are not limited to being non-toxic and safe for the environment, low foaming, reusable, biodegradable, non-carcinogenic, disinfectant, and non-flammable. These characteristics and properties are discussed in further detail in the illustrative examples provided below.
The components of the invention comprise caustic soda, a de-emulsifier, an alkyl glucoside surfactant, a phosphated alkyl ethoxylate, tridecyl alcohol, a bonding agent, and water.
The caustic soda, e.g., sodium hydroxide, serves to maintain alkalinity in acidic situations and enhance cleaning properties of the composition. In the preferred embodiment, liquid caustic soda is utilized. The inventor has found that liquid caustic soda Product Number “11-58 Diaphragm Grade,” available from OxyChem Occidental Chemical Corp., is a superior caustic soda. Alternatively, an acceptable substitute for the caustic soda component is: (1) potassium hydroxide also known as caustic pot ash, and (2) potassium carbonate.
A de-emulsifier is used to facilitate the separation of water and oil from a water and oil emulsion. In the preferred embodiment, a metal salt of silica is used. The inventor has found that “Sodium Silicate-Liquid Grade 52,” available from OxyChem Occidental Chemical Corp., makes an excellent de-emulsifier. Alternatively, an acceptable substitute for the de-emulsifier component is sodium pentahydrate.
A low foaming, alkyl glucoside surfactant is added which acts as a heavy detergent and leaves a protective film on the surface to be treated. The inventor has found that “Triton B6-10,” available from Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Co. Inc. (now a Dow Company) provides good results. Alternatively, an acceptable substitute for the alkyl glucoside surfactant component is the combination of either the Triton X-301 surfactant mixed with the Triton H-55 surfactant or the Triton X-301 surfactant mixed with the Trition H-66 surfactant. Triton® is a registered trademark and the Triton surfactants are both owned by Union Carbide.
A low foaming phosphated alkyl ethoxylate heavy detergent surfacta
Boyer Charles
Gupta Yogendra N.
Knechtel Demeur & Samlan
MWJ, L.L.C.
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