EP1409632A1 - Method of making a composition, a product from such method, and the use thereof in removing or dissolving a contaminant from an environment - Google Patents

Abstract

A composition which is effective in removing a wide variety of contaminants, such as organic compounds, from a wide variety of environments, such as printing systems, is provided. A process of preparing such composition includes contacting hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water. The process can additionally include contacting with one or more additional components such as isopropyl alcohol.

Description

METHOD OF MAKING A COMPOSITION, A PRODUCT FROM SUCH METHOD, AND THE USE THEREOF IN REMOVING OR DISSOLVING A CONTAMINANT FROM AN ENVIRONMENT RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from provisional U.S. application serial number

60/223,064 filed August 4, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method of making a composition and a product from such

method wherein such composition is effective in reducing the concentration of a contaminant

in an environment.

It is known that various processes used to produce printed materials such as printing

processes and lithography processes utilize various machinery that contain several parts such

as rollers, apparatus to contain and move fluids (such as hoses and trays), and other moving

parts (such as gears and the like). Such machinery becomes contaminated with various

contaminants, such as organic deposits, calcium deposits, bacteria, fungi, and additional

residue created from the use of various organic-based inks and printing production fluids

known in the art. Great difficulty is encountered in attempting to reduce the concentration of,

preferably remove, such contaminants from the various parts ofthe machinery due, in part, to

the difficulty in accessing the internal parts of such machinery.

In addition, when such contaminant residue is not removed on a consistent basis, it is

known that such residue can accumulate and harden over time creating a residue which is

difficult to remove and can cause undesirable chemical reactions to occur in the various

processes. Processes used in the past to remove such residue have included mechanical

removal that requires disassembling the machinery to access parts that contain such residue

and then removing such residue by mechanical methods such as by hammering, chiseling, and

the like. Such mechanical methods require significant downtime of the machinery and involve increased risk to the equipment and the personnel involved with removing such

residue.

It is also known that various methods for removing such residue, other than

mechanical methods, usually involve the use of fluids such as various solvents and

surfactants. However, such solvents and surfactants do not completely remove such residue.

Further, when such solvents and surfactants do not completely remove such residue, such

residue begins to accumulate as discussed above. Thus, a composition and process of using

such composition for removing contaminants from machinery such as printing and

lithography equipment that does not require mechanical methods of removing such residue,

provides for a substantially complete removal of such residue, and helps to prevent the

accumulation of such residue, would be of significant contribution to the art and to the

economy.

It is also known that various industrial processes used to produce goods utilize various

systems, such as packaging systems, flexographic systems, food processing systems,

bleaching systems, metallurgy systems, acid washing systems, veterinary product systems,

pesticide systems, meat processing systems, poultry processing systems, dairy processing

systems, sanitizing systems, and the like and combinations thereof, which contain several

parts such as gears, rollers, and the like. Such parts can become contaminated with various

contaminants such as organic and calcium deposits, calcium and starch-based glues, and the

like and combinations thereof. Various compositions known to reduce the concentration of,

or remove, such contaminants utilize compositions which are difficult to dispose of due to

environmental regulations and can present significant safety hazards. Thus, a composition,

useful for removing such contaminants from such systems, which is non-toxic, easy to

prepare, and capable of being disposed of without costly disposal procedures would also be of

significant contribution to the art and to the economy. It is also known that various industrial processes used to produce goods such as paper

and pulp products utilize various water-containing systems. Such water-containing systems

are also found in various printing systems, water treating systems, drainage systems, boiler

systems, chiller systems, and the like. Use of such water-containing systems presents several

problems relating to the fouling of such water-containing systems with various contaminants

such as scale, algae, fungi, bacteria, surfactants, various organic compounds, and the like.

The contaminants can foul such water-containing systems to such an extent that such water-

containing systems require extensive cleaning to remove such contaminants, which results in

a decrease in production of goods.

Various known compositions that can be used for reducing the concentration of,

preferably removing or dissolving, such contaminants from such water-containing systems

frequently utilize chlorine. However, use of such chlorine-based compositions present

various environmental and safety hazards and further, disposal of such products produced

using such chlorine-based compositions requires close environmental scrutiny and regulation.

In addition, such chlorine-based compositions are frequently utilized in gaseous form which

requires extensive safety and training procedures to be utilized. Thus, a composition, useful

for removing or dissolving one or more contaminants from an environment that contains

water-based systems, which is non-toxic, inexpensive, and easy to prepare and use would be

of significant value to the art and to the economy.

In addition, compositions, useful in reducing the concentration of, preferably

removing or dissolving, contaminants from an environment, which contain more than one

component commonly require one of the components to be added to the environment first,

followed by the addition of a second component. The two components must then react "in

situ" to thereby provide a composition that can remove or dissolve the contaminants

contained within the environment. Such compositions can be difficult to use due to the difficulty in determining how much of each component of the composition should be added.

Thus, a composition useful in reducing the concentration of, preferably removing or

dissolving, contaminants from an environment and that can be prepared "ex situ" in various

concentrations, which can then be added to an environment to remove or dissolve

contaminants would be of significant contribution to the art and to the economy.

In addition, a composition useful in reducing the concentration of, preferably

removing or dissolving, contaminants from an environment which is prepared from easily

accessible components and which can be prepared by a simple procedure utilizing a minimum

of preparation apparatus would also be of significant contribution to the art and to the

economy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a process for preparing a composition

which is useful for reducing the concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, one or

more contaminants from an environment. Such process utilizes components which are

inexpensive to use and easy to prepare. Another object of the present invention is to provide

a process for preparing a composition which utilizes a simple and effective method which

provides a composition having desirable properties such as enhanced capabilities for reducing

the concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, a contaminant from an environment

when compared to a composition prepared by other methods.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved process of

reducing the concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, a contaminant from an

environment.

An embodiment of the present invention is a novel composition prepared by a process

comprising contacting hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid (also referred to as hydroxy acetic

acid), and water. Another embodiment of the present invention is a process of preparing a novel

composition comprising contacting hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water. The process

can further comprise contacting with one or more additional components such as isopropyl

alcohol.

A novel composition of the present invention can be used for reducing the

concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, a wide variety of contaminants from a

wide variety of environments. Such contaminants can include Groups II- VIII of the Periodic

Table of the Elements, algae, fungi, bacteria, surfactants, natural gums, synthetic gums,

organic compounds, paper fillers, paper filters, clays, sulfites, sulfates, oxides, adhesives,

starches, and the like and combinations thereof. Such environments can include water-

containing systems, paper producing systems, pulp producing systems, printing systems,

packaging systems, flexographic systems, food processing systems, bleaching systems,

metallurgy systems, acid washing systems, veterinary product systems, pesticide systems,

meat processing systems, poultry processing systems, dairy processing systems, sanitizing

systems, and the like and combinations thereof. Such water-containing systems can include

swimming pools, water treating systems, drainage systems, boiler systems, chiller systems,

sewage treating systems, irrigation systems, agriculture systems, cooling tower systems, and

the like and combinations thereof.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the

detailed description ofthe invention and the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It has been discovered that the performance of a composition when reducing the

concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, one or more contaminants from an

environment can be improved by utilizing a novel process of preparing such composition

which comprises contacting hydrogen peroxide and glycolic acid.

Generally, a process of preparing a composition of the present invention comprises

contacting hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water. The hydrogen peroxide is generally

present as a hydrogen peroxide solution comprising hydrogen peroxide and water. Such

hydrogen peroxide solution generally comprises at least about 0.1 weight percent hydrogen

peroxide in water and at most about 20 weight percent hydrogen peroxide in water, preferably

at least about 0.5 weight percent hydrogen peroxide in water and at most about 15 weight

percent hydrogen peroxide in water, and more preferably at least about 1 weight percent

hydrogen peroxide in water and at most about 15 weight percent hydrogen peroxide in water.

An example hydrogen peroxide solution which can be used in a process of the present

invention can be prepared by adding a stabilizing amount of water to a commercially

available 35 weight percent technical grade solution of hydrogen peroxide in water from FMC

Corporation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to thereby obtain a hydrogen peroxide solution

suitable for use in a process ofthe present invention.

The water suitable for use in a process of the present invention is preferably a low

solids water generally comprising less than about 10 parts per million (ppm) dissolved solids,

preferably less than about 5 ppm dissolved solids, more preferably less than about 1 ppm

dissolved solids, and most preferably about 0 ppm dissolved solids. An example low solids

water which can be used in a process of the present invention can be obtained commercially

from PGT Inc., Cedar Hill, Texas, which is a low solids water produced by reverse osmosis

having less than about 0.1 ppm dissolved solids. The water, preferably low solids water, can be prepared by any suitable means known

in the art for preparing water which can be used in a process of the present invention.

Generally, the low solids water can be prepared by subjecting a high solids water to a treating

means selected from the group consisting of reverse osmosis, deionization, and the like and

combinations thereof. The high solids water generally comprises more dissolved solids than

the low solids water. Generally, the high solids water comprises more than about 200 ppm of

dissolved solids.

Generally, water is present in a stabilizing amount which allows for the contacting of

hydrogen peroxide and glycolic acid according a process as described herein. Generally, a

stabilizing amount of water as described herein should be large enough to prevent an

uncontrollable or unpredictable reaction between the hydrogen peroxide and glycolic acid

which can occur in a non-dilute environment as known in the art. However, a stabilizing

amount of water as described herein should be small enough to prevent the resulting

composition from being so dilute that such resulting composition no longer has the ability to

reduce the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, a contaminant from an

environment as described herein. Thus, a novel aspect of the present invention is the

presence of a stabilizing amount of water, preferably low solids water, which is large enough

to allow the contacting of such hydrogen peroxide and glycolic acid in a predictable and

controllable manner, yet, is small enough to prevent a significant dilution of the resulting

composition so that such composition is effective in reducing the concentration of, preferably

removing or dissolving, a contaminant from an environment as described herein.

Generally, a stabilizing amount of water, preferably low solids water, is present in an

amount of at least about 50 percent by weight water based on the total weight ofthe hydrogen

peroxide, glycolic acid, and water, and at most about 99.9 percent by weight water based on

the total weight of the hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water. Preferably, a stabilizing amount of water is present in an amount of at least about 60 percent by weight water based on

the total weight of the hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water, and at most about 97

percent by weight, and more preferably a stabilizing amount of water is present in an amount

of at least about 70 percent by weight water based on the total weight of the hydrogen

peroxide, glycolic acid, and water, and at most about 95 percent by weight water based on the

total weight ofthe hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water.

The glycolic acid is preferably a glycolic acid solution comprising glycolic acid and

water. Such glycolic acid solution generally comprises at least about 1 weight percent

glycolic acid and at most about 15 weight percent glycolic acid, preferably at least about 1

weight percent glycolic acid and at most about 10 weight percent glycolic acid, and more

preferably comprises at least about 1 weight percent glycolic acid and at most about 5 weight

percent glycolic acid. An example glycolic acid solution which can be used in a process of

the present invention can be obtained by adding low solids water as described herein to a

commercially available 70 weight percent technical grade solution of glycolic acid obtained

from DuPont Chemical, Wilmington, Delaware, to thereby obtain a 5 weight percent glycolic

acid solution.

The hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water can be contacted by any suitable

means and in any suitable order which provides for a composition of the present invention

effective in reducing the concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, a contaminant

from an environment. Preferably, such contacting comprises mixing utilizing any suitable

mixing means known in the art for mixing an aqueous solution with another aqueous solution.

More preferably, a hydrogen peroxide solution as described herein is mixed with a glycolic

acid solution as described herein. During contacting, the weight ratio of hydrogen peroxide to

glycolic acid is generally at least about 1 :1 and at most about 30:1, preferably at least about 2:1 and at most about 20:1, more preferably at least about 2:1 and at most about 10:1, and

most preferably at least about 2:1 and at most about 6:1.

The temperature during contacting ofthe hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water,

preferably during the contacting of the hydrogen peroxide solution and glycolic acid solution,

can be any temperature which provides a composition effective in reducing the concentration

of, preferably removing or dissolving, a contaminant from the environment as described

herein. Generally, the temperature during contacting is at least about 0°F and at most about

100°F, preferably at least about 10°F and at most about 90°F, and more preferably at least

about 20°F and at most about 80°F. The pressure during contacting can be any pressure

which provides for a composition as described herein. The pressure is generally at least about

atmospheric and at most about 100 pounds per square inch absolute (psia), preferably about

atmospheric. The time period of contacting can be any time period capable of providing for a

composition as described herein. The time period of contacting is generally at least about 0.1

minute and at most about 60 minutes, preferably at least about 0.1 minute and at most about

30 minutes.

A process of providing a composition of the present invention can further comprise

contacting with an additional component comprising isopropyl alcohol. Generally, the

isopropyl alcohol has a purity of at least about 95 percent, preferably at least about 98 percent,

and more preferably at least about 99 percent.

In addition to, or in lieu of, contacting with isopropyl alcohol, a process of the present

invention can further comprise contacting with one or more components selected from the

group consisting of potassium monopersulfate, silver, acids, esters, alcohols, alpha hydroxy

acids, beta hydroxy acids, and the like and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable esters

include, but are not limited to, ethoxylated esters and the like and combinations thereof.

Examples of suitable acids include, but are not limited to, acetic, sulfuric, formic, peroxyacetic, and the like and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable alpha hydroxy and

beta hydroxy acids include, but are not limited to, citric, lactic, maleic, and the like and

combinations thereof.

Such additional component(s) can be added in any amount(s) as long as such

amount(s) provides a composition effective in reducing the concentration of, preferably

removing or dissolving, a contaminant from an environment as described herein. Generally,

when such additional component(s) is present, such additional component(s) is present in an

amount of at least about 0.1 weight percent based on the total weight of the final composition

and at most about 20 weight percent based on the total weight of the final composition,

preferably in an amount of at least about 0.1 weight percent based on the total weight of the

final composition and at most about 10 weight percent based on the total weight of the final

composition, and more preferably in an amount of at least about 0.1 weight percent based on

the total weight ofthe final composition and at most about 5 weight percent based on the total

weight ofthe final composition.

A preferred method of preparing a composition of the present invention comprises

mixing a 35 weight percent solution of hydrogen peroxide in water with a stabilizing amount

of low solids water comprising less than about 1 ppm dissolved solids to thereby provide a

resulting mixture comprising about 80 weight percent low solids water and the rest

comprising the hydrogen peroxide solution. The resulting mixture is then contacted with a 5

weight percent glycolic acid solution prepared by contacting a 70 weight percent glycolic acid

solution with low solids water comprising less than about 1 ppm dissolved solids to provide a

composition having a pH of about 1.9 to about 3.5. Such composition is particularly suitable

for use in reducing the concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, calcium and

starch glues and organic substances and mineral residue typically found in corrugated box

manufacturing and printing and flexography processes. Another preferred method of preparing a composition of the present invention

comprises mixing a 35 weight percent solution of hydrogen peroxide in water with a

stabilizing amount of low solids water comprising less than about 1 ppm dissolved solids to

thereby provide a resulting mixture comprising about 43 weight percent low solids water and

the rest comprising the hydrogen peroxide solution. The resulting mixture is then contacted

with a 5 weight percent glycolic acid solution prepared by contacting a 70 weight percent

glycolic acid solution with low solids water comprising less than about 1 ppm dissolved

solids to provide a composition having a pH of about 1.9 to about 3.5. Such resulting

composition is particularly suitable for use in reducing the concentration of, preferably

removing or dissolving, contaminants typically found in water-containing systems.

An additional preferred process of preparing such composition is to further contact the

resulting composition with isopropyl alcohol having a purity of about 99 percent in an amount

to provide a resulting composition containing such isopropyl alcohol in an amount of about 5

weight percent based on the total weight ofthe final composition.

A composition of the present invention generally has a pH of at least about 1.5 and at

most about 4.5, preferably at least about 1.7 and at most about 4, and more preferably at least

about 1.9 and at most about 3.8.

A composition of the present invention generally has a specific gravity of at least

about 1.0 and at most about 1.5, preferably at least about 1.1 and at most about 1.4, more

preferably at least about 1.3 and at most about 1.4, and most preferably about 1.35.

While not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that a composition of the

present invention comprises a molecule containing two carbon atoms, four hydrogen atoms,

and four oxygen atoms. It is further believed that two of the four hydrogen atoms and two of

the four oxygen atoms are present as hydroxyl groups (OH). A composition of the present invention prepared by a process of the present invention

described herein can be utilized to reduce the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve,

a wide array of contaminants from a wide array of environments. Such process generally

comprises contacting such contaminant(s) with a concentration of a composition of the

present invention, prepared according to a process as described herein, in a concentration

effective in reducing the concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, such

contaminant(s) from such environment. Examples of suitable contaminants include, but are

not limited to, elements of Groups II- VIII of the Periodic Table ofthe Elements (also referred

to as Group II elements, Group III elements, Group IV elements, Group V elements, Group

VI elements, Group VII elements, and Group VIII elements), algae, fungi, bacteria,

surfactants, natural gums, synthetic gums, organic compounds, paper fibers, paper filters,

clays, sulfites, sulfates, oxides, adhesives, starches, and the like and combinations thereof.

Examples of a suitable environment include, but are not limited to, water-containing

systems, paper producing systems, pulp producing systems, printing systems, packaging

systems, flexographic systems, food processing systems, bleaching systems, metallurgy

systems, acid washing systems, veterinary product systems, pesticide systems, meat

processing systems, poultry processing systems, dairy processing systems, sanitizing systems,

and the like and combinations thereof. The term "system" refers to any method, process,

apparatus, components, and the like and combinations thereof related in any way or manner to

the disclosed type of system. For example, the term "water-containing systems" refers to any

method, process, apparatus, components, and the like and combinations thereof known in the

art related in any way or manner to water containing or containment. Also for example, the

term "food processing systems" refers to any method, process, apparatus, components, and

the like and combinations thereof known in the art related in any way or manner to food

processing. Also for example, the term "printing systems" refers to any method, process, apparatus, components, and the like and combinations thereof known in the art related in any

way or manner to printing.

Examples of suitable water-containing systems include, but are not limited to,

swimming pools, water treating systems, drainage systems, boiler systems, chiller systems,

sewage treating systems, irrigation systems, agricultural systems, cooling tower systems, and

the like and combinations thereof.

A composition of the present invention can be contacted with one or more

contaminants as described herein by any suitable means and under any suitable conditions

which are effective in reducing the concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, such

contaminants from an environment. The contacting condition, also referred to as the

contaminant contacting condition, which comprises a concentration of a composition as

described herein, a contacting temperature, a contacting pressure, and a contacting time

period can be any contacting condition effective in reducing the concentration of, preferably

removing or dissolving, a contaminant from an environment as described herein. The

contacting condition will generally depend on the type and concentration of contaminant and

type of environment. For example, the contacting condition will generally have an increased

composition concentration, temperature, pressure, and time period when the concentration of

one or more contaminants is increased compared to the contacting condition necessary when

such contaminants are present in a reduced concentration. For example, when a composition

of the present invention is used as a swimming pool shock treatment to help initially reduce

the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, a contaminant, the composition

concentration will be significantly increased and the time period decreased compared to when

a composition of the present invention is used to maintain the reduction in concentration of

contaminants in such swimming pool over, for example, a thirty day period. Selecting the proper contacting condition based on the concentration of contaminants within an

environment is within the skill in the art.

When the environment comprises a liquid medium, such as the water-containing

systems described herein, the concentration of composition is generally at least about 0.1 part

composition by volume per million parts environment (ppmv) and at most about 25 volume

percent, preferably at least about 0.5 ppmv and at most about 20 volume percent, and more

preferably at least about 1 ppmv and at most about 15 volume percent. When the

environment does not comprise a liquid medium, such as when the composition is applied

directly to a contaminant, the concentration of composition is generally at least about 0.1 part

composition by weight per million parts environment (ppm) and at most about 20 weight

percent, preferably at least about 0.5 ppm and at most about 10 weight percent, and more

preferably at least about 1 ppm and at most about 5 weight percent.

Generally, the contacting temperature, also referred to as the contaminant contacting

temperature, is at least about 50°F and at most about 200°F, preferably at least about 70°F

and at most about 150°F. The contacting pressure, also referred to as the contaminant

contacting pressure, is generally at least about atmospheric and at most about 100 pounds per

square inch absolute (psia), preferably about atmospheric. The contacting time, also referred

to as the contaminant contacting time, is generally at least about 0.1 minute and at most about

30 days, preferably at least about 0.5 minute and at most about 20 days, and more preferably

at least about 1 minute and at most about 10 days.

Examples of suitable uses of a composition of the present invention include, but are

not limited to, the following.

A composition of the present invention can be used as a descalant, biocide, slimicide,

flocculant, and the like and combinations thereof to reduce the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, scale, algae, and the like and combinations thereof from machinery and

apparatus used to produce paper and pulp.

A composition of the present invention can be used as a descalant, biocide and/or

algaecide to reduce the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, various contaminants

from water-containing systems used in the printing industry. For example, a composition of

the present invention can be used as a calcium and surfactant remover to reduce the

concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, calcium, dissolved minerals, surfactants,

bacteria, and the like and combinations thereof from the lines and tanks of water-containing

systems used in the printing industries, packaging industries, and the like and combinations

thereof. Also for example, a composition of the present invention can be used to reduce the

concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, various surfactants, natural gums, calcium

carbonate, polymer-containing residue, and the like and combinations thereof from

lithographic plate surfaces. A composition of the present invention can also be used as a

mbber roller rinse to reduce the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, organic

contaminants, water-based contaminants, and liquid metal precipitants including, but not

limited to, paper fiber, paper fillers, clay coatings, sulfites, sulfates, titanium dioxide,

chromium, barium, calcium carbonate, and the like and combinations thereof. The reduction

in concentration, preferably the removing or dissolving, of these contaminants results in

improved consistency of ink transfer and aids in restricting the neutralization of acid fountain

chemistries commonly used in lithography and lithographic processes.

A composition of the present invention can be used for reducing the concentration of,

preferably removing or dissolving, a contaminant such as scale, algae, fungi, bacteria,

minerals, and the like and combinations thereof from water-containing systems such as

water tanks, water lines, pumps, and the like and combinations thereof. Such contaminants

are known to exist in such water-containing systems commonly utilized in the printing and paper industries and the like because of the high contact rate with paper products which

contain mold, fungi spores and bacteria which are commonly found in the wood used to

produce such paper products.

A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce the concentration of,

preferably remove or dissolve, an adhesive, hi various processes, such as the process of

manufacturing corrugated boxes and packaging, glues and adhesives containing organic

compounds and starches are commonly used. A composition of the present invention can be

contacted, such as by spraying, with such glues and adhesives and, after a time period

effective for allowing a composition of the present invention to penetrate such glues and

adhesives, can thus provide for easy removal of such glues and adhesives.

A composition of the present invention can be used to treat anilox rolls, particularly

the cells contained by, or within, such anilox rolls, commonly found in flexographic

situations. Anilox rolls commonly utilized in flexographic situations commonly contain

organic substances of microscopic size found in various concentrations. There are various

methods of applying various compositions to remove such substances which include spraying

onto the surface being treated, mechanically applying to the surface, immersion treating, and

the like and combinations thereof. Utilizing a composition of the present invention provides

an improvement over existing technologies of cleaning anilox rolls which are currently being

used such as baking soda blasting, ultra-sonic cleaning, and utilizing chemicals of high

alkalinity concentration.

A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce the concentration of,

preferably remove or dissolve, various contaminants commonly found in food processing and

food packaging environments and the like.

A composition of the present invention can be used in waste sludge treatment

processes to help break down solids and provide biocide effects. A composition of the present invention can be used as an industrial biocide treatment

to kill various fungi such as the bottrus fungi, mold or bacteria.

A composition of the present invention can be used to enhance the bleaching

processes commonly found in the textile industries, paper and pulp industries, and the like

and combinations thereof.

A composition of the present invention can be used to enhance the effectiveness of

known descalants, slimicides, antimicrobials, and the like and combinations thereof.

A composition of the present invention can be used in fish farming and agricultural

processes as a pesticide for killing microorganisms and/or parasites, including bacteria and

fungi, found to exist within such processes. Such agricultural processes include, but are not

limited to, agricultural rendering and growing, including various related holding areas which

can contain such bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce the concentration of,

preferably remove or dissolve, various contaminants commonly found in meat, poultry, and

dairy rendering and processing facilities.

A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce the concentration of,

preferably remove or dissolve, various contaminants commonly found in metallurgy

processes involving copper or other metals.

A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce the concentration of,

preferably remove or dissolve, various contaminants commonly found in processes

comprising the acid- washing of concrete.

A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce the concentration of,

preferably remove or dissolve, various contaminants commonly found in processes to produce

veterinary products. A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce the concentration of,

preferably remove or dissolve, various contaminants commonly found in beer processing

systems, wine processing systems, and the like such as removing contaminants from various

vats.

A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce the concentration of,

preferably remove or dissolve, various contaminants from the surfaces of automobiles such as

removing bug and tar residue from an external surface, e.g., a bumper, of a car or track.

A composition of the present invention can be used as an additive in various products

used in the cosmetic industry such as face-peel products.

A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce the concentration of,

preferably remove or dissolve, contaminants such as calcium-based and organic-based

substances commonly found in the marine industry such as from the external surfaces of

ships.

Preferably, a composition of the present invention is used to reduce the concentration

of, preferably remove or dissolve, contaminants from printing systems. A composition of the

present invention can be used in addition to, or preferably as an alternative to, various

mechanical means and the use of various solvents and/or various surfactants, such as sodium

hydroxide, to remove such contaminants.

Also preferred, a composition ofthe present invention is used as a sanitizer, fungicide,

algaecide, and the like and combinations thereof to reduce the concentration of, preferably

remove or dissolve, contaminants from water-containing systems such as swimming pools,

water gardens, and the like and combinations thereof. A composition ofthe present invention

can be used in addition to, or preferably as an alternative to, chlorine-based, or bromide-

based, or biguianide-based compositions. Also preferred, a composition ofthe present invention is used as a sanitizer, fungicide,

algaecide, and the like and combinations thereof to reduce the concentration of, preferably

remove or dissolve, contaminants from water-containing systems commonly found in

municipal water treating systems, commercial drainage systems, industrial boiler systems,

industrial chiller systems, cooling tower systems, and the like and combinations thereof. A

composition ofthe present invention can be used in addition to, or preferably as an alternative

to, chlorine-based, or bromide-based, or biguianide-based compositions.

The following examples are presented to further illustrate this invention and are not to

be constmed as unduly limiting the scope of this invention.

EXAMPLE I

This example illustrates a preparation of a composition ofthe present invention.

A 55-gallon quantity of a composition of the present invention was prepared by

mixing 8.25 gallons of 35 weight percent hydrogen peroxide solution (obtained from FMC

Corporation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a 35 weight percent technical grade solution of

hydrogen peroxide in water) with 34.675 gallons of low solids water comprising less than

about 0.1 ppm dissolved solids (obtained from PGT Inc., Cedar Hill, Texas, the low solids

water had been produced by reverse osmosis) at room temperature (about 70°F) and

atmospheric pressure to thereby provide a resulting mixture. Total mixing time was about 15

minutes. The resulting mixture was then contacted with 11.55 gallons of a 5 weight percent

glycolic acid solution which had been prepared by contacting 0.825 gallons of approximately

70 weight percent glycolic acid solution (obtained from DuPont Chemical, Wilmington,

Delaware, as a 70 weight percent technical grade solution of glycolic acid in water) with

10.725 gallons of low solids water comprising less than about 0.1 ppm dissolved solids

(obtained from PGT Inc., the low solids water had been produced by reverse osmosis) at room temperature (about 70°F) and atmospheric pressure to thereby obtain about 55 gallons

of a composition of the present invention referred to herein as "Composition A" having a pH

of about 3.3.

EXAMPLE II

This example illustrates the use of a composition of the present invention

(Composition A as described herein) to reduce the concentration of, preferably remove or

dissolve, calcium and/or starch glues and substances from corrugating equipment used in

manufacturing corrugated boxes.

Equipment was obtained from Packaging Corporation of America (PC A) located in

Waco, Texas and had been in use for several years. A significant amount of glue residue

(color of such residue was a dirty- white due to the glue drying to a semi-translucent

appearance over time) was observed. A significant concentration of glue residue was located

on a cross-member of the adhesive application device of such equipment about 10 inches

under the glue applicator which applied the glue to the web paperboard to form a corrugated

box sheet. The glue residue level had accumulated to such an extent that production

problems were encountered. PC A had requested assistance from several chemical companies

to develop a product which would remove or allow removal ofthe glue residue. It is believed

that twenty unsuccessful attempts were made by the various chemical vendor companies to do

so. Composition A was then applied directly to the glue residue using a trigger sprayer

Within about 5 minutes, the semi-translucent appearance of the glue residue turned to a white

color as such glue residue originally appeared (i.e., the appearance of the glue before it dried).

Layer by layer the accumulated glue residue turned white. Within about 20 minutes, the

layers of residue were all visibly re-hydrated and could be removed by hand by peeling each

layer from the cross-member. When Composition A reached the bottom layer of residue which had been estimated as having initially formed over 20 years prior, such bottom layer

was able to be removed which enabled the equipment to be operated again. Overall,

maintenance problems for the equipment based on glue residue was minimized. Before the

application of Composition A, the preferred and possibly only means to remove this residue

was with a hammer and chisel. The hammer and chisel were used to chisel the layers away

from the cross-member section ofthe adhesive application device.

EXAMPLE III

This example illustrates another use of a composition of the present invention

(Composition A as described herein) to remove organic substances and mineral residue from

equipment such as anilox rolls used in flexography processes.

Equipment utilizing anilox rolls was provided by Packaging Corporation of America

(PCA) located in Waco, Texas. Such equipment had been used for several years. An

inherent problem which exists in flexography processes is various contaminants have a

tendency to accumulate and bond to small laser-etched cells within the anilox rolls. These

cells supply water and solvent-based flexography inks to the raised image photo-polymer

printing plate. After removal of excess flexography inks, there are multiple procedures used

to remove sealants and residue from the anilox rolls. The anilox rolls of the PCA equipment

had various mineral and ink component deposits which could not be easily removed by

previous methods, such as baking soda blasting and using ultrasound equipment.

In a first method, Composition A was sprayed directly onto the surface of the anilox

roll cells having a concentration of 145 cells per linear inch of anilox roll. The anilox roll

was hydrated with Composition A and remained hydrated for about 5 minutes. Thereafter, a

standard aqueous-based flexographic wash was used to rinse the contamination out of the

cells. The application of Composition A appeared to decompose the bonded minerals and deposits, allowing such bonded minerals and deposits to be removed by washing with normal

alkaline types of flexography wash. This process allowed for recovery of cell depth and cell

volume of the anilox rolls. Composition A allowed for the anilox equipment to be cleaned on

press, without the costly purchase of cleaning equipment, which provided a reduction in

down-time and capital expenditure costs for PCA.

The second method of applying Composition A was by adding Composition A to the

flexography printing unit ink reservoir contacting the ink pump. The contact time was about

five minutes followed by rinsing using standard aqueous-based flexographic wash

procedures. Previously, methods such as baking soda blasting and using ultrasound

equipment were utilized, but had only cleaned the surface ofthe anilox cells. Composition A

performed better than such previous methods and opened the cells to a like-new condition.

EXAMPLE IV

This example illustrates another preparation of a composition ofthe present invention.

A 55-gallon quantity of a composition of the present invention was prepared by

mixing 18.15 gallons of a 35 weight percent hydrogen peroxide solution (obtained from FMC

Corporation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a 35 weight percent technical grade solution of

hydrogen peroxide in water) with 13.75 gallons of low solids water comprising less than

about 0.1 ppm dissolved solids (obtained from PGT Inc., Cedar Hill, Texas, the low solids

water had been produced by reverse osmosis) at room temperature (about 70°F) and

atmospheric pressure to thereby provide a resulting mixture. Total mixing time was about 15

minutes. The resulting mixture was then contacted with 23.1 gallons of a 5 weight percent

glycolic acid solution which had been prepared by contacting 1.65 gallons of 70 weight

percent glycolic acid solution (obtained from DuPont Chemical, Wilmington, Delaware, as a

70 weight percent technical grade solution of glycolic acid in water) with 21.45 gallons of low solids water comprising less than about 0.1 ppm dissolved solids (obtained from PGT

Inc., Cedar Hill, Texas, the low solids water had been produced by reverse osmosis) at room

temperature (about 70°F) and atmospheric pressure to thereby obtain about 55 gallons of a

composition of the present invention referred to herein as "Composition B" having a pH of

about 2.2.

EXAMPLE V

This example illustrates a use of a composition of the present invention (Composition

B as described herein) to remove residue and bacterial growth and fungi from a printing press

fountain solution recirculating system (a water-containing system).

A printing press was obtained from Rock Tenn Company, Waxahachie, Texas, and

contained a Man Roland fountain solution recirculating system, also referred to as a

dampening system, which comprised a blender, chiller, and recirculating unit containing an

approximately 30 gallon reservoir with a total capacity of 200 gallons of water. The

equipment has been used almost continuously for about 20 years. A significant amount of

mineral substance residue, such as mineral deposits consisting of calcium and lime deposits,

and bacterial and fungi growth was observed, including hair algae, which were white, green,

brown and various other colors which are common to the industry. Various solvents had been

used in an attempt to remove the residue and growth before such residue had accumulated and

caused production interraptions. Common industry products used for cleaning such printing

press recirculating systems included products comprising a mixture of sodium hydroxide,

glycol ethers, and various biocides, such as those sold by various chemical manufacturers,

including Varn International (a worldwide chemical manufacturer which manufactures

pressroom and printing chemicals and distributes such products throughout the world). However, use of such solvents was unsuccessful in removing the mineral residue and

bacterial and fungal growth. The mineral residue and growth had accumulated to a point that

such had become hardened within the water lines and could not be removed. The lines had

become plugged, making production difficult. An additional option of replacing the water

lines and/or flushing the water system with bleach would have been an option, but the amount

of water which would have to be consumed would have amounted to thousands of gallons of

water. In addition, production-related issues resulting from bleach residue would have been

difficult to alleviate, making the bleaching option undesirable and economically unfeasible.

A five-gallon quantity of Composition B described herein was supplied for the

following procedure. Composition B was poured directly, in one-pint quantities, into each of

the six water trays of the recirculating system. Upon contact of Composition B with the

mineral residue and bacterial and algae growth, it was observed that within about 15 to 30

seconds, water immediately began flowing in the return line from the press back to the

recirculating system indicating that Composition B was removing the various contaminants.

Then, the drain ofthe recirculating system became unplugged so that water could easily flow.

An additional four-gallon quantity of Composition B was then added directly to the 30-gallon

reservoir. Within about 15 to 30 seconds, water immediately began flowing in the return line

from the press back to the reservoir indicating that Composition B was removing the various

contaminants. It was observed that the substance being removed by Composition B contained

paper dust, slime, fungus, algae, ink components, and the like. About 35 gallons of such

substance were collected in an empty barrel. In about 30 minutes, about 200 gallons of fresh

water were passed through the water system to further help remove the debris and remains of

dead algae and bacterial growth and minerals which had been dislodged and/or dissolved by

Composition B. The recirculating system was then recharged with a standard fountain solution having

a pH of about 3.8. The press was immediately placed into production. Normal startup

recovery time had previously been about 20 to 25 printed sheets before production. After use

of Composition B, startup recovery time was about 2 to 3 sheets. It is believed that the better

startup was because the pH of Composition B was at or near the recommended pH of the

fountain solution. Before use of Composition B, products previously used comprised sodium

hydroxide, glycol ethers and biocides, with some of these products containing foaming agents

or alkalines such as caustic soda. The residual pH left in the water system after using

traditional cleaning products would normally be in a range of about 9 to about 10.5. Thus,

since the pH of fountain solutions is typically in a range of about 3.8 to about 4.0 and since

Composition B has a similar residual pH, use of Composition B provides a direct benefit to

production ability, print quality, and reduction of water costs.

EXAMPLE VI

This example illustrates a use of a composition of the present invention (Composition

B as described herein) to remove a contaminant from a swimming pool.

The test site consisted of a swimming pool which contained 25,000 gallons of water

which was substantially free of chlorine and other chemical substances. The swimming pool

was rectangular in shape with a shallow end depth of approximately three feet and a deep end

depth of approximately nine feet. The swimming pool had been covered and dormant for

about nine months. Before treatment, the water appeared blackish in color and emitted a

strong foul odor. The surface areas of the pool under water were covered with a green algae

growth which was about 1.5 inches thick. The green algae growth appeared to cover an

underlying gray-colored algae-type substance. Due to the extensive algae growth, the bottom

surface of the pool and the surfaces of the first and second steps of the pool were not visible. The filter media contained in the swimming pool filtration system was diametaceous earth.

The pH ofthe water was 7.2 and the temperature ofthe water was about 78°F.

A ten-gallon quantity of Composition B described herein was then added to the pool

by pouring Composition B at a steady rate into the pool from a plastic bucket while walking

around the edges of the pool from the shallow to the deep end. After approximately twenty-

five minutes, the color of the water turned to a light green "pea-soup" color. Debris began to

float to the top and such debris appeared to be large pieces of the green algae and gray-

colored algae-type substance. The clarity of the water continued to improve. After

approximately twenty-four hours, the water appeared to be somewhat cloudy or "milky" in

color. The green algae and gray-colored algae-type substance appeared to have been "killed"

with the remains of such algae appearing as a white skeletal debris which covered the bottom

ofthe pool with some of the debris floating on top. The pH ofthe pool was 6.8. A flocculent

was then added in an amount of about two fluid quarts to aid in the removal of the floating

debris. After approximately seventy-two hours from the addition of Composition B, the

bottom of the pool was vacuumed and the vacuumed debris was exhausted into an area next

to the pool. The pH of the pool was 6.8. Tap water was then added to the pool until the pH

of the pool water was 7.0.

The pool water remained uncovered, dormant, and was not circulated for two weeks.

After the two- week period, the dissolved oxygen (DO) was 106 parts per million (ppm), the

water appeared to very clear (the bottom surface of the deep end was visible), and the pump

used to circulate the pool water was started and set to circulate the pool water for two hours

each day. One week later (three weeks total time from the addition of Composition B), which

included a two-inch rain, the DO was 98 ppm. After one more week (four weeks total time

from the addition of Composition B), the DO was 44 ppm. The water was still clear, but several small areas of green algae growth on the surface areas of the pool underwater were

observed.

A 2.5 gallon "maintenance dose" of Composition B described herein was then added

to the pool by pouring from a plastic bucket at one end of the pool After adding, the DO was

100 ppm (which was the desired reading) and the pH was 7.4. The pool was then maintained

at a dosage rate of 2.5 gallons of Composition B added every two weeks.

EXAMPLE VII

This example demonstrates the effect of various increases in concentration of a

composition ofthe present invention.

Two test sites (1 and 2) were utilized to determine the toxicity of a composition of the

present invention. Test site 1 consisted of an outdoor water garden comprising a circular-

shaped fiberglass molded tank having a diameter of about 5 feet and which contained

approximately 500 gallons of water. The tank also contained soil, rock, several bricks, and 36

minnows. The water was foul-smelling and black in color. A substance which appeared to

be a black mold or algae covered the soil and rocks at the bottom ofthe tank.

An eight fluid ounce quantity of Composition B described herein was then

added to the tank by pouring Composition B directly from a plastic bottle into the water at

one end of the tank . The temperature of the water during addition was about 78°F. Upon

addition, the water immediately began to bubble. The bubbling began on one end of the tank

and proceeded to the other end of the tank within about 15 minutes. After 24 hours had

elapsed, the water appeared to be clear and the bricks and rock contained within the tank were

completely visible and were no longer covered with the black mold or algae. The minnows

appeared to be unaffected by the addition of Composition B. Skeletal debris appeared to

cover the bottom of the tank. A pH reading and dissolved oxygen reading were not obtained. Based on the observations, a recommended dosage rate of eight ounces of Composition B

applied every two to three weeks was developed.

Test site 2 consisted of a standard 29-gallon aquarium containing six gallons of

crashed coral gravel. To such aquarium was charged 29 gallons of reverse osmosis treated

water. The pH was 8.0. The growth medium used in the tank included a General Electric

brand Gro-Lite bulb (which had a UV spectrum similar to sunlight) and TETRA-MIN tropical

fish food. The water was allowed to cycle through the aquarium for about five days without

the addition of any chemicals, live fish, or plants. After five days, twenty-four small bait

shop minnows were added to the water and left alone for about two days (about 48 hours).

Then, Composition B was added in an amount of 100 parts Composition B by weight per

million parts water (i.e., 100 ppm). About thirty minutes after such addition, the dissolved

oxygen level was 106 ppm.

After twenty-four hours, the dissolved oxygen level was about 44 ppm and an

additional 200 ppm amount of Composition B was added. After thirty minutes, the dissolved

oxygen was about 210 ppm. The minnows were observed to be swimming near the bottom

of the tank. After an additional twenty-four hours, the dissolved oxygen was 86 ppm. An

additional 500 ppm amount of Composition B was then added. Thereafter, a reading for the

dissolved oxygen could not be obtained because the dissolved oxygen was so high that the

titration medium being used (sodium thiosulfate) kept turning black which prevented an

accurate dissolved oxygen reading from being obtained. Even after six hours had passed and

over 600 ppm of sodium thiosulfate had been used, a dissolved oxygen reading still could not

be obtained.

No additional chemicals were added to the tank for a period of four days. After ten

days had passed from the initial application of Composition B, the fish present in the tank

began to expire at a rate of about one fish per day over the next two weeks. The scales of about three ofthe fish appeared to be expanded away from the bodies of such fish. After four

weeks had passed since the initial application of Composition B to the tank, the water was

still very clear and free of algae growth. The dissolved oxygen was 44 ppm.

The results shown in the above examples clearly demonstrate that the present

invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages

mentioned as well as those inherent therein.

Reasonable variations, modifications, and adaptations can be made within the scope

ofthe disclosure and the appended claims without departing from the scope of this invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A process of producing a composition comprising contacting hydrogen

peroxide, glycolic acid, and water wherein said water is present in an amount of least about

50 weight percent based on the total weight of said hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and

water and at most about 99.9 weight percent based on the total weight of said hydrogen

peroxide, glycolic acid, and water.

2. The process according to claim 1 wherein the weight ratio of said hydrogen peroxide to said glycolic acid is at least about 1 : 1 and at most about 30:1.

3. The process according to claim 1 wherein the weight ratio of said hydrogen peroxide to said glycolic acid is at least about 2:1 and at most about 20:1.

4. The process according to claim 1 wherein the weight ratio of said hydrogen peroxide to said glycolic acid is at least about 2:1 and at most about 10:1.

5. The process according to claim 1 wherein said hydrogen peroxide is present as a hydrogen peroxide solution of said hydrogen peroxide and said water and wherein said

hydrogen peroxide solution comprises at least about 0.1 weight percent said hydrogen

peroxide and at most about 20 weight percent said hydrogen peroxide, and further wherein said glycolic acid is present as a glycolic acid solution of said glycolic acid and said water and

wherein said glycolic acid solution comprises at least about 1 weight percent said glycolic

acid and at most about 15 weight percent said glycolic acid.

6. The process according to claim 1 wherein said hydrogen peroxide is present as

a hydrogen peroxide solution of said hydrogen peroxide and said water and wherein said

hydrogen peroxide solution comprises at least about 0.5 weight percent said hydrogen peroxide and at most about 15 weight percent said hydrogen peroxide, and further wherein said glycolic acid is present as a glycolic acid solution of said glycolic acid and said water

wherein said glycolic acid solution comprises at least about 1 weight percent said glycolic

acid and at most about 10 weight percent said glycolic acid.

7. The process according to claim 1 further comprising contacting with isopropyl

alcohol.

8. The process according to claim 7 wherein said isopropyl alcohol has a purity

of at least about 99 percent.

9. The process according to claim 2 wherein said water is present in an amount of

least about 60 weight percent based on the total weight of said hydrogen peroxide, glycolic

acid, and water and at most about 97 weight percent based on the total weight of said

hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water.

10. The process according to claim 1 wherein said hydrogen peroxide is present as a hydrogen peroxide solution of said hydrogen peroxide and said water and wherein said

hydrogen peroxide solution comprises at least about 1 weight percent said hydrogen peroxide

and at most about 15 weight percent said hydrogen peroxide, and further wherein said

glycolic acid is present as a glycolic acid solution of said glycolic acid and said water and

wherein said glycolic acid solution comprises at least about 1 weight percent said glycolic

acid and at most about 5 weight percent said glycolic acid.

11. The process according to claim 1 wherein said water is present in an amount of

least about 70 weight percent based on the total weight of said hydrogen peroxide, glycolic

acid and water and at most about 95 weight percent based on the total weight of said

hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid and water.

12. The process according to claim 1 further comprising contacting with a

component selected from the group consisting of potassium monopersulfate, silver, acids,

esters, alcohols, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and combinations thereof.

13. The process according to claim 12 wherein said acids are selected from the

group consisting of acetic, sulfuric, formic, peroxyacetic, and combinations thereof.

14. The process according to claim 12 wherein said alpha hydroxy and beta

hydroxy acids are selected from the group consisting of citric, lactic, maleic, and

combinations thereof.

15. The process according to claim 1 wherein said composition has a pH of at least about 1.5 and at most about 4.5.

16. The process according to claim 1 wherein said composition has a specific gravity of at least about 1.0 and at most about 1.5.

17. A composition prepared by the process of contacting hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water wherein said water is present in an amount of least about 50 weight

percent based on the total weight of said hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water and at

most about 99.9 weight percent based on the total weight of said hydrogen peroxide, glycolic

acid, and water.

18. The composition according to claim 17 wherein the weight ratio of said

hydrogen peroxide to said glycolic acid is at least about 1 : 1 and at most about 30:1.

19. The composition according to claim 17 wherein the weight ratio of said hydrogen peroxide to said glycolic acid is at least about 2:1 and at most about 20: 1.

20. The composition according to claim 17 wherein the weight ratio of said hydrogen peroxide to said glycolic acid is at least about 2:1 and at most about 10:1.

21. The composition according to claim 17 wherein said hydrogen peroxide is present as a hydrogen peroxide solution of said hydrogen peroxide and said water and wherein said hydrogen peroxide solution comprises at least about 0.1 weight percent said hydrogen peroxide and at most about 20 weight percent said hydrogen peroxide, and further wherein said glycolic acid is present as a glycolic acid solution of said glycolic acid and said water and wherein said glycolic acid solution comprises at least about 1 weight percent said glycolic acid and at most about 15 weight percent said glycolic acid.

22. The composition according to claim 17 wherein said hydrogen peroxide is present as a hydrogen peroxide solution of said hydrogen peroxide and said water and wherein said hydrogen peroxide solution comprises at least about 0.5 weight percent said hydrogen peroxide and at most about 15 weight percent said hydrogen peroxide, and further wherein said glycolic acid is present as a glycolic acid solution of said glycolic acid and said water wherein said glycolic acid solution comprises at least about 1 weight percent said glycolic acid and at most about 10 weight percent said glycolic acid.

23. The composition according to claim 17 wherein the process further comprises contacting with isopropyl alcohol.

24. The composition according to claim 23 wherein said isopropyl alcohol has a purity of at least about 99 percent.

25. The composition according to claim 18 wherein said water is present in an amount of least about 60 weight percent based on the total weight of said hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water and at most about 97 weight percent based on the total weight of said

hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water.

26. The composition according to claim 17 wherein said hydrogen peroxide is

present as a hydrogen peroxide solution of said hydrogen peroxide and said water and

wherein said hydrogen peroxide solution comprises at least about 1 weight percent said

hydrogen peroxide and at most about 15 weight percent said hydrogen peroxide, and further

wherein said glycolic acid is present as a glycolic acid solution of said glycolic acid and said

water and wherein said glycolic acid solution comprises at least about 1 weight percent said

glycolic acid and at most about 5 weight percent said glycolic acid.

27. The composition according to claim 17 wherein said water is present in an

amount of least about 70 weight percent based on the total weight of said hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid and water and at most about 95 weight percent based on the total weight of said hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid and water.

28. The composition according to claim 17 wherein the process further comprises

contacting with a component selected from the group consisting of potassium

monopersulfate, silver, acids, esters, alcohols, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and

combinations thereof.

29. The composition according to claim 28 wherein said acids are selected from

the group consisting of acetic, sulfuric, formic, peroxyacetic, and combinations thereof.

30. The composition according to claim 28 wherein said alpha hydroxy and beta

hydroxy acids are selected from the group consisting of citric, lactic, maleic, and

combinations thereof.

31. The composition according to claim 17 wherein said composition has a pH of at least about 1.5 and at most about 4.5.

32. The composition according to claim 17 wherein said composition has a

specific gravity of at least about 1.0 and at most about 1.5.

33. A composition comprising a molecule consisting of two carbon atoms, four

hydrogen atoms, and four oxygen atoms.

34. A composition according to claim 33 wherein two of said four hydrogen atoms and two of said four oxygen atoms are present as hydroxyl groups.

35. A process of removing or dissolving a contaminant from an environment comprising:

selecting a composition of hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water, wherein said water is present in an amount of least about 50 weight percent based on the total weight of

said hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water and at most about 99.9 weight percent based on the total weight of said hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water to provide a

composition and

contacting said contaminant with a concentration of said composition, wherein said

concentration is effective in removing at some of said contaminant from said environment.

36. A process according to claim 35 wherein said contaminant is selected from the

group consisting of Group II elements, Group III elements, Group IV elements, Group V

elements, Group VI elements, Group VII elements, Group VIII elements, algae, fungi,

bacteria, surfactants, natural gums, synthetic gums, organic compounds, paper fibers, paper

filters, clays, sulfites, sulfates, oxides, adhesives, starches, and combinations thereof.

37. A process according to claim 35 wherein said environment is selected from the

group consisting of water-containing systems, paper producing systems, pulp producing

systems, printing systems, packaging systems, flexographic systems, food processing systems,

bleaching systems, metallurgy systems, acid washing systems, veterinary product systems,

pesticide systems, meat processing systems, poultry processing systems, dairy processing

systems, sanitizing systems, and combinations thereof.

38. A process according to claim 37 wherein said water-containing systems are

selected from the group consisting of swimming pools, water treating systems, drainage

systems, boiler systems, chiller systems, sewage treating systems, irrigation systems, agricultural systems, cooling tower systems, and combinations thereof.

39. A process according to claim 35 wherein said contaminant comprises algae

and said environment comprises a water-containing system.

40. A process according to claim 39 wherein said water-containing system comprises a swimming pool.

41. A process according to claim 35 wherein said contaminant comprises a Group

II element and said environment comprises a printing system.

42. A process according to claim 35 wherein said contaminant comprises a Group

II element and said environment comprises a packaging system.

43. A process according to claim 35 wherein said contaminant comprises a starch

and said environment comprises a packaging system.

44. A process of producing a composition comprising contacting hydrogen

peroxide, glycolic acid, and water wherein said water is present in an amount of least about

50 weight percent based on the total weight of said hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and

water.