EP2167625A1 - Compositions de nettoyage et procédés destinés à utiliser celles-ci - Google Patents

Compositions de nettoyage et procédés destinés à utiliser celles-ci

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Publication number
EP2167625A1
EP2167625A1 EP08770355A EP08770355A EP2167625A1 EP 2167625 A1 EP2167625 A1 EP 2167625A1 EP 08770355 A EP08770355 A EP 08770355A EP 08770355 A EP08770355 A EP 08770355A EP 2167625 A1 EP2167625 A1 EP 2167625A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cleaning
vessel
composition
substrates
glycol
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP08770355A
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German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Timothy L. Racette
James E. Schulte
Dylan M. Klopfenstein
Gene R. Damaso
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP2167625A1 publication Critical patent/EP2167625A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/43—Solvents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D1/00—Detergent compositions based essentially on surface-active compounds; Use of these compounds as a detergent
    • C11D1/02—Anionic compounds
    • C11D1/34—Derivatives of acids of phosphorus
    • C11D1/345—Phosphates or phosphites
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06L—DRY-CLEANING, WASHING OR BLEACHING FIBRES, FILAMENTS, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR MADE-UP FIBROUS GOODS; BLEACHING LEATHER OR FURS
    • D06L1/00—Dry-cleaning or washing fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods
    • D06L1/02—Dry-cleaning or washing fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods using organic solvents
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06L—DRY-CLEANING, WASHING OR BLEACHING FIBRES, FILAMENTS, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR MADE-UP FIBROUS GOODS; BLEACHING LEATHER OR FURS
    • D06L1/00—Dry-cleaning or washing fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods
    • D06L1/02—Dry-cleaning or washing fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods using organic solvents
    • D06L1/04—Dry-cleaning or washing fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods using organic solvents combined with specific additives
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D2111/00—Cleaning compositions characterised by the objects to be cleaned; Cleaning compositions characterised by non-standard cleaning or washing processes
    • C11D2111/10—Objects to be cleaned
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/20—Organic compounds containing oxygen
    • C11D3/2068—Ethers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to cleaning compositions, to methods of preparing such compositions, and to methods of using the cleaning compositions for cleaning of various substrates.
  • a variety of methods and systems are known for cleaning substrates that are sensitive to soluble and insoluble contaminants. These methods and systems typically use water, perchloroethylene, petroleum, and other solvents that are liquid at or substantially near atmospheric pressure and room temperature for cleaning the substrate.
  • the present invention provides cleaning compositions and methods for using the same to clean various substrates such as, inter alia, textiles, flexible substrates (e.g. plastics, polymers, rubbers, etc.), precision substrates (e.g. circuits, electronic components), delicate substrates and porous substrates.
  • substrates such as, inter alia, textiles, flexible substrates (e.g. plastics, polymers, rubbers, etc.), precision substrates (e.g. circuits, electronic components), delicate substrates and porous substrates.
  • the present invention provides a cleaning composition comprising an organic solvent and one or more cleaning additives.
  • cleaning composition and “cleaning fluid” are used herein to describe a cleaning material that is liquid under ambient conditions and that comprises organic solvent and at least one cleaning additive other than an organic solvent.
  • such cleaning compositions contain no pressurized or densified fluid solvent, for example liquid carbon dioxide.
  • the organic solvent is a glycol ether.
  • the present invention provides a cleaning composition comprising an organic solvent, water, and one or more of a surfactant, an antistatic agent, a neutralizing agent and an optical whitener.
  • the cleaning composition comprises a cationic surfactant and an anionic surfactant.
  • the surfactant is a phosphate ester.
  • the present invention provides a cleaning composition comprising a glycol ether and a phosphate ester.
  • a cleaning composition comprising a glycol ether, a phosphate ester and water is provided.
  • a cleaning composition comprising a glycol ether, a phosphate ester, a neutralizing agent and water is provided.
  • the present invention provides methods for preparing such cleaning compositions and for using the cleaning compositions to clean various substrates.
  • cleaning compositions of the invention are useful at removing both water soluble and water insoluble contaminants from a substrate.
  • Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a dual vessel cleaning system according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a single vessel cleaning system according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • cleaning compositions of the present invention comprise one or more organic solvents.
  • organic solvent herein refers to carbon-containing compounds with capability of dissolving solids, gases and/or liquids and that are liquid under ambient conditions.
  • a flash point of greater than about 100 0 F to allow for increased safety and less governmental regulation
  • (c) is able to remove soils consisting of insoluble particulate soils and water or solvent soluble contaminants such as oils and greases, and/or (d) prevents or reduces redeposition of contaminant onto the textiles being cleaned
  • the Hansen solubility parameters were developed to characterize solvents for the purpose of comparison.
  • Each of the three parameters i.e., dispersion, polar and hydrogen bonding
  • the three parameters are a measure of the overall strength and selectivity of a solvent.
  • the above Hansen solubility parameter ranges identify solvents that are suitable for a wide range of substances and also exhibit a degree of solubility in liquid carbon dioxide.
  • the Total Hansen solubility parameter which is the square root of the sum of the squares of the three parameters mentioned previously, provides a more general description of the solvency of the organic solvents.
  • propylene glycol n-butyl ether, tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether and tripropylene glycol methyl ether fall within all of the above parameters; however, any organic solvent or mixture of organic solvents that meet one or more of the above properties is suitable for use in the present invention.
  • the solvent meets 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more of the above parameters.
  • the organic solvent exhibits each of the foregoing characteristics (i.e., those identified as (1) through (5)).
  • the organic solvent has commercially acceptable environmental impact and toxicity (i.e. meeting or exceeding relevant EPA, FDA or other government regulations). Table 1 below shows the physical properties of a number of organic solvents suitable for use in compositions of the invention.
  • Solvents shown in Table 1 are soluble in carbon dioxide between 570 psig/5°C and 830 psig/20°C.
  • the flash point was measured using Tag Closed Cup for ethylene glycol ethyl ether and ethylene glycol ethyl ether acetate; using SETA Flash for diethylene glycol butyl ether, propylene glycol t-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, and dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether; and using Pensky Martens Closed Cup for tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether.
  • organic solvents suitable for use in the present invention include any of the following alone or in combination: cyclic terpenes, alkyl lactates (e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl lactate) halocarbons, glycol ethers, polyols, ethers, esters of glycol ethers, esters of monobasic carboxylic acids, fatty alcohols, short chain alcohols, siloxanes, hydrofluoroethers, aliphatic hydrocarbons, esters of dibasic carboxylic acids, ketones and aprotic solvents.
  • alkyl lactates e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl lactate
  • halocarbons e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl lactate
  • glycol ethers e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl lactate
  • halocarbons e.g.
  • Cyclic terpenes specifically, ⁇ -terpene isomers, pine oil, ⁇ -pinene isomers, and d- limonene. Additionally, any cyclic terpene exhibiting the following physical characteristics is suitable for use in the present invention; (1) soluble in carbon dioxide at a pressure of between 600 and about 1050 pounds per square inch and at a temperature of between 5 and about 30 degrees Celsius; (2) specific gravity of greater than about 0.800 (the higher the specific gravity the better the organic solvent); (3) Hansen solubility parameters of about 13.0
  • Halocarbons specifically, chlorinated, fluorinated and brominated hydrocarbons exhibiting the following physical characteristics; (1) soluble in carbon dioxide at a pressure of between 600 and about 1050 pounds per square inch and at a temperature of between 5 and about 30 degrees Celsius; (2) specific gravity of greater than about 1.100 (the higher the specific gravity the better the organic solvent); (3) Hansen solubility parameters of about 10.0
  • Glycol ethers specifically, mono-, di-, Methylene and mono-, di- and tripropylene glycol ethers exhibiting the following physical characteristics; (1) soluble in carbon dioxide at a pressure of between 600 and about 1050 pounds per square inch and at a temperature of between 5 and about 30 degrees Celsius; (2) specific gravity of greater than about 0.800 (the higher the specific gravity the better the organic solvent); (3) Hansen solubility parameters of about 13.0 - 19.5 (MPa) '72 for dispersion, about 3.0 - 7.5 (MPa) '72 for polar, and about 8.0 - 17.0 (MPa) 2 for hydrogen bonding.
  • Polyols specifically, glycols and other organic compounds containing two or more hydroxyl radicals and exhibiting the following physical characteristics; (1) soluble in carbon dioxide at a pressure of between 600 and about 1050 pounds per square inch and at a temperature of between 5 and about 30 degrees Celsius; (2) specific gravity of greater than about 0.920 (the higher the specific gravity the better the organic solvent); (3) Hansen solubility parameters of about 14.0 - 18.2 (MPa) '72 for dispersion, about 4.5 - 20.5 (MPa) '72 for polar, and about 15.0 - 30.0 (MPa) 2 for hydrogen bonding.
  • Ethers specifically, ethers containing no free hydroxyl radicals and exhibiting the following physical characteristics; (1) soluble in carbon dioxide at a pressure of between 600 and about 1050 pounds per square inch and at a temperature of between 5 and about 30 degrees Celsius; (2) specific gravity of greater than about 0.800 (the higher the specific gravity the better the organic solvent); (3) Hansen solubility parameters of about 14.5 - 20.0 (MPa) '72 for dispersion, about 1.5 - 6.5 (MPa) '72 for polar, and about 5.0 - 10.0 (MPa) '72 for hydrogen bonding.
  • Esters of glycol ethers specifically, esters of glycol ethers exhibiting the following physical characteristics; (1) soluble in carbon dioxide at a pressure of between 600 and about 1050 pounds per square inch and at a temperature of between 5 and about 30 degrees Celsius; (2) specific gravity of greater than about 0.800 (the higher the specific gravity the better the organic solvent); (3) Hansen solubility parameters of about 15.0 - 20.0 (MPa) 72 for dispersion, about 3.0 - 10.0 (MPa) '72 for polar, and about 8.0 - 16.0 (MPa) '72 for hydrogen bonding.
  • Esters of monobasic carboxylic acids exhibiting the following physical characteristics; (1) soluble in carbon dioxide at a pressure of between 600 and about 1050 pounds per square inch and at a temperature of between 5 and about 30 degrees Celsius; (2) specific gravity of greater than about 0.800 (the higher the specific gravity the better the organic solvent); (3) Hansen solubility parameters of about 13.0 - 17.0 (MPa) 72 for dispersion, about 2.0 - 7.5 (MPa) '72 for polar, and about 1.5 - 6.5 (MPa) '72 for hydrogen bonding.
  • Fatty alcohols specifically alcohols in which the carbon chain adjacent to the hydroxyl group contains five carbon atoms or more and exhibiting the following physical characteristics; (1) soluble in carbon dioxide at a pressure of between 600 and about 1050 pounds per square inch and at a temperature of between 5 and about 30 degrees Celsius; (2) specific gravity of greater than about 0.800 (the higher the specific gravity the better the organic solvent); (3) Hansen solubility parameters of about 13.3 - 18.4 (MPa) 72 for dispersion, about 3.1 - 18.8 (MPa) '72 for polar, and about 8.4 - 22.3 (MPa) '72 for hydrogen bonding.
  • Siloxanes exhibiting the following physical characteristics; (1) soluble in carbon dioxide at a pressure of between 600 and about 1050 pounds per square inch and at a temperature of between 5 and about 30 degrees Celsius; (2) specific gravity of greater than about 0.900 (the higher the specific gravity the better the organic solvent); (3) Hansen solubility parameters of about 14.0 - 18.0 (MPa) 2 for dispersion, about 0.0 - 4.5 (MPa) 2 for polar, and about 0.0 - 4.5 (MPa) ⁇ for hydrogen bonding.
  • Hydrofluoroethers exhibiting the following physical characteristics; (1) soluble in carbon dioxide at a pressure of between 600 and about 1050 pounds per square inch and at a temperature of between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius; (2) specific gravity of greater than about 1.50; (3) total Hansen solubility parameters of about 12.0 to 18.0 (MPa) ⁇ for dispersion, about 4.0 - 10.0 (MPa) ' ⁇ for polar, and about 1.5 - 9.0 (MPa) /2 for hydrogen bonding.
  • Aliphatic hydrocarbons exhibiting the following physical characteristics; (1) soluble in carbon dioxide at a pressure of between 600 and about 1050 pounds per square inch and at a temperature of between 5 and about 30 degrees Celsius; (2) specific gravity of greater than about 0.700 (the higher the specific gravity the better the organic solvent); (3) Hansen solubility parameters of about 14.0 - 17.0 (MPa) ⁇ for dispersion, about 0.0 - 2.0 (MPa) ⁇ for polar, and about 0.0 - 2.0 (MPa) ⁇ for hydrogen bonding.
  • Esters of dibasic carboxylic acids exhibiting the following physical characteristics; (1) soluble in carbon dioxide at a pressure of between 600 and about 1050 pounds per square inch and at a temperature of between 5 and about 30 degrees Celsius; (2) specific gravity of greater than about 0.900 (the higher the specific gravity the better the organic solvent); (3) Hansen solubility parameters of about 13.5 - 18.0 (MPa) ⁇ for dispersion, about 4.0 - 6.5 (MPa) ⁇ for polar, and about 4.0 - 11.0 (MPa) ⁇ for hydrogen bonding.
  • Ketones exhibiting the following physical characteristics; (1) soluble in carbon dioxide at a pressure of between 600 and about 1050 pounds per square inch and at a temperature of between 5 and about 30 degrees Celsius; (2) specific gravity of greater than about 0.800 (the higher the specific gravity the better the organic solvent); (3) Hansen solubility parameters of about 13.0 - 19.0 (MPa) 2 for dispersion, about 3.0 - 8.0 (MPa) 2 for polar, and about 3.0 - 11.0 (MPa) ⁇ for hydrogen bonding. [0037] Aprotic solvents.
  • solvents that do not belong to any of the aforementioned solvent groups contain no dissociable hydrogens, and exhibit the following physical characteristics; (1) soluble in carbon dioxide at a pressure of between 600 and about 1050 pounds per square inch and at a temperature of between 5 and about 30 degrees Celsius; (2) specific gravity of greater than about 0.900 (the higher the specific gravity the better the organic solvent); (3) Hansen solubility parameters of about 15.0 - 21.0 (MPa) 2 for dispersion, about 6.0 - 17.0 (MPa) ⁇ for polar, and about 4.0 - 13.0 (MPa) ⁇ for hydrogen bonding.
  • the organic solvent is selected from one or more of the above groups and exhibits 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more or all 5 of the characteristics identified as (1) through (5).
  • Table 2 shows the physical properties of a number of organic solvents that may be suitable for use in the present invention.
  • the solvents are soluble in carbon dioxide between 570 psig/5°C and 830 psig/20°C.
  • the organic solvent is composed at least in part of a chemical having the following general chemical formula:
  • each X is independently F, Cl, Br, or I.
  • Non-limiting examples of organic solvents described by General Chemical Formula A include pine oil, d-limonene, dipentene, myrcene, pinene, and alpha-terpineol.
  • the organic solvent is composed at least in part of a chemical having the following general chemical formula:
  • organic solvents described by General Chemical Formula B include n-propyl bromide, 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane, perfluorohexane, isoparaffms such as isodecane, isoundecane, isododecane, isotridecane, isotetradecane, isopentadecane, isohexadecane and isooctadecane, and n-paraffms such as n-decane, n-undecane, n-dodecane, n-tridecane, n-tetradecane, n-pentadecane, n-hexadecane and n-octadecane.
  • the organic solvent is composed at least in part of a
  • R 1 O, S, C, O — C, or C — O
  • R 11 C k H 8 X t or benzyl, phenyl, partially or fully fluorinated benzyl or phenyl;
  • R 1V C j H q X r or benzyl, phenyl, partially or fully fluorinated benzyl or phenyl;
  • Ri_ 4 and R 9 _i 2 are independently C m H n X p , where 0 ⁇ m ⁇ 2;
  • R5_8 and Ri3_i6 are independently C a HbXd, wherein a is 0 or 1 ;
  • organic solvents described by General Chemical Structure 1 include alpha-phenyl- ⁇ -hydroxy-tetra (oxy-l,2-ethanediyl) and tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether.
  • the organic solvent is composed at least in part of a chemical having the following general chemical structure:
  • R 1 O, S, C, O — C, or C — O .
  • R 11 C k H 8 X t or benzyl, phenyl, partially or fully fluorinated benzyl or phenyl;
  • R 1V C j H q X 1 or benzyl, phenyl, partially or fully fluorinated benzyl or phenyl; j or k may equal 0;
  • Ri_ 3 and R ? _ 9 are independently C m H n X p , wherein 0 ⁇ m ⁇ 2;
  • R4_6 and R 10-12 are independently C a HbXd, wherein a is 0 or 1 ;
  • organic solvents described by General Chemical Structure 2 include Methylene glycol mono-oleyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, diethylene glycol monohexyl ether, methoxy triglycol, ethoxy triglycol, butoxy triglycol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol t-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether
  • the organic solvent is composed at least in part of a chemical having the following general chemical formula:
  • organic solvents described by General Chemical Formula C include hexylene glycol, 1 ,4-butanediol, glycerine, lauryl alcohol, n-hexanol and 2-ethyl hexanol.
  • the organic solvent is composed at least in part of a chemical having the following general chemical formula:
  • organic solvents described by General Chemical Formula D include di-n-butyl ether, di-n-amyl ether, 1-methoxy nonafluorobutane, 1-ethoxy nonafluorobutane, 3-ethoxy-2-trifluoromethyl perfluorohexane, and anisole.
  • the organic solvent is composed at least in part of a chemical having the following general chemical structure:
  • R 1 O, S, C, O — C, or C — O .
  • R 11 C k H a X b or benzyl, phenyl, partially or fully fluorinated benzyl or phenyl;
  • R 111 C j H u X v or benzyl, phenyl, partially or fully fluorinated benzyl or phenyl;
  • Ri_4 and Rg -12 are independently C m H n X p , wherein 0 ⁇ m ⁇ 2;
  • R5_8 and R 13-16 are independently C q H s X t , wherein q is 0 or 1 ;
  • organic solvents described by General Chemical Structure 3 include tripropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol t-butyl ether, tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, and propylene glycol phenyl ether.
  • the organic solvent is composed at least in part of a chemical having the following general chemical structure:
  • R 1 O, S, C, O — C, or C — O .
  • R 11 C k H a X b or benzyl, phenyl, partially or fully fluorinated benzyl or phenyl;
  • R 1V ester, or carbonyl
  • R v C j H u X v or benzyl, phenyl, partially or fully fluorinated benzyl or phenyl;
  • Ri_4 and Rg -12 are independently C m H n X p , wherein 0 ⁇ m ⁇ 2;
  • R5_8 and R 13-16 are independently C q H s X t , wherein q is 0 or 1 ;
  • organic solvents described by General Chemical Structure 4 include ethylene glycol diacetate, and propylene glycol diacetate.
  • the organic solvent is composed at least in part of a chemical having the following general chemical structure:
  • Examples of organic solvents described by General Chemical Formula D include dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl succinate, 2-ethylhexyl acetate, n-hexyl acetate, n-amyl acetate, isobutyl isobutyrate, n-butyl propionate, n-amyl propionate, glycerol triacetate, and soy methyl esters.
  • a cleaning composition of the invention comprises on organic solvent of the following general chemical formula:
  • organic solvents described by General Chemical Formula E include propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, methyl ethyl carbonate, and diphenyl carbonate.
  • the organic solvent is composed at least in part of a chemical having the following general chemical structure:
  • R3 C m HfXg
  • organic solvents that are described by General Chemical Structure 5 include trimethyl phosphate, triethyl phosphate, tripropyl phosphate, and tributyl phosphate.
  • the organic solvent is composed at least in part of a chemical having the following general chemical formula:
  • Examples of organic solvents described by General Chemical Formula F are dimethylsulfoxide and sulfolane.
  • the organic solvent is composed at least in part of a chemical having the following general chemical formula: C n H y N a ObXz General Chemical Formula G wherein: l ⁇ n ⁇ lO;
  • Each X is independently F, Cl, Br, or I.
  • organic solvents that are described by General Chemical Formula G include dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide.
  • organic solvent is composed at least in part of a chemical having the following general chemical structure:
  • each R equals C a X y H z independently;
  • each X is independently F, Cl, Br, or I.
  • Examples of solvents described by General Chemical Structure 6 are dimethicones.
  • the organic solvent is composed at least in part of a chemical having the following general chemical structure:
  • Examples of solvents described by General Chemical Structure 7 are octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane.
  • the organic solvent comprises a glycol ether described by General Chemical Structure 8:
  • Subscript value "j” is an integer ranging from one and the value of the difference calculated by 13- 3(x+y+z). Because at least one of "x", “y” and “z” must always have the value of 1, "j” has a value ranging from 4 to 10.
  • Groups R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are each independently either H or CH 3 .
  • the identities of Ri, R 2 and R3 are selected independent of each other; therefore, Ri and R 2 can be H while R3 is CH 3 .
  • the types of glycol ether compounds that are encompassed by this chemical structure include, but are not limited to, mono and polyethylene and propylene glycol aliphatic ethers.
  • the subscripts "x”, “y” and “z” can each be either zero or one and each of their values is independent of the value of the other two subscripts. That is, the subscripts can have values different from each other. However, at least one of "x", “y” or “z” is one.
  • Group R" has the structure of benzyl, phenyl, their fluorinated and partially fluorinated analogues, C j H 2J+I , or C,H a F b .
  • Subscript value "j” is an integer ranging from one and the value of the difference calculated by 13-3(x+y+z).
  • Group R' can be any one of an O, S, carbonyl or ester groups.
  • R 1-12 have a general formula of C m H n F p or C d H e F g .
  • glycol ether compounds that are encompassed by this chemical structure include, but are not limited to, aromatic, aliphatic, and fluorinated and partially fluorinated, aliphatic and aromatic mono and poly glycol ethers and thioethers, and carbonyl and ester derivatives thereof.
  • Ri_ 3 may be described as "H or F.”
  • each of Ri, R 2 and R3 may be H or each of Ri, R 2 and R3 may be F.
  • Ri and R 2 may be H while R3 is F, and so forth with the various combinations of "H” and "F”. This is the same throughout all Tables in this specification.
  • Another group of suitable organic solvent include solvents that can be described as having the chemical structure of:
  • subscripts "x”, “y” and “z” each have a value of either zero or one, but at least one of "x", “y” and “z” has a value of one.
  • Group R" has a structure of C j H 2j+ i or C j H u F v and group R IV has a structure of CkH 2 k + i or CkH 1 F 8 .
  • the values of subscripts "j” and “k” are integers ranging from one and the value of 13-3(x+y+z). Therefore, subscripts "j” and “k” can have integer values ranging from one and a maximum value of 10 (if two of "x", "y” and “z” are zero).
  • j+k is an integer ranging from two and the value of 13-3(x+y+z).
  • groups Ri_3 and R 10-12 can be hydrogen (“H"), fluorine (“F"), methyl (“CH 3 "), ethyl (“CH 2 CH 3 “), or partially or fully fluorinated methyl or ethyl groups.
  • Each one of Ri_ 3 and R 10-12 are selected independently of each other so as to achieve various combinations of the above as contemplated by the invention.
  • Ri_ 3 have the formula of C m H n F p .
  • groups R 4 ⁇ can each be hydrogen, fluorine or methyl groups. As with the other groups, the is selected independent of the identity of the other groups.
  • the identity of group R in General Chemical Structure R is either O, S, a carbonyl group or an ester group.
  • Each of the solvent compounds characterized by General Chemical Structure R is suitable for use as an organic solvent in compositions of the invention.
  • the types of glycol ether compounds that are encompassed by this chemical structure include, but are not limited to, aliphatic and fluorinated and partially fluorinated aliphatic mono and poly glycol diethers and ether thioethers and carbonyl and ester derivatives thereof.
  • Ri_ 3 may be described as "H or CH 3 independently.”
  • each of Ri, R 2 and R 3 may be H or each of Ri, R 2 and R3 may be CH3.
  • Ri and R 2 may be H while R3 is CH3, and so forth with the various combinations of "H" and "CH3”.
  • the organic solvent is of the following structural formula:
  • Group R is either H or has one of the following structures:
  • R' is H, F or combinations of H and F and group R IV is either H or one of the following structures:
  • R v is H, F or combinations of H and F.
  • R' ' is H or F
  • R IV is not H or F.
  • Groups R' "and R v are either H or F groups or combinations of H and F. Therefore, within a given R' ' or R IV group, the R' ' ' groups and R v groups can be both hydrogens and fluorines; they are not limited to being only hydrogen or fluorine.
  • groups Ri_ 3 can be H, F, CH 3 , CH 2 F, CHF 2 or CF 3 . Each one OfR 4 -I 2 is independently either H or F.
  • organic solvent has the following structural formula:
  • each R" ' is O or N independently. Where R" ' is O, j is 1. Where R" ' is N, j is 2.
  • Each R IV is independently H, CH 3 or CH 2 CH 3 and k, n, r and s are integers between zero and two inclusive.
  • R is C y H 2y+ i and y is an integer between one and (23- (3k+3n+x)) inclusive or an integer between one and (23-(4r+4s+x) inclusive, and x is an integer between one and (23- (3k+3n+y)) inclusive or an integer between one and 23-(4r+4s+y) inclusive.
  • the organic solvent is of the following structural formula: R' R — O m - C x H 2x - N
  • n is an integer between two and 15 inclusive and z is an integer between zero and n inclusive.
  • Each R IV is independently H, CH 3 or CH 2 CH 3 .
  • R is C y H 2y+ i and y is an integer between one and (36-(3n+x)) inclusive, and x is an integer between one and (36-(3n+y)), inclusive, and 3n+x+y is less than or equal to 36, and m is zero or one.
  • cleaning composition of the invention comprise one or more cleaning additives, also referred to herein as "additives”.
  • a “cleaning additive” herein is any compound or ingredient that enhances the cleaning capability of the cleaning composition or imparts a desirable characteristic on the substrate being cleaned.
  • Non- limiting examples of cleaning additives useful in various embodiments of the present invention include water, detergents, cleaning aids (e.g. solvents, bleaches, enzymes, dispersants and suspending agents), sizing agents, fabric conditioners, water repellents, soil repellents, fragrances, deodorizers, optical whiteners, biocides, antistatics, defoamers, corrosion inhibitors, viscosity modifiers, hydrotropes, etc.
  • cleaning additives include water, detergents, cleaning aids (e.g. solvents, bleaches, enzymes, dispersants and suspending agents), sizing agents, fabric conditioners, water repellents, soil repellents, fragrances, deodorizers, optical whiteners, biocides, antistatics, defoamers, corrosion inhibitors, viscosity modifiers, hydrotropes, etc.
  • cleaning additives can optionally be present in cleaning compositions of the present invention, for example, in amounts of 0% to 99%, by weight, for example, about 0.001, about 0.01%, about 0.1%, about 1%, about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, about 100% or within any range of percentages formable thereby.
  • Detergents are substances that can (a) carry moisture to aid in the removal of water soluble soils, (b) aid in the removal of insoluble soils from the substrate, (c) suspend soil after it has been removed from the fabric and prevent/reduce redeposition; and/or (d) act as a stain removal aid. Based on their charge and how they carry water, there are three classifications of detergents: anionic detergents are negatively charged and carry water by means of solubilization/emulsification; non-anionic detergents carry no charge and carry water by solubilization/emulsification; cationic detergents are positively charged and carry water by means of solubilization/emulsification.
  • Non- limiting examples of detergents include surfactants (also called surface-active agents) from the following general classes: alcohols, alkanolamides, alkanolamines, alkylaryl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonic acids, salts of alkylaryl sulfonic acids, sulfonates & sulfates of alkylbenzenes, alpha olefins, amine acetates, amine oxides, amines, sulfonated amine and amides, betaines, betaine derivatives, block polymers and block copolymers, carboxylated alcohol or alkyphenol ethoxylates, carboxylic acids and fatty acids, salts of carboxylic acids and fatty acids, diphenyl sulfonate derivatives, ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylated amines and or amides, ethoxylated ethoxy
  • Suitable surfactant can be a cationic or anionic or non-anionic.
  • specific surfactants include: (1) akanolamides such as Mackamide® ISA, available from Mclntyre Group; Monamide® S available from Uniqema, Chemical; Ninol L- 9 available from Stepan Company; (2) alkylaryl sulfonates such as Witconate 1240 available from Akzo-Nobel; (3) amine oxides such as Ammonyx® MO available from Stepan Company; (4) amines such as Armeen® C available from Akzo Nobel; (5) betaines such as Mackam® BC-39 available from Mclntyre Group; (6) block copolymers such as T-Det® BP- 1 available from Harcros Chemicals; (7) alkyphenol ethoxylates such as Incrodet® TD7-C available from Croda, Inc., (8) ethoxylated fatty acids such as Lumulse® 40-L available
  • phosphate ester-containing compound herein refers to a compound containing the following phosphate ester functional group:
  • any of the R groups can be a hydrogen or any organic radical.
  • one or more detergents are optionally present in a composition of the invention in an amount of about 0.001% to about 90%, about 0.1% to about 40% or about 1% to about 20%, by weight or volume, or within any range formable by numbers within the foregoing ranges.
  • one or more detergents are optionally present in a composition of the invention in an amount of about 0.01, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24% or 25%, by weight or volume.
  • compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more neutralizing agents.
  • Neutralizing agents are agents that neutralize acidic or basic compounds in a cleaning composition.
  • Neutralizing agents useful in the present invention include agents possessing activity as a weak or strong base or acid.
  • neutralizing agents useful in accordance with the present invention comprise an amine compound.
  • Amine compounds can include but are not limited to primary, secondary and tertiary amines with a carbon chain length from 2 to 22 (C 2-22 ).
  • the carbon chain attached to the nitrogen can be straight chain or branched and can optionally contain an alcohol, amide, ester or ketone group.
  • Compounds containing more than one nitrogen are possible as are compounds containing more than one carbon chain.
  • the amine can also be ethoxylated or propoxylated.
  • Specific examples of amine compounds include but are not limited to: ammonia, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, isopropanolamine, Armeen® C, Armeen® 2C, Armeen® 316, Duomeen® T, Ethomeen® 0/12, Propomeen® T/12 (all available from Akzo-Nobel Chemical).
  • the neutralizing agent comprises a salt of a Group Ia, Ha, and/or transition metal as defined in the periodic table of elements.
  • salts of Group Ia metals include: sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium hydroxide, sodium citrate, sodium hydroxide, sodium phosphate, sodium polyphosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, sodium sesquicarbonate, sodium acetate, sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, tripotassium phosphate, and trisodium phosphate.
  • Non-limiting examples of salts of Group Ha metals include magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, calcium hydroxide, calcium bicarbonate, calcium citrate, calcium borate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium, metasilicate aluminate, and magnesium oxide.
  • Non-limiting examples of a suitable salt of a transition metal includes zinc hydroxide.
  • one or more neutralizing agents are optionally present in a composition of the invention in an amount of about 0.001% to about 20%, about 0.005% to about 10%, about 0.01% to about 5%, about 0.1% to about 2.5%, or in any amount within any of the foregoing ranges.
  • the neutralizing agent is present in an amount of about 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.1%, about 0.25%, about 0.5%, about 0.75%, about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11% or within any range formable thereby.
  • a neutralizing agent can be admixed directly with other components of the cleaning composition.
  • one or more neutralizing agents can be prepared as a solution (e.g. an aqueous solution), for example a potassium hydroxide solution (e.g. about 1% to about 90% in water).
  • a neutralizing agent solution can then be admixed with other components of the cleaning composition so as to comprise about 0.0001% to about 99%, about 0.001% to about 40%, or about 0.01% to about 30%, by weight or volume, of the final cleaning composition.
  • the total volume of neutralizing agent solution added will depend on the concentration of the neutralizing agent in solution.
  • Such neutralizing agent or neutralizing agent solution typically will be added in an amount sufficient to neutralize other acidic or basic compounds in a cleaning composition to form cationic and anionic surface active substances (surfactants), respectively.
  • compositions of the invention can optionally comprise one or more cleaning aids.
  • Cleaning aids include solvents that increase the ability of the organic solvent to remove oily types of soil from a substrate.
  • Non-limiting examples of general classes of cleaning aids include hydrocarbons (e.g. olefins, cycloparaffms, aromatics and terpenes), halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g. chlorinated, fluorinated, brominated, iodinated and combinations thereof), nitroparaffins, organic sulfur compounds, monohydric alcohols and their derivatives (e.g. methanol, ethyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, etc.), polyhydric alcohols and their derivatives (e.g.
  • aldehydes e.g. furfural
  • ethers e.g. dimethyl ether and isopropyl ether
  • glycol ethers e.g. dimethyl ether and isopropyl ether
  • ketones e.g. methyl isobutyl ketone and acetone
  • amines e.g. 2-pyrrolidone and
  • Non-limiting examples of specific cleaning aids include: Per Sec® available from R.R. Street & Co. Inc., DF-2000® available from R.R. Street & Co. Inc., isopropyl alcohol available from Brenntag Chemical, Armeen® 12 available from Akzo-Nobel Chemical, and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether available from Dow Chemical.
  • compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more bleaches.
  • Bleaches can be classified as either oxidizing or reducing.
  • Non- limiting examples of oxidizing bleaches include sodium percarbonate, sodium perborate and sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide.
  • Non- limiting examples of reducing bleaches include sodium bisulfite, sodium hydrosulfite, titanium sulfate and oxalic acid.
  • one or more optional bleaches can be present in a composition of the invention in an amount of about 0.01% to about 60%, about 0.1% to about 40%, or about 1% to about 30%, by weight or in any specific amount within the foregoing ranges.
  • compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more enzymes.
  • Enzymes are substances that assist in removal of selected soils from a substrate.
  • Non-limiting examples of enzymes include protease, lipase, amylase, cellulase, and pectinase.
  • Non- limiting examples of suitable enzymes include: Alcalase® 3.0T, Celluzym® 0.7T and Termamyl® 120L, all available for Novo Nordisk.
  • one or more optional enzymes are typically present in a composition of the invention in an amount of about 0.001% to about 25%, about 0.01% to about 20%, or 1% to about 15%, by weight or by volume, or any specific amount within the foregoing ranges.
  • compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more dispersants.
  • Dispersants are materials that increase the stability of removed soil particles (e.g. removed from the substrate being cleaned) in a cleaning fluid and helps keep them dispersed.
  • Non- limiting examples of classes of dispersants include polyacrylate copolymers, dioctyl esters of sodium sulfosuccinic acid, organically modified clay, and phosphate esters.
  • Non-limiting examples of dispersants include Good-rite® K-723 available from Noven Inc., Alcosperse® 157 available from Alco Chemical, and Maphos® 6OA available from BASF Specialty Chemicals.
  • compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more suspending agents.
  • Suspending agents are compounds that assist in suspending soils within a cleaning media.
  • suitable classes of suspending agents include acrylic polymers, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, organically modified clay, xanthan gum, etc.
  • suitable suspending agents include Acusol® 803 available from Rohm & Haas Company, Carbopol® 941NF available from Novon Inc., Kelfo® available from CP Kelco Chemical, and Natrosol® HHR available from Hercules Chemical.
  • compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more sizing agents.
  • Sizing agents are materials that function to impart stiffness on a substrate such as a textile.
  • sizing agents can include acrylamides, acrylates, alchols, aliphatics, aliphatic esters, aromatics, aromatic esters, cellulosic materials, ethers, polyesters, etc.
  • Non-limiting examples of sizing agents include butylmethacrylate/methacrylate, methymethacrylate, acrylate/hydroxylesteracrylate, vinylacetate, vinylacetate/butyl maleate/isobornyl acrylate, vinylacetate/crotonate copolymer, terpene, C5, vinylacetate/ethylene, methylstryrene/vinyltoluene, methylstyrene, isophthalic acid/trimellitic anhydride, stryrene/maleic anhydride, hydroxypropyl cellulose, cationic cellulose, ethoxylated cellulose, hydroxypropyl guar, ethylene oxide, isobutylenethylmaleimide/hydroxymaleimide, methacrylic acid/sodium acrylamidomethyl, propane sulfonate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl caprolactam, quaternized vinylpyrrolidone, straight and branched hydrocarbon
  • Non-limiting examples of specific sizing agents include Amphomer® LV-71 National Starch & Chemical Co., Aquaflex® FX-64 from International Specialty Products, Luviskol® VA-W from BASF Corporation, Kristalex 3100 hydrocarbon resin from Eastman, and Unicare Polymer® LK from Amerchol Corporation.
  • the sizing agent comprises a styrene-based polymer resin.
  • the styrene-based polymer resin is soluble in glycol ether.
  • One or more sizing agents are typically present in a composition of the invention in an amount of about 0.01% to about 20%, about 0.1% to about 10%, or about 3% to about 8%, by weight or by volume, for example about 0.1%, about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15%, by weight or by volume, or within any range formable thereby.
  • Compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more fabric conditioning agents.
  • Fabric conditioning agents are materials that impart a soft feel on a substrate.
  • Non- limiting examples of types of fabric conditioning agents include quaternary ammonium salts, ethoxylated quaternary ammonium salts, amine oxides, amides, tertiary amines, tertiary amine salts, clay, silicone, and silicone polymers.
  • Non-limiting examples of specific conditioning agents include Adogen® 432 available from Degussa Chemical, Arquad® 2HT- 75 available from Akzo-Nobel Chemical, Rewoquat® SQ24 available from Degussa Chemical, Magnisoft (amino silicone polymer available from GE Silicones), and Varisoft® 222 available from Degussa Chemical and mixtures thereof.
  • compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more water repellants.
  • Water repellents are substances that assist in repelling water from a substrate.
  • suitable classes of water repellents include fluorocarbon polymers, silicone polymers, quaternary ammonium salts, waxes, stearates, etc.
  • the water repellent is selected from aluminum stearate, calcium stearate, parafiin wax, polyethylene wax, Arquad® 2HT-75 from Akzo-Nobel Chemical, Ganex® V-220 from International Specialty Products, Mirasil® Wax-B from Rhodia Home Personal Care & Industrial Ingredients, Witco® Calcium Stearate F from Crompton Corp., Zony® 8740 from Du Pont Corporation, and mixtures thereof.
  • One or more water repellents are present in a composition of the invention in an amount of about 0.001% to about 20%, about 0.01% to about 10%, or about 0.1% to about 8%, by weight or by volume, or any specific amount within the foregoing ranges, for example about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15%, by weight or by volume.
  • compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more soil repellants.
  • Soil repellents are materials that assist in repelling soil from a substrate.
  • suitable soil repellents include fluorocarbon polymers, silicone polymers, quaternary ammonium salts, polyethylene wax, aluminum stearate and calcium stearate.
  • One or more soil repellents can be present in a composition of the invention in an amount of about 0.001% to about 20%, about 0.01% to about 10%, or about 0.1% to about 8%, by weight or by volume, or any specific amount within such ranges, for example about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15%, by weight or by volume, or within any range formable thereby.
  • Compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more fragrances.
  • Fragrances are substances that impart a desirable odor to a substrate. Fragrances can comprise esters or ketones, among other chemical structures. Illustrative fragrances are available from the following companies: Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Northbrook, IL, Givavdan S. A., Geneva, Switzerland, and International Flavors and Fragrances, New York, NY.
  • One or more fragrances are typically present in a composition of the invention in an amount of about 0.001% to about 20%, about 0.01% to about 10%, or about 0.1% to about 8%, by weight or by volume, or any specific amount within such ranges, for example about 1% about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15%, by weight or by volume.
  • Compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more deodorizers.
  • Deodorizers are substances that assist in neutralizing or masking malodors.
  • Non-limiting examples of deodorizers include zinc ricinoleate, cyclodextrins, as well as fragrances, or odor masks.
  • One illustrative deodorizer includes TEGO® Sorb Ready 24 available from Degussa/Goldschmidt Chemcial.
  • One or more deodorizers are typically present in a composition of the invention in an amount of about 0.001% to about 20%, about 0.01% to about 10%, or about 0.1% to about 8%, by weight or by volume, or any specific amount within such ranges, for example about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15%, by weight or by volume, or within any range formable thereby.
  • compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more optical whitening agents (also referred to as fluorescent whitening agents, optical bleaches or optical dyes).
  • optical whitening agents are substances that improve the whiteness of a substrate.
  • Non- limiting examples of whitening agents include substances such as 4,4'-distyrylbiphenyl sodium sulfonate (Tinopal® CBSX from Ciba Specialty Chemicals) or coumarin derivatives such as Burcofluor® OBSlOO from Burlington Chemical.
  • One or more fluorescent whitening agents are typically present in a composition of the invention in an amount of about 0.001% to about 20%, about 0.01% to about 10%, or about 0.1% to about 8%, by weight or by volume, or any specific amount within such ranges, for example about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15%, by weight or by volume or within any range formable thereby.
  • compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more biocides.
  • Biocides are agents that reduce or eliminate biological activity in the solvent in which a substrate is being cleaned. Biocides can also eliminate biological activity on the substrate itself.
  • Non- limiting examples of biocides include quaternary ammonium salts, hydantoins, carbonates, alcohols and sodium hypochlorite.
  • One illustrative commercial biocide includes Dantogard® Plus, which is manufactured by Lonza of Fairlawn, N.J. Dantogard® Plus is a mixture of hydantoin derivative compounds in the form of a white crystalline powder.
  • One or more biocides are typically present in a composition of the invention in an amount of about 0.001% to about 20%, about 0.01% to about 10%, or about 0.1% to about 8%, by weight, or any specific amount within such ranges, for example about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15%, by weight, or within any range formable thereby.
  • compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more antistatic agents.
  • Antistatic agents are substances that reduce or eliminate static electricity on the substrate being cleaned.
  • antistatic agents can include quaternary ammonium salts, ethoxylated quaternary ammonium salts, amine oxides, amides, tertiary amines, tertiary amine salts and clay or clay derivatives.
  • suitable antistatic agents include Armostat® 550 available from Akzo-Nobel Chemical, Atmer® 163 available from Uniqema Chemical, Incroquat® CTC-30 available from Croda Chemical, and Laponite® RDS available from Southern Clay Products.
  • One or more antistatic agents are typically present in a composition of the invention in an amount of about 0.01% to about 20%, about 0.1% to about 10%, or about 1% to about 8%, by weight or by volume, or any specific amount within such ranges, for example about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15%, by weight, or within any range formable thereby.
  • compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more defoamers.
  • Defoamers are agents that reduce or eliminate foam in a solvent.
  • defoamers can comprise alcohols, silicone, fluorosilicones and their derivatives.
  • suitable defoamers include AF-70 available from GE Silicones, Dow Corning 1510, and Fluowet® PL-80 available from Clariant Corporation.
  • compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more corrosion inhibitors.
  • Corrosion inhibitors prevent corrosion on metal surfaces.
  • Non- limiting examples of corrosion inhibitors include sodium hypophosphite monohydrate, borate compounds, alkanolamides, bisulfite, phosphate ester, and amines.
  • marketed corrosion inhibitors include Alkaterge® E available from Angus Chemical, Aqualox® 232H available from Lubrizol Company, Colalube® 3419EPL available from Colonial Chemical, and DePhos® 8028FA available from DeForest Enterprises.
  • One or more corrosion inhibitors are typically present in a composition of the invention in an amount of about 0.01% to about 20%, about 0.1% to about 10%, or about 1% to about 8%, by weight or volume, or any specific amount within such ranges, for example about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15%, by weight, or within any range formable thereby.
  • compositions of the invention optionally comprise one or more viscosity modifiers.
  • Viscosity modifiers are agents that can increase the viscosity of the cleaning media.
  • Non-limiting examples of viscosity modifiers include alkanolamides, polyacrylic polymers, organically modified clay, ethoxylated cellulose, xanthan gum, and hydroxypropylcellulose.
  • suitable viscosity modifiers include Acusol® 830, Alkamide® DC, Bentone® 34, Carbopol® 676, and Keltrol® HP.
  • One or more viscosity modifiers are typically present in a composition of the invention in an amount of about 0.001% to about 20%, about 0.01% to about 10%, or about 0.1% to about 8%, by weight, or any specific amount within such ranges, for example about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15%, by weight or volume, or within any range formable thereby.
  • organic solvents and additives can have multiple roles as is known in the art.
  • organic solvents can also serve as additives (e.g. cleaning aids).
  • the classification of organic solvents and additives above is not to be construed as limiting in any manner.
  • Additives and organic solvents categorized in a particular manner may also operate under various different categories of additives or organic solvents as will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.
  • a cleaning composition of the invention comprises at least one organic solvent, at least one surfactant, and at least one further additive selected from an antistatic agent, a neutralizing agent, a sizing agent, an optical whitener and/or water.
  • the at least one organic solvent is present in an amount of about 20% to about 99.9%, by weight or volume
  • the at least one surfactant is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 20%, by weight or volume.
  • water is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20%, by weight or volume.
  • a cleaning composition of the invention comprises at least one organic solvent in an amount of about 15% to about 99.9% by weight or volume, at least one surfactant in an amount of about 0.01% to about 60% by weight or volume, at least one antistatic agent in an amount of about 0.01% to about 10% by weight or volume, at least one neutralizing agent, (for example a solution of about 5% to about 50% neutralizing agent in water) in an amount of about 0.01% to about 20%, by weight or volume, at least one sizing agent in an amount of about 0.01% to about 10%, by weight or volume, at least one optical whitener in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5%, by weight or volume, and water in an amount of about 0.01% to about 20%, by weight or volume.
  • Preparation of Cleaning Composition Preparation of Cleaning Composition
  • Cleaning compositions of the invention can be prepared in any suitable manner.
  • a cleaning composition is prepared by (1) providing, in an organic solvent vessel, one or more organic solvents; and (2) providing, in a second vessel, an additive composition (also referred to herein as a Base Detergent Formulation).
  • an additive composition also referred to herein as a Base Detergent Formulation.
  • the Base Detergent Formulation can be combined with the organic solvent to form a cleaning composition of the invention.
  • all components of the cleaning fluid can be prepared via step-wise or substantially simultaneous admixture of organic solvent and additive(s) in a single or multiple vessels.
  • a process for making a cleaning composition comprising the steps of: admixing, in any order, a first organic solvent such as a glycol ether, a surfactant such as a phosphate ester-containing compound and a neutralzing agent to form a base detergent formulation; and combining, in any order, the base detergent formulation with a second organic solvent (e.g. a glycol ether) that is the same or different from the first organic solvent, and optionally with one or more additives as described herein such as an antistatic agent, a sizing agent, a bleach or an optical whitener.
  • Water can be added at any point during the admixing and/or combining steps.
  • the cleaning composition is prepared by adding the base detergent formulation to a vessel (e.g. organic solvent tank) already containing the organic solvent
  • the base detergent formulation will typically be added in an amount of about 0.005% to about 10%, about 0.05% to about 5%, or about 0.1% to about 3%, by final volume of the cleaning composition.
  • base detergent formulation is added directly to a cleaning vessel, wheel or drum where it is combined with organic solvent (that is already present therein or that is subsequently added thereto).
  • Cleaning compositions of the invention are useful for cleaning a wide variety of substrates.
  • suitable substrates that can be cleaned with compositions of the invention include textiles such as garments (made of cotton, polyester, silk or blends thereof), fabric, draperies, etc), flexible substrates (e.g. plastics, polymers, rubber etc), precision substrates (e.g. circuitry, microprocessors, electronics, etc.), metal substrates, delicate substrates, as well as other porous and nonporous and substrates.
  • Cleaning compositions of the invention can be used to clean a variety of substrates in any suitable cleaning system.
  • cleaning compositions of the invention are used in conventional textile cleaning systems such as washing machines.
  • compositions of the invention are used in a cleaning system as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG 2 and as described in further detail below.
  • the cleaning system 100 generally comprises a cleaning machine 102 having a cleaning vessel 110 operatively connected to, for example via one or more motor activated shafts (not shown), a rotatable cleaning drum or wheel (that can be perforated or otherwise composed to allow for exchange of cleaning fluid in and out of the drum or wheel) 112 within the cleaning vessel 110 with an inlet 114 to the cleaning vessel 110 and an outlet 116 from the cleaning vessel 110 through which cleaning fluids can pass.
  • a drying machine 104 has a drying vessel 120 capable of being pressurized.
  • the pressurizable drying vessel 120 is operatively connected to, for example via one or more motor activated shafts (not shown), a perforated rotatable drying drum or wheel 122 within the drying vessel 120 with an inlet 124 to the drying vessel 120 and an outlet 126 from the drying vessel 120 through which pressurized fluid solvent can pass.
  • the cleaning vessel 110 and the drying vessel 120 can either be parts of the same machine, or they can comprise separate machines. Furthermore, both the cleaning and drying steps of this invention can be performed in the same vessel, as is described with respect to FIG. 2 below.
  • a cleaning fluid tank 130 holds any suitable cleaning fluid (or organic solvent without additives present), as previously described, to be introduced to the cleaning vessel 110 through the inlet 114.
  • a pressurized fluid solvent tank 132 holds pressurized fluid solvent to be added to the pressurizable drying vessel 120 through the inlet 124.
  • Filtration assembly 140 contains one or more filters that can continuously remove contaminants from the cleaning fluid 110 as cleaning occurs.
  • the components of the cleaning system 100 are connected with lines 150-156, which transfer organic solvents/cleaning fluids and vaporized and pressurized fluid solvents between components of the system.
  • the term "line” as used herein is understood to refer to a piping network or similar conduit capable of conveying fluid and, for certain purposes, is capable of being pressurized.
  • the transfer of the cleaning fluid/organic solvents and vaporized and pressurized fluid solvents through the lines 150-156 is directed by valves 170- 176 and pumps 190-193. While pumps 190-193 are shown in the described embodiment, any method of transferring liquid and/or vapor between components can be used, such as adding pressure to the component using a compressor to force the liquid and/or vapor from the component.
  • the substrates are cleaned with cleaning fluid such as those previously described, or mixtures thereof.
  • the cleaning fluid contains no amount of pressurized fluid solvent.
  • the substrates may also be cleaned with a combination of organic solvent and pressurized fluid solvent, and this combination may be in varying proportions from about 50% by weight to 100% by weight of organic solvent and 0% by weight to 50% by weight of pressurized fluid solvent.
  • the substrates can be sorted as necessary to place the substrates into groups suitable to be cleaned together.
  • the substrates may then optionally be spot treated as necessary to remove any stains that may not be removed during the cleaning process.
  • the substrates are then placed into the cleaning drum 112 of the cleaning system 100.
  • Cleaning drum 112 can be perforated or otherwise adapted (pierced, punctured, etc.) to allow for free interchange of cleaning fluid between the cleaning drum 112 and the cleaning vessel 110 as well as to transport soil from the substrates to the filtration assembly 140.
  • the drum 112 is a horizontally mounted perforated basket also referred to as a wheel.
  • organic solvent is contained in tank 130 and is added to the cleaning vessel 110 where it is combined with additive composition that is added directly to the cleaning vessel 110 or drum 112.
  • pressurized fluid solvent may also be added to the cleaning vessel 110 along with the organic solvent or cleaning fluid to enhance cleaning.
  • Pressurized fluid solvent can be added to the cleaning vessel 110 via line 154 by opening valve 174, closing valves 170, 171, 172, 173, and 175, and activating pump 192 to pump pressurized fluid solvent through the inlet 114 of the cleaning vessel 110.
  • the cleaning vessel 110 will need to be pressurized in the same manner as the drying vessel 120, as discussed below.
  • the cleaning fluid or organic solvent will be added to the drum 112 in an amount of about 1% to 90% by volume.
  • the motor (not shown) is activated and the perforated cleaning drum 112 is agitated and/or rotated within cleaning vessel 110.
  • rotation or agitation will take place for a period of about 1 to about 100 minutes, about 1 to about 60, about 1 to about 45, about 1 to about 30 minutes, about 1 to about 20 minutes or about 1 to about 10 minutes.
  • Filtration assembly 140 may include one or more fine mesh filters to remove particulate contaminants from the organic solvent passing there through and may alternatively or additionally include one or more absorptive or adsorptive filters to remove water, dyes and other dissolved contaminants from the organic solvent. Exemplary configurations for filter assemblies that can be used to remove contaminants from either the cleaning fluid or the pressurized fluid solvent are described more fully in U.S. Application Serial No. 08/994,583 incorporated herein by reference.
  • the cleaning fluid is pumped through outlet 116, valve 172, line 151, filter assembly 140, line 150, valve 170 and re-enters the cleaning vessel 110 via inlet 114.
  • This cycling advantageously removes contaminants, including particulate contaminants and/or soluble contaminants, from the cleaning fluid and reintroduces filtered cleaning fluid to the cleaning vessel 110. Through this process, contaminants are removed from the textiles.
  • this recirculation system will be maintained at the same pressure/temperature levels as those in cleaning vessel 110.
  • a predetermined portion of cleaning fluid (e.g. about 1 to about 100 about 2 to about 50, or about 5 to about 30 gallons per pound of substrates being cleaned) can be pumped from cleaning fluid tank 130 to a still (not shown) for distillation, and then reintroduced into the cleaning fluid tank 130, for example via one or more lines and pumps (not shown).
  • the removed cleaning fluid can be replaced during the cleaning process by new cleaning fluid, by organic solvent without additives (the additives then optionally being added to the cleaning drum), or by the same cleaning fluid/organic solvent that was distilled.
  • the cleaning fluid that was removed is replaced by substantially the same amount, by volume, of cleaning fluid or organic solvent.
  • the removed portion of cleaning fluid is replaced by a larger or smaller volume of cleaning fluid or organic solvent, e.g. 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 125%, by volume, of the removed portion).
  • the cleaning drum 112 can then be rotated at a high speed, such as about 75 to about 1000, about 150 to about 900, or about 400 to about 800 rpm, to further remove cleaning fluid from the substrates.
  • the cleaning drum 112 is preferably perforated or pierced so that, when the substrates are rotated in the cleaning drum 112, the cleaning fluid can drain from the cleaning drum 112. Any cleaning fluid removed from the substrates by rotating the cleaning drum 112 is also removed from the cleaning drum 112 in the manner described above. After the cleaning fluid is removed from the cleaning drum 112, it can either be discarded or recovered and decontaminated for reuse using solvent recovery systems known in the art.
  • multiple cleaning cycles can be used if desired, with each cleaning cycle using the same cleaning fluid or different cleaning fluid. If multiple cleaning cycles are used, each cleaning cycle can occur in the same cleaning vessel, or a separate cleaning vessel can be used for each cleaning cycle.
  • the substrates are moved from the cleaning drum 112 to the drying drum 122 within the drying vessel 120 in the same manner substrates are moved between machines in conventional cleaning systems.
  • a single drum can be used in both the cleaning cycle and the drying cycle, so that, rather than transferring the substrates between the cleaning drum 112 and the drying drum 122, a single drum containing the substrates is transferred between the cleaning vessel 110 and the drying vessel 120. If the cleaning vessel 110 is pressurized during the cleaning cycle, it must be depressurized before the substrates are removed.
  • pressurized fluid solvent such as that contained in the pressurized fluid solvent tank 132
  • pressurized fluid solvent is added to the drying vessel 120 via lines 154 and 155 by opening valve 175, closing valves 174 and 176, and activating pump 192 to +pump pressurized fluid solvent through the inlet 124 of the drying vessel 120 via lines 154 and 155.
  • pressurized fluid solvent is added to the drying vessel 120, at least a portion (e.g. substantially all, at least 50%, at least 75%, etc.) of the cleaning fluid remaining on the substrates is dissolved in the pressurized fluid solvent.
  • the pressurized fluid solvent and cleaning fluid combination is removed from the drying vessel 120, and therefore also from the drying drum 122, by opening valve 176, closing valve 175 and activating pump 193 to pump the pressurized fluid solvent and cleaning fluid combination through outlet 126 via line 156. If desired, this process may be repeated to remove additional cleaning fluid.
  • the drying drum 122 is then rotated at a high speed, such as about 75 to about 1000, about 150 to about 900, or about 400 to about 800 rpm, to further remove the pressurized fluid solvent and cleaning fluid combination from the substrates.
  • the drying drum 122 is preferably perforated or pierced so that, when the textiles are rotated in the drying drum 122 at a high speed, the pressurized fluid solvent and cleaning fluid combination can drain from the drying drum 122. Any pressurized fluid solvent and cleaning fluid combination removed from the substrates by spinning the drying drum 122 at high speed is also pumped from the drying vessel 120 in the manner described above. After the pressurized fluid solvent and cleaning fluid combination is removed from the drying vessel 120, it can either be discarded or separated and recovered for reuse with solvent recovery systems known in the art. Note that it is not necessary to include a high speed spin cycle to remove pressurized fluid solvent from the substrates.
  • the drying vessel 120 is depressurized over a period of about 1 to about 30 minutes or about 5 to about 15 minutes.
  • the depressurization of the drying vessel 120 vaporizes any remaining pressurized fluid solvent, leaving dry, substantially solvent-free textiles in the drying drum 122.
  • the pressurized fluid solvent that has been vaporized is then removed from the drying vessel 120 by opening valve 176, closing valve 175, and activating pump 193.
  • the vaporized pressurized fluid solvent is pumped through the outlet 126, line 156 and valve 176, where it can then either be vented to the atmosphere or recovered and recompressed for reuse.
  • the cleaning system 100 has been described as a complete system, an existing conventional dry cleaning system may be converted for use in accordance with the present invention.
  • the cleaning fluid described above is used to clean substrates in the conventional system.
  • a separate pressurized vessel is added to the conventional system for drying the substrates with pressurized fluid solvent.
  • the conventional system is converted for use with a pressurized fluid solvent.
  • the system in FIG. 1 could represent such a converted system, wherein the components of the cleaning machine 102 are conventional, and the pressurized fluid solvent tank 132 is not in communication with the cleaning vessel 100. In such a situation, the drying machine 104 is the add-on part of the conventional cleaning machine.
  • FIG. 1 While the system shown in FIG. 1 comprises a single cleaning vessel, multiple cleaning vessels can be used, so that the substrates are subjected to multiple cleaning steps, with each cleaning step carried out in a different cleaning vessel using the same or different cleaning fluid in each step.
  • the description of the single cleaning vessel is merely for purposes of description and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning system having a single chamber for cleaning and drying the substrates, is shown.
  • the cleaning system 200 generally comprises a cleaning machine having a pressurizable vessel 210.
  • the vessel 210 is operatively connected to, for example via one or more motor activated shafts (not shown), a perforated or pierced rotatable drum or wheel 212 within the vessel 210 with an inlet 214 to the vessel 210 and an outlet 216 from the vessel 210 through which cleaning fluids can pass.
  • motor activated shafts not shown
  • a perforated or pierced rotatable drum or wheel 212 within the vessel 210 with an inlet 214 to the vessel 210 and an outlet 216 from the vessel 210 through which cleaning fluids can pass.
  • a cleaning fluid tank 220 holds any suitable cleaning fluid (or organic solvent without additives added), such as those described above, to be introduced to the vessel 210 through the inlet 214.
  • a pressurized fluid solvent tank 222 holds pressurized fluid solvent to be added to the vessel 210 through the inlet 214.
  • Filtration assembly 224 contains one or more filters that continuously remove contaminants from the cleaning fluid from the vessel 210 and drum 212 as cleaning occurs.
  • the components of the cleaning system 200 are connected with lines 230-234 that transfer cleaning fluid, organic solvents and vaporized and pressurized fluid solvent between components of the system.
  • the term "line” as used herein is understood to refer to a piping network or similar conduit capable of conveying fluid and, for certain purposes, is capable of being pressurized.
  • the transfer of the cleaning fluid, organic solvents and vaporized and pressurized fluid solvent through the lines 230-234 is directed by valves 250-254 and pumps 240-242. While pumps 240-242 are shown in the described embodiment, any method of transferring liquid and/or vapor between components can be used, such as adding pressure to the component using a compressor to force the liquid and/or vapor from the component.
  • the substrates are cleaned with a cleaning fluid such as those previously described.
  • the cleaning fluid contains no amount of pressurized fluid solvent.
  • the substrates may be cleaned with a combination of organic solvent and pressurized fluid solvent, and this combination may be in varying proportions from about 50% by weight to 100% by weight of organic solvent and 0% by weight to 50% by weight of pressurized fluid solvent.
  • the substrates can be sorted as necessary to place the substrates into groups suitable to be cleaned together.
  • the substrates may then optionally be spot treated as necessary to remove any stains that may not be removed during the cleaning process.
  • the substrates are then placed into the drum 212 within the vessel 210 of the cleaning system 200.
  • Cleaning drum 212 can be perforated or otherwise adapted (pierced, punctured, etc.) to allow for free interchange of cleaning fluid between the drum 212 and the vessel 210 as well as to transport soil from the substrates to the filtration assembly 224.
  • cleaning fluid (or organic solvent if no additives are present) contained in the cleaning fluid tank 220 is added to the vessel 210 via line 231 by opening valve 251, closing valves 250, 252, 253 and 254, and activating pump 242 to pump cleaning fluid through the inlet 214 of the vessel 210 or drum 212.
  • organic solvent is contained in tank 220 and is added to the vessel 210 where it is then combined with additive composition that is added directly to the vessel 210.
  • Pressurized fluid solvent may also be added to the vessel 210 along with the organic solvent or cleaning fluid to enhance cleaning.
  • the pressurized fluid solvent is added to the vessel 210 via line 230 by opening valve 250, closing valves 251, 252, 253 and 254, and activating pump 240 to pump the pressurized fluid solvent through the inlet 214 of the vessel 210.
  • the cleaning fluid or organic solvent will be added to the drum 212 in an amount of about 1 to 90% by volume.
  • the motor (not shown) is activated and the drum 212 is agitated and/or rotated. Typically, rotation or agitation will take place for a period of about 1 to about 60, about 1 to about 45, or about 1 to about 30 minutes.
  • the cleaning fluid, as well as pressurized fluid solvent if used in combination can be continuously cycled through the filtration assembly 224 by opening valves 252 and 253, closing valves 250, 251 and 254, and activating pump 241.
  • Filtration assembly 224 may include one or more fine mesh filters to remove particulate contaminants from the cleaning fluid and pressurized fluid solvent passing there through and may alternatively or additionally include one or more absorptive or adsorptive filters to remove water, dyes, and other dissolved contaminants from the organic solvent. Exemplary configurations for filter assemblies that can be used to remove contaminants from either the organic solvent or the pressurized fluid solvent are described more fully in U.S. Application Serial No. 08/994,583 incorporated herein by reference.
  • the cleaning fluid is pumped through outlet 216, valve 253, line 233, filter assembly 224, line 232, valve 252 and reenters the vessel 210 via inlet 214.
  • This cycling advantageously removes contaminants, including particulate contaminants and/or soluble contaminants, from the cleaning fluid and pressurized fluid solvent and reintroduces filtered cleaning fluid to the vessel 210. Through this process, contaminants are removed from the substrates.
  • a predetermined portion of cleaning fluid (e.g. about 1 to about 100, about 2 to about 50 or a bout 5 to about 30 gallons per pound of substrates being cleaned) can be pumped from cleaning fluid tank 220 to a still (not shown) for distillation, and then reintroduced into the cleaning fluid tank 220, for example via one or more lines and pumps (not shown).
  • the removed cleaning fluid can be replaced during the cleaning process by new cleaning fluid, by organic solvent without additives (the additives then optionally being added to the cleaning drum), or by the same cleaning fluid/organic solvent that was distilled.
  • the cleaning fluid that was removed is replaced by substantially the same amount, by volume, of cleaning fluid or organic solvent.
  • the removed portion of cleaning fluid is replaced by a larger or smaller volume of cleaning fluid or organic solvent, e.g. 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 125%, by volume, of the removed portion).
  • the cleaning fluid can then either be discarded or, preferably, contaminants may be removed from the cleaning fluid and the cleaning fluid recovered for further use. Contaminants may be removed from the organic solvent with solvent recovery systems known in the art.
  • the drum 212 can then be rotated, for example at a high speeds such as about 75 to about 1000, about 150 to about 900, or about 400 to about 800 rpm, to further remove cleaning fluid from the substrates.
  • the drum 212 is preferably perforated or pierced so that, when the substrates are rotated in the drum 212, cleaning fluid can drain from the cleaning drum 212. Any cleaning fluid removed from the substrates by rotating the drum 212 can also either be discarded or recovered for further use.
  • pressurized fluid solvent contained in the pressurized fluid tank 222 is added to the vessel 210 by opening valve 250, closing valves 251, 252, 253 and 254, and activating pump 240 to pump pressurized fluid solvent through the inlet 214 of the pressurizable vessel 210 via line 230.
  • pressurized fluid solvent is added to the vessel 210, at least a portion (e.g. substantially all, at least about 50%, at least about 75%, etc.) of the cleaning fluid remaining on the substrates is dissolved in the pressurized fluid solvent.
  • pressurized fluid solvent and cleaning fluid combination is removed from the vessel 210 by opening valve 254, closing valves 250, 251, 252 and 253, and activating pump 241 to pump the pressurized fluid solvent and organic solvent combination through outlet 216 and line 234.
  • pump 241 may actually require two pumps, one for pumping the low pressure cleaning fluid in the cleaning cycle and one for pumping the pressurized fluid solvent in the drying cycle.
  • the pressurized fluid solvent and cleaning fluid combination can then either be discarded or the combination may be separated and the organic solvent and pressurized fluid solvent separately recovered for further use.
  • the drum 212 is then rotated at a high speed, such as about 75 to about 1000, about 150 to about 900, or about 400 to about 800 rpm, to further remove pressurized fluid solvent and cleaning fluid combination from the substrates. Any pressurized fluid solvent and cleaning fluid combination removed from the substrates by spinning the drum 212 at high speed can also either be discarded or retained for further use. Note that it is not necessary to include a high speed spin cycle to remove pressurized fluid solvent from the substrates.
  • the vessel 210 is depressurized over a period of about 1 to about 30 or about 5 to about 15 minutes.
  • the depressurization of the vessel 210 vaporizes remaining pressurized fluid solvent, leaving dry, substantially solvent-free substrates in the drum 212.
  • the pressurized fluid solvent that has been vaporized is then removed from the vessel 210 by opening valve 254, closing valves 250, 251, 252 and 253, and activating pump 241 to pump the vaporized pressurized fluid solvent through outlet 216 and line 234.
  • pump 241 While a single pump is shown as pump 241, separate pumps may be necessary to pump cleaning fluid, pressurized fluid solvent and pressurized fluid solvent vapors, at pump 241. The remaining vaporized pressurized fluid solvent can then either be vented into the atmosphere or compressed back into pressurized fluid solvent for further use.
  • Soil removal capability of cleaning compositions comprising one of BDFl - BDF 13 of Example 1 was quantified using the Delta Whiteness Index. This method entails measuring the Whiteness Index of each swatch before and after processing. Each Base Detergent Formulation was tested using WFKlOC soil swatches from Testfabrics, Inc. The Delta Whiteness Index is calculated by subtracting the Whiteness Index of the swatch before processing from the Whiteness Index of the swatch after processing. The Whiteness Index is a function of the light reflectance of the swatch and in this application is an indication of the amount of soil on the swatch. More soil results in a lower light reflectance and a lower Whiteness Index for the swatch.
  • the Whiteness indices were measured using a reflectometer manufactured by Hunter Laboratories. After obtaining a baseline whiteness index value, the swatches were individually placed in Launder-O-Meter cups with 25 stainless steel balls and optionally 150 ml of DPNB as set forth below. An amount of one of Base Detergent Formulation BDFl - BDF 13 was then added to create a final Cleaning Formulation. Final compositions of each Cleaning Formulation (CFl - CF 13) used in the test are shown in Table 2. The swatches were cleaned for 12 minutes and each swatch was then removed from the cup and processed through an Atlas wringer to remove excess cleaning formulation. The swatch was then rinsed and dried in a Parr Bomb with liquid carbon dioxide and read on the Reflectometer to obtain a final whiteness index value.
  • the % Food Dye Removal is calculated by measuring the Y values of the swatches before and after cleaning and placing these values in the Kubelka Monk equation.
  • Base Detergent Formulation BDF22 was prepared as shown in Table 10. Table 10. Composition of Base Detergent Formulation BDF22.
  • a static control test was performed using 3 x 9 inch thin polyester swatches. Swatches were individually placed into 3 Launder-O-Meter cups containing 150 ml of DPNB along with 25 stainless steel balls. Cup 1 (Swatch 1) was not charged with any further material. Cup 2 (Swatch 2) was charged with 1.5% v/v of BDF2 from Example 1. Cup 3 (Swatch 3) was charged with 1.5% v/v of BDF22 of Example 7.
  • Base Detergent Formulation BDF23 was prepared as shown in Table 12. Table 12. Composition of Base Detergent Formulation BDF23.
  • a fabric sizing test was performed to assess fabric stiffness and body using 1 x 6 inch WFK 1OC white cotton swatches available from Testfabrics, Inc. Swatches were individually placed into each of 3 Launder-O-Meter cups containing 150 ml of DPNB along with 25 stainless steel balls. Cup 1 (Swatch 1) was not charged with any further material. Cup 2 (Swatch 2) was charged with 3% v/v of BDF2 as shown in Example 1. Cup 3 (Swatch 3) was charged with 3% v/v of BDF23 of Example 9. The swatches were cleaned in the Launder-O-Meter for 12 minutes.
  • Stiffness of each swatch was also evaluated by a 10 person blinded panel. Panel members were asked to rank swatches from each of the three treatment groups from stiffest (1) to least stiff (3). Results are shown in Table 14.
  • Base Detergent Formulation BDF24 was prepared having a composition as shown in Table 15.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne des compositions de nettoyage et des procédés destinés à utiliser les compositions de nettoyage pour nettoyer divers substrats, et des processus destinés à fabriquer de telles compositions de nettoyage.
EP08770355A 2007-06-08 2008-06-06 Compositions de nettoyage et procédés destinés à utiliser celles-ci Withdrawn EP2167625A1 (fr)

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US9328284B2 (en) * 2011-10-04 2016-05-03 Biospan Technologies, Inc. Oil thinning compositions and retrieval methods
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CA2690883A1 (fr) 2008-12-18

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