FR2891150A1 - Solid, cast disinfectant composition, used particularly for treating water reservoirs in air-conditioning systems, contains bactericide, chelating agent, ethoxylated fatty alcohol surfactant and sulfate salt - Google Patents

Abstract

Solid, cast composition (A), particularly a disinfectant, comprises at least a bactericide (I), e.g. a quaternary ammonium halide; a chelating agent (II); surfactant (III), especially an ethoxylated fatty alcohol and a sulfate (IV), preferably Na2SO4, where the contents of (I)-(IV) are adjusted so that (A) remains dissolved in water for at least 4 weeks. An independent claim is included for a method of preparing (A).

Description

SOLID DISINFECTANT COMPOSITION, PREPARATION METHOD

  The present invention relates to a solid composition, to a process for its preparation and to its use in systems comprising a water tank, in particular apparatus for the treatment of water. 'air. This invention also relates to a method of treating water.

  Air conditioning, refrigeration, heat pumps, dehumidifiers and humidifiers can be generally referred to as air conditioners. These air conditioning units frequently include a water tank, for example to collect the water that condenses during the cooling of the hot air. In this tank, the conditions can allow the growth of microorganisms that may be entrained by the air flow.

  As an example of bacteria that can be dispersed in this way, mention may be made of Legionella pneumophilia, responsible for certain legionellosis.

  The aerial dispersion of certain microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, yeasts, fungi or molds, contributes to their spread.

  It is possible that the spread of some of these microorganisms causes undesirable effects, especially in occupants of structures in which air conditioning devices are used. These undesirable effects may in particular correspond to certain ailments grouped under the name syndrome of sick buildings syndrom or SBS, such as headaches, tingling eyes or nasal irritation.

  Among the undesirable effects likely to be caused by air conditioning, there may also be problems related to the phenomena of allergies. In particular in subjects allergic to microorganisms, such as molds or fungi, likely to be entrained by the air flow.

  It is possible to reduce the amount of microorganisms present in the air stream, for example by treating a source from which these microorganisms can be entrained. One possibility is to treat the water in the tank of the air conditioners.

  It is known to use as biocides metals such as silver, nickel, copper or zinc. Silver for example is effective in water against Legionella pneumophilia. It is common for these metals to be used in the form of water-soluble salts.

  However, the use of such salts can be quite expensive and / or require fairly frequent operations, such as adding or dosing them in water. The operations to be performed can be difficult when the water tank is difficult to access.

  US 6,303,039 discloses a method of water treatment over a prolonged period using tablets, including certain metals in the form of poorly soluble salts, the dissolution of which is slow.

  However, some metals may be toxic at certain concentrations for humans and / or animals, and thus possibly require a reprocessing of the solution during the evacuation of water.

  There is therefore a need for a composition for combating the proliferation of microorganisms in water, especially in air conditioning systems which does not have some or all of the disadvantages described above, and which can also be effective , easy to use and / or present an action that extends over time.

  The inventors have thus discovered a specific solid composition which makes it possible to solve at least in part the problems mentioned above.

  According to a first aspect, the subject of the invention is a cast solid composition, especially a disinfectant composition, comprising at least: a bactericidal active agent, for example a quaternary ammonium halide, a chelating agent, in particular ethylene tetradiamine, a surfactant , in particular an ethoxylated fatty alcohol, and a sulphate, especially sodium sulphate, in which the respective contents of the components are adjusted so that this solid composition has a dissolution time in water of at least 4 weeks.

  For the purposes of the present invention, the term "solid composition" means a composition which is in the solid state at ambient temperature, ie 25.degree. C., and at atmospheric pressure.

  By casting composition is meant that the composition can be obtained by introducing, in particular by pouring, this composition in liquid or viscous form in a mold or on a prepared surface, so that it solidifies without external pressure. In particular, the composition thus obtained is composed of one or more block (s) whose weight is greater than 1 gram, and especially greater than five grams. In particular, the composition according to the invention is monoblock.

  A cast composition is distinguished from an agglomerated composition which is composed of small particles, especially whose average weight is less than 1 g, and in particular with an average weight of less than 100 mg, which are compacted.

  For the purposes of the present invention, the term "disinfecting composition" means a composition exhibiting a bactericidal and / or fungicidal activity.

  The composition according to the invention can meet the following standards: - NF EN 1040 (February 1997), relating to the bactericidal activity, in particular on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, - NF EN 1276 (October 1997), relating to the bactericidal efficacy, in particular on Legionella pneumophilia, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus hirae and Escherichia coli, - NF EN 1275 (June 1997), relating to the fungicidal efficacy, in particular on Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger, and / or - NF EN 1650 (May 1998), concerning the fungicidal efficacy, especially on Candida albicans.

  In particular, the composition complies with the EN 1276 standard in a dirt condition, in particular comprising bovine albumin, in particular at 3 g / l.

  The tests are carried out in particular at a concentration of composition of 150 g / l. In particular, the bactericidal activity is considered after 60 minutes.

  The service life, also called dissolution time or dissolution time in water can be estimated by the following test: A rectangular block of dimensions 100x40x20 (mm) is placed on its longest side in the center of a condensation tray placed horizontally, the size of which is 600 x 150 x 40 (mm), having a discharge orifice placed at 3 mm from the bottom of the tank. Water is then drip at 25 ° C., at a speed of 75 ml / min, in the tank but not on the solid block. Then we observe regularly, for example every day, to determine the time required for the composition to dissolve. In particular, the time required for no part of the block to be more visible to the naked eye, in particular no particles larger than 1 mm, is observed.

  In this protocol, the solution present in the tray is left at 25 C and at rest, that is to say is not agitated.

  The time required for the composition to dissolve in a solution, according to the protocol described above can still be called the dissolution time.

  By bactericidal active agent is meant a compound exhibiting anti-bacterial activity, that is to say a product harmful to bacteria. In particular, a compound meeting the standards EN 1040 and / or EN 1276.

  As bactericidal compounds, mention may be made of: quaternary ammoniums, chosen especially from the group comprising alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, or the duration of didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl dimethyl ethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, diisobutylphenoxyethoxyethyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and didecylmethylpolyoxyethylammonium propionate chloride, and polymeric quaternary ammoniums (polyquats), especially chosen from the group comprising poly [oxyethylene (dimethyliminio) ethylene (dimethyliminio) ethylene] dichloride, poly [hydroxyethylene (dimethyliminio) ethylene (dimethyliminio) methylene dichloride], poly [hydroxyethyl (dimethyliminio) -2-hydroxypropylene (dimethyliminio) methylene dichloride], and their mixtures.

  Non-oxidizing biocidal compounds described in application WO 03/062149 may also be mentioned.

  The quaternary ammonium compounds may have the following formula (I): R 1 R 2 N + R 3 R 4 X - Formula (I) in which R 1, R 2, R 3 and R 4 represent, independently of one another, an alkyl group comprising from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an alkenyl or alkynyl group comprising from 2 to 30 carbon atoms, an aryl, alkylaryl or arylakyl group comprising from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, and X represents a counterion, in particular a halide. Among the preferred bactericidal active agents, mention may be made of those of formula (I) in which: -R 1 and R 2 represent alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and in particular a methyl, ethyl or propyl group, -R 3 represents an aralkyl group, in particular benzyl, - R4 represents an alkyl group comprising from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, in particular from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and - X represents a halogen atom, especially fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

  Among the quaternary ammonium halides, benzalkonium chloride, which is a mixture of alkyl dimethylbenzylammonium chlorides, may be mentioned in particular. Benzalkonium chloride can correspond to the definition given by the United States Pharmacopoeia since 1949, by the European Pharmacopoeia (1969), by the British Pharmacopoeia (1980) and / or by the application EP 0 736 250 A1. It corresponds especially to the formula (I) wherein X is a chloride, R1 and R2 are methyl radicals, R3 is a benzyl radical, and R4 is an alkyl radical of 8 to 16 carbon atoms.

  As benzalkonium chloride, mention may be made of the one marketed by Lonza under the name Barquat DM 50.

  The alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl radicals may be, unless otherwise indicated, linear, branched or cyclic.

  By alkyl radical is meant in the sense of the present invention, a saturated hydrocarbon group. By alkenyl radical is meant an unsaturated hydrocarbon group comprising at least one double bond. By alkynyl radical is meant an unsaturated hydrocarbon group comprising at least one triple bond.

  By aryl radical is meant a radical comprising at least one aromatic ring. By arylalkyl and alkylaryl radical is meant respectively an aryl radical substituted by at least one alkyl radical and an alkyl group substituted by at least one aryl radical.

  The content of bactericidal active compound can range from 1 to 20% by weight, especially from 1 to 15% by weight, in particular from 2 to 12% by weight, more preferably from 2.5 to 10% by weight, or even from 3 to at 8% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

  The composition according to the invention comprises at least one chelating agent.

  By chelating agent is meant a compound having at least two neighboring functions that can combine with multivalent ions, especially bi- or trivalent, forming a ring.

  The chelating agents may be chosen from the group comprising ethylenediamine tetraacetate, in particular sodium (Na EDTA).

  Ethylenediamine tetraacetate sodium may in particular be marketed by the companies Univar and Brenntag.

  The content of chelating agent may range from 0.5 to 10% by weight, in particular from 0.75 to 7.5% by weight, in particular from 1 to 5% by weight, or even from 1.5 to 3% by weight. relative to the total weight of the composition.

  The bactericidal / chelating active weight ratio may range from 0.1 to 20, especially from 0.5 to 10, in particular from 1 to 5, and most particularly from 2 to 3.

  The surfactant may in particular be chosen from the group comprising polyethoxylated fatty alcohols, in particular 1-150 cetostearyl fatty alcohols, in particular 10-120 alcohols, in particular 50-100 ethylene oxides, and especially 80 carbon oxides. 'ethylene.

  The keto-stearyl fatty alcohol with 80 ethylene oxides may be that sold by the company BASF under the trade name Lutensol AT 80.

  The surfactant content can range from 30 to 70% by weight, especially from 35 to 65% by weight, and in particular from 40 to 60% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

  The composition according to the invention comprises at least one sulphate.

  For the purposes of the present invention, the term "sulphate" is intended to mean a compound comprising at least one part corresponding to the sulphate function, that is to say SO.sub.42- or ROSO.sub.3-, in which R is, for example, an alkyl, alkenyl or alkyne, aryl radical. , alkylaryl or arylalkyl. This compound may comprise at least one counterion, especially chosen from the group comprising a metal, a transition metal, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal.

  Among the sulphates, mention may be made especially of sodium sulphate.

  The sodium sulphate may in particular be in dense form. The dense sodium sulfate is for example marketed by the companies Univar and Brenntag.

  The sulphate content may range from 20 to 50% by weight, in particular from 25 to 48% by weight, in particular from 28 to 45% by weight, and even from 30 to 42% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

  The contents of compounds, and in particular the weight ratio surfactant / sulfate, may be such that the composition may have: a softening point greater than or equal to 30 ° C., in particular 35 ° C., in particular 40 ° C., and less than 30 ° C. 100 C, in particular 90 C, and in particular at 80 C, a melting point greater than 35 C, in particular 40 C, in particular 45 C, and lower than 105 C, in particular 95 C, and in particular with 85 C, and / or - a lifespan of at least 4 weeks, especially 5 weeks, especially 6 weeks, especially 8 weeks, or even 10 weeks.

  The surfactant / sulfate weight ratio can range from 0.1 to 10, in particular from 0.5 to 5 and in particular from 1 to 2.

  According to a variant of the invention, the composition comprises a content of metal salts, and in particular of silver, nickel, copper and / or zinc, less than 2% by weight of metal, especially 1% by weight of metal, and in particular at 0.5% by weight of metal relative to the total weight of the composition, more particularly the composition is free of metal salts, and in particular of silver, nickel, copper and / or zinc.

  According to another variant of the invention, the solid composition consists of: 1 to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition of at least one bactericidal active ingredient, 0.5 to 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition of at least one chelating agent, 30 to 70% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition of at least one surfactant, in particular an ethoxylated fatty alcohol, and 20 to 50% by weight; weight relative to the total weight of the composition of at least one sulfate, 0 to 5% by weight relative to the total weight of the solvent composition, for example water, the total contents of the above components being equal to 100%, and wherein the contents of the components are adjusted so that this solid composition has a dissolution time or life of at least 4 weeks.

  The composition according to the invention may further comprise at least one additive, for example chosen from dyes, preservatives and perfumes. Of course, those skilled in the art will take care to choose the additive (s) so that the advantageous properties intrinsically attached to the invention are not, or not substantially impaired by the envisaged addition.

  The composition may be in the form of a block, and in particular in the form of a pellet, a cylinder or a rectangle.

  The volume of the block may be greater than 10 cm 3, especially greater than or equal to 15 cm 3, and in particular greater than or equal to 20 cm 3.

  The block may have a weight of at least 30 g, in particular at least 40 g, and in particular at least 50 g.

  The composition can be packaged. This packaging can in particular make it possible to increase the time during which the composition retains its properties. In particular, the packaging makes it possible to protect the composition from moisture and / or light.

  According to another aspect, the subject of the invention is also the use of a composition as defined above as a water tank disinfectant, in particular present in an air-conditioning apparatus, and in particular in an air conditioner water retention tank.

  According to yet another aspect, the invention also relates to a method of disinfection comprising a step of adding at least one composition according to the invention to a solution, in particular an aqueous solution, and in particular water. The solution can be located in a tank, particularly a tank located in an air conditioner.

  According to another aspect, the subject of the invention is also a process for preparing a solid disinfectant casting composition comprising at least the following steps: heating a solid surfactant to its melting point, stirring slowly, adding the sulphate, chelating agent and the bactericidal active, stop the heating, and - when the temperature reaches a temperature between the melting temperature of the mixture and this temperature plus 10 C, and more particularly 5 C, the mixture is then poured, for example in a mold or in a package.

  The stirring speed may be such that it does not cause the inclusion of air in the composition. The stirring speed may be less than or equal to 20 rpm, particularly at 15 rpm and in particular less than 10 rpm.

  Stirring may continue during the pouring stage of the mixture, so that the sodium sulfate does not sediment.

  The following examples are given for information only and in no way limit the invention.

EXAMPLES

  Example 1: solid disinfectant composition Weight (g) - keto-stearyl fatty alcohol with 80 ethylene oxides (Lutensol AT 80) 50.00 - Sodium sulphate 38.00 - Sodium ethylenediamine tetraacetate (EDTA 4 Na) 2, 50% Alkyl DimethylBenzyl-Ammonium Chloride (Barquat DM50) 10.00 Example 2: Method of Making Solid Composition Blocks Introduce Lutensol AT 80 to a tank (1000 g) and then heat to room temperature. temperature of 65 C. When Lutensol AT80 begins to melt, agitation is started.

  Sodium sulphate (760 g), EDTA (40 g) and Barquat DM50 (200 g) are then added and the heating is stopped. When the temperature reaches 55 ° C., the mixture is then poured, while continuing to stir, into cylindrical molds.

  After cooling to room temperature, 10 blocks weighing 200 g are obtained.

Claims (10)

  1) Cast solid composition, in particular disinfectant, comprising at least: - a bactericidal active agent, for example a quaternary ammonium halide, a chelating agent, a surfactant, especially an ethoxylated fatty alcohol, and - a sulfate, in particular sodium sulphate wherein the respective contents of the components are adjusted so that this solid composition has a dissolution time in water of at least 4 weeks.   2) Composition according to Claim 1, characterized in that the bactericidal active agent comprises at least one compound chosen from: quaternary ammoniums, chosen especially from the group comprising alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl dimethyl ethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, diisobutylphenoxyethoxyethyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and didecylmethylpolyoxyethylammonium propionate chloride, and quaternary ammoniums polymers (polyquats), especially chosen from the group comprising poly [oxyethylene (dimethyliminio) ethylene (dimethyliminio) ethylene] dichloride, poly [hydroxyethylene (dimethyliminio) ethylene (dimethyliminio) methylene dichloride], poly [dichloride] hydroxyethylene (dimethyliminio) -2-hydroxypropylene (dimethyliminio) methylene], and mixtures thereof.   3) Composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the content of bactericidal active agent ranges from 1 to 20% by weight, in particular from 1 to 15% by weight, in particular from 2 to 12% by weight, more particularly from 2.5 to 10% by weight, or even 3 to 8% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.   4) Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the content of chelating agent is from 0.5 to 10% by weight, especially from 0.75 to 7.5% by weight, in particular of 1 to 5% by weight, or even 1.5 to 3% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.   5) Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the surfactant is selected from the group comprising polyethoxylated fatty alcohols, especially 1-150 cetostearyl fatty alcohols, in particular to 10-120, in particular to 50 ethylene oxides, and especially 80 ethylene oxides.   6) Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the surfactant content ranges from 30 to 70% by weight, in particular from 35 to 65% by weight, and in particular from 40 to 60% by weight. relative to the total weight of the composition.   7) Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sulphate content ranges from 20 to 50% by weight, in particular from 25 to 48% by weight, in particular from 28 to 45% by weight, even from 30 to 42% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.   8) A method of manufacturing solid disinfectant pouring composition comprising at least the following steps: - heating a solid surfactant to its melting temperature, stir slowly, - add the sulfate, the chelating agent and the bactericidal active agent, - stopping the heating, and when the temperature reaches temperature between the melting temperature of the mixture and this melting temperature of the mixture plus 10 C, especially more than 5 C, the mixture is then poured into a mold or into a package.   9) Use of a composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7 as a water tank disinfectant, especially present in an air conditioner.   10) disinfection method comprising a step of adding at least one composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7 to a solution, especially an aqueous solution, and in particular water.