JP2012025928A - Detergent composition for removing fish soil - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a detergent composition that is particularly effective at removing soils caused by raw fish soil.SOLUTION: A solid detergent composition comprises: an alkali metal carbonate as an alkaline source in an amount effective to provide a use solution having a pH of at least about 9.5; a water conditioning agent in an amount of about 1 to 70 wt.%; an active agent consisting essentially of inorganic potassium salt, alcohol alkoxylate, or branched fatty acid salt or combinations thereof; and a solidification agent. The solid detergent composition comprises less than 5 wt.% sodium hydroxide and less than 3 wt.% active chlorine.

Description

  This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 236,617, filed Aug. 25, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. To do. This application is a US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 675,415, filed Feb. 15, 2007, currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0280806, entitled “Fast Dissolving Solid Detergent” (by reference). A continuation-in-part application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.

  The first aspect of the present invention relates to solid or liquid detergent compositions that are particularly useful in household, industrial and commercial article washing machines. The second aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a detergent composition. A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for using a detergent composition.

  Solid alkaline detergent compositions are widely used for household and industrial dishwashing, clothing washing and general surface cleaning. Larger amounts of such cleaning compositions that are consumed consist of solid granules, tablets or pellets and solid blocks. Solid compositions are advantageous because of their improved handling and safety, elimination of component separation during transport and storage, and high concentrations of active ingredients within the composition. These detergent compositions typically have alkali metals such as alkali metal hydroxides, carbonates, bicarbonates, silicates or mixtures thereof and hard metal sequestering agents or builders as their main cleaning ingredients. The source is taken. The hard metal sequestering agent serves to condition the wash water by chelating or otherwise complexing the metal cations responsible for the precipitation of alkali metal builder salts and detergents. The alkaline component provides detergency to the composition by breaking down acidic and proteinaceous soils.

  Automatic warewashing detergents are well known. Historically, automatic article cleaning detergents contain large amounts of caustic components, particularly sodium hydroxide. In recent years, due to advantages such as manufacturing processes, attention has been directed to producing highly effective detergent materials from smaller amounts of caustic materials such as soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate. Consumers have also moved towards promoting the preparation of automatic article cleaning detergents free of caustic components.

  Difficulties arise when attempting to prepare a caustic-free warewashing detergent. This is due to at least one reason. Sodium carbonate is a mild base and is substantially less strong than sodium hydroxide. Furthermore, on an equimolar basis, the pH of the sodium carbonate solution is one unit (decrease in the degree of alkalinity strength) less than one equivalent solution of sodium hydroxide. Sodium carbonate formulations were not considered serious in the industry for use in cleaning operations that withstand severe use due to this difference in alkalinity. The industry believed that carbonates could not be adequately cleaned under the required conditions of time, dirt load and type and temperature found in the commercial and industrial cleaning markets. To the extent that cleaning efficiency is not critical, a few sodium carbonate-based formulations have been manufactured and sold.

  Recently, certain industrial markets around the world have required non-caustic or substantially non-caustic article cleaning detergents. In particular, Japanese customers have sought non-caustic article cleaning detergents. In addition, customers have watched chlorinated products carefully and, as a result, have moved to remove chlorine from their laundry detergents. While moving to soda ash systems, substantially chlorine-free detergents provide a more attractive product line, such products also need to maintain cleaning capabilities. The product effectiveness can be compromised if the caustic and chlorine components are eliminated while the manufacturer strives to meet customer requirements.

  For the most part, non-caustic, chlorine-free article cleaning detergents were preferred except for removal of difficult to remove soils. Again, especially in Japan, where fish consumption is usually higher than in the Western market, the stains caused by fish oils and proteins that commonly arise from raw fish are difficult to remove. The inventors have found that such a fish soil is very difficult to remove and in many cases resists removal by a substantially non-caustic, chlorine-free article cleaning detergent. Japanese customers were dissatisfied with the rest of such dirt after such automatic washing of cooking and dining utensils and utensils.

  The present invention provides a solid composition that is substantially non-caustic and substantially free of chlorine, and that is effective in removing hard soils such as those produced by raw fish protein and oil. The present invention further provides a liquid detergent suitable for removing soils such as those produced by raw fish protein and oil.

  The present invention is directed to substantially caustic and chlorine-free detergent compositions such as articles and / or hard surface cleaning compositions, rinse aids, bactericidal additives, and laundry detergents. . The composition of the present invention has a pH of at least 10; an activator consisting essentially of branched fatty acids, inorganic salts, or alcohol alkoxylates or combinations thereof; a builder; (for solid detergents) a coagulant; and an optional detergent Contains a source of alkalinity substantially free of sodium hydroxide sufficient to produce a use solution with additional components such as adjuvants. The compositions of the present invention are surprisingly suitable for removing hard soils caused by proteins and oils, particularly those found in raw fish soils.

  A pH of at least about 10; a water conditioner in an amount of about 1-70 wt%; an activator consisting essentially of an inorganic salt, an alcohol alkoxylate, or a branched fatty acid salt or combinations thereof; a use solution comprising a coagulant A solid detergent composition comprising an alkali metal carbonate as an effective amount of alkalinity to dissipate is disclosed, and the solid detergent composition comprises less than 5 wt% sodium hydroxide and less than 5 wt% chlorine.

  In another embodiment, selected from the group consisting essentially of 1-30 wt% alkalinity source; 1-30 wt% water conditioner; and inorganic salts, or alcohol alkoxylates, branched fatty acid salts or combinations thereof Disclosed is a solid detergent composition comprising 0.01 to 10 wt% active agent; the solid detergent composition comprises less than 2 wt% sodium hydroxide and less than 2 wt% chlorine.

  In another embodiment, 1 to 30 wt% alkalinity source; 1 to 30 wt% water conditioning agent; and 0 selected from the group consisting essentially of inorganic salts, or alcohol alkoxylates, branched fatty acid salts or combinations thereof Disclosed is a solid detergent composition comprising 0.01 to 10 wt% active agent; the solid detergent composition is substantially free of sodium hydroxide and chlorine.

  In an alternative embodiment, a liquid comprising 0.01 to 10 wt% activator essentially selected from alkalinity sources, water conditioners and inorganic salts, or alcohol alkoxylates, branched fatty acid salts or combinations thereof. Detergent compositions are disclosed.

FIG. 1 has an x-axis and a y-axis. The x-axis is a scale for the number of automated article cleaning cycles. The y-axis is a visual grade scale, and protein removal at the lowest grade is an indicator of maximum amount of protein removal. In other words, the lower the visual grade, the cleaner the tile. FIG. 2 has an x-axis and a y-axis. The x-axis is a measure of the concentration of Cola ™ Trope INC (sodium isononanoate available from Colonial Chemical Inc.) added to the detergent. The y-axis is a visual grade scale. Visual grade is an indicator that the lowest amount of visual grade represents the greatest amount of protein removal. FIG. 3 is a graph depicting visual grade and is an indicator of protein removal that represents the maximum amount of protein removal with different detergents at the lowest grade.

  A solid or liquid detergent composition is provided that is substantially free of caustic components and substantially free of chlorine, but that is effective in removing soils caused by proteins and oils. The composition of the present invention is effective in removing dirt caused by raw proteins and oils, especially dirt caused by fish. The composition of the present invention comprises an effective amount of a non-caustic alkalinity source that provides a pH of at least 10 in the use solution; a composition (in the case of a solid detergent) a coagulant for binding the composition; a branched fatty acid, an alcohol alkoxy An activator for removing hard-to-remove soils selected from the group consisting essentially of rates, inorganic salts or combinations thereof; and a builder. Detergents provide desirable properties such as anti-redeposition agents, antifoam agents, enzymes, processing aids, aesthetic aids such as fragrances or colorants, pH adjusters, dispersants, corrosion inhibitors, and the like Any other adjuvants can be included. The detergent can incorporate an amount of sodium hydroxide of less than 5 wt%, less than 3 wt%, or less than 2 wt% to allow pH adjustment of the final composition.

The following definitions are useful for describing the elements of the invention:
As used herein, “fish stain” refers to any residue remaining on the surface after contact with any type of fish, correctly products from seafood or freshwater fish. “Fish soil” includes, but is not limited to, albumin, glycoprotein, lipoprotein, and proteins such as fats including lipids and oils.

  All numerical values herein are considered to be modified by the term “about”, whether explicitly indicated or not. The term “about” refers to a range of numbers that one of ordinary skill in the art would normally equate to a stated value (ie, having the same function or result). In many instances, the term “about” can include numbers rounded to the nearest significant figure.

  % By weight,% by weight, wt%, wt-%,%, and the like are synonyms for the concentration of the substance divided by the weight of the substance divided by the weight of the composition and multiplied by 100. As used herein, the term “wt%” refers to wt% of the indicated ingredients relative to the total weight of the detergent composition, unless otherwise indicated. The weight percentage of an individual component does not include any water provided by that component, unless specified otherwise, even if that component is provided as an aqueous solution or liquid premix.

  Unless otherwise stated, all weight percentages described herein reflect the weight percentage of raw material provided by the manufacturer. The active weight percent of each component is readily determined from the information provided by use of product data sheets provided by the manufacturer.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (eg 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). .
As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless clearly indicated otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims. The term “or” is generally used in its sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
The term “surfactant” or “surfactant” refers to an organic chemical that, when added to a liquid, changes the properties of that liquid on the surface.
The terms EO, PO, or EO / PO, as used herein, refer to ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, respectively. EO / PO refers to ethylene oxide and propylene oxide groups.

  The term “alkoxy” can be unsubstituted or substituted with substituents that do not interfere with the particular function of the composition, and can be substituted once or twice with the same or different groups. A straight-chain or branched monovalent hydrocarbon group having a specific number of carbon atoms and carbon-oxygen carbon bonds. This substituent can include, for example, alkoxy, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, alkyl-substituted amino, nitro, carboxy, carbanoyl, carbanoyloxy, cyano, methylsulfonylamino, or halo. Examples include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, t-butoxy, and the like.

  The term “substantially free” can refer to any component that is lacking or nearly lacking the composition of the present invention. When referring to “substantially free”, it is intended that this component is not intentionally added to the composition of the present invention. The use of the term “substantially free” component is present in another component, so that component can be included in trace amounts in the compositions of the present invention. However, it is recognized that if a composition is “substantially free” of its components, only minor or minimal amounts of components are possible.

Solid detergent compositions according to the present disclosure include cast and extruded forms including, for example, solids, pellets, blocks, and tablets. Of course, the term “solid” refers to the state of the detergent composition under the expected conditions of storage and use of the solid detergent composition. Typically, detergent compositions are expected to remain solid when provided at temperatures up to about 100 ^° F, and preferably above 120 ^° F.

  In certain embodiments, the detergent composition is provided in unit dosage form. A unit dose refers to a unit of detergent composition sized such that the entire unit is used during a single wash cycle. When the solid detergent composition is provided as a unit dose, it is preferably provided as a cast solid, extruded pellet, or tablet having a size between about 1 gram and about 50 grams. In other embodiments, the cast solid, extruded pellet, or tablet has a size from 50 grams to 250 grams, or the extruded solid has a weight of about 100 grams or more. Further, it will be appreciated that solid detergent compositions may be cast solids, extruded pellets, or so that multiple solids are available in packages having a size of about 40 grams to about 11,000 grams. It can be provided as a tablet. Liquid detergents can be provided in unit doses by providing a single dose of detergent in a sealed water soluble polymer container.

  In other embodiments, the solid detergent composition is provided in a multi-use form of solid, such as a block or a plurality of pellets, and can be used repeatedly to produce an aqueous detergent composition for multiple wash cycles. In some embodiments, the solid detergent composition can be provided in a powder, cast solid, extruded block, or tablet having a mass of about 5 grams to about 10 kilograms, or 0.01 to 22 pounds. . In some embodiments, the multi-use form of the solid detergent composition has a mass of about 1 to 10 kilograms, or about 0.002 to 22 pounds. In a further form, the multi-use form of the solid detergent composition has a mass of about 5 kilograms to about 8 kilograms, or about 11 to 17.6 pounds. In other embodiments, the multi-use form of the solid detergent composition has a mass of about 5 grams to about 1 kilogram, or about 5 grams to about 500 grams, or about 0.01 to 1.1 pounds.

  In yet other embodiments, the detergent composition is provided as a liquid. Such a liquid can be in the form of a liquid concentrate, or a liquid use solution can be prepared by diluting either a solid concentrate or a liquid concentrate with water.

Activator An activator is a component of the composition of the present invention. The active agent can be selected from the group consisting essentially of branched fatty acid salts, inorganic salts, and alcohol alkoxylates or combinations thereof. As used herein, active agents are defined as additives to detergent products that improve the removal of hard soils such as raw proteins and oils, especially those derived from fish. Each of the active agents useful for preparing the compositions of the present invention will be described in further detail below. One skilled in the art will appreciate that each of the active agents can be used alone or in combination with other active agents to prepare the compositions of the present invention.

Branched Fatty Acid Salt The first active agent useful for preparing the composition of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of branched fatty acid salts. The detergent composition of the present invention may contain a branched fatty acid salt as an active agent. Without being bound by theory, the branched fatty acid salts can increase the cleaning ability of the product by lowering the surface tension of the aqueous use solution, allowing the use solution to penetrate into the soil, and detergent. It functions as a hydrotrope that stabilizes the composition and use solution.

Branched fatty acid salts useful as activators of the present invention comprises a branched fatty acids and their salts C ₈ -C _20. Exemplary branch structures can be described as iso, neo, sec- or tert-. In many embodiments, the branched fatty acid salt is a saturated C ₈ -C ₂₀ fatty acid containing one or more alkyl branches from the main alkyl chain. In certain embodiments, the branched fatty acid is a saturated C ₈ -C ₂₀ fatty acid comprising one or two methyl branches from the main alkyl chain. In another embodiment, C ₈ -C ₁₂ fatty acids preferably include one or two methyl branches from the main alkyl chain. In some embodiments, branched fatty acid has the formula _{CH 3 (CH 2) m (} CH) n (CH 2) o (CH) p (CH 2) in q COOH (wherein, m, n, o, p and q are Each is a number selected from 0-17, and n + p is 1 or 2, and m + n + o + p + q is 6-18. In some embodiments, the branched fatty acid is a salt of a branched fatty acid of the above formula. In certain _{embodiments, CH 3 (CH 2) m} (CH) n (CH 2) o (CH) p (CH 2) q COOH ( wherein, m, n, o, p and q are each 0 to 17 And n + p is 1 or 2, and m + n + o + p + q is 6-12). Examples of suitable branched fatty acids are sodium isononanoate, isononanoic acid, sodium isooctanoate, isooctanoic acid, sodium neodecanoate, neodecanoic acid, sodium neopentanoate, neopentanoic acid, sodium neoheptanoate, neoheptanoic acid, as shown below Any of the acids and their salts, or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the branched fatty acid is a water-soluble salt, including but not limited to sodium, potassium, or lithium salts. Branched fatty acids can be a soap-based, and Isononaeto, iso C ₉ alkanoates, and including 3,5,5-trimethyl hexanoate not limited thereto.

  The detergent composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.2 wt% branched fatty acids. In certain embodiments, the detergent composition comprises 0.2 wt% to 5 wt% branched fatty acid. In other embodiments, the detergent composition comprises 0.2 wt% to 20 wt% branched fatty acids. Larger amounts of branched fatty acids, eg,> 5 wt%, are useful in detergent compositions where the branched fatty acids also function as hydrotropes, surfactants and / or detergent ingredients.

An extrudable ash-based solid composition comprising an activator according to the present invention particularly suitable for use in Japan to remove fish stains is provided in the table below.
* For example, C ₁₂ -O (EO) ₃ (PO) ₆
** Alcohol alkoxylate, branched fatty acid salt, inorganic potassium salt, or combinations thereof

Liquid ash-based liquid compositions comprising an active agent according to the present invention suitable for use in soil removal are shown in the table below:
** Alcohol alkoxylate, branched fatty acid salt, inorganic potassium salt, or combinations thereof

Alcohol alkoxylates A second activator that can be used alone or in combination with other activators is an alcohol alkoxylate. Surprisingly, alcohol alkoxylates provide an enhanced ability to remove dirt, particularly fish-derived ones, caused by difficult to remove proteins and oils. Without being bound by theory, it is hypothesized that alcohol alkoxylates act as soil penetrants and allow detergent to contact the surface of the article. When the alcohol alkoxylate in the activator is included in the composition of the present invention, it is preferably linear with one branch and stable to chlorine. Examples of such alcohol alkoxylates include, but are not limited to, Plurafac ™ LF901 surfactant available from BASF. A preferred alcohol alkoxylate is 2-propylheptanol having an EO / PO ratio of about 16/11.

  Another example of a suitable sodium isononanoate useful as an active agent to prepare the compositions of the present invention is available from Colonial Chemical Inc., Marion County, Tennessee, USA. Are available under the trademarks Cola (TM) Trope INC and Cola (TM) Trope INC-K which are both available from

  In certain embodiments of the present invention, the compositions of the present invention comprise about 0.1-30 wt%, about 0.5-15 wt%, and about 0.75-5 wt% alcohol alkoxylate. In another aspect, the composition comprises from about 0.1 to about 10 wt%, from about 0.25 to about 8 wt%, and from about 0.5 to 5 wt% alcohol alkoxylate as the active agent.

Inorganic Potassium Salt A third activator that can be used alone or in combination with other activators is an inorganic potassium salt. Surprisingly, inorganic salts help solubilize proteins and oils when used in non-caustic and chlorine-free warewashing detergents. Examples of inorganic salts useful as active agents in the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, potassium carbonate, potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, and potassium sesquicarbonate.

Alkalinity Source The detergent composition according to the present invention comprises an effective amount of one or more alkalinity sources along with the active agent to enhance the cleaning of the substrate and improves the soil removal performance of the composition. In general, an effective amount of one or more alkalinity sources is preferably considered to be an amount that provides a use composition having a pH of at least about 9.5. If the use composition has a pH of about 9.5 to about 11, it can be considered mildly alkaline. Since it is usually considered safer than caustic use compositions, it is preferred to provide the use composition as a mild alkaline cleaning composition.

  The detergent composition can include an alkali metal carbonate as a source of alkalinity. Exemplary metal carbonates that can be used include, for example, potassium or sodium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate or sodium, potassium sesquicarbonate or sodium, and mixtures thereof. The detergent composition can include a sufficient amount of alkalinity source to provide a use composition having a pH of at least about 8, or at least about 9, 9.5 or at least about 10. The alkalinity source is preferably in an amount that enhances substrate cleaning and improves the soil removal performance of the composition. Typically, the concentrate is expected to include an alkalinity source in an amount of at least about 5 wt%, at least about 10 wt%, at least about 15 wt%, at least about 20 wt%, at least about 25 wt%, and at least about 30 wt%. The detergent composition can include an alkalinity source of about 10 wt% to about 80 wt%, preferably about 15 wt% to about 70 wt%, about 20 wt% to about 60 wt%, or more preferably about 30-60 wt%. The alkalinity source can further be provided in an amount that can be used to neutralize any anionic surfactant and aid in coagulation of the composition.

  In order to provide sufficient room for other components in the concentrate, the alkalinity source can be provided in the concentrate in an amount of less than about 60 wt%. Further, the alkalinity source can be provided at a level in an amount of less than about 40 wt%, less than about 30 wt%, or less than about 20 wt%. In certain embodiments, it is expected that the detergent composition can provide a use composition that is useful at pH levels greater than about 8, greater than about 9, or greater than about 10. Additional pH adjusting agents can be used to provide a use composition having a desired pH.

  In some embodiments, the coagulant is inherently inorganic and can also optionally serve as an alkalinity source. In certain embodiments, the coagulant comprises sodium carbonate or soda ash, and sodium metasilicate, or a combination thereof.

Water Conditioner Water conditioners can be referred to as detergent builders and / or chelating agents and usually provide cleaning and chelating properties. Exemplary detergent builders include sodium sulfate, starch, sugar, C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkylene glycols such as propylene glycol, and the like. Exemplary chelating agents include phosphates, phosphonates, and aminocarboxylates. Exemplary phosphates include sodium orthophosphate, potassium orthophosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), and sodium hexametaphosphate. Exemplary phosphonates are 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid, aminotrimethylenephosphonic acid, diethylenetriaminepenta (methylenephosphonic acid), 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid CH ₃ C (OH) [ PO _{(OH) 2] 2,} amino tri (methylene phosphonic _{acid) N [CH 2 PO (OH} ) 2] 3, amino tri (methylene phosphonate), 2-hydroxyethyl imino bis (methylene phosphonic _acid) HOCH ₂ CH ₂ N [CH ₂ PO (OH) ₂ ] ₂ , diethylenetriaminepenta (methylenephosphonic acid) (HO) ₂ POCH ₂ N [CH ₂ CH ₂ N [CH ₂ PO (OH) ₂ ] ₂ ] ₂ , diethylenetriamine penta (methylenephosphonate), C _{9 H (28-x) N} 3 Na x O 15 P 5 x = 7) sodium salt, hexamethylenediamine (tetramethylene _{phosphonate), C 10 H (28-} x) N 2 K x O 12 P 4 (x = 6) potassium salt, bis (hexamethylene) triamine (pentamethylene phosphonic Acid) (HO ₂ ) POCH ₂ N [(CH ₂ ) ₆ N [CH ₂ PO (OH) ₂ ] ₂ ] ₂ , and phosphoric acid H ₃ PO ₃ . Exemplary aminocarboxylates include aminocarboxylic acids such as N-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (DTPA), and the like.

  Preferably, the water conditioner, when used, is provided in an amount of about 1 wt% to about 50 wt%, and preferably about 3 wt% to 35 wt%.

Coagulants Coagulants are useful for preparing the solid compositions of the present invention. The coagulant is preferably dispersed in the solid detergent composition to bind the detergent composition together to provide a solid detergent composition. The coagulant can also be referred to as a coagulant and can include a curing agent such as PEG. The binders according to the invention can be used as primary or secondary binders in solid detergents that form the composition. The term “primary binder” refers to the binder that is the primary source that causes the coagulation of the detergent composition. The term “secondary binder” refers to a binder that functions as an aid to the binder in combination with another primary binder. Secondary binders can be used to increase the solidification of the detergent composition and / or to accelerate the solidification of the detergent composition. If the primary binder component does not solidify the detergent composition at the desired rate, it is useful to use the binder component of the present invention as a secondary binder component. Thus, the secondary binder component can be used to help accelerate the coagulation process.

  The solid detergent composition preferably comprises about 10 wt% to about 80 wt% binder, or about 1 wt% to about 40 wt% binder, and sufficient water to provide the hydration necessary for coagulation. Prepared by providing a composition comprising. In certain embodiments, the binder can also function as an alkalinity source.

  The following patents disclose various combinations of coagulants, binders and / or hardeners and methods for coagulation that can be utilized in the solid detergent compositions of the present invention. The following US patents are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes: US Pat. No. 7,153,820; US Pat. No. 7,094,746; US Pat. U.S. Pat. No. 7,037,886; U.S. Pat. No. 6,831,054; U.S. Pat. No. 6,730,653; U.S. Pat. No. 6,660. No. 707; U.S. Patent No. 6,653,266; U.S. Patent No. 6,583,094; U.S. Patent No. 6,410,495; U.S. Patent No. 6,258,765 U.S. Patent No. 6,177,392; U.S. Patent No. 6,156,715; U.S. Patent No. 5,858,299; U.S. Patent No. 5,316,688; U.S. Patent No. 5,234,615 U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,198; U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,301; U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,520; U.S. Pat. No. 4,680,134; 763; and US Reissue Patent 32818.

In certain embodiments, the solid detergent composition comprises about 10-80 wt% sodium carbonate (Na ₂ CO ₃ ), or sodium metasilicate, or combinations thereof for solidification of the solid composition. The solid detergent composition can also include an organophosphonate hard metal sequestering agent that includes an effective amount of a potassium salt. In certain embodiments, the solid detergent composition comprises about 10-40 wt% sodium carbonate, and in a further form 20-40 wt% sodium carbonate.

  In some embodiments, the binder is prepared by mixing metal carbonate, alkali metal bicarbonate, and water. In some embodiments, the alkali metal carbonate comprises soda ash or sodium carbonate. In certain embodiments, the alkali metal bicarbonate comprises sodium bicarbonate. The alkali metal bicarbonate component can be provided by adding alkali metal bicarbonate or by generating the alkali metal bicarbonate in situ. Alkali metal bicarbonate can be generated by reacting an alkali metal carbonate with an acid in situ. The amount of alkali metal carbonate, alkali metal bicarbonate, and water can be adjusted to control the solidification of the detergent composition and to control the pH of the aqueous detergent composition obtained from the solid detergent composition. The rate of solidification of the detergent composition can be increased by increasing the ratio of alkali metal bicarbonate to alkali metal carbonate, or by reducing the ratio of alkali metal bicarbonate to alkali metal carbonate. Can be lowered.

  In some embodiments, the solid detergent composition comprises about 10 wt% to about 80 wt% alkali metal carbonate, about 1 wt% to about 40 wt% alkali metal bicarbonate, and carbonate monohydrate and bicarbonate. Contains enough water to provide the monohydrate.

  In other embodiments, the solidifying agent of the solid detergent composition comprises an alkali carbonate, water and a sequestering agent. For example, the composition may comprise an alkali metal salt of an organic phosphonate, preferably 3-15 wt% potassium salt; and 5-15 wt%, preferably 5-12 wt% water; and 25-80 wt%; Contains 30-55 wt% alkali metal carbonate. As the material solidifies, a single E-form hydrate binder composition is formed. The solid detergent contains a major ratio of carbonate monohydrate, a ratio of non-hydrated (substantially anhydrous) alkali metal carbonate, and a proportion of carbonate material, an amount of organic phosphonate and hydration water. E-form binder composition.

  In yet other embodiments, the coagulant is selected from hydrates and effective amounts of one or more anhydrous that dissolve at temperatures below which significant phosphate reversion occurs. Contains salt. Such a temperature will typically be in the range of about 33 ° to 65 ° C, preferably a salt melting at about 35 ° C to 50 ° C will be used. The dispersed, hydrated salt solidifies when the emulsion is cooled and can be combined with enough free water to give a homogeneous solid that is stable at ambient temperatures, eg, about 15 ° -25 ° C. Preferably, an amount of anhydrous sodium carbonate, anhydrous sodium sulfate or mixtures thereof is used that is effective to solidify the composition when cooled to ambient temperature. The amount of coagulant is related to the percentage of water present in the composition and the hydration capacity of other detergent ingredients. For example, prior to coagulation, preferred liquid detergent emulsions contain about 45-75% solids, most preferably about 55-70% solids, about 25-55%, most preferably about 30-45% water. Would include.

Water Water can be a component of both solid and liquid compositions of the present invention.
The solid detergent composition can include water. Water can be independently added to the detergent composition or can be provided in the detergent composition as a result of being present in the aqueous material added to the detergent composition. For example, many of the materials added to detergent compositions contain water that can be used to react with the coagulant component. Typically, water is added to the detergent composition to provide the desired viscosity to the detergent composition prior to coagulation and to provide the desired rate of coagulation.

  Normally, water is present as a processing aid and is expected to be removed or become hydrated water. It is expected that water can be present in the solid composition. In certain embodiments of the solid detergent composition, the water can be present in the range of about 0 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 3 wt%. . In other embodiments of the solid detergent composition, water is expected to be present in the range of about 25 wt% to about 40 wt%, about 27 wt% to about 35 wt%, and 29 wt% to about 31 wt%. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the water is provided as deionized water or as soft water.

  The ingredients used to produce the solid composition include a hydrate or hydrated form of the binder, any other ingredients of the hydrate or hydrated form, and / or auxiliary agents during processing. It can contain water as an added aqueous medium. The aqueous medium is expected to help provide a component having the desired viscosity for processing. Furthermore, it is expected that the aqueous medium can help in the coagulation process if it is desired to form the concentrate as a solid. If the concentrate is provided as a solid, it can be provided in the form of blocks or pellets. It is expected that the block has a size of at least about 5 grams and can include sizes greater than about 50 grams. It is expected that the concentrate will contain water in an amount of about 1 wt% to about 50 wt%, and about 2 wt% to about 40 wt%.

  If the component being processed to produce a concentrate is processed into blocks, the component is expected to be processed by extrusion techniques. It is generally believed that when the ingredients are processed by extrusion techniques, the composition can contain a relatively smaller amount of water as an aid for processing as compared to casting techniques. Typically, when preparing a solid by extrusion, it is expected that the composition can contain from about 2 wt% to about 10 wt% water.

The organic detergent, surfactant or cleaning composition can comprise at least one cleaning agent, preferably a surfactant or surfactant system. The term “surfactant system” refers to a mixture of at least two surfactants. A variety of surfactants can be used in detergent compositions, including anionic, nonionic, cationic, and zwitterionic surfactants.

  Exemplary surfactants that can be used are commercially available from a number of sources. For more information on surfactants, see Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition, Volume 8, pages 900-912 (disclosure of surfactants is incorporated herein by reference). The detergent composition includes a cleaning agent, which can be provided in an amount effective to provide a desired level of cleaning.

  In certain embodiments, the detergent composition comprises a surfactant or surfactant system in an amount effective to provide a desired level of cleaning. Preferably, the detergent composition comprises about 0.01 to 10 wt%, about 0.1 to 7 wt%, about 0.5 to 5 wt% surfactant or surfactant system.

  Anionic surfactants useful in the detergent compositions include carboxy such as, for example, alkyl carboxylates (carboxylates) and polyalkoxycarboxylates, alcohol ethoxylate carboxylates, nonylphenol ethoxylate carboxylates, and the like. Sulphonates such as alkyl sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl aryl sulfonates, sulfonated fatty acid esters, and the like; sulfated alcohols, sulfated alcohol ethoxylates, sulfated alkylphenols, alkyl sulfates, sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfates Sulfates such as salts, and the like; and phosphates such as alkyl phosphate esters, and the like Including the ester. Preferred anionic properties are sodium alkyl aryl sulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates, and fatty alcohol sulfates.

  When the detergent composition includes an anionic surfactant, the anionic surfactant is preferably provided in an amount from greater than about 0.01 wt% to about 10 wt%.

  Nonionic surfactants useful in detergent compositions include those having a polyalkylene oxide polymer as part of the surfactant molecule. Such nonionic surfactants are, for example, fatty alcohols such as chlorine, benzyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl and other alkyl-capped polyethylene glycol ethers; non-ionic substances free of polyalkylene oxides such as alkyl polyglycosides; Sorbitan and sucrose esters and their ethoxylates; alkoxylated ethylenediamines; alcohol alkoxylates such as alcohol ethoxylate propoxylate, alcohol propoxylate, alcohol propoxylate ethoxylate propoxylate, alcohol ethoxylate butoxylate, and the like; nonylphenol Ethoxylates, polyoxyethylene glycol ethers and the like; glycerol esters, Carboxylic acid esters such as reoxyethylene esters, ethoxylated and fatty acid glycol esters, and the like; diethanolamine condensates, monoalkanolamine condensates, polyoxyethylene fatty acid amides, and the like And polyalkylene oxide block copolymers including ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers such as those marketed under PLURONIC (trademark: BASF-Wyandotte) and the like; and others such as nonionic compounds; Including Silicone surfactants such as ABIL B8852 can also be used.

  When the detergent composition includes a nonionic surfactant, the nonionic surfactant is preferably provided in an amount from greater than about 0.1 wt% to about 7 wt%.

Cationic surfactants useful for inclusion in cleaning compositions for sterilization or fabric softening are primary, secondary and tertiary monoamines, ethoxylated alkyls having _C18 alkyl or alkenyl chains. Amines such as amines, ethylenediamine alkoxylates, imidazoles such as 1- (2-hydroxyethyl) -2-imidazoline, 2-alkyl-1- (2-hydroxyethyl) -2-imidazoline, and the like; and Quaternary ammonium salts such as n-alkyl (C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ ) dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, n-tetradecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride monohydrate, dimethyl-1-naphthylmethylammonium chloride and the like naphthalene substituted quaternary Grade ammonium chloride and the like Ammonium alkyl quaternary chloride surfactant; as well as others such as cationic surfactants.

  When the detergent composition includes a cationic surfactant, the cationic surfactant is preferably provided in an amount from greater than about 0.1 wt% to about 20 wt%. It can be used in a pharmaceutical composition.

  Zwitterionic surfactants that can be used in detergent compositions include betaine, imidazoline, and propionate. The detergent composition can be intended for use in automatic dishwashing or article washing, or clothing washing machines, so the selected surfactant is the dishwashing or article if any surfactant is used. When used in a washer, it can provide an acceptable level of foaming. Of course, detergent compositions for use in automatic dishwashing or warewashing machines are usually considered to be low foaming compositions.

  Surfactants can be selected to provide low foam properties. It will be appreciated that low foaming surfactants that provide the desired level of detergent activity will be advantageous in environments such as dishwashers where the presence of large amounts of foaming may be a problem. It will be appreciated that in addition to the selection of low foaming surfactants, antifoaming agents that reduce foam generation can be utilized. Thus, surfactants that are considered low foaming surfactants, and other surfactants, can be used in detergent compositions and the level of foaming can be controlled by the addition of antifoam agents. .

  The detergent composition is about 0.05 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 0.5 wt% to about 15 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 15 wt%, about 1.5 wt% to about 10 wt%, and about 2 wt% to about 5 wt%. In the range of%, a surfactant or surfactant system is included. Additional exemplary ranges of surfactants in the concentrate include from about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%, and from about 1 wt% to about 3 wt%.

Additional Functional Materials As indicated above, the detergent compositions of the present invention can include other functional materials that provide the desired properties and functionality to the composition. For this application, the term “functional material” includes materials that provide beneficial properties in a particular use when dispersed or dissolved in a use and / or concentrate solution, such as an aqueous solution. Examples of such functional materials are chelating / sequestering agents; inorganic detergents or alkalinity sources; organic detergents, surfactants or cleaning agents; rinse aids; bleaching agents; bactericides / antibacterial agents; Builders or fillers; antifoaming agents, anti-redeposition agents; fluorescent whitening agents; dyes / odorants; secondary curing agents / solubility modifiers; insecticides and / or baits for controlling them; or the like A wide variety of other functional materials, depending on the desired characteristic and / or functionality of the composition or composition. In the context of some embodiments disclosed herein, functional materials, or components, are optionally included within the coagulation matrix due to their sensory properties. The binder serves to bind the matrix containing the functional material so as to form a solid composition together. Some further embodiments of functional materials are described in further detail below, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the specific materials described are given by way of example only and a wide variety of other functional materials It should be understood that can be used.

Enzymes Enzymes that can be used according to the present invention are for removing protein-based, carbohydrate-based or triglyceride-based stains from substrates; for soaking for medical and dental instruments, equipment and devices; For soaking, cookware, and tableware; or for cleaning, decontamination, and sterilizing soaking for meat cutting equipment; for washing machine articles; for washing and textile cleaning And for decontamination; for carpet cleaning and decontamination; for on-site cleaning and on-site decontamination; for cleaning and decontamination food processing surfaces and equipment; for drainage pipe cleaning; soaking for cleaning; and Enzymes that provide the desired activity for the like can be included. While not limiting to the present invention, suitable enzymes for detergent compositions can function by degrading or changing one or more types of soil residues on an appliance or device, such as The soil is removed, or the soil is further removed by a surfactant or other component of the cleaning composition. Both degradation and change of the soil residue can improve the cleaning power by reducing the physicochemical force that binds the soil to the instrument or equipment being cleaned, i.e., the soil becomes more water soluble. For example, one or more proteases may remove complexes, macromolecular protein structures present in the soil residue, themselves more easily desorbed, solubilized from the surface, or otherwise proteases. It breaks down into simpler short chain molecules that are easily removed by the included detergent solution.

  Suitable enzymes include proteases, amylases, lipases, gluconases, cellulases, peroxidases, or mixtures thereof from any suitable source such as plant, animal, bacterial, fungal or yeast origin. The preferred choice is influenced by factors such as pH-activity and / or optimum stability, thermal stability, and stability to active detergents, builders and the like. In this regard, bacterial or fungal enzymes such as bacterial amylases and proteases and fungal cellulases are preferred. Preferably, the enzyme is a protease, lipase, amylase, or a combination thereof.

  “Detergent enzyme” as used herein for cleaning, destaining or otherwise for an instrument, device or apparatus such as a medical or dental instrument, apparatus or device; or laundry, textile By means of an enzyme having a beneficial effect as a component of a detergent composition for products, article cleaning, field cleaning, water pipes, carpets, meat cutting tools, hard surfaces, personal care, or the like. Preferred detergent enzymes include hydrolases such as proteases, amylases, lipases, or combinations thereof. Preferred enzymes in detergent compositions for cleaning medicine or dental equipment or instruments include proteases, amylases, cellulases, lipases, or combinations thereof. Preferred enzymes in detergent compositions for food processing surfaces and devices include proteases, lipases, amylases, gluconases, or combinations thereof. Preferred enzymes in detergent compositions for laundry or textile products include proteases, cellulases, lipases, peroxidases, or combinations thereof. Preferred enzymes in detergent compositions for carpets include proteases, amylases, or combinations thereof. Preferred enzymes in detergent compositions for meat cutting tools include proteases, lipases, or combinations thereof. Preferred enzymes in detergent compositions for hard surfaces include proteases, lipases, amylases, or combinations thereof. The enzyme is usually incorporated into the detergent composition according to the invention in an amount sufficient to increase the effective cleaning yield during the washing or soaking procedure. An effective amount for cleaning refers to an amount that produces a clean, hygienic and, preferably, corrosion-free appearance in the material being cleaned, especially medical or dental equipment or instruments. An effective amount for cleaning also has a cleaning, stain removal, soil removal, whitening, deodorizing, or novelty improving effect on substrates such as medical or dental equipment or instruments and the like. The amount produced can be said. Such a cleaning effect can be achieved with enzyme amounts as low as about 0.1 wt% of the detergent composition. In the cleaning composition of the present invention, the enzyme is about 1 to about 30 wt%; preferably about 2 to about 15 wt%; preferably about 3 to about 10 wt%; preferably about 4 to about 8 wt%; preferably about 4 to about When 5, 5, 6, 7, or 8 wt% is present, suitable cleaning can typically be achieved. Higher enzyme levels are typically desirable in highly concentrated cleaning or soaking formulations. Soaking can preferably be prepared for use at a dilution of about 1: 500, or a formulation concentration of about 2000 to about 4000 ppm, which results in a working concentration of enzyme of about 20 to about 40 ppm.

  Commercial enzymes, such as alkaline proteases, available in liquid or dry form, are sold in unprocessed aqueous solutions or various purified, processed and complex forms, and are usually stabilizers, buffers, cofactors, impurities And about 2% to about 80 wt% active enzyme in combination with an inactive vehicle. The actual active enzyme content depends on the manufacturing method and is not critical; the detergent composition is believed to have the desired enzyme activity. The particular enzyme selected for use in the process and product of the present invention will depend on the end-use utility conditions, including physical product form, use pH, use temperature, and type of soil to be degraded or altered. The enzyme can be selected to provide optimal activity and stability for any given combination of utility conditions.

  The detergent composition of the present invention preferably contains at least a protease. The detergent compositions of the present invention have also been surprisingly found to significantly stabilize protease activity in use compositions directed to digesting proteins and enhancing soil removal. Furthermore, the increased protease activity may occur in the presence of one or more additional enzymes such as amylase, cellulase, lipase, peroxidase, endoglucanase enzyme and mixtures thereof, preferably lipase or amylase enzyme. it can.

  An important reference to the enzyme is “Industrial Enzymes”, Scott, D .; In Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd Edition, (editors Grayson, M. and EcKroth, D.) Vol. 9, pp. 173-224, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1980, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Proteases Suitable proteases for the detergent compositions of the present invention can be derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms. Preferably, the protease is derived from a microorganism such as yeast, mold or bacteria. Preferred proteases include serine protease activity at alkaline pH, preferably derived from Bacillus strains such as Bacillus subtilis or Rikeniformis; these preferred proteases include natural and recombinant subtilisins. Proteases can be purified or components of microbial extracts, and either wild-type or mutant (either chemical or recombinant). Preferred proteases are not inhibited by metal chelators (sequestering agents) or thiol poisons, are not activated by metal ions or reducing agents, have broad substrate specificity, and are diisopropyl Inhibited by fluorophosphate (DFP), is an endopeptidase, has a molecular weight in the range of about 20,000 to about 40,000, and has a pH of about 6 to about 12 and a range of about 20 ° C. to about 80 ° C. Active at temperature.

  Examples of proteolytic enzymes that can be used in the cleaning compositions of the present invention include (by trade name), Savinase ™; Maxcal ™, Optilean ™, Durazym ™, Properase ™, etc. Proteases derived from Bacillus lentus types of the following: Proteases derived from Licheniformis such as Alcalase ™, Maxatase ™, Deterzyme ™, or Deterzyme PAG 510/220; Bacillus amylo such as Primase ™ Proteases derived from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens; and Bacillus alkalophilus such as Deterzyme APY (Bacillus) a protease derived from alcalophilus). Preferred commercially available protease enzymes are those sold by Novo Industries A / S (Denmark) under the trade names Alcalase ™, Savinase ™, Primaset, Durazym (or Esperase ™); Gist-Brocades Sold under the trademark Maxatase (TM), Maxcal (TM), or Maxapem (TM) by (Netherlands); trademarks of Purefect (TM), Purefect (TM) OX, and Properase (TM) by Genencor International Sold under the name; Optilean (TM) or Optimase (TM) by Solvay Enzymes Those sold under the trade name Deterzyme (TM), Deterzyme (TM) APY, and Deterzyme (TM) PAG 510/220, and the like by Deerl and Corporation Including.

  Mixtures of such proteases can also be used. For example, the Purefect ™ product is a preferred alkaline protease (subtilisin) for use in the detergent composition of the present invention having application in a lower temperature cleaning program of about 30 ° C. to about 65 ° C., while Esperase The TM product is an alkaline protease when a higher temperature detergent solution of about 50 ° C to about 85 ° C is selected.

  Suitable detergent proteases are described by Novo et al. In British Patent 1,243,784, WO 9203529A (enzyme / inhibitor system), WO 9318140A, and WO 9255583 ( Recombinant trypsin-like protease); Procter & Gamble WO 9510591A, WO 9507791 (protease with reduced adsorption and increased hydrolysis), WO 95/30010, WO 95/30011 Pamphlet, WO 95/29979 pamphlet; Genencor International's WO 95/10615 pamphlet (Bacillus amyloliqueev) European Patent No. 130,756A (Protease A); European Patent No. 303,761A (Protease B); and European Patent No. 130,756A ing. The mutant protease used in the detergent composition is preferably at least 80% homologous to the protease amino acid sequence in these references, and preferably has at least 80% sequence identity.

  In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the amount of commercially available alkaline protease present in the composition of the invention is about 1 to about 30 wt%; preferably about 2 to about 15 wt%; preferably about 3 to about 10 wt%; Is in the range of about 4 to about 8 wt%; preferably about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, or about 8 wt%. A typical commercially available detergent enzyme contains about 5-10% active enzyme.

  Establishing the required weight percentage of commercially available alkaline protease is practically convenient for the production mode of the present teachings, but changes in commercially available protease concentrates and negative effects on additives and protease activity in an in-situ environment Requires more distinguishable analytical techniques for protease testing to quantify enzyme activity and establish a correlation between soil residue removal performance, enzyme stability in preferred embodiments, and working dilution solutions. The activity of the protease for use in the present invention is expressed in units of easily expressed activity units-more specifically, Kilo-Novo Protease Units (KNPU), an azocasein test activity unit well known to those skilled in the art. Expressed easily. A more detailed description of the azocasein test procedure can be found in the title “The Use of Azoalbumin as a Substrate in Colorimetric Determination of Peptide and Tryptic Activity”, Tomarelli, R. et al. M.M. Charney, J .; , And Harding, M .; L. , J .; Lab. Clin. Chem. 34, 428 (1949).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the activity of the protease present in the use solution is from about 1 × 10 to ⁵ KNPU / gm solution to about 4 × 10 to ³ KNPU / gm solution.

  Of course, a mixture of different proteolytic enzymes can be incorporated into the present invention. While various specific enzymes have been described above, it will be appreciated that any protease capable of conferring the desired proteolytic activity on the composition can be used, and this aspect of the invention provides It is not limited in any way by specific selection.

Amylase Suitable amylases for the detergent compositions of the present invention can be derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms. Preferably, the amylase is derived from a microorganism such as yeast, mold or bacteria. Preferred amylases are B.I. licheniformis, B.I. amyloliquefaciens, B.M. subtilis, or B.I. Including those derived from Bacillus such as stearothermophilus. The amylase can be purified or a component of the microbial extract and either wild type or mutant (either chemical or recombinant), preferably wild under washing or soaking conditions. It is a variant that is more stable than type amylase.

  Examples of amylase enzymes that can be used in the detergent compositions of the present invention are those sold under the trade name Rapididase by Gist-Brocades ™ (Netherlands); Tradenames Termanyl ™, Fungamyl ( Sold under the trade name Purastar STL or Purastar OXAM by Genencor; trade name Thermozyme ™ L340 or Deterzyme ™ PAG by Deerland Corporation Including those sold under 510/220; and the like. Preferred commercially available amylase enzymes include the enhanced stability amylase sold under the trade name Duramyl ™ by Novo. A mixture of amylases can also be used.

  Amylases suitable for the detergent composition of the present invention, preferably for ware washing, are Novo, WO 95/26397, PCT / DK96 / 00056, and British Patent 1,296, I-amylase described in 839; Biol. Chem. 260 (11): 6518-6521 (1985); improved stability amylase; Novo, WO 9510603A, WO 9509909A and WO 9402597; WO 9402597 References disclosed in the No. pamphlet; and Gencorcor International, WO 9418314 pamphlet. The variant I-amylase used in the detergent composition comprising the stabilized enzyme is preferably at least 80% homologous, preferably at least 80% sequence identical to the amino acid sequence of the protease in these references. .

  Preferred amylases for use in the detergent compositions of the present invention have increased stability compared to certain amylases, such as Termamyl®. Increased stability is, for example, oxidative stability to hydrogen peroxide / tetraacetylethylenediamine in a buffer solution at pH 9-10; for example, thermal stability at normal wash temperatures such as about 60 ° C .; and / or For example, alkaline stability at a pH of about 8 to about 11, each referring to a significant or measurable improvement in one or more compared to a suitable control amylase such as Termamyl ™. Stability can be measured by methods known to those skilled in the art. Preferred enhanced stability amylases for use in the detergent compositions of the present invention have specific activity at temperatures ranging from 25 ° C. to 55 ° C. and at pH ranging from about 8 to about 10 ) At least 25% higher than the specific activity. Such comparative amylase activity can be measured by tests known to and / or commercially available to those skilled in the art, such as the Phadebas ™ I-amylase test.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the amount of commercial amylase present in the composition of the present invention is about 1 to about 30 wt% of the commercial enzyme product; preferably about 2 to about 15 wt%; preferably about 3 to About 10 wt%; preferably in the range of about 4 to about 8 wt%; preferably about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, or about 8 wt%. A typical commercially available detergent enzyme contains about 0.25-5% active amylase.

  Establishing the required weight percentage of commercially available amylase is practically convenient for the production aspects of the present teachings, but changes in the commercially available amylase concentrate and negative effects on additives and amylase activity in an in-situ environment are There is a need for a more discriminable analytical technique for amylase testing to quantify enzyme activity and establish a correlation between soil residue removal performance, enzyme stability in the preferred embodiment, and working dilution solution. The activity of amylase for use in the present invention may be expressed through units known to those skilled in the art, or through amylase tests known and / or commercially available to those skilled in the art, such as the Phadebas ™ I-amylase test. it can.

  Of course, a mixture of different amylase enzymes can be incorporated into the present invention. While various specific enzymes have been described above, it will be appreciated that any amylase capable of conferring the desired amylase activity on the composition can be used, and this aspect of the invention is specific for amylase enzymes. It is not limited in any way depending on the choice.

Cellulases Suitable cellulases for the detergent compositions of the present invention can be derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms. Preferably, the cellulase is derived from a microorganism such as a fungus or a bacterium. Preferred cellulases include those derived from bacteria such as Humicola insolens, Humicola strain DSM1800, or cellulase 212-producing bacteria belonging to the genus Aeromonas and those extracted from the liver and pancreas of marine mollusks, Dolabella Auricula Solander Including. Cellulases can be purified or can be either a component of the extract and a wild type or a variant (either chemical or recombinant).

  Examples of cellulase enzymes that can be used in the detergent compositions of the invention are those sold by Novo under the trade name Carezyme ™ or Celluzym ™; under the trade name Cellulase ™ by Genencor. Those sold by Deerland Corporation under the trade name Deerland Cellulase 4000 ™ or Deerland Cellulase TR ™; and the like. A mixture of cellulases can also be used. Suitable cellulases are described in Novo, U.S. Pat. No. 4,435,307, British Published Patent No. 2.0755.028, British Published Patent No. 2.095.275, German Patent No. It is described in patent documents including 2.247.832, WO 9117243, and WO 9414951A (stabilized cellulase).

  In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the amount of commercially available cellulase present in the composition of the invention is from about 1 to about 30 wt% of the commercially available enzyme product; preferably from about 2 to about 15 wt%; preferably from about 3 to About 10 wt%; preferably in the range of about 4 to about 8 wt%; preferably about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, or about 8 wt%. A typical commercially available detergent enzyme contains about 5-10% active enzyme.

  Establishing the required cellulase weight percentage is practically convenient for the production embodiments of the present teachings, but changes in commercial cellulase concentrates and negative effects on additives and cellulase activity in an in-situ environment are In order to quantify the activity and establish a correlation between soil residue removal performance, enzyme stability in the preferred embodiment, and working dilution solution, further distinguishable analytical techniques for cellulase testing are required. Cellulase activity for use in the present invention can be expressed through units known to those skilled in the art or through cellulase tests known and / or commercially available to those skilled in the art.

  Of course, a mixture of different cellulase enzymes can be incorporated into the present invention. While various specific enzymes have been described above, it will be appreciated that any cellulase capable of imparting the desired cellulase activity to the composition can be used, and this aspect of the invention is specific for cellulase enzymes. It is not limited in any way by the general choice.

Lipases Suitable lipases for the detergent compositions of the present invention can be derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms. Preferably, the lipase is derived from a microorganism such as a fungus or a bacterium. Preferred lipases are Pseudomonas, such as Pseudomonas stutzeri ATCC 19.154, or Humicola nuisula (typically produced in Aspergillus oryzae). And those derived from Humicola such as Humicola langinosa. The lipase can be purified or can be either a component of the extract and a wild type or a variant (either chemical or recombinant).

  Examples of lipase enzymes that can be used in the detergent compositions of the present invention include the trade name Lipase P Amano ™ or Amano-P ™ by Novano, Japan, Nagoya, Japan or the trade name Lipolase ™ by Novo. ), And the like. Other commercially available lipases that can be used in the subject matter include Amano-CES ™, Chromobacter viscosum, eg Toyo Brew Co., Ltd. Tagata, Chromobacter viscosum var. From Japan. lipase derived from lipolyticum NRRLB 3673; S. Biochemical Corp. U. S. A. and Disoyth Co. And a lipase derived from Pseudomonas gladioli or from Humicola lanuginosa. Preferred lipases are those sold under the trade name Lipolase ™ by Novo.

  Suitable lipases are Novo International Publication No. 9414951A (stabilized lipase), International Publication No. 9205249, Science and Technology Document 94359044, British Patent No. 1,372,034, Amano Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Japanese Patent Application No. 53-20487 published on Feb. 24, 1978. And in the patent literature including EP 341,947.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the amount of commercially available lipase present in the composition of the present invention is about 1 to about 30 wt% of the commercially available enzyme product; preferably about 2 to about 15 wt%; preferably about 3 to About 10 wt%; preferably in the range of about 4 to about 8 wt%; preferably about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, or about 8 wt%. A typical commercially available detergent enzyme contains about 5-10% active enzyme.

  Establishing the required lipase weight percentage is practically convenient for the production embodiments of the present teachings, but changes in commercial lipase concentrates and negative effects on additive and lipase activity in an in-situ environment are In order to quantify the activity and establish a correlation between soil residue removal performance, enzyme stability in the preferred embodiment, and working dilution solution, further discriminating analytical techniques for lipase testing are required. The activity of a lipase for use in the present invention can be expressed through units known to those skilled in the art or through lipase tests known and / or commercially available to those skilled in the art.

  Of course, a mixture of different lipase enzymes can be incorporated into the present invention. While various specific enzymes have been described above, it will be appreciated that any lipase capable of conferring the desired lipase activity on the composition can be used, and this aspect of the invention provides a lipase enzyme embodiment. It is not limited in any way by the general choice.

Additional Enzymes Additional enzymes suitable for use in the present detergent composition include cutinase, peroxidase, gluconase, and the like. Suitable cutinase enzymes are described in Genencor, WO 8809367A. Known peroxidases include horseradish peroxidase, ligninase, and haloperoxidases such as chloro or bromoperoxidase. Peroxidases suitable for detergent compositions are disclosed in Novo's WO 89099813A and WO 8909813A. Peroxidase enzymes can be used in combination with an oxygen source, such as percarbonate, percarbonate, hydrogen peroxide, and the like. Additional enzymes suitable for incorporation into the detergent compositions include Genencor International's WO 9307263A and WO 9307260A, Novo's WO 8908694A, and McCarty et al., US Pat. No. 553,139, Place et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,101,457, Hughes U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,219, and Hora et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,868. It is disclosed in.

  Additional enzymes such as cutinase or peroxidase suitable for the detergent compositions of the present invention can be derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms. Preferably, the enzyme can be derived from a microorganism. The enzyme can be purified or can be either a component of the extract and a wild type or a variant (either chemical or recombinant). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the amount of commercially added enzyme such as cutinase or peroxidase present in the composition of the invention is from about 1 to about 30 wt%, preferably from about 2 to about 30% of the commercially available enzyme product. It ranges from 15 wt%, preferably from about 3 to about 10 wt%, preferably from about 4 to about 8 wt%. A typical commercially available detergent enzyme contains about 5-10% active enzyme.

  Establishing the required weight percentages of additional enzymes such as cutinase or peroxidase is practically convenient for the production aspects of the present teachings, but changes in commercially added enzyme concentrates and additives in an in-situ environment and The negative effects on their activity can be further distinguished for enzyme testing to quantify enzyme activity and establish a correlation between soil residue removal performance, enzyme stability in preferred embodiments, and working dilution solutions. Requires analytical techniques. The activity of additional enzymes such as cutinase or peroxidase for use in the present invention can be expressed through units known to those skilled in the art or through tests known and / or commercially available to those skilled in the art.

  Of course, a mixture of different additional enzymes can be incorporated into the present invention. While various specific enzymes have been described above, it will be appreciated that any additional enzyme capable of conferring the desired enzyme activity on the composition can be used, and this aspect of the present invention is an enzyme specific. It is not limited in any way by the general choice.

Enzyme Stabilization System The enzyme stabilization system of the present invention comprises a mixture of carbonate and bicarbonate. The enzyme stabilization system can also include other components that stabilize an enzyme or enhance or maintain the setting of the carbonate and bicarbonate mixture.

  Certain cleaning compositions, such as medical or dental appliance or equipment detergent composition stabilization systems, allow bleach species present in many water supplies to attack and inactivate enzymes, particularly under alkaline conditions. 0 to about 10%, preferably about 0.01% to about 6 wt% of a chlorine bleach scavenger added to prevent contamination. Chlorine levels in water are small, typically in the range of about 0.5 ppm to about 1.75 ppm, but for example, available chlorine in the total volume of water that can come into contact with oxygen during warewashing Therefore, enzyme stability to chlorine during use can be problematic. Percarbonates that can react with percarbonate or chlorine bleach can be present in certain immediate compositions in amounts described separately from the stable system, so that improved results are also available for their use. Regardless, the use of additional stabilizers for chlorine may not usually be essential.

  Suitable chlorine scavenger anions are widely known and readily available and, when used, include sulfurous acid, hydrogen sulfite, thiosulfuric acid, thiosulfuric acid, iodides and the like and ammonium cations. It can be a salt. Antioxidants such as carbamate, ascorbate, organic amines such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or their alkali metal salts, monoethanolamine (MEA), and mixtures thereof can be used as well. Similarly, special enzyme suppression systems can be incorporated so that different enzymes have maximum affinity. Sources of hydrogen peroxide such as bisulfate, nitrate, chloride, sodium percarbonate tetrahydrate, sodium percarbonate monohydrate and sodium percarbonate, and phosphates, condensed phosphates, acetates, Other conventional scavengers such as benzoate, citrate, formate, butyrate, maleate, tartrate, salicylate, and the like, and mixtures thereof can be used as needed.

  Usually, the chlorine scavenger function can be performed by separately listed components under well-recognized functionality, so that a compound that performs the desired degree of function contains the enzyme of the present invention. There is no requirement to add another chlorine scavenger unless it is in an embodiment; even then, the scavenger is added only for optimal results. In addition, the formulator will exercise normal chemist skills to avoid the use of any enzyme scavengers or stabilizers that, when formulated, are unacceptably compatible with other reactive ingredients. In connection with the use of ammonium salts, such salts can be simply mixed with the detergent composition, but tend to absorb water and / or release ammonia during storage. Thus, such materials, if present, are desirably protected in particles such as those described in Baginski et al. US Pat. No. 4,652,392.

Disinfectants, known as disinfectants or antibacterial agents, are chemical compositions that can be used to prevent microbial contamination and degradation of commercial product material systems, surfaces, and the like. Typically these materials include phenolic compounds, halogen compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds, metal derivatives, amines, alkanolamines, nitro derivatives, analides, organic sulfur and sulfur-nitrogen compounds and various compounds. In the class. A given antibacterial agent, depending on chemical composition and concentration, can simply limit further growth of bacterial numbers or destroy all or a substantial ratio of microbial populations. The terms “bacteria” and “microorganism” typically refer primarily to bacteria and fungal microorganisms. When used, the antibacterial agent is diluted using a stream of solid functional material and, when dispensed, an aqueous disinfectant that can contact various surfaces, resulting in a substantial ratio of microbial population growth prevention or killing Produced in an agent or fungicide composition. A five-fold reduction in the microbial population results in a fungicide composition. Common antibacterial agents include phenolic antibacterial agents such as pentachlorophenol and orthophenylphenol. Halogen-containing antibacterial agents include sodium trichloroisocyanurate sodium, sodium dichloroisocyanurate sodium (anhydrous or dihydrate), iodine or dihydrate, iodopoly (vinylpyrrolidinoneneol) vinylpyrrolidinone) complex), bromine compounds such as 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, quaternary antibacterial agents such as benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, hexahydro-1,3,5-tris ( 2-hydroxyethyl) -s-triazine and other amine and nitro-containing antibacterial compositions, dimethyldithiocarbamate sodium Dithiocarbamates such as um, and various other materials known in the art for their microbial properties.The fungicides are stable in solid detergent compositions and / or react with other materials. Can be encapsulated to improve performance.

Bleaching agents for use in the detergent compositions of the present invention optionally include bleaching compounds that are included to lighten or whiten the substrate and are substantially free of chlorine. . Bleaching agents include hydrogen peroxide, perborate, sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, phosphate peroxyhydrate, potassium persulfate and potassium permonosulfate diamine, It can be a peroxygen or active oxygen source such as sodium perborate mono and tetrahydrate with or without an activator such as the like. The detergent composition of the present invention may contain a small but effective amount of a bleaching agent, preferably about 0.1-10 wt%, preferably about 1-6 wt%.

Is a small amount for reducing the stability of defoamer foam also an effective amount of a defoaming agent, may be included in the present detergent compositions. Preferably, the detergent composition of the present invention comprises about 0.0001-5 wt% antifoam, preferably about 0.01-3 wt% antifoam.

  Examples of antifoaming agents suitable for use in the present compositions include silicone compounds such as silica dispersed in polydimethylsiloxane, fatty amides, hydrocarbon waxes, fatty acids, fatty esters, fatty alcohols, fatty acid soaps, ethoxylates, Includes mineral oils, polyethylene glycol esters, alkyl phosphate esters such as monostearyl phosphate, and the like. Details of antifoaming agents are described, for example, in Martin et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,048,548, Brunelle et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,334,147, and Rue et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,442, No. 242, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Anti-redeposition agent The detergent composition of the present invention can also promote sustained suspension of soil in the use solution and prevent re-deposition of removed soil on the substrate being cleaned. An anti-adhesive agent can be included. Examples of suitable anti-redeposition agents include fatty acid amides, fluorocarbon surfactants, complex phosphate esters, styrene maleic anhydride copolymers, and derivatives of cellulose such as hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and the like. The detergent composition can include about 0.5-10 wt%, about 1-5 wt% anti-redeposition agent.

Dyes / perfumes Various dyes, odorants including perfumes, and other aesthetic modifiers can also be included in the composition. For example, Direct Blue 86 (Miles), Fastolsol Blue (Mobay Chemical Corp.), Acid Orange 7 (American Cyanamid), Basic Violet 10 (Sandoz), Acid Yellow 23GA (Similar) (Keyston Analine and Chemical), Methanil Yellow (Keystone Analine and Chemical), Acid Blue 9 (Hilton Davis), Sandan Blue / Acid Blue, Sol C, and Sol C cal), Fluorescein (Capitol Color and Chemical), Acid Green 25 (Ciba-Geigy), and dyes as that of the like may be included to alter the appearance of the composition.

  Perfumes or perfumes that can be included in the composition include, for example, terpenoids such as citronellol, aldehydes such as amyl cinnamate aldehyde, jasmine such as C1S-jasmine or Jasmal, vanillin, and the like.

Other Ingredients Other active ingredients, builders, carriers, processing aids, dyes or pigments, perfumes, solvents for liquid formulations, (as described below) hydrotropes such useful in the detergent compositions containing a wide range of Other ingredients can be included in the composition. Low molecular weight primary or secondary alcohols exemplified by methanol, ethanol, propanol, and isopropanol are preferred. Monohydroxylic alcohols are preferred for solubilizing the surfactant, but from about 2 to about 6 carbon atoms and from about 2 to about 6 hydroxy groups (eg, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerin e, and 1 , 2-propanediol) and other polyols can also be used.

Production of Solid Detergent Composition The present invention provides a method for producing a solid detergent composition. The activator, alkalinity source, water conditioner, coagulant, and other additives according to the present invention are mixed together in a mixing system as desired. Preferably, the mixing system is sufficient to provide a dispersion of binder in the detergent composition. Heat can be provided from an external source to facilitate processing of the mixture.

  The mixing system provides continuous mixing of the components at high shear, producing a substantially homogeneous liquid or semi-solid mixture in which the components are dispersed in the mass. Preferably, the mixing system includes means for mixing the components, and during processing, greater than about 1,000 cps, preferably 1,000 to 1,000,000 cps, and more preferably about 50,000 to 200,000 cps. Provides shear effective to maintain the mixture in a fluid consistency with a viscosity of The mixing system is preferably a continuous flow mixer, or more preferably a single or twin screw extruder device, with a twin screw extruder being highly preferred.

  The mixture is typically processed at a temperature that maintains the physical and chemical stability of the components, preferably at an ambient temperature of about 20-80 ° C, more preferably about 25-55 ° C. Although limited external heat can be applied to the mixture, the temperature achieved by the mixture may increase during processing due to friction, changes in ambient conditions, and / or exothermic reactions between components. Optionally, the temperature of the mixture may increase, for example at the inlet or outlet of the mixing system.

  The component can be in solid form, such as liquid or dry particulate, and can be added separately to the mixture, or another component, such as a cleaning agent, part of a premix with an aqueous medium, and It can be added as an additional component, such as a second cleaning agent, detergent adjuvant or other additive, secondary curing agent, and the like. One or more premixes can be added to the mixture.

  The ingredients produce a substantially homogeneous consistency in which the ingredients are dispersed substantially uniformly throughout the mass. The mixture is then discharged from the mixing system through a die or other forming means. The formed extrudate can then be divided into useful sizes having a controlled mass. Preferably, the extruded solid is packaged in a film. The temperature of the mixture, when released from the mixing system, is preferably low enough to allow the mixture to be cast or extruded directly into the packaging system without first cooling the mixture. The time between extrusion release and packaging can be adjusted to allow the detergent block to cure for good handling during further processing and packaging. Preferably, the mixture at the time of release is about 20-90 ° C, preferably about 25-55 ° C. The compositions can be cured to solids that can range from low density, sponge-like, malleable, caulky consistency to high density, molten solids, concrete blocks.

  Optionally, heating and cooling equipment can be mounted adjacent to the mixing device to apply or remove heat to obtain the desired temperature profile in the mixer. For example, to increase the fluidity of the mixture during processing, an external source of heat is applied to one or more cylinders of the mixer, such as the component inlet section, the final outlet section, and the like. Applicable. Preferably, the temperature of the mixture during processing, including the temperature at the discharge port, is preferably maintained at about 20-90 ° C.

  When the processing of the components is complete, the mixture can be discharged from the mixer through a discharge die. The composition eventually cures. The solidification process may last from a few minutes to about 6 hours, depending on, for example, the size of the extruded composition, the components of the composition, the temperature of the composition, and other factors. Preferably, the extruded composition is “set to cure to a solid form within about 1 minute to about 3 hours, preferably about 1 minute to about 2 hours, preferably about 1 minute to about 20 minutes. Is "or begins to harden.

  The packaging container or container can be rigid or flexible and is suitable for containing a composition made according to the present invention, such as glass, metal, plastic film or sheet, cardboard, cardboard composite Material, paper, and the like.

  Advantageously, the composition is processed at or near ambient temperature so that the mixture can be cast or extruded directly into a container or packaging system without structurally damaging the material. The temperature of the mixture is sufficiently low. As a result, a wider range of materials can be used to manufacture the containers than those used for compositions processed and released under melt conditions. The preferred packaging used to contain the composition is made of a flexible, easy to open film material.

  The packaging material can be provided as a water-soluble packaging material such as a water-soluble packaging film. Exemplary water-soluble packaging films include US Pat. No. 6,503,879; US Pat. No. 6,228,825; US Pat. No. 6,303,553; US Pat. 475, 977; and US Pat. No. 6,632,785, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. An exemplary water soluble polymer that can provide a packaging material that can be used to package the concentrate includes polyvinyl alcohol. The packaged concentrate can be provided as a unit dose package or a multiple dose package. In the case of a unit dose package, one packaged unit is expected to be placed in a dishwasher, such as a dishwasher detergent compartment, and used up in one wash cycle. In the case of a multi-dose package, it is expected that the unit will be placed in a rinsing tank and the surface of the stream concentrate will be disassembled to provide a liquid concentrate that will be introduced into the dishwasher.

  Suitable water-soluble polymers that can be used in the present invention are described in Davidson and Sittig, Water Soluble Resins, Van Northland Reinhold Company, New York (1968), incorporated herein by reference. The water-soluble polymer preferably has suitable characteristics such as strength and flexibility so that the machine can handle it. Preferred water-soluble polymers are polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose ether, polyethylene oxide, starch, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl methyl ether maleic anhydride, poly maleic anhydride, styrene maleic anhydride, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol, carboxymethyl cellulose. , Polyacrylate, alginate, acrylamide copolymer, guar gum, casein, ethylene maleic anhydride resin system, polyethyleneimine, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, ethylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylmethylcellulose. Low molecular weight water soluble, polyvinyl alcohol film forming polymers are usually preferred. Polyvinyl alcohols that can be used are those having a weight average molecular weight of about 1,000 to about 300,000, and about 2,000 to about 150,000, and about 3,000 to about 100,000.

Discharge of solid detergent composition The solid detergent composition produced according to the present invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,661, U.S. Pat. No. 4,690,3051, U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,1211. U.S. Patent No. 4,426,3621 and U.S. Reissue Patent No. 32,7631 and U.S. Reissue Patent No. 32,1811, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. All of which are incorporated herein by reference). That is, the function of a spray-type dispenser by impinging a spray of water on the exposed surface of the solid composition is to dissolve a portion of the composition and then directly from the dispenser to a storage container or place of use. The concentrate solution containing is immediately led. When used, the product is removed from the package (for example) film and inserted into a dispenser. The water spray can be made by the nozzle in a form that follows the shape of the solid detergent. The dispenser housing can fit the shape of the detergent in a dispensing system that prevents the introduction and dispensing of inappropriate detergents.

  When the solid detergent composition is provided in unit dosage, the solid detergent composition is provided to the cleaning environment to produce a use solution. In the case of an article washer, a unit dose can be administered to the article washer. The unit dose can be administered manually to the article washer or can be mechanically dispensed to the article washer. Further, the unit dose can be used to produce a concentrate that is then introduced into the article washer.

The detergent composition used can be considered as a concentrated composition as a cleaning composition or as a composition. Solid or liquid detergent composition for cleaning in environments including automatic dishwashing or article washer: use as a rinse aid in it, laundry, pot and pan cleaner, rotary fryers and deep fryers, for floors It can be used for cleaners and manual cleaning of glass, dishes, etc. in the sink. Furthermore, the detergent composition of the present invention can be referred to as a composition in the form of a concentrate, or can be provided in the form of a use composition. Typically, the concentrate is a composition intended to provide a use composition that is diluted with water to contact the surface to provide the desired cure, such as cleaning. Further, the detergent composition can be used in environments including, for example, bottle washing and car washing.

  A solid or liquid detergent composition dissolved and diluted for contact with the article to be cleaned can be referred to as a “use composition” or “use solution”. The use composition can be provided at a concentration that provides the desired level of detergent properties. Solid concentration refers to the concentration of non-aqueous components in the composition used. The solid detergent composition before being diluted to provide a use composition can be referred to as a solid composition, a solid detergent composition, or a concentrate.

  The solid detergent composition can be used by dissolving the concentrate with water or other aqueous medium to provide the use composition at the point of use. In many cases where a solid detergent composition is used in an automatic dishwashing or article washing machine, the place of use is expected to be inside the automatic dishwashing or article washing machine. If the solid detergent composition is used in a residential or residential style dishwasher, the composition can be placed in the detergent compartment of the dishwasher. Often the detergent compartment is located at the dishwasher door. The solid detergent composition can be provided to allow introduction of a single dose compartment into the solid detergent composition. Usually, a single dose refers to the amount of solid detergent composition desired in a single article cleaning cycle. In many commercial dishwashing or warewashing machines, and even for certain residential or home-style dishwashers, large amounts of solid detergent compositions can provide a single dose of composition for each warewashing or dishwashing cycle. It is expected to be provided in a compartment that allows opening. Such a compartment can be provided as part of a warewashing or dishwasher, or a separate structure connected to the warewashing or dishwasher by a hose for delivery of the composition to the warewashing or dishwasher Can be offered as. For example, a block of solid detergent composition can be provided in a water wash tank, and water can be sprayed against the surface of the block to provide a liquid concentrate that can be introduced into a dishwasher. To do. The flush tank can be part of the dishwasher or can be provided separately from the dishwasher.

  The water used to dilute the concentrate to produce a use composition can be referred to as dilution water and can vary from one location to another. Water useful at one location can have a relatively low level of dissolved total solids, while water at another location is expected to have a relatively high level of dissolved total solids. The Usually, hard water is considered water with a dissolved total solids content above 200 ppm. The warewashing detergent composition according to the present invention can be provided such that the detergency properties are provided in the presence of water, which is diluted water that is soft or hard water.

The use composition can have a solids content that is sufficient to provide the desired level of cleaning, while avoiding wasting the concentrated detergent composition, by using it in excess. Solids present in the use solution are stable in solution, meaning that they remain dispersed in the use solution without precipitation and rapid degradation during use. Typically, the use composition can have a solids content of at least about 0.05 wt% to provide the desired level of cleaning. Further, the use composition can have a solids content of less than about 1.0 wt% to avoid using too much composition. Further, the use composition can have a solids content of about 0.05 wt% to about 0.75 wt%. In certain embodiments, the solid detergent composition readily dissolves in an aqueous medium to produce a use solution having a solids content of about 3-5 wt%, and in a further form about 4 wt%. The use composition can be prepared from the concentrate by diluting with water at a dilution ratio that provides convenient use of the concentrate and provides the production of use compositions having the desired detergent properties. The concentrate can be diluted at a ratio of water: concentrate = at least about 20: 1 to provide a use composition having the desired detergent properties, and this should be from about 20: 1 to about 2000: 1. Can do. In the use solution, embodiments of the invention include a detergent solids content of about 200-6,000 ppm, a detergent solids content of about 400-5, 500 ppm, and about 500-5,000 ppm. The above details provide a basis for understanding the broad boundaries of the present invention. The following examples and test data provide an understanding in certain specific embodiments of the invention. The examples are not intended to limit the scope of the invention described in the preceding description. Variations within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes and are not meant to be limiting.

Materials and Suppliers Colonial Chemical Inc. Cola ™ Trope INC from Chattanooga, TN or Cola ™ Trope INC-K both sodium isononanoate.
Plurafac ™ LF901, a surfactant, available from BASF Chemical Company, located in Germany.

Test Methods The following test methods provide a method for analyzing stain removal on fish stain-stained tiles.
Fish stains were prepared by mixing 100 g of raw white fish and 200 g of deionized water. The fish pulp was centrifuged and became three layers, a bottom thick protein layer, a central liquid fish “juice”, and a surface fish fat. The middle layer (“fish soup”) is extracted and is referred to herein as the supernatant. The supernatant fluid was used for only one week because samples that had been held for more than two weeks produced solids that precipitated from solution and became heterogeneous. The solution was stored at a refrigeration temperature of about 40 ° F. to avoid freezing or heating the supernatant.

  Tiles were prepared by the following procedure. The white ceramic tile was first washed with deionized (“DI”) water. The tile surface was then washed with acetone. Masking tape was placed on the tiles to protect the 1 inch strip from dirt. A 0.5 mL volume of supernatant was prepared as described in the previous paragraph and pipetted down to contact the edge of the masking tape. A wet film application rod was used to spread the fish evenly across the surface of the tile. The tiles were allowed to dry at ambient conditions and the soil was applied and spread twice so that each tile had a dry layer of 3 fish on the surface.

  Wet film applicator bars are available from Paul Gardner Company, Inc., located in Pampano Beach, FL. Size 20 purchased from The bar produces a wet film thickness of 0.51 mm. The bar was 1/4 inch in diameter and had an effective coating width of 12 inches. The wire diameter was 0.02 inches.

White matte 4 × 4 tiles with multiple layers of soil were prepared. Three tiles were prepared having different numbers of soil layers, one to three layers. The soil was then stained with Coomassie Blue, a dye that stains proteins. The surface of these tiles was visually evaluated. The darkest tile had the most Coomassie dye and therefore the most protein on it. The visual grade of the tile is as follows.

In order to give consistency to the evaluation, the visual results were evaluated by the same person considered to be an expert in these dyes. Smaller numbers result in less protein stains present on the tile surface. Smaller visual grade results in better cleaning performance of the detergent.
The results showed that the most uniformly soiled tile was soiled 3 times after going through the initial cleaning.

Example 1
This example shows the effectiveness of the composition of the present invention in removing stagnation underwater raw fish soil.
A 1500 ppm detergent solution was prepared by the following formulation:

Ceramic tiles were soiled by the test method described above. The soiled tiles were placed in a solution of 1500 ppm detergent with 5 wt% active agent (or 75 ppm) in 5 grains per gallon (gpg) of water at 150 ° F. for 5 minutes. Latent activator additives were selected from the following table:

  The tile was then removed and rinsed in stagnation 120 ° F., 5 gpg water. The cleanliness of the tile was visually evaluated. In all latent activator additive tests tested, only a few resulted in improved soil removal over use with detergent alone. These additives include activators: potassium carbonate, potassium chloride, and Colonial Chemical Inc. Isononanoic acid sodium salt commercially available as Cola ™ Top Inc.

Example 2
This example demonstrates protein accumulation in an automatic article washer using detergents with and without Cola ™ Trope INC sodium isononanoate for 10-cycles or more. A detergent was prepared using the formulation provided in Example 1 above. In half of the sample, 5% Cola ™ Trope INC sodium isononanoate was added to the detergent. The detergent was used alone in the other half of the sample.

  Ten tiles were stained as described above and were subjected to a 70 second wash and rinse cycle wash using an AM14 automatic dishwasher available from Hobart located in Troy, Ohio. After the cycle was complete, the tile was removed from the machine. The first one was pulled aside and the remaining nine tiles were soiled and washed again. After each cycle, the tiles were removed until a 10-cycle soil build-up was visible on one tile. This result shows that tiles using 1500 ppm detergent with 5% wt% Cola (TM) Trope INC sodium isononanoate activator additive are substantially cleaner than tiles cleaned with 1500 ppm detergent alone. Indicated.

  The blue dye from Coomassie Blue highlighted the proteins present on the tile. The darkest area on the tile showed where most of the protein was present. The results are shown in FIG. The example showed that including an activator additive with the detergent modified the overall cleaning performance.

Example 3
This example shows improved soil removal within the active agent concentration range.
A detergent was prepared according to the formulation provided in Example 1. Cola ™ Trope INC sodium isononanoate was added to the detergent at different concentrations and the soiled tile was placed in the working solution according to the procedure of Example 1. The tiles were examined visually. The results show that when using an active agent, Cola at a concentration of about 0.5-4 wt%, about 1 and 3% wt%, or about 2 wt% yields about 30 ppm active Cola ™ Trope INC isononanoate. (Trade Mark) Trope INC sodium sodium isononanoate showed maximum soil removal. The results are shown in FIG.

Example 4
The detergent of Example 1 was prepared and used in this example. To test the effectiveness of raw fish soil removal, different amounts of Plurafac ™ LF901 (an alcohol alkoxylate surfactant commercially available from BASF) and sodium isononanoate were added to the detergent. Plurafac ™ LF901 surfactant and isononanate were added separately to the detergent at concentrations of 75 ppm, 150 ppm, and 300 ppm. In this case, the ceramic plate, rather than the ceramic tile, was coated with a combination of fish protein and fish oil. Dirty plates were washed in an automatic dishwasher with detergent and activator. Fish stains were dyed with Coomassie blue as described above. When washing was complete, the plate was visually inspected for removal. The following evaluation system was used to evaluate the washed plates.

The cleaning performance of each detergent with different amounts of active agent is shown in the table below.

The results show that increasing the amount of Plurafac ™ LF901 surfactant and sodium isononanoate improved protein removal on the surface of the article.

  From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Can be made. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims (33)

An alkali metal carbonate as an alkalinity source in an amount effective to provide a use solution having a pH of at least about 9.5;
A water conditioner in an amount of about 1 to 70 wt%;
An activator and a coagulant consisting essentially of an inorganic potassium salt, alcohol alkoxylate, or branched fatty acid salt, or combinations thereof;
A solid detergent composition comprising:
The composition wherein the solid detergent composition comprises less than 5 wt% sodium hydroxide and less than 3 wt% active chlorine. The activator is represented by the formula CH ₃ (CH ₂ ) _m (CH) _n (CH ₂ ) _o (CH) _p (CH ₂ ) _q COOH, where m, n, o, p and q are each 0 The solid of claim 1, wherein the solid is a branched fatty acid salt represented by: an integer selected from ˜17 and n + p is 1 or 2 and m + n + o + p + q is 3-18. Detergent composition. The activator is represented by the formula CH ₃ (CH ₂ ) _m (CH) _n (CH ₂ ) _o (CH) _p (CH ₂ ) _q COOH, where m, n, o, p and q are each 0 The solid of claim 1, wherein the solid is a branched fatty acid salt represented by: an integer selected from ˜17, and n + p is 1 or 2 and m + n + o + p + q is 6-12. Detergent composition. The solid detergent composition of claim 1, wherein the active agent is a C ₈ -C ₁₂ branched fatty acid.   The activator is sodium isononanoate, isononanoic acid, sodium isooctanoate, isooctanoic acid, sodium neodecanoate, neodecanoic acid, sodium neopentanoate, neopentanoic acid, sodium neoheptanoate, neoheptanoic acid, 3,5,5-trimethylhexane Selected from the group consisting of acids, 6-methylheptanoic acid, 2,2-dimethyloctanoic acid, neopentanoic acid (2,2-dimethylpropanoic acid), 2,2-dimethylpentanoic acid, and salts thereof, or mixtures thereof The solid detergent composition according to claim 1, which is a sodium salt or potassium salt of a branched branched fatty acid salt.   The solid detergent composition of claim 1, wherein the activator is a branched fatty acid activator selected from the group consisting of isononanoic acid, isooctanoic acid, neodecanoic acid, neopentanoic acid, or combinations thereof.   The solid detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein the activator is a branched fatty acid activator comprising sodium isononanoate.   The solid detergent composition of claim 1 comprising 0.5 wt% to 10 wt% of a branched fatty acid activator.   The solid detergent composition of claim 1 comprising 1 wt% to 3 wt% of a branched fatty acid activator.   The solid detergent composition of claim 1, wherein the activator comprises an alcohol alkoxylate.   The solid detergent composition of claim 1, wherein the activator comprises an alcohol alkoxylate surfactant of Plurafac LF901 franc.   The solid detergent composition of claim 1 wherein the active agent comprises ColaTrope-INC brand sodium isononanoate.   The solid detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein the activator comprises an inorganic potassium salt.   The solid detergent composition of claim 1, wherein the coagulant comprises 10-80 wt% sodium carbonate, citrate, sodium polyacrylate, or combinations thereof.   The solid detergent composition of claim 1, wherein the total composition comprises 30 wt% to 60 wt% sodium carbonate.   The solid detergent composition of claim 1, wherein the total composition comprises 30-60 wt% sodium carbonate and less than 3 wt% sodium hydroxide.   The solid detergent composition of claim 1, wherein the total composition is substantially free of sodium hydroxide.   The solid detergent composition of claim 1, wherein the solid detergent composition is in the form of a block having a size of at least about 5 lbs.   The solid detergent composition of claim 1, wherein the alkalinity source comprises sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate, sesquicarbonate or potassium sesquicarbonate, or mixtures thereof.   The solid detergent composition of claim 1, wherein the pH of the use solution is about 9.5-11.   The solid detergent composition of claim 1 further comprising lipase, cutinase, peroxidase, or gluconase, or a combination thereof. An alkali metal carbonate as an alkalinity source of 30-60 wt%;
1 to 40 wt% of water conditioner,
0.01 to 10 wt% activator selected from the group consisting essentially of inorganic potassium salts, or alcohol alkoxylates, branched fatty acid salts or combinations thereof;
A coagulant comprising sodium bicarbonate, citrate, sodium polyacrylate or a combination thereof;
A solid detergent composition comprising:
The composition wherein the solid detergent composition comprises less than 2 wt% sodium hydroxide and less than 2 wt% active chlorine. The branched fatty acid active agent is of the formula _{CH 3 (CH 2) m (} CH) n (CH 2) o (CH) p (CH 2) q COOH ( wherein, m, n, o, p and q are, 21. The solid detergent composition of claim 20, wherein each is an integer from 0 to 17 and n + p is 1 or 2 and m + n + o + p + q is 6-12.   The branched fatty acid activator is sodium isononanoate, isononanoic acid, sodium isooctanoate, isooctanoic acid, sodium neodecanoate, neodecanoic acid, sodium neopentanoate, neopentanoic acid, sodium neoheptanoate, neoheptanoic acid 3, 5, 5 -Consisting of trimethylhexanoic acid, 6-methylheptanoic acid, 2,2-dimethyloctanoic acid, neopentanoic acid (2,2-dimethylpropanoic acid), 2,2-dimethylpentanoic acid, and salts thereof, or mixtures thereof 24. The solid detergent composition according to claim 21 selected from the group.   The solid detergent composition according to claim 21, wherein the activator consists of 0.1-5 wt% isononanoate.   An amount of alkalinity effective to provide a use solution having a pH of at least about 10, an activator comprising 1-20 wt% branched fatty acid salt, a coagulant, and sufficient to form a slurry. Mixing a 2 wt% or less sodium hydroxide with water; and producing the slurry in a solid detergent composition.   27. The method of claim 26, wherein the step of forming the composition into a solid is by an extrusion step. A detergent use solution comprising sufficient water to dissolve or dilute the composition such that the detergent has a concentration of about 300-5000 ppm,
The composition is
An alkali metal carbonate as an alkalinity source of about 30-60 wt%;
1 to 40 wt% water quality adjustment,
0.01 to 10 wt% activator selected from the group consisting essentially of inorganic potassium salts, or alcohol alkoxylates, branched fatty acid salts or combinations thereof;
Optionally, a coagulant comprising sodium bicarbonate, citrate, sodium polyacrylate or combinations thereof;
Including
The solution wherein the detergent composition comprises less than 2 wt% sodium hydroxide and less than 2 wt% active chlorine. An alkali metal carbonate as an alkalinity source in an amount effective to provide a use solution having a pH of at least about 9.5;
A water conditioner in an amount of about 1 to 70 wt%;
An activator consisting essentially of an inorganic potassium salt, an alcohol alkoxylate, or a branched fatty acid salt or combinations thereof;
A detergent composition comprising:
The composition wherein the detergent composition comprises less than 5 wt% sodium hydroxide and less than 3 wt% active chlorine.   30. The detergent composition of claim 29 further comprising water.   The activator is sodium isononanoate, isononanoic acid, sodium isooctanoate, isooctanoic acid, sodium neodecanoate, neodecanoic acid, sodium neopentanoate, neopentanoic acid, sodium neoheptanoate, neoheptanoic acid, 3,5,5-trimethylhexane Selected from the group consisting of acids, 6-methylheptanoic acid, 2,2-dimethyloctanoic acid, neopentanoic acid (2,2-dimethylpropanoic acid), 2,2-dimethylpentanoic acid, and salts thereof, or mixtures thereof 30. The detergent composition of claim 29, wherein the detergent composition is a sodium or potassium salt of a branched branched fatty acid salt.   30. The detergent composition of claim 29, wherein the composition is substantially free of sodium hydroxide. 10-30 wt% alkali metal carbonate as alkalinity source;
1 to 30 wt% water quality adjusting agent,
0.01 to 10 wt% activator selected from the group consisting essentially of inorganic potassium salts or alcohol alkoxylates, branched fatty acid salts or combinations thereof;
40-80 wt% water,
A liquid detergent composition comprising:
The composition wherein the detergent composition comprises less than 2 wt% sodium hydroxide and less than 2 wt% active chlorine.