MXPA01002203A - Foaming drain cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

A composition is provided comprising two liquids which are separately maintained prior to forming an admixture during delivery to a surface to be treated, whereupon the admixture generates a foam sufficient for cleaning efficacy and stability. A first liquid preferably includes a hypohalite, or a hypohalite generating agent and a second liquid preferably includes a peroxygen agent. As the two liquids are initially separated, the hypohalite generating agent can be maintained in an environment free of peroxygen agent and otherwise conducive to their cleaning activity and stability up to the time of use. When the two liquids are allowed to mix, for example, by simultaneously pouring into a drain, the hypohalite and peroxygen react to liberate oxygen gas. As foam generation occurs, the escaping gas contacts surfactant in the solution, and creates foam which expands to completely fill the drain pipe. The expanded foam contains an excess of the hypohalite, which acts to clean the drain. A method of cleaning drains is provided which comprises the step of pouring into a drain at least one liquid which generates foam in situ, the foam characterized by a density of at least about 0.1 g/ml, a half life of greater than about thirty minutes, a foam:liquid volume ratio of at least 1:1, and wherein the foam contains a cleaning-effective amount of a drain cleaning active.

Description

SPRAY CLEANER FOR DRAINAGE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The following invention relates to foaming cleaning compositions, in particular to a foaming cleaning composition in situ which incorporates a bleach and which is formulated to have utility as a cleaner for drains, or as a cleaner for hard surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION.

U.S. Patent 5,084,546, issued to Hall, discloses a personal care product, specifically a foaming bath gel. As such, the foam generating components must be biologically compatible. Consequently, Hall exposes only citric acid and a carbonate or bicarbonate to generate carbon dioxide gas. There is no mention of anything that suggests a peroxide / hypochlorite system, nor is its use described for cleaning surfaces or unclogging drains. The Japanese applications published to Ishimatsu et al JP 59-24798 and JP 60-32497; JP 59-164399, to Miyano et al; and Sakuma, JP 57-74379, all describe and claim a binary foaming cleaner that has utility as a drain opener. Miyano et al specifically describe the advantages of a foam to unclog the drain. Ishimatsu et al and Miyano et al, both describe an aqueous peroxide solution containing 0.25-25% active, equilibrated with an aqueous solution of 0.25-6% hypochlorite, and both references teach the inclusion of surfactants, either with one or both solutions to increase the foam effect. However, none of these references teach, suggest or describe a thickened formulation, nor does it mention any of the advantages and characteristics of the foam associated therewith. A balanced hypochlorite composition with a solution of chelating agent / builder in a double chamber container is described in the U.S.A. 5,706,055 to Choy et al. Drain cleaners of the technique have been formulated with a variety of assets in an effort to remove the variety of materials that can cause blockage or drain occlusions. Among said assets, acids, bases, enzymes, solvents, reducing agents, oxidants and thiorganic compounds may be included. Tobiason E.U.A. 5,264,146, Steer, et al, E.U.A. 5,630,833 and Taylor. Jr. et al., E.U.A. 4,664,836 all describe dry compounds that generate foam when mixed with water in a drain. Kuenn, E.U.A. 4,691, 710 describes a dry cleaning composition for a waste disposal facility included in the sink, which uses adipic acid and sodium bicarbonate to generate gas upon contact with water. This composition requires a mechanical shear of the evacuation system to assist in the generation of foam. Daws, E.U.A. No. 4,206,068 discloses an exothermic composition for unclogging the drain, comprising an oxidant and a reducing agent in a container that is divided into compartments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION In view of the prior art, there is still a need for a cleaning composition that generates foam, which has the ability to supply a high percentage of active agent and have a prolonged contact time on non-horizontal surfaces. There is also the additional need for a composition that generates foam in situ that is stable during storage and that can be formulated economically. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a composition having the ability to form a foam carrying an active in situ. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a composition that has the ability to generate a stable foaming active cleaner.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a two-component composition and containment means that isolates each component during storage. Another objective is to provide A composition to uncover drains that is formulated to be safe during storage and during use. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a composition that has the ability to produce a foam containing an active that can reach all affected parts of a drain. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a foaming cleaning composition that has utility as a drainage cleaner by virtue of viscoelastic rheology. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a drainage cleaning composition that is highly effective. Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a cleaning composition that is stable during normal storage and at high or very low temperatures. StillAnother object of the present invention is to provide a composition having viscolelastic rheology and a prolonged relaxation time, to provide the beneficial flow properties during its delivery. Very specifically, the composition is a product of two liquids that are kept separate prior to the formation of a mixture during the supply to the surface to be treated, where the mixture generates a sufficient foam to obtain cleaning efficiency and stability . A first liquid includes an oxidant, preferably hypoalite or a hypoalite generating agent (hereinafter "hypoalite") and a second liquid that includes a gas generating agent, preferably an agent that contains or releases peroxygen. As the two liquids are initially separated, the oxidant can be kept in an environment free of the gas generating agent and otherwise be favorable to its activity and cleaning stability up to the time of use. When the two liquids are allowed to mix, for example, simultaneously pouring said solution into a drain, the hypoalite and the peroxygen react to release oxygen gas according to the following reaction equation: NAOCI + H2O? O2 (g) + NaCl + H2O The released gas makes contact with the surfactant in the solution, creating foam that expands to completely fill the drain pipe. The expanded foam contains an excess of hypoalite, which acts to clean the drain. The resulting foam is stable and preferably characterized by a density greater than about 0.1 g / ml, an active percentage of about 0.5-15, a half-life greater than about 30 minutes; a volume approximately greater than 500 ml; and an initial rate of foam development of about 10-50 ml / sec. The stability of the foam is defined as the resistance of the foam to a force that tends to collapse or displace the foam. The foam is further characterized by a foam: liquid ratio of at least 1: 1, preferably 2: 1, and more preferably 3: 1, and a sufficient foam height to produce a greater than one column content. cm in the drain (as measured from the center, or from the lowest point of the Siphon in P, and for a drain of 3.2 cm in diameter), preferably greater than 17 cm and more preferably 17 to 31 cm . What is most preferred in terms of volume and height of foam in the drainage is an amount sufficient for it to reach the sealing mechanism of the drainage, a site of frequent contamination of hair and / or foam. Said shutter mechanisms are typically placed about 20 cm up from the vertical pipe. The reference foam should contain an amount greater than 0.1% active, more preferably greater than 0.5% active, and more preferably still between 0.75 and 3% active. The contact time of the asset or the half-life of the foam should be between 0.5 and 4.0 hours, preferably between 1 and 8 hours. The half-life of the foam is the time elapsed between the maximum development of the volume of the foam and 50% of the reduction of the volume thereof, without any external force (different from gravity) acting on the foam. In addition, the foam is self-generated, produced by reaction of the components of the composition, and does not require mechanical agitation or other forms of physical activation. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or both liquids include an agent or thickener system, present in an amount such that when the liquids form a mixture during delivery to a surface, the mixture results in a dense foam, and sufficiently Stable to provide cleaning efficiency and stability. Therefore, when the liquids that were initially separated are allowed to interact, the resulting liquid cleaning composition supplied to the surface will have the activity and stability of cleaning or bleaching suitable for cleaning or bleaching that surface. The term "liquid" as used in the present invention may include homogeneous liquids, solutions and suspensions. Preferably, an aqueous liquid is contemplated, however, non-aqueous liquids are within the scope of the invention. The thickening agent or system should impart both a viscous component and an elastic component to the corresponding liquid; both components are most preferred to achieve the characteristics of the desired foam. It is highly preferable that the thickening agent or system imparts a viscoelastic rheology to the corresponding liquid; however, slightly elastic or non-elastic, thickened systems can provide performance benefits and are therefore within the scope of the present invention. The composition of the thickener system is less important than the achievement of at least one of the desired foam qualities as defined in the present invention. The present invention relates to a container that holds the two liquids separately until their distribution and provides such distribution, during the time when the mixture is formed with a pH that has been maintained until then, and a surface is supplied which is going to be treated. The container includes a compartment for the liquid containing hypoalite and another compartment for the peroxygen-containing liquid. Either one or both of these two compartments may contain the thickener system or agent which is present in an amount sufficient to thicken and give stability to the liquid, as described above. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the container may have separate distribution channels for the two components of the liquid to distribute both liquids, where the mixture is formed. These distribution channels can be constructed to provide simultaneous supply of the two liquids to the outside of the container, where the two liquids are joined to form the mixture. Alternatively, the separate distribution channels can communicate with a mixing space in which the two liquids form the mixture and from said mixture is distributed to the exterior of the container, an example of said container being that described in the Patent. from the USA 5,767,055 to Choy et al., The disclosure of which is fully incorporated in the present invention by reference. The present invention also includes a drainage cleaning method comprising the step of: pouring into a drain at least one liquid that generates foam in situ, the foam characterized by a volume of at least 1.0 times the volume of the liquid; a density of at least about 0.1 g / ml; a half-life greater than about 30 minutes, and wherein the foam contains an effective amount of cleaning of a draining cleaning asset. Also within the scope of the present invention, a single solution capable of generating the foam upon release from its container, may be poured into the drain. Briefly, the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a stable cleaning composition constituted by, in an aqueous solution: a) a first liquid containing an oxidizing agent; b) a second liquid containing a gas generating agent; and wherein the oxidizing agent and the gas generating agent react to generate a foam characterized by a density of at least about 0.1 g / ml, a volume of at least 1.0 times the volume of the liquid, a half-life of greater than about thirty minutes, and where the foam contains an effective cleaning amount of a cleaning asset for drainage. It should be appreciated that as used in the present invention, the term "cleaning" generally refers to a chemical, physical or enzymatic treatment that results in the reduction or removal of unwanted material, and "cleaning composition" specifically includes bottle openers. drainage, hard surface cleaners, as well as bleaching compositions. The cleaning composition may consist of a variety of chemical, physical, or enzymatically reactive active ingredients, including solvents, acids, gases, oxidants, reducing agents, enzymes, detergents and bio-organics. Unless otherwise specified, all percentages of the ingredients are percentages by weight.

For purposes of presenting the invention as described herein, a typical home sink drain comprises four sections: a vertical section, thence a U-shaped bend (or Siphon in P), hence to a 90 ° elbow and finally a horizontal drain arm.

A viscous rheology, preferably that of the elastic component, most preferably viscoelastic rheology, can be imparted to a single liquid, or both liquids of the composition, preferably by a binary system that includes a betaine or sulfobetaine with an alkyl group of C. 4-18 or an alkylamino group of Co-β and an anionic organic counter ion to promote elongated micelles. Said system is described in more detail in E.U.A. 4,900.67 and 5,389,157 to Smith assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosures of which are incorporated in the present invention by reference. The preferred betaine is an alkylbetaine of C.-8 and the counterion is an arylcarboxylate alkylcarboxylate, C2-10 alkylsulfonate, arylsulfonate, sulfated aryl or C2-10 alkyl alcohols and mixtures thereof. More preferably the counterion is an arylsulfonate, for example sodium xylene sulphonate. The counterion may include substituents that are chemically stable with the active cleaning compound. Preferably, the substituents are alkyl or alkoxy groups of 1-4 carbons, allogens and nitrogen groups, all of which are stable with most of the active ingredients, including hypochlorite. The viscosity of the formulations of the present invention may vary from slightly higher to the viscosity of water to several thousand centipoise (cP). A viscosity scale of about 20 cP to 2500 cP is preferable from the consumer's point of view. The preferred viscosity scale for the first liquid (containing oxidants) is from about 100 to 2500 cP, more preferably from 500 to 2200 cP. The preferred viscosity for the second liquid (gas generator) is about 50-1000 cP, and 100-800 cP is preferred. A second embodiment of the present invention is a composition and method for cleaning drains, the composition comprising aqueous solutions which are maintained separately from: (a) a first liquid comprising a hypoalite compound; Y; (b) a second liquid comprising a peroxygen compound; and wherein at least one of the liquids (a) or (b) is viscous. The liquids (a) and (b) are kept separately during storage and are combined simultaneously with, or immediately prior to use. Preferably, the liquids (a) and (b) are kept in a double chamber or bottle of compartments, and are poured simultaneously into the drainage where the generation of foam occurs. The resulting foam is stable and dense, and contains a high percentage of cleaning active, especially hypoalite, which covers the Siphon portions in vertical and upper P of a drain. The rheology of the composition provides a favorable rate of foam generation and residence time, which results in excellent cleaning efficiency. The foam generation rate should be relatively low, preferably less than about 50 ml / sec. and the foam should remain stable for a prolonged period. The rheology also facilitates the filling of the container, for example, during its manufacture, and provides liquid distribution properties acceptable to the consumer during its supply and use. The preferred viscoelastic rheology can be imparted by a thickener, preferably a surfactant thickener. Although only one solution can be viscoelastic, it is preferred that both be viscoelastic, and the same or different thickening agents or systems can be used. More preferably, the viscoelasticity is imparted to both liquids (a) and (b) by the same system or thickening agent. Therefore, it is an advantage of the present invention that the composition is chemically stable, as well as stable in terms of its phase, and maintain said stability in both high and low temperatures. Another advantage of the present invention is that when formulated as a drain cleaner, the foam composition provides a high contact time, thus improving the effectiveness of the cleaner. Another advantage of the present invention is that the improved efficiency results from the increased contact time that allows for more secure drainage cleaning formulations.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the composition generates a foam that contains an active, in-situ, and that is stable. A further advantage of the composition of the present invention is that the rheology of the composition facilitates the filling of the container, as well as its distribution. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will undoubtedly be apparent to those skilled in the art upon continuing the detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a graph comparing the foam generation rates of a composition of the present invention with the other compositions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Oxidation agent The oxidation agent, or oxidant, may preferably be selected from various hypoalite-producing species, for example halogen bleaches selected from the group consisting of the alkali metal and alkaline salts of hypoalite, haloamines, halogenimines, halogenimides and halogenoamides. It is believed that all of them produce hypoalignant whitening species in situ. Preferably, the first oxidation agent is a hypoalite or hypoalite generator capable of generating hypoalignant whitening species. As used herein, the term "hypoalite" is used to describe both a hypoalite generator and a hypoalite, unless otherwise indicated. Hypochlorite and compounds that produce hypochlorite in aqueous solutions are preferred, although hypobromite is also suitable. Representative compounds that produce hypochlorite include sodium, potassium, lithium and calcium hypochlorite, [chlorinated trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate] [potassium and sodium dichloroisocyanurate] and trichlorocyanuric acid. Suitable organic bleach sources for use include heterocyclic N-bromo and N-chloroimides such as trichlorocyanuric and tribyan-cyanuric acid, dibromo- and dichlorocyanuric acid, and potassium and sodium salts thereof, N-brominated succinimide and N- chlorinated, malonimide, phthalimide and naphthalimide. Hydantoins are also suitable, such as dibromo and dichloro dimethyl hydantoins, chlorobromodimethyl hydantoin, N-chlorosulfamide (halogenamide) and chloramine (halogenamide). Particularly preferred in this invention is sodium hypochlorite with the chemical formula NaOCI in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 15 weight percent of the first liquid, more preferably from about 0.1 to 10 weight percent. weight, and still more preferably from about 1 to 8 weight percent. The oxidizing agent may be present in a stoichiometric amount to the gas generating agent for the generation of foam. If so, it is preferred that an individual cleaning asset be included with either or both of the first and second liquids. It is highly preferred that the oxidizing agent be present in a stoichiometric excess, both to generate foam and to provide a drain cleaning and unclogging activity.

Gas generating agent The gas generating agent is a compound that can react with the oxidizing agent to generate a gas and is preferably a peroxide or peroxide generator, such as hydrogen peroxide, or a perished or persal, which includes both perished organic as inorganic and persalts, such as peracetic acids and monoperoxysulfate, respectively. A number of peroxides, peracids and persalts are described in the U.S. Patent. No. 4,964,870 to Fong, et al, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Hydrogen peroxide is normally supplied as a liquid, although other sources of hydrogen peroxide can also function satisfactorily. For example, perborate and percarbonate also supply H202 in the solution. The gas generating agent is present in an amount of about 0.01 to 8 weight percent of the second liquid, preferably about 0.1 to 5 weight percent, more preferably about 0.2 to 3 weight percent.

. When the peroxide is the gas generating agent and a hypoalite is the oxidizing agent, the preferred weight ratio (to provide a stoichiometric excess) of hypoalite to peroxide is from about 20: 1 to 3: 1, most preferred about 15: 1. at 7: 1 and more preferably from 12: 1 to 5: 1. The preferred molar ratio (to provide the stoichiometric excess) of hypoalite to peroxide is from about 10: 1 to 1: 1, more preferably from about 7: 1 to 5: 4, and more preferably still about 5: 1 to 2: 1 Electrolyte / pH regulator. An electrolyte / pH regulator may be included with the first or second liquids and preferably is included in the first oxidant-containing liquid in an amount effective to regulate pH. According to the present invention, suitable electrolytes / pH regulators can be selected from the group consisting of carbonate, pyrophosphate, an amino carboxylate, a polycarboxylate, a polyacrylate, a phosphonate, an aminophosphonate, a polyphosphonate, a salt thereof, as well as a mixture of them. The electrolyte / pH regulator is present in an amount ranging from 0 to about 5 weight percent of the first liquid, preferably from about 0.01 to about 4 weight percent of the first liquid.

PH adjusting agents An agent can be present for adjusting the pH either in one or in both liquids, that is, with the gas generating agent and / or oxidant. In accordance with the present invention, the pH adjusting agent maintains the pH of the liquid so that the active agent therein is stable and effective. The pH adjusting agent can be both alkaline and acid in the solution, and correspondingly it is useful to adjust and / or maintain both the solution at an alkaline and acidic pH. In the present invention, each solution is maintained at a pH that is suitable for the activity and stability of the oxidizing agent or gas generator and / or for the active cleaning agent therein. For an alkaline oxidizing agent, such as hypoalite, the pH of the solution is alkaline. When the gas generating agent is the peroxygen, the pH is acidic. The pH adjusting agent may be present in an amount effective to adjust the pH, such as between about 0 and about 10 weight percent of one of the liquids. Suitable acidic pH adjusting agents include: organic acids, especially carboxylic acids such as citric, glycolic, or acetic acids, weak inorganic acids such as boric acid or sodium disulfate, and diluting solutions of strong inorganic acids such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, pyrophosphates, triphosphates, tetraphosphates, silicates, metasilicates, polysilicates and borates, as well as mixtures of the above. When the gas generating agent is peroxide, the preferred acidic pH adjusting agent is sulfuric acid, for the peroxygen-containing liquid, especially hydrogen peroxide, it is preferred that the pH be kept below about seven, most preferably between three and six to maintain the stability and efficacy of the peroxygen compound. An acid pH adjusting agent is present in an amount of 0 to 5 weight percent of the second liquid preferably 0.001 to 2 weight percent. Preferred alkaline pH adjusting agents include: carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, hydroxide generators and mixtures thereof. When the oxidant is a hypoalite, the preferred alkaline pH adjusting agent is an alkali metal hydroxide, especially sodium hydroxide. For example, when a hypoalite oxidizing agent is used, the pH of the solution is preferably maintained above about 10, preferably above 10.5 and more preferably above about 11. It is believed that a pH of the solution is sufficient above about 11 both to obtain the efficacy and cleaning stability of the hypoalite. Particularly, it is believed that this pH of the solution is sufficient to protect against the autocatalytic destruction of the hypoalite that might otherwise occur when the solution is formed. An alkaline pH adjusting agent is present in an amount of about 0 to 20 weight percent to the first liquid, preferably 0.1 to 15 weight percent.

Thickener One or both solutions or liquids of the first oxidant and the second gas generator may be thickened, preferably with a surfactant thickener. Suitable thickeners are described in the Smith patents mentioned above. Other suitable systems can be found in the descriptions of US 5,055,219 and US 5,011,538 to Smith; US 5,462,689 and US 5,728,665 to Choy, et al., All of them common property with the present invention, and whose descriptions are fully incorporated in the present invention by reference. Additional thickeners such as polymers and gums are suitable as long as the characteristics and / or rheology of the desired foam are achieved. A viscoelastic binary surfactant thickener comprising a betaine and an anionic counterion is preferable.

Betaine Functional betaines include the alkyl betaines of C.4-18 and alkylsulfobetaines of C.4-.8. Especially preferred is an acetyldimethyl betaine (CEDB) such as Amphosol CDB (a trademark product of the Stepan Company), which is about 95% or more of Cie, less than 5% of C.2-14, and lower of 1% C.- It should be appreciated that when referring to the carbon chain lengths of betaine and any other compound herein, commercial, and polydisperse forms are contemplated (but not required). Therefore, a given chain length within the preferred scale of C.4-.8 will be predominantly, but not exclusively, the specific length. As used in the present invention with reference to betaine or sulfobetaine, the term "alkyl" includes both saturated and unsaturated groups. Fully saturated alkyl groups are preferred in the presence of hypochlorite. The alkylamidobetaines of Cι-β and alkylaminobetaines, as well as the sulfobetaines with an alkyl content of C .4-.8, or alkylamino or alkylamido groups of C-ICMS, are also suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention . Betaine is added to levels, which, when combined with the counterion, are effective for the thickening effect. Generally, from about 0.1 to 10.0 weight percent of the betaine is used per each of the first and / or second liquids, it is preferred to use from about 0.1 to 5.0% betaine, and more preferably from about 0.15-2.0 percent of betaine.

Counterion The counterion is an organic anionic counter ion selected from the group consisting of C2-6 alkylcarboxylates > arylcarboxylates, C2-10 alkyl sulfonates. arylsulfonates, sulfated C2-10 alkyl alcohols, sulfated aryl alcohols, and mixtures thereof. The aryl compounds are derived from benzene or naphthalene and can be substituted or not. The alkyls may be branched or straight chain, and those having two to eight carbon atoms are preferred. Acids can be added in acid form and can be converted to the anionic form in situ, or can be added in the anionic form. Suitable substituents for the alkyls or aryls are C- or alkoxy alkyl groups, halogens, nitrogen groups and mixtures thereof. Substituents such as hydroxy groups or amines are suitable for use with some non-hypochlorite cleaning actives, such as solvents, surfactants and enzymes. When present, a substituent may be in any position in the rings. If benzene is used, the positions for (4) and meta (3) are preferred. In some circumstances, the cleaning asset itself may be within the class of effective counterions for thickening. For example, some carboxylic acid cleaning actives may be present in both the acidic and the base forms of the conjugate, the latter may be useful as the counter ion. The C2-6 alkylcarboxylates can act in this way. The counterion is added in an amount sufficient to thicken and result in viscoelastic rheology, and preferably between about 0.01 to 10 weight percent. The preferred molar ratio of betaine to counterion depends on the length of the chain and the concentration of the betaine, the type of counter ion, and the ionic strength of the solution, as well as, whether the primary object of the composition is stability or phase viscosity. Using CEDB and sodium xylene sulfonate (SXS), the preferred molar ratio is from about 10: 1 to 1: 3; and more preferably it is from 2: 1 to 1: 2. The preferred weight ratio of CEDB to SXS is from about 15: 1 to 1: 2, and more preferably is from 3: 1 to 1: 1. The viscosity of the thickener conveniently imparts unusual flow properties to the cleaning composition. The elasticity causes the current to separate and return to the bottle to the point of pouring it instead of forming streams in the form of syrup. In addition, the elastic fluids appear to be more viscous than their viscosity indicates. The viscoelastic properties of a fluid can be measured with instruments such as the Bohlin VOR rheometer. A frequency oscillation with a Bohlin rheometer can produce oscillation data which, when applied to the Maxwell model, results in parameters such as the relaxation time (Tau) as well as the static shear modulus (GO). The relaxation times of the formulations of the present invention are between 0.1-50 seconds, preferably between about 0.3-45 seconds, and more preferably between 1-30 seconds and even more preferably between 5-25 seconds. The ratio of the relaxation time to the static shear modulus (Tau / GO), which was previously defined as the relative elasticity by Smith, should be between 1-300 sec / Pascal (Pa), preferably between 5-150 sec / Pa., Approximately, and more preferably between 10-100 sec / Pa. Although the thickening agents described herein are effective in developing the viscoelasticity on a scale of ionic resistances of the solution, the ionic strength has no influence on the rheology to some degree. Accordingly, unless stated otherwise, the relaxation times of the elasticities and relative viscosity values used herein are calculated for a first liquid (contains hypoalites) having an ionic strength of approximately 2.4 molar and a second liquid (containing peroxygen) that has an ionic strength of approximately 3.4 molar. Examples of said liquids are shown in Table III according to formulas (b) and (e), respectively.

Adjuvants A large number of classes of adjuvant compounds are known which are compatible with the first and second liquids and with the components thereof. Said class are active cleaning adjuvants, which interact with their intentional target materials either through chemical or enzymatic reaction or through physical interactions, which are collectively referred to as reactions. It should be appreciated that both the oxidizing agent and the gas generator can function as the cleaning asset, particularly when one is present in a stoichiometric excess over the other. Preferably, the oxidant is present in stoichiometric excess on the gas generating agent; however, a cleaning asset may additionally be included. Useful active compounds therefore include acids, bases, oxidants, reducing agents, solvents, enzymes, thioorganic compounds, surfactants (detergents) and mixtures thereof. Examples of enzymes include: lipases, keratinases, proteases, amylases and cellulases. Useful solvents include saturated hydrocarbons, ketones, carboxylic acid esters, terpenes, glycol ethers, and the like. The thioganic compounds such as sodium thioglycolates can be included to help break down hair particles and other proteins. Various nonionic, anionic, cationic or amphoteric surfactants, as are known in the art, can be included for their detergent properties. Examples of them include taurates, sarcosinates and phosphate esters. Other active adjuvants that are not for cleaning are known in the art, such as corrosion inhibitors, dyes and fragrances, which may also be included. Although the compositions have a viscous rheology, especially a viscoelastic rheology, they provide a benefit when applied to drains having porous or partial fillings, the total benefit of which is obtained when the composition is thickened and possesses a density greater than that of water. This density can be achieved without the need for a densifying material, however, when it is necessary to increase the density, a salt such as sodium chloride is preferred and it can be added at levels of from 0 to about 25 weight percent to the liquid, preferably 12-25 percent by weight. It is preferred that the second liquid, ie, that which includes the gas generating agent, be more dense than the first liquid, ie, that which contains the oxidant. In doing so, the gas generating agent will fill the lower portion of the siphon at P, and the first liquid, which has the oxidant, will "encapsulate" the second liquid on either side of the siphon at P, ie at the 90 degree elbow and in the vertical pipe. Mainly, there is gas generation in the interface of the two liquids, and within the lower portions of the P-trap, allowing the foam to expand upward to make full contact with the clogged portions of the drain, especially the vertical pipe. The gas that expands passes through the oxidant, bonding it with the foam and distributing it through the pipeline. The speed of foam generation is further reduced by the rheology of the first and second liquids, so that the foam lasts longer and a greater percentage of assets is supplied. The rheology of the first oxidant-containing liquid specifically controls foam generation in at least two aspects. First, the viscosity and elasticity of the first solution act to encapsulate the second denser solution, especially on the vertical side of the P-trap, providing a slow and continuous foaming reaction. Second, the rheology of the first liquid held in the 90 degree elbow of the pipe acts to physically cover the pipe, and prevent liquids and / or foams from being purged to the drain arm. For the above reasons, it is preferred that the first liquid have a specific gravity of about 1.10 or greater, and the second liquid have a specific gravity greater than the first, preferably about 1.12 or greater. The preferred ratio of specific gravity of the second to the first liquid is from about 1.01: 1 to 1.5: 1.

Figure 1 shows four foam generation / decomposition curves for four different thickening systems together with the preferred gas / hypochlorite / oxygen peroxide generating system of the present invention. Formula A (curve A) uses the preferred betaine plus the sodium xylene sulfonate thickener in both the hypochlorite and the peroxide solutions. The composition used to generate curve A is shown in table III, example (b) and (e) combined. The curve / formula B uses the preferred betaine plus sodium xylene sulfonate in the hypochlorite solution of Table III example (b) and the ethoxylated alcohol thickener in Table III (f) in the peroxide solution. Formula C (curve C) uses the preferred thickener system with peroxide (Table III (e)), and amine oxide / soap (Table III (c)) with hypochlorite. Finally, curve D uses the amine oxide / thickener soap (Table III (c)) for the hypochlorite and for the ethoxylated alcohol thickener in Table III (f) in the peroxide solution. Note that all the thickeners used to generate the curve of Figure 1 are within the scope of the present invention. The following chart (Table I) illustrates the important theological characteristics of the hypochlorite and peroxide components for each formula shown in Figure 1.

TABLE 1 In the figure, the foam volume was measured by pouring approximately 500 ml of a composition according to example 10, table V, into a graduated cylinder of 2 L. The viscosities were measured in a Brookfield reometer, model DV-II +, with a number 2 spindle coated with Teflon® at 5rpm after two minutes. Tau, G0 and the relaxation time were measured in a Bohlin VOR reometer at 25 ° C in the oscillatory mode. The volume of foam was measured visually at various intervals. The initial phase begins (in phase I) of generating foam when the first and second liquids are combined, for example in the drainage or on a surface, at a time zero (to). The initial phase generally lasts approximately 60 seconds, preferably in an approximate time of 50 seconds, of t0. The secondary phase (or phase II) begins at the beginning of the initial phase and extends from about 20 to 500 seconds, preferably around 30 to 300 seconds, after the initial phase ends. After the end of the second phase, the third phase (or phase III) lasts another 80 to 3600 seconds, preferably 90 to 1000 seconds. -At the end of the third phase, the foam essentially dissipates; therefore, an exact endpoint is not critical. In addition, the duration of both the secondary phase and the tertiary phase is less important than the duration of the initial phase, as the initial phase defines the kinetics of initial foam generation that is important in the effectiveness of the treatment. At a generation rate greater than about 60 ml / second, the foam tends to be incorporated into the drain arm which results in a minimum contact time. At a speed of less than about 20 ml / sec, it will be sufficient that the foam "moment" attack the obstruction. The first two phases define foam development: an initial rapid increase (phase I) and a second, slow increase (phase II). The tertiary phase defines a very slow increase to a very slow decrease. It is preferred that phase I occur between about 10-50 ml / sec, more preferably 15-45 ml / sec, and even more preferably 25-40 ml / sec. Phase II preferably occurs at 0.01-6 ml / sec, more preferably 0.1-5 ml / sec, still more preferably 1-3.5 ml / sec. In phase III, the rate of foam development would be from about 0.001 ml / sec to 0.2 ml / sec negative. It can be seen from figure 1, that curve A shows the most preferred performance, showing a fast initial phase; a slower second phase; and a slow final degradation phase. The remaining curves: B, C and D, although the display performance within the scope of the present invention, does not employ the more preferred thickener system with both the hypochlorite and peroxide components, therefore they do not produce the same curve. Table II below provides the preferred viscosity, as well as the relative elasticity and relaxation time scale preferred for each, between the oxidizing agent and the preferred gas generating agent.

TABLE II The aforementioned parameters of viscosity, relaxation time and relative elasticity influence the effective performance of the compositions of the present invention, and it is more preferred that each of the first and second liquids possess the three desired properties.

However, there are a number of variables that influence rheology, therefore it is understood that the rheological properties herein are not necessarily exclusive in defining the composition within the scope of the present invention, which is preferably defined by the characteristics of foam functional as well as cleaning efficiency. The compositions are considered to be within the scope of the present invention if they include a liquid that at least has one of the rheological properties, and as long as foam generation and cleaning efficiency are achieved. Preferably, a liquid has at least one of the properties and the remaining liquid possesses at least two of said rheological properties. More preferably, one of the liquids has at least two, and the other three rheological properties. The third embodiment of the present invention comprises a formulation for unclogging a drain as well as its method of use. The formulation includes a first liquid comprising: (i) a hypoaltyl; (ii) a corrosion inhibitor; (iii) a pH regulator; (iv) a pH adjusting agent, and (v) a thickener and a second liquid comprising: (i) a peroxide; (ii) a pH adjusting agent; (iii) a densifying agent; (iv) a thickener and wherein the first and second liquids are kept individually, for example in separate chambers of a bottle divided into double chambers, and a mixture on which, simultaneously with or a short time after supplying it to the drain. The most preferred method for unclogging drains involves pouring first and second liquid, simultaneously from a double chamber bottle, into a drain that is to be cleaned, and allowing a period for the foam including the active to decompose said blockage. A preferred example of a drain cleaning formulation includes a first composition comprising: (i) a sulfobetaine or alkyl betaine of C.4-.8; (I) an organic anionic counterion; (iii) an alkali metal hydroxide; (iv) an alkali metal silicate; (v) an alkali metal carbonate; and (vi) an alkali metal hypochlorite, and a second composition comprising: (i) a sulfobetaine or alkyl betaine of C.4-.8; (ii) an organic anionic counterion; (iii) hydrogen peroxide; (iv) sulfuric acid; (v) sodium chloride.

The components (i) and (i) comprise the viscoelastic thickener and are as described above. Preferably, the alkali metal hydroxide is sodium or potassium hydroxide, and is present in an amount between about 0.5 and 20%. The preferred alkali metal silicate is the one having the formula M20 (S0) n where M is an alkali metal and n is between 1 and 4. Preferably M is sodium and n is 3.2. The alkali metal silicate is present in an amount of about 0 to 5%. The preferred alkali metal carbonate is sodium carbonate, at levels between 0 to 5%. About 1 to 15% hypochlorite is present, preferably about 4 to 8.0 percent. Generally, the preferred betaine for use with hypochlorite is an alkyldimethyl betaine or sulfobetaine compound having an alkyl group of 12 to 18 carbons and more preferably betaine is CEDB. Alkylamido betaines and alkylamino betaines are not preferred in the presence of hypochlorite. In addition, when the hypochlorite is present, the composition is more stable with a content of not more than about 1.0 weight percent of betaines, although up to about 10 weight percent of betaine may be used. Benzenesulfonic acids are preferred since the counterion with xylene sulfonic acid is preferred. Although the hypochlorite / periodium foam generator system is preferred, other systems can be used to generate foam as long as the desired foam characteristics are achieved. More preferably, said foam characteristics are achieved when one or both solutions are viscous, and even more preferred when one or both solutions are viscoelastic, with a Tau-GO of 1-300 and a relaxation time of at least 0.3. seconds, preferably at least about 5 seconds.

EXAMPLES OF FORMULATION Formulation Example 1 EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLES TABLE III (b) = 5.80% sodium hypochlorite, 1.85% sodium hydroxide, 0.0578% sodium carbonate, 0.1128% sodium silicate, 0.78% betaine, 0.39% SXS. (c) = 5.57% sodium hypochlorite, 2.50% sodium hydroxide, 1.10% sodium silicate, 1.00% C amine oxide, 0.18% C amine oxide, 0.58% acid soap C-io fatty acid, 0.34% C? 2 fatty acid soap. (e) = 0.50% hydrogen peroxide, 20% sodium chloride, 0.015% sulfuric acid, 0.374% betaine, 0.262% SXS. (f) = 0.51% hydrogen peroxide, 10% sodium chloride, % ethoxylated alcohol sulfate (sodium salt). Table III shows the mean point of the foam generation speed for phases I and III, and the midpoint for the speed of foam degradation, for five different hypochlorite / peroxide formulations, where thickener systems are appreciated. Examples 1 and 2 illustrate the performance of most preferred embodiments, wherein both components are thickened with the preferred system. Examples 3 and 4 include a binary component thickened with the most preferred thickener, and the other binary component thickened with a less preferred thickener, as indicated in the table. Example 5 is an amine oxide and an ethoxylated alcohol sulfate thickened as a binary system, which is still within the scope of the present invention.

Table IV shows the chemical stability with different storage temperatures of both the bleaching and peroxide compositions of the present invention. The numbers indicated are the percentage of assets remaining. The stability of the assets is very good, especially for the peroxide composition containing 20% NaCl. The high ionic strength tends to destabilize the peroxides, therefore the stability of the peroxide is surprising, and it is thought that it is due to the thickener system that acts to immobilize the ions (as well as any residual metal) in the composition. The bleaching composition of Table IV comprises the following percentage by weight of ingredients: 5.80% sodium hypochlorite, 1.85% sodium hydroxide, 0.0578% sodium carbonate, 0.1128% sodium silicate, 0.78% betaine, 0.39 % of SXS. The peroxide composition comprises 0.51% hydrogen peroxide, 20% sodium chloride, 0.015% sulfuric acid, 0.3742% betaine, and 0.2616% SXS.

TABLE IV Percentage of Assets remaining Table V shows the effect of thickener type and rheology on the ability to remove obstructions. Although thickened formulas can provide benefits on their own, it has been found that the combination of thickened and viscoelastic solutions of the present invention provide the best blockage removal performance. All tests were performed on typical home sinks (sinks) drains comprising a 3.8 cm diameter pipe with a vertical section, a U-shaped bend or P-trap, a 90 ° bend and a horizontal drain arm . The foam volume and the bleach supply were measured 5 minutes after the solution had been poured. Examples 1 and 2 show that formulas that are not thickened do not produce enough foam in the drain pipe. Examples 3 and 4 show the results when at least one formula is viscoelastic. The following examples show the effects of a combination of a simple thickened formula with a thick, viscoelastic solution. Examples 5 and 7 use a formula of hydrogen peroxide thickened with an alternative thickener, for example an ethoxylated alcohol sulfate. Examples 6 and 7 illustrate the use of another thickener, for example, C.4-C6 amine oxide, a thickener-stable thickener commonly known to those skilled in the art. Examples 8-10 illustrate the beneficial performance of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

TABLE V Effect of the surfactant on the performance to uncover the drainage * foam was generated but immediately purged (a) = 5.80% sodium hypochlorite, 1.85% sodium hydroxide, 0.0578% sodium carbonate, 0.1128% sodium silicate, 0.78% betaine, 0.35% SXS. (b) = 5.80% sodium hypochlorite, 1.85% sodium hydroxide, 0.0578% sodium carbonate, 0.1128% sodium silicate, 0.78% betaine, 0.39% SXS. (c) = 5.57% of sodium hypochlorite, 2.50% of sodium hydroxide, 1.10% of sodium silicate, 1.00% of amine oxide of C14, 0.18% of amine oxide of C.6, 0.58% of soap of Co-fatty acid, 0.34% C-.2 fatty acid soap. (d) = 5.43% sodium hypochlorite, 1.85% sodium hydroxide, 0.0578% sodium carbonate, 0.1128% sodium silicate, 0.77% betaine, 0.35% SXS. (e) = 0.50% hydrogen peroxide, 20% sodium chloride, 0.015% sulfuric acid, 0.374% betaine, 0.262% SXS. (f) = 0.51% hydrogen peroxide, 10% sodium chloride, 10% ethoxylated alcohol sulfate (sodium salt). (g) = 0.51% hydrogen peroxide, 20% sodium chloride, 0.015% sulfuric acid, 0.374% betaine, 0.262% SXS. (h) = 0.42% hydrogen peroxide, 20% sodium chloride, 0. 015% sulfuric acid, 0.4675% betaine, 0.3275% SXS. t = 5.80% sodium hypochlorite, 1.85% sodium hydroxide, 0.0578% sodium carbonate, 0.1128% sodium silicate. $ = 0.50% hydrogen peroxide, 20% sodium chloride, 0.015% sulfuric acid. # = surfactant containing unthickened bleach: 5.47% sodium hypochlorite, 1.82% sodium hydroxide, 0.0569% sodium carbonate, 0.1111% sodium silicate, 0.7681% betaine, 0.9946% SXS. $ = of surfactant that contains peroxide not thickened: 0. 48% hydrogen peroxide, 19.7% sodium chloride, 0.0148% sulfuric acid, 0.368% betaine, 0.9239% SXS.

Other properties of the foam of interest include the density and stability of the foam. A dense and stable foam will allow a longer contact time between cleaning assets and organic clogging materials. Foam stability is defined as the resistance of the foam to the force that tends to collapse or displace the foam. For the present invention the foam stability is determined by measuring the path velocity of a standard object through a foam column. The object used in this experiment is a black phenolic screw cap, which is found in bottles typical of laboratory samples. The lid has a diameter of 5 cm, a border of 1.2 cm and weighs 11 g. The inverted lid is placed on top of the foam column and the time is measured so that it moves completely through the foam. The foam travel speed is calculated by dividing the height of the foam column by the total time required to travel through it. The preferred foam travel speed is less than about 10 cm / min; and very preferred is less than about 6 cm / min. The ratio of foam displacement velocity to density can also be determined for the combinations of thickened gas generating agents as well as oxidizing agents. The preferred ratio is from about 50: 1 to 1: 1, more preferably from about 30: 1 to 10: 1. Table VI lists these foam properties.

TABLE VI Properties of foam (a) = 5.78% sodium hypochlorite, 1.85% sodium hydroxide, 0.0578% sodium carbonate, 0.1128% sodium silicate, 0.7800% betaine, 0.3900, SXS. (b) = 0.49% hydrogen peroxide, 20% sodium chloride, 0.015% sulfuric acid, 0.3742% betaine, 0.2612% SXS. (c) = 0.48% sodium hypochlorite, 10% sodium chloride, 10% ethoxylated alcohol sulphate (sodium salt). (d) = 5.57% sodium hypochlorite, 2.50% sodium hydroxide, 1. 10% sodium silicate, 1.00% Cu amine oxide, 0.18% C.6 amine oxide) 0.58% C02 fatty acid soap, 0.34% C12 fatty acid soap. Table VII shows the capacity of the present invention according to the occlusions of the hair type in the drainage. For this test, 4 grams of human hair were mixed with approximately 2 grams of a 10% soap solution, and the resulting hair set was suspended in the drain at an approximate site or near the mechanism of the obstruction rod. The time for 3,785 liters of water to drain from the sink was recorded as the initial flow velocity. Commercially available, non-thickened and thickened block removers were used in the tests according to the instructions on the label. In addition, tests were conducted with unthreaded oxidizing composition as well as with gas generating composition, together with the compositions of the present invention. Approximately, 500 ml of each of the compositions was poured to unclog the drain inside the pipeline thereof. The time was once again measured for draining 3,785 liters of water from the sink and recorded as the final flow rate. After the end of each test, the remaining hair was rinsed, allowed to dry overnight at 38 ° C and weighed. The present invention dissolved an average of 71.8% of hair while commercial non-thickened and thickened products dissolved an average of 20.1% and 52.9% only. The combination of both oxidant and gas generator that is not thickened dissolved an average of 13.8% hair only. The final flow rates for drains treated with either the commercial thickened product or with that of the present invention are coable to the flows found in sinks with unobstructed drains. Compositions that are not thickened did not originate significantly improved flow rates.

TABLE VII Performance in hair obstructions (a) = a commercially available, non-thickened liquid drain opener (b) = a commercially available liquid drainage opener, thickened (c) = a combination that is not thickened by oxidizing agents and gas generator, made in accordance with Example 2 of Table V (d) = a formulation of the present invention, prepared according to Example 10 of Table V. Examples 7-9 which are formulation of the present invention, show a much higher average dissolved hair than either of the other examples. It is thought that this improvement is due to the increased contact time provided by the present invention. It can be seen that the present invention also produces a better initial flow rate, and the final flow rates were better than all except product (b). A very preferred method for unclogging drains involves pouring a first and a second liquid, as illustrated by formulation example 1, simultaneously from a double chamber bottle. A highly preferred double chamber bottle comprises a side-by-side chamber, and another chamber of equal capacity and a single dispensing orifice.

TABLE VIII Table VIII illustrates the specific improvement in slow-flow drainages, that is, those that have flows of less than approximately 11.4 liters per minute (l / min), followed by treatment by a formulation of the present invention made in accordance with Example 10 of Table V. The test protocol required measuring the time that elapsed for 4 liters of cold running water to be drained from the sink. This was done three times and an average flow velocity was calculated. The present invention was then applied to the drain. After one hour the drainage was flushed with hot running water. Again, the time that elapsed for 4 liters of cold running water to be drained from the sink was measured three times and an average flow velocity was determined. A percentage flow improvement was calculated for each drain using the average flow rates obtained before and after the application of the present invention. A preferred bottle orientation during pouring causes both liquids to exit the double chamber container so that optimum foam generation occurs in the drain pipe. It should be understood that said description, although carried out in terms of the currently preferred modality, it should not be interpreted as limiting. Undoubtedly modifications and alterations will occur to the expert in the art after having read the above description. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims be construed as including such modifications and alterations that are within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (22)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A cleaning composition comprising (a) a first thickened liquid comprising an oxidant; and (b) a second thickened liquid comprising a gas generating agent; and characterized in that the first and second aqueous liquids are kept separately before forming a mixture during delivery to a surface to be treated, wherein the mixture generates a sufficient foam for efficiency and cleaning stability.

2. The composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least one of the first and second liquids includes at least one surfactant.

3. The composition according to claim 2, further characterized in that at least one of the first and second liquids includes a betaine surfactant and an arylsulfonate surfactant, wherein the liquid is viscoelastic.

4. The composition according to claim 2, further characterized in that both the first liquid and the second liquid include a betaine surfactant and an arylsulfonate surfactant, wherein both liquids are viscoelastic.

5. - The composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that the oxidant is selected from the group consisting of the alkali metal salts and alkaline earth salts of hypohalite, halogenamines, halogenimines, halogenimides, halogenamides and mixtures thereof; and the gas generating agent is selected from the group consisting of organic and inorganic percents, organic and inorganic persalts, peracetic acid, monoperoxysulfate, hydrogen peroxide, and mixtures thereof.

6. The composition according to claim 5, further characterized in that the oxidant is present in a molar excess on the gas generating agent on a scale of about 10: 1 to 1: 1.

7. The composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that an initial phase of foam is generated at an initial velocity of about 10-50 mls / sec, said initial phase lasting no more than about 60 seconds.

8. The composition according to claim 7, further comprising: a secondary phase of foam is generated at a secondary velocity of approximately 0.01 to 6 mls / sec, said secondary phase lasting approximately 500 seconds followed by a term of said phase initial; and a tertiary foam phase is generated at a tertiary rate of about 0.001 to 0.2 mls / sec negative, said tertiary phase lasting about 3600 seconds followed by a termination of said secondary phase.

9. The composition according to claim 7, further characterized in that the foam is characterized by a density of at least about 0.1 g / ml, a volume of at least 1.0 times the volume of liquid, and a half-life of greater than about thirty minutes, and characterized in that the foam contains an effective amount of drainage cleaning of a drainage cleaning asset.

10. The composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least one of the first and second liquids is characterized by a rheology in which a shear viscosity is at approximately 50-2500 cP, a relative elasticity is approximately 1. -300 sec / Pa and a relaxation time is at least approximately 0.1 seconds.

11. An in situ foam-forming drainage cleaner comprising (a) a first aqueous liquid, having a viscosity of at least about 100 cP, a relative elasticity of at least about 1 sec / Pa, and a loosening time of at least about 0.3 sec, the first liquid comprising an oxidant, and a surfactant; (b) a second aqueous liquid, having a viscosity of at least about 50 cP, a relative elasticity of at least about 1 sec / Pa and a relax time of at least about 0.1 sec, the second liquid comprising a generating agent of gas and a surfactant; and characterized in that the second aqueous liquid is more dense than the first aqueous liquid and the first and second aqueous liquids are arranged in a double chamber container such that they are maintained separately before forming a mixture during delivery to a drain that is going to be treated, where the mixture generates a sufficient foam for efficiency and cleaning stability.

12. The composition according to claim 11, further characterized in that the oxidant further includes an alkaline pH adjusting agent, and the gas generating agent further includes an acid pH adjusting agent.

13. The composition according to claim 11, further characterized in that the oxidant is present in a stoichiometric amount on the gas generating agent further characterized in that said excess acts as an active to unclog the drain.

14. The composition according to claim 11, which also includes an active to unclog the drain.

15. The composition according to claim 11, further characterized in that both the first liquid and the second liquid include a betaine surfactant and an arylsulfonate surfactant.

16. The composition according to claim 11, further comprising: an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkali metal silicate, an alkali metal carbonate, and an alkali metal chloride.

17. - The composition according to claim 11, further characterized in that an initial phase of foam is generated at an initial velocity of about 10-50 mls / sec, said initial phase lasting no more than about 60 seconds.

18. The composition according to claim 17, further including: a secondary phase of foam is generated at a secondary velocity of approximately 0.01 to 6 mls / sec, said secondary phase lasting approximately 20-500 seconds followed by a term of said initial phase; and a tertiary foam phase is generated at a tertiary rate of approximately 0.0001 to 0.2 mls / sec negative, said tertiary phase lasting approximately 3600 seconds followed by a termination of said secondary phase.

19. A method for removing occlusions caused by organic materials in drainage pipes comprising (a) introducing into a drain at least one liquid that generates foam in situ, the foam characterized by a density of at least about 0.1 g / ml, a volume of at least 1.0 times the volume of liquid, and a half-life greater than about thirty minutes, and characterized in that the foam contains an effective amount of cleaning of a drain cleaning asset; and (b) allowing the composition to remain in contact with the organic occlusion material to react therewith.

20. The method according to claim 19, further characterized in that an initial phase of foam is generated at an initial velocity of about 10-50 mls / sec, said initial phase lasting no more than about 60 seconds.

21. The method according to claim 20, further characterized in that a secondary phase of foam is generated at a secondary velocity of approximately 0.01 to 6 mls / sec, said secondary phase lasting approximately 20-500 seconds followed by a term of said initial phase; and a tertiary foam phase is generated at a tertiary rate of about 0.001 to 0.2 mls / sec negative, said tertiary phase lasting about 3600 seconds followed by a termination of said secondary phase.

22. The method according to claim 19, further characterized in that the liquid generating foam in situ comprises: a first aqueous liquid, comprising an oxidant, and a surfactant, and having a viscosity of at least about 100 cP , a relative elasticity of at least about 1 sec / Pa and a relaxation time of at least about 0.3 sec; and a second aqueous liquid, comprising a gas generating agent and a surfactant, and having a viscosity of at least about 50 cP, a relative elasticity of at least about 1 sec / Pa and a relaxation time of at least about 0.1 sec .; further characterized in that the first and second aqueous liquids are arranged in a container such that they are held separately before forming a mixture during delivery to a drain to be treated, wherein the mixture generates a sufficient foam for efficiency and cleaning stability. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A composition comprising two liquids which are separately maintained before forming a mixture during delivery to a surface to be treated is provided, wherein the mixture generates sufficient foam to obtain cleaning efficiency and stability; a first liquid, preferably includes a hypohalite, or a hypohalite generating agent and a second liquid that preferably includes a peroxygen agent; As the two liquids are initially separated, the hypohalite generating agent can be maintained in an environment free of the peroxygen agent and otherwise can lead to its activity and cleaning stability up to the time of its use; when the two liquids are allowed to mix, for example, by stirring them simultaneously in a drain, the hypohalite and the peroxygen react to release oxygen gas; As foam generation occurs, escaping gas contacts the surfactant in the solution, and creates foam that expands to completely fill the drain pipe; the expanded foam contains an excess of hypohalite, which acts to clean the drain; a method for cleaning drains is provided, comprising the step of pouring into the drain at least one liquid that generates foam in situ, whose foam is characterized by a density of at least about 0.1 g / ml; a half-life greater than about thirty minutes, a foam: volume to liquid ratio of at least 1: 1, and wherein the foam contains an effective cleaning amount of an active for cleaning drains. RM / PV / jtc * pbg * tpr * osu * yro P01 / 119F