WO2009106406A1 - Procédé et dispositif pour retirer par électrolyse une tache d'un tissu - Google Patents

Procédé et dispositif pour retirer par électrolyse une tache d'un tissu Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009106406A1
WO2009106406A1 PCT/EP2009/051206 EP2009051206W WO2009106406A1 WO 2009106406 A1 WO2009106406 A1 WO 2009106406A1 EP 2009051206 W EP2009051206 W EP 2009051206W WO 2009106406 A1 WO2009106406 A1 WO 2009106406A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fabric
electrodes
aqueous solution
stained area
substance
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2009/051206
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Nitin Siddheshwar Deshpande
Arijit Mukherjee
Vijay Mukund Naik
Janhavi Sanjay Raut
Rajanarayana Venkataraghavan
Original Assignee
Unilever Nv
Unilever Plc
Hindustan Unilever Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Unilever Nv, Unilever Plc, Hindustan Unilever Limited filed Critical Unilever Nv
Publication of WO2009106406A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009106406A1/fr

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/39—Organic or inorganic per-compounds
    • C11D3/3947—Liquid compositions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
    • B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid
    • B08B3/10—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/395—Bleaching agents
    • C11D3/3956—Liquid compositions
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F35/00—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for
    • D06F35/003—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for using electrochemical cells
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F35/00—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for
    • D06F35/004—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for using chlorine generators
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
    • C02F1/467—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction
    • C02F1/4672—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction by electrooxydation
    • C02F1/4674—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction by electrooxydation with halogen or compound of halogens, e.g. chlorine, bromine
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
    • C02F1/467—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction
    • C02F1/4676—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction by electroreduction
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/46—Apparatus for electrochemical processes
    • C02F2201/461—Electrolysis apparatus
    • C02F2201/46105—Details relating to the electrolytic devices
    • C02F2201/4612—Controlling or monitoring
    • C02F2201/46125—Electrical variables
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/46—Apparatus for electrochemical processes
    • C02F2201/461—Electrolysis apparatus
    • C02F2201/46105—Details relating to the electrolytic devices
    • C02F2201/4612—Controlling or monitoring
    • C02F2201/4615—Time
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/46—Apparatus for electrochemical processes
    • C02F2201/461—Electrolysis apparatus
    • C02F2201/46105—Details relating to the electrolytic devices
    • C02F2201/4616—Power supply
    • C02F2201/4617—DC only
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/46—Apparatus for electrochemical processes
    • C02F2201/461—Electrolysis apparatus
    • C02F2201/46105—Details relating to the electrolytic devices
    • C02F2201/4618—Supplying or removing reactants or electrolyte
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/05—Conductivity or salinity
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/44—Time
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2305/00—Use of specific compounds during water treatment
    • C02F2305/04—Surfactants, used as part of a formulation or alone
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D2111/00—Cleaning compositions characterised by the objects to be cleaned; Cleaning compositions characterised by non-standard cleaning or washing processes
    • C11D2111/40—Specific cleaning or washing processes
    • C11D2111/46—Specific cleaning or washing processes applying energy, e.g. irradiation

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a process, a device, and a kit for removing a stain from a fabric.
  • bleaching agents particularly of oxidative bleaches
  • the cleaning compositions comprising bleaching agents are however prone to the problem of storage stability and loss of bleaching species with time.
  • Other problem associated with bleaching compositions, particularly those with high concentration of bleaching agents, is potential damage to fabric as well as skin/eyes of the user. Further, the bleaching agents may not be compatible with commonly used packaging materials.
  • Electrochemical generation of oxidative or reductive bleaching species near the point of use avoids certain problems associated with storage, stability and safety of bleaching compositions.
  • Electrochemical generation of bleaching compounds in washing machines is also known.
  • CN 1370879 (Wu Hao, 2002) describes a process for washing clothes by installing electrodes in washing machine and electrolyzing sodium chloride added into water to produce hypochlorous acid ion for eliminating dirt.
  • EP0146184 (Whirlpool, 1989) describes an automatic laundry washing machine comprising a container for the salt (NaCI), a water reservoir connectable to a water source, and a cell for the electrochemical production of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI) and hydraulically connected to the reservoir by way of the salt container.
  • the water reservoir is also hydraulically connected to the cell by a further path which enables the cell to be filled with water to a predetermined height by using the water which exceeds a given level in the reservoir.
  • washing machines typically operate at a ratio by weight of water to fabric of 10 or more. At such ratios, the generation of effective amount of bleach concentration required to remove stains would require relatively long electrolysis time and/or relatively high voltage/current, resulting into relatively high energy consumption. Further, in washing machines, it is common practice to clean a washload comprising several other garments and clothing articles along with the stained garment. Contact of effective concentration of bleach with unstained portion of the stained garment and delicate and/or coloured garments in the rest of the washload and garment accessories like lace and buttons can cause damage and/or discolouration. In addition, using washing machine for cleaning localized stains from a fabric is not convenient, particularly when the user wants to quickly clean stain on a single fabric.
  • Some of the problems associated with electrolytic generation of bleaching agents in washing machines can be mitigated by electrolytically generating the bleaching agents and dispensing them on the stained area of a fabric.
  • US2003062267 (Nakamura et al, 2003) teaches a method and an apparatus for generating a portable steril izing water that can be easi ly used at, for example, hospitals, cafeterias of nursing facil ities, restaurants, hair salons or homes.
  • the electrolyzer is structured such that a tubular-shaped ferrite anode and a cathode are arranged alternately in a concentric manner with an inter-electrode distance, and integrated with a pressurizable solution container containing halogen ions and a power control apparatus so that it can be carried and operated by one hand.
  • US20020023847 (Natsume et al, 2002) describes a cleansing system comprising an electrolysis chamber wherein the alkaline solution is formed from an electrolyte, such as salt and water. At least one pump outputs the alkaline solution onto an object to be cleansed. Further, a second pump may output an acidic solution formed in the electrolysis onto the object to disinfect or sterilize the object.
  • US20030098244 (Ruhr et al, 2003) describes generation of chlorinated alkaline cleaning solutions by electrolysis by providing electrolytic cell for producing and dispensing chlorine and sodium hydroxide for use in various cleaning and/or sanitizing formulations as and when needed.
  • the methods described above involve generating and dispensing or spraying of electrochemically generated bleaching agents.
  • One of the problems associated with these methods is that the amount of free chlorine available in the water decreases upon storage.
  • the process of dispensing or spraying the solution is accompanied by further reduction in free chlorine available for bleaching.
  • Another problem associated with dispensing of electrochemically generated pre-prepared bleaching compositions is the possibility of spillage or contact with unwanted area of fabric or hands.
  • the containers used to carry out electrolysis if left open to atmosphere, lead to reduction in available chlorine with time.
  • electrolysis is carried out in closed and/or pressurized containers, the accumulation of gaseous hydrogen released during electrolytic process in a confined space can be potentially hazardous.
  • one of the objects of the present invention is to overcome or ameliorate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a process for removing a stain from a fabric that provides relatively faster and/or better cleaning.
  • the present inventors have found that the stain can be removed from a fabric by passing a current of from 0.01 A to 10 A using a voltage/current source across at least two electrodes through an aqueous solution of specific substances whilst keeping the stained area of the fabric within specific distance from the electrodes.
  • a process for removing a stain from a fabric comprising a step of passing an electric current of from 0.01 A to 10 A using a voltage/current source across at least two electrodes through an aqueous solution of a substance capable of generating an oxidative or reductive bleaching species, whilst keeping the stained area of the fabric in contact with the aqueous solution and positioned at a distance not greater than 3 cm from one of the electrodes.
  • a device for removing a stain from a fabric comprising a body attached to and electrically insulated from at least two electrodes, wherein: a. the electrodes are electrically contactable with a voltage/current source; b. the body comprises a container for holding an aqueous solution of a substance capable of generating an oxidative or reductive bleaching species, and; c. said container is connected to a handle, which in turn is hingedly connected with a lid such that the lid can be manipulated to position the stained area within a distance not greater than 3 cm from one of the electrodes.
  • kits for removing a stain from a fabric comprises (i) a device, (ii) a substance capable of generating an oxidative or reductive bleaching species during dissolution or electrolysis, and (iii) a set of instructions for use, wherein; the device comprises a body attached to and electrically insulated from at least two electrodes, the electrodes being electrically contactable with a voltage/current source, and the device being capable of passing an electric current of 0.01 to 10 A across the electrodes, and; the set of instructions for use instructs the user to dissolve said substance in water to form an aqueous solution, to contact the stained area of the fabric with the aqueous solution of said substance and to hold the device such that the stained area of the fabric is positioned within a distance not greater than 3 cm from one of the electrodes, and to electrically contact the electrodes with a voltage/current source.
  • Figure 1 Process of removing a stain from a fabric.
  • Figure 2 Container-type device for removing a stain from a fabric, (a) lid open (b) lid closed
  • Figure 3 Device for removing a stain from a fabric, with delivery system, during use.
  • a process for removing a stain from a fabric comprising a step of passing an electric current of from 0.01 A to 10 A using a voltage/current source across at least two electrodes through an aqueous solution of a substance capable of generating an oxidative or reductive bleaching species during dissolution or electrolysis, whilst keeping the stained area of the fabric in contact with the aqueous solution and positioned at a distance not greater than 3 cm from one of the electrodes.
  • Aqueous solution of the substance In the process, an aqueous solution of a substance is used.
  • the substance that can be used according to the process of the present invention is capable of generating a bleaching species during dissolution or electrolysis.
  • Ay substance that is capable of generating a bleaching species during dissolution i.e., a bleaching agent
  • the substance can be an elelctrolyte or a non-electrolyte. However, it is preferred that the substance is an electrolyte ca pa ble of generating a bleaching species d uri ng electrolysis.
  • the electrolyte need not be a bleaching agent itself.
  • Bleaching species may be oxidative or reductive.
  • the substance is capable of generating an oxidative or reductive bleaching species during electrolysis.
  • the applied electric current can also activate/ accelerate the bleaching process.
  • bleaching species there are several types of bleaching species. For example, sodium hypochlorite or ca lci u m hypochlorite, which generate hypochlorous bleach i ng species u pon dissolution, hydrogen peroxide, sodium perborate or sodium percarbonate, which generate peroxide bleachi ng species.
  • Other bleachi ng agents include sod i um persulfate, sodium perphosphate, sodium persilicate, their ammonium, potassium and lithium analogs, calcium peroxide, zinc peroxide, sodium peroxide, carbamide peroxide, chlorine dioxide, bromate, and organic peroxides (e.g., benzoyl peroxide).
  • Oxidative bleaching species include chlorine, chlorine dioxide, nascent oxygen, and hypochlorite. It is also envisaged that when oxidative bleaching species, in particular hypochlorite, is generated during electrolysis, there is additional biocidal effect besides the removal of stai ns.
  • electrolytes capable of generating an oxidative bleaching species during electrolysis include chloride or chlorate salt of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal.
  • substances capable of generating oxidative bleaching species upon dissolution include phthalimido perhexonic acid and hydrogen peroxide.
  • bleaches are oxidizing agents
  • sodium dithionite is a powerful reducing agent that can be used as a bleach.
  • electrolytes capable of generating a reductive bleaching species during dissolution or electrolysis include sulphite, dithionite, sulphate and bisulphite of alkali metal.
  • Other substance that can be preferably used according to the present invention includes reducing sugars. Reducing sugars may be selected from dextrose, lactose, sucrose or mixtures thereof.
  • the substance capable of of generating a bleaching species during dissolution or electrolysis is selected from (a) hypochlorite, hypochlorite, perborate, percarbonate, persulfate, perphosphate, persilicate, bromate, chloride, or chlorate salt of ammonium, alkali metal, or alkaline earth metal, or (b) sulphite, dithionite, sulphate or bisulphite of alkali metal, or (c) peroxide of alkal i metal, hydrogen, or alkaline earth metal, carbamide peroxide or benzoyl peroxide, or (d) phthalimido perhexonic acid, or (e) dextrose, lactose, or sucrose.
  • the concentration of the substance is at least 0.1 g/L of the aqueous solution.
  • the upper limit of concentration of substance is the maximum concentration of the substance beyond which it is i nsoluble.
  • the concentration of the substance is preferably from 0.1 to 400, more preferably from 1 to 300, and most preferably from 10 to 300 g/L of the aqueous solution.
  • Aqueous solution may further comprise an additional electrolyte that is not capable of producing an oxidative or reductive bleaching species upon dissolution or electrolysis, particularly when the substance itself is not an electrolyte.
  • the aqueous solution may further comprise a surfactant.
  • the surfactant may be anionic, cationic or non-ionic. It is envisaged that the aqueous solution may further comprise of fluoroscer, optical brightner, perfume, and other benefit agents.
  • the conductivity of the aqueous solution is preferably from 0.1 to 1000, more preferably from 1 to 1000 and most preferably from 1 to 500 mS/cm.
  • the stained area of fabric is preferably completely wetted by the aqueous solution.
  • the stained area of the fabric may be wetted by spraying or pouring the aqueous solution on the stained area or by pre-soaking the stained area of the fabric in the aqueous solution. It is preferred that the stained area of the fabric is immersed in a pool of the aqueous solution.
  • the amount of aqueous solution in contact with the fabric is preferably enough to completely wet the stained area.
  • the passage of current is preferably started after ensuring that the stained area of the fabric is sufficiently wetted. If stained area of the fabric is not completely wetted, or if the amount of aqueous solution used is not enough, the local temperature increase can cause damage to fabrics.
  • the amount of aqueous solution is preferably from 0.1 to 30, more preferably from 1 to 20, most preferably from 2 to 10 g/cm 2 area of fabric.
  • area of the fabric as used herein means the apparent surface area of one side of the fabric that is in contact with the aqueous solution of electrolyte. For example, a 10 cm x 10 cm square swatch of fabric has an area of 100 cm 2 .
  • the stained area of fabric is a small fraction of the entire surface area of the fabric. It is preferred that the aqueous solution is contacted with the stained area. It is envisaged that some unstained area surrounding the stain is inevitably wetted by the aqueous solution. However, it is preferred that the unstained area of fabric in contact with the aqueous solution is minimal. It is particularly preferred that the entire fabric is not contacted with the aqueous solution.
  • the liquor to cloth ratio i.e. the ratio of mass of the aqueous solution to the mass of the fabric is preferably less than 15, more preferably less than 10, and most preferably less than 5.
  • the liquor to cloth ratio in washing machines is normally above 20.
  • the wastage of aqueous solution, and that of the bleaching species generated in the aqueous solution, is thus avoided in the process of the present invention. If the bleaching species is generated by electrolysis, the required high power consumption would render the process economically unviable. Further, only the area that is contacted with the aqueous solution needs to be dried. Therefore, the process of present invention offers relatively more convenient and fast removal of a stain as compared to washing machines capable of generating bleaching species in which entire fabric needs to be wetted.
  • the aqueous medium is open to atmosphere so that gaseous products generated during the process are not accumulated in a confined space.
  • the aqueous medium is not enclosed in a confined space.
  • an opening or an aperture is provided for discharging the gaseous products generated during the process to prevent or reduce accumulation thereof in a confined space.
  • Aqueous solution is at a temperature preferably from 1 to 95°C, more preferably from 10 to 70 0 C and most preferably from 20 to 60 0 C.
  • the aqueous solution may be preheated prior to the process or heated at the point-of-use by heating means such as electrical resistive heaters. It is also envisaged that the heat is generated in-situ by electrical dissipation due to passage of current through the aqueous solution.
  • the voltage/current is periodic or aperiodic with respect to time.
  • the voltage/current is preferably ac or dc or pulsed. More preferably, the voltage/current is ac or dc. It is particularly preferred that the current/voltage is dc. In case of ac, any waveform such as rectangular, triangular, sinusoidal can be used. If the voltage/current is sinusoidal ac, the frequency is preferably less than or equal to 60 Hz.
  • the current that is passed through the aqueous medium is preferable from 0.01 A to 10 A, more preferably from 0.5 A to 5 A, and most preferably from 1 to 3 A. In case the voltage/current is ac, the current refers to root mean square value.
  • the current is passed through the aqueous solution of the substance for a period of preferably from 10 to 600 s, more preferably from 10 to 400 s, and most preferably from 20 to 180 s.
  • the voltage/current source may be battery powered . More preferably, the voltage/current source is powered by household electricity mains (110 V, 60 Hz or 230 V, 50 Hz). Preferably, a step-down transformer is used to lower the voltage, and a voltage rectifier circuit is used to convert the ac voltage into dc. Other power supplies that can be used include constant voltage/ current supplies; switch mode power supply (SMPS), pulsed power supplies, charge injectors and the like.
  • SMPS switch mode power supply
  • an electric current of from 0.01 to 10 A is passed across at least two electrodes through the aqueous solution of a substance capable of generating bleaching species. It is possible to use a plurality of electrodes in various configurations with at least two electrodes electrically connected to a voltage/current source. Additional electrodes may be active electrodes connected to voltage/current source. Alternatively, additional electrodes may be passive electrodes interspersed between active electrodes.
  • the electrodes are spatially separated by a distance of preferably 0.01 to 10 cm, more preferably from 0.1 to 5 cm, and most preferably from 0.1 to 2 cm.
  • Electrodes are made of conducting or semiconducting material, i.e. metals, conducting polymers, metalloids, semimetals, alloys, carbon, graphite, or combinations thereof.
  • electrode material is graphite, metal, or alloy.
  • the electrode surface is coated with metallic oxides. It is particularly preferred that the electrode surface is coated with titanium oxide, molybdenum oxide, ruthenium oxide or mixtures thereof. Other commercial surface coating referred to as dimensionally stable anode or DSA can also be used. Coated electrodes are particularly preferred if the electrode material is aluminium, copper, iron or steel.
  • the stained area of the fabric is positioned at a distance not greater than 3 cm, preferably 2 cm, more preferably 1 cm from one of the electrodes. At least one of the electrodes is positioned at a distance of less than 3 cm from the stained area of the fabric. It is particularly preferred that the stained area of the fabric is in contact with at least one electrode.
  • the bleaching species generated during electrolysis is highly unstable, and hence, positioning the stained area of the fabric closer to the electrode where the bleaching species is generated provides more effective stain removal. It is particularly preferred that the distance of at least one of the electrodes from the stained area of the fabric is maintained at a distance of less than 3 cm, throughout the duration of passage of current.
  • the electrode nearest to the stained area of the fabric is anode when the electrolyte is capable of producing an oxidative bleaching species upon electrolysis or dissolution. It is preferred that the electrode nearest to the stained area of the fabric is cathode when the electrolyte is capable of producing a reductive bleaching species upon electrolysis or dissolution.
  • the electrodes may be positioned on the same side of the stained area of the fabric.
  • the electrodes may be below the fabric or above the fabric. Alternatively and preferably, the stained area of the fabric is interspersed between the electrodes.
  • agitation is provided to promote the contact of the stained area of the fabric with the solution.
  • the agitation may be provided by motion of the aqueous solution, motion of electrode, motion of the fabric or by providing an external agitation means such as a mechanical agitator/stirrer.
  • the aqueous solution may be recirculated or replenished at a suitable flow rate to the stained area of the fabric.
  • the aqueous solution may be preferably stored in a container and supplied to the stained area.
  • a delivery means is preferably used to deliver the aqueous solution to the stained area of the fabric.
  • the aqueous solution is delivered to the stained area of the fabric preferably prior to or during the passage of current.
  • a suction means is preferably used to transport the aqueous solution away from the stained area of the fabric. Suction means is used preferably during or after the passage of current.
  • the stained area of the fabric is preferably contacted with a stain-absorbent pad made of material capable of absorbing water.
  • the stain-absorbent pad reduces or prevents the spreading of stain to unstained area of fabric and/or restaining.
  • the process of the present invention may by used along with the process of cleaning of a fabric using electric field as described in patent applications by Unilever (WO2004/105970 and WO2006/056367) which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • the step of cleaning using an electric field can be prior to, after, or concurrent with the process of the present invention.
  • a device for removing a stain from a fabric comprising a body attached to and electrically insulated from at least two electrodes, the electrodes being electrically contactable with a voltage/current source, and the device being capable of passing an electric current of 0.01 to 10 A across the the electrodes through an aqueous solution of a substance capable of generating an oxidative or reductive bleaching species during dissolution or electrolysis, whilst keeping the stained area of the fabric in contact with the aqueous solution and positioned within a distance not greater than 3 cm from one of the electrodes.
  • the device comprises a handle attached to the body. The handle provides convenience for maintaining the electrodes in position during cleaning.
  • the body comprises a container capable of holding the aqueous solution in contact with the stained area of the fabric.
  • a device for removing a stain from a fabric comprising a body attached to and electrically insulated from at least two electrodes, wherein: a. the electrodes are electrically contactable with a voltage/current source; b. the body comprises a container for holding an aqueous solution of a substance, capable of generating an oxidative or reductive bleaching species, in electrical contact with the electrodes, and; c. said device comprises a handle attached to the container, said handle is hingedly connected with a lid such that the lid can be manipulated to position the stained area within a distance not greater than 3 cm from one of the electrodes.
  • the device is capable of passing an electric current of from 0.01 A to 10 A across the electrodes through the aqueous solution whilst keeping the stained area of the fabric in contact with the aqueous solution and positioned within a distance not greater than 3 cm from one of the electrodes.
  • the lid has an aperture for discharging gaseous products generated during the process to prevent or reduce accumulation thereof in a confined space.
  • the body comprises a delivery means capable of delivering the aqueous solution to the stained area of the fabric.
  • the body comprises a suction means capable of transporting the aqueous solution away from the stained area of the fabric.
  • the device comprises a stain-absorbent pad made of water-absorbable material is removably attachable to an electrode such that the pad can be contacted with the stained area of the fabric.
  • the device comprises of a fabric holding means for holding the fabric within said distance.
  • the device comprises an agitation means to promote the contact of the fabric with the solution.
  • the agitation means may be an agitator in rotary or reciprocal motion of electrodes.
  • the agitation means may be a jet of liquid or gas directed towards stained area.
  • the agitation means can be in form of a scrubbing means that is capable of rotary or reciprocating movement.
  • the scrubbing means is provided with preferably at least one bristle head, and more preferably a plurality of bristles.
  • a device for removing a stain from a fabric comprising a body attached to and electrically insulated from at least two electrodes, wherein: a. the electrodes are electrically contactable with a voltage/current source located within the body; b. the electrodes are positioned in the body such that the device is capable of being placed on the fabric with the stained area of the fabric within a distance not greater than 3 cm from one of the electrodes; c. the body comprises a refillable container for holding an aqueous solution of a substance, capable of generating an oxidative or reductive bleaching species, in electrical contact with the electrodes and; d. the container is connected to a delivery means capable of delivering the aqueous solution to the stained area of the fabric.
  • the device is capable of passing an electric current of from 0.01 A to 10 A across the electrodes through the aqueous solution whilst keeping the stained area of the fabric in contact with the aqueous solution and positioned within a distance not greater than 3 cm from one of the electrodes.
  • the process for removal of a stain is carried out using a device (1) which comprises a body (2) attached to and electrically insulated from electrodes (anode(3) and cathode(4)), which are connected to an external current/voltage source (5).
  • the device is positioned such that the electrodes are immersed in the aqueous medium (6) comprising a substance capable of generating an oxidative or reductive bleaching species during dissolution or electrolysis, and the stained area of the fabric (7) is positioned at a distance of not greater than 3 cm from one of the electrodes.
  • the device further comprises a handle (8) attached to the body. It can be appreciated that the device can be conveniently placed on the stained area of the fabric by manipulating the device using the handle.
  • the body of the device (1) comprises a container (9) capable of holding the aqueous medium (6) in contact with the stained area of the fabric (7).
  • the container is attached to a handle (8) which in turn is attached to a lid (10) by means of a hinge (11).
  • the anode (3) is attached to and electrically insulated from the bottom of the container (9) whilst the cathode (4) is attached to and electrically insulated from the lid (10).
  • the lid is provided with an aperture (12) for discharging the gaseous products of electrolysis thereby preventing accumulation thereof in a confined space.
  • the current/voltage source is an in-built power supply (13) to which the electrodes are connected.
  • Figure 3(a) shows the device with lid open, for easy insertion of the stained area of the fabric (7) in the aqueous medium (6).
  • the lid (10) can be easily manipulated in closed position as shown in Figure 3(b) by using hinge (11) such that the stained area of the fabric is positioned at a distance of not greater than 3 cm from one of the electrodes.
  • hinge (11) When a current is passed across the electrodes through the aqueous medium, the bleaching species is generated in-situ that effectively cleans the stain.
  • the body comprises an in-built power supply (13) and a delivery means (14).
  • the delivery means (14) comprises a refillable container made of a resilient material (15) to store the aqueous solution and a tube (16) connected to the said container through a pressure-actuated va lve (17).
  • the conta iner can be replenished with the aqueous solution through the filling port (18).
  • the device is placed on the stained area of the fabric (7) with the electrodes touching the fabric and pressure is applied to the container (15) manually to actuate the valve (17) such that the aqueous solution is delivered to the stained area of the fabric (7) through the tube (16).
  • kits for removing a stain from a fabric comprises (i) a device, (ii) a substance capable of generating an oxidative or reductive bleaching species during dissolution or electrolysis, and (iii) a set of instructions for use, wherein; the device comprises a body attached to and electrically insulated from at least two electrodes, the electrodes being electrically contactable with a voltage/current source, and the device being capable of passing an electric current of 0.01 to 10 A across the electrodes, and; the set of instructions for use instructs the user to mix said substance with water to form an aqueous solution, to contact the stained area of the fabric with the aqueous solution of said substance and to hold the device such that the stained area of the fabric is positioned within a distance not greater than 3 cm from one of the electrodes, and to electrically contact the electrodes with a voltage/current source.
  • kit comprises a specific embodiment of a device, it is envisaged that the kit may comprise any other embodiments of the device according to the present invention.
  • the instructions to user instruct the user to form an aqueous solution wherein the concentration of the substance is from 0.1 to 400 g/L.
  • Aqueous solutions for which free chlorine was to be measured, were stored in a stoppered conical flask and covered with aluminium foil to minimize interaction with light and/or air. Free chlorine was measured by iodometric titration method; the details are given in Vogel's Text Book of Quantitative Chemical Analysis (Fifth Edition, 1989, Longman Publishers).
  • Fabric cleaning protocol Fabric was placed in aqueous solution of a substance.
  • Substances used include electrolytes (sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodi um sul phite, sodium dithionite, sodi um bisulphite, and sodium sulphate).
  • Non-electrolyte substances include dextrose and pthalamido perhexonic acid. All the aqueous solutions were made using deionized water.
  • the concentration of the substance used was in the range of 0 to 300 g/L.
  • the conductivity of the solutions was in the range of 0.05 mS/cm to 500 mS/cm.
  • a stained fabric swatch was dipped in the aqueous solution.
  • Electrodes Two electrodes were also immersed in the aqueous solution. Various types of electrodes were used including graphite, titanium. The electrodes were connected to the power supply, which was also equipped with an ammeter for measurement the current passing through the aqueous solution and a voltmeter for measurement of potential difference across the electrodes. Most of the experiments were carried out using dc voltage/current source. Some experiments were carried out with ac voltage/current source at frequency of 50 Hz (sinusoidal waveform). When ac voltage/current source was used, the measured value was root mean square value of current/voltage.
  • the electrodes were positioned such that the distance between the stained area of the fabric and one of the electrodes was varied from 0 to 5 cm.
  • the distance of 0 cm meant that the electrode was in contact with the fabric.
  • the details of the electrode used and the distance between the stained area of the fabric and one of the electrodes are given separately.
  • Rectangular flat plate electrodes (2 cm x 3 cm) were used in the experiments. The electrodes were placed adjacent to each other in same plane with the nearest distance between the electrodes being 0.5 cm.
  • the current was passed through the aqueous solution for a duration varying from 0 to 180 seconds, and was measured using a stopwatch.
  • agitation of the aqueous solution was provided unless mentioned otherwise.
  • a magnetic stirrer was used at rpm of approximately 50 for promoting agitation of the aqueous solution.
  • the electrodes were manually moved over the stained area to provide agitation of the aqueous solution.
  • Control experiment was carried out using sodium carbonate as a substance that does not generate a bleaching species during electrolysis or dissolution. Another control experiment was carried out using known amount of bleaching agent sodium hypochlorite at a concentration of 0.66 g/L.
  • Example 1 30 V dc was applied across graphite electrodes, and the current of 1.4 A was passed through 30 mL of aqueous solution of 13.2 g/L sodium chloride (conductivity 12 mS/cm) whilst the fabric swatch stained with black tea was positioned at a distance varied from 0 cm (fabric touching the electrode) and 2 cm from one of the electrodes (anode), corresponding to Example 1 and Example 2 respectively. The passage of current was for 180 seconds.
  • Examples 3 and 4 were similar to Examples 1 and 2, respectively, except that the stirring was provided by means of a magnetic stirrer.
  • Example 5 was similar to example 3 except that AC current was passed instead of DC.
  • Comparative example 1-A was carried out with the stained area of the fabric positioned at a distance of 6 cm from one of the electrodes.
  • Comparative example 1-B was similar to comparative example 1-A except that the stirring was provided by a magnetic stirrer.
  • comparative example 1-C was similar to the process of example 1 , except that the stained fabric was not contacted with the aqueous solution during passage of current. Instead, the stained fabric was contacted with the aqueous solution immediately after the passage of current.
  • Examples 14-17 and corresponding comparative examples 14-A-16-A demonstrate the various types of substances that are capable of generating a bleaching species, and also va rious types of stai ns that can be cleaned.
  • Exam ples 14 a nd 1 5 are with electrolytes capable of generating bleaching species during dissolution.
  • Example 16 is for a substance capable of generating oxidative bleaching species during dissolution.
  • Example 17 is for a substance capable of generating reducing bleaching species during dissolution.
  • Comparative Examples 14-A to 1 7-A correspond to Examples 14-17, respectively, except that no electrical current was passed.
  • the cleaning efficacy was evaluated using various stains. The duration of each experiment was 180 s. The experimental details and the cleaning efficacy are tabulated below.
  • Table 4 Effect of type of substance

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Water Treatment By Electricity Or Magnetism (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un procédé pour retirer une tache d'un tissu, comprenant une étape de circulation d'un courant électrique de 0,01 A à 10 A, à l'aide d'une source de tension/courant, aux bornes d'au moins deux électrodes (3, 4) à travers une solution aqueuse d'une substance capable de générer une espèce de blanchiment oxydante ou réductrice, tout en maintenant la zone tachée (7) du tissu en contact avec la solution aqueuse et positionnée à une distance non supérieure à 3 cm de l'une des électrodes.
PCT/EP2009/051206 2008-02-27 2009-02-03 Procédé et dispositif pour retirer par électrolyse une tache d'un tissu WO2009106406A1 (fr)

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IN395MU2008 2008-02-27

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011088062A2 (fr) * 2010-01-12 2011-07-21 Touch Stain, Llc Système et procédé permettant de faciliter la suppression de taches sur place
WO2013017476A1 (fr) * 2011-07-29 2013-02-07 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Lessive ou produit de nettoyage présentant un composé médiateur activable électrochimiquement
WO2017193755A1 (fr) * 2016-05-13 2017-11-16 鲍传奎 Procédé de lavage du linge et dispositif de lavage de linge de type à déversement
WO2022128442A1 (fr) * 2020-12-14 2022-06-23 Miele & Cie. Kg Appareil électrique à circulation d'eau et procédé de fonctionnement d'un appareil électrique à circulation d'eau
WO2022128436A1 (fr) * 2020-12-14 2022-06-23 Miele & Cie. Kg Dispositif électrique à circulation d'eau et procédé de fonctionnement d'un dispositif électrique à circulation d'eau

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DE3531405A1 (de) * 1985-09-03 1987-07-09 Hermann Schwan Verfahren zum waschen und reinigen von geweben ohne chemische waschmittel durch elektrolyse und hochfrequenz
JPH0615090A (ja) * 1992-06-30 1994-01-25 Suzuki Sogyo Co Ltd 電気的洗浄方法並びにその装置
US5487788A (en) * 1992-04-03 1996-01-30 Tomei Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha Method for cleaning and disinfecting contact lens
JPH11104585A (ja) * 1997-10-02 1999-04-20 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd 衣類洗浄機
JP2000185191A (ja) * 1998-12-24 2000-07-04 Sharp Corp 全自動洗濯機
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US20030024828A1 (en) * 2001-07-18 2003-02-06 Yasuhito Kondo Sterilizing method and electrolyzed water producing apparatus
JP2003071188A (ja) * 2001-09-05 2003-03-11 Sansha Electric Mfg Co Ltd 衣類の洗濯装置
DE10336588A1 (de) * 2003-08-08 2005-02-24 Hunger, Marc, Dr. Verfahren zu Entfernung/Entfärbung von farbigen Substanzen/Rückständen in Flüssigkeiten und von Oberflächen aller Art
EP1685913A1 (fr) * 2005-01-28 2006-08-02 Unilever Plc Dispositif de nettoyage

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3518174A (en) * 1967-08-10 1970-06-30 Inoue K Method and apparatus for purification of water containing organic contaminants
DE3531405A1 (de) * 1985-09-03 1987-07-09 Hermann Schwan Verfahren zum waschen und reinigen von geweben ohne chemische waschmittel durch elektrolyse und hochfrequenz
US5487788A (en) * 1992-04-03 1996-01-30 Tomei Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha Method for cleaning and disinfecting contact lens
JPH0615090A (ja) * 1992-06-30 1994-01-25 Suzuki Sogyo Co Ltd 電気的洗浄方法並びにその装置
JPH11104585A (ja) * 1997-10-02 1999-04-20 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd 衣類洗浄機
JP2000185191A (ja) * 1998-12-24 2000-07-04 Sharp Corp 全自動洗濯機
US20030024828A1 (en) * 2001-07-18 2003-02-06 Yasuhito Kondo Sterilizing method and electrolyzed water producing apparatus
JP2003071188A (ja) * 2001-09-05 2003-03-11 Sansha Electric Mfg Co Ltd 衣類の洗濯装置
CN1370879A (zh) * 2002-03-22 2002-09-25 吴昊 使用电解氯化钠水溶液作为洗衣机洗涤剂的洗衣方法
DE10336588A1 (de) * 2003-08-08 2005-02-24 Hunger, Marc, Dr. Verfahren zu Entfernung/Entfärbung von farbigen Substanzen/Rückständen in Flüssigkeiten und von Oberflächen aller Art
EP1685913A1 (fr) * 2005-01-28 2006-08-02 Unilever Plc Dispositif de nettoyage

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011088062A2 (fr) * 2010-01-12 2011-07-21 Touch Stain, Llc Système et procédé permettant de faciliter la suppression de taches sur place
WO2011088062A3 (fr) * 2010-01-12 2011-11-17 Touch Stain, Llc Système et procédé permettant de faciliter la suppression de taches sur place
WO2013017476A1 (fr) * 2011-07-29 2013-02-07 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Lessive ou produit de nettoyage présentant un composé médiateur activable électrochimiquement
KR20140060506A (ko) * 2011-07-29 2014-05-20 헨켈 아게 운트 코. 카게아아 전기화학적으로 활성화가능한 매개체 화합물을 갖는 세척제 또는 세정제
EP2737042B1 (fr) 2011-07-29 2018-03-14 Henkel AG & Co. KGaA Lessive ou produit de nettoyage présentant un composé médiateur activable électrochimiquement
US10435649B2 (en) 2011-07-29 2019-10-08 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Washing or cleaning agent with electrochemically activatable mediator compound
KR102046861B1 (ko) * 2011-07-29 2019-11-20 헨켈 아게 운트 코. 카게아아 전기화학적으로 활성화가능한 매개체 화합물을 갖는 세척제 또는 세정제
WO2017193755A1 (fr) * 2016-05-13 2017-11-16 鲍传奎 Procédé de lavage du linge et dispositif de lavage de linge de type à déversement
WO2022128442A1 (fr) * 2020-12-14 2022-06-23 Miele & Cie. Kg Appareil électrique à circulation d'eau et procédé de fonctionnement d'un appareil électrique à circulation d'eau
WO2022128436A1 (fr) * 2020-12-14 2022-06-23 Miele & Cie. Kg Dispositif électrique à circulation d'eau et procédé de fonctionnement d'un dispositif électrique à circulation d'eau
BE1028885B1 (de) * 2020-12-14 2022-07-11 Miele & Cie Wasserführendes elektrisches Gerät und Verfahren zum Betreiben eines wasserführenden elektrischen Geräts
BE1028887B1 (de) * 2020-12-14 2022-07-12 Miele & Cie Wasserführendes elektrisches Gerät und ein Verfahren zum Betreiben eines wasserführenden elektrischen Geräts

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