WO2014060018A1

WO2014060018A1 - Low foaming rinse aid composition with improved drying and cleaning performance

Info

Publication number: WO2014060018A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/070453
Authority: WO
Inventors: Laurence Geret; Michael Decker; Stefan JÄGER
Original assignee: Ecolab Inc.
Priority date: 2012-10-16
Filing date: 2012-10-16
Publication date: 2014-04-24

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aqueous rinse aid composition comprising:at least one nonionic surfactant of a C₁₀ to C₁₈-alcohol alkoxylate; at least one polymeric polycarboxylate, has a mole weight (MW) in the range of about ≥ 500 to about ≤ 20,000; at least one sequestering agent; and at least one hydrotrope.

Description

LOW FOAMING RINSE AID COMPOSITION WITH IMPROVED DRYING AND CLEANING PERFORMANCE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to rinse aid compositions, and methods for

manufacturing and using the rinse aid compositions.

Mechanical ware washing machines including dishwashers, washer disinfectors and bedpan washers have been common in the institutional and healthcare environments for many years. Such automatic washers clean articles having hard surfaces, such as dishes, surgical instruments or e.g. bedpans. Such automatic washers comprise usually at least two or more cycles which can include initially a wash cycle followed by a rinse cycle. Such automatic ware washing machines can also utilize other cycles, for example, a soak cycle, a pre-wash cycle, a scrape cycle, additional wash cycles, additional rinse cycles, a sanitizing / disinfection cycle, and/or a drying cycle. Any of these cycles can be repeated, if desired and additional cycles can be used.

Rinse aids are conventionally used in ware washing applications to promote drying and to prevent the formation of spots on the ware being washed.

In order to reduce the formation of spotting, to reduce drying time and to improve cleaning performance, especially for metal articles, such as medical instruments, bedpans and there like, there is still a need to provide a low foaming rinse aid composition having superior drying and cleaning performance. In particular, there is a need for a rinse aid composition with practical no spotting, reduce drying time and to improve cleaning performance that can be dosed in an automated bedpan washing applications at room temperature (23° C) without the formation of foam.

SUMMARY In some aspects, the present invention relates to an aqueous rinse aid composition.

In some aspects the aqueous rinse aid composition comprises:

- at least one nonionic surfactant of a C₁₀ to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate;

- at least one polymeric polycarboxylate having a mole weight (MW) in the range of about > 500 to about < 20,000;

- at least one sequestering agent;

- at least one hydrotrope.

In some aspects the aqueous rinse aid composition comprises:

- at least one nonionic surfactant of a C₁₀ to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate;

- at least one sequestering agent;

- at least one hydrotrope; and

- at least one preservative.

In some embodiments the alkoxylate of the C₁₀ to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate is selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxides, propylene oxides, butylene oxides, pentalene oxides, hexylene oxides, heptalene oxides, octalene oxides, nonalene oxides, decylene oxides, and mixtures and derivatives thereof.

In some embodiments the range of mole ratio of the C₁₀ to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate, preferably of the C₁₂ to Ci4-alcohol alkoxylate, to the polymeric polycarboxylate may be about 1 : 1 to about 1 : 10, and in some embodiments, in the range of about 1 : 1.2 to about 1 : 1.5.

In other embodiments, the defoaming agent comprises a C₁₀ to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate of a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer.

In still some other aspects the nonionic surfactant having the structure represented by formula I:

R-0-(CH₂CH₂0)_n-(CH₂CH₂CH₂0)_m -H (I),

wherein

R = a Cio-Ci8-alkyl group, preferably a Cn-Ci7-alkyl group, further preferred a Ci₂-Ci6-alkyl group and in addition preferred a Ci₂-Ci4-alkyl group;

n = an integer in the range of about 0 to about 10, preferably an integer in the range of about

1 to about 8, further preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 6, and in addition preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 4; m = an integer in the range of about 0 to about 10, preferably an integer in the range of about 1 to about 8, further preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 6, and in addition preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 4; whereby

n = 0 then m = an integer in the range of about 1 to about 10, preferably an integer in the

range of about 2 to about 8, further preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 6, and in addition preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 4; or

m = 0 then n = an integer in the range of about 1 to about 10, preferably an integer in the range of about 2 to about 8, further preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 6, and in addition preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 4.

In still yet other embodiments, n + m is an integer in the range of about 2 to 8 and in addition preferred an integer in the range of about 4 to 6. In some further preferred

embodiments n = 2 and m = 4.

In some further embodiments, the rinse aid composition can be formulated as a concentrate and comprises the C₁₀ to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate, preferably C₁₂ to Ci4-alcohol alkoxylate, in an amount of about > 0.5 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably of about > 1 wt% to about < 6 wt%, further preferred of about > 1.5 wt% to about < 4 wt% and in addition preferred of about > 1.75 wt% to about < 2 wt%, based on the total weight amount of the rinse aid composition.

In some other embodiments the polymeric polycarboxylate, preferably polyacrylate, has a mole weight (MW), based on free acids, in the range of about > 500 to about < 20,000, preferably in the range of about > 1 ,000 to about < 15,000, further preferred in the range of about > 2,000 to about < 10,000, and in addition preferred in the range of about > 3,000 to about < 6,000 and most preferred about 4,000.

In some aspects, the rinse aid composition can be formulated as a concentrate and comprises the polymeric polycarboxylate, preferably polyacrylate, in an amount of about > 10 wt% to about < 60 wt%, preferably of about > 12 wt% to about < 50 wt%, further preferred of about > 16 wt% to about < 30 wt% and in addition preferred of about > 18 wt% to about < 20 wt%, based on the total weight amount of the rinse aid composition.

In some further aspects, the present invention is related to methods for rinsing ware, especially bedpans in a bedpan washing application.

The methods comprise providing an aqueous rinse aid composition, the rinse aid composition comprises at least one nonionic surfactant of a Cio to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate, at least one polymeric polycarboxylate, preferably polyacrylate, having a mole weight (MW) in the range of about > 500 to about < 20,000, preferably in the range of about > 1 ,000 to about < 15,000, at least one sequestering agent, at least one hydrotrope and at least one preservative.

The method also comprises diluting the concentrated rinse aid composition with water to form an aqueous diluted solution, referred herein as " use solution"; and applying the aqueous use solution to the ware to be cleaned, for example to a bedpan.

The concentrated rinse aid composition can be further diluted with water to a about 0.01% to about 1%), preferably about 0.05%> to about 0.8%>, and further preferred to a about 0.1%) to about 0.6%), and in addition preferred to a about 0.2%> to about 0.4%>, diluted aqueous rinse aid use solution.

In some embodiments, the ware comprises metal ware and/or plastic ware.

In other embodiments, the ware dries faster compared to Neodisher SPX, obtainable from "Chemische Fabrik Dr. Weigert GmbH & Co. KG", after the aqueous use solution is applied to the upper surface of the ware, for example a bedpan.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to rinse aid compositions, and methods for making and using rinse aid compositions.

In some aspects, the present invention provides rinse aid composition as concentrate that shows no phase separation at about > 5° C to about < 50° C for a time period of at least 12 month, preferably of at least 24 month and more preferred of at least 36 month.

In some aspects, the present invention provides diluted rinse aid composition that has a cloud point in the range of about 10° C to about 15° C, preferably of about 12° C to about 13° C for a time period of at least 12 month, preferably of at least 24 month and more preferred of at least 36 month.

In some aspects, the present invention provides rinse aid compositions comprises at least one nonionic surfactant of a Cio to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate, at least one polymeric polycarboxylate, preferably polyacrylate, having a mole weight (MW) in the range of about > 1 ,000 to about < 20,000, preferably in the range of about > 1 ,000 to about < 15,000, at least one sequestering agent, at least one hydrotrope and at least one preservative.

The methods and compositions of the present invention can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the listed steps or ingredients of the rinse aid composition.

It has been found that the combination of a nonionic surfactant of a Cio to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate, at least one polymeric polycarboxylate, preferably polyacrylate, having a mole weight (MW) in the range of about > 1,000 to about < 20,000, preferably in the range of about > 1,000 to about < 15,000, at least one sequestering agent and at least one hydrotrope acts synergistically to produce rinse aid composition that shows no-foam formation if dosed at room temperature (23°C) in an automated bedpan- washer, having in addition increased wetting properties.

Further, the rinse aid compositions of the present invention have increased drying and draining times compared to conventional rinse aid compositions.

The compositions of the present invention can be used to reduce spotting and filming on a variety of surfaces including, but not limited to, plasticware, cookware, dishware, flatware, glasses, cups, hard surfaces, such as stainless steal bedpans, glass surfaces, and vehicle surfaces.

The compositions of the invention can also be used as wetting agents in a variety of applications, e.g., aseptic packaging/filling.

So that the invention may be understood more clearly, certain terms are first defined.

As used herein, the term "anti-redeposition agent" refers to a compound that helps keep a soil composition suspended in water instead of redepositing onto the object being cleaned.

As used herein, the term "ware" refers to items such as eating, cooking, and serving utensils.

Exemplary items of ware include, but are not limited to: hospital items, e.g. bedpans, medical instruments; dishes, e.g., plates and bowls; silverware, e.g., forks, knives, and spoons; cups and glasses, e.g., drinking cups and glasses; serving dishes, e.g., fiberglass trays, insulated plate covers.

As used herein, the term "ware washing" refers to washing, cleaning, or rinsing ware.

The items of ware that can be contacted, e.g., washed, or rinsed, with the compositions of the invention can be made of any material. However, the improved spotting effect can be performed best on metal surfaces, such as stainless steel bedpans.

When used in these ware washing applications, the rinse aid should provide effective sheeting action and low foaming properties.

In addition to having the desirable properties described above, it may also be useful for the rinse aid to be biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and generally nontoxic.

A rinse aid of this type may be described as being 'food grade'.

In the content of the present invention ware includes items made of wood, metal, ceramics, glass, etc.. Ware also refers to items made of plastic. Types of plastics that can be cleaned or rinsed with the compositions according to the invention include but are not limited to, those that include polycarbonate polymers (PC), acrilonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymers (ABS), and polysulfone polymers (PS). Another exemplary plastic that can be cleaned using the methods and compositions of the invention include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene HDPE and

polypropylene PP.

As used herein, the term„hard surface" includes showers, sinks, toilets, bedpans, bathtubs, countertops, windows, mirrors, transportation vehicles, floors, and the like.

As used herein, the phrase„health care surface" refers to a surface of an instrument, a device, a cart, a cage, furniture, a structure, a building, or the like that is employed as part of a health care activity.

Examples of health care surfaces include surfaces of medical or dental instruments, of medical or dental devices, of autoclaves and sterilizers, of electronic apparatus employed for monitoring patient health, and of floors, walls, or fixtures of structures in which health care occurs.

Health care surfaces are found in hospital, surgical, infirmity, birthing, mortuary, and clinical diagnosis rooms.

These surfaces can be those typified as„hard surfaces", such as walls, floors, bedpans, etc., patient-care equipment, such as respirators, diagnostic equipment, shunts, body scopes, wheel chairs, beds, etc., or surgical and diagnostic equipment.

Health care surfaces include articles and surfaces employed in animal health care.

As used herein, the term instrument" refers to the various medical or dental instruments or devices that can benefit from cleaning using water treated according to the methods of the present invention.

As used herein, the phrases„medical instrument,"„dental instrument,"„medical device,"„dental device,"„medical equipment," or„dental equipment" refer to instruments, devices, tools, appliances, apparatus, and equipment used in medicine or dentistry.

Such instruments, devices, and equipment can be cold sterilized, soaked or washed and then heat sterilized, or otherwise benefit from cleaning using water treated according to the present invention.

These various instruments, devices and equipment include, but are not limited to: diagnostic instruments, bedpans, trays, pans, holders, racks, forceps, scissors, shears, saws, e.g. bone saws and their blades, hemostats, knives, chisels, rongeurs, files, nippers, drills, drill bits, rasps, burrs, spreaders, breakers, elevators, clamps, needle holders, carriers, clips, hooks, gouges, curettes, retractors, straightener, punches, extractors, scoops, keratomes, spatulas, expressors, trocars, dilators, cages, glassware, tubing, catheters, cannulas, plugs, stents, scopes, e.g., endoscopes, stethoscopes, and arthoscopes and related equipment, and the like, or combinations thereof.

The "cloud point" of a surfactant agent is defined as the temperature at which a 1 wt. % aqueous solution of the surfactant turns cloudy when warmed.

As used herein the term "consisting essentially of shall be constructed to mean including the listed ingredients or steps and such additional ingredients or steps which do not materially affect the basic and novel properties of the composition or method.

In some embodiments, a composition in accordance with embodiments of the present invention that "consists essentially of the recited ingredients do not include any additional ingredients that alter the basic and novel properties of the composition, e.g., the drying time, sheeting ability, spotting or filming properties of the composition.

As used herein, "weight percent (wt%)","percent by weight", "% by weight", and the like are synonyms that refer to the concentration of a substance as the weight of that substance divided by the total weight of the composition and multiplied by 100.

The term "component" and "ingredient" are simultaneously used in the content of the present invention.

The terms "water solids filming" or "filming" refer to the presence of a visible, continuous layer of matter on a substrate surface that gives the appearance that the substrate surface is not clean.

All ingredients including the solvent of the rinse aid composition of the present invention are selected such that the total weight amount does not exceed 100 wt.-%.

It is to be understood that all values and ranges between these values and ranges are encompassed by the present invention.

As used herein, the term "about" modifying the quantity of an ingredient in the compositions of the invention or employed in the methods of the invention refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can occur, for example, through typical measuring and liquid handling procedures used for making concentrates or use solutions in the real world; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make the compositions or carry out the methods; and the like. The term about also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term "about", the claims include equivalents to the quantities. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms„a",„an", and„the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term„or" is generally employed in its sense including„and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate, and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.

In addition, the contents of all patent publications discussed supra are incorporated in their entirety by this reference.

It is to be understood that wherever values and ranges are provided herein, all values and ranges encompassed by these values and ranges, are meant to be encompassed within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, all values that fall within these ranges, as well as the upper or lower limits of a range of values, are also contemplated by the present application.

Rinse Aid Compositions

In some aspects, the present invention provides compositions that can be used as rinse aid. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention have been found to be effective at reducing spotting and filming on a variety of substrates, particularly on bedpans using an automatic bedpan washer.

Nonionic Surfactant

The rinse aid compositions of the present invention include at least one nonionic surfactant of a Cio to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate. It has been found that the nonionic surfactant in combination with the other ingredients of at least one polymeric polycarboxylate, preferably polyacrylate, having a mole weight (MW) in the range of about > 1 ,000 to about < 20,000, preferably in the range of about > 1 ,000 to about < 15,000, at least one sequestering agent, at least one hydrotrope and at least one preservative shows no or practical no visible foam formation, if dosed for example at 23° C to an automatic bedpan washer type Typhoon, available from the Company ArjoHuntleigh. Further no spotting or remarkable less spotting is observed on a bedpan cleaned with the composition of the present invention compared to known bedpan cleaners.

Better results with respect to foam reduction and minimizing of spotting is observed in case of using a nonionic surfactant of a component represented by the formula I:

R-0-(CH₂CH₂0)_n-(CH₂CH₂CH₂0)_m -H (I),

wherein

R = a Cio-Cis-alkyl group, preferably a Cii-Cn-alkyl group, further preferred a Ci₂-Ci6-alkyl group and in addition preferred a Ci₂-Ci4-alkyl group;

1 to about 8, further preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 6, and in addition preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 4;

m = an integer in the range of about 0 to about 10, preferably an integer in the range of about

1 to about 8, further preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 6, and in addition preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 4; whereby

Nonionic tenside composition according to formula I, wherein n and/or m is an integer in the range of about 2 to 8 shows better spotting and foam reduction than know bedpan rinse aid composition used in bedpan washer. However, compositions wherein n and/or m is an integer in the range of about 4 to 6 show slightly better results and still better results are observed with respect to spotting and foam reduction, if n = 2 and m = 4.

It has further observed that nonionic tenside composition according to formula I, wherein R = a Ci₂-Ci4-alkyl group are superior with respect to foam and spotting reduction compared to nonionic tensides having a larger alkyl group of more than 14 carbons or nonionic tensides having less than 12 carbons.

As used herein, the term„alkyl" refers to a straight or branched chain monovalent hydrocarbon radical optionally containing one or more heteroatomic substitutions

independently selected from S, O, Si, or N. Alkyl groups generally include those with six to twenty C-atoms. Alkyl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with those substituents that do not interfere with the specified function of the composition. Substituents include alkoxy, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, alkyl substituted amino, or halo, for example. In addition,„alkyl" may include„alylenes",„alkenylenes", or„alkylynes".

As used herein, the term„alkylene" refers to a straight or branched chain divalent hydrocarbon radical optionally containing one or more heteroatomic substitutions

independently selected from S, O, Si, or N. Alkylene groups generally include those with six to twenty C-atoms. Alkylene groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with those substituents that do not interfere with the specified function of the composition. Substituents include alkoxy, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, alkyl substituted amino, or halo, for example.

As used herein, the term„alkenylene" refers to a straight or branched chain divalent hydrocarbon radical having one or more carbon- carbon double bonds and optionally containing one or more heteroatomic substitutions independently selected from S, O, Si, or N. Alkenylene groups generally include those with six to twenty C-atoms. Alkenylene groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with those substituents that do not interfere with the specified function of the composition. Substituents include alkoxy, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, alkyl substituted amino, or halo, for example.

As used herein, the term„alkylyne" refers to a straight or branched chain divalent hydrocarbon radical having one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds and optionally containing one or more heteroatomic substitutions independently selected from S, O, Si, or N. Alkylyne groups generally include those with six to twenty atoms. Alkylyne groups may be

unsubstituted or substituted with those substituents that do not interfere with the specified function of the composition. Substituents include alkoxy, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, alkyl substituted amino, or halo, for example.

As used herein, the term„alkoxy", refers to -O-alkyl groups wherein alkyl is as defined above.

As used herein, the term„halogen" or„halo" shall include iodine, bromine, chlorine and fluorine.

As used herein, the terms„mercapto" and„sulfhydryl" refer to the substituent -SH. As used herein, the term„hydroxy" refers to the substituent -OH.

A used herein, the term„amino" refers to the substituent -NH₂.

According to another embodiment the rinse aid compositions comprising a nonionic surfactant represented by the formula I and II, wherein R is a linear, non-substituted C₁₀-C₁₈- alkyl group, preferably a Cn-C₁₇-alkyl group, further preferred a Ci₂-Ci₆-alkyl group and in addition preferred a Ci₂-Ci₄-alkyl group,

n = an integer in the range of about 0 to about 10, preferably an integer in the range of about 1 to about 8, further preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 6, and in addition preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 4;

m = an integer in the range of about 0 to about 10, preferably an integer in the range of about 1 to about 8, further preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 6, and in addition preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 4; whereby

n = 0 then m = an integer in the range of about 1 to about 10, preferably an integer in the range of about 2 to about 8, further preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 6, and in addition preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 4; or

m = 0 then n = an integer in the range of about 1 to about 10, preferably an integer in the

range of about 2 to about 8, further preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 6, and in addition preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 4.

According to one preferred embodiment the rinse aid compositions comprise a nonionic surfactant represented by the formula II:

R-0-(CH₂CH₂0)_n-(CH₂CH₂CH₂0)_m -H (II)

wherein

R = Ci₂-Ci₄-alkyl group; n = an integer in the range of about 2 to about 4 and m = an integer in the range of about 2 to about 4.

According to a further preferred embodiment the rinse aid compositions comprise a nonionic surfactant represented by the formula II:

R-0-(CH₂CH₂0)_n-(CH₂CH₂CH₂0)_m -H (II)

wherein R = Ci₂-Ci₄-alkyl group; n = 2 and m = 4.

The rinse aid compositions can contain at least one or more additional nonionic surfactants in combination with the nonionic surfactant represented by the formula I. It should be understood that the rinse aid composition of the invention can be free of at least one additional nonionic surfactant, except the nonionic surfactant represented by the formula I. It should be understood that the rinse aid composition of the invention can be preferably free of an additional tenside, except the nonionic surfactant represented by the formula I.

In some embodiments, the rinse aid composition comprises the Cio to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate in an amount of about > 0.1 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably of about > 0.5 wt% to about < 6 wt%, further preferred of about > 1.5 wt% to about < 4 wt% and in addition preferred of about > 1.75 wt% to about < 2 wt%: In some other embodiments, the rinse aid composition comprises the C₁₀ to C₁₈- alcohol alkoxylate in an amount of about > 0.1 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably of about > 0.5 wt% to about < 6 wt%, further preferred of about > 1.0 wt% to about < 4 wt% and in addition preferred of about > 1.25 wt% to about < 1.8 wt%, based on the total weight amount of the rinse aid composition.

Polymeric Polycarboxylate

The rinse aid compositions of the present invention include at least one polymeric polycarboxylate. The polymeric polycarboxylates suitable for use as dispersing agent include those having a pendant carboxylate (— C0₂) groups and include, for example, polyacrylic acid, maleic/olefm copolymer, acrylic/maleic copolymer, polymethacrylic acid, acrylic acid- methacrylic acid copolymers, hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, hydrolyzed polymethacrylamide, hydro lyzed polyamide-methacrylamide copolymers, hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile, hydrolyzed polymethacrylonitrile, hydrolyzed acrylonitrile-methacrylonitrile copolymers, and the like.

Further suitable copolymeric polycarboxylates are particularly those of acrylic acid with methacrylic acid and of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with maleic acid.

Copolymers of acrylic acid with maleic acid, which comprise about 50 wt.- % to about 90 wt.- % acrylic acid and about 50 wt.- % to about 10 wt.- % maleic acid, have proven to be particularly suitable.

More preferred suitable polycarboxylates are the polyacrylates, which preferably have a molecular weight of 1,000 to 20,000 g/mol and preferably 2,000 to 10,000 g/mol.

In some embodiments the polymeric polycarboxylate, preferably polyacrylate, has a mole weight (MW), based on free acids, in the range of about > 500 to about < 20,000, preferably in the range of about > 1,000 to about < 15,000, further preferred in the range of about > 2,000 to about < 10,000, and in addition preferred in the range of about > 3,000 to about < 6,000.

In some embodiments, the rinse aid composition comprises the polymeric

polycarboxylate, preferably polyacrylate, in an amount of about > 10 wt% to about < 60 wt%, preferably of about > 12 wt% to about < 50 wt%, further preferred of about > 14 wt% to about < 40 wt% and in addition preferred of about > 16 wt% to about < 20 wt%, based on the total weight amount of the concentrated rinse aid composition.

By virtue of their superior solubility, preferred representatives of this group of polymeric polycarboxylate are the short-chain polyacrylates, which have molecular weights, based on free acids, of 2,000 g/mol to 10,000 g/mol and, more particularly, 3,000 g/mol to 5,000 g/mol.

It should be understood that the rinse aid composition of the invention can be preferably free of an additional polymeric polycarboxylate, except the polyacrylate.

Sequestering Agent

The rinse aid composition comprises at least one sequestering agent. The sequestering agent is provided for tying up metals in the soil and to assist in cleaning. In particular preferred is at least one sequestering agent that exhibits soil removal properties.

The sequestering agent can be selected from the group of sodium gluconate, pentasodium salt of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid, sodium glucoheptonate, salts of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, salts of hydroxy ethyl ethylene diamine triacetic acid, salts of nitrilotriacetic acid, diethanolglycine sodium salt, ethanoldiglycine disodium salt, salts of hydroxymonocarboxylic acid compounds, salts of hydroxydicarboxylic acid compounds, salts of amine containing carboxylic acids, terasodium N,N-bis(carboxylatomethyl)-L-glutamate (GDLA), and mixtures thereof as well as corresponding acids thereof.

Exemplary sequestering agents that exhibit soil removal properties can be used according to the invention include sodium gluconate, pentasodium salt of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (available under the name Versenex 80), sodium glucoheptonate, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), salts of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, hydroxyethyl ethylene diamine triacetic acid (HEDTA), salts of hydroxyethyl ethylene diamine triacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), salts of nitrilotriacetic acid, diethanolglycine sodium salt (DEG), ethanoldiglycine disodium salt (EDG), tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxylatomethyl)-L- glutamate (GLDA), methyl glycine diacetic acid (MGDA) and mixtures thereof as well as corresponding acids thereof. Exemplary salts of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid include disodium salts, tetrasodium salts, diammonium salts, and trisodium salts. An exemplary salt of hydroxyethyl ethylene diamine triacetic acid is the trisodium salt.

According to one embodiment the rinse aid composition comprises L-glutamic acid Ν,Ν-diacetic acid (GLDA) or a salt thereof, preferably the tetra sodium salt of L-glutamic acid Ν,Ν-diacetic acid.

The amount of sequestering agent, preferably L-glutamic acid Ν,Ν-diacetic acid (GLDA) or salt thereof, can be about > 1 wt.-% to about < 40 wt.-%, preferably about > 2 wt- % to about < 20 wt.-%, further preferred about > 3 wt.-% to about < 10 wt.-%, and more preferred about > 4 wt.-% to about < 6 wt.-%, wherein the weight-% of the sequestering agent is based on the total weight of the rinse aid composition.

It should be understood that the sequestering agent can include mixtures of different sequestering agents.

It should be understood that the sequestering agent can present in the form of an acid or salt thereof, depending on the pH of the rinse aid composition.

It should be understood that the rinse aid composition of the invention can be preferably free of an additional sequestering agent, except the L-glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA) or salt thereof.

Hydrotrophe

Solubilizing intermediaries called hydrotropes may be present in the rinse aid compositions of the invention. Hydrotropes that can be suitable used are selected from the group comprising aromatic hydrocarbon sulfonate, preferably xylene sulfonate, toluene sulfonate, or cumene sulfonate; or n-octane sulfonate; or their sodium-, potassium- or ammonium salts or as salts of organic ammonium bases.

Also commonly used are polyols containing only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. They preferably contain from about 2 to about 6 carbon atoms and from about 2 to about 6 hydroxy groups. Examples include 1,2-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, hexylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, mannitol, and glucose.

In some preferred embodiments the hydrotrope may be selected from the group comprising of a xylene sulfonate, toluene sulfonate, or cumene sulfonate, n-octane sulfonate, and/or acids thereof and also preferred cumene sulfonate.

In some embodiments, Na-cumolsulfonat, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) and/or xylene sulfonate, cumolsulfonate may be suitable to use as hydrotrope and having an improved solubilizing effect.

In some embodiments, the rinse aid composition comprises the hydrotrope, preferably cumolsulfonate or the acid thereof, in the range of about > 1 wt.-% to about < 20 wt.-%, preferably about > 2 wt.-% to about < 15 wt.-%, further preferred about > 3 wt.-% to about < 10 wt.-%, and in addition preferred about > 3.5 wt.-% to about < 5 wt.-%, by weight of the total rinse aid composition.

It should be understood that the hydrotrope can present in the form of an acid or salt thereof, depending on the pH of the rinse aid composition. It should be understood that the rinse aid composition of the invention can be preferably free of an additional hydrotrope, except cumolsulfonate or corresponding acid thereof.

Water

The rinse aid composition includes water. Water can be additional introduced into the rinse aid composition to provide a desired rate of concentration. In general the rinse aid composition is in the form of a concentrate that can be further diluted with water to a diluted rinse aid composition also referred to as "use solution".

In some embodiments, the concentrated rinse aid compositions according to the present invention will contain no more than about 98 wt.-% water and typically no more than about 90 wt.-%. In other embodiments, the concentrated rinse aid compositions will contain at least 30 wt.-% water, preferably at least about 35 wt.-% water to about 80 wt.-%, or at least about 40 wt.-% water to about 75 wt.-%, or at least about 50 wt.-% water to about 70 wt.-%, by weight of the total concentrated rinse aid composition.

Solvent

The rinse aid composition may comprise a solvent that is an organic solvent and liquid at 23° C. Primarily, the organic solvent is such as simple alkyl alcohols, selected from the group comprising ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, benzyl alcohol, and the like.

It should be understood that the rinse aid composition of the invention can be preferably free of an additional solvent.

In some embodiments, the concentrated rinse aid composition comprises the solvent, preferably water, in the range of about > 0 wt.-% to about < 85 wt.-%, preferably about > 10 wt.-% to about < 75 wt.-%, further preferred about > 20 wt.-% to about < 70 wt.-%, and in addition preferred about > 30 wt.-% to about < 60 wt.-%, by weight of the total concentrated rinse aid composition.

Preservative

In some embodiments, the rinse aid composition comprises a preservative. A preservative is generally described as an inhibitor or microbistatic composition. In contrast, a sanitizer and a disinfectant are, by definition, agents which provide antimicrobial or microbiocidal activity. In some embodiments of the rinse aid composition the preservative is

methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone or a mixture thereof. A mixture of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone is available from Rohm and Haas under the tradename KATHON.

It should be understood that the rinse aid composition of the invention can be preferably free of a peroxide composition.

In some embodiments, the rinse aid composition comprises the preservative, preferably benzisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone or a mixture thereof, in the range of about > 0.0001 wt.-% to about < 2 wt.-%, preferably about > 0.001 wt.-% to about < 1 wt.-%, and in addition preferred about > 0.001 wt.-% to about < 0.1 wt.-%, by weight of the total concentrated rinse aid composition.

Dyes/Odorants

Various dyes, odorants including perfumes, and other aesthetic enhancing agents may also be included in the rinse aid. Dyes may be included to alter the appearance of the composition, as for example, FD&C Blue 1 (Sigma Chemical), FD&C Yellow 5 (Sigma Chemical), Direct Blue 86 (Miles), Fastusol Blue (Mobay Chemical Corp.), Acid Orange 7 (American Cyanamid), Basic Violet 10 (Sandoz), Acid Yellow 23 (GAF), Acid Yellow 17 (Sigma Chemical), Sap Green (Keyston Analine and Chemical), Metanil Yellow (Keystone Analine and Chemical), Acid Blue 9 (Hilton Davis), Sandolan Blue/ Acid Blue 182 (Sandoz), Hisol Fast Red(Capitol Color and Chemical), Fluorescein (Capitol Color and Chemical), Acid Green 25 (Ciba-Geigy), and the like.

Fragrances or perfumes that may be included in the compositions include, for example, terpenoids such as citronellol, aldehydes such as amyl cinnamaldehyde, a jasmine such as CIS-jasmine or jasmal, vanillin, and the like.

In some embodiments, a dye can be included in an amount in the range of up to about 0.001 wt.-%, and in some embodiments, in the range of about > 0.01 wt.-% to about < 1 wt- %, by weight of the total concentrated rinse aid composition.

In some embodiments, an odorant can be included in an amount in the range of up to about 0.001 wt.-%, and in some embodiments, in the range of about > 0.01 wt.-% to about < 1 wt.-%, by weight of the total concentrated rinse aid composition.

It should be understood that the rinse aid composition of the invention can be preferably free of an odorant. It should be understood that the rinse aid composition of the invention can be preferably free of a dye.

It should be understood that the rinse aid composition of the invention can be preferably free of an odorant and a dye.

Other Ingredients

The rinse aid compositions of the present invention may also optionally include a number of additional additives and/or functional materials.

For example, the rinse aid can additionally include carriers, bleaches and/or bleach activators, sanitizers and/or anti-microbial agents, activators, detergent builder or fillers, anti- redeposition agents, optical brighteners, dyes, odorants or perfumes, preservatives, stabilizers, processing aids, corrosion inhibitors, fillers, solidifiers, hardening agent, solubility modifiers, pH adjusting agents, humectants, water treatment polymers and/or phosphonates, functional polydimethylsiloxane, or the like, or any other suitable additive, or mixtures or combinations thereof.

A wide variety of other ingredients useful in providing the particular composition being formulated to include desired properties or functionality may also be included.

For example, the rinse aid may include other active ingredients, such as pH buffers, cleaning enzyme, carriers, processing aids, or others, and the like.

The compositions of the invention may also exclude any one or more of the additional ingredients. pH

Additionally, the rinse aid can be formulated such that the concentrated rinse aid composition has a pH in the range of about > 8 to about < 12, or in the range of about > 9 to about < 10.5, preferably of about 10.

The rinse aid can be formulated such that the so called use composition, obtained by dilution of the concentrated rinse aid composition by adding water, during use in aqueous operations, for example in aqueous cleaning operations, the rinse water will have a desired pH. For example, use compositions designed for use in rinsing may be formulated such that during use in aqueous rinsing operation the rinse water will have a pH in the range of about > 6 to about < 9, or in the range of about > 7 to about < 8.5, preferably of about 8.

Concentrated Rinse Aid Composition The rinse aid composition can be formulated in form of a concentrated aqueous rinse aid composition. A concentrated aqueous rinse aid composition has the advantage of being less bulky, thus has reduced storage volume, facilitates the transportation and allows easier handling due to less weight.

In some embodiments the concentrated rinse aid composition needs to be diluted with a solvent, preferably water, to form a diluted rinse aid composition also referred to as use composition.

It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a rinse aid composition when dosed and diluted with water provides no foaming or practical no visible foaming.

Another aspect is that the concentrated rinse aid composition can be rapidly diluted with a solvent, preferably water, obtaining a clear no foaming and diluted rinse aid composition that can be direct used to rinse a surface to be treated, preferably in an automated wash process, such as in an automated bedpan washer.

In some embodiments, being dilutable rapidly with a solvent, preferably water, requires that a homogenous concentration of the ingredients in the obtained diluted rinse aid composition is achieved, thus the concentration of the concentrated rinse aid composition needs to be adjusted.

In some aspects a liquid concentrated aqueous rinse aid composition comprises:

- about > 0.5 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably of about > 1 wt% to about < 6 wt%, further preferred of about > 1.5 wt% to about < 4 wt% and in addition preferred of about > 1.75 wt% to about < 2 wt%, of at least one nonionic surfactant of a Cio to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate, preferably a Cn to Cn-alcohol alkoxylate, further preferred a C₁₂ to Ci₆- alcohol alkoxylate, and more preferred a C₁₂ to Cn-alcohol alkoxylate according to formula I or formula II;

- about > 10 wt% to about < 60 wt%, preferably of about > 12 wt% to about < 50 wt%, further preferred of about > 14 wt% to about < 40 wt% and in addition preferred of about > 16 wt% to about < 20 wt%, of at least one polymeric polycarboxylate having a mole weight (MW) in the range of about > 500 to about < 20,000, preferably in the range of about > 1,000 to about < 15,000, further preferred in the range of about > 2,000 to about < 10,000, and in addition preferred in the range of about > 3,000 to about < 6,000 and most preferred about 4,000, and more preferred wherein the polymeric polycarboxylate is a polyacrylate;

- > 1 wt.-% to about < 40 wt.-%, preferably about > 2 wt.-% to about < 20 wt.-%, further preferred about > 3 wt.-% to about < 10 wt.-%, and more preferred about > 4 wt.-% to about < 6 wt.-%, of at least one sequestering agent, wherein preferably the sequestering agent is selected from the group of sodium gluconate, pentasodium salt of diethylenetri- amine pentaacetic acid, sodium glucoheptonate, salts of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, salts of hydro xyethyl ethylene diamine triacetic acid, salts of nitrilotriacetic acid, diethanolglycine sodium salt, ethanoldiglycine disodium salt, salts of

hydroxymonocarboxylic acid compounds, salts of hydroxydicarboxylic acid compounds, salts of amine containing carboxylic acids, terasodium N,N-bis(carboxylatomethyl)-L- glutamate (GDLA), and mixtures thereof, and more preferred the sequestering agent is terasodium N,N-bis(carboxylatomethyl)-L-glutamate (GLDA);

- about > 1 wt.-% to about < 20 wt.-%, preferably about > 2 wt.-% to about < 15 wt.-%, further preferred about > 3 wt.-% to about < 10 wt.-%, and in addition preferred about > 3.5 wt.-% to about < 5 wt.-%, of at least one hydrotrope, preferably selected from the group comprising polyols containing only carbon, aromatic hydrocarbon sulfonate, preferably xylene sulfonate, toluene sulfonate, cumene sulfonate, n-octane sulfonate, their sodium-, potassium- or ammonium salts or as salts of organic ammonium bases, further preferred the hydrotrope is an aromatic hydrocarbon sulfonate and more preferred the hydrotrope is cumene sulfonate;

- about > 0 wt.-% to about < 2 wt.-%, preferably about > 0.001 wt.-% to about < 1 wt.-%, and in addition preferred about > 0.001 wt.-% to about < 0.1 wt.-%, of at least one preservative, preferably the preservative is selected from the group comprising

benzisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone and/or methylisothiazolinone, based on the total weight amount of the concentrated rinse aid composition.

In some other aspects a liquid concentrated aqueous rinse aid composition comprises:

- about > 0.5 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably of about > 1 wt% to about < 6 wt%, further preferred of about > 1.5 wt% to about < 4 wt% and in addition preferred of about > 1.75 wt% to about < 2 wt%, of at least one nonionic surfactant of a Cio to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate according to formula I or formula II and preferably R-0-(CH₂CH₂0)_n- (CH₂CH₂CH₂0)_m-H (I), wherein R = Ci₂-Ci₄-alkyl group, n = 2 and m = 4;

hydroxymonocarboxylic acid compounds, salts of hydroxydicarboxylic acid compounds, salts of amine containing carboxylic acids, terasodium N,N-bis(carboxylatomethyl)-L- glutamate (GDLA), and mixtures thereof, and more preferred the sequestering agent is terasodium N,N-bis(carboxylatomethyl)-L-glutamate (GDLA);

- about > 0.0001 wt.-% to about < 2 wt.-%, preferably about > 0.001 wt.-% to about < 1 wt.- %, and in addition preferred about > 0.001 wt.-% to about < 0.1 wt.-%, of at least one preservative, preferably the preservative is selected from the group comprising

benzisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolmone and/or methylisothiazolmone; based on the total weight amount of the concentrated rinse aid composition.

Diluted Rinse Aid Composition

The method and manufacture of rinse aid composition also comprises diluting the concentrated rinse aid composition with water to form an aqueous diluted solution, referred herein as " use solution", and applying the aqueous use solution to the ware to be cleaned, for example to a bedpan. In some embodiments, the diluted rinse aid composition, also referred to as use solution, comes into direct contact with a surface of an article to be rinsed and/or cleaned, such as a bedpan. Contrary thereto, the concentrated solution is generally not brought into direct contact with the article surface to be cleaned and/or rinsed. In general, the concentrated rinse aid solution is filled into a tank and dosed by diluting with a solvent, preferably water, thereby obtaining a use solution which is disposed into the cleaning chamber in which the article to be rinsed and/or cleaned is placed.

In some embodiments the use rinse aid composition may be obtained by diluting a concentrated rinse aid composition of the invention with a solvent, preferably water, in a ratio of concentrated rinse aid composition to solvent, for example water, of about 1 : 10000 to 1 : 10, preferably of about 1 : 5000 to 1 : 50, in particular of about 1 : 3000 to 1 : 100, and more preferred of about 1 : 2000 to 1 : 125.

In some aspects, the use rinse aid composition comprises a mixture of:

- at least one nonionic surfactant of a C₁₀ to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate;

- at least one polymeric polycarboxylate having a mole weight (MW) in the range of about > 500 to about < 20,000, preferably of about > 1,000 to about < 15,000;

- at least one sequestering agent;

- at least one hydrotrope; and

- optional at least one preservative.

In some embodiments of the use rinse aid composition the range of mole ratio of the Cio to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate, preferably of the C12 to Ci4-alcohol alkoxylate, to the polymeric polycarboxylate can be about 1 : 1 to about 1 : 10, and in some embodiments, in the range of about 1 : 1.2 to about 1 : 1.5.

In some embodiments the use compositions may be obtained by mixing a) the concentrated rinse aid composition with b) a solvent, preferably water, of:

a) concentrated rinse aid composition

- about > 0.5 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably of about > 1 wt% to about < 6 wt%, further preferred of about > 1.5 wt% to about < 4 wt% and in addition preferred of about > 1.75 wt% to about < 2 wt%, of at least one nonionic surfactant of a Cio to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate, preferably a Cn to Cn-alcohol alkoxylate, further preferred a C12 to Ci₆- alcohol alkoxylate, and more preferred a C12 to Cn-alcohol alkoxylate according to formula I or formula II; - about > 10 wt% to about < 60 wt%, preferably of about > 12 wt% to about < 50 wt%, further preferred of about > 14 wt% to about < 40 wt% and in addition preferred of about > 16 wt% to about < 20 wt%, of at least one polymeric polycarboxylate having a mole weight (MW) in the range of about > 500 to about < 20,000, preferably in the range of about > 1,000 to about < 15,000, further preferred in the range of about > 2,000 to about < 10,000, and in addition preferred in the range of about > 3,000 to about < 6,000 and most preferred about 4,000, and more preferred wherein the polymeric polycarboxylate is a polyacrylate;

benzisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolmone and/or methylisothiazolmone, based on the total weight amount of the concentrated rinse aid composition;

b) a solvent, for example water, wherein the ratio of a) concentrated rinse aid composition to b) solvent is of about 1 : 10000 to 1 : 10, preferably of about 1 : 5000 to 1 : 50, in particular of about 1 : 3000 to 1 : 100, and more preferred of about 1 : 2000 to 1 : 125.

Dispensing/Use of the Rinse Aid

In some aspects, the present invention provides methods for rinsing ware in a ware washing application using a rinse aid composition of the present invention. The method can include contacting a selected substrate, for example a bedpan, with the rinse aid composition, preferably with a diluted rinse aid composition. The rinse aid can be dispensed as a concentrate or as a use solution.

In addition, the rinse aid concentrate can be provided in a solid form or in a liquid form. However, a liquid form is preferred.

The rinse aid use composition is present in a liquid form. The rinse aid use

composition is also referred herein as "use solution" or "use rinse aid solution".

In general, it is expected that the concentrated rinse aid will be diluted with water to provide the use solution that is then supplied to the surface of a substrate or article to be rinsed.

In some embodiments, the aqueous use rinse aid composition may contain about 500 ppm to about 30,000 parts per million (ppm), or about 1,000 ppm to about 25,000 ppm or in the range of about 1,500 ppm to about 20,000 ppm, or in the range of about 2,500 to about 15,000 ppm, or in the range of about 5,000 to 10,000 ppm of active material.

Active materials are all ingredients of the rinse aid composition except the solvent, such as water.

The use rinse aid solution can be applied to the substrate during a rinse application, for example, during a rinse cycle, for example, in a ware washing machine, for example a bedpan washer, a car wash application, or the like.

In some embodiments, formation of a use rinse aid solution can occur from a rinse agent installed in a cleaning machine, for example onto a dish rack.

The rinse agent can be diluted and dosed from a dispenser mounted on or in the machine or from a separate dispenser that is mounted separately but cooperatively with the ware washing machine.

For example, in some embodiments, the liquid rinse aid composition can be dosed by incorporating compatible packaging containing the liquid concentrated rinse aid composition into a dosing chamber, such as a dispenser adapted to diluting the concentrated rinse aid liquid with water to a final diluted use concentration.

An example of dispenser for the liquid rinse agent of the invention is Ecodos-L or Ecorinse-L sold by Ecolab Deutschland GmbH or the automated washer Typhoon,

Arjohuntleigh with integrated dosing pumps.

When demanded by a machine, for example a dispenser contains the concentrated aqueous rinse solution which is then fed directly into the rinse water forming the aqueous rinse, also referred to as use solution. The diluted aqueous rinse aid composition, also referred to as use solution, is then contacted with the surface of an article, such as a bedpan, to affect a complete rinse.

The dispenser and other similar dispensers of an automatic washer, for example an automatic bedpan washer, are capable of controlling the effective concentration of the active portion in the aqueous diluted rinse aid composition (use solution) by measuring the volume of added thinning solution, for example the volume of added water, the actual concentration of the material in the diluted rinse aid composition (use solution), for example via an electrolyte measured with an electrode, or by measuring the time of adding the thinning solution, such as water.

In some embodiments, the rinse aid compositions may be formulated for a particular application.

In some embodiments, the rinse aid compositions may be formulated for use in a bedpan washer.

In other embodiments, the rinse aid may be particularly formulated for use in ware washing machines.

As discussed above, there are two general types of rinse cycles in commercial ware washing machines, including bedpan washers.

A first type of rinse cycle can be referred to as a hot water sanitizing rinse cycle because of the use of generally hot rinse water, about 80° C to about 90° C. A second type of rinse cycle can be referred to as a chemical sanitizing rinse cycle and it uses generally lower temperature rinse water, about 50° C to about 60° C. In some embodiments, the rinse aid compositions of the present invention are used at a temperature of about 80° C to about 90° C.

Exemplary articles in the ware washing industry that can be treated with a rinse aid according to the invention include bedpans, plastics, dishware, cups, glasses, flatware, and cookware. The aqueous rinse aid composition can be used for rinsing metal ware and/or plastic ware, preferably articles used in health care facilities, and more preferred articles of health care facilities comprising dish, bowl, wash pans, bedpans and/or urinal bottle.

The rinse aid compositions may also be applied to surfaces and objects other than ware, including, but not limited to, medical and dental instruments, and hard surfaces such as vehicle surfaces.

The compositions may also be used as wetting agents in a variety of applications for a variety of surfaces, e.g., as wetting agents for aseptic packaging/filling of plastic containers.

For the purposes of this invention, the terms 'dish' and 'ware' are used in the broadest sense to refer to various types of articles used in the preparation, serving, consumption, and disposal of food stuffs including bedpans, pots, pans, trays, pitchers, bowls, plates, saucers, cups, glasses, forks, knives, spoons, spatulas, and other glass, metal, ceramic, plastic composite articles commonly available in the institutional including hospital, sanatorium and there like or household kitchen or dining room.

EXAMPLES

The present invention is more particularly described in the following examples that are intended as illustrations only.

Unless otherwise noted, all parts, percentages, and ratios reported in the following examples are on a weight basis, and all reagents used in the examples were obtained, or are available, from the chemical suppliers described below, or may be synthesized by

conventional techniques.

1 - Foaming Evaluation

A test was run to determine the foam profiles of several exemplary rinse aids according to the present invention.

This test method provides a basis to assess the foam formation properties of the liquid rinse aid composition of the invention.

Foam testing equipment

- 250 ml long-necked graduated glass cylinder (outside diameter-0 4,3 cm; grading in ml; graduation subdivisions 2 ml; height 31 cm; accuracy ± 2.0 ml at 20° C)

- Rubber stopper to close the long-necked glass cylinder Concentrated rinse aid composition

Examples of concentrated aqueous rinse aid compositions of examples El to E5 according to the invention and comparative examples VI to V3 are mentioned below in table I.

Table I

Concentrated rinse aid compositions

Components El E2 E3 E4 E5 VI V2 V3 w -%

Polyacrylate* 1 18 18 18

MW 4.000

(Polaacrylic acid

copolymer BASF

CP 10)

MW 4500 18

(Polyacrylic acid

homoploymer)

MW 15.000 18

Polyacrylic acid

homoploymer)

MW 70.000 18

(Polaacrylic acid

copolymer BASF

CP5)

MW 50.000 18 (Polyacrylic acid

homoploymer)

GLDA*² 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5

Ci₂-Ci4-fatty 1,75 1,75 1,75 1,75 alcohol

alkoxylate*3

Cg fatty alcohol 1.75 1,75 alkoxylate *4

Cio fatty alcohol 1.75

alkoxylate *5 C 16-18 fatty alcohol 1,75

alkoxylate*6

Sodium cumene 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5 3,5 sulfonate

water add. 100 add. 100 add. 100 add. 100 add.100 add. 100 add. 100 add. 100 polyacrylic acid, modified

tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxylatomethyl)-L-glutamate

Ci2-Ci4-0-(CH₂CH₂0)₂-(CH₂CH₂CH₂0)4 -H

C₈ -0-(CH₂CH₂0)₄-H

Ci6-Ci8-0-(CH₂CH₂0)₂-(CH₂CH₂CH₂0)₄ -H

Test method

A use solution is formed, wherein 1 ml of a concentrated aqueous rinse aid

composition of examples El to E5 according to the invention and comparative examples VI to V3 are dissolved in 100 ml of deionized water each.

100 ml of said aqueous diluted rinse aid use solution of examples El to E5 and VI to V3 are added to a graduated 250 ml long-necked glass cylinder.

The long-necked glass cylinder was then turned up and down 10 x times over a time period of about 30 seconds. Thereafter the glass cylinder was placed on a table and the foam depth of each cylinder was scaled in ml to determine the foam formation. This test was performed at 23° C.

The foam height of about > 0 ml and about < 2 ml are considered to be excellent (++) and in line with the invention. The foam height of about > 2 ml to about < 3 ml are considered to be good (+) and in line with the invention. The foam height of about > 5 ml are considered to be insufficient (-) thus not in line with the invention, i.e. non-inventive.

The table 2 shows the result of the foam formation caused by the aqueous use solution of examples El to E5 and VI to V3 obtained by the foam formation test.

Table 2

Foam Formation Test-Results

Exampels Initial El < 2 ml

E2 < 2 ml

E3 < 2 ml

E4 < 3 ml

E5 < 4 ml

VI > 48 ml

V2 > 6 ml

V3 > 40 ml

In general only no to very low foam levels are acceptable. Foam formation of less than about 5 ml after shaking of the graduated 250 ml long-necked glass cylinder is terminated is acceptable. Higher levels of foam can lead in boiler units of automated bedpan washers to an under filling which causes an over heating of the boiler and therefore leads to a process error.

2 - Contact Angle Test

A test was run to measure the angle at which a drop of solution contacts a test substrate, i.e., the contact angle.

It has surprisingly been found that the defined selection of the components of the rinse aid compositions of the present invention reduce the contact angle compared to prior art rinse aid compositions.

For example, in some embodiments, a defined selection of the components of the rinse aid composition reduce the contact angle of the rinse aid compositions by about 5°, about 10°, or by about 15° compared to Neodisher SBX from Dr. Weigert GmbH & Co. KG. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is thought that the lower the contact angle, the more a composition will induce sheeting.

That is, compositions with lower contact angles will form droplets on a substrate with a larger surface area than compositions with higher contact angles.

The increased surface area results in a faster drying time, with fewer spots formed on the substrate.

After each of the diluted rinse aid compositions were prepared, the diluted rinse aid compositions were placed into an apparatus where a single drop of the diluted rinse aid composition was delivered to a test substrate. Test substrates used in this test included a polyethylene substrate with an ideal flat surface and a stainless steel 316 substrate with an ideal flat surface. The deliverance of the drop to the substrate was recorded by a camera.

The video captured by the camera was sent to a computer were the contact angle was be determined.

Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is thought that the lower the contact angle the better the solution will induce sheeting.

Increased sheeting is thought to lead to the bedpan drying more quickly and with fewer spots once it has been removed from the dish machine.

The results from this test are shown below in table III.

Table III

Contact angel test

^*6 = PE ( natur ) obtainable from Simona AG - (PE-HWST)

= obtainable from Chemische Fabrik Dr. Weigert GmbH & Co. KG

3 - Build-up Performance Test

For this test, a number of rinse aid formulations were tested for sheeting performance during use in an aqueous rinse.

For this test, the following rinse aid compositions were tested.

Use rinse aid composition El to E5 of the present invention were the same as those tested in Example 1, the formulations of which are shown in the table I above.

Comparative use rinse aid compositions VI to V3 were the same as those tested in Example 1, the formulations of which are shown in the table I above.

For the evaluation of the formation of build-up, stainless steel bedpans (Fa Russka) were exposed to the rinse aid formulations during a series of 50 cycles using tap water of 16 dH in an automated bedpan washer (Typhoon, Arjohuntleigh) running the program (economy program). The bedpans and machine were cleaned prior to the test. The rinse aid was dosed at a level of 0.3% to the rinse water and to the water of the boiler unit.

After 50 cycles of washing, rinsing and thermal disinfection the stainless steel interior of the washer, the stainless steel bedpans and the boiler unit itself were visually examined and evaluated by a test person.

The table IV below shows the results of these tests.

In table IV, the sheeting evaluation is indicated by either a single line (-) signifying no formation of build-up or lime scale, shiny stainless steel surface, no spots visible, a dotted line (— ) faint formation of build-up, hardly visible, (— ) ; formation of build-up visible on spraying nozzles and doors, and a few spots on surfaces, "+" sign for thin white layer of build up visible, dull surface, whit spots are visible on surfaces, or the "++" sign for strong formation of build-up and limes scale, areas of white or brownish discoloration visible on the surface "+++" failure mode, machine stops due to overheating of the boiler caused by foam.

Table IV

Sheeting test

x= stainless steel bedpan/ obtainable under Russka - from Ludwig Bertram GmbH.

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate, and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other embodiments, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.

In addition, the contents of all patent publications discussed supra are incorporated in their entirety by this reference. It is to be understood that wherever values and ranges are provided herein, all values and ranges encompassed by these values and ranges, are meant to be encompassed within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, all values that fall within these ranges, as well as the upper or lower limits of a range of values, are also contemplated by the present application.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An aqueous rinse aid composition comprises:

- at least one nonionic surfactant of a C₁₀ to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate;

- at least one polymeric polycarboxylate, has a mole weight (MW) in the range of about > 500 to about < 20,000;

- at least one sequestering agent; and

- at least one hydrotrope.

2. The aqueous rinse aid composition of claim 1 , wherein the nonionic surfactant having the structure represented by formula I:

R-0-(CH₂CH₂0)_n-(CH₂CH₂CH₂0)_m -H (I),

wherein

R = a Cio-Ci8-alkyl group, preferably a Cn-Ci7-alkyl group, further preferred a Ci₂-Ci₆- alkyl group and in addition preferred a Ci₂-Ci4-alkyl group;

m = an integer in the range of about 0 to about 10, preferably an integer in the range of about 1 to about 8, further preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 6, and in addition preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 4; whereby n = 0 then m = an integer in the range of about 1 to about 10, preferably an integer in the range of about 2 to about 8, further preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 6, and in addition preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 4; or m = 0 then n = an integer in the range of about 1 to about 10, preferably an integer in the range of about 2 to about 8, further preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 6, and in addition preferred an integer in the range of about 2 to about 4.

3. The aqueous rinse aid composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein n + m is an integer in the range of about 2 to 8, in addition preferred an integer in the range of about 4 to 6, and more preferred n = 2 and m = 4.

4. The aqueous rinse aid composition of claims 1 to 3, wherein the composition comprises about > 0.1 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably of about > 0.5 wt% to about < 6 wt%, further preferred of about > 1.5 wt% to about < 4 wt% and in addition preferred of about > 1.75 wt% to about < 2 wt%, of at least one nonionic surfactant of a Cio to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate, preferably a C12 to Ci4-alcohol alkoxylate, according to formula I, based on the total weight amount of the concentrated rinse aid composition.

5. The aqueous rinse aid composition of claims 1 to 4, wherein the polymeric

polycarboxylate, preferably polyacrylate, has a mole weight (MW), based on free acids, in the range of about > 500 to about < 20,000, preferably in the range of about > 1,000 to about < 15,000, further preferred in the range of about > 2,000 to about < 10,000, and in addition preferred in the range of about > 3,000 to about < 6,000 and most preferred about 4,000.

6. The aqueous rinse aid composition of claims 1 to 5, wherein the range of mole ratio of the Cio to Cis-alcohol alkoxylate, preferably of the C12 to Ci4-alcohol alkoxylate, to the polymeric polycarboxylate may be about 1 : 1 to about 1 : 10, and in some embodiments, in the range of about 1 : 1.2 to about 1 : 1.5.

7. The aqueous rinse aid composition of claims 1 to 6, wherein the concentrated composition comprises the polymeric polycarboxylate, preferably polyacrylate, in an amount of about > 10 wt% to about < 60 wt%, preferably of about > 12 wt% to about < 50 wt%, further preferred of about > 14 wt% to about < 40 wt% and in addition preferred of about > 16 wt% to about < 20 wt%, based on the total weight amount of the concentrated rinse aid composition.

8. The aqueous rinse aid composition of claims 1 to 7, wherein the concentrated composition comprises the sequestering agent, preferably L-glutamic acid Ν,Ν-diacetic acid or a salt thereof, of about > 1 wt.-% to about < 40 wt.-%, preferably about > 2 wt.-% to about < 20 wt.-%, further preferred about > 3 wt.-% to about < 10 wt.-%, and more preferred about > 3.0 wt.-% to about < 5 wt.-%, wherein the weight-% of the sequestering agent is based on the total weight of the concentrated rinse aid composition.

9. The aqueous rinse aid composition of claims 1 to 8, wherein the concentrated composition comprises the hydrotrope, preferably cumolsulfonate or the acid thereof, in the range of about > 1 wt.-% to about < 20 wt.-%, preferably about > 2 wt.-% to about < 15 wt.-%, further preferred about > 3 wt.-% to about < 10 wt.-%, and in addition preferred about > 3.5 wt.-% to about < 5 wt.-%, by weight of the total concentrated rinse aid composition.

10. The aqueous rinse aid composition of claims 1 to 9, wherein the concentrated

composition comprises the preservative, preferably benzisothiazolinone,

methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone or mixture thereof, in the range of about > 0.0001 wt.-% to about < 2 wt.-%, preferably about > 0.001 wt.-% to about < 1 wt.-%, and in addition preferred about > 0.001 wt.-% to about < 0.1 wt.-%, by weight of the total concentrated rinse aid composition

1 1. The aqueous rinse aid composition of claims 1 to 10, wherein the diluted composition has a cloud point in the range of about 10° C to about 15° C, preferably of about 1 1° C to about 13° C for a time period of at least 12 month, preferably of at least 24 month and more preferred of at least 36 month.

12. The aqueous rinse aid composition of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the liquid concentrated aqueous rinse aid composition comprises:

- about > 0.1 wt% to about < 10 wt%, preferably of about > 0.5 wt% to about < 6 wt%, further preferred of about > 1.5 wt% to about < 4 wt% and in addition preferred of about > 1.75 wt% to about < 2 wt%, of at least one nonionic surfactant of a Cio to C₁₈- alcohol alkoxylate according to formula I or formula II;

- about > 10 wt% to about < 60 wt%, preferably of about > 12 wt% to about < 50 wt%, further preferred of about > 14 wt% to about < 40 wt% and in addition preferred of about > 16 wt% to about < 20 wt%, of at least one polymeric polycarboxylate having a mole weight (MW) in the range of about > 500 to about < 20,000, preferably in the range of about > 1 ,000 to about < 15,000, further preferred in the range of about > 2,000 to about < 10,000, and in addition preferred in the range of about > 3,000 to about < 6,000 and most preferred about 4,000, preferably wherein the polymeric polycarboxylate is a polyacrylate;

- about > 1 wt.-% to about < 40 wt.-%, preferably about > 2 wt.-% to about < 20 wt.-%, further preferred about > 3 wt.-% to about < 10 wt.-%, and more preferred about > 4 wt.-% to about < 6 wt.-%, of at least one sequestering agent, wherein preferably the sequestering agent is terasodium N,N-bis(carboxylatomethyl)-L-glutamate;

- about > 1 wt.-% to about < 20 wt.-%, preferably about > 2 wt.-% to about < 15 wt.-%, further preferred about > 3 wt.-% to about < 10 wt.-%, and in addition preferred about > 3.5 wt.-% to about < 5 wt.-%, of at least one hydrotrope, preferably the hydrotrope is an aromatic hydrocarbon sulfonate and more preferred the hydrotrope is cumene sulfonate;

- about > 0 wt.-% to about < 2 wt.-%, preferably about > 0.001 wt.-% to about < 1 wt- %, and in addition preferred about > 0.001 wt.-% to about < 0.1 wt.-%, of at least one preservative, preferably the preservative is selected from the group comprising benzisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone and/or methylisothiazolinone;

based on the total weight amount of the concentrated rinse aid composition.

13. The aqueous rinse aid composition of claims 1 to 12, wherein a diluted rinse aid

composition is obtained by diluting the concentrated rinse aid composition of claims 1 to 11 with a solvent, preferably water, to a about 0.01% to about 1%>, preferably about 0.05%) to about 0.8%>, and further preferred to a about 0.1 %> to about 0.6%>, and in addition preferred to a about 0.2%> to about 0.4%>, diluted aqueous rinse aid use solution.

14. Use of the aqueous rinse aid composition of claims 1 to 13 for rinsing ware comprises metal ware and/or plastic ware, preferably articles used in health care facilities, and more preferred articles of health care facilities comprising dish, bowl, wash pans, bedpans and/or urinal bottle.