U.S. patent application number 10/832642 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-14 for method for washing a vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ecolab Inc.. Invention is credited to Besse, Michael Edward, Johansen, Scott A., Klos, Terry James, Mattia, Paul J., Pederson, Thomas M., Shaw, Kenneth W..
Application Number | 20040200511 10/832642 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25254506 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040200511 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Klos, Terry James ; et
al. |
October 14, 2004 |
Method for washing a vehicle
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method for applying a
detergent use solution to a washing surface of a motor vehicle,
including the steps of: (a) providing a liquid detergent
concentrate that includes an active ingredient level from about 0.1
wt. % to about 15 wt. %; (b) introducing the liquid detergent
concentrate into a water stream to provide a detergent use solution
that includes an active ingredient level from about 0.03 wt. % and
1 wt. %; and (c) applying the detergent use solution to a washing
surface of a motor vehicle. In addition, the present invention also
relates to a method for washing a washing surface of a vehicle,
wherein the method includes: (a) providing a liquid detergent
concentrate having an active ingredients level from about 0.1 wt. %
to about 15 wt. %; (b) introducing the liquid detergent concentrate
into a diluent stream to provide a detergent use solution; and (c)
applying the detergent use solution to a washing surface of a
vehicle wherein the detergent use solution has a relatively
constant active ingredients level over the entire washing surface
during a wash cycle
Inventors: |
Klos, Terry James;
(Victoria, MN) ; Johansen, Scott A.; (Minneapolis,
MN) ; Mattia, Paul J.; (Prior Lake, MN) ;
Besse, Michael Edward; (Golden Valley, MN) ; Shaw,
Kenneth W.; (Centennial, CO) ; Pederson, Thomas
M.; (New Richmond, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Assignee: |
Ecolab Inc.
St. Paul
MN
|
Family ID: |
25254506 |
Appl. No.: |
10/832642 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10832642 |
Apr 26, 2004 |
|
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09829424 |
Apr 9, 2001 |
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6726779 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
134/36 ; 134/18;
134/34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 11/0041 20130101;
B60S 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/036 ;
134/034; 134/018 |
International
Class: |
B08B 007/04; B08B
003/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for applying a detergent use solution to a washing
surface of a motor vehicle, the method comprising steps of: (a)
providing a liquid detergent concentrate comprising an active
ingredient level from about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt. %; (b)
introducing the liquid detergent concentrate into a water stream to
provide a detergent use solution comprising an active ingredient
level from about 0.03 wt. % to about 1 wt. %; and (c) applying the
detergent use solution to a washing surface of a motor vehicle.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein step (a) comprises
generating the liquid detergent concentrate from a solid detergent
concentrate.
3. A method according to claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises
pumping the liquid detergent concentrate into the water stream.
4. A method according to claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises
aspirating the liquid detergent concentrate into the water
stream.
5. A method according to claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises
introducing the liquid detergent concentrate to the water stream by
connection through a valve manifold.
6. A method according to claim 1, wherein step (c) comprises
applying the detergent use solution to the vehicle at a pressure
from about 50 psi to about 300 psi.
7. A method according to claim 1, wherein step (c) comprises
applying a detergent use solution having a substanially consistent
active ingredient level within one wash cycle.
8. A method according to claim 1, wherein step (c) comprises
applying the detergent use solution in a touch or touchless
method.
9. A method according to claim 1, wherein step (c) comprises
applying the detergent use solution in a conveyor type or bay wash
setup vehicle wash system.
10. A method for washing a washing surface of a vehicle, the method
comprising steps of: (a) providing a liquid detergent concentrate
comprising an active ingredients level from about 0.1 wt. % to
about 15 wt. %; (b) introducing the liquid detergent concentrate
into a diluent stream to provide a detergent use solution; and (c)
applying the detergent use solution to a washing surface of a
vehicle wherein the detergent use solution comprises a relatively
constant active ingredients level over the entire washing surface
during a wash cycle.
11. A method according to claim 10, wherein step (a) comprises
generating the liquid detergent concentrate from a solid detergent
concentrate.
12. A method according to claim 10, wherein step (b) comprises
pumping the liquid detergent concentrate into the diluent
stream.
13. A method according to claim 10, wherein step (b) comprises
aspirating the liquid detergent concentrate into the diluent
stream.
14. A method according to claim 10, wherein step (b) comprises
volumetrically diluting the liquid detergent concentrate from about
1:1 to about 50:1.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the diluent is an
aqueous solution.
16. A method according to claim 10, wherein step (b) comprises
introducing the liquid detergent concentrate to the water stream by
connection through a valve manifold.
17. A method according to claim 10, wherein the the use solution is
applied to the washing surface in step (c) so that the active
ingredients concentration is within about 20% or less when
comparing the relative active ingredients concentration during the
beginning, middle and end of the wash cycle.
18. A method for washing a washing surface of a vehicle, the method
comprising steps of: (a) providing a liquid detergent concentrate
comprising an active ingredients level from about 0.1 wt. % to
about 15 wt. %; (b) aspirating the liquid detergent concentrate
into a diluent stream to provide a detergent use solution; and (c)
applying the detergent use solution to a washing surface of a
vehicle wherein the detergent use solution comprises a relatively
constant active ingredients level over the entire washing surface
during a wash cycle.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein step (a) comprises
generating the liquid detergent concentrate from a solid detergent
concentrate.
20. A method according to claim 18, wherein step (b) comprises
providing a diluent under pressure.
21. A method according to claim 18, wherein step (b) comprises
volumetrically diluting the liquid detergent concentrate from about
1:1 to about 50:1.
22. A method according to claim 18, wherein the the use solution is
applied to the washing surface in step (c) so that the active
ingredients concentration is within about 20% or less when
comparing the relative active ingredients concentration during the
beginning, middle and end of the wash cycle.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a method for washing a vehicle. In
particular, the present invention related to a method for washing a
vehicle that provides for a relatively constant detergent use
solution concentration over the washing surface of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Car wash facilities generally obtain liquid detergents in
concentrated form and dilute the solution as desired by injecting
the concentrated detergent into a pressured water line. Using such
dilution techniques can cause problems in that it is hard to get
the appropriate exact dilutions required for various vehicle
washing applications. In fact, using a concentrated liquid
detergent solution, the concentration of the active ingredients in
the diluted use solution can vary considerably over a very short
time period, such as within one cycle of an automated vehicle
washing station sweeping over the vehicle.
[0003] Using this method, the liquid detergent concentrate that is
diluted typically has an active concentration from about 20 wt. %
to about 40 wt. %. After dilution, the detergent use solution
typically has an active concentration of about 1 wt. %. For a
single wash cycle, between about one and four gallons of detergent
use solution is applied to the vehicle, which is between about two
ounces to about five ounces are applied for each vehicle cycle
wash.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention, in one aspect, relates to a method for
applying a detergent use solution to a washing surface of a motor
vehicle, including the steps of: (a) providing a liquid detergent
concentrate that includes an active ingredient level from about 0.1
wt. % to about 15 wt. %; (b) introducing the liquid detergent
concentrate into a water stream to provide a detergent use solution
that includes an active ingredient level from about 0.03 wt. % and
1 wt. %; and (c) applying the detergent use solution to a washing
surface of a motor vehicle.
[0005] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a
method for washing a washing surface of a vehicle, wherein the
method includes: (a) providing a liquid detergent concentrate with
an active ingredients level from about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt. %;
(b) introducing the liquid detergent concentrate into a diluent
stream to provide a detergent use solution; and (c) applying the
detergent use solution to a washing surface of a vehicle wherein
the detergent use solution has a relatively constant active
ingredients level over the entire washing surface during a wash
cycle.
[0006] Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for
washing a washing surface of a vehicle, the method including steps
of: (a) providing a liquid detergent concentrate including an
active ingredients level from about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt. %;
(b) introducing the liquid detergent concentrate into a diluent
stream using an aspirator as the injection point to provide a
detergent use solution; and (c) applying the detergent use solution
to a washing surface of a vehicle wherein the detergent use
solution has a relatively constant active ingredients level over
the entire washing surface during a wash cycle.
[0007] Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious
from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and
attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly
pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that
both the foregoing general description and the following detailed
description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not
restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for applying
detergent use solution to a vehicle according to the principles of
the invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of the apparatus from FIG. 1
using multiple chemicals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention may be understood more readily by
reference to the drawings and the following detailed description of
the invention and their previous and following description.
[0011] While the present invention will be described in combination
with a particular sequence in the method, it will be understood
that various configurations could be designed within the spirit and
scope of this invention to accomplish the methods. Moreover, while
the embodiment of the invention will be described in combination
with electronic control modules for providing control signals, it
will be understood that other control circuits, including
mechanical, hydraulic, digital, analog, radio frequency, and
optical systems, could equally well be configured within the spirit
and scope of this invention. Further, the steps of the inventive
methods of the present invention may be performed in any order
including simultaneously, unless performance of a step requires the
product of a previous step. It is also to be understood that the
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
[0012] In this specification and in the claims that follow,
reference will be made to a number of terms that shall be defined
to have the following meanings:
[0013] Reference in the specification and concluding claims to
parts by weight of a particular element or component in a
composition denotes the weight relationship between the element or
component and any other elements or components in the composition
or article for which a part by weight is expressed.
[0014] By "active ingredient" is meant the non-water portion of the
composition that is responsible for providing cleaning, drying or
polishing properties. Included within the definition are particles
that are degraded such that they are partially or fully dissolved
or dispersed within the composition. The particles do not
substantially decompose or denature in a degraded state.
[0015] "Cycle" shall mean the period whereby a vehicle wash system
completes one pass of the vehicle using the same detergent use
solution.
[0016] As used herein, the term "detergent" refers to those
chemical compounds or mixtures commonly used to aid in the cleaning
and rinsing of surfaces and fabrics. Such chemicals include
detergents, softeners, bleaches, rinse aids, etc.
[0017] By "washing surface of a vehicle" is meant the portion of
the vehicle between the front end and the back end that could come
in contact with contaminants. The washing surface may be divided
into portions, such as the front, middle and back areas of the
washing surface. In general, one wash cycle is the period that it
takes to one application of detergent solution to the entire
washing surface of the vehicle.
[0018] Commercial vehicle washing facilities try to target the
detergent use solution with a concentration of about 1 wt. percent
active ingredients. However, in many commercial vehicle washing
facilities, it is difficult to maintain a constant concentration of
active ingredients in the detergent use solution during an entire
vehicle wash cycle. It may even be difficult to maintain a constant
concentration of active ingredients in a use solution
simultaneously applied to multiple points on the vehicle. That is,
it is believed that the active ingredient concentration of the
detergent use solution varies as the use solution is applied to the
motor vehicle and at various points on the vehicle. As a result, it
is believed that certain portions of the motor vehicle receive a
detergent use solution containing insufficient detergency to
adequately clean the vehicle.
[0019] Vehicles that can be washed according to the invention
include those vehicles commonly washed in commercial vehicle
washing facilities including, automobiles, trucks, sport utility
vehicles, and boats.
[0020] The detergent solutions of the present invention are useful
for removing any type of contaminant from a vehicle surfaces
including seasonal and geographical specific contaminants.
Exemplary contaminants include clays, vegetable oil, mineral oil,
road salt, sea salt, sand, greases, cutting fluids, drawing fluids,
machine oils, antirust oils such as cosmoline, carbonaceous soils,
sebaceous soils, particulate matter, waxes, paraffins, used motor
oil, fuels, etc. Any vehicle surface can be cleaned including
fiberglass, plastic, glass, and iron-based metals such as iron,
iron alloys, e.g., steel, tin, aluminum, copper, tungsten,
titanium, and molybdenum. The structure of the surface to be
cleaned can vary widely and is unlimited.
[0021] Liquid detergent concentrates useful in the present
invention include any liquid detergent that has an active
ingredient level from about 0.01 wt. % to about 15 wt. %. Suitable
liquid detergents may be made at the commercial washing facility or
in an off-site location. Such liquid detergents may be manufactured
using liquid or solid detergents. Such a detergent concentrate may
be provided by any suitable method, including, but not limited to a
device for generating a liquid detergent concentrate from a solid
concentrate. A device for generating a liquid detergent concentrate
from a solid concentrate is described in U.S. patent Ser. No.
______ (Attorney Docket No. 00163.1448US01) filed Apr. 9, 2001;
which patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0022] Solid detergents that can be used according to the invention
include those detergents that degrade when contacted with water to
provide an aqueous detergent composition. An advantage to providing
the detergent composition in a solid form is that it is possible to
provide a high concentration of cleaning components. Suitable solid
detergent forms include cast or compressed solid blocks,
briquettes, powders, granular material, pellets, tablets, flakes,
and gels.
[0023] Solid Detergent
[0024] The solid detergents that can be used according to the
invention include those solid detergents that contain a sufficient
amount of active components so that the resulting aqueous detergent
can be used to clean, polish or dry the surface of vehicles.
However, the solid detergent useful for generating a detergent
solution of the present invention may include both active
ingredients and non-active ingredients. Exemplary active components
include alkaline builders, acidic builders, surfactants, corrosion
inhibitors, anti-redeposition agents, chelating agents,
sequestrants, dyes, and fragrances. Exemplary non-active components
include water, certain solidifying agents, and certain processing
aids.
[0025] Solidifying Agent
[0026] Solid detergent compositions that can be used according to
the invention preferably include a sufficient amount of a component
responsible for solidifying the composition ("solidifying agent")
to provide a solid detergent. In general, it is desirable to use an
amount of solidifying agent responsible for solidifying the
composition that is sufficient to provide solidification. If too
little of the solidifying agent is used, the detergent is generally
not sufficiently solid and may be too soft. If too much of the
solidifying agent is used, it is expected that the detergent
composition may sacrifice active ingredient cleaning components at
the expense of the solidifying component, and may result in a
composition that is too hard and does not degrade sufficiently well
when contacted with water.
[0027] One suitable type of solidifying agent includes polyethylene
glycol and mixtures of different molecular weight polyethylene
glycols. When polyethylene glycol or mixtures of different
molecular weight polyethylene glycols are used as solidifying
agents, they are preferably provided in an amount of at least about
5 wt. %, and are preferably used in an amount equal to or less than
about 55 wt. %. More preferably, the amount of polyethylene glycol
or mixture of polyethylene glycols provided in the solid detergent
composition is from about 8 wt. % to about 30 wt. %. It should be
understood that the discussion of weight percent in the context of
the solid detergent refers to the weight percent of a component
based upon the weight of the solid detergent.
[0028] Another suitable solidifying agent is urea. When urea is
used as a solidifying agent, it is preferably provided in an amount
from about 5 wt. % to about 32 wt. %, and more preferably in an
amount of from about 8 wt. % to about 26 wt. %. The solid detergent
may also include a hydrate-type of solidifying agent. In general,
it is understood that a hydrate-type solidifying agent generally
pulls water away from other components in the detergent composition
thereby causing solidification. When a hydrate is used as a
solidifying agent, it is preferably used in an amount from about 6
wt. % to about 60 wt. %, and more preferably in an amount from
about 8 wt. % to about 50 wt. %. In addition, it should be
understood that solidifying agents that can be used according to
the invention may or may not be considered active components. That
is, if the solidifying agent used is one that enhances the
detersive nature of the detergent composition, it should be
considered an active component.
[0029] Another preferred solidifying agent is one that forms a
hydrate of a metal hydroxide or carbonate. The solidifying agent
may provide for controlled dispensing by using solidification
agents which having increased aqueous solubility. For systems which
require less aqueous solubility or a slower rate of dissolution an
organic nonionic or amide hardening agent may be appropriate. For a
higher degree of aqueous solubility, an inorganic solidification
agent or a more soluble organic agent such as urea can be used.
[0030] Furthermore, surfactants may be used to vary the hardness
and solubility. Such surfactants include amides such as stearic
monoethanolamide, lauric diethanolamide, and stearic
diethanolamide. Nonionic surfactants have also been found to impart
varying degrees of hardness and solubility.
[0031] Alkaline and Acid Builders
[0032] The solid detergent composition preferably includes a
sufficient amount of alkaline builder and/or acidic builder to
provide desired properties. Preferably, the builders are provided
in the solid detergent composition in an amount from about 1 wt. %
to about 80 wt. %, and more preferably from about 3 wt. % to about
70 wt. %.
[0033] The alkalinity builder in the composition can be any
alkalinity builder known that is compatible with the other
components of the composition being used. Suitable alkaline sources
or mixtures thereof useful in the present invention are those
capable of providing the desired pH. Alkalinity sources can
comprise, for example, inorganic alkalinity sources, such as an
alkali metal hydroxide, an alkali metal salt, or the like, or
mixtures thereof.
[0034] Suitable alkali metal hydroxides include those generally
known that are compatible with the other components of the
composition being used. Some examples include sodium or potassium
hydroxide, and the like. An alkali metal hydroxide may be added to
the composition in a variety of forms, including for example in the
form of solid beads, dissolved in an aqueous solution, or a
combination thereof. Alkali metal hydroxides are commercially
available as a solid in the form of prilled solids or beads having
a mix of particle sizes ranging from about 12-100 U.S. mesh, or as
an aqueous solution, as for example, as a 50 wt % and a 73 wt %
solution.
[0035] Suitable alkali metal salts include those generally known
that are compatible with the other components of the composition
being used. Some examples of alkali metal salts include alkali
metal carbonates, silicates, phosphonates, sulfates, borates,
acetates, citrates, tartrates, succinates, edates, and the like,
and mixtures thereof. Some examples include potassium and sodium
carbonates and bicarbonates. The carbonate salts include, for
example, potassium carbonate, potassium carbonate dihydrate,
potassium carbonate trihydrate, sodium carbonate, sodium carbonate
decahydrate, sodium carbonate heptahydrate, sodium carbonate
monohydrate, sodium sesquicarbonate, and the double salts and
mixtures thereof. The bicarbonate salts include, for example,
potassium bicarbonate and sodium bicarbonate and mixtures thereof.
Other examples include the alkali metal ortho or complex
phosphates. Examples of alkali metal orthophosphates include
trisodium or tripotassium orthophosphate. The complex phosphates
are especially effective because of their ability to chelate water
hardness and heavy metal ions. The complex phosphates include, for
example, sodium or potassium pyrophosphate, tripolyphosphate and
hexametaphosphates.
[0036] Other examples of alkaline builders include ethanolamines
and amines; silicates; and other like alkaline sources. Exemplary
acid builders include poly(acrylic acid), butane(tricarboxylic
acid), phosphonic acid, and mixtures thereof.
[0037] Surfactants
[0038] Surfactants are preferably used in the solid detergent to
provide detersive properties. The solid detergent preferably
includes a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants in an amount from
about 1 wt. % to about 80 wt. %, and more preferably from about 5
wt. % to about 65 wt. %. Exemplary surfactants that can be used
according to the invention include anionic surfactants, nonionic
surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, cationic surfactants, and
mixtures thereof.
[0039] Anionic surfactants are usually defined by the fact that the
surface active segment of the molecule is anionic. The anionic
surfactant is usually in the form of a salt, but may also be
Zwitterionic or an internal salt. Examples include, but are not
limited to sulfonates such as linear alkyl benezene sulfonate and
alpha olefin sulfonate, sulfates such as lauryl sulfate and lauryl
ether sulfate, natural soaps, and phosphate esters. Further
examples include dimmers, trimers, oligomers, polymers (copolymers,
graft polymers, block polymers, etc.) having anionic surfactant
groups thereon, such as amine groups, phosphate groups, or other
polar charge centers with hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic
contribution segments. The surfactant normally contains both a
hydrophilic and a hydrophobic center or segment in the molecule to
be able to be soluble or dispersible in water, yet display
oleophilicity (e.g., dispersing and/or dissolving or attracting
power) towards oils, grease, and other non-aqueous, oleophilic
materials.
[0040] Further specific examples of suitable anionic surfactants
are water-soluble salts of the higher alkyl sulfates, such as
sodium lauryl sulfate or other suitable alkyl sulfates having 8 to
18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, water-soluble salts of higher
fatty acid monoglyceride monosulfates, such as the sodium salt of
the monosulfated monoglyceride of hydrogenated coconut oil fatty
acids, alkyl aryl sulfonates such as sodium dodecyl benzene
sulfonate, higher alkyl sulfoacetates, higher fatty acid esters of
1,2-dihydroxy propane sulfonate, and the substantially saturated
higher aliphatic acyl amides of lower aliphatic amino carboxylic
acid compounds, such as those having 12 to 16 carbons in the fatty
acid, alkyl or acyl radicals, and the like. Examples of the last
mentioned amides are N-lauroyl sarcosinate, and the sodium,
potassium, and ethanolamine salts of N-lauroyl, N-myristoyl, or
N-palmitoyl sarcosinate. Also effective are polycarboxylated
ethylene oxide condensates of fatty alcohols.
[0041] Exemplary nonionic surfactants include nonylphenol
ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide
block polymer surfactants, ethoxylated primary alkyl amines,
alkoxylated thiol surfactants, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene
condensates, which are sold by BASF under the trade name
"Pluronic", polyoxyethylene condensates of aliphatic
alcohols/ethylene oxide condensates having from 1 to 30 moles of
ethylene oxide per mole of coconut alcohol; ethoxylated long chain
alcohols sold by Shell Chemical Co. under the trade name "Neodol",
polyoxyethylene condensates of sorbitan fatty acids, alkanolamides,
such as the monoalkoanolamides, dialkanolamides and the ethoxylated
alkanolamides, for example coconut monoethanolamide, lauric
isopropanolamide and lauric diethanolamide; and amine oxides for
example dodecyldimethylamine oxide.
[0042] Zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants useful with the
invention include beta-N-alkylaminopropionic acids,
n-alkyl-.beta.-iminodipropionic acids, imidazoline carboxylates,
n-alky-betaines, amine oxides, sulfobetaines and sultaines.
[0043] Cationic surfactants classes include polyoxyethylene
tertiary alkylamines or alkenylamines, such as ethoxylated fatty
amines, quaternary ammonium surfactants and polyoxyethylene
alkyletheramines. Representative specific examples of such cationic
surfactants include polyoxyethylene (5) cocoamine, polyoxyethylene
(15) tallowamine, distearyldimethylammonium chloride,
N-dodecylpyridine chloride and polyoxypropylene (8)
ethoxytrimethylammonium chloride. Many cationic quaternary ammonium
surfactants of diverse structures are known in the art to be useful
in the detergent solutions contemplated herein.
[0044] Corrosion Inhibitors
[0045] The solid detergent may also include corrosion inhibitors to
provide corrosion resistance. Corrosion inhibitors can be provided
in an amount from about 0 to about 25 wt. %, and more preferably in
an amount from about 0.5 wt. % to about 20 wt. %.
[0046] Corrosion inhibitors which may be optionally added to the
solid detergent include silicates, phosphate, magnesium and/or zinc
ions. Preferably, the metal ions are provided in a water soluble
form. Examples of useful water soluble forms of magnesium and zinc
ions are the water soluble salts thereof including the chlorides,
nitrates and sulfates of the respective metals.
[0047] Anti-redeposition, Chelating and Sequestering Agents
[0048] The solid detergent composition may additionally include
anti-redeposition agents, chelating agents, and sequestrants
wherein these components are provided in an amount from about 0 to
about 80 wt. %, and more preferably from about 0.5 wt. % to about
65 wt. %.
[0049] Generally, anti-redeposition agents and sequestrants are
those molecules capable of complexing or coordinating the metal
ions commonly found in service water and thereby preventing the
metal ions from interfering with the functioning of detersive
components within the composition. Any number of sequestrants may
be used in accordance with the invention. Representative
anti-redeposition agents and sequestrants include salts of amino
carboxylic acids, phosphonic acid salts, water soluble acrylic
polymers, among others.
[0050] The chelating agent in the composition can be any chelating
agent known that is capable of complexing with the mineral ions in
the solution in the desired manner, and that is compatible with the
other components of the composition. Exemplary chelating agents
include amino carboxylic acid chelating agents such as
N-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA),
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA),
N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), and
diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA).
[0051] Processing Aids
[0052] The solid detergent can be prepared utilizing a processing
aid. In general, a processing aid refers to a component that
assists in the formation of the solid detergent. One preferred
processing aid that helps in the formation of a solid detergent
includes propylene glycol and hexylene glycol.
[0053] Hydrotropes are useful to maintain the organic materials,
including the surfactant, readily dispersed in an aqueous cleaning
solution and allow the user of the compositions to accurately
provide the desired amount of the liquid detergent concentrate into
the use solution. Example hydrotropes include the sodium,
potassium, ammonium and alkanol ammonium salts of xylene, toluene,
ethylbenzoate, isopropylbenzene, naphthalene, alkyl naphthalene
sulfonates, phosphate esters of alkoxylated alkyl phenols,
phosphate esters of alkoxylated alcohols and sodium, potassium and
ammonium salts of the alkyl sarcosinates.
[0054] Other Ingredients
[0055] Other additives known for use in vehicle cleaning
compositions and solutions may be employed. Such other additives
may include, but are not limited to additional surfactants,
hydrotropes, additional corrosion inhibitors, antimicrobials,
fungicides, fragrances, dyes, antistatic agents, UV absorbers,
reducing agents, buffering compounds, corrosion inhibitors,
viscosity modifying (thickening or thinning) agents, and the
like.
[0056] In general, it is desirable to provide the solid detergent
composition with as high an active level as possible. That is, by
increasing the active level of the detergent composition, it is
believed that it is possible to decrease the shipping costs
associated with shipping a less concentrated detergent composition.
Preferably, the active level of the solid detergent composition is
at least about 50 wt. %. Preferably, the active concentration of
the solid detergent composition is up to about 85 wt. %, and more
preferably at least about 95 wt. %. Solid detergents containing an
active concentration greater than 95 percent are desirable as long
as the detergent can be provided in a solid form such as a block or
pellet that will degrade at a desired rate when exposed to
water.
[0057] Liquid Detergent
[0058] In one embodiment, a liquid detergent concentrate is formed
by degrading a solid detergent with a diluent. The liquid detergent
concentrate preferably contains a concentration from about 0.1 wt.
% to about 15 wt. % of solids based on the weight of the liquid
detergent composition. It should be understood that the reference
to a weight percent solids based on the weight of the liquid
detergent composition is a reference to the amount of solids
obtained from the solid detergent composition that is provided in
the liquid detergent composition. The reference to "solids" in the
liquid detergent composition should be understood to reflect the
components derived from the solid detergent composition that may be
either solid, dissolved or dispersed in the liquid detergent
composition.
[0059] In one embodiment, the liquid detergent concentrate contains
from about 0.1 wt. % active ingredients to about 15.0 wt. % active
ingredients, preferably from about 1.1 wt. % to about 15 wt. %,
more preferably from about 1.2 wt. % to about 10 wt. % active
ingredients in the liquid detergent concentrate. Such active
ingredients may be the same active ingredients described for the
solid detergent.
[0060] Any detergent may be used to create the liquid concentrated
detergent. Suitable detergents include liquid detergents and solid
detergents. These detergents may contain any component suitable for
the cleaning application. Typical components are known in the
detergent art and include alkaline builders, sequestrants,
surfactants, solubilizers and acid builders. For example, the
general composition of the liquid detergent concentrate may contain
an alkaline builder in a concentration from about 0 ppm to about
88,000 ppm, preferably from about 330 ppm to about 33,000 ppm, more
preferably from about 400 ppm to about 20,000 ppm; a sequestrant
concentration from about 0 ppm to about 88,000 ppm, preferably from
about 55 ppm to about 71,500 ppm, more preferably from about 100
ppm to about 60,000 ppm; a surfactant concentration from about 110
ppm to about 88,000 ppm, preferably from about 550 ppm to about
71,500 ppm, more preferably from about 600 ppm to about 66,000 ppm;
a solubilizer concentration from about 0 ppm to about 16,500 ppm,
preferably from about 100 ppm to about 14,000 ppm, more preferably
from about 150 ppm to about 12,500 ppm; and an acid builder from
about 0 ppm to about 88,000 ppm, preferably from about 330 ppm to
about 33,000 ppm, more preferably from about 400 ppm to about
30,000 ppm.
[0061] Similarly, the non-active ingredients in the liquid
detergent concentrate may also be the same as the non-active
ingredients described for the solid detergent. In addition, the
liquid detergent concentrate includes a diluent. Suitable diluents
act as a solvent for the solid detergent or liquid detergent
starting materials. Exemplary diluents include aqueous diluents
such as fresh water, recycled water, potable water, soft water,
revers osmosis water, deionized water, and non-potable water.
Generally, if water is used as the diluent, the water can be used
without adjustment to the chemical composition of the water.
However, if the water is excessively high in hardness, then the
water may be treated with a water softener before it is mixed with
the liquid detergent concentrate.
[0062] The liquid detergent concentrate is further diluted to
provide a use solution. The diluent used to further dilute the
liquid detergent concentrate is preferably a compatible diluent to
that used in the liquid detergent concentrate. That is, if the
liquid detergent concentrate was prepared with an aqueous diluent,
the use solution is preferably prepared with an aqueous
diluent.
[0063] In some applications, such as those requiring removal of
clay soils or grease, the active ingredient level may need to be
high to satisfactorily clean the vehicle. In one embodiment, the
liquid detergent concentrate is diluted to provide an active
ingredient concentration from about 0.01 wt. % to about 5 wt. % of
the use solution, preferably from about 0.02 wt. % to about 2 wt.
%, and more preferably from about 0.05 wt. % to about 1 wt. %. In
another embodiment, the liquid detergent concentrate is diluted
volumetrically, such as X volumes of diluent per volume of liquid
detergent concentrate (X:1). Preferably, such dilutions are in the
range from about 0.5:1 to about 100:1, more preferably from about
1:1 to about 50:1.
[0064] Preferably, the use solution is provided with a relatively
constant detergent use solution concentration across the washing
surface of a vehicle during a wash cycle. Typically, a relatively
constant detergent use solution concentration has a relatively
constant active ingredient concentration. However, a relatively
constant detergent use solution concentration or a relatively
constant active ingredient concentration can exist independent of
one another. Preferably, the relative detergent use solution
concentration and/or active ingredient concentration in the use
solution is constant to within 20% during the majority of a wash
cycle, more preferably to within 15%, even more preferably to
within 10%, and even more preferably to within 9%.
[0065] The relative detergent use solution concentration and/or
active ingredient concentration in the use solution can be measured
indirectly by titrating samples of use solution to a predetermined
endpoint. For example, samples may be taken at the beginning,
middle and end of the wash cycle. However, the samples should not
include the first few seconds or last few seconds of the wash
cycle, as the concentration is in flux during solution
change-overs. Titration samples of a majority of the wash cycle
generally correspond to the front area of the washing surface
(usually at about the front bumper), the middle area of the washing
surface (usually at the windshield and/or roof), and the rear area
of the washing surface (usually at the rear bumper). These samples
may be taken directly from the washing system, such as a spray
nozzel, at the appropriate period of the washing cycle.
[0066] The titration measures the acidity or alkalinity of the
samples, which is directly correlated in a consistent ratio to
active ingredient level. The titrant can be an acid of a known
solution if titrating an alkaline solution to an acid endpoint, or
the titrant can be a base of a known solution if titrating a acidic
solution to a basic endpoint. Using titrating samples at the the
beginning, middle and end of the wash cycle, the relative active
ingredient concentration and/or detergent concentration when
comparing the middle sample to the beginning sample and end sample,
preferably titrates to the appropriate endpoint to within about 20%
or less, more preferably within about 15% or less, even more
preferably to within about 10% or less, and even more preferably to
within about 9% or less. The titration results are generally in
terms of volume, which may be reflected in drops.
[0067] Now referring to FIG. 1, depicting a car wash 100 for
applying a detergent use solution to a motor vehicle 150. The
vehicle 150 has a washing surface 160 that extends from the front
of the vehicle 170 to the rear of the vehicle 180. The spray arm
600 receives detergent concentrate from a supply 120 through a
chemical pump 150 and a chemical piping system 200 to a mixing
valve 400. Water is supplied to the mixing valve 400 by pumping
fresh water from a fresh water supply 300, through a water pump 250
and a water piping connection 350. The mixing valve 400 mixes the
supplied liquid detergent concentrate from the chemical piping
system 200 and fresh water from the water piping connection 350 to
form a detergent use solution. The detergent use solution travels
from the mixing valve 400 through use solution piping 500 to the
spray arm 600. The spray arm 600 contains a frame 700 and a
plurality of spray devices 750. The spray devices 750 apply
detergent use solution to the washing surface 160 of the vehicle
150 in the car wash.
[0068] The car wash 100 depicted in FIG. 1 may be employed in a
conveyor type or a bay automatic type vehicle washing system. In
the conveyor setup, often referred to as a tunnel wash, the spray
arm 600 is stationary and the vehicle to be washed is moved through
the device either by a conveyor or by driving the car therethrough
along a predetermined path. In the bay automatic setup, or rollover
type appratus, the spray arm 600 is mounted on wheels for movement
along a predetermined path wherein the rollover device is moved
forwardly and backwardly over a stationary vehicle to wash the
vehicle. In addition, both of the above-described types of vehicle
washing devices may be employed in a brush or brushless mode
wherein high pressure wash and rinse cycles are utilized so that
cleaning components either touch or do not touch the vehicle
respectively.
[0069] The detergent concentrate is mixed directly with fresh water
in mixing valve 400 and supplied to the spray arm 600 through
piping 500. The piping systems 120, 200, 300, 350, and 500 and
mixing valve 400 may be designed in any manner with equipment that
is capable of withstanding the water and/or chemical contact at
high pressures over long periods of time. In particular, the mixing
valve 400 is desirably a three-way automatic valve that allows
adjustment of the position of the valve 400. Such an automatic
valve is amenable to a control system wherein the conductivity of
the detergent use solution supplied through piping system 500 can
be monitored and controlled to a consistent active ingredient
level. The three-way mixing valve 400 may then adjust the flow
through the mixing valve 400 with corresponding increases or
decreases in the flowrate of the liquid detergent concentrate
supplied by the chemical pump 150 or the water pump 250.
[0070] The liquid detergent concentrate and fresh water may be
supplied to the mixing valve 400 via pumps 150 and 250 operating
under pressure. Detergent use solution is desirably applied to
vehicles in commercial vehicle washing facilities under an
application pressure between from about 50 psi to about 300 psi.
Therefore, the chemical pump 150 and the water pump 250 may operate
at any pressure to achieve the desired pressure range. In one
embodiment, the water is supplied to the mixing valve 400 through
the piping system 350 without using a water pump 250, and merely
using the water pressure of the municipality supplied system.
Typical water pressures supplied by a municipality are from about
15 psi to about 50 psi. Desirably, the detergent concentrate is
supplied through a pump 150 at a pressure greater than that of the
water supply thereby achieving a detergent use solution application
pressure of from about 50 psi to about 300 psi.
[0071] Alternatively, the liquid detergent concentrate may be
supplied to the mixing valve 400 using an aspirator. Such an
aspirator allows the chemical pump 150 to operate at a lower
pressure than the water supply pressure or the pressure supplied by
the water pump 250. An aspirator is one preferred method as an
injection device because a variety of pumps may be utilized that
allow a larger volume of a more constant flow of detergent use
solution into the water stream thereby avoiding pulsing effects of
high pressure pumps. Car washing facility bays are generally
exposed to ambient outdoor conditions.
[0072] FIG. 2 depicts the cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 modified to
allow for multiple chemicals. As with the water piping and pump in
FIG. 1, in FIG. 2 water is supplied though supply piping 300 to
water pump 250 and piping system 350. However, the mixing valve 400
from FIG. 1 is replaced with a valve manifold of mixing valves 950,
1000, and 1050 and flow control valves 800, 850, and 900, all of
which are normally closed.
[0073] When a controller sends an electronic signal to start the
wash cycle for detergent 1, valve 900 opens supplying water to
mixing valve 1050 through piping 350. Detergent 1 is supplied from
a pump through piping 1200 to mixing valve 1050 to create a
detergent use solution 1 that travels through piping 500 to the
spray arm arch 600 of FIG. 1. The controller sends an electronic
signal to the valve 900 thereby closing the valve 900. This
completes one wash cycle. Similarly, at the start of the wash cycle
for detergent 2, the controller sends an electronic signal to valve
850. Valve 850 opens, supplying water to mixing valve 1000 through
piping 350. Detergent 2 is supplied from a pump through piping 1150
to mixing valve 1000 to create detergent use solution 2 that
travels through piping 500 to the spray arm arch 600. At the end of
this wash cycle, the controller sends an electronic signal to the
valve 850 thereby closing the valve 850. When the controller starts
the wash cycle for protectant by sending an electronic signal to
valve 800, the valve 800 opens, supplying water to mixing valve 950
through piping 350. The protectant is supplied from a pump through
piping 1100 to mixing valve 950 to create detergent use solution of
protectant that travels through piping 500 to the spray arm arch
600. At the end of the wash cycle, the controller sends an
electronic signal to valve 800 thereby closing the valve 800.
EXPERIMENTAL
[0074] The following examples are put forth so as to provide those
of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and
description of how the methods claimed herein are made and
evaluated, and are intended to be purely exemplary of the invention
and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors
regard as their invention. Efforts have been made to ensure
accuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.)
but some errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless
indicated otherwise, percent is percent by weight given the
component and the total weight of the composition, temperature is
in .degree. F. or is at ambient temperature, and pressure is at or
near atmospheric.
Example 1
[0075] In this example, an alkaline detergent, 3600 CWX detergent
(of standard concentration, approximately 45% active ingredients)
was injected into a 90 psi water stream using an Ecovac System to
create a detergent use solution. About 80 ml of the 3600 CWX
detergent was utilized during the wash cycle. 5 ml samples were
collected at the driver side and passenger side spray nozzels at
the beginning of the wash cycle, when the nozzle was at the front
area of the car near the front bumper; middle of the wash cycle,
when the nozzle was at the windshield area and again at the center
area of the car; and at the end of the wash cycle, when the nozzle
was at the rear of the car near the rear bumper.
[0076] The samples were titrated by adding 3 drops of phenothalein
to give a red/pink solution and adding drops of 0.1N HCl to obtain
a clear solution. The enpoint had a pH of approximately 8.3. The
drops of HCl required to reach the endpoint are shown in table
1.
1 TABLE 1 Sample Location Driver Side Passenger Side Front of car 8
drops 32 drops Windshield 10 drops not tested Center of car 11
drops not tested Rear of car 37 drops 48 drops
Example 2
[0077] Example 1 was repeated with 3600 CWX detergent injected into
a water stream using an electric FASCO pump to create a detergent
use solution. About 80 ml of the 3600 CWX detergent was utilized. 5
ml samples were taken at the beginning, middle and end of the wash
cycle as in Example 1. The samples were then titrated using the
same procedure described in Example 1 with the results as shown in
table 2.
2 TABLE 2 Sample Location Driver Side Passenger Side Front of car 8
drops not tested Windshield 10 drops not tested Center of car 11
drops not tested Rear of car 22-24 drops not tested
Example 3
[0078] Example 1 was repeated with 3600 CWX detergent injected into
a water stream using an electric FASCO pump to create a detergent
use solution. The use solution entered 150 ml mixing bowls after
the detergent concentrate injection point, but before application
to the vehicle. About 80 ml of the 3600 CWX detergent was utilized.
5 ml samples were taken at the beginning and end of the wash cycle
only. The samples were then titrated using the same procedure
described in Example 1 with the results as shown in table 3.
3 TABLE 3 Sample Location Driver Side Passenger Side Front of car 8
drops 8 drops Rear of car 22 drops 22 drops
Example 4
[0079] In this example, a solid detergent was generated into a
liquid detergent concentrate with approximately a 1.5% active
ingredient level. During one car wash cycle, 800-1600 ml of the
liquid detergent concentrate was utilized. 5 ml samples were taken
at the beginning, middle and end of the wash cycle as in Example 1.
The samples were then titrated using the same procedure described
in Example 1 with the results as shown in table 4.
4 TABLE 4 Sample Location Driver Side Passenger Side Front of car 6
drops 6 drops Windshield 5.5 drops 5.5 drops Rear of car 5.5 drops
5.5 drops
[0080] Throughout this application, various publications are
referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their
entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this
application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to
which this invention pertains.
[0081] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other
embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in
the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the
invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification
and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and
spirit of the invention being indicated by the following
claims.
* * * * *