U.S. patent application number 11/056853 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-07 for method of using a composition for treating contaminant in boiler systems, chiller systems, and cooling tower systems.
Invention is credited to McClung, James E..
Application Number | 20050145826 11/056853 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31715526 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050145826 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McClung, James E. |
July 7, 2005 |
Method of using a composition for treating contaminant in boiler
systems, chiller systems, and cooling tower systems
Abstract
The use of a composition effective in treating a wide variety of
contaminants, such as organic compounds, from boiler systems,
chiller systems, cooling tower systems is provided. The process of
preparing such composition includes contacting hydrogen peroxide,
glycolic acid, and water. The process can additionally include
contacting with one or more additional components such as isopropyl
alcohol.
Inventors: |
McClung, James E.; (Cedar
Hill, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROSS SPENCER GARSSON
WINSTEAD SECHREST & MINICK P.C.
P. O. BOX 50784
DALLAS
TX
75201
US
|
Family ID: |
31715526 |
Appl. No.: |
11/056853 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11056853 |
Feb 11, 2005 |
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10333101 |
Jul 14, 2003 |
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10333101 |
Jul 14, 2003 |
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PCT/US01/24775 |
Aug 3, 2001 |
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60223064 |
Aug 4, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
252/180 ;
134/10 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 210/917 20130101;
C11D 3/2086 20130101; C11D 3/3947 20130101; Y02W 10/37 20150501;
C11D 7/261 20130101; Y10S 210/916 20130101; C11D 7/265 20130101;
B41N 3/08 20130101; C11D 11/0041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
252/180 ;
134/010 |
International
Class: |
B08B 007/04; C02F
005/10 |
Claims
1. A process comprising: (a) selecting a composition made by a
process comprising contacting hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and
water wherein said water is present in an amount that prevents an
uncontrollable reaction between the hydrogen peroxide and glycolic
acid; (b) utilizing the composition in an system selected from the
group consisting of boiler systems, chiller systems cooling tower
systems, and combinations thereof, wherein the composition contacts
contaminant in the system; and (c) treating at least some of the
contaminant in the system due to the contact of the composition and
the contaminant.
2. The process according to claim 1 wherein the weight ratio of
said hydrogen peroxide to said glycolic acid is at least about 1:1
and at most about 30:1.
3. The process according to claim 1 wherein the weight ratio of
said hydrogen peroxide to said glycolic acid is at least about 2:1
and at most about 20:1.
4. The process according to claim 1 wherein the weight ratio of
said hydrogen peroxide to said glycolic acid is at least about 2:1
and at most about 10:1.
5. The process according to claim 1 wherein said hydrogen peroxide
is present as a hydrogen peroxide solution of said hydrogen
peroxide and said water and wherein said hydrogen peroxide solution
comprises at least about 0.1 weight percent said hydrogen peroxide
and at most about 20 weight percent said hydrogen peroxide, and
further wherein said glycolic acid is present as a glycolic acid
solution of said glycolic acid and said water and wherein said
glycolic acid solution comprises at least about 1 weight percent
said glycolic acid and at most about 15 weight percent said
glycolic acid.
6. The process according to claim 1 wherein said hydrogen peroxide
is present as a hydrogen peroxide solution of said hydrogen
peroxide and said water and wherein said hydrogen peroxide solution
comprises at least about 0.5 weight percent said hydrogen peroxide
and at most about 15 weight percent said hydrogen peroxide, and
further wherein said glycolic acid is present as a glycolic acid
solution of said glycolic acid and said water wherein said glycolic
acid solution comprises at least about 1 weight percent said
glycolic acid and at most about 10 weight percent said glycolic
acid.
7. The process according to claim 1 further comprising contacting
with isopropyl alcohol.
8. The process according to claim 1 wherein said water is present
in an amount of at least about 50 weight percent based on the total
weight of said hydrogen peroxide glycolic acid, and water.
9. The process according to claim 2 wherein said water is present
in an amount of least about 60 weight percent based on the total
weight of said hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water and at
most about 97 weight percent based on the total weight of said
hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water.
10. The process according to claim 1 wherein said hydrogen peroxide
is present as a hydrogen peroxide solution of said hydrogen
peroxide and said water and wherein said hydrogen peroxide solution
comprises at least about 1 weight percent said hydrogen peroxide
and at most about 15 weight percent said hydrogen peroxide, and
further wherein said glycolic acid is present as a glycolic acid
solution of said glycolic acid and said water and wherein said
glycolic acid solution comprises at least about 1 weight percent
said glycolic acid and at most about 5 weight percent said glycolic
acid.
11. The process according to claim 1 wherein said water is present
in an amount of least about 70 weight percent based on the total
weight of said hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid and water and at
most about 95 weight percent based on the total weight of said
hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid and water.
12. The process according to claim 1 wherein said composition is a
sanitizer.
13. The process according to claim 1 wherein said contaminant are
selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, algae, and
combinations thereof.
14. The process according to claim 1 wherein the system comprises a
boiler system.
15. The process according to claim 1 wherein the system comprises a
chiller system.
16. The process according to claim 1 wherein said said system
comprises a cooling tower system.
17. The process of claim 1, wherein the composition is prepared by
the process of contacting hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and
water wherein said water is present in an amount of least about 50
weight percent based on the total weight of said hydrogen peroxide,
glycolic acid, and water and at most about 99 weight percent based
on the total weight of said hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and
water.
18. The process according to claim 17 wherein the weight ratio of
said hydrogen peroxide to said glycolic acid is at least about 1:1
and at most about 30:1.
19. The process according to claim 17 wherein the weight ratio of
said hydrogen peroxide to said glycolic acid is at least about 2:1
and at most about 20:1.
20. The process according to claim 17 wherein the weight ratio of
said hydrogen peroxide to said glycolic acid is at least about 2:1
and at most about 10:1.
21-27. (canceled)
28. The process according to claim 1 wherein the composition is
further made by the process that comprises contacting the hydrogen
peroxide, the glycolic acid, and the water with a component
selected from the group consisting of potassium monopersulfate,
silver, acids, esters, alcohols, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy
acids, and combinations thereof.
29. The process according to claim 28 wherein the component
comprises an acid selected from the group consisting of acetic,
sulfuric, formic, peroxyacetic, and combinations thereof.
30. The process according to claim 28 wherein the component
comprises a hvdoxy acid selected from the group consisting of said
alpha hydoxy acids, beta hydroxyl acids, and combinations thereof,
wherein said alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids are selected from
the group consisting of citric, lactic, maleic, and combinations
thereof.
31. The process according to claim 30 wherein said hydroxy acid is
the lactic acid.
32-34. (canceled)
35. A process of treating contaminant in a system comprising: (a)
selecting a composition of hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and
water, wherein said water is present in an amount of least about 50
weight percent based on the total weight of said hydrogen peroxide,
glycolic acid, and water and at most about 99 weight percent based
on the total weight of said hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and
water to provide a composition and (b) contacting said contaminant
with a concentration of said composition, wherein said
concentration treats at least some of said contaminant in said
system, wherein said systems is selected from the group, consisting
of boiler systems, chiller systems, cooling tower systems, and
combinations thereof.
36-44. (canceled)
45. The process according to claim 1, wherein said composition is
selected from the group consisting of fungicides, algaecide,
bactericide, and combinations thereof.
46. The process according to claim 35, wherein said composition is
a sanitizer.
47. The process according to claim 35, wherein said composition is
selected from the group consisting of fungicides, algaecide,
bactericide, and combinations thereof.
48. The process according to claim 35 wherein said contaminant are
selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, algae, and
combinations thereof.
49. The process according to claim 35 wherein the system comprises
a boiler system.
50. The process according to claim 35 wherein the system comprises
a chiller system.
51. The process according to claim 35 wherein said system comprises
a cooling tower system.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from provisional U.S.
application Ser. No. 60/223,064 filed Aug. 4, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a method of making a composition
and a product from such method wherein such composition is
effective in reducing the concentration of a contaminant in an
environment.
[0003] It is known that various processes used to produce printed
materials such as printing processes and lithography processes
utilize various machinery that contain several parts such as
rollers, apparatus to contain and move fluids (such as hoses and
trays), and other moving parts (such as gears and the like). Such
machinery becomes contaminated with various is contaminants, such
as organic deposits, calcium deposits, bacteria, fingi, and
additional residue created from the use of various organic-based
inks and printing production fluids known in the art. Great
difficulty is encountered in attempting to reduce the concentration
of, preferably remove, such contaminants from the various parts of
the machinery due, in part, to the difficulty in accessing the
internal parts of such machinery.
[0004] In addition, when such contaminant residue is not removed on
a consistent basis, it is known that such residue can accumulate
and harden over time creating a residue which is difficult to
remove and can cause undesirable chemical reactions to occur in the
various processes. Processes used in the past to remove such
residue have included mechanical removal that requires
disassembling the machinery to access parts that contain such
residue and then removing such residue by mechanical methods such
as by hammering, chiseling, and the like. Such mechanical methods
require significant downtime of the machinery and involve increased
risk to the equipment and the personnel involved with removing such
residue.
[0005] It is also known that various methods for removing such
residue, other than mechanical methods, usually involve the use of
fluids such as various solvents and surfactants. However, such
solvents and surfactants do not completely remove such residue.
Further, when such solvents and surfactants do not completely
remove such residue, such residue begins to accumulate as discussed
above. Thus, a composition and process of using such composition
for removing contaminants from machinery such as printing and
lithography equipment that does not require mechanical methods of
removing such residue, provides for a substantially complete
removal of such residue, and helps to prevent the accumulation of
such residue, would be of significant contribution to the art and
to the economy.
[0006] It is also known that various industrial processes used to
produce goods utilize various systems, such as packaging systems,
flexographic systems, food processing systems, bleaching systems,
metallurgy systems, acid washing systems, veterinary product
systems, pesticide systems, meat processing systems, poultry
processing systems, dairy processing systems, sanitizing systems,
and the like and combinations thereof, which contain several parts
such as gears, rollers, and the like. Such parts can become
contaminated with various contaminants such as organic and calcium
deposits, calcium and starch-based glues, and the like and
combinations thereof. Various compositions known to reduce the
concentration of, or remove, such contaminants utilize compositions
which are difficult to dispose of due to environmental regulations
and can present significant safety hazards. Thus, a composition,
useful for removing such contaminants from such systems, which is
non-toxic, easy to prepare, and capable of being disposed of
without costly disposal procedures would also be of significant
contribution to the art and to the economy.
[0007] It is also known that various industrial processes used to
produce goods such as paper and pulp products utilize various
water-containing systems. Such water-containing systems are also
found in various printing systems, water treating systems, drainage
systems, boiler systems, chiller systems, and the like. Use of such
water-containing systems presents several problems relating to the
fouling of such water-containing systems with various con ants such
as scale, algae, fungi, bacteria, surfactants, various organic
compounds, and the like. The contaminants can foul such
water-containing systems to such an extent that such
water-containing systems require extensive cleaning to remove such
contaminants, which results in a decrease in production of
goods.
[0008] Various known compositions that can be used for reducing the
concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, such
contaminants from such water-containing systems frequently utilize
chlorine. However, use of such chlorine-based compositions present
various environmental and safety hazards and further, disposal of
such products produced using such chlorine-based compositions
requires close environmental scrutiny and regulation. In addition,
such chlorine-based compositions are frequently utilized in gaseous
form which requires extensive safety and training procedures to be
utilized. Thus, a composition, useful for removing or dissolving
one or more contaminants from an environment that contains
water-based systems, which is non-toxic, inexpensive, and easy to
prepare and use would be of significant value to the art and to the
economy.
[0009] In addition, compositions, useful in reducing the
concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, contaminants
from an environment, which contain more than one component commonly
require one of the components to be added to the environment first,
followed by the addition of a second component. The two components
must then react "in situ" to thereby provide a composition that can
remove or dissolve the contaminants contained within the
environment. Such compositions can be difficult to use due to the
difficulty in determining how much of each component of the
composition should be added. Thus, a composition useful in reducing
the concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving,
contaminants from an environment and that can be prepared "ex situ"
in various concentrations, which can then be added to an
environment to remove or dissolve contaminants would be of
significant contribution to the art and to the economy.
[0010] In addition, a composition useful in reducing the
concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, contaminants
from an environment which is prepared from easily accessible
components and which can be prepared by a simple procedure
utilizing a minimum of preparation apparatus would also be of
significant contribution to the art and to the economy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a process
for preparing a composition which is useful for reducing the
concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, one or more
contaminants from an environment. Such process utilizes components
which are inexpensive to use and easy to prepare. Another object of
the present invention is to provide a process for preparing a
composition which utilizes a simple and effective method which
provides a composition having desirable properties such as enhanced
capabilities for reducing the concentration of, preferably removing
or dissolving, a contaminant from an environment when compared to a
composition prepared by other methods.
[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
improved process of reducing the concentration of, preferably
removing or dissolving, a contaminant from an environment.
[0013] An embodiment of the present invention is a novel
composition prepared by a process comprising contacting hydrogen
peroxide, glycolic acid (also referred to as hydroxy acetic acid),
and water.
[0014] Another embodiment of the present invention is a process of
preparing a novel composition comprising contacting hydrogen
peroxide, glycolic acid, and water. The process can further
comprise contacting with one or more additional components such as
isopropyl alcohol.
[0015] A novel composition of the present invention can be used for
reducing the a concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving,
a wide variety of contaminants from a wide variety of environments.
Such contaminants can include Groups II-VIII of the Periodic a
Table of the Elements, algae, fungi, bacteria, surfactants, natural
gums, synthetic gums, organic compounds, paper fillers, paper
filters, clays, sulfites, sulfates, oxides, adhesives, starches,
and the like and combinations thereof. Such environments can
include water-containing systems, paper producing systems, pulp
producing systems, printing systems, packaging systems,
flexographic systems, food processing systems, bleaching systems,
metallurgy systems, acid washing systems, veterinary product
systems, pesticide systems, meat processing systems, poultry
processing systems, dairy processing systems, sanitizing systems,
and the like and combinations thereof. Such water-containing
systems can include swimming pools, water treating systems,
drainage systems, boiler systems, chiller systems, sewage treating
systems, irrigation systems, agriculture systems, cooling tower
systems, and the like and combinations thereof.
[0016] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description of the invention and
the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] It has been discovered that the performance of a composition
when reducing the concentration of, preferably removing or
dissolving, one or more contaminants from an environment can be
improved by utilizing a novel process of preparing such composition
which comprises contacting hydrogen peroxide and glycolic acid.
[0018] Generally, a process of preparing a composition of the
present invention comprises contacting hydrogen peroxide, glycolic
acid, and water. The hydrogen peroxide is generally present as a
hydrogen peroxide solution comprising hydrogen peroxide and water.
Such hydrogen peroxide solution generally comprises at least about
0.1 weight percent hydrogen peroxide in water and at most about 20
weight percent hydrogen peroxide in water, preferably at least
about 0.5 weight percent hydrogen peroxide in water and at most
about 15 weight percent hydrogen peroxide in water, and more
preferably at least about 1 weight percent hydrogen peroxide in
water and at most about 15 weight percent hydrogen peroxide in
water. An example hydrogen peroxide solution which can be used in a
process of the present invention can be prepared by adding a
stabilizing amount of water to a commercially available 35 weight
percent technical grade solution of hydrogen peroxide in water from
FMC Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa., to thereby obtain a hydrogen
peroxide solution suitable for use in a process of the present
invention. The water suitable for use in a process of the present
invention is preferably a low solids water generally comprising
less than about 10 parts per million (ppm) dissolved solids,
preferably less than about 5 ppm dissolved solids, more preferably
less than about 1 ppm dissolved solids, and most preferably about 0
ppm dissolved solids. An example low solids water which can be used
in a process of the present invention can be obtained commercially
from PGT Inc., Cedar Hill, Tex., which is a low solids water
produced by reverse osmosis having less than about 0.1 ppm
dissolved solids.
[0019] The water, preferably low solids water, can be prepared by
any suitable means known in the art for preparing water which can
be used in a process of the present invention. Generally, the low
solids water can be prepared by subjecting a high solids water to a
treating means selected from the group consisting of reverse
osmosis, deionization, and the like and combinations thereof. The
high solids water generally comprises more dissolved solids than
the low solids water. Generally, the high solids water comprises
more than about 200 ppm of dissolved solids.
[0020] Generally, water is present in a stabilizing amount which
allows for the contacting of hydrogen peroxide and glycolic acid
according a process as described herein. Generally, a stabilizing
amount of water as described herein should be large enough to
prevent an uncontrollable or unpredictable reaction between the
hydrogen peroxide and glycolic acid which can occur in a non-dilute
environment as known in the art. However, a stabilizing amount of
water as described herein should be small enough to prevent the
resulting composition from being so dilute that such resulting
composition no longer has the ability to reduce the concentration
of; preferably remove or dissolve, a contaminant from an
environment as described herein. Thus, a novel aspect of the
present invention is the presence of a stabilizing amount of water,
preferably low solids water, which is large enough to allow the
contacting of such hydrogen peroxide and glycolic acid in a
predictable and controllable manner, yet, is small enough to
prevent a significant dilution of the resulting composition so that
such composition is effective in reducing the concentration of,
preferably removing or dissolving, a contaminant from an
environment as described herein.
[0021] Generally, a stabilizing amount of water, preferably low
solids water, is present in an amount of at least about 50 percent
by weight water based on the total weight of the hydrogen peroxide,
glycolic acid, and water, and at most about 99.9 percent by weight
water based on the total weight of the hydrogen peroxide, glycolic
acid, and water. Preferably, a stabilizing amount of water is
present in an amount of at least about 60 percent by weight water
based on the total weight of the hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid,
and water, and at most about 97 percent by weight, and more
preferably a stabilizing amount of water is present in an amount of
at least about 70 percent by weight water based on the total weight
of the hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water, and at most
about 95 percent by weight water based on the total weight of the
hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water.
[0022] The glycolic acid is preferably a glycolic acid solution
comprising glycolic acid and Water. Such glycolic acid solution
generally comprises at least about 1 weight percent glycolic acid
and at most about 15 weight percent glycolic acid, preferably at
least about 1 weight percent glycolic acid and at most about 10
weight percent glycolic acid, and more preferably comprises at
least about 1 weight percent glycolic acid and at most about 5
weight percent glycolic acid. An example glycolic acid solution
which can bemused in a process of the present invention can be
obtained by adding low solids water as described herein to a
commercially available 70 weight percent technical grade solution
of glycolic acid obtained from DuPont Chemical, Wilmington, Del.,
to thereby obtain a 5 weight percent glycolic acid solution.
[0023] The hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water can be
contacted by any suitable means and in any suitable order which
provides for a composition of the present invention effective in
reducing the concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, a
contaminant from an environment. Preferably, such contacting
comprises mixing utilizing any suitable mixing means known in the
art for mixing an aqueous solution with another aqueous solution.
More preferably, a hydrogen peroxide solution as described herein
is mixed with a glycolic acid solution as described herein. During
contacting, the weight ratio of hydrogen peroxide to glycolic acid
is generally at least about 1:1 and at most about 30:1, preferably
at least about 2:1 and at most about 20:1, more preferably at least
about 2:1 and at most about 10:1, and most preferably at least
about 2:1 and at most about 6:1.
[0024] The temperature during contacting of the hydrogen peroxide,
glycolic acid, and water, preferably during the contacting of the
hydrogen peroxide solution and glycolic acid solution, can be any
temperature which provides a composition effective in reducing the
concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, a contaminant
from the environment as described herein. Generally, the
temperature during contacting is at least about 0.degree. F. and at
most about 100.degree. F., preferably at least about 10.degree. F.
and at most about 90.degree. F., and more preferably at least about
20.degree. F. and at most about 80.degree. F. The pressure during
contacting can be any pressure which provides for a composition as
described herein. The pressure is generally at least about
atmospheric and at most about 100 pounds per square inch absolute
(psia), preferably about atmospheric. The time period of contacting
can be any time period capable of providing for a composition as
described herein The time period of contacting is generally at
least about 0.1 minute and at most about 60 minutes, preferably at
least about 0.1 minute and at most about 30 minutes.
[0025] A process of providing a composition of the present
invention can further comprise contacting with an additional
component comprising isopropyl alcohol. Generally, the isopropyl
alcohol has a purity of at least about 95 percent, preferably at
least about 98 percent, and more preferably at least about 99
percent In addition to, or in lieu of, contacting with isopropyl
alcohol, a process of the present invention can further comprise
contacting with one or more components selected from the group
consisting of potassium monopersulfate, silver, acids, esters,
alcohols, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and the like and
combinations thereof. Examples of suitable esters include, but are
not limited to, ethoxylated esters and the like and combinations
thereof. Examples of suitable acids include, but are not limited
to, acetic, sulfuric, formic, peroxyacetic, and the like and
combinations thereof. Examples of suitable alpha hydroxy and beta
hydroxy acids include, but are not limited to, citric, lactic,
maleic, and the like and combinations thereof.
[0026] Such additional component(s) can be added in any amount(s)
as long as such amount(s) provides a composition effective in
reducing the concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, a
contaminant from an environment as described herein. Generally,
when such additional component(s) is present, such additional
component(s) is present in an a amount of at least about 0.1 weight
percent based on the total weight of the final composition and at
most about 20 weight percent based on the total weight of the final
composition, preferably in an amount of at least about 0.1 weight
percent based on the total weight of the final composition and at
most about 10 weight percent based on the total weight of the final
composition, and more preferably in an amount of at least about 0.1
weight percent based on the total weight of the final composition
and at most about 5 weight percent based on the total weight of the
final composition.
[0027] A preferred method of preparing a composition of the present
invention comprises mixing a 35 weight percent solution of hydrogen
peroxide in water with a stabilizing amount of low solids water
comprising less than about 1 ppm dissolved solids to thereby
provide a resulting mixture comprising about 80 weight percent low
solids water and the rest comprising the hydrogen peroxide
solution. The resulting mixture is then contacted with a 5 weight
percent glycolic acid solution prepared by contacting a 70 weight
percent glycolic acid solution with low solids water comprising
less than about 1 ppm dissolved solids to provide a composition
having a pH of about 1.9 to about 3.5. Such composition is
particularly suitable for use in reducing the concentration of,
preferably removing or dissolving, calcium and starch glues and
organic substances and mineral residue typically found in
corrugated box manufacturing and printing and flexography
processes.
[0028] Another preferred method of preparing a composition of the
present invention comprises mixing a 35 weight percent solution of
hydrogen peroxide in water with a stabilizing amount of low solids
water comprising less than about 1 ppm dissolved solids to thereby
provide a resulting mixture comprising about 43 weight percent low
solids water and the rest comprising the hydrogen peroxide
solution. The resulting mixture is then contacted with a 5 weight
percent glycolic acid solution prepared by contacting a 70 weight
percent glycolic acid solution with low solids water comprising
less than about 1 ppm dissolved solids to provide a composition
having a pH of about 1.9 to about 3.5. Such resulting composition
is particularly suitable for use in reducing the concentration of,
preferably removing or dissolving, contaminants typically found in
water-containing systems.
[0029] An additional preferred process of preparing such
composition is to further contact the resulting composition with
isopropyl alcohol having a purity of about 99 percent in an amount
to provide a resulting composition containing such isopropyl
alcohol in an amount of about 5 weight percent based on the total
weight of the final composition.
[0030] A composition of the present invention generally has a pH of
at least about 1.5 and at most about 4.5, preferably at least about
1.7 and at most about 4, and more preferably at least about 1.9 and
at most about 3.8.
[0031] A composition of the present invention generally has a
specific gravity of at least about 1.0 and at most about 1.5,
preferably at least about 1.1 and at most about 1.4, more
preferably at least about 1.3 and at most about 1.4, and most
preferably about 1.35.
[0032] While not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed
that a composition of the present invention comprises a molecule
containing two carbon atoms, four hydrogen atoms, and four oxygen
atoms. It is father believed that two of the four hydrogen atoms
and two of the four oxygen atoms are present as hydroxyl groups
(OH).
[0033] A composition of the present invention prepared by a process
of the present invention described herein can be utilized to reduce
the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, a wide array
of contaminants from a wide array of environments. Such process
generally comprises contacting such contaminant(s) with a
concentration of a composition of the present invention, prepared
according to a process as described herein, in a concentration
effective in reducing the concentration of, preferably removing or
dissolving, such contaminant(s) from such environment Examples of
suitable contaminants include, but are not limited to, elements of
Groups II-VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements (also referred
to as Group II elements, Group III elements, Group IV elements,
Group V elements, Group VI elements, Group VII elements, and Group
VIII elements), algae, fungi, bacteria, surfactants, natural gums,
synthetic gums, organic compounds, paper fibers, paper filters,
clays, sulfites, sulfates, oxides, adhesives, starches, and the
like and combinations thereof.
[0034] Examples of a suitable environment include, but are not
limited to, water-containing systems, paper producing systems, pulp
producing systems, printing systems, packaging systems,
flexographic systems, food processing systems, bleaching systems,
metallurgy systems, acid washing systems, veterinary product
systems, pesticide systems, meat processing systems, poultry
processing systems, dairy processing systems, sanitizing systems,
and the like and combinations thereof. The term "system" refers to
any method, process, apparatus, components, and the like and
combinations thereof related in any way or manner to the disclosed
type of system. For example, the term "water-containing systems"
refers to any method, process, apparatus, components, and the like
and combinations thereof known in the art related in any way or
manner to water containing or containment. Also for example, the
term "food processing systems" refers to any method, process,
apparatus, components, and the like and combinations thereof known
in the art related in any way or manner to food processing. Also
for example, the term "printing systems" refers to any method,
process, apparatus, components, and the like and combinations
thereof known in the art related in any way or manner to
printing.
[0035] Examples of suitable water-containing systems include, but
are not limited to, swimming pools, water treating systems,
drainage systems, boiler systems, chiller systems, sewage treating
systems, irrigation systems, agricultural systems, cooling tower
systems, and the like and combinations thereof.
[0036] A composition of the present invention can be contacted with
one or more contaminants as described herein by any suitable means
and under any suitable conditions which are effective in reducing
the concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, such
contaminants from an environment. The contacting condition, also
referred to as the contaminant contacting condition, which
comprises a concentration of a composition as described herein, a
contacting temperature, a contacting pressure, and a contacting
time period can be any contacting condition effective in reducing
the concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, a
contaminant from an environment as described herein. The contacting
condition will generally depend on the type and concentration of
contaminant and type of environment. For example, the contacting
condition will generally have an increased composition
concentration, temperature, pressure, and time period when the
concentration of one or more contaminants is increased compared to
the contacting condition necessary when such contaminants are
present in a reduced concentration. For example, when a composition
of the present invention is used as a swimming pool shock treatment
to help initially reduce the concentration of, preferably remove or
dissolve, a contaminant, the composition concentration will be
significantly increased and the time period decreased compared to
when a composition of the present invention is used to maintain the
reduction in concentration of contaminants in such swimming pool
over, for example, a thirty day period. Selecting the proper
contacting condition based on the concentration of contaminants
within an environment is within the skill in the art.
[0037] When the environment comprises a liquid medium, such as the
water-containing systems described herein, the concentration of
composition is generally at least about 0.1 part composition by
volume per million parts environment (ppmv) and at most about 25
volume percent, preferably at least about 0.5 ppmv and at most
about 20 volume percent, and more preferably at least about 1 ppmv
and at most about 15 volume percent. When the environment does not
comprise a liquid medium, such as when the composition is applied
directly to a contaminant the concentration of composition is
generally at least about 0.1 part composition by weight per million
parts environment (ppm) and at most about 20 weight percent,
preferably at least about 0.5 ppm and at most about 10 weight
percent, and more preferably at least about 1 ppm and at most about
5 weight percent.
[0038] Generally, the contacting temperature, also referred to as
the contaminant contacting temperature, is at least about
50.degree. F. and at most about 200.degree. F., preferably at least
about 70.degree. F. and at most about 150.degree. F. The contacting
pressure, also referred to as the contaminant contacting pressure,
is generally at least about atmospheric and at most about 100
pounds per square inch absolute (psia), preferably about
atmospheric. The contacting time, also referred to as the
contaminant contacting time, is generally at least about 0.1 minute
and at most about 30 days, preferably at least about 0.5 minute and
at most about 20 days, and more preferably at least about 1 minute
and at most about 10 days.
[0039] Examples of suitable uses of a composition of the present
invention include, but are not limited to, the following.
[0040] A composition of the present invention can be used as a
descalant, biocide, slimicide, flocculant, and the like and
combinations thereof to reduce the concentration of, preferably
remove or dissolve, scale, algae, and the like and combinations
thereof from machinery and apparatus used to produce paper and
pulp.
[0041] A composition of the present invention can be used as a
descalant, biocide and/or algaecide to reduce the concentration of,
preferably remove or dissolve, various contaminants from
water-containing systems used in the printing industry. For
example, a composition of the present invention can be used as a
calcium and surfactant remover to reduce the concentration of,
preferably remove or dissolve, calcium, dissolved minerals,
surfactants, bacteria, and the like and combinations thereof from
the lines and tanks of water-containing systems used in the
printing industries, packaging industries, and the like and
combinations thereof. Also for example, a composition of the
present invention can be used to reduce the concentration of,
preferably remove or dissolve, various surfactants, natural gums,
calcium carbonate, polymer-containing residue, and the like and
combinations thereof from lithographic plate surfaces. A
composition of the present invention can also be used as a rubber
roller rinse to reduce the concentration of, preferably remove or
dissolve, organic contaminants, water-based contaminants, and
liquid metal precipitants including, but not limited to, paper
fiber, paper fillers, clay coatings, sulfites, sulfates, titanium
dioxide, chromium, barium, calcium carbonate, and the like and
combinations thereof. The reduction in concentration, preferably
the removing or dissolving, of these contaminants results in
improved consistency of ink transfer and aids in restricting the
neutralization of acid fountain chemistries commonly used in
lithography and lithographic processes.
[0042] A composition of the present invention can be used for
reducing the concentration of, preferably removing or dissolving, a
contaminant such as scale, algae, fingi, bacteria, minerals, and
the like and combinations thereof from water-containing systems
such as water tanks, water lines, pumps, and the like and
combinations thereof. Such contaminants are known to exist in such
water-containing systems commonly utilized in the printing and
paper industries and the like because of the high contact rate with
paper products which contain mold, fungi spores and bacteria which
are commonly found in the wood used to produce such paper
products.
[0043] A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce
the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, an adhesive.
In various processes, such as the process of manufacturing
corrugated boxes and packaging, glues and adhesives containing
organic compounds and starches are commonly used. A composition of
the present invention can be contacted, such as by spraying, with
such glues and adhesives and, after a time period effective for
allowing a composition of the present invention to penetrate such
glues and adhesives, can thus provide for easy removal of such
glues and adhesives.
[0044] A composition of the present invention can be used to treat
anilox rolls, particularly the cells contained by, or within, such
anilox rolls, commonly found in flexographic situations. Anilox
rolls commonly utilized in flexographic situations commonly contain
organic substances of microscopic size found in various
concentrations. There are various methods of applying various
compositions to remove such substances which include spraying onto
the surface being treated, mechanically applying to the surface,
immersion treating, and the like and combinations thereof.
Utilizing a composition of the present invention provides an
improvement over existing technologies of cleaning anilox rolls
which are currently being used such as baking soda blasting,
ultra-sonic cleaning, and utilizing chemicals of high alkalinity
concentration.
[0045] A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce
the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, various
contaminants commonly found in food processing and food packaging
environments and the like.
[0046] A composition of the present invention can be used in waste
sludge treatment processes to help break down solids and provide
biocide effects.
[0047] A composition of the present invention can be used as an
industrial biocide treatment to kill various fungi such as the
bottrus fungi, mold or bacteria.
[0048] A composition of the present invention can be used to
enhance the bleaching processes commonly found in the textile
industries, paper and pulp industries, and the like and
combinations thereof.
[0049] A composition of the present invention can be used to
enhance the effectiveness of known descalants, slimicides,
antimicrobials, and the like and combinations thereof.
[0050] A composition of the present invention can be used in fish
farming and agricultural processes as a pesticide for killing
microorganisms and/or parasites, including bacteria and fungi,
found to exist within such processes. Such agricultural processes
include, but are not limited to, agricultural rendering and
growing, including various related holding areas which can contain
such bacteria, fingi, and parasites.
[0051] A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce
the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, various
contaminants commonly found in meat, poultry, and dairy rendering
and processing facilities.
[0052] A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce
the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, various
contaminants commonly found in metallurgy processes involving
copper or other metals.
[0053] A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce
the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, various
contaminants commonly found in processes comprising the
acid-washing of concrete.
[0054] A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce
the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, various
contaminants commonly found in processes to produce veterinary
products.
[0055] A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce
the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, various
contaminants commonly found in beer processing systems, wine
processing systems, and the like such as removing contaminants from
various vats.
[0056] A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce
the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, various
contaminants from the surfaces of automobiles such as removing bug
and tar residue from an external surface, e.g., a bumper, of a car
or truck.
[0057] A composition of the present invention can be used as an
additive in various products used in the cosmetic industry such as
face-peel products.
[0058] A composition of the present invention can be used to reduce
the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, contaminants
such as calcium-based and organic-based substances commonly found
in the marine industry such as from the external surfaces of
ships.
[0059] Preferably, a composition of the present invention is used
to reduce the concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve,
contaminants from printing systems. A composition of the present
invention can be used in addition to, or preferably as an
alternative to, various mechanical means and the use of various
solvents and/or various surfactants, such as sodium hydroxide, to
remove such contaminants.
[0060] Also preferred, a composition of the present invention is
used as a sanitizer, fungicide, algaecide, and the like and
combinations thereof to reduce the concentration of, preferably
remove or dissolve, contaminants from water-containing systems such
as swimming pools, water gardens, and the like and combinations
thereof. A composition of the present invention can be used in
addition to, or preferably as an alternative to, chlorine-based, or
bromide-based, or biguianide-based compositions.
[0061] Also preferred, a composition of the present invention is
used as a sanitizer, fungicide, algaecide, and the like and
combinations thereof to reduce the concentration of, preferably
remove or dissolve, contaminants from water-containing systems
commonly found in municipal water treating systems, commercial
drainage systems, industrial boiler systems, industrial chiller
systems, cooling tower systems, and the like and combinations
thereof. A a composition of the present invention can be used in
addition to, or preferably as an alternative to, chlorine-based, or
bromide-based, or biguianide-based compositions.
[0062] The following examples are presented to father illustrate
this invention and are not to be construed as unduly limiting the
scope of this invention.
EXAMPLE I
[0063] This example illustrates a preparation of a composition of
the present invention.
[0064] A 55-gallon quantity of a composition of the present
invention was prepared by mixing 8.25 gallons of 35 weight percent
hydrogen peroxide solution (obtained from FMC Corporation,
Philadelphia, Pa., as a 35 weight percent technical grade solution
of hydrogen peroxide in water) with 34.675 gallons of low solids
water comprising less than about 0.1 ppm dissolved solids (obtained
from PGT Inc., Cedar Hill, Tex., the low solids water had been
produced by reverse osmosis) at room temperature (about 70.degree.
F.) and atmospheric pressure to thereby provide a resulting
mixture. Total mixing time was about 15 minutes. The resulting
mixture was then contacted with 11.55 gallons of a 5 weight percent
glycolic acid solution which had been prepared by contacting 0.825
gallons of approximately 70 weight percent glycolic acid solution
(obtained from DuPont Chemical, Wilmington, Del., as a 70 weight
percent technical grade solution of glycolic acid in water) with
10.725 gallons of low solids water comprising less than about 0.1
ppm dissolved solids (obtained from PGT Inc., the low solids water
had been produced by reverse osmosis) at room temperature (about
70.degree. F.) and atmospheric pressure to thereby obtain about 55
gallons of a composition of the present invention referred to
herein as "Composition A" having a pH of about 3.3.
EXAMPLE II
[0065] This example illustrates the use of a composition of the
present invention (Composition A as described herein) to reduce the
concentration of, preferably remove or dissolve, calcium and/or
starch glues and substances from corrugating equipment used in
manufacturing corrugated boxes.
[0066] Equipment was obtained from Packaging Corporation of America
(PCA) located in Waco, Tex. and had been in use for several years.
A significant amount of glue residue (color of such residue was a
dirty-white due to the glue drying to a semi-translucent appearance
over time) was observed. A significant concentration of glue
residue was located on a cross-member of the adhesive application
device of such equipment about 10 inches under the glue applicator
which applied the glue to the web paperboard to form a corrugated
box sheet. The glue residue level had accumulated to such an extent
that production problems were encountered. PCA had requested
assistance from several chemical companies to develop a product
which would remove or allow removal of the glue residue. It is
believed that twenty unsuccessful attempts were made by the various
chemical vendor companies to do so. Composition A was then applied
directly to the glue residue using a trigger sprayer Within about 5
minutes, the semi-translucent appearance of the glue residue turned
to a white color as such glue residue originally appeared (i.e.,
the appearance of the glue before it dried). Layer by layer the
accumulated glue residue turned white. Within about 20 minutes, the
layers of residue were all visibly re-hydrated and could be removed
by hand by peeling each layer from the cross-member. When
Composition A reached the bottom layer of residue which had been
estimated as having initially formed over 20 years prior, such
bottom layer was able to be removed which enabled the equipment to
be operated again. Overall, maintenance problems for the equipment
based on glue residue was minimized. Before the application of
Composition A, the preferred and possibly only means to remove this
residue was with a hammer and chisel. The hammer and chisel were
used to chisel the layers away from the cross-member section of the
adhesive application device.
EXAMPLE III
[0067] This example illustrates another use of a composition of the
present invention, (Composition A as described herein) to remove
organic substances and mineral residue from equipment such as
anilox rolls used in flexography processes.
[0068] Equipment utilizing anilox rolls was provided by Packaging
Corporation of America (PCA) located in Waco, Tex. Such equipment
had been used for several years. An inherent problem which exists
in flexography processes is various contaminants have a tendency to
accumulate and bond to small laser-etched cells within the anilox
rolls. These cells supply water and solvent-based flexography inks
to the raised image photo-polymer printing plate. After removal of
excess flexography inks, there are multiple procedures used to
remove sealants and residue from the anilox rolls. The anilox rolls
of the PCA equipment had various mineral and ink component deposits
which could not be easily removed by previous methods, such as
baking soda blasting and using ultrasound equipment.
[0069] In a first-method, Composition A was sprayed directly onto
the surface of the anilox roll cells having a concentration of 145
cells per linear inch of anilox roil. The anilox roll was hydrated
with Composition A and remained hydrated for about 5 minutes.
Thereafter, a standard aqueous-based flexographic wash was used to
rinse the contamination out of the cells. The application of
Composition A appeared to decompose the bonded minerals and
deposits, allowing such bonded minerals and deposits to be removed
by washing with normal alkaline types of flexography wash. This
process allowed for recovery of cell depth and cell volume of the
anilox rolls. Composition A allowed for the anilox equipment to be
cleaned on press, without the costly purchase of cleaning
equipment, which provided a reduction in down-time and capital
expenditure costs for PCA.
[0070] The second method of applying Composition A was by adding
Composition A to the flexography printing unit ink reservoir
contacting the ink pump. The contact time was about five minutes
followed by rinsing using standard aqueous-based flexographic wash
procedures. Previously, methods such as baking soda blasting and
using ultrasound equipment were utilized, but had only cleaned the
surface of the anilox cells. Composition A performed better than
such previous methods and opened the cells to a like-new
condition.
EXAMPLE IV
[0071] This example illustrates another preparation of a
composition of the present invention.
[0072] A 55-gallon quantity of a composition of the present
invention was prepared by mixing 18.15 gallons of a 35 weight
percent hydrogen peroxide solution (obtained from FMC Corporation,
Philadelphia, Pa., as a 35 weight percent technical grade solution
of hydrogen peroxide in water) with 13.75 gallons of low solids
water comprising less than about 0.1 ppm dissolved solids (obtained
from PGT Inc., Cedar Hill, Tex., the low solids water had been
produced by reverse osmosis) at room temperature (about 70.degree.
F.) and atmospheric pressure to thereby provide a resulting
mixture. Total mixing time was about 15 minutes. The resulting
mixture was then contacted with 23.1 gallons of a 5 weight percent
glycolic acid solution which had been prepared by contacting 1.65
gallons of 70 weight percent glycolic acid solution (obtained from
DuPont Chemical, Wilmington, Del., as a 70 weight percent technical
grade solution of glycolic acid in water) with 21.45 gallons of low
solids water comprising less than about 0.1 ppm dissolved solids
(obtained from PGT Inc., Cedar Hill, Tex., the low solids water had
been produced by reverse osmosis) at room temperature (about
70.degree. F.) and atmospheric pressure to thereby obtain about 55
gallons of a composition of the present invention referred to
herein as "Composition B" having a pH of about 2.2.
EXAMPLE V
[0073] This example illustrates a use of a composition of the
present invention (Composition B as described herein) to remove
residue and bacterial growth and fingi from a printing press
fountain solution recirculating system (a water-containing
system).
[0074] A printing press was obtained from Rock Tenn Company,
Waxahachie, Tex., and contained a Man Roland fountain solution
recirculating system, also referred to as a dampening system, which
comprised a blender, chiller, and recirculating unit containing an
approximately 30 gallon reservoir with a total capacity of 200
gallons of water. The equipment has been used almost continuously
for about 20 years. A significant amount of mineral substance
residue, such as mineral deposits consisting of calcium and lime
deposits, and bacterial and fungi growth was observed, including
hair algae, which were white, green, brown and various other colors
which are common to the industry. Various solvents had been used in
an attempt to remove the residue and growth before such residue had
accumulated and caused production interruptions. Common industry
products used for cleaning such printing press recirculating
systems included products comprising a mixture of sodium hydroxide,
glycol ethers, and various biocides, such as those sold by various
chemical manufacturers, including Varn International (a worldwide
chemical manufacturer which manufactures pressroom and printing
chemicals and distributes such products throughout the world).
[0075] However, use of such solvents was unsuccessful in removing
the mineral residue and bacterial and fungal growth. The mineral
residue and growth had accumulated to a point that such had become
hardened within the water lines and could not be removed. The lines
had become plugged, making production difficult. An additional
option of replacing the water lines and/or flushing the water
system with bleach would have been an option, but the amount of
water which would have to be consumed would have amounted to
thousands of gallons of water. In addition, production-related
issues resulting from bleach residue would have been difficult to
alleviate, making the bleaching option undesirable and economically
unfeasible.
[0076] A five-gallon quantity of Composition B described herein was
supplied for the following procedure. Composition B was poured
directly, in one-pint quantities, into each of the six water trays
of the recirculating system. Upon contact of Composition B with the
mineral residue and bacterial and algae growth, it was observed
that within about 15 to 30 seconds, water immediately began flowing
in the return line from the press back to the recirculating system
indicating that Composition B was removing the various
contaminants. Then, the drain of the recirculating system became
unplugged so that water could easily flow. An additional
four-gallon quantity of Composition B was then added directly to
the 30-gallon reservoir. Within about 15 to 30 seconds, water
immediately began flowing in the return line from the press back to
the reservoir indicating that Composition B was removing the
various contaminants. It was observed that the substance being
removed by Composition B contained paper dust slime, fungus, algae,
ink components, and the like. About 35 gallons of such substance
were collected in an empty barrel. In about 30 minutes, about 200
gallons of fresh water were passed through the water system to
further help remove the debris and remains of dead algae and
bacterial growth and minerals which had been dislodged and/or
dissolved by Composition B.
[0077] The recirculating system was then recharged with a standard
fountain solution having a pH of about 3.8. The press was
immediately placed into production. Normal startup recovery time
had previously been about 20 to 25 printed sheets before
production. After use of Composition B, startup recovery time was
about 2 to 3 sheets. It is believed that the better startup was
because the pH of Composition B was at or near the recommended pH
of the fountain solution. Before use of Composition B, products
previously used comprised sodium hydroxide, glycol ethers and
biocides, with some of these products containing foaming agents or
alkalines such as caustic soda. The residual pH left in the water
system after using traditional cleaning products would normally be
in a range of about 9 to about 10.5. Thus, since the pH of fountain
solutions is typically in a range of about 3.8 to about 4.0 and
since Composition B has a similar residual pH, use of Composition B
provides a direct benefit to production ability, print quality, and
reduction of water costs.
EXAMPLE VI
[0078] This example illustrates a use of a composition of the
present invention (Composition B as described herein) to remove a
contaminant from a swimming pool.
[0079] The test site consisted of a swimming pool which contained
25,000 gallons of water which was substantially free of chlorine
and other chemical substances. The swimming pool was rectangular in
shape with a shallow end depth of approximately three feet and a
deep end depth of approximately nine feet. The swimming pool had
been covered and dormant for about nine months. Before treatment,
the water appeared blackish in color and emitted a strong foul
odor. The surface areas of the pool under water were covered with a
green algae growth which was about 1.5 inches thick. The green
algae growth appeared to cover an underlying gray-colored
algae-type substance. Due to the extensive algae growth, the bottom
surface of the pool and the surfaces of the first and second steps
of the pool were not visible. The filter media contained in the
swimming pool filtration system was diametaceous earth The pH of
the water was 7.2 and the temperature of the water was about
78.degree. F.
[0080] A ten-gallon quantity of Composition B described herein was
then added to the pool by pouring Composition B at a steady rate
into the pool from a plastic bucket while walking around the edges
of the pool from the shallow to the deep end. After approximately
twenty-five minutes, the color of the water turned to a light green
"pea-soup" color. Debris began to float to the top and such debris
appeared to be large pieces of the green algae and gray-colored
algae-type substance. The clarity of the water continued to
improve. After approximately twenty-four hours, the water appeared
to be somewhat cloudy or "milky" in color. The green algae and
gray-colored algae-type substance appeared to have been "killed"
with the remains of such algae appearing as a white skeletal debris
which covered the bottom of the pool with some of the debris
floating on top. The pH of the pool was 6.8. A flocculent was then
added in an amount of about two fluid quarts to aid in the removal
of the floating debris. After approximately seventy-two hours from
the addition of Composition B, the bottom of the pool was vacuumed
and the vacuumed debris was exhausted into an area next to the
pool. The pH of the pool was 6.8. Tap water was then added to the
pool until the pH of the pool water was 7.0.
[0081] The pool water remained uncovered, dormant, and was not
circulated for two weeks. After the two-week period, the dissolved
oxygen (DO) was 106 parts per million (ppm), the water appeared to
very clear (the bottom surface of the deep end was visible), and
the pump used to circulate the pool water was started and set to
circulate the pool water for two hours each day. One week later
(three weeks total time from the addition of Composition B), which
included a two-inch rain, the DO was 98 ppm. After one more week
(four weeks total time from the addition of Composition B), the DO
was 44 ppm. The water was still clear, but several small areas of
green algae growth on the surface areas of the pool underwater were
observed.
[0082] A 2.5 gallon "maintenance dose" of Composition B described
herein was then added to the pool by pouring from a plastic bucket
at one end of the pool. After adding, the DO was 100 ppm (which was
the desired reading) and the pH was 7.4. The pool was then
maintained 6 at a dosage rate of 2.5 gallons of Composition B added
every two weeks.
EXAMPLE VII
[0083] This example demonstrates the effect of various increases in
concentration of a composition of the present invention.
[0084] Two test sites (1 and 2) were utilized to determine the
toxicity of a composition of the present invention. Test site 1
consisted of an outdoor water garden comprising a circular-shaped
fiberglass molded tank having a diameter of about 5 feet and which
contained approximately 500 gallons of water. The tank also
contained soil, rock, several bricks, and 36 minnows. The water was
foul-smelling and black in color. A substance which appeared to be
a black mold or algae covered the soil and rocks at the bottom of
the tank.
[0085] An eight fluid ounce quantity of Composition B described
herein was then added to the tank by pouring Composition B directly
from a plastic bottle into the water at one end of the tank. The
temperature of the water during addition was about 78.degree. F.
Upon addition, the water immediately began to bubble. The bubbling
began on one end of the tank and proceeded to the other end of the
tank within about 15 minutes. After 24 hours had elapsed, the water
appeared to be clear and the bricks and rock contained within the
tank were completely visible and were no longer covered with the
black mold or algae. The minnows appeared to be unaffected by the
addition of Composition B. Skeletal debris appeared to cover the
bottom of the tank. A pH reading and dissolved oxygen reading were
not obtained. Based on the observations, a recommended dosage rate
of eight ounces of Composition B applied every two to three weeks
was developed.
[0086] Test site 2 consisted of a standard 29-gallon aquarium
containing six gallons of crushed coral gravel. To such aquarium
was charged 29 gallons of reverse osmosis treated water. The pH was
8.0. The growth medium used in the tank included a General Electric
brand Gro-Lite bulb (which had a UV spectrum similar to sunlight)
and TETRA-MIN tropical fish food. The water was allowed to cycle
through the aquarium for about five days without the addition of
any chemicals, live fish, or plants. After five days, twenty-four
small bait shop minnows were added to the water and left alone for
about two days (about 48 hours). Then, Composition B was added in
an amount of 100 parts Composition B by weight per million parts
water (i.e., 100 ppm). About thirty minutes after such addition,
the dissolved oxygen level was 106 ppm.
[0087] After twenty-four hours, the dissolved oxygen level was
about 44 ppm and an additional 200 ppm amount of Composition B was
added. After thirty minutes, the dissolved oxygen was about 210
ppm. The minnows were observed to be swimming near the bottom of
the tank After an additional twenty-four hours, the dissolved
oxygen was 86 ppm. An additional 500 ppm amount of Composition B
was then added. Thereafter, a reading for the dissolved oxygen
could not be obtained because the dissolved oxygen was so high that
the titration medium being used (sodium thiosulfate) kept turning
black which prevented an accurate dissolved oxygen reading from
being obtained. Even after six hours had passed and over 600 ppm of
sodium thiosulfate had been used, a dissolved oxygen reading still
could not be obtained.
[0088] No additional chemicals were added to the tank for a period
of four days. After ten days had passed from the initial
application of Composition B, the fish present in the tank began to
expire at a rate of about one fish per day over the next two weeks.
The scales of about three of the fish appeared to be expanded away
from the bodies of such fish. After four weeks had passed since the
initial application of Composition B to the tank, the water was
still very clear and free of algae growth. The dissolved oxygen was
44 ppm.
[0089] The results shown in the above examples clearly demonstrate
that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects
and attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those
inherent therein.
[0090] Reasonable variations, modifications, and adaptations can be
made within the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims
without departing from the scope of this invention.
* * * * *