U.S. patent application number 13/120238 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-11 for method of cleaning an object.
This patent application is currently assigned to Novozymes A/S. Invention is credited to Lillian Eva Tang Baltsen, Marianne Valente.
Application Number | 20110191965 13/120238 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42169663 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110191965 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baltsen; Lillian Eva Tang ;
et al. |
August 11, 2011 |
METHOD OF CLEANING AN OBJECT
Abstract
A method for cleaning an object comprising the steps: (a)
placing the object to be cleaned in an alternating pressure
resistant container; (b) applying to the object a foam composition
comprising at least one foaming agent, at least one enzyme and a
dissolved gas; (c) cleaning the object with the foam composition by
applying alternating pressure to the container; and (d) rinsing the
object.
Inventors: |
Baltsen; Lillian Eva Tang;
(Bagsvaerd, DK) ; Valente; Marianne; (Tappernoeje,
DK) |
Assignee: |
Novozymes A/S
Bagsvaerd
DK
|
Family ID: |
42169663 |
Appl. No.: |
13/120238 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
November 13, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2009/065110 |
371 Date: |
March 22, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61115719 |
Nov 18, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/137 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 11/0017 20130101;
D06F 35/006 20130101; C11D 3/386 20130101; C11D 3/0052 20130101;
C11D 11/0023 20130101; D06F 39/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/137 |
International
Class: |
D06L 1/20 20060101
D06L001/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 17, 2008 |
EP |
08169257.6 |
Nov 18, 2008 |
EP |
08169318.6 |
Claims
1. A method for cleaning an object comprising the steps: a) placing
the object to be cleaned in an alternating pressure resistant
container; b) applying to the object a foam composition comprising
at least one foaming agent, at least one enzyme and a dissolved
gas; c) cleaning the object with the foam composition by applying
alternating pressure to the container; and d) rinsing the
object.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the foam composition is
redistributed on the object during step (b) and/or after step
(c).
3. The method of claim 1, wherein redistribution of the foam
composition is obtained by mixing, agitating, shaking, ultra sound,
or any combination thereof.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the foam composition is recycled
at least once during cleaning of the object in step (c) by
withdrawing said composition through an outlet of the container and
reapplying it through an inlet of the container.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein recycling is performed 2; 3; 4;
5; 6; 7; 8; 9; or 10 times.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein rinsing is obtained by applying
to the object a rinse liquid and applying alternating pressure to
the container.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one foaming agent is
selected from: non-ionic, anionic surfactants; cationic
surfactants; ampholytic surfactants; zwitterionic surfactants;
semi-polar surfactants; or any combinations thereof.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the anionic surfactant is
selected from: linear alkylbenzene sulfonate; alpha-olefin
sulfonate; alkyl sulfonate (fatty alcohol sulfonate); alcohol
ethoxy sulfonate; secondary alkane sulfonate; alpha-sulfo fatty
acid methyl ester; alkyl- or alkenyl succinic acid or soap, or any
combination thereof.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the concentration of the at least
one foaming agent is 0.1%-60% w/w relative to the soiled
object.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one enzyme is
selected from: amylases; arabinases; carbohydrases; cellulases;
cutinases; galactanases; haloperoxidases; hydrolases; lipases;
mannanases; oxidases e.g. laccases or peroxidases; oxidoreductases;
pectinases proteases; xylanases; or any combination thereof.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the concentration of the at
least one enzyme is from 0.00001% to 10% of enzyme by volume of the
total foam composition.
12. A method for rinsing an object comprising the steps: a) placing
the object to be rinsed in an alternating pressure resistant
container; b) applying to the object a rinse liquid; and c) rinsing
the object with the rinse liquid by applying alternating pressure
to the container.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the alternating pressure is at
least -1.0 bar.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the object is: fabrics;
textiles; laundry; leather; skin; fur; or hard surfaces.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the concentration of the at
least one enzyme is from 0.0001% to 5% of enzyme by volume of the
total foam composition.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the concentration of the at
least one enzyme is from 0.001% to 2% of enzyme by volume of the
total foam composition.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the concentration of the at
least one enzyme is from 0.01% to 1% of enzyme by volume of the
total foam composition.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of cleaning. In
particular, the invention relates to methods of cleaning an object
employing alternating pressure.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Laundering is in general performed by agitating the fabrics
in a detergent solution for a certain period of time followed by
rinsing the fabrics in water. Laundering may be carried out using
an automatic washing machine or it may be done by hand. Modern
detergents are complex compositions comprising a number of
components such as; surfactants, builders, bleaches, polymers,
enzymes etc. just to mention a few, and are usually formulated as a
powder or a liquid.
[0005] Several modifications of the laundering process and
detergent compositions have been suggested to increase cleaning
performance or to reduce water and/or energy consumption. EP0086935
describes a method of washing soiled textile goods where foam is
created and blown on the textile. The benefit of the method is that
it can be performed using small amounts of detergent and water.
GB2340846 describes a method of washing items comprising; placing
items in a vessel, introducing a washing liquid thereto, reducing
pressure within the vessel and thereby causing gas/vapor to bubble
through the liquid. The purpose of reducing the pressure is to
create bubbling of gas/vapor to agitate the items as an alternative
to mechanical agitation. The reduction in pressure is furthermore
used to cause boiling of the washing liquid thereby avoiding that
items being exposed to temperatures needed to boil said liquid at
atmospheric pressure. EP0677577 describes a method of cleaning
textiles by using foam whereby the foam or foam residues on the
textiles subsequently being substantially removed by application of
vacuum. EP0765932 describes a method of cleaning and conditioning
textile fabrics by applying foam comprising a fabric softening clay
and subsequently removing foam residues by vacuum.
[0006] Use of foam for laundering is known, however presence of
high levels of foam in conventional washing processes is not
desirable due to the difficulties in removing foam during rinse.
Thus, there is still a need for developing new washing processes in
which foam that are utilized in laundering may be controlled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a new
method for cleaning an object which unlike conventional methods is
grounded on the use of alternating pressure in combination with a
foam composition.
[0008] In a first aspect the invention relates to a method for
cleaning an object comprising the steps: (a) placing the object to
be cleaned in an alternating pressure resistant container; (b)
applying to the object a foam composition comprising at least one
foaming agent, at least one enzyme and a dissolved gas; (c)
cleaning the object with the foam composition by applying
alternating pressure to the container; and (d) rinsing the
object.
[0009] In a second aspect the invention relates to a method for
rinsing an object comprising the steps: (a) placing the object to
be rinsed in an alternating pressure resistant container; (b)
applying to the object a rinse liquid; (c) rinsing the object with
the rinse liquid by applying alternating pressure to the
container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] FIG. 1 shows wash performance of WAP compared to beaker wash
and a standard fine wash.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows wash performance of WAP compared to wash at
constant pressure.
[0012] FIG. 3 shows the effect of WAP rinse compared to that of
beaker rinse on wash performance.
[0013] FIG. 4 shows the effect of WAP rinse compared to that of
beaker rinse on the amount of residual LAS in the rinse
solution.
[0014] FIG. 5 shows a schematic drawing of a WAP device.
[0015] FIG. 6 shows a picture of the WAP device used.
DEFINITIONS
[0016] AP: The tem "AP" as used herein means alternating
pressure.
[0017] WAP: The terms "WAP" or "WAP wash" as used herein means
washing with alternating pressure.
[0018] WAP rinse: The term "WAP rinse" as used herein means rinsing
with alternating pressure.
[0019] Wash performance: The term "wash performance" as used herein
means the delta remission measured at 440 nm of the swatch, where
delta remission is the remission measured at 440 nm of a washed
swatch minus the remission measured at 440 nm of an unwashed
swatch.
[0020] Plateau border. The term "plateau border" as used herein
means the transition zone formed when bubbles/films meet. Except
for free-floating bubbles, films have to be supported by frames,
bulk surfaces or other films. The transition zone separating these
from the film proper, always containing some bulk liquid, is called
a plateau border.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] In conventional laundering, the soiled textile is immersed
in a detergent solution and subjected to mechanical action,
followed by repeated rinsing with water, and drying. The detergent
solution generally includes surfactants and enzymes. The detergent
is typically formulated with a view to avoid foaming.
[0022] The invention is based on the observation that when an
enzyme enriched foam are added to the fabric/textile and
micro-mechanical action is applied by means of alternating pressure
surprisingly increased wash performance is obtained compared to
conventional wash. Alternating pressure may furthermore be utilized
during rinsing whereby an improved rinsing is obtained.
[0023] Water consumption is reduced for washing as well as for
rinsing because the alternating pressure principles may be used to
speed up the dilution and exchange of wash active ingredients and
soil to the suds and the rinse water.
[0024] The invention may furthermore result in reduced energy and
resource consumption compared to that of conventional washing
processes because the macro-mechanical action (turning the drum) is
avoided, and heating can either be eliminated or reduced due to the
combined action of enzyme and alternating pressure.
[0025] This have the consequence that the laundering according to
the invention may be performed on a shorter time achieving same
result as would have taken longer time using a conventional
laundering process.
[0026] In some aspects the invention relates to a method for
cleaning an object comprising the steps: (a) placing the object to
be cleaned in an alternating pressure resistant container; (b)
applying to the object a foam composition comprising at least one
foaming agent, at least one enzyme and a dissolved gas; (c)
cleaning the object with the foam composition by applying
alternating pressure to the container; and (d) rinsing the
object.
The Foam Composition
[0027] The foam composition comprises at least one foaming agent,
at least one enzyme and a dissolved gas. It is typically an aqueous
foam composition. It is preferred that the foam composition is
particular adapted to use in the method according to the
invention.
Foaming Agents
[0028] The at least one foaming agent may in principle be any such
known foaming agent capable of forming stable foam, such as high
foaming surfactants selected among: non-ionic surfactants; anionic
surfactants; cationic surfactants; ampholytic surfactants;
zwitterionic surfactants; semi-polar surfactants; or any
combinations thereof. The kind and concentration of surfactants may
be chosen with a view to good foam formation and compatibility with
the at least one enzyme. The surfactants are typically present at a
level of from 0.1% to 60% by weight; from 0.1% to 30%; from 0.1% to
20%; from 0.1% to 10%; from 0.1% to 5%; from 0.1% to 1% by
weight.
[0029] The foam composition will usually contain from about 0.1% to
about 40%; from 0.1% to 30%; from 0.1% to 20%; from 0.1% to 10%;
from 0.1% to 5%; from 0.1% to 1% by weight of an anionic surfactant
such as linear alkylbenzenesulfonate, alpha-olefinsulfonate, alkyl
sulfate (fatty alcohol sulfate), alcohol ethoxysulfate, secondary
alkanesulfonate, alpha-sulfo fatty acid methyl ester, alkyl- or
alkenylsuccinic acid or soap.
[0030] The foam composition will usually contain from about 0.1% to
about 40%; from 0.1% to 30%; from 0.1% to 20%; from 0.1% to 10%;
from 0.1% to 5%; from 0.1% to 1% by weight of a non-ionic
surfactant such as alcohol ethoxylate, nonylphenol ethoxylate,
alkylpolyglycoside, alkyldimethylamineoxide, ethoxylated fatty acid
monoethanolamide, fatty acid monoethanolamide, polyhydroxy alkyl
fatty acid amide, or N-acyl N-alkyl derivatives of glucosamine
("glucamides").
[0031] It is preferred that the foaming agent is selected among
anionic surfactants. Preferred examples of foaming agents include
Eucerin and sodium linear C.sub.12 alkyl benzene sulphonate
(LAS).
[0032] In some embodiments the invention relates to a method,
wherein the at least one foaming agent is selected from: non-ionic,
anionic surfactants; cationic surfactants; ampholytic surfactants;
zwitterionic surfactants; semi-polar surfactants; or any
combinations thereof.
[0033] In some embodiments the invention relates to a method,
wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from: linear
alkylbenzene sulfonate; alpha-olefin sulfonate; alkyl sulfonate
(fatty alcohol sulfonate); alcohol ethoxy sulfonate; secondary
alkane sulfonate; alpha-sulfo fatty acid methyl ester; alkyl- or
alkenyl succinic acid or soap, or any combination thereof.
[0034] In some embodiments the invention relates to a method,
wherein the concentration of the foaming agent is 0.1%-60% w/w
relative to the soiled object.
Enzymes
[0035] The at least one enzyme comprised in the foam composition
according to some embodiments of the invention may in principle be
any enzyme known to have an effect on soiled objects such as
fabrics/textiles. Such enzymes may e.g. be enzymes traditionally
used in laundering, having optimal activity in the neutral to
alkaline range, or enzymes having optimal activity in the acidic to
neutral range, and may include at least one enzyme selected from
the group containing: amylases; arabinases; carbohydrases;
cellulases; cutinases; galactanases; haloperoxidases; hydrolases;
laccases; lipases; mannanases; oxidases; oxidoreductases;
pectinases; peroxidases; proteases; xylanases. The at least one
enzyme comprised in the foam composition, and accordingly the
method according to some embodiments of the invention, are
described in further details below:
[0036] Amylase: Any amylase (.alpha. and/or .beta.) may in
principle be used. Suitable amylases include those of bacterial or
fungal origin. Chemically or genetically modified mutants are
included. Amylases include, for example, .alpha.-amylases obtained
from a special strain of B. licheniformis, described in more detail
in GB 1,296,839. Commercially available amylases are Duramyl.TM.,
Termamyl.TM., Fungamyl.TM. and BAN.TM. (Novozymes NS) and
Rapidase.TM. and Maxamyl P.TM. (Genencor).
[0037] Cellulase: Any cellulase may in principle be used. Suitable
cellulases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically
or genetically modified mutants are included. Suitable cellulases
are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,435,307, which discloses fungal
cellulases produced from Humicola insolens. Especially suitable
cellulases are the cellulases having colour care benefits. Examples
of such cellulases are cellulases described in EP0495257.
Commercially available cellulases include Celluzyme.TM. produced by
a strain of Humicola insolens, (Novozymes A/S), and KAC-500(B).TM.
(Kao Corporation).
[0038] Lipases: Suitable lipases include those of bacterial or
fungal origin. Chemically or genetically modified mutants are
included. Examples of useful lipases include a Humicola lanuginosa
lipase, e.g., as described in EP 258 068 and EP 305 216, a
Rhizomucor miehei lipase, e.g., as described in EP 238 023, a
Candida lipase, such as a C. antarctica lipase, e.g., the C.
antarctica lipase A or B described in EP 214 761, a Pseudomonas
lipase such as a P. alcaligenes and P. pseudoalcaligenes lipase,
e.g., as described in EP0218272, a P. cepacia lipase, e.g., as
described in EP0331376, a P. stutzeri lipase, e.g., as disclosed in
GB 1,372,034, a P. fluorescens lipase, a Bacillus lipase, e.g., a
B. subtilis lipase (Dartois et al., (1993), Biochemica et
Biophysica acta 1131, 253-260), a B. stearothermophilus lipase (JP
64/744992) and a B. pumilus lipase (WO 91/16422). Furthermore, a
number of cloned lipases may be useful, including the Penicillium
camembertii lipase described by Yamaguchi et al. (1991) Gene vol.
103, p. 61-67, the Geotricum candidum lipase (Schimada, Y. et al.
(1989) J. Biochem. Vol. 106, p. 383-388), and various Rhizopus
lipases such as a R. delemar lipase (Hass, M. J et al. (1991) Gene
vol. 109, p. 117-113), a R. niveus lipase (Kugimiya et al. (1992)
Biosci. Biotech. Biochem. Vol. 56, p. 716-719) and a R. oryzae
lipase.
[0039] Other types of lipolytic enzymes such as cutinases may also
be useful, e.g., a cutinase derived from Pseudomonas mendocina as
described in WO 88/09367, or a cutinase derived from Fusarium
solani pisi (e.g. described in WO 90/09446).
[0040] Especially suitable lipases are lipases such as M1
Lipase.TM., Luma fast.TM. and Lipo-max.TM. (Genencor), Lipolase.TM.
and Lipolase Ultra.TM. (Novo Nordisk NS), and Lipase P "Amano"
(Amano Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.).
[0041] Peroxidases/oxidases: Peroxidase enzymes are used in
combination with hydrogen peroxide or a source thereof (e.g. a
percarbonate, perborate or persulfate). Oxidase enzymes are used in
combination with oxygen. Both types of enzymes are used for
"solution bleaching", i.e. to prevent transfer of a textile dye
from a dyed fabric to another fabric when said fabrics are washed
together in a wash liquor, preferably together with an enhancing
agent as described in e.g. WO 94/12621 and WO 95/01426. Suitable
peroxidases/oxidases include those of plant, bacterial or fungal
origin. Chemically or genetically modified mutants are
included.
[0042] Proteases: Suitable proteases include those of animal,
vegetable or microbial origin. Microbial origin is preferred.
Chemically or genetically modified mutants are included. The
protease may be a serine protease, preferably an alkaline microbial
protease or a trypsin-like protease. Examples of alkaline proteases
are subtilisins, especially those derived from Bacillus, e.g.,
subtilisin Novo, subtilisin Carlsberg, subtilisin 309, subtilisin
147 and subtilisin 168 described in WO 89/06279. Examples of
trypsin-like proteases are trypsin (e.g. of porcine or bovine
origin) and the Fusarium protease described in WO 89/06270.
Preferred commercially available protease enzymes include those
sold under the trade names Alcalase, Savinase, Primase, Durazym,
and Esperase (Novozymes A/S), those sold under the tradename
Maxatase, Maxacal, Maxapem, Properase, Purafect and Purafect OXP
(Genencor) and those sold under the tradename Opticlean and
Optimase (Solvay Enzymes).
[0043] Mixtures of the above mentioned enzymes are encompassed
herein, in particular a mix-ture of proteases, amylases, lipases
and/or cellulases.
[0044] The at least one enzyme, each individual enzyme or the total
amount of enzyme, may be incorporated into the foam composition in
accordance with some embodiments of the invention at a level of
from 0.00001% to 30%; from 0.00001% to 20%; from 0.00001% to 10%;
from 0.0001% to 5%; from 0.001% to 2%; or from 0.01% to 1% of
enzyme by volume of the total foam composition.
[0045] In some embodiments the invention relates to a method,
wherein the at least one enzyme is selected from: amylases;
arabinases; carbohydrases; cellulases; cutinases; galactanases;
haloperoxidases; hydrolases; lipases; mannanases; oxidases e.g.
laccases or peroxidases; oxidoreductases; pectinases proteases;
xylanases; or any combination thereof.
[0046] In some embodiments the invention relates to a method,
wherein the concentration of the at least one enzyme is from
0.00001% to 10%; from 0.0001% to 5%; from 0.001% to 2%; or from
0.01% to 1% of enzyme by volume of the total foam composition.
Dissolved Gas
[0047] The foam composition contains dissolved gas, typically
atmospheric air. Tap water contains enough atmospheric air and may
thus be used directly. Alternatively, degassed water or other
liquids may be supplied with any suitable gas and used in the foam
composition. A suitable gas may e.g. be atmospheric air, carbon
dioxide etc. or a mixture of suitable gasses.
Other Agents
[0048] The foam composition may in some embodiments of the
invention further comprise at least one other agent selected among:
fabric conditioners including clays; anti-corrosion agents;
hydrotropes; redeposition agents; foam boosters; foam stabilizing
agents; suds suppressors; enzyme stabilizing agents; pH regulating
agents; builder systems; bleaching agents; soil-releasing agents;
soil suspending agents; polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents;
optical brighteners; abrasives; bactericides; tarnish inhibitors;
softening agents; dyes; coloring agents; and perfume, some of which
are described below.
[0049] Foam stabilizers: The foam composition may further comprise
one or more foam stabilizers such as glucosides or emulsifiers
known to be able of stabilizing water/surfactant/gas emulsions.
[0050] pH regulating compounds: The foam composition may also
contain pH regulating agents known in the art, such as inorganic
salts like phosphates, sulphates and carbonates; organic compounds
like carboxylic acids, carboxylates, amines, sulphonates etc. pH
regulating agents should be selected to provide a pH value of the
foam composition which is compatible or preferably optimal for the
at least one enzyme included in the foam composition. pH regulating
agents according to some embodiments of the invention includes well
known buffer components such as glycine and sodium carbonate.
[0051] Traditional wash compositions have in general pH values in
the alkaline or neutral range, in part due to the alkaline nature
of the soaps, surfactants and other components commonly used in
such compositions. In contrary, the foam compositions according to
the invention contain no mandatory soap or surfactant components
and are therefore not restricted to maintain a pH value in a
particular range but the pH value of the compositions can be
selected in order to obtain optimal conditions for the enzymes
comprised in the composition. Thus, the pH of the foam composition
can be in the acidic range, in the alkaline range or it can be
neutral. In particular the pH can be selected in the range of 4-10,
more preferred in the range of 5-9.
[0052] A skilled person will understand that the method according
to some embodiments of the invention provides an additional
versatility regarding the at least one enzyme used for laundering.
Thus, in one embodiment the foam composition has an acidic pH value
i.e. pH below 7 such as pH in the range of 4-7 and the enzymes are
selected in order to have maximal activity under acidic conditions,
in another embodiment has the foam composition a neutral pH value
i.e. pH about 7 and the enzymes are selected in order to have
maximal activity under neutral conditions and in a third embodiment
has the foam composition an alkaline pH value i.e. pH above 7 such
as pH in the range of 7-10 and the enzymes are selected in order to
have maximal activity under alkaline conditions.
[0053] Builders: The foam composition may contain 0-65% by weight
of a builder or complexing agent such as zeolite, diphosphate,
triphosphate, phosphonate, carbonate, citrate, nitrilotriacetic
acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid,
diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, alkyl- or alkenylsuccinic acid,
soluble silicates or layered silicates (e.g. SKS-6 from
Hoechst).
[0054] Enzyme stabilizers: The at least one enzyme comprised in the
foam composition of the invention may be stabilized using
conventional stabilizing agents, e.g., a polyol such as propylene
glycol or glycerol, a sugar or sugar alcohol, lactic acid, boric
acid, or a boric acid derivative, e.g., an aromatic borate ester,
or a phenyl boronic acid derivative such as 4-formylphenyl boronic
acid.
[0055] Polymers: The foam composition may in some embodiments of
the invention comprise one or more polymers. Examples are
carboxymethylcellulose, poly(vinylpyrrolidone), poly(ethylene
glycol), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinylpyridine-N-oxide),
poly(vinylimidazole), polycarboxylates such as polyacrylates,
maleic/acrylic acid copolymers and lauryl methacrylate/acrylic acid
copolymers.
[0056] Bleaching systems: The foam composition may in some
embodiments of the invention contain a bleaching system which may
comprise a H.sub.2O.sub.2 source such as perborate or percarbonate
which may be combined with a peracid-forming bleach activator such
as tetraacetylethylenediamine or nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate.
Alternatively, the bleaching system may comprise peroxyacids of
e.g. the amide, imide, or sulfone type.
Foaming Methods
[0057] The foam compositions of the invention may in principle be
made using known foaming methods. Methods for preparing foam are
well known within the area of cleaning hard surfaces in e.g. the
food industry, and it should be understood that such well known
methods and equipment used for such methods may also be applied to
the present invention.
[0058] One method for preparing the foam composition according to
the invention is mixing and foaming the ingredients in a high shear
mixer.
[0059] Another method for preparing the foam composition according
to the invention is providing the ingredients under pressure in a
container together with a suitable propellant and creating the foam
composition by dispensing the composition through a suitable
orifice using technologies as will be well know from spray cans or
aerosol cans. The propellant may be any compound that is a
compressible gas at ambient temperature and is inert toward the
foam compositions; however it is preferred to use a propellant that
is harmless for the users and the environment. Such propellants as
will be well known in the art may also be used within the present
invention. As examples of suitable propellants are e.g. nitrogen,
propane and butane.
[0060] Another method for making foam is to use the conventional
method for foam dispersion in e.g. hard surface cleaning, by having
a concentrated surfactant in a container. For foam making, a water
flow draws out a suitable amount of surfactant (to the water) to a
foaming nozzle. The concentration of surfactant is dependent on the
water pressure. The enzyme may be included in the container
together with the surfactant or it can be placed in a separate
container and drawn out into the water flow before or after the
surfactant to the foaming nozzle. Alternatively, all components of
the foam composition is added together before it enters the
alternating pressure resistant container through the foam
nozzle.
[0061] It is also possible to prepare the foam composition
manually, by mixing the ingredients and foaming of the mixture
using mechanical action, e.g. by whipping the foam or by using a
hand foamer. Hand foamers are known in the art and may also be
applicable in some embodiments of the present invention.
[0062] When the foam composition is applied to the object it is
important that it is evenly distributed in order to secure best
possible conditions for cleaning. Application, distribution and/or
re-distribution of the foam composition may be obtained by mixing,
agitating, shaking, ultrasound or any combination thereof. It may
be done by hand; using a stick, spatula, or the like; or it may be
performed using a suitable device. The foam composition may
alternatively be applied through the inlet and the inlet nozzle of
the alternating pressure resistant container of the invention.
[0063] Distribute or redistribution of the foam composition evenly
to the object in the container may be done by ways as indicated
above for a short period of time like e.g. 0.5; 1.0; 1.5; 2.0; 2.5;
3.0; 3.5; 4.0; 4.5; or 5.0 minutes until the foam composition is
evenly distributed.
[0064] The object to be cleaned may be any fabrics, textile,
laundry, leather, skin, fur or hard surfaces.
[0065] In some embodiments the invention relates to a method,
wherein the object is: fabrics; textiles; laundry; leather; skin;
fur; or hard surfaces.
Alternating Pressure
[0066] It is possible to generate mechanical action within
fabrics/textiles as well as on surfaces wetted with a foam
composition by means of alternating pressure. This mechanical
action may substitute the mechanical work obtained by the movement
in a washing machine or obtained by hand.
[0067] During wash a "hydrodynamic barrier" is formed. This barrier
which is about 1 micrometer in thickness is generated by water
molecules which through polar hydrogen bonds are packed like a film
upon the surface of the object to be cleaned. Depending of the
hydrophobic or hydrophilic nature of the object said barrier may
act more or less efficiently as a barrier and interfere in the
exchange of molecules between the foam composition and the surface
of the object.
[0068] Washing in a front loader machine applies mechanical action
by letting the textile load drop from the top of the drum to the
bottom in the presence of a wash solution. This macro-mechanical
action breaks parts of the hydrodynamic barrier thereby promoting
interaction between wash solution and textile. In a traditional
wash foam is undesirable because it acts as an insulator. The foam
may act as an extra hydrodynamic barrier on the object thereby
increasing the thickness of the barrier considerably, thereby
preventing removal of soil from the textile during washing and
during rinsing.
[0069] In the present invention alternating pressure generates
mechanical action on a microscopically level within the
hydrodynamic barrier. The wash liqueur is added as a foam
composition which is absorbed by the fabric/textile and in
particular porous materials may contain relatively large amounts of
foam. When the pressure is lowered the dissolved gas present in the
foam composition will appear as bubbles which increase in size.
Dependent on the viscoelasiticity of the foam composition changes
in bubble size creates micro-mechanical action both within as well
as at the surface of the fabric/textile. This action promotes
exchange of active components from the foam composition to textile
fibres and transport released soil and decomposition products away
from the textile.
[0070] By applying pressure of 2-3 bar the bubbles diminishes to
the extent that the foam will act as a normal liquid and not as an
air/water surfactant emulsion. Thereby it may be diluted and
squeezed out of the alternating pressure resistant container like
water. Thus, alternating pressure creates the micro-mechanical
action and chemical exchange from the textile.
[0071] When a foaming composition is exposed to alternating
pressure the liquid film that makes up the "walls" of a bubble will
be forced to move within as well as upon the surface of the
fabric/textile. The more liquid comprised in the plateau borders of
the foam the fewer bubbles will burst during low pressure. Wash
performance is dependent on the presence of bubbles and thus the
balance between increase of bubbles and burst of bubbles during low
pressure affects the washing result. Application of a pressure of
1-2 bars will lead to diminished size of the bubbles. The bubbles
will nearly disappear and the liquid film that creates the walls
around the bubbles becomes thick and so will the plateau boarders,
thereby easing the transport of chemicals and substances within the
foam composition. Alternating pressure where low and high pressure
is applied in turn creates a micro-mechanical action which promotes
the transport of soil and enzyme products away from the
fabric/textile surface and the transport of enzymes and other
optionally cleaning components to the fabric/textile surface.
[0072] In some embodiments of the invention the washing step
comprises at least one cycle of alternating pressure wherein the
pressure in turns is reduced and increased. One cycle of
alternating pressure correspond to reduced pressure followed by
increased pressure. Alternatively, a time period wherein
alternating pressure is performed may be indicated. During this
time period one or more cycles of alternating pressures may take
place.
[0073] The repetition of at least two rounds of alternating
pressure creates sufficient mechanical action in the container to
clean the laundry to the same or higher level as traditional home
care laundering.
[0074] During reduced pressure, the dissolved gas comprised in the
foam composition forms bubbles and/or enlarges existing bubbles,
whereas during increased pressure the bubbles are diminished and/or
may partly collapse or dissolve. The number of cycles of
alternating pressure may vary and accordingly it may be 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,
23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 cycles. Likewise, the time period
of alternating pressure may vary and accordingly it may last 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 minutes.
[0075] In some embodiments the invention relates to a method,
wherein the alternating pressure is at least -1.0 bar, at least
-0.9 bar, at least -0.8 bar, at least -0.7 bar, at least -0.6 bar,
at least -0.5 bar, at least -0.4 bar, at least -0.3 bar, at least
-0.2 bar, at least -0.1 bar, or at least 0.1 bar; at least 0.2 bar;
at least 0.3 bar, at least 0.4 bar, at least 0.5 bar, at least 0.6
bar, at least 0.7 bar, at least 0.8 bar, at least 0.9 bar, at least
1.0 bar, at least 1.1 bar, at least 1.2 bar, at least 1.3 bar, at
least 1.4 bar, at least 1.5 bar, at least 2.0 bar, at least 2.5
bar, at least 3.0 bar, at least 3.5 bar, at least 4.0 bar, at least
4.5 bar, or at least 5.0 bar.
Recirculation of the Foam Composition
[0076] During cleaning of an object alternating pressure may be
interrupted by recirculation or flushing, wherein the spent foam
composition may be drained off and reapplied, or fresh foam
composition may be added respectively. Recirculation or flushing
may serve to remove soiling and/or to replenish dissolved gas.
[0077] Recycling or flushing creates a macro-mechanical action
which may be combined with the micro-mechanical action created by
alternating pressure. This is done by applying said foam
composition through the inlet vessel and nozzle of the container.
Due to the low pressure the foam composition will enter the
container as foam. By subsequently applying pressure to the chamber
and briefly open an outlet vessel in the bottom of the container
the foam composition will be forced through the fabric/textile
placed in the container whereby wetting of the object and
distribution of the foam composition are obtained. This procedure
may be used for initial wetting and distribution as well as for
recycling or flushing of the foam composition between periods of
alternating pressure. By recirculation the foam composition will be
revitalized for a subsequent period of alternating pressure. And
the flow of foam composition also promotes the transport of
chemicals as well as substances into the liquid.
[0078] During recirculation or flushing foam is created which
demands a relatively higher or lower pressure to remove. The number
of recirculation or flushing should therefore be selected to suit
the foam composition for the purpose of creating sufficient foam
for cleaning. Although alternating pressure more efficiently helps
in controlling and removing foam as compared to conventional
rinsing care should be taken to balance the amount of foam.
[0079] In some embodiments the invention relates to a method,
wherein the foam composition is redistributed on the object during
step (b) and/or after step (c).
[0080] In some embodiments the invention relates to a method,
wherein redistribution of the foam composition is obtained by
mixing, agitating, shaking, ultra sound, or any combination
thereof.
[0081] In some embodiments the invention relates to a method,
wherein the foam composition is recycled at least once during
cleaning of the object in step (c) by withdrawing said composition
through an outlet of the container and reapplying it through an
inlet of the container.
[0082] In some embodiments the invention relates to a method,
wherein the foam composition is flushed at least once during
cleaning of the object in step (c) by withdrawing said composition
through an outlet of the container and applying new foam
composition through an inlet of the container.
[0083] In some embodiments the invention relates to a method,
wherein recycling and/or flushing is performed 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8;
9; or 10 times.
Rinsing
[0084] During a traditional washing excess of foam is not desirable
because it reduces the exchange of wash components and released
soil between the fabrics and the surroundings both during wash as
well as during rinsing. The alternating pressure in some
embodiments of the invention deals with this problem. Furthermore,
by increasing the pressure within the container the bubbles making
up the foam may be diminished to such an extent that the foam
composition will behave as a fluid. This fluid may be diluted and
transported to the outside of the container and into the drain
system. Thereby much less water is needed for WAP rinse than for a
normal rinse in a EU front loader washing machine and other top
loader washing machines.
[0085] A very important advantage by the method of the invention is
foam control. This means that antifoaming agents are not needed to
the same extent as they are used in conventional washing solutions
today.
[0086] After washing of an object rinsing may be performed as a
conventional rinsing such as rinsing by hand or in a washing
machine. Rinsing may also be performed using alternating pressure,
WAP rinse where water or another suitable rinse liquid enters the
container during low pressure and is squeezed out of the container
during high pressure. WAP rinsing may be performed in a similar
manner as the washing step by at least one cycle of pressure
reduction and increase. The number of cycles of alternating
pressure comprised in the WAP rinse may vary and accordingly it may
be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,
19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 cycles.
Alternatively, the time period of alternating pressure may vary and
accordingly it may last 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or
30 minutes. Between the cycles or the time periods of alternating
pressure, spent liquid may be drained off and fresh water/rinse
liquid may be added.
[0087] It has surprisingly been discovered that alternating
pressure improves the rinsing. This was discovered by an improved
wash performance and by the detection of reduced amounts of
residual LAS left in the rinse liquid. The improved rinsing may
lead to reduced water consumption.
[0088] In some embodiments the invention relates to a method,
wherein rinsing is obtained by applying to the object a rinse
liquid and applying alternating pressure to the container.
[0089] In some embodiments the invention relates to a method for
rinsing an object comprising the steps: (a) placing the object to
be rinsed in an alternating pressure resistant container; (b)
applying to the object a rinse liquid; (c) rinsing the object with
the rinse liquid by applying alternating pressure to the
container.
Drying
[0090] A drying step, wherein drying is obtained by applying high
or low pressure, heating, centrifugation, or any combination
thereof.
Temperature
[0091] The temperature during cleaning according to the method is
not critical as long as the enzymes remain active during said
temperature. The skilled person will appreciate that some enzymes
will be suitable for a low temperature, whereas others may be
suitable for higher temperatures. Thus, taking due care to the
selection of enzymes and the particular fabrics being laundered a
suitable temperature may be selected. Generally the temperature is
in the range of 0-90.degree. C., 5-50.degree. C., 10-40.degree. C.,
15-30.degree. C., 20-25.degree. C. In some embodiments of the
invention the temperature may be an ambient temperature selected
among: 20.degree. C., 21.degree. C., 22.degree. C., 23.degree. C.,
24.degree. C., or 25.degree. C.
[0092] Thus the present invention offers a tremendous versatility
in the laundering process depending of the particular selected foam
composition and detergent composition and the particular selection
of enzymes included in these compositions.
Device
[0093] A device was specially designed for carrying out the method
of the invention. The device and operating instructions are
described below.
[0094] Description: The various components of the device are
illustrated in FIG. 6 to which the numbers refer. [0095] 1. Switch
for selection of vacuum, OFF or pressure. [0096] 2. Flow regulator
for pressure (controls the rate of pressure increase in the test
chamber). [0097] 3. Pressure regulator (controls pressure in the
test chamber). (Maximum pressure: 3 bar). [0098] 4. Vacuum
regulator (controls minimum pressure in test chamber). [0099] 5.
Flow regulator for vacuum (controls the rate of pressure decrease
in the test chamber). [0100] 6. Inlet tap into upper part of test
chamber. Liquid introduced through this inlet is sprayed out
through a nozzle at the top of the test chamber. [0101] 7. Inlet
tap into bottom of test chamber. [0102] 8. Outlet tap from bottom
of test chamber. [0103] 9. Safety valve for overpressure (hidden
behind manometer). The valve opens at a pressure of approx 3 bar.
[0104] 10. Wing nuts for fastening top of test chamber (3 in all).
[0105] 11. Top of test chamber. [0106] 12. Test chamber. [0107] 13.
Manometer. [0108] 14. Recirculation pump. [0109] 15. Switch for
recirculation pump.
[0110] Operation: Before use, connect the machine to power mains
(230 V) and pressurized air (at a maximum pressure of 10 bar). The
machine is operated as follows: [0111] 1. Remove the three wing
nuts and then the top from the test chamber. In order to ensure
pressure equilibrium either the inlet tap or the outlet tap must be
open while doing this. [0112] 2. The textile fabric swatches are
placed in the chamber the top then put in place and fastened by
screwing on the three wing nuts. [0113] 3. Close inlet and outlet
taps. [0114] 4. Set the switch at `tryk`. The pressure in the test
chamber will now increase gradually at a rate that can be
controlled with the valve `2`, and the final pressure is set using
the regulator `3`. The pressure can be set between +0 bar and +3
bar. If the pressure rises above approx. 3 bar, the safety valve
will open. [0115] 5. Set the switch at `vakuum`. The pressure in
the test chamber will now decrease gradually at a rate that can be
controlled with the valve `5`, and the final pressure is set using
the regulator `4`. The lowest pressure that can be selected is
approx. -0.8 bar. [0116] 6. When liquid is to be sucked into the
test chamber, the switch `1` is set at `vakuum`. The inlet tubes
(which are attached to taps `6` and `7`) are placed in the liquid
in question. If the tap `6` is opened, the liquid is sucked into
the top of the chamber and sprayed out through a nozzle. If the tap
`7` is opened, the liquid is sucked into the bottom of the test
chamber. [0117] 7. The text chamber is emptied by setting the
switch at `tryk` and opening the outlet tap `8`. [0118] 8. The
liquid may be recirculated (sucked out from the bottom and sprayed
in at the top of the test chamber) by operating the switch `15` to
start the pump `14`. Note that the pump only works in the interval
0 to 0.8 bar.
[0119] Cleaning: The text chamber is made of PVC and will tolerate
most types of soap as well as strong alkali and acid.
[0120] The invention described and claimed herein is not to be
limited in scope by the specific aspects herein disclosed, since
these aspects are intended as illustrations of several aspects of
the invention. Any equivalent aspects are intended to be within the
scope of this invention. Indeed, various modifications of the
invention in addition to those shown and described herein will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing
description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within
the scope of the appended claims. In the case of conflict, the
present disclosure including definitions will control.
EXAMPLES
[0121] Chemicals used as buffers and substrates were commercial
products of at least reagent grade.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Materials Amount per 85 ml wash Materials
Description solution Ballast fabric Hurricane t-shirt (Berendsen
Textil 10 g of each swatch type. Service A/S, Tobaksvejen 22, 2860
Swatch size is 5 .times. 5 cm and Soborg, Denmark) then cut in half
Wfk30A, 100% polyester, prewashed (supplier see below) Stain set
Soiled swatches for wash Two swatches (3.5 .times. 3.5 cm) of EMPA,
WFK and performance: each swatch type (total 5 g) CS are bought
CS-28 rice starch through Center For EMPA101, olive oil/carbon
black Testmaterials BV, EMPA112, milk/cacao CFT, P.O. Box 120,
EMPA114, red wine 3133 KT EMPA117, blood/milk/ink Vlaardingen, The
EMPA164, grass Netherlands EMPA120, fat/quartz/ion oxide Wfk10D,
pigment/sebum Wfk10TE, clay Wfk20MU, make-up Tracer swatches for
redeposition test: Wfk10A, 100% cotton, prewashed Wfk30A, 100%
polyester, prewashed Enzyme cocktail Lipex 100 L (lipase) 6.98
micro liter Novozymes A/S, Celluclean 5 L (cellulase) 3.66 micro
liter Denmark Savinase 16 L (protease) 8.51 micro liter Stainzyme
12 L (amylase) 13.5 micro liter Surfactant LAS, Surfac SDBS80,
Sodium salt of 0.325 g Surfachem Group linear alkyl benzene
sulfonic acid 100 Wellington (80% as the salt) with sodium methyl
Street, Leeds LS1 benzene sulfonate and sodium 4LT, England sulfate
as byproducts. Builders Sodium Carbonate, Na.sub.2CO.sub.3 (Merck 4
mM prod. nr.1.06392, Cas No: 497-19-8) Sodium bicarbonate,
CHNaO.sub.3 (Merck 4 mM prod. nr. 1.06329, CAS No: 144-55-8) Water
MilliQ water + water hardness ions: 15.degree. dH (Ca/Mg 4:1)
Calcium chlorid-dihydrat (Merck prod. nr. 2382, CAS NO:
10035-04-8); and Magnesium chloride hexahydrate (J.T. Baker prod.
nr. 0162, CAS No. 7791-18-6)
Standard Wash:
[0122] A fine wash program at 40.degree. C. with a main wash at 30
min+rinse time on a Miele household washing machine was used as a
standard wash. 65 g Ariel Sensitive (P&G) from Denmark 2008
containing approximately 0.4% protease and 0.2% amylase was used to
wash a stain set as indicated in the example and up till 2.6 kg
fabric of 5 pillowcases (100% Polyester), 2 close cloth T-shirts
(100% Cotton), 5 T-shirts (100% Cotton), 4 shirts (60% Polyester
and 40% Cotton) and 1 t-towel (100% Cotton).
Beaker Wash:
[0123] Beaker wash was carried out in a 1000 ml glass beaker. The
washing was performed at room temperature (20-22.degree. C.) at pH
9.0 for 30 minutes.
[0124] 1) In a 100 ml beaker add 42.5 ml of Stock A (8 mM
Na.sub.2CO.sub.3) and 42.5 ml Stock B (8 mM CHNaO.sub.3).
[0125] 2) Add 0.210 ml Ca/Mg stock solution and 0.630 ml 0.535 M
Sodium hydrogen carbonate stock.
[0126] 3) Add 2.4 ml LAS stock solution.
[0127] 4) In Adjust pH to 9.00+/-0.05. Now you have the foam
composition.
[0128] 5) Now transfer the foam composition to a 1000 ml glass
beaker. Take the milk foamer and foam up the foam composition (add
enzymes if needed) in 1 minute. Start the beaker wash at time 0
minutes and apply the fabric/textile to the foamed foam
composition.
[0129] 6) Now agitate by hand for 1 min with a spatula and let the
beaker wash stand still to 30 min has past.
[0130] 7) Now agitate by hand for 30 sec with a spatula. Make the
desired rinse type.
WAP Wash:
[0131] WAP wash was carried out in a specially designed
WAP-equipment based on a alternating pressure resistant container
with access to compressed air as described. The washing was
performed at room temperature (20-22.degree. C.) at pH 9.0 for 30
minutes followed by rinsing. The low pressure manometer is put on
0.5 bar and the pressure manometer is put on 0.45 bar.
[0132] 1) In a 500 ml beaker add 42.5 ml of Stock A (8 mM
Na.sub.2CO.sub.3) and 42.5 ml Stock B (8 mM CHNaO.sub.3).
[0133] 2) Add 0.210 ml Ca/Mg stock solution and 0.630 ml 0.535 M
Sodium hydrogen carbonate stock.
[0134] 3) Add 2.4 ml LAS stock solution
[0135] 4) In Adjust pH to 9.00+/-0.05. Now you have the foam
composition.
[0136] 5) Now take the milk foamer and foam up the foam composition
(add enzymes if needed) in 1 minute. Apply to the fabric/textile to
the WAP container and start the WAP wash at time 0 minutes by
adjusting the pressure to -0.1 bar and open the inlet pin and suck
in the foamed foam composition.
[0137] 6) Close the inlet pin and adjust the pressure to 3 bar.
Place the two outlet tubes into a 2 L beaker and open the two
outlet pins and when the pressure is almost 0 then close the two
outlet pins. (Remember to cover the opening with a wet cloth so no
aerosols will come out into the air).
[0138] 7) Adjust the pressure to -0.1 bar and open the inlet pin
and suck in again. Close the inlet pin and adjust the pressure to 0
bar and open the lid to the WAP container and now agitate by hand
for 1 min with a spatula.
[0139] 8) Put the lid on again and continue the wash by applying
alternating pressure, AP: pressure (0.1 bar) for 3 seconds followed
by vacuum (-0.5 bar) for 12 seconds, leave at vacuum for 30
seconds. Recycle the suds at time 5 minutes by withdrawing the suds
from the chamber by closing the inlet pin and adjust the pressure
to 3 bar. Place the two outlet tubes into a 2 L beaker and open the
two outlet pins and when the pressure is almost 0 then close the
two outlet pins. (Remember to cover the opening with a wet cloth so
no aerosols will come out into the air).
[0140] 9) Adjust the pressure to -0.1 bar and open the inlet pin
and suck in again. Repeat AP, recycle at time 15 minutes, repeat
AP, recycle at time 25 minutes, repeat AP until 30 minutes.
[0141] 10) Adjust the pressure to 0 bar and open the lid to the WAP
container and now agitate by hand for 30 sec with a spatula.
[0142] 11) Put the lid on again and do a WAP rinse by closing the
inlet pin and adjust the pressure to 3 bar. Place the two outlet
tubes into a 2 L beaker and open the two outlet pins and when the
pressure is almost 0 then close the two outlet pins. (Remember to
cover the opening with a wet cloth so no aerosols will come out
into the air). Make the desired rinse type.
Beaker Rinse:
[0143] Transfer the fabric/textile to a 5000 ml plastic beaker
containing cold tap water and rinse for 5 min. make sure that the
swatches move around in the water during rinse. take out the
fabric/textile (remember to wear disposable gloves) and wrench the
fabric/textile and then placed the stain set on a grid, covered
with paper, and left over night at room temperature to dry. The
ballast load is thrown out.
WAP Rinse:
[0144] 1) For rinsing adjust the pressure to -0.1 bar and open the
inlet pin and suck in 90 ml tap water. Close the inlet pin and
adjust the pressure to 3 bar. Place the two outlet tubes into a 2 L
beaker and open the two outlet pins and when the pressure is almost
0 then close the two outlet pins. (Remember to cover the opening
with a wet cloth so no aerosols will come out into the air). This
was repeated three times.
[0145] 2) Adjust the pressure to 0 bar and open the lid to the WAP
container and take out the fabric/textile (remember to wear
disposable gloves) and wrench the fabric/textile and then placed
the stain set on a grid, covered with paper, and left over night at
room temperature to dry. The ballast load is thrown out.
[0146] Delta remission was measured at 440 nm using a Macbeth
Color-Eye 7000 (Largo AB, Box 5259, Prastgardsangen 3, SE-402 25
Goteborg, Sweden). The washed swatches were placed on a grid,
covered with paper, and left over night at room temperature to dry.
Next day delta remission of the swatches were determined.
[0147] Redeposition was tested by adding the tracer swatches Wfk10A
(100% cotton, Prewashed) and Wfk30A (100% polyester, prewashed)
together with soiled swatches and ballast fabric during washing and
rinsing. The tracer swatches were placed on a grid, covered with
paper, and left over night at room temperature to dry. Next day
delta remission at 440 nm of the tracer swatches were
determined.
[0148] In the figures the wash performance indicated on the y-axis
is the sum accumulated from the delta remission for all the
individual swatches tested in the same wash. Delta remission values
for individual swatches as well as the sum are listed in the
tables.
Example 1
WAP Wash
[0149] Beaker wash, WAP wash, standard wash and WAP rinse were all
performed as described above.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Column 1 2 3 4 5 Surfactant LAS LAS LAS LAS
Ariel 5 g/L, foam foam foam foam Agitation no 1.5 min 9 min 1.5 min
Fine wash Wash type Beaker Beaker Beaker WAP EU Front loader
(Miele) Wash time 30 min 30 min 30 min 30 min 30 min Wash
temperature 20.degree. C. 20.degree. C. 20.degree. C. 20.degree. C.
40.degree. C. Rinse WAP WAP WAP WAP Washing rinse rinse rinse rinse
machine rinse Enzyme cocktail 3X 3X 3X 3X 0.20% amylase 0.4%
protease Wash performance test EMPA101, olive oil/carbon black 2 6
3 5 4 EMPA112 milk/cacao 4 8 10 11 9 EMPA114, redwine 9 7 12 11 5
EMPA117, blood/milk/ink. 9 19 18 22 15 EMPA164, grass 5 4 8 7 8
Wfk10D pigment/sebum 5 6 7 8 22 Wfk10TE, clay 16 18 19 18 7
Wfk20MU, make-up 0 5 6 7 7 CS-28 rice starch 27 28 25 29 12
EMPA120, fat/quartz/ion oxide 1 6 7 9 5 Sum wash 77 107 115 127 95
Redeposition test Wfk10A, 100% cotton, prewashed -2 -3 -5 -4 0
Wfk30A, 100% polyester, -4 -3 -5 -5 -1 prewashed Sum redeposition
-6 -6 -10 -8 -2
[0150] The wash performance is illustrated in FIG. 1 showing that
WAP wash (column 4) results in a better wash performance in
comparison with beaker wash when using identical foam compositions
(enzyme rich LAS foam). This result is independent of whether there
is no agitation (column 1) or brief agitation for 1.5 min (column
2) or agitation for 9 min (column 3). The WAP wash includes 1.5 min
of agitation. This illustrates that we can substitute parts of the
mechanical action with another process such as alternating pressure
in the cleaning of soiled fabrics/textiles.
[0151] The performance of a fine wash program at 40.degree. C. in
washing machine with Ariel Sensitive 5 g/l were tested as an
example of a standard wash in the marked. The wash performance of
WAP (column 4) is better than that of a fine wash (column 5). It
should be noted that WAP wash is performed at 20.degree. C. whereas
the fine wash is done at 40.degree. C.
[0152] Redeposition is furthermore improved in comparison with the
fine wash.
Example 2
WAP Wash Compared to Low Pressure Wash and High Pressure Wash
[0153] WAP wash was performed as described above. The WAP procedure
was modified for the wash shown in column 2 and 3. In column 2 the
periods of alternating pressure in the WAP procedure was
substituted with a constant low pressure of -0.5 bar. In column 3
the periods of alternating pressure in the WAP procedure was
substituted with a constant pressure of 0.2-0.3 bar. All other
steps were the same for washing and rinsing.
Wash at a Constant Pressure of -0.5 Bar:
[0154] 1) A WAP wash is performed until step 8. Now adjust the
pressure to -0.5 bar and leave it like that until time 5 minutes.
Now recycle the suds by withdrawing the suds from the chamber by
closing the inlet pin and adjust the pressure to 3 bar. Place the
two outlet tubes into a 2 L beaker and open the two outlet pins and
when the pressure is almost 0 then close the two outlet pins.
(Remember to cover the opening with a wet cloth so no aerosols will
come out into the air).
[0155] 2) Adjust the pressure to -0.1 bar and open the inlet pin
and suck in again. Now adjust the vacuum to -0.5 bar and leave it
until next recycle at time 15 minutes. Repeat the recycle at time
25 minutes. Continuous the wash until 30 minutes have passed.
[0156] 3) Now continue the WAP wash from step 10.
Wash at a Constant Pressure of 0.2-0.3 Bar:
[0157] 1) A WAP wash is performed until step 8. Now adjust the
pressure to 0.2-0.3 bar (make sure you still have at least a third
of the foam left) and leave it like that until time 5 minutes. Now
recycle the suds by withdrawing the suds from the chamber by
closing the inlet pin and adjust the pressure to 3 bar. Place the
two outlet tubes into a 2 L beaker and open the two outlet pins and
when the pressure is almost 0 then close the two outlet pins.
(Remember to cover the opening with a wet cloth so no aerosols will
come out into the air).
[0158] 2) Adjust the pressure to -0.1 bar and open the inlet pin
and suck in again. Now adjust the pressure to 0.2-0.3 bar and leave
it until next recycle at time 15 minutes. Repeat the recycle at
time 25 minutes. Continuous the wash until 30 minutes have
passed.
[0159] 3) Now continuous the WAP wash from step 10.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Column 1 2 3 Surfactant LAS LAS LAS foam
foam foam Agitation 1.5 min 1.5 min 1.5 min Wash type WAP -0.8 bar
0.3 bar Wash time 30 min 30 min 30 min Wash Temperature 20.degree.
C. 20.degree. C. 20.degree. C. Rinse WAP WAP WAP rinse rinse rinse
Enzyme cocktail 3X 3X 3X Wash performance test EMPA101, olive
oil/carbon black 5 2 3 EMPA112 milk/cacao 11 8 7 EMPA114, redwine
11 11 11 EMPA117, blood/milk/ink. 22 19 16 EMPA164, grass 7 4 6
Wfk10D pigment/sebum 8 7 7 Wfk10TE, clay 18 18 16 Wfk20MU, make-up
7 4 4 CS-28 rice starch 29 29 29 EMPA120, fat/quartz/ion oxide 9 6
6 Sum Wash 127 108 104 Redeposition test Wfk10A, 100% cotton,
prewashed -4 -3 -5 Wfk30A, 100% polyester, prewashed -5 -4 -5 Sum
redeposition -8 -8 -10
[0160] The wash performance is illustrated in FIG. 2 showing that
alternating pressure result in a better wash performance as
compared to washing at a constant pressure in the absence of
alternating pressure.
Example 3
Effect of WAP Rinse on the Wash Performance
[0161] Beaker wash, beaker rinse and WAP rinse were performed as
described above.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Column 1 2 Surfactant LAS LAS foam foam
Agitation 1.5 min 1.5 min Wash type Beaker Beaker Wash time 30 min
30 min Wash Temperature 20.degree. C. 20.degree. C. Rinse Beaker
WAP rinse rinse Rinse amount 3 .times. 90 ml 3 .times. 90 ml tap
water tap water enzyme cocktail 3X 3X Wash performance test
EMPA101, olive oil/carbon black 5 6 EMPA112 milk/cacao 6 8 EMPA114,
redwine 9 7 EMPA117, blood/milk/ink. 16 19 EMPA164, grass 5 4
Wfk10D pigment/sebum 6 6 Wfk10TE, clay 19 18 Wfk20MU 5 5 CS-28 rice
starch 26 28 EMPA120 2 6 Sum Wash 98 107 Redeposition test Wfk10A,
100% cotton, prewashed -6 -3 Wfk30A, 100% polyester, prewashed -5
-3 Sum redeposition -11 -6
[0162] The wash performance is illustrated in FIG. 3 showing that
WAP rinse adds extra wash performance to the system. This is most
probably because LAS is more effectively removed by the WAP rinse
as indicated by the redeposition test in the table. Accordingly,
other components than LAS is expected to be efficiently removed by
WAP rinse.
Example 4
Effect of WAP Rinse on the Amount of Residual Las Left in the Rinse
Solution
[0163] Two portions of each 25 g ballast fabric were WAP washed for
5 min in a 80% LAS solution (3.8 mg/ml in water) by following steps
1 to 8 of the WAP wash described above.
[0164] The ballast fabrics were rinsed by either by WAP rinse or by
beaker rinse and aliquots of 20 ml were withdrawn from the third
and last rinse solution for testing of the presence of residual
LAS. As indicated in the table below further rounds of beaker rinse
(4-6) were carried out from which aliquots were also tested for the
presence of residual LAS. Analysis of LAS was done at 270 nm in a
Lamda 2 spectrophotometer from Perkin Elmer.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Column 1 2 3 4 5 6 Solution to 80% LAS 3.
WAP 3. Beaker 4. Beaker 5. Beaker 6. Beaker measure solution rinse
rinse rinse rinse rinse Rinse No rinse 3 .times. 90 ml 3 .times. 90
ml 4 .times. 90 ml 5 .times. 90 ml 6 .times. 90 ml method WAP rinse
beaker beaker beaker beaker rinse rinse rinse rinse Remission at
1.56 0.14 0.56 0.33 0.25 0.21 270 nm
[0165] The wash performance is illustrated in FIG. 4 showing that
WAP rinse is superior to beaker rinse. The results show that the
amount of residual LAS in the third and last WAP rinse is less than
that of the corresponding rinse solution carried out in a glass
beaker with mechanical agitation (stirring with a spatula by hand).
Further rounds of beaker rinsing (column 4, 5 and 6) decrease the
amount of residual LAS but not to the level of WAP rinse (column
2).
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