Dry lubricant for conveying containers
AssigneeEcolab USA Inc.
InventorsArturo S. Valencia Sil, Lawrence A. Grab, Bruce E. Schmidt, David A. Halsrud, Guang-Jong Jason Wei, Eric D. Morrison, Hector R. Dibenedetto
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Abstract
The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a mixture of a water-miscible silicone material and a water-miscible lubricant. The mixture can be applied in relatively low amounts, to provide thin, substantially non-dripping lubricating films. In contrast to dilute aqueous lubricants, the lubricants of the invention provide drier lubrication of the conveyors and containers, a cleaner conveyor line and reduced lubricant usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup and disposal problems.
Claims32
A method of lubricating the passage of a container along a conveyor comprising applying a lubricant composition through a nozzle without the use of high pressure, compressed air, or sonication to create a thin film, the lubricant composition comprising:
- about 0.1 to about 10 wt. % of a silicone emulsion;
- and
- greater than 50% water
- wherein the amount of any water-miscible lubricant is less than about 20 wt. % and the thin film has a thickness of less than about 2 mm.
A method of lubricating the passage of a container along a conveyor comprising spraying a lubricant composition without the use of high pressure, compressed air, or sonication to create a thin film on the conveyor surface, the lubricant composition comprising:
- about 0.1 to about 10 wt. % of a silicone emulsion;
- and
- greater than 70% water;
- wherein the lubricant composition is applied for a period of time and not applied for a period of time and the ratio of not applied:applied time is at least 30:1, the lubricant composition is not diluted upon application, the thin film has a thickness of less than about 2 mm, and the lubricant composition maintains a coefficient of friction of less than about 0.2.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.