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US 12,129,449 B2Granted
Color changing detergent compositions and methods of use
AssigneeEcolab USA Inc.
InventorsCarter M. Silvernail, Kerrie E. Walters
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Color changing alkaline warewash detergents containing a pH sensitive indicator are disclosed. In particular, the warewash detergents can change color in alkaline environments. As the soil level increases or detergent decreases, a color change indicates that the warewash machine needs to be drained and refilled. Methods of employing the color changing alkaline detergent compositions are also disclosed.
Claims17
A color changing alkaline detergent composition comprising:
- from about 20 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of an alkalinity source;
- from about 0.5 wt % to about 15 wt % of a defoaming agent comprising an alkoxylated nonionic surfactant;
- a pH sensitive dye;
- wherein the pH sensitive dye is an azo dye that exhibits a color change at a pH less than about 10.1;
- wherein a use solution of the composition has a pH of at least about 10;
- and
- wherein the composition is free of sulfate and sulfonate surfactants.
4 more elements
A method of detecting the concentration of a cleaning composition, the method comprising:
- contacting a surface or article in need of cleaning with an alkaline detergent composition, wherein the composition comprises from about 20 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of an alkalinity source, from about 0.5 wt % to about 15 wt % of a defoaming agent comprising an alkoxylated nonionic surfactant, and a pH sensitive dye, wherein the pH sensitive dye is an azo dye that exhibits a color change at a pH of less than about 10.1, and wherein the composition is free of sulfate and sulfonate surfactants, and wherein a use solution of the composition has a pH of at least about 10;
- and
- determining whether the composition has a concentration efficacious for cleaning by observing whether the composition exhibits a color change.
A method of cleaning ware comprising:
- generating a use solution by diluting an alkaline detergent composition, wherein the composition comprises from about 20 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of an alkalinity source, from about 0.5 wt % to about 15 wt % of a defoaming agent comprising an alkoxylated nonionic surfactant, and a pH sensitive dye and is free of sulfate and sulfonate surfactants, wherein the use solution has a pH of at least about 10;
- applying said solution to said are in a dish machine,
- monitoring the color of the use solution wherein the pH sensitive dye is an azo dye that exhibits a color change between at a pH of less than about 10.1;
- and
- thereafter, changing the use solution when the color change occurs.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.