HK1231809B - Method of minimizing enzyme based aerosol mist using a pressure spray system - Google Patents

Description

Method for minimizing enzyme-based aerosol mist using a pressure spray system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to methods and practices for safely applying chemical compositions containing enzymes or other proteins delivered by pressurized devices, such as pumps or sprayers. Aerosolization of proteins can pose a health hazard if the proteins become airborne and inhaled by the user. The methods of the present invention are particularly suitable for use in commercial applications using pressurized delivery devices that carry and deliver such compositions.

Background Art

Aqueous sprayable compositions can be applied to hard surfaces with temporary trigger sprayers or aerosol sprayers. These compositions have huge efficacy because they can be applied to vertical, high or inclined surfaces by spraying. Sprayers produce a spray pattern of aqueous sprayable compositions that contact the target hard surface. Most sprayable compositions reside on the target surface as large spray deposits, while a small portion of the sprayable compositions can be transformed into an airborne aerosol or mist consisting of a cleaning composition of small particles, which can remain suspended or dispersed in the atmosphere around the dispersed location for a period of time, for example, about 5 seconds to 10 minutes. Suspension and dispersion make these particles inhalable by the user and can produce health hazards, especially if proteins or other enzymes are inhaled.

Enzymes are important ingredients in modern detergent products. They are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions, and they break down dirt and stains. Enzymes are allergens and, similar to other allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander, can cause respiratory allergies. When allergens are inhaled in the form of dust or aerosols, they can lead to the formation of specific antibodies that can sensitize the immune system. Upon further exposure, people can develop respiratory allergies, with symptoms similar to those of asthma and hay fever. These symptoms can include itching and reddening of the mucous membranes, eye/nose discharge, sneezing, nasal or sinus congestion, shortness of breath, hoarseness, coughing, and chest tightness. Proteolytic enzymes can cause eye irritation and skin irritation.

Chronic exposure to these irritants, through repeated application, can cause serious problems. When breathing the fine aerosol or mist multiple times, a very strong and overwhelming choking response is observed in most individuals who come into contact with the irritant portion of the aerosol produced by typical spray cleaners. The choking response is troublesome, reduces cleaning efficacy in various applications, and can cause asthma attacks, respiratory impairment, or other discomfort or damage in sensitive individuals.

It is generally believed that reducing the aerosolization of enzymes involves increasing the viscosity of the solution or being limited to applying only naturally viscous solutions. However, the aerosolization of enzymes depends on many different parameters, such as formulation, enzyme concentration in the product, consumer habits and practices, and nozzle arrangement. High viscosity formulations and foam sprays are believed to produce lower enzyme exposure compared to low viscosity liquid formulations.

Applicants have identified methods for applying water-thin and other low-viscosity enzyme-containing solutions to reduce the amount of protein present in any airborne aerosol or mist associated therewith. The following summary is provided as an example and is in no way limiting. It is provided solely to assist the reader in understanding some aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicants have identified an application method for use in commercial and industrial spray systems that reduces misting and aerosolization of proteins present in cleaning solutions. This will result in less health risk for boilermakers and other professionals who repeatedly use these carts and solutions. The reduced health risk will result in fewer missed workdays, improved efficiency, and less discomfort for employees.

According to the present invention, when using a commercial pressurized spray system to apply a cleaning composition that employs aerosolizable proteins or other irritants, it is necessary to use a low pressure application, preferably no greater than 100 psi. Applicants have also determined that a specific nozzle (which delivers a particle size of 750 microns) and application (2 oz/gallon of 0.1-10 wt% protein in a concentrated solution, or about 5 ppm protein in a use solution) are also critical to the method.

The method is particularly suitable for use with commercial spray devices, such as those described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. US2007/0187528 and US2012/0312390, the disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties. Applicants tested spray devices using various cleaning/disinfecting formulations containing lipase to identify key parameters for reducing the aerosolization of this protein.

In accordance with the present invention, applicants have discovered that using the nozzles described herein and a system dispensing at a rate of 2 ounces per gallon and a solution pressure of at least 25 and preferably less than 100 psi, more preferably less than 75 psi, up to 0.003 wt% protein (or 3 ppm) in the use solution will be dispensed in a safe manner.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to increase cleaning efficacy and safety by using a low pressure pump to deliver the appropriate amount of cleaning solution and prevent aerosolization of proteins and to provide a fully portable, self-powered unit to aid in cleaning and disinfecting commercial kitchen and restroom facilities.

The foregoing and other aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention.

Accordingly, the detailed description and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive in nature.

Surprisingly, Applicants were able to reduce aerosolization without the need for conventional anti-fog components such as polyethylene oxide, polyacrylamide, polyacrylates, and combinations thereof, see, for example, U.S. Publication 20130255729. In preferred embodiments, the methods of the present invention utilize compositions that are substantially free of anti-fog components such as polyethylene oxide, polyacrylamide, and polyacrylates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 is a front right side perspective view of an embodiment of a commercial pressurized spray application cleaning apparatus that may be used in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear left perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .

3 is a front right side perspective view of the embodiment of FIGs. 1 and 2 with the front panel and bracket removed.

FIG4 is a non-limiting illustration of a typical spray gun that may be used in the method of the present invention.

5 is a non-limiting illustration of a typical nozzle connected to a spray gun depicted in FIG. 4 and used in the Examples.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients or reaction conditions used herein are to be understood as modified in all instances by the term "about."

As used herein, weight percent, wt% and weight % are synonymous and refer to the concentration of a substance by dividing the weight of the substance by the total weight of the composition and multiplying the result by 100.

The term "about," as used herein to modify the amount of an ingredient in the compositions of the present invention or used in the methods of the present invention, refers to variations in numerical quantities that may occur, for example, in the real world due to typical measurements and liquid handling procedures used to prepare concentrates or use solutions, due to unintentional errors in these procedures, and due to differences in the preparation, source, or purity of the ingredients used to prepare the compositions or perform the methods. The term "about" also encompasses differential amounts resulting from different equilibrium conditions in the compositions obtained from a particular starting mixture. Whether or not modified by the term "about," the claims encompass equivalent amounts of the stated amounts.

"Cleaning" means performing or assisting in soil removal, bleaching, microbial population reduction, rinsing, or combinations thereof.

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing "a compound" includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The terms "active" or "active %" or "active wt%" or "active concentration" are used interchangeably herein and refer to the concentration of those ingredients involved in cleaning expressed as a percentage minus inert ingredients such as water or salts.

As used herein, the term "substantially free" refers to a composition that is completely free of the component or has such a small amount of the component that the component does not affect the effectiveness of the composition. The component may be present in the form of an impurity or a contaminant and should be less than 0.5 wt%. In another embodiment, the amount of the component is less than 0.1 wt%, and in yet another embodiment, the amount of the component is less than 0.01 wt%.

Applicants have identified a specific application method for use within spray devices used in commercial cleaning that reduces misting and aerosolization of proteins present in certain cleaning solutions. Applicants' method can be used using a spray-wash cleaning system having a chemical formulation that includes up to 5 wt%, preferably up to 1.0 wt%, and more preferably up to 0.5 wt% protein in a concentrated solution that is diluted to a use solution of 2 oz/gallon of water. In a use solution applied at a rate of 2 oz/gallon via a caddy system, the amount of protein present that can be safely applied is about 0.0016% w/w, which is about half the acceptable limit for aerosolized enzymes, resulting in a maximum of 0.003% or 3 ppm of enzyme at use concentrations.

According to the present invention, a cleaning composition containing enzymes and other proteins or other irritants is applied using a low-pressure (less than or equal to 100 psi) commercial cart. The threshold level during the cycle must be less than 60 ng of active protein/ ^m3 . Applicants have also identified specific nozzles that can also be used in the method.

According to the present invention, use suitable nozzle, under the flow rate of 0.5 gallon/minute use solution, distribute the dilution of the concentrated solution of maximum 3ppm protein.Produce the nozzle of the mean particle size that diameter is 1500 microns, for example SprayingSystems Flat Jet 25 degree angle " MEG25035 capacity nozzle, allow commercial spray system to deliver composition under the situation of not having aerosolized protein.For example " MEG 25035 nozzle of example of this paper, under the capacity of 0.35 gallon/minute, under 40psi, for the spraying of 25 degree angle, this nozzle has the internal diameter of inch.This will deliver about 0.3-0.4gpm.For the median volume diameter of spray particle, it is equivalent to about 675 microns. Generally, the higher pressure and nozzle aperture are smaller, then particle is smaller.The present invention is not limited to this specific nozzle, because other nozzles can deliver identical particle size, for example larger aperture under higher pressure, or smaller aperture under lower pressure, and nozzle can have different geometrical shapes, rather than 25 degree flat angle spraying. For spray floor cleaner, the application would be approximately 0.1-5 gpm.

The method is particularly suitable for use with spray cans, such as those described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. US2007/0187528 and US2012/0312390, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Applicants tested spray cans that were not intended or contemplated for application of solutions comprising proteins and surprisingly found that, upon appropriate modification of the method, the method could be adapted for use with enzyme-containing formulations without aerosolization.

By utilizing a low-pressure pump to deliver the right amount of cleaning solution, the present invention provides a way to disinfect restrooms by reducing overspray and waste, which makes the cleaning process faster, more effective, and more efficient, and as a result, any enzymes or proteins present in the cleaning solution are not aerosolized. The device can also use rechargeable batteries, thereby reducing assembly time and allowing the device to be used in facilities that do not have electrical outlets. Further, the device is equipped with a low-pressure spray delivery system that is designed to deliver the right amount of cleaning solution, thereby eliminating oversaturation and waste, saving both water and chemicals, and increasing efficiency by reducing assembly and recovery time. According to the present invention, the applicant has found that using the nozzle described herein and a system that dispenses at a rate of 2 ounces per gallon, a pressure of 75 psi solution, and a maximum of 0.2 wt% protein in the initial concentrated solution (diluted to 2 ounces per gallon or a maximum of 3 ppm or 0.003 wt% enzyme) will dispense in a safe manner.

In a preferred embodiment, a low pressure spray tank system is used in the method of the present invention described below.

1 , there are shown front and right side views of an embodiment 10 and illustrate the base 11 and panel 20. The base 11 of the janitorial cart 10 includes a hollow space within the base 11 that serves as a fresh water container 12.

The rear portion of the base 11 extends upward in a single-piece configuration along the back side of FIG. 1 , forming a handle 36 and giving the overall shape of the cart 10. In this embodiment of the present invention, two fixed-axle rear wheels 14 and two freely pivoting front wheels 16 are attached to the outer bottom of the base 11. This allows the front wheels 16 to rotate a full 360 degrees, thereby facilitating better control and steering of the cart. To provide a simple and effective way to drain the fresh water container 12, the device 10 is equipped with a drain 18. Drain 18 is located on the base 11 below a panel 20 and between the two front wheels 16.

Embodiment 10 includes a removable panel 20. Figure 3 shows a view of the device 10 with the panel 20 removed (Figure 1). Immediately below the removable panel 20 is a chemical selection valve 22 and/or an on/off power switch 24.

Chemical selector valve 22 allows the user to select between two readily available chemical products. Once a chemical has been selected using chemical selector valve 22, embodiment 10 allows the selected chemical to be applied mixed with water from fresh water container 12 using hose 26 and spray gun applicator 28. This application arrangement, consisting of hose 26 and spray gun 28, extends from the front of the device 10 between base 11 and panel 20. Spray gun 28 contains two nozzles, thereby providing two spray arrangements, allowing the user to select between chemical solution or rinse spray application.

When not in use, the hose 26 and spray gun 28 are stored in a hose storage space 30 located on the top of the panel 20. Located below and adjacent to the hose storage 30 at the top of the panel is a removable tool pot 32. The tool pot 32 is removable from the base unit and resides on the top of the panel 20. The tool pot 32 can be used to carry small items such as towels, rags, dustpans, small tools, brushes, etc.

Since it is not always necessary to use the full chemical application capacity of the cart 10, embodiments of the present invention provide for a portable cleaning solution spray bottle that requires less storage and easy access. Two circular storage spaces 34 designed to accommodate portable spray bottles are located adjacent to and on either side of the removable tool tank 32.

Adjacent to both the tool pot 32 and the storage space 34 are two handle supports 35 on one side of the front panel that are designed to receive the handles of tools such as mops, brushes, brooms, and the like.

Referring now to FIG2 , embodiment 10 is shown in a rear left elevation view. FIG2 shows a water fill port 50 on the rear side of base 11 just below handle 36. Water fill port 50 allows clean water to be poured into fresh water container 12. Fresh water is poured through water fill port 50 and stored in fresh water container 12 until it is sprayed as rinse water or combined with chemicals from chemical storage unit 52 and applied through hose 26 and spray gun 28 ( FIG1 ).

To increase user efficiency and effectiveness, the present invention allows for the storage and preparation of multiple individual chemical cleaning concentrate materials. A chemical storage space 52 containing chemical concentrate containers 13a, b, c is located above the water fill port 50 at the rear of the base 11. The chemicals held in the chemical storage space 52 remain in their original containers and, as with embodiment 10, are connected by removing the shipping caps and seals on each bottle and attaching the chemical feed lines to the bottles by screwing the caps on the lines onto the bottles.

Referring again to Figure 2, a further advantage is that the user's efficiency is increased by using a selector valve 22, by allowing the selection of a "touch switch" between a variety of separate cleaning solutions 13a, b, c. To this end, embodiment 10 allows multiple containers of chemical concentrates 13a, b, c to be placed in the chemical storage space 52. Depending on the size of the chemical container, the chemical storage space 52 may also allow the transportation of additional chemical containers that are not connected for intermediate application. The various active chemical concentrates stored in the chemical container space 52 are connected by chemical feed lines and can be selected using the chemical selector valve 22 (Figure 1). The chemicals from the chemical storage area 52 are mixed with fresh water from the fresh water container 12 and ultimately dispensed through the hose 26 and spray gun 28 (Figure 1).

The primary advantage achieved by the device 10 of the present invention is the increased flexibility and efficiency achieved by using a battery 62 ( FIG. 3 ) to drive the pump 60 , thereby allowing the user to enjoy the significant advantages achieved when the unit can be operated without reliance on or connection to an external power source.

The battery 62 is recharged by the battery charger 54. In one embodiment, the battery charger 54 is located on the left side of the base 11 of the device 10 (Figure 2). In alternative embodiments, the battery charger can be located inside the base 11 and out of view. The battery shown in Figure 3 can be fully recharged by plugging the battery charger 54 into an external power source. In embodiment 10 of the present invention, the battery charger 54 has two independent rows of lights. The top row indicates the status of the battery. The bottom row of lights indicates the function of the charger. The battery charger 54 is permanently connected to the battery 62.

3, there is shown a front and right side view of the device 10 with the panel 20 removed, thereby showing only the base 11 of the device. Removal of the panel 20 allows access to the pump 60 and the battery 62. The pump 60 is attached to the base 11 above the fresh water container 12. Behind the pump 60 is the battery 62 that provides power to the pump.

Referring again to FIG. 3 , pump 60 provides the pressure that drives the water from fresh water container 12 and the chemical from chemical source container 52 ( FIG. 1 ) to combine. The specially calibrated pump provides low pressure and low volume flow, delivering the appropriate amount or properly diluted solution while eliminating oversaturation with chemical and waste of water and chemical. In a preferred embodiment, the chemical application pressure generated by pump 60 and dispensed through hose 26 ( FIG. 1 ) and spray gun 28 ( FIG. 1 ) is approximately 65-75 psi, while the pump has a flow rate of 1/2 gallon per minute. During the rinse application process, the application pressure generated by pump 60 is approximately 100-120 psi. In embodiments of the present invention, the efficiency advantage provided by the low flow rate is enhanced by the high capacity of fresh water container 12. The low-pressure pump 60, in combination with fresh water container 12, provides a run time of up to 28 minutes without stopping to refill. The low application and rinse pressures avoid the problems associated with higher pressure applicators which, as previously described, can force solution and water into cracks and behind tiles and cause mold, mildew, and damage to the joints between the tiles and the floor or walls of a building. As described, the preferred embodiment of low pressure and low volume produces a flow rate of approximately 1/2 gallon per minute, which is approximately half the volume of prior art devices. And this flow rate is achieved at approximately 1/3 the solution delivery pressure to the building surface, thereby protecting the structure from mold, mildew, and tile damage. By operating at low pressure and low volume, further advantages are achieved because employing a low pressure and low volume device involves the same amount of cleaning and the same amount of operator time, while reducing material waste and requiring cleaning of only half the applied chemical and/or rinse water, while achieving the same cleaning advantages.

As previously mentioned, embodiments of the present invention operate more quickly because they do not include any type of vacuum extraction device found in many prior art devices. As a result of this change and by using a low-pressure/low-volume pump, embodiments of the present invention operate at just over 65 decibels, or roughly the same volume as a typical conversation, thus making embodiments of the present invention suitable for use in "quiet zones" such as schools and hospitals.

In one embodiment, dilution of the chemical concentrate is controlled by using a specially sized stretch tube or straw contained within the chemical concentrate bottle. In this manner, the user is not faced with the need to calculate dilutions or modify valves or flow rates to accommodate different chemicals used with the device 10. Such chemical concentrate bottles having specially sized stretch tubes or straws contained within the bottle are known in the art as "F-type" bottles.

4, a typical spray gun 28 that may be used with the present invention is depicted. A hose inlet 120 is attached to the spray gun at a front through portion 122 distal from a handle 124 and a trigger mechanism 126. An outlet nozzle receptacle 128 is at the end of a barrel to which a specific nozzle of the desired size and flow rate is attached.

FIG5 is a typical nozzle attachment comprising a female body 140, a male body 142, a screen filter 144, a spray tip 146 of the desired size and flow rate, and a tip retainer 148 that is removably attached to the outlet nozzle container.

The present invention is not limited to this particular canister delivery system, as any pressure delivery system that delivers a spray at less than 75 psi and according to the other parameters disclosed herein is contemplated to have similar results.

Chemical compositions using proteins

Proteins such as enzymes form an important part of many cleaning compositions, including bathroom disinfectants, floor cleaners and other hard surface cleaners. Any chemical solution containing protein may be used, provided it is suitably diluted to a maximum of 5 ppm protein in the use/application solution and can be safely applied in accordance with the present invention.

Enzymes provide the required activity to remove protein-based, carbohydrate-based or triglyceride-based stains from substrates; detergents for cleaning, stain removal and disinfecting hard surfaces. Enzymes can work by degrading or changing one or more types of dirt residues encountered on surfaces or textiles, thereby removing dirt or making it more removable through other components in surfactants or cleaning compositions. By reducing the physicochemical forces that bind dirt to the surface to be cleaned, that is, the dirt becomes more water-soluble, and both degradation and change of dirt residues can improve washability. For example, one or more proteases can dissociate the complex macromolecular protein structure present in the dirt residue into simpler short-chain molecules, which are themselves more easily desorbed, dissolved or otherwise more easily removed by the cleaning solution containing the protease.

Suitable enzymes may include proteases, amylases, lipases, glucosidases, cellulases, peroxidases, or mixtures thereof from any suitable source, such as plant, animal, bacterial, fungal or yeast sources. Selection is influenced by factors such as pH-activity and/or optimal stability, thermostability, and stability to active ingredients and builders, etc. In this respect, bacterial or fungal enzymes may be preferred, such as bacterial amylases and proteases, and fungal cellulases. Preferably, the enzyme may be a protease, a lipase, an amylase or a combination thereof. The amount of the enzyme present in the applied use solution may be up to 5ppm. In a typical concentrate applied at 2 ounces/gallon, the concentration may include at least 0.01wt% to 8wt%, preferably about 0.05-5wt%, and more preferably about 0.1-3wt%.

Typically, the chemical cleaning compositions used in the methods of the present invention include an enzyme stabilization system. The enzyme stabilization system may include a borate, such as an alkali metal borate or an amine (e.g., alkanolamine) borate, or an alkali metal borate, a borate ester, or potassium borate. The enzyme stabilization system may also include other ingredients to stabilize certain enzymes or to enhance or maintain the effectiveness of the borate. For example, the cleaning compositions applied according to the present invention may include water-soluble sources of calcium and/or magnesium ions.

The enzyme stabilizing component may be present in an amount necessary to stabilize any enzyme present, but is typically present in an amount of about 0.1-15 wt%, preferably about 0.5-10 wt%, more preferably about 1-8 wt%.

Typical ingredients in such hard surface cleaners include, but are not limited to, builders, solvents, surfactants (anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, semi-polar nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants), pH adjusters, hydrotropes, defoamers, stabilizers, chelating agents/sequestrants, bleaching agents, anti-redeposition agents, dyes/fragrances, divalent ions, polyols, perfumes and/or thickeners.

The following is a non-limiting illustration of examples of components of the present invention other than proteins that may be present in hard surface cleaning compositions that may be applied according to the present invention.

surfactants

The aqueous cleaning sprayable composition includes a surfactant. Various surfactants can be used, including anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants. The example of a suitable anionic material is a surfactant containing a large lipophilic part and a strong anionic group. Such anionic surfactants typically contain an anionic group selected from sulfonic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphonic acid or carboxylic acid groups, and when neutralized, they will obtain sulfonates, sulfates, phosphonates or carboxylates with cations preferably selected from alkali metals, ammonium, alkanolamines (such as sodium, ammonium or triethanolamine). The example of the most suitable anionic sulfonate or sulfate surfactant includes alkylbenzene sulfonate, sodium xylene sulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, linear tridecylbenzene sulfonate, potassium octyldecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium palmityl sulfate, sodium coconut oil alkyl sulfate, sodium olefin sulfonate.

Nonionic surfactants do not carry a discrete charge when dissolved in an aqueous medium. The hydrophilicity of nonionic surfactants is provided by hydrogen bonds that bind to water molecules. Such nonionic surfactants typically include molecules containing a large segment of polyoxyethylene bound to a hydrophobic portion, or compounds comprising polyoxypropylene and polyoxyethylene segments. Polyoxyethylene surfactants are often prepared by base-catalyzed ethoxylation of aliphatic alcohols, alkylphenols, and fatty acids. Polyoxyethylene block copolymers typically include molecules having a large segment of ethylene oxide coupled to a large segment of propylene oxide. These nonionic surfactants are well known in the art. Additional examples of nonionic surfactants include alkyl polyglycosides.

The lipophilic portion and the cationic group containing an amino group or a quaternary nitrogen group can also provide surfactant properties to the molecule. As the name of cationic surfactant implies, the hydrophilic portion of the nitrogen carries a positive charge when dissolved in an aqueous medium. Using low molecular weight alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups, soluble surfactant molecules can enhance their solubility or other surfactant properties.

The cleaning composition may contain a cationic surfactant component comprising a cleaning amount of a cationic surfactant or a mixture of cationic surfactants. Cationic surfactants may be used to provide disinfecting properties. In one example, a cationic surfactant may be used in an alkaline composition.

Cationic surfactants that can be used in the cleaning composition include, but are not limited to, amines such as primary, secondary and tertiary monoamines having alkyl or alkenyl chains, ethoxylated alkylamines, alkoxides of ethylenediamine, imidazoles such as 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-imidazoline, and 2-alkyl-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-imidazoline, etc.; quaternary ammonium compounds and salts, such as alkyl chloride quaternary ammonium salt surfactants, such as n-alkyl (C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ ) dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, n-tetradecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride monohydrate, naphthylene-substituted quaternary ammonium chloride salts, such as dimethyl-1-naphthylmethylammonium chloride.

Amphoteric surfactants can also be used. Amphoteric surfactants contain both acidic and basic hydrophilic moieties within their structure. These ionic functional groups can have any of the anionic or cationic groups described above in the section regarding anionic or cationic surfactants. In short, anionic groups include carboxylates, sulfates, sulfonates, phosphonates, etc., while cationic groups typically include compounds with amine nitrogen. Many amphoteric surfactants also contain ether oxides or hydroxyl groups to enhance their hydrophilicity. Preferred amphoteric surfactants in the present invention include surfactants with cationic amino groups bound to anionic carboxylate or sulfonate groups. Examples of useful amphoteric surfactants include sulfobetaines, N-cocoyl-3,3-aminopropionic acid and its sodium salt, n-tallow-3-amino-dipropionic acid disodium salt, 1,1-bis(carboxymethyl)-2-undecyl-2-imidazolinium hydroxide disodium salt, cocoaminobutyric acid, cocoaminopropionic acid, cocamidocarboxyglycinate, and cocobetaine. Suitable amphoteric surfactants include cocamidopropyl betaine, polyether silicones and cocamidoethyl betaine.

Amine oxides such as tertiary amine oxides can also be used as surfactants. Tertiary amine oxide surfactants typically include three alkyl groups attached to an amine oxide (N→O). Typically, the alkyl group includes two lower (C _1-4 ) alkyl groups combined with a higher C _6-24 alkyl group, or may include two higher alkyl groups combined with a lower alkyl group. Further, the lower alkyl group may include an alkyl group substituted with a hydrophilic portion such as a hydroxyl group, an amine group, a carboxylic acid group, etc. Suitable amine oxide materials include dimethyl cetyl amine oxide, dimethyl lauryl amine oxide, dimethyl myristyl amine oxide, dimethyl stearyl amine oxide, dimethyl coconut oil base amine oxide, dimethyl decyl amine oxide, and mixtures thereof. The classification of amine oxide materials may depend on the pH of the solution. On the acid side, the amine oxide material is protonated and can simulate the characteristics of a cationic surfactant. At neutral pH, the amine oxide material is a nonionic surfactant, and on the base side, they exhibit anionic characteristics.

Another important group of surfactants includes functionalized alkyl polyglycosides, which can fall into any group of surfactants, depending on the functional group (nonionic, anionic, amphoteric, etc.). One example includes the "green" series of surfactants available from Colonial Chemical based on renewable resources of alkyl polyglycosides. These include alkyl polyglycoside derivatives with various functional groups, such as sulfonated and polysulfonated alkyl polyglycoside derivatives, phosphate and polyphosphate alkyl polyglycoside derivatives, quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycoside derivatives, polyquaternary functionalized alkyl polyglycoside derivatives, betaine functionalized alkyl polyglycoside derivatives, sulfosuccinate functionalized alkyl polyglycoside derivatives, and the like.

The surfactant is present in the composition in an amount of about 1-60 wt%, about 5-55 wt%, and about 10-50 wt%.

detergent

Useful detergency builders in liquid compositions include alkali metal silicates, alkali metal carbonates, polyphosphonic acids, _C₁₀ - _C₁₈ alkyl monocarboxylic acids, polycarboxylic acids, the alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

Builders are preferably present in the compositions at levels from about 0 to about 8%, from about 0.01 to about 5%, and from about 0.5 to about 2%, by weight.

pH-adjusting compounds

The pH of the compositions of the present invention is from about 4.0 to about 8. Within this pH range, the compositions of the present invention effectively reduce microbial flora and are acceptable to consumers, i.e., mild to the skin, phase stable, and produce a rich, stable lather. In some cases, sufficient pH-adjusting compound may be required to provide the desired pH of the composition. To achieve the full advantages of the present invention, the pH-adjusting compound is present in an amount of from about 0.05 to 3.5 wt%.

Examples of alkaline pH-adjusting compounds include, but are not limited to, ammonia, mono-, di-, and tri-alkylamines, mono-, di-, and tri-alkanolamines, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, alkali metal phosphates, alkali metal sulfates, alkali metal carbonates, and mixtures thereof. However, the class of alkaline pH adjusters is not limited, and any alkaline pH-adjusting compound known in the art may be used. Specific, non-limiting examples of alkaline pH-adjusting compounds are ammonia, sodium, potassium, and lithium hydroxides, sodium and potassium phosphates (including hydrogen phosphates and dihydrogen phosphates), sodium and potassium carbonates and bicarbonates, sodium and potassium sulfates and bisulfates, monoethanolamine, trimethylamine, isopropanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine.

There is no limitation on the type of acidic pH-adjusting compound, and any acidic pH-adjusting compound known in the art may be used alone or in combination. Specific examples of acidic pH-adjusting compounds are inorganic acids and polycarboxylic acids. Non-limiting examples of inorganic acids are hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid. Non-limiting examples of polycarboxylic acids are citric acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid. The pH adjuster is optionally present, but is typically present in the composition in an amount of about 0-5 wt%, about 0.01-3 wt%, and about 0.5-2 wt%.

solvent

Solvents are often used in cleaning compositions to improve soil removal performance. The cleaning compositions of the present invention may contain solvents to adjust the viscosity of the final composition. The final intended use of the composition may determine whether a solvent is included in the cleaning composition. If a solvent is included in the cleaning composition, it is typically a low-cost solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol. Solvents may or may not be included to improve the soil removal, handling ability, or ease of use of the composition of the present invention. Suitable solvents useful in removing hydrophobic soils include, but are not limited to, oxygenated solvents, such as lower alkanols, lower alkyl ethers, glycols, aryl glycol ethers, and lower alkyl glycol ethers. Examples of other solvents include, but are not limited to, methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropyl alcohol and butanol, isobutyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, mixed ethylene glycol-propylene glycol ethers, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, and propylene glycol phenyl ether. Substantially water-soluble glycol ether solvents include, but are not limited to, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, triethylene glycol methyl ether, triethylene glycol ethyl ether, triethylene glycol butyl ether, and the like.

Preferably, the solvent is present in the composition in an amount of about 0.1-18 wt%, about 0.5-10 wt%, and about 1-8 wt%.

defoaming agent

A minor or effective amount of an anti-foaming agent may also be included in the composition to reduce foam stability. The cleaning composition may contain 0.01-5 wt% or 0.01-3 wt% of an anti-foaming agent.

Examples of defoaming agents include silicone compounds, such as silica dispersed in polydimethylsiloxane, fatty amides, hydrocarbon waxes, fatty acids, fatty esters, fatty alcohols, fatty acid soaps, ethoxylates, mineral oils, polyethylene glycol esters, alkyl phosphates, such as monostearyl phosphonate, and the like. Discussions of defoaming agents can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 3,048,548 to Martin et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,334,147 to Brunelle et al., and U.S. Patent No. 3,442,242 to Rue et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Preferably, the defoaming agent is present in the composition in an amount of about 0-5 wt%, about 0.01-3 wt%, and about 0.05-2 wt%.

Water Conditioner

Water conditioners assist in removing metallic compounds and reducing the harmful effects of hardness components in industrial water. Exemplary water conditioners include chelating agents, sequestrants, and inhibitors. Polyvalent metal cations or compounds (e.g., cations or compounds of calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, molybdenum, etc.) or mixtures thereof may be present in industrial water and complex soils. Such compounds or cations may interfere with the effectiveness of the washing or rinsing composition during cleaning applications. Water conditioners can effectively complex and remove such compounds or cations from contaminated surfaces and can reduce or eliminate inappropriate interactions with active ingredients (including the nonionic surfactants and anionic surfactants of the present invention). Both organic and inorganic water conditioners are common and can be used. Inorganic water conditioners include compounds such as sodium tripolyphosphate, and other higher linear and cyclic polyphosphate substances. Organic water conditioners include both polymeric and small molecule water conditioners. Organic small molecule water conditioners are typically organic carboxylate compounds or organic phosphate water conditioners. Polymeric inhibitors typically include polyanionic components, such as polyacrylic acid compounds. Small molecule organic water conditioners include, but are not limited to, sodium gluconate, sodium glucoheptonic acid, N-hydroxyethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediaminetetrapropionic acid, triethylenetetraaminehexaacetic acid (TTHA), and their respective alkali metal salts, ammonium salts and substituted ammonium salts, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid trisodium salt (NTA), ethanol diglycine disodium salt (EDG), diethanol glycine sodium salt (DEG), and 1,3-propylenediaminetetraacetic acid (PDTA), dicarboxymethyl glutamate tetrasodium salt (GLDA), methylglycine-N-diacetic acid trisodium salt (MGDA), and iminodisuccinic acid sodium salt (IDS). All of these are known and commercially available. Preferably, the defoaming agent is present in the composition in an amount of about 0-15 wt%, about 0.01-10 wt%, and about 0.05-5 wt%.

hydrotrope

The compositions of the present invention may optionally include a hydrotrope, which aids in the stability of the composition and aqueous formulations. Functionally, suitable hydrotrope coupling agents that may be used are non-toxic and retain the active ingredient in aqueous solution over the entire range of temperatures and concentrations to which the concentrate or any use solution is exposed.

Any hydrotropic coupling agent can be used, provided that it does not react with other components in the composition or negatively affect the properties of the composition. Representative hydrotropic coupling agents or solubilizers that can be used include anionic surfactants such as alkyl sulfates and alkane sulfonates, linear alkylbenzene or naphthalene sulfonates, secondary alkane sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfates or sulfonates, alkyl phosphates or phosphonates, dialkyl sulfosuccinates, sugar esters (e.g., sorbitan esters), amine oxides (mono-, di-, or tri-alkyl) and _C8 - _C10 alkyl glycosides. Preferred coupling agents for use in the present invention include n-octane sulfonate available from Ecolab Inc. as NAS 8D, n-octyldimethylamine oxide, and commonly available aromatic sulfonates such as alkylbenzene sulfonates (e.g., xylene sulfonate) or naphthalene sulfonates, aryl or alkylaryl phosphates or their alkoxylated analogs having 1-40 ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or butylene oxide units, or mixtures thereof. Other preferred hydrotropes include nonionic surfactants of _C6 - _C24 alcohol alkoxylates (alkoxylates refer to ethoxylates, propoxylates, butoxylates, and copolymers or terpolymer mixtures thereof) (preferably _C6 - _C14 alcohol alkoxylates) having 1 to about 15 alkylene oxides (preferably about 4 to 10 alkylene oxides); _C6 - _C24 alkylphenol alkoxylates (preferably _C8 - _C10 alkylphenol alkoxylates) having 1 to about 15 alkylene oxides (preferably about 4 to 10 alkylene oxides); _C6 - _C24 alkyl polyglycosides (preferably _C6 - _C20 alkyl polyglycosides) having 1 to about 15 glycosidic groups (preferably about 4 to 10 glycosidic groups); _C6 - _C24 fatty acid ester ethoxylates, propoxylates or glycerides; and _C4 - _C12 mono- or dialkanolamides. A preferred hydrotrope is sodium xylene sulfonate (SXS).

The optional hydrotrope may be present in the range of about 0-25 wt%.

carrier

The cleaning composition also includes water as a carrier. It will be appreciated that the water can be provided in the form of deionized water or softened water. The water provided as part of the concentrate can be relatively free of hardness. It is contemplated that the water can be deionized to remove a portion of dissolved solids. That is, the concentrate can be formulated using water containing dissolved solids, and can be formulated using water that can be characterized as hard water. The composition can comprise about 40-90 wt% water, about 45-85 wt% water, and about 50-80 wt% water in the concentrate.

The protein-containing composition is typically a hard surface cleaning or disinfecting composition designed for a spray and leave or spray and wipe mode of application.

In this application, the user typically uses a pump and applies an effective amount of the composition within a few minutes, and then wipes the treated area with a cloth, towel or sponge, usually a disposable tissue or sponge. However, in certain applications, particularly where undesirable stain deposits are severe (e.g., grease stains), the cleaning composition of the present invention can be left on the contaminated area until it effectively loosens the stain deposits, after which they can be wiped off, rinsed, or otherwise removed. For the especially severe deposits of such undesirable stains, multiple applications can also be used. Optionally, after the composition has been retained on the surface for a period of time, it can be rinsed or wiped off from the surface. Because the composition has viscoelasticity, the cleaning composition has improved adhesion and even retains an extended period of time on vertical surfaces.

Although the compositions used in the methods of the present invention are often discussed and exemplified in terms of the concentrated type described as liquid form, nothing in this specification should be construed as limiting the use of the compositions of the present invention with further amounts of water to form a cleaning use solution therefrom. In such proposed diluted cleaning solutions, the greater the proportion of water added to form the cleaning dilution, the greater the reduction in flow and/or efficacy of the cleaning solution so formed. Consequently, a longer dwell time may be required on the stain to loosen it and/or a larger use amount may be required. Preferred dilution ratios of concentrated hard surface cleaning composition:water are 1:1-200, preferably 1:2-100, more preferably 1:3-100, still more preferably 1:10-100, and most preferably 1:16-85, on a weight/weight ("w/w") or volume/volume ("v/v") basis.

On the contrary, nothing in this specification should be construed as limiting the formation of "super concentrated" cleaning compositions based on the compositions described above. The compositions of such super concentrated ingredients are essentially the same as the cleaning compositions described above, except that they include less water.

Typical No-Rinse Floor Cleaning Compositions

As an example, the following is a typical protein-containing no-rinse floor cleaner composition for use in the method of the present invention:

Typical No-Rinse Floor Cleaners

Typical disinfecting no-rinse floor cleaner compositions

Methods of using the composition

Referring again to FIG. 3 , pump 60 provides the pressure that drives the combination of water from fresh water container 12 and chemicals from chemical source container 52 ( FIG. 1 ). The specially calibrated pump provides low pressure and low volume flow, delivering the appropriate or properly diluted solution while eliminating oversaturation with chemicals and waste of water and chemicals. In a preferred embodiment, the chemical application pressure generated by pump 60 and distributed through hose 26 ( FIG. 1 ) and spray gun 28 ( FIG. 1 ) is approximately 65-75 psi, preferably 75 psi and no higher, while the pump has a flow rate of 1/2 gallon per minute. During the rinse application process, the application pressure generated by pump 60 is approximately 100-120 psi. In embodiments of the present invention, the efficiency advantage provided by the low flow rate is enhanced by the high capacity of fresh water container 12. The low-pressure pump 60 and fresh water container 12 are combined to provide a maximum run time of 28 minutes without stopping for refilling. The composition can be applied using any method that achieves the critical dilution, pressure, and particle size. This can include, for example, a garden hose end sprayer.

The low applied pressure avoids the problems that arise from higher applied pressures, which, as previously mentioned, is one of the factors that prevent proteins from aerosolizing and thus improve safety. Higher pressures can also cause additional problems because they can force the solution and water into cracks and behind tiles and cause mold, mildew, and damage to the joints between the tiles and the floor or walls of the building. As described, the preferred embodiment of low pressure and low volume produces a flow rate of about 1/2 gallon per minute, which is about half the flow rate of prior art devices. This flow rate is achieved at an applied pressure of about 1/3 of the solution on the building surface, thereby protecting users from protein aerosolization.

Example

The present invention is more particularly described in the following examples which are intended to illustrate the effects only, since many modifications and variations within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Unless otherwise indicated, all parts, percentages and ratios reported in the following examples are on a weight basis, and all reagents used in the examples are obtained or can be obtained from the chemical suppliers mentioned below, or can be synthesized by conventional techniques.

According to the following table, the formulations were prepared:

Standard no-rinse floor cleaner

Disinfectant floor cleaner

Anti-fog floor cleaner

The anti-fog agent was Polyox WSR-301 (a high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) polymer) obtained from Dow Chemical.

Twice the amount of solvent was used in the anti-mist floor cleaner formulation in order to keep the Polyox stable and in solution. Different metering tips were evaluated to achieve the desired dilution since the anti-mist formulation was thicker and more difficult to disperse.

Example 1

Metering tip determination for anti-fog floor cleaners for jar testing

Purpose

The values specified for the metering tip are guaranteed only when the product is diluted with water. Standard and disinfectant rinseless floor cleaners are recorded based on the metering tip as they are diluted with water. This test was conducted to determine which metering tip was suitable for dispensing 2 oz/gallon of the anti-mist enhanced cleaning solution.

Metering tip

The following table is used as a guide. The table shows the pores in ascending order from smallest (brown) to largest (black).

0.56oz/min brown 0.88oz/min transparent 1.38oz/min bright purple 2.15oz/min White 2.93oz/min Pink 3.84oz/min Corn yellow 4.88oz/min dark green 5.77oz/min orange color 6.01oz/min grey 7.01oz/min light green 8.06oz/min Medium green 9.43oz/min Transparent pink 11.50oz/min yellow-green 11.93oz/min deep red 13.87oz/min light pink 15.14oz/min bright blue 17.88oz/min dark purple 25.36oz/min Dark blue 28.60oz/min Transparent water 50.00oz/min black

Process

1) Prepare the sample one day before the test to ensure fresh Polyox

2) Add the RMs with mixing in the order they appear in the above formulation, with the exception of the Polyox fortified solution. Premix the Polyox with the propylene glycol and add last.

3) No enzyme was included in the assay.

4) After adding the Polyox, place the solution on a stir plate and mix at 200 rpm for about 1 hour until the Polyox is completely in solution.

5) On the day of testing, add Polyox to the canister-specific bag.

6) Place the solution bag in the tank and fill through the sprayer so that the solution passes through all lines.

7) Remove the solution bag from the tank, weigh it, and return it to the tank. Spray the solution into the collection bucket at a ratio of 1:30.

8) Remove the solution bag and weigh it again to calculate the amount of solution used. Weigh the bucket to calculate the amount of solution dispensed.

9) Calculate the percentage of concentrate dispensed to RTU to get the concentration percentage and compare to 2 oz/gal (1.56%).

10) The metering tip was changed several times to determine which one gave us the desired 1.56% concentration of the dispensed Polyox fortified solution.

data

The purpose of the test was to find a metering tip that would dispense Polyox concentrate at 1.56% (2 oz/gal). Using a standard nozzle, determine the metering tip for the anti-fog formulation. The following data was obtained from testing only Polyox concentrate.

Internal tank

Metering tip Hole diameter concentration% Purple 0.014 0.004 tan 0.035 0.034 brown 0.23 1.67 orange color 0.25 1.9 green 0.28 2.3

Based on the results, the suitable tip we found in our tests for Polyox concentrate was the brown metering tip using a standard sprayer.

Example 2

Experiments were conducted to attempt to reduce the aerosolization of proteins from solutions applied within a commercial cleaning tank system. The tank had a spray mechanism designed to apply various non-enzymatic cleaning products to hard surfaces, spraying at an average pressure of 70 psi. In this evaluation, the enzymatic cleaning products were mixed with water at a ratio of 2 oz/gal (15.6 ml/l) before spraying on tile floors at a flow rate of gal/min (1.9 l/min). The undiluted products contained 1% Lipex 100L (Novozymes).

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the amount of aerosolized enzyme to which a person handling a cleaning can would be exposed.

Experiments were conducted using a commercial tank system using the products described herein and three formulations: a standard no-rinse formulation, a disinfectant cleaning composition, and an anti-fog formulation. These formulations were applied using an existing spray system. All product formulations were liquid and contained 1% (v/v) Lipex 100L. The cleaning tanks were constructed in a wet vacuum machine. Exposure was assessed using this wet vacuum machine and by removing the product using a squeegee. The assessment focused on determining the peak exposure resulting from each application and determining the average exposure over the entire cleaning cycle.

The final result

The results are summarized in Table 1 .

Table 1. Lipex exposure during all handling and cleaning processes associated with three different tank formulations. All exposure data are given as ng active enzyme protein/ ^m3 air

Enzyme exposure sampling

Enzyme exposure assessments were performed on these different combinations:

1. Spray with a commercial spray can cleaning formulation followed by wiping with a stiff bristle brush and removal by wet vacuuming.

2. Spray with a commercial disinfectant spray can of cleaning formula, followed by wiping with a stiff bristle brush and removal by squeegee.

3. Spray with a commercial anti-mist spray can formulation, followed by wiping with a stiff bristle brush and removal by wet vacuum.

To determine if there was any exposure from the exhaust of the vacuum machine, additional air sampling was performed close to the exhaust pipe.

During the assessment, two Gillian Aircon pumps were used to determine exposure from the entire cleaning cycle, and two pumps were used to assess each individual application (i.e., spraying, wiping, squeegeeing, or wet vacuuming). To maintain the filters within 1 meter of the operator's breathing zone throughout the monitoring period, they were mounted on two dollies positioned on either side of the operator. The filters were positioned 150 cm above the floor. To avoid biased results, each tank was sampled with one pump throughout the entire cycle and one pump for each individual process: the left pump was sampled on the tank throughout the entire cycle, and the right pump was sampled during individual applications.

Exposure sampling for each enzyme was performed according to the following procedure.

Materials and Methods

Air sampling

Four Gillian AirCon pumps were used.

All air sampling was performed within 1 meter of the operator's breathing zone using an air flow of 25 L/min. The sampling time was recorded and the filters were stored at -20°C until analysis.

sample

Thirty-eight air filters were collected, stored, and frozen until analysis.

Filter samples

The filter was eluted during stirring in 5 mL PBS/BSA/Brij (Phosphate 0,01 M/BSA 0.5%/Brij 0.023% (surfactant)) buffer pH 7.4 for 30 minutes.

analyze

Specific enzyme protein analysis was performed by ELISA. For Lipex, all samples were analyzed. A standard curve for enzyme protein was analyzed on each microtiter plate. Samples were analyzed twice in a 2-fold dilution series, and samples that did not yield reliable results were analyzed again the next day. Enzyme exposure was calculated for each filter.

result

The adsorbed enzyme was eluted from the filter used in the enzyme exposure assessment process. It was then analyzed using ELISA technology. Detailed exposure data are found in Table 2.

discuss

spray

Enzyme exposure data indicated that spraying with a standard nozzle resulted in exposures of 24 to 31 ng/ ^m3 .

Brush

Enzyme exposure during brushing was determined four times and demonstrated exposure below the detection limit in all of these measurements.

Wet vacuum removal of product

In both cleaning cycles, the product was removed from the floor using a wet vacuum system mounted inside the tank.For both products applied using a normal nozzle (standard cleaning composition and anti-mist formulation), exposure was below the detection limit, <1.42 ng active enzyme protein/ ^m3 .

Using the formulation described above, the evaluation was performed using the product applied to the floor. To perform this evaluation, a set of filters was installed near the exhaust pipe, the pump was activated, and the product was removed according to the same procedure as before. Enzyme exposure was below the detection limit.

Squeegee to remove product

The product was also removed using a squeegee to determine exposure when the cleaning solution was removed through a floor drain. The exposure from this application was determined to be <1.42 ng active enzyme protein/ ^m3 .

Average exposure over the entire cycle

The exposure measurements taken over the entire cleaning cycle were consistent with the exposures from the individual measurements. All three formulations had a single process that produced significantly higher exposures than the other single processes, and thus was the primary contributor to the average exposure. In this exposure assessment, we focused on the peak exposures generated during each specific cleaning process.

Enzyme allergens can develop when humans are exposed to active enzyme proteins by inhalation. The exposure route is via aerosolized enzyme proteins or enzyme dusts. Due to the EU's REACH regulation, the Derived Minimum Effect Level (DMEL) for enzymes is used as a guide in the enzyme industry and the detergent industry. The DMEL describes the threshold for enzyme exposure, and when exposure remains below this level, the risk of developing allergens is very low. The corresponding DMEL for occupational exposure is set at 60 ng/m ³ as peak exposure.

Outside the EU, most countries adopt the ACGIH threshold limit value of 60 ng/m ³ for peak occupational exposure. However, UK authorities have accepted an additional threshold limit value of 40 ng/m ³ for average occupational exposure over an 8-hour period.

in conclusion

A suitable metering tip was determined for a standard sprayer on a can, which dispensed an appropriate amount of 1.56% (2 oz/gal) of Polyox solution. When comparing Polyox and non-Polyox solutions through each sprayer, no significant differences were observed in the spray pattern or anti-fogging. Adding Polyox to the solution increases particle size and is a conventional mechanism for attempting to reduce protein aerosolization. Quite surprisingly, the applicant has found that aerosolization can be better controlled by the spray parameters discussed herein without any additives. Adding Polyox did not result in any significant difference in aerosolization.

Claims (19)

1. A commercial method of applying a protein-containing chemical composition to prevent protein aerosolization, comprising: contacting a hard surface to be cleaned with a chemical composition containing up to 5 ppm of protein in a solution under a pressure of not more than 100 ps i, and subsequently allowing the solution to dry or remove the solution from the surface, wherein the chemical composition is free of polyethylene oxide, polyacrylamide, and polyacrylate. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the solution is removed from the surface by wiping the surface to remove dirt and residue on the surface along with the chemical composition. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the protein is a lipase. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the contact step is performed using a pressurized spray system. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the pressurized spray system includes a spray trigger nozzle. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the spray trigger nozzle has a flow rate of 100 ps i at a flow rate of 1 gallon/minute. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the spray trigger nozzle has a flow rate of no more than 75 ps i at a flow rate of 0.75 gallons/minute. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the spray trigger nozzle has a flow rate of no more than 75 ps i at a flow rate of 0.5 gallons per minute. 9. The method of claim 4, wherein the particle size of the spray is about 750 micrometers. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the protein level in the chemically concentrated solution is 0.1-10 wt%. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the protein solution in the use solution is diluted to 2 ounces/gallon of water. 12. A method for applying a protein-containing chemical solution to a surface, comprising: Introducing the chemical composition into a pressurized spray application system, wherein the chemical composition is free of polyethylene oxide, polyacrylamide, and polyacrylate, the pressurized spray application system comprising: (a) A container suitable for storing cleaning liquids; (b) A spraying tool in fluid communication with the container; and (c) A spray pump that cooperates with the container and the spraying tool to propel the cleaning liquid from the container and through the spraying tool once the pump is started; The chemical solution is applied to the surface through a nozzle at a pressure not exceeding 100 ps i, resulting in a particle size of 750 micrometers, wherein the solution contains a maximum of 5 ppm of protein, and subsequently... The solution is removed from the surface by allowing the chemical composition to evaporate or by wiping the chemical composition off the surface. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the protein is present at a concentration of less than or equal to 60 ng/ ^m³ . 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the solution in concentrate form contains up to 3 wt% protein. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the protein is a lipase. 16. A method for applying a concentrated chemical solution containing up to 10% protein to a surface, comprising: Introducing the chemical composition into a portable trolley system, wherein the chemical composition is free of polyethylene oxide, polyacrylamide, and polyacrylate, the portable trolley system comprising: (a) Positioning suitable containers for storing cleaning liquids; (b) A spraying tool in fluid communication with the container; and (c) A spray pump in fluid communication with the container and the spraying tool and including a pump, the pump cooperating with the container and the spraying tool to propel the cleaning liquid from the container and through the spraying tool once the pump is activated; Dilute the concentrate to form a working solution; The application solution is applied to the surface at a pressure not exceeding 100 ps i and a dilution of 2 oz/gal, through a nozzle designed for delivering particles with a diameter of 750 microns. The solution is removed from the surface by allowing the chemical composition to evaporate or by wiping the chemical composition off the surface. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the protein is present at a concentration of less than or equal to 60 ng/ ^m³ . 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the solution in concentrate form contains up to 5 wt% protein. 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the protein is a lipase.