SE0850054A1

SE0850054A1 - Granul for dishwashers

Info

Publication number: SE0850054A1
Application number: SE0850054A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Eva Staahl Wernersson; Haakan Haakanson
Original assignee: Gs Dev Ab
Priority date: 2008-10-24
Filing date: 2008-10-24
Publication date: 2010-04-25
Also published as: EP2350253A1; WO2010046473A1

Description

lO 15 20 25 IIIUJUW' E*:\OLZ~'I('» tili Ltznfeluïëii-elit\|'\D'ïíi Aiitïlu-Elncrtzi-irízil Graii\1ïe\!>')-2\POEVIEOOVG Iippliczilticm 'ïrexL :is filed .in Sli- l-“inzil 2. lO 15 20 25 IIIUJUW 'E *: \ OLZ ~' I ('»tili Ltznfeluïëii-elit \ |' \ D'ïíi Aiitïlu-Elncrtzi-irízil Graii \ 1ïe \!> ') - 2 \ POEVIEOOVG Iippliczilticm' ïrexL. filed .in Sli- l- “inzil 2.

Summary of the lnvention A new and improved granule is defined by independent elaim l, and method fbr operating a granule dishwasher is defined in ciaiiii 7. Specific einbodiiiieiits are defined in the depeiideiit elaiins, and some examples thereof are described in the following detailed description.Summary of the lnvention A new and improved granule is defined by independent elaim l, and method fbr operating a granule dishwasher is defined in ciaiiii 7. Specific einbodiiiieiits are defined in the depeiideiit elaiins, and some examples thereof are described in the following detailed description.

To this end the present inventioii relates to a dishwasher inachiiie granule coinprising a granule of a plastic base inaterial provided with an antiniicrobial agent distributed in the base inaterial. The inventive granule efficiently eliiniiiates or alleviates any risk of inicrobial growth onto the granules, even if the environment in the dishwasher would be heneficial for such growth a result of misuse or errors in handling.To this end the present inventioii relates to a dishwasher inachiiie granule coinprising a granule of a plastic base inaterial provided with an antiniicrobial agent distributed in the base inaterial. The inventive granule efficiently eliiniiiates or alleviates any risk of inicrobial growth onto the granules, even if the environment in the dishwasher would be heneficial for such growth a result of misuse or errors in handling.

Using the inventive granules will provide a safegtiard against hazardous microbial growth, and will as such efﬁciently protect a third party coining into contact with the products cleaned in the dishwasher.Using the inventive granules will provide a safegtiard against hazardous microbial growth, and will as such ef ﬁ ciently protect a third party coining into contact with the products cleaned in the dishwasher.

The antimicrobial agent may in one or more enibodiinents be homogenously distributed in the base material and is preferably selected froni the group consistiiig of ions front: silver, copper, zinc, or combination thereof. Otlier alternatives include ions from the group consisting of titaniuin, barium, and inagnesiiiiii, or coinbinatioiis thereof.The antimicrobial agent may in one or more enibodiinents be homogenously distributed in the base material and is preferably selected froni the group consistiiig of ions front: silver, copper, zinc, or combination thereof. Otlier alternatives include ions from the group consisting of titaniuin, barium, and inagnesiiiiii, or coinbinatioiis thereof.

Some specific examples of metal salts containing the above ions are disclosed in the detailed description.Some specific examples of metal salts containing the above ions are disclosed in the detailed description.

In one or more embodiineiits the granule has a density of 13-1 .6 g/c1n3 and is made of a plastic material is selected lroin the group consisting of: polyoxyiiiethyleiie, inolyetliyleiie, polyvinylchloride, polytetraﬂuoroethylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, nylon, Inolylacticacid, polyamidiiiiid, thermoplastics, or coinbinations thereof. The preferred density range enables an adequate function, eg., by preventing the granules from floatiiig in the dishiiig fluid.In one or more embodiineiits the granule has a density of 13-1 .6 g / c1n3 and is made of a plastic material is selected lroin the group consisting of: polyoxyiiiethyleiie, inolyetliyleiie, polyvinylchloride, polytetra ﬂ uoroethylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, nylon, Inolylacticacid, polyamidiiiid, thermoplastics, or coinbinations thereof. The preferred density range enables an adequate function, eg., By preventing the granules from floating in the dishiiig fluid.

Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. l illustrates a granule according to a first einbodiineiit of the iriveiitiori.Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. L illustrates a granule according to a first einbodiineiit of the iriveiitiori.

Pig. 2 is a schematic view of a dishwasliei' composition according to a second einbodíineiit of the invention.Pig. 2 is a schematic view of a dishwasliei 'composition according to a second einbodíineiit of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart of the inventive method according to one einbodinieiit of tlie inventiorr. 10 15 20 25 35 oL-'ztïí-Yi iwvllffïiš (JS Lwgvcelopmeail.\t?\t2?l3 Imti-lšacteriïal Granul.e\ßli\FOIYPGOCFIE] Aïiplicotilon 'ïvxli as filed in Slší- Final 111: E: ff l. .ríctï Detailed Description of Embodiinents 'The principles of granuie dishwashing or pot washiiig are based on washiiig rising specially developed plastic granules with water and detergent. Before use, plastic granules are provided into the dishwasher niachine. Detergent is provided by a detergent dispenser, which dispenses detergent as the need arises. Water is in turn supplied via water pipes connected to the dishwasher. A forceful flow of water and plastic granules is diverted at high pressure over the pots through specially designed nozzles. When the plastic granules impact burnt and dried up food remains at liigh speed, the pots are líterally scoured clean. This scouring action guarantees truly clean pots and pans. Food remains vanisli without soaking or scrubbiiig by hand. After the rnechanieal treatment with the plastic granules, a washing cycle with only water follows. During the water ﬂushiiig any remaining granules are rinsed off the pots and the pans.Fig. 3 is a flow chart of the inventive method according to one einbodinieiit of tlie inventiorr. 10 15 20 25 35 oL-'ztïí-Yi iwvllffïiš (JS Lwgvcelopmeail. \ T? \ T2? L3 Imti-lšacteriïal Granul.e \ ßli \ FOIYPGOCFIE] Aïiplicotilon 'ïvxli as filed in Slší- Final 111: E: ff. .ríctï Detailed Description of Embodiinents' The principles of granuie dishwashing or pot washiiig are based on washiiig rising specially developed plastic granules with water and detergent. Before use, plastic granules are provided into the dishwasher niachine. Detergent is provided by a detergent dispenser, which dispenses detergent as the need arises. Water is in turn supplied via water pipes connected to the dishwasher. A forceful flow of water and plastic granules is diverted at high pressure over the pots through specially designed nozzles. When the plastic granules impact burnt and dried up food remains at liigh speed, the pots are literally scoured clean. This scouring action guarantees truly clean pots and pans. Food remains vanisli without soaking or scrubbiiig by hand. After the rnechanieal treatment with the plastic granules, a washing cycle with only water follows. During the water ﬂ ushiiig any remaining granules are rinsed off the pots and the pans.

The washing cycle ends with a final rinse with clean water. The final rinse may take place at a high temperature, The time, flow and teinperature of the rinse water are controlled to ensure a hygienic result.The washing cycle ends with a final rinse with clean water. The final rinse may take place at a high temperature, The time, flow and temperature of the rinse water are controlled to ensure a hygienic result.

The quality or the efficiency of the dishwasliiiig depends on several parameters, e. g., the arnouiit of remaining plastic granules, the supplied detergent, the temperature of the dishing ﬂuid, the pH, etc. "fbe plastic granules are inechanically worn during the use, and after roughly 2000-2500 dishes, the amount of granules may be reduced by up to 30%.The quality or the efficiency of the dishwasliiiig depends on several parameters, eg, the arnouiit of remaining plastic granules, the supplied detergent, the temperature of the dishing ﬂ uid, the pH, etc. "fbe plastic granules are inechanically worn during the use, and after roughly 2000-2500 dishes, the amount of granules may be reduced by up to 30%.

To provide the user of the granule dishwaslier with information of the plastic granule wear and to intbrni the user about the need of reﬁlling plastic granules into the granule dishvvasher, the plastic granules are arranged with wear indicators, which have been disclosed in a previous application by the same applicant.To provide the user of the granule dishwaslier with information of the plastic granule wear and to intbrni the user about the need of re ﬁ lling plastic granules into the granule dishvvasher, the plastic granules are arranged with wear indicators, which have been disclosed in a previous application by the same applicant.

A granule 1 according to a first embodiment of the inventiori is schematically illustrated in Fig. l. The granule l compríses a carrier material or base inaterial 2 made of plastic. The granule base rnaterial may be made of an acetal polymer, POM, polyoxymetliyleiioxide . This material has been approved for use in connection with food and is not dangerous if ingested. Other plastic materials may also be used as long as the inatcrial has been approved for use in connection with food and the material is not dangerous to man. The plastic should be chemically stable, in particular in relation to alkaline environments. Also, the plastic should not be deiformed at teinperatures lower than l. 00 °C, in order to survive the harsh ternperature environinent during operation of the dishwasher.. Some alternatives for the plastic material may be found in Table l. Tlie laiastic granules l have been developed to have the right shape and to be stifﬁcieiitly 10 15 20 25 naltlzlà l<:\tj=i='.'i'= (än švt-:vr-:lrapriuzlxtUPUTH: Anti-Bacterial. Gremultà:smyüïïßotüﬂ Appltcatton 'mat at; filed in .sl-k 1-'5 nal Elm til; _ alm: hard to reinove all food remains effectively at the sanie time as being sufﬁcieiitly soft so that they do not damage the dishes. For a suitable operation the density of the granules should be about 13-1 .6 g/cnri, and today the density is about 1.4 g/c1n3, which efﬁciently lar-events the granules from ﬂoating in the dishiiig tluid. lt should be noted that the relevant density for a granule is the mean density, which may be nianipulated by Lisíiig a suitable tiller.A granule 1 according to a first embodiment of the inventiori is schematically illustrated in Fig. 1. The granule l comprises a carrier material or base inaterial 2 made of plastic. The granule base material may be made of an acetal polymer, POM, polyoxymethylene oxide. This material has been approved for use in connection with food and is not dangerous if ingested. Other plastic materials may also be used as long as the inatcrial has been approved for use in connection with food and the material is not dangerous to man. The plastic should be chemically stable, in particular in relation to alkaline environments. Also, the plastic should not be deiformed at teinperatures lower than l. 00 ° C, in order to survive the harsh ternperature environinent during operation of the dishwasher .. Some alternatives for the plastic material may be found in Table l. Tlie laiastic granules l have been developed to have the right shape and to be stif ﬁ cieiitly 10 15 20 25 naltlzlà l <: \ tj = i = '.' i '= (än švt-: vr-: lrapriuzlxtUPUTH: Anti-Bacterial. Gremultà: smyüïïßotü ﬂ Appltcatton' mat at; filed in .sl-k 1-'5 nal Elm til; _ alm: hard to reinove all food remains effectively at the sanie time as being suf ﬁ cieiitly soft so that they do not damage the dishes. For a suitable operation the density of the granules should be about 13-1 .6 g / cnri, and today the density is about 1.4 g / c1n3, which ef ﬁ ciently lar-events the granules from ﬂ oating in the dishiiig tluid. lt should be noted that the relevant density for a granule is the mean density, which may be nianipulated by Lisíiig a suitable tiller.

The granule l further coinprises an additive 4 of an antiinicrobial agent, comprising a metal ion. The antirnicrobial agent is distributed in the granule l, which in the following will be referred to as “antiinicrobial granule l”. As the antimicrobial granule l gets worn in a disliwasliiiig process there will always be antiniicrobial agent being exposed on the granule surface, such that bacterial girowtli is etfectively prevented throughout the life-time of the antimicrobial granules.The granule l further coinprises an additive 4 of an antiinicrobial agent, comprising a metal ion. The antirnicrobial agent is distributed in the granule l, which in the following will be referred to as “antiinicrobial granule l”. As the antimicrobial granule l gets worn in a disliwasliiiig process there will always be antiniicrobial agent being exposed on the granule surface, such that bacterial girowtli is etfectively prevented throughout the life-time of the antimicrobial granules.

There are several potential embodirnents that may he interesting on a coininercial basis. One including granule batches of antimicrobial granules only, basically as described above. One may also use the inventioii for the preparation of grantile batches coinprising anti-antirnicrobial granules mixed with “regular” granules 6, not having antiinicrobial properties as exempliﬁed in Fig. 2. ln such an ernbodiineiit the antiinicrobial granules 1 may have a deviating color, such that it is possible to easily observe if there are antiniicrobial granules remaining, or if an addition of antimicrobial granules l is needed. lt may also be economically favorable to provide fewer granules with a liigher content of antiinicrobial agent, the more granules liavilig a lower content.There are several potential embodiments that may be interesting on a coininercial basis. One including granule batches of antimicrobial granules only, basically as described above. One may also use the inventioii for the preparation of grantile batches coinprising anti-antirnicrobial granules mixed with “regular” granules 6, not having antiinicrobial properties as exempli ﬁ ed in Fig. 2. ln such an ernbodiineiit the antiinicrobial granules 1 may have a deviating color, such that it is possible to easily observe if there are antiniicrobial granules remaining, or if an addition of antimicrobial granules l is needed. lt may also be economically favorable to provide fewer granules with a liigher content of antiinicrobial agent, the more granules liavilig a lower content.

'The concentration of antimierobial agent in a granule may be about (ll-S % by weight, with respect to the active component in the antitniciiobial agent, i.e., the metal ion. Some examples of potential metal salts are listed in Table 2, where the first three examples are sorted starting with the most preferred.'The concentration of antimierobial agent in a granule may be about (ll-S% by weight, with respect to the active component in the antitniciiobial agent, ie, the metal ion. Some examples of potential metal salts are listed in Table 2, where the first three examples are sorted starting with the most preferred.

The antímicrobial agent may also be an organic Substance. Seine examples include triclosan and IRGAGUARD® B (against Bacteria) or IRGAGIJARD® F (against Ftingi). IRGAGLJARD® is a tradeinark belonging to Ciba.The antimicrobial agent may also be an organic substance. Its examples include triclosan and IRGAGUARD® B (against Bacteria) or IRGAGIJARD® F (against Ftingi). IRGAGLJARD® is a tradeinark belonging to Ciba.

One einbodiiitent of a method according to one einbodiineiit of the inventioii is illustrated in Fig. 3. Such a method cornprises the step of adding antimicrobial granules to the dishwashing machine. lO 15 20 25 30 35 CIMÜZIS í/:\f.1.'5'76 GS Luz-voiopiuonl:\!='\U'ïtr lintzi-liﬂctcrinl tšranulv\Slü\1>Û5'Io00'l8 Applicntic-n 'text as íizšecl in fsiš- Final ft . 5 'Fable 1 - Base material sUBsT/iucis DENSITY (g/cmt) Polyoxyniethylene (Acetal) 1,4 Polyethylene (PET) 1,4 Polyviiiylcliloride (PVC) 1,4 Polytetraﬂiioroethyleiie (Teﬂoii) 2,2 Polystyrene (SPS) 1,4 Polycarhonat (PC) 1,2 Nylon 1,13 Polyíacticacid (PLA) 1,2 Polyamiclimid (PAl) 1,4 'lennoplaster (PBT) 1,3 Table 2 - Antimicrobial agent SUBSTANCE DESIGNNHON Silver nitrate AgNOg Copper sulfate CuSO4 Zine sulfate ZnSO4 Copper nitrate Cu(N()3)2 Zinc nitrate .Zn(l\l()3)2 Zinc chloride ZnClg 'llitaiïitiin nitrate TiNOg Titanium hypoclilorite TiClO4 Barium chloride ßaClg Magnesium sulfate MgSO4 Magnesium chloride MgClg The preparatioii of the antimicrobial granules coinprises the steps of niixing the plastic base material and the antiniicrobial agent and forming granules of tlae inixed coinpouiud.One einbodiiitent of a method according to one einbodiineiit of the inventioii is illustrated in Fig. 3. Such a method cornprises the step of adding antimicrobial granules to the dishwashing machine. lO 15 20 25 30 35 CIMÜZIS í /: \ f.1.'5'76 GS Luz-voiopiuonl: \! = '\ U'ïtr lintzi-li ﬂ ctcrinl tšranulv \ Slü \ 1> Û5'Io00'l8 Applicntic-n' text as íizšecl in fsiš- Final ft. 5 'Fable 1 - Base material sUBsT / iucis DENSITY (g / cmt) Polyoxyniethylene (Acetal) 1,4 Polyethylene (PET) 1,4 Polyviiiylchlorilide (PVC) 1,4 Polytetra io iioroethyleneiie (Te ﬂ oii) 2,2 Polystyrene (SPS) 1, 4 Polycarhonate (PC) 1,2 Nylon 1,13 Polyacticacid (PLA) 1,2 Polyamiclimide (PA1) 1,4 'Lennoplast (PBT) 1,3 Table 2 - Antimicrobial agent SUBSTANCE DESIGNNHON Silver nitrate AgNOg Copper sulfate CuSO4 Zine sulfate ZnSO4 Copper nitrate Cu (N () 3) 2 Zinc nitrate .Zn (l \ l () 3) 2 Zinc chloride ZnClg 'llitaiïitiin nitrate TiNOg Titanium hypoclilorite TiClO4 Barium chloride ßaClg Magnesium sulfate MgSO4 Magnesium chloride MgClg The preparatioii of the antimicrobial granules steps of niixing the plastic base material and the antiniicrobial agent and forming granules of tlae inixed coinpouiud.

The inixing of an antiniicrobíal agent into the plastic base material inay affect the inecliaiiical properties ofthe resulting granule, such as the granule strength and its abrasive properties. By experience the most coinmon problem is that the agent will not mix moperly with the base material, such that “pockets” With antirnicrobial agent are clispersed in the granule. This will impact the mechanical properties of the granule as well as its properties regarding release and exposure of the antibacterial agent.The inixing of an antiniicrobial agent into the plastic base material inay affects the inecliaiiical properties of the resulting granule, such as the granule strength and its abrasive properties. By experience the most coinmon problem is that the agent will not mix moperly with the base material, such that “pockets” With antirnicrobial agent are clispersed in the granule. This will impact the mechanical properties of the granule as well as its properties regarding release and exposure of the antibacterial agent.

Claims

20 25 35 lïšiífli-Ilt Et ﬁﬂ lfø- * íš får; ï '~ <»: veíc, - |: 1naa1L \ HIÉIVÉ! IXIILIi-Bïiclierial G1: anul <~. \ Íšl.1 \ Püïïïßü ﬂ ï ﬂ .- '\ _ npl: <: a {: tr, -n' l “<=,>: l as filed in Ssl-J- Filial bra 1: t. .ee CLAIMS

1. A clishwasher machine granuie coniprisirig a granule of a plastic base material provided with an antiinicrobial agent distributed in the base material.

2. 'The granule of claim 1, wherein the antiinicrobial agent is homogenottsly distributed in the base material.

3. The granule of any precediirg claim, wberein the antiniicrobial agent is selected from the group consistiiig of ions froin: silver, copper, zinc, titaniuin, bariuni, and magnesium, or conibiiiatioris thereof.

4. The granule of any preceding claim, whereiii the antimicrobial agent is selected from the group consistiiig of an inorganic coinpotarid, such as AgNOg, CuSO4, ZnSOii and an organic compound, such as triclosan or IRGAGIJARDGB, or conibiiiatioiis thereof

5. The granule of any preceding claim, wherein the plastic material is selected 'from the group consistiiig of: polyoxyfiiietliyleiie, polyetliyleiie, polyviiiyícliloride, polytetra x txoroetliylene, polystyreiie, polyearboiiate, iiyloii, polylacticacid, polyamidiinid, combinations.

6. The granule of any preceding claim, Whereiii the relation between the amount of antimicrobial agent and plastic, by Weight, is (ll-S%.

7. The granule of any preceding claim, whereiii the granule is included in a mixtttre of antiinicrobial granules and regular granules, whereiii the antirnicrobiai granules liave a color different froin that of the regular granules.

8. A method for operating a granule dishwasliei 'machine including the step of adding granules coniprising a plastic base material and an antiniicrobial agent dispersed in the base material to the granule dishwasliei' lnachine.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the granules include granules according to any one of claims 1-7.