High Alkaline High Foam Cleaners with Controlled Foam Life

Abstract

A caustic composition for cleaning apparatus, said composition comprising: a caustic component; a first low foaming anionic surfactant; a second nonionic surfactant; and a foam controlling agent comprising an amino acid. Methods of using such compositions are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A caustic composition for cleaning apparatus, said composition comprising: a caustic component; a first low foaming anionic surfactant; a second nonionic surfactant; and a foam controlling agent comprising an amino acid.

2. The composition according to claim 1, where the amino acid is selected from the group consisting of: lysine, arginine and histidine or a combination thereof.

3. The composition according to claim 1, where the foam controlling agent is present in an amount of up to 10 wt %.

4. The composition according to claim 1, where the foam controlling agent is present in an amount ranging from 0.2 to 6 wt %.

5. The composition according to claim 1, where the foam controlling agent is present in an amount ranging from 1 to 4 wt %.

6. The composition according to claim 1, where the first low foaming anionic surfactant comprises a polycarboxylate.

7. The composition according to claim 1, where the second nonionic surfactant comprises an alkyl polyglucoside.

8. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said composition has an advancing contact angle (θ.sub.A) of less than 80 degrees and a receding contact angle (θ.sub.R) of less than 30 degrees.

9. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said composition has a surface tension (SFT) when measured using a Wilhelmy plate with a tensiometer of less than 40 mN/m.

10. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said composition has a surface tension (SFT) when measured using a Wilhelmy plate with a tensiometer ranging between 25 and 35 mN/m.

11. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said caustic component is present in an amount ranging from 20 to 60 wt % of the total weight of the composition.

12. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said caustic component is present in an amount ranging from 25 to 45 wt % of the total weight of the composition.

13. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the foam controlling agent has an impact on one or more of the following: foam height; foam duration; and combinations thereof.

14. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the caustic component is selected from the group consisting of potassium hydroxide; sodium hydroxide; lithium hydroxide; cesium hydroxide; rubidium hydroxide; and a modified caustic composition comprising said caustic component in combination with a causticity modifying additive.

15. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the caustic component is sodium hydroxide.

16. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said foam controlling agent comprising an amino acid selected from the group consisting of: lysine; arginine; histidine; and a combination thereof.

17. Method of cleaning industrial equipment while controlling the duration of a foam said method comprising the following: providing said industrial equipment in need of cleaning, said industrial equipment selected from the group consisting of: a vessel, a tubing and a combination thereof; providing a composition comprising: a caustic component; a first low foaming anionic surfactant; a second nonionic surfactant; and a foam controlling agent comprising an amino acid (such as lysine, arginine and histidine or a combination thereof); exposing the industrial equipment to the composition; foaming said composition for a period of time sufficient for the composition to be exposed to said industrial equipment so as to remove any contaminants present on the industrial equipment; and optionally, rinsing said industrial equipment.

18. Use of a foam controlling agent to minimize the duration of a foam, said foam controlling agent comprising an amino acid selected from the group consisting of: lysine; arginine; histidine; and a combination thereof.

19. Use according to claim 17 of a foam controlling agent to minimize the duration of a foam, said foam controlling agent is lysine.

20. A composition according to claim 18, wherein the foam lasts for a duration of time ranging from more than 5 minutes to less than 30 minutes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0078] Features and advantages of embodiments of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended figures, in which:

[0079] FIGS. 1a and 1b are graphical depictions of foam height and liquid height for the CSR-F-1D to 3D and compared to CSR-F-0D over time;

[0080] FIGS. 2a and 2b are graphical depictions of foam height and liquid height for the CSR-F-4D to 6D and compared to CSR-F-0D over time;

[0081] FIG. 3a is a graphical depiction of foam height for the CSR-F-15D to 18D and compared to CSR-F-0D over time;

[0082] FIG. 3b is a graphical depiction of liquid height for the CSR-F-15D to 18D and compared to CSR-F-0D over time;

[0083] FIG. 4a is a photograph and 4b is an infrared map of column of the foam for CSR-F-18D;

[0084] FIG. 5a is a graphical depiction of foam height for the CSR-F-19 to CSR-F-23 compared to CSR-F-17 over time.

[0085] FIG. 5b is a graphical depiction of liquid height for the CSR-F-19 to CSR-F-23 compared to CSR-F-17 over time.

[0086] FIG. 6 is a photograph of the samples without Lysine after 2 weeks showing separation; and

[0087] FIG. 7 is a photograph of the samples with Lysine after 2 weeks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0088] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a caustic composition for cleaning apparatus, said composition comprising: [0089] a caustic component; [0090] a first low foaming anionic surfactant; [0091] a second nonionic surfactant; and [0092] a foam controlling agent comprising an amino acid.

[0093] Preferably, the amino acid from the foam controlling agent is selected from the group consisting of: lysine, arginine and histidine or a combination thereof.

[0094] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the caustic component is selected from the group consisting of: potassium hydroxide; sodium hydroxide; lithium hydroxide; cesium hydroxide; rubidium hydroxide and combinations thereof; and a modified caustic composition comprises one of the above mentioned caustic component (potassium hydroxide; sodium hydroxide; lithium hydroxide; cesium hydroxide; rubidium hydroxide) in combination with a causticity modifying additive, wherein said causticity modifying additive can provide an extended (more methodical and linear) buffering effect to the caustic composition as well as greatly lowering the freeze point and providing an increased level of dermal protection. Examples of such modified caustic composition can be found in Canadian patent applications CA 3,023,705; CA 3,023,613; CA 3,023,610; and CA 3,023,604.

[0095] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modified caustic composition comprises: [0096] a caustic component selected from the group consisting of: potassium hydroxide; sodium hydroxide; lithium hydroxide; cesium hydroxide; rubidium hydroxide and combinations thereof; and [0097] a causticity modifying additive selected from the group consisting of: taurine; gamma-aminobutyric acid; aminovaleric acid; aminocaproic acid; aminocapric acid; sulfopyruvic acid; sulfobutanoic acid; sulfopentanoic acid; sulfohexanoic acid; phosphonium zwitterions with either a sulfonic acid or carboxylic acid group selected from the group consisting of: 2-hydroxyethyl triphenylphosphonium sulfate zwitterion; (Z-hydroxyethyl)trimethylphosphonium sulfate zwitterion (M.W. of 200.2); (3-hydroxy-n-propyl)triphenylphosphonium sulfate zwitterion (M.W. of 400.4); (2-hydroxy-1-methyl-n-propyl) trimethylphosphonium sulfate zwitterion (M.W. of 228.3); (3-hydroxy-n-propyl)tri-n-butylphosphonium sulfate zwitterion (M.W. of 340.5); (Z-hydroxy-1,2-diphenylethyl)-triethylphosphonium sulfate zwitterion (M.W. of 394.5); (3-hydroxy-n-propyl)dimethylphenylphosphonium sulfate zwitterion (M.W. of 276.3); (Z-hydroxy-n-butyl)triisopropylphosphonium sulfate zwitterion (M.W. of 312.4); (3-hydroxy-1-methyl-n-butyl)-n-butyl-di-n-propylphosphonium sulfate zwitterion (M.W. of 340.5); and (3-hydroxy-2-ethyl-4 methyl-n-pentyl)-n-butyldiphenylphosphonium sulfate zwitterion (M.W. of 450.6); -phophoric acid ester group with an amine group; and phosphonic and phosphinic acids and their esters with an amine group.

[0098] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the caustic component is selected from the group consisting of: potassium hydroxide; sodium hydroxide; and combinations thereof. Preferably, the caustic component is sodium hydroxide. Preferably, the caustic component is present in a concentration of up to 40 wt % of the modified caustic composition. Also preferably, the caustic component is present in a concentration ranging from 5 to 40 wt % of the modified caustic composition. More preferably, the caustic component is present in a concentration ranging from 10 to 30 wt % of the modified caustic composition. Most preferably, the caustic component is present in a concentration ranging from 15 to 25 wt % of the modified caustic composition. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the caustic component is present in a concentration of 25 wt % of the modified caustic composition. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the causticity modifying additive is present in a concentration ranging from 4 wt % to 25 wt % of the composition. Preferably, the causticity modifying additive is present in a concentration ranging from 5 wt % to 15 wt % of the composition. More preferably, the causticity modifying additive is present in a concentration ranging from 5 wt % to 10 wt % of the composition.

[0099] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modified caustic composition comprises: [0100] a caustic component selected from the group consisting of: potassium hydroxide; sodium hydroxide; lithium hydroxide; cesium hydroxide; rubidium hydroxide and combinations thereof; and [0101] a causticity modifying additive selected from the group consisting of: monoethanolamine; diethanolamine; triethanolamine; aminomethyl propanol; propanolamine; dime thylethanolamine; and N-methylethanolamine. Preferably, the additive is monoethanolamine.

[0102] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the caustic component is selected from the group consisting of: potassium hydroxide; sodium hydroxide; and combinations thereof. Preferably, the caustic component is sodium hydroxide. Preferably, the caustic component is present in a concentration of up to 40 wt % of the modified caustic composition. Also preferably, the caustic component is present in a concentration ranging from 5 to 40 wt % of the modified caustic composition. More preferably, the caustic component is present in a concentration ranging from 10 to 30 wt % of the modified caustic composition. Most preferably, the caustic component is present in a concentration ranging from 15 to 25 wt % of the modified caustic composition. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the caustic component is present in a concentration of 25 wt % of the modified caustic composition. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the causticity modifying additive is present in a concentration ranging from 4 wt % to 25 wt % of the composition. Preferably, the causticity modifying additive is present in a concentration ranging from 5 wt % to 15 wt % of the composition. More preferably, the causticity modifying additive is present in a concentration ranging from 5 wt % to 10 wt % of the composition.

[0103] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modified caustic composition comprises: [0104] a caustic component selected from the group consisting of: potassium hydroxide; sodium hydroxide; lithium hydroxide; cesium hydroxide; rubidium hydroxide and combinations thereof; and [0105] a causticity modifying additive which is glycine.

[0106] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the caustic component is selected from the group consisting of: potassium hydroxide; sodium hydroxide; and combinations thereof. Preferably, the caustic component is sodium hydroxide. Preferably, the caustic component is present in a concentration of up to 40 wt % of the modified caustic composition. Also preferably, the caustic component is present in a concentration ranging from 5 to 40 wt % of the modified caustic composition. More preferably, the caustic component is present in a concentration ranging from 10 to 30 wt % of the modified caustic composition. Most preferably, the caustic component is present in a concentration ranging from 15 to 25 wt % of the modified caustic composition. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the caustic component is present in a concentration of 25 wt % of the modified caustic composition. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the causticity modifying additive is present in a concentration ranging from 4 wt % to 25 wt % of the composition. Preferably, the causticity modifying additive is present in a concentration ranging from 5 wt % to 15 wt % of the composition. More preferably, the causticity modifying additive is present in a concentration ranging from 5 wt % to 10 wt % of the composition.

[0107] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modified caustic composition comprises: [0108] a caustic component selected from the group consisting of: potassium hydroxide; sodium hydroxide; lithium hydroxide; cesium hydroxide; rubidium hydroxide and combinations thereof; and [0109] a causticity modifying additive selected from the group consisting of: lysine monohydrochloride; threonine; methionine; glutamic acid; and taurine. Preferably, the causticity modifying additive is lysine monohydrochloride or taurine. More preferably, the causticity modifying additive is lysine monohydrochloride.

[0110] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the caustic component is selected from the group consisting of: potassium hydroxide; sodium hydroxide; and combinations thereof. Preferably, the caustic component is sodium hydroxide. Preferably, the caustic component is present in a concentration of up to 40 wt % of the modified caustic composition. Also preferably, the caustic component is present in a concentration ranging from 5 to 40 wt % of the modified caustic composition. More preferably, the caustic component is present in a concentration ranging from 10 to 30 wt % of the modified caustic composition. Most preferably, the caustic component is present in a concentration ranging from 15 to 25 wt % of the modified caustic composition. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the caustic component is present in a concentration of 25 wt % of the modified caustic composition. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the causticity modifying additive is present in a concentration ranging from 4 wt % to 25 wt % of the composition. Preferably, the causticity modifying additive is present in a concentration ranging from 5 wt % to 15 wt % of the composition. More preferably, the causticity modifying additive is present in a concentration ranging from 5 wt % to 10 wt % of the composition.

[0111] Plurafac® CS-10 (BASF) is a multifunctional polycarboxylate low-foaming anionic surfactant that is provided as 50% aqueous solution. It can sequester calcium and magnesium ions, emulsify oil, and tolerate silicates and phosphates. It is soluble in highly caustic solutions (35% NaOH). However, like most anionic surfactants, it is not soluble in highly acidic solutions (14.1% HCl).

[0112] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surfactant is anionic Plurafac® CS-10. Plurafac CS-10® is known as a low foaming anionic surfactant with high temperature stability and great caustic solubility (up to 35% NaOH and 50% KOH solution). It is recommended for use in bleach free alkaline CIP cleaners or any low foaming formulation. Plurafac® CS-10 can sequester calcium and magnesium ions which is the functionality of the chelating agents, which makes compositions containing such suitable for use with hard water.

[0113] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nonionic surfactant is Lutensol® XL 80. It is an alkyl polyethylene glycol ether made from a C10-Guerbet Alcohol and ethylene oxide. It is also said to contain also higher alkylene oxide in small amounts. Lutensol® XL 80 is a nonionic branched nonionic surfactant with 8 degree of ethoxylation and 100% concentration. It is an alkyl polyethylene glycol ethers made from a C10-Guerbet alcohol and alkylene oxides. It is a clear to cloudy liquid, at room temperature, but becomes clear at 50° C.

[0114] Triton® BG-10 is a nonionic surfactant intended for use in metal cleaners, paint strippers, and highly alkaline detergents. Its manufacturer (DOW) states that it provides good detergency and wetting properties, and is capable of producing a moderate to highly stable foam. It is made of alkyl polyglucosides and is a stated to be a readily biodegradable material.

Examples

[0115] A concentrate solution of Triton® BG-10 or Plurafac® CS-10 (7 wt %) in NaOH, 50% (70 wt %) was prepared. Triton® BG-10 is very soluble in 70 wt % NaOH, 50% and forms a clear dark brown solution. On the other hand, Plurafac® CS-10 is not very soluble in 70 wt % NaOH, 50% and forms a dense dark orange solution. However, when the stock solution of Plurafac® CS-10 is diluted and Triton® BG-10 is added, it forms a clear dark brown solution. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is desirable to add Triton® BG-10 first before Plurafac® CS-10.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Stock solution of high alkaline Triton BG-10 and Plurafac ® CS-10 solutions 7 wt % Triton ® BG-10 7 wt % Plurafac ® CS-10 wt % g wt % g NaOH, 50% 70 280 70 280 Triton ® BG 10 7 28 7 14 Water ca to 100 92 ca to 100 106 Total 400 400

[0116] Formulations

[0117] The stock solutions were then used to make formulations with 60% NaOH, 50% and 6 or 3 wt % Triton BG-10 with the addition of other surfactants such as Basocorr® 2005, Plurafac® CS-10, 50%, Lutensol® XL 80, Lysine monohydrochloride. To prepare a 20 mL composition, a 17.14 g aliquot from the stock solution was mixed with other surfactants.

[0118] Formulations Dilution

[0119] In order to perform the surface tension, dynamic contact angle, and foamability tests, the formulations were diluted to a concentration of equivalent 1 wt % NaOH by adding 3.33 g aliquot of formulation to 96.67 g of water.

[0120] Surface Tension

[0121] Wilhelmy Plate method was used to measure the surface tension of the diluted formulations using a Kruss® 100C force tensiometer.

[0122] Dynamic Contact Angle

[0123] Dynamic contact angle measurements were conducted using the Wilhelmy plate method with a Kruss® 100C force tensiometer. A parafilm plate was used as a hydrophobic surface to measure the efficiency of the formulations in reducing the contact angles. The advancing and receding contact angles (θ.sub.A and θ.sub.R) were measured. They are indicative of how efficient the formulation can change the wettability of a hydrophobic surface to be more water-wet for easier cleaning of the surfaces. The advancing angles (θ.sub.A) is always higher than the receding contact angles (θ.sub.R) as the plate advancing in the fluid dry. But while receding, the molecules were already oriented at the surface.

[0124] Dynamic Foam Analyzer DFA100C from Kruss was used to measure the foamability and foam stability of the different formulations made. DFA100C is equipped with 40 mm internal diameter glass column with a frit glass of 16-40 μm pore size (FL4503-G3). The column is fixed in between infrared source and receiver to automatically measure the height of the foam overtime. 50 mL of formulations was placed inside the column with a syringe to prevent any foaming during this step. Then, air is subsequently injected through the frit glass filter at rate of 0.3 mL/min for 20 seconds. Foamability was calculated based on the maximum height during foaming. Foam stability was measured based on the foam height after 5, 15, and 20 minutes. For the best formulations, extended foam stability was conducted to measure the decay half-life time (τ.sub.1/2).

[0125] Formulations with 6 wt % Triton BG-10 with Different Concentrations of Plurafac CS-10 or Basocorr 2005

[0126] Formulations containing a constant concentration of Triton® BG-10 (6 wt %) and NaOH, 50% (60 wt %) were prepared by diluting the 7 wt % BG-10 stock solution and then Basocorr® 2005 or Plurafac® CS-10, 50% and water were added.

[0127] Table 2 presents the composition of the formulations of NaOH, 50% (60%) and BG-10 (6%) with different concentrations of Basocorr® 2005. All of the formulations were clear 1-phase solutions.

[0128] Table 3 presents the composition of the formulations of NaOH, 50% (60%) and BG-10 (6%) with different concentrations of Plurafac® CS-10, 50%. All of the formulation were clear 1-phase solutions.

[0129] Table 4 shows that these diluted formulations significantly decreased the surface tension and the advancing (θ.sub.A) and receding (θ.sub.R) contact angles. This would allow an efficient penetration of any deposited soil and effective cleaning of the solid surfaces.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Formulations of 50% NaOH (60% concentration) and BG-10 (6%) with Basocorr ® 2005 CSR-F-0 CSR-F-1 CSR-F-2 CSR-F-3 wt % g wt % g wt % g wt % g 7% Stock 17.14 17.14 17.14 17.14 Aliquot (g) Basocorr 2005 0 0 1 0.2 2 0.4 3 0.6 Water (Make ca 2.86 ca 2.66 ca 2.46 ca 2.26 up) Total 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 Soluble Y Y Y Y

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Formulations of 50% NaOH (60% concentration) and 50% BG-10 (6%) with Plurafac ® CS-10 CSR-F-4 CSR-F-5 CSR-F-6 wt % g wt % g wt % g 7% Stock Aliquot (g) 17.14 17.14 17.14 Plurafac CS-10, 50% 1 0.2 2 0.4 3 0.6 Water (Make up) ca 2.66 ca 2.46 ca 2.26 Total 20.00 20.00 20.00 Soluble Y Y Y

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Measurements for the diluted samples of formulations CSR-F-0 to CSR-F-6 CSR-F-0D CSR-F-1D CSR-F-2D CSR-F-3D CSR-F-4D CSR-F-5D CSR-F-6D pH RI (nD) 1.336 1.3361 1.3361 1.3361 1.3361 1.3361 1.3361 Density (g/mL) 1.00976 1.00963 1.00965 1.00962 1.00967 1.00974 1.00986 SG 1.01158 1.01144 1.01147 1.01144 1.01148 1.01156 1.01168 SFT 26.48 26.33 26.33 26.24 26.56 26.56 26.71 Θ.sub.A 40.01 42.65 39.98 38.08 39.96 41 41.66 θ.sub.R 11.11 8.91 8.1 6.64 8.57 8.68 7.9

[0130] FIGS. 1 and 2 present the foam height and liquid height for the CSR-F-1D to 6D over time. All the samples did form a good foam that is stable for long time. There was no significant difference between all the samples regardless of the concentration of Basocorr® 2005 or Plurafac® CS-10 up to 3 wt % in the original formulations.

[0131] Another set of compositions made with adding both Basocorr® 2005 and Plurafac® CS-10 together into NaOH, 50% (60%) and BG-10 (6%). However, these formulations formed a solid floc that were not miscible in the solution and hence they were discarded.

[0132] Formulations with 6 wt % Plurafac CS-10 with Different Concentrations of Triton BG-10

[0133] A number of formulations containing a constant concentration of Plurafac® CS-10 (6 wt %) and NaOH, 50% (60 wt %) were prepared by diluting the 7 wt % Plurafac® CS-10 stock solution. To this stock solution, Triton® BG-10 and water were added.

[0134] Table 5 presents the composition of the formulations of NaOH, 50% (60%) and Plurafac® CS-10 (6%) with different concentrations of Triton BG-10. All of the formulations were clear 1-phase solutions.

[0135] Table 6 shows that these diluted formulations significantly decreased the surface tension and the advancing (θ.sub.A) and receding (θ.sub.R) contact angles. This would allow an efficient penetration of any deposited soil and effective cleaning of the solid surfaces. However, the contact angle of the formulations where Triton® BG-10 is the dominant surfactant have lower contact angles compared to formulations with dominant Plurafac® CS-10.

[0136] FIG. 3 presents the foam data for these diluted formulations. It is evident that Plurafac® CS-10 is a very low foaming surfactant and the foam life can be extended by adding Triton® BG-10 at different concentrations. This is particularly desirable for open vessel cleaners which require good foamability in order to clean the walls of such vessels. However, as important as good foamability is, it is also desirable that the foam dies within a reasonable amount of time, otherwise it becomes problematic as it slows down the cleaning process and consequently, overall production.

[0137] While formulations with dominant Triton® BG-10 provide a very stable foam (upon application) for a long time even in the presence of Plurafac® CS-10, the formulations where Plurafac® CS-10 is the dominant surfactant have less than 20 minutes half-life.

[0138] FIG. 4 presents a photograph of the foam for CSR-F-18D that showing the foam collapsing from within. The infrared map of the foam column shows a significant collapsing of the foam from within represented by the white are between 60- and 120-mm height.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Formulations of NaOH, 50% (60%) and Plurafac ® CS-10 (6%) with Triton ® BG-10 CSR-F-15 CSR-F-16 CSR-F-17 CSR-F-18 wt % g wt % g wt % g wt % g 7% Stock 17.14 17.14 17.14 17.14 Aliquot (g) Triton ® 0 0 1 0.2 2 0.4 3 0.6 BG-10 Water (Make ca 2.86 ca 2.66 ca 2.46 ca 2.26 up) Total 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 Soluble Y Y Y Y

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Measurements for the diluted samples of formulations CSR-F-15 to CSR-F-18 CSR-F-15D CSR-F-16D CSR-F-17D CSR-F-18D SFT 29.39 31.69 30.47 29.24 θ.sub.A 64.26 70.22 65.32 60.71 θ.sub.R 29.29 36.86 30.05 20.53

[0139] Experiment with Foam Controlling Component

[0140] A set of samples containing 6 wt % Plurafac® CS-10, 2 wt % Triton BG-10 with different concentrations of lysine was prepared to study the effect of Lysine on the foam stability. The samples were prepared by dissolving lysine monohydrochloride first in NaOH and then adding Triton® BG-10 followed by Plurafac® CS-10. All of the samples were clear solution of a dark brown color. The formulation of the compositions prepared for this series of experiment is found on Table 7.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Compositions with 6 wt % Plurafac ® CS-10, 2 wt % Triton ® BG-10 with Different concentrations of lysine CSR-F-17 CSR-F-19 CSR-F-20 CSR-F-21 CSR-F-22 CSR-F-23 wt % g wt % g wt % g wt % g wt % g wt % g NaOH, 50% 60 12 60 12 60 12 60 12 60 12 60 12 Plurafac ® CS-10 6 1.2 6 1.2 6 1.2 6 1.2 6 1.2 6 1.2 Triton ® BG-10 2 0.4 2 0.4 2 0.4 2 0.4 2 0.4 2 0.4 Lysine 0 0 0.5 0.1 1 0.2 2 0.4 4 0.8 6 1.2 Water (Make up) 6.4 6.3 6.2 6 5.6 5.2 Total 20 20 20 20 20 20 Soluble Y Y Y Y Y Y

[0141] Interestingly, the addition of lysine accelerates the foam decay compared to the cases when it is absent. However, the presence of lysine did not affect the foamability of the solution. The foam remaining after 20 minutes is low for the formulations containing lysine. Also, the presence of lysine slightly decreased the advancing and receding contact angles compared to the composition without lysine. For good foamability, height target is 120-150 mm. The duration of a short-lasting foam is expected to reach 10 mm in less than 5 minutes. On the other hand, long-lasting foams decay more slowly and may take days to fully decay.

[0142] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the presence of an amino acid such as lysine allows to control the foam lifetime and deliver customized solutions for specific applications.

[0143] Moreover, lysine improves the stability of the formation. The formulations without lysine showed some separation after two weeks. However, the formulations containing lysine were stable and no separation was observed in any of the samples for a period of at least 2 months. FIG. 8 is a photograph of the samples without lysine after 2 weeks showing phase separation. FIG. 9 is a photograph of the samples with lysine after 2 weeks.

[0144] Table 8 shows that these diluted formulations significantly decreased the surface tension and the advancing (θ.sub.A) and receding (θ.sub.R) contact angles. This would allow an efficient penetration of any deposited soil and effective cleaning of the solid surfaces.

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Measurements for the diluted samples of formulations CSR-F-19 to CSR-F-23 compared to CSR-F-17 CSR- CSR- CSR- CSR- CSR- CSR- F-17 F-19 F-20 F-21 F-22 F-23 SFT 30.47 30.07 30.13 30.04 30.06 28.83 θ.sub.A 65.32 62.61 62.09 61.35 59.76 61.53 θ.sub.R 30.05 24.92 26.16 26.1 26.98 22.03

[0145] For open vessel cleaning in the food and beverage plants, the formulations with shorter foam life are more desirable. Formulations with high reduction of contact angles and controlled foam life were developed for hard surface cleaning using a blend of high-foam nonionic surfactant and low-foam anionic surfactant. The low-foam anionic surfactant also has the functionality of a chelating agent to sequester multivalent ions from hard water. The use of an amino acid such as lysine allows one to control the foam life-time and deliver customized solutions for specific applications. A foam controlling agent comprising an amino acid, such as lysine, accelerates the foam decay compared to compositions which do not contain it. Advantageously, lysine does not affect the foamability of the compositions. The foam remaining after 20 minutes is low for the case that contain lysine. Also, the presence of lysine slightly decreased the advancing and receding contact angles compared to the compositions where lysine was not present.

[0146] Other components may also be added to the cleaning solution of the present invention to add a variety of properties or characteristics, as desired. For instance, additives may include colorants, fragrance enhancers, anionic or nonionic surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, defoamers, pH stabilizers, stabilizing agents, or other additives that would be known by one of ordinary skill in the art with the present disclosure before them.

[0147] While the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant arts, once they have been made familiar with this disclosure that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the true scope of the invention in the appended claims.