MXPA98005869A - Composition and methods for cleaning superfic - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cleaning metallic and non-metallic surfaces using a nonionic surfactant and an enzyme. Specifically described is a composition composed of at least one nonionic surfactant and at least one enzyme having a pH between 6 and 9.5. Also disclosed is a method for cleaning a surface using this composition and a method for cleaning a surface using a first composition comprising at least one nonionic surfactant and a second composition comprising at least one enzyme.

Description

COMPOSITION AND METHODS FOR CLEANING SURFACES DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to compositions comprising one or more enzymes and one or more surfactants, useful for the cleaning of industrial and non-industrial equipment. The present invention also relates to novel cleaning methods that use surfactants and enzymes to remove oil, grease and other hydrophobic and / or industrial wastes from various surfaces. One method involves cleaning the surfaces by contacting them with a composition comprising one or more enzymes and one or more surfactants. A second method sequentially involves contacting the surface first with a solution containing the surfactant and then with an enzyme-containing solution. The equipment used in numerous industries comes in contact with several contaminants, which can impede the operation of the equipment and in other circumstances, interfere with production. This affects almost the entire industry, including, for example, the chemical processing industry, the oil refinery industry, the pulp and paper industry, the manufacturing industry in general and the food and beverage industry. Numerous ferrous and non-ferrous metal surfaces, as well as plastic surfaces, can similarly be contaminated with oil, grease and other hydrophobic contaminants, as well as inorganic contaminants such as dirt. These contaminants are usually difficult and expensive to remove using conventional cleaning products and methods. A cleaning step is also routinely included in the metal / plastic surface tiling. Typically, these surfaces are cleaned before phosphatization, rust treatment, paint and the like, which are carried out on the surface. Many aqueous industrial and household cleaners contain a mixture of enzymes and surfactants. Enzymes primarily serve to attack or degrade organics, while the surfactant acts to disperse the degraded particles in the aqueous phase. Numerous cleaning compositions have alkaline components, such as a caustic cation, alkali metal or alkali. For example, an alkaline-based cleaning composition is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,256,327. More specifically, the cleaning composition is a substantially dry, water-soluble dishwashing composition which comprises intimately mixing the particles of a carbonate salt and a citrate, wherein the salts have a common alkali metal cation, an anti-caking agent. the anti-redeposition, an alkali metal silicate, a non-ionic surfactant and an enzyme system. Alkaline cleaners, although effective, are considered environmentally not very good with dangerous or rigid effects and, therefore, are not preferred. U.S. Patent No. 4,784,790 relates to preparations and methods for cleaning and disinfecting endoscopes. The method includes successively contacting the endoscopes with a hot cleaning solution, contacting the endoscopes with a hot disinfectant solution, washing the endoscopes with hot water and drying the endoscopes with sterilized hot air. The cleaning solution contains at least one low foaming nonionic surfactant, at least one proteolytic enzyme and at least one complexing agent and, optionally, other normal detergent ingredients, and has a pH value of 6 to 8. U.S. Patent No. 5,234,832 discloses a method for cleaning and disinfecting medical instruments similar to that of U.S. Patent No. 4,784,790 but using a cleaning solution having a pH of 6 to 8 and containing a low foaming nonionic surfactant, a proteolytic enzyme, a complexing agent and an aldehyde, selected from the group consisting of formaldehyde and aliphatic dialdehydes containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and optionally, other normal detergent and disinfectant constituents. This method also differs from the x790 patent in that it does not include the disinfection phase. U.S. Patent No. 5,462.6o "7 refers to a method for removing hydrocarbons and coke deposits from industrial processing equipment.The metoao involves the use of an aqueous cleaning solution containing from 30 to 2500 ppm of a Amine oxide surfactant and from 1 to 200 ppm of an enzyme The method further involves introducing the cleaning solution into a container having hydrocarbons and coke deposits on its walls, partially filling the container, heating the solution in the container at an elevated temperature sufficient to boil the solution and generate foam, circulate the solution through the container and flow the foam of the container US Patent No. 5,540,784 refers to a method for cleaning an equipment that Contains solids and oil contaminants on an interior surface creating a closed flow system within the equipment, introducing a solution n aqueous cleaner containing enzymes and an amide oxide surfactant to a pressure vessel in the system to partially fill the container, heat the cleaning solution to a temperature above the boiling point of water, circulate the cleaning solution through of the system, in this way contact the solution with oil and solid contaminants and remove contaminants. A pressure is maintained within the closed flow system at a value above atmospheric pressure. The cleaning solution contains 30 to 2100 ppm of a surfactant and 1 to 200 ppm of an enzyme. U.S. Patent No. 5,459,066 relates to a method for separating oleophilic-hydrophobic material from wash water. The methods employ a solution comprising 30-2100 ppm of an amide oxide surfactant and 1-200 ppm of an enzyme. The solution is mixed with washing water and oil and allowed to stand in a stable state for a sufficient time for the formation of an oil phase and an aqueous phase. The oil phase is then separated from the aqueous phase. U.S. Patent No. 5,533,664 discloses a hard surface detergent composition comprising a surfactant, nonionic detergent, a hydrophobic cleaning solvent, and optionally containing one or more polycarboxylate detergent formers, zwitterionic detergent surfactants, pH regulator of alkanolamine, enzymes, hydrotropes, polar solvents, colorants, perfumes and a foam forming control system comprising fatty acid and a sulphonated ammonium detergent surfactant and / or sulfate. German Summary DE 1801119 discloses a detergent and a soap powder containing a bleaching agent and an enzyme prepared by coating or encapsulating the bleaching agent with a water-soluble material, dispersible in water at a temperature between 60 and 70 ° C. A proteolytic enziira is coated with a water-soluble material such as sugar, a non-ionic surfactant, a CM-cellulose gum or polyvinyl alcohol. Patent Application WO 9412607 relates to a hard surface cleaning composition comprising a solvent, a surfactant and a dipolytic enzyme. The solvent contains at least one alcoholic hydroxyl group and one ether linkage and is essential for the operation of the cleaning composition. The surfactant is co-compatible with the lipase. German Summary DE 3640799 describes .r.d washing composition containing at least one amino or hydroxy alkane sulfonate derivative and at least one enzyme. There is no indication that the abstract teaches the compositions or methods of the present invention. International Application WO 9633257 describes a cleaning solution based on stabilized enzyme, which contains an enzyme including a lipase or protease, a surfactant and glycerol and / or ethylene glycol as an enzyme stabilizer. Japanese Application JP 4214884 discloses a cleaner for noble metals and ornaments containing carbonate, organic acid, reducing agent, surfactant and protease. Japanese Application JP 8188893 discloses a cleaning agent containing a fat decomposition enzyme and a nonionic surfactant at a ratio of 100: 1 -1: 100 and a pH of 6.5-10. German Abstract DE 2753679 discloses a stable aqueous washing and cleanser composition containing catalase, an ammonium surfactant and a nonionic polygonal ether derived surfactant. None of the above references teaches a cleaning composition comprising at least one nonionic surfactant and at least one enzyme as taught by the present invention. None of these references teaches a method for cleaning metal or plastic surfaces comprising contacting the surface to be cleaned with this composition, or contacting the surface to be cleaned with a first solution containing a nonionic surfactant, and then contacting the surface with a second solution containing an enzyme. Therefore, there is a need for cleaning compositions and methods that are efficient, cost effective, biodegradable and otherwise suitable for the environment. The present invention satisfies the need described above by providing a composition for use in cleaning metal and non-metal surfaces, comprising at least one nonionic surfactant and at least one enzyme. The present invention also satisfies the above need by providing methods for cleaning a surface in order to remove oils, grease, or other hydrophobic matter, inorganic stains and other industrial and non-industrial waste from the surfaces. These methods generally comprise contacting the surface with a surfactant and an enzyme. In one embodiment, the surfactant and the enzyme are contained with the same solution. Another embodiment comprises contacting the surface with a first solution containing at least one nonionic surfactant, and then cutting the surface with a second solution containing at least one enzyme. Most cleaning applications require the removal of both inorganic stains and organic fats, oils or other hydrophobic matter. In accordance with the present invention, lipase enzymes can be used together with a non-Oiuco surfactant-based cleaning solution to remove greases and stains from metallic and non-metallic parts. The surfactant disperses the stain and loosens the hydrophobic matter and the enzyme hydrolyzes the fatty ester bonds, damaging as a result a more effective cleaning. Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a cleaning composition comprising at least one nonionic surfactant and at least one enzyme. It is another object of the invention to provide the cleaning solution that is biodegradable, cost effective and environmentally convenient. A further object of the invention is to provide a method for cleaning a metal surface using ana enzyme and a nonionic surfactant. A further object of the invention is to provide a method for cleaning metallic and non-metallic surfaces contaminated by industrial waste. A further object of the invention is to provide a method for cleaning metallic and non-metallic surfaces, comprising contacting the surfaces with a composition comprising at least one nonionic surfactant and at least one enzyme.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method for cleaning contaminated metal and non-metallic surfaces by contacting the surfaces with a first solution containing at least one nonionic surfactant and a second solution containing at least one enzyme. These and other objects of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The file of this patent contains at least one color photograph. Copies of this patent with color photographs will be provided by the patent and trademark office upon request and payment of the necessary fees. Figures la and lb, each provide photographs of four panels tested according to the method of example 2. The present invention is directed to a cleaning composition comprising at least one nonionic surfactant and at least one enzyme, and which has a pH within the range of about 6 to 9.5. The combination of the nonionic surfactant and the enzyme has been found to be synergistic, and provides a cleansing when a surfactant or enzyme is used alone.

Numerous nonionic surfactants are within the scope of the present invention, said surfactants include, but are not limited to, aryl alkyl alcohol polyols having ethoxy acid grades of from 1.5 to 120, including but not limited to alkylphenol ethoxylates. having an alkyl chain length of between about 6 and 18 carbons, such as non-l-phenol ethoxylates; octylphenol ethoxylates and dodecylphenol ethoxylates; polyether alkyl alcohols having ethoxylation degrees of from 1.5 to 120, including but not limited to, linear polyether alcohols having an alkyl chain length of about 4 and 22 carbons, mixed linear alcohol ethoxylates, secondary alcohol ethoxylates which have an alkyl chain length of about 6 and 22 carbons, branched alkyl alcohol ethoxylates having from about 8 to 22 carbons, such as tpdesyl alcohol ethoxylates, trimethyl nonallyl ethoxylates, isodecyl alcohol ethoxylates, isotridecyl alcohol ethoxylates; nonionic amides such as alkanolamides, including but not limited to 1: 1 diethanolamides, monoethanol amides, monoisopropanolamides, 2: 1 alkanolamides and modifications thereof, ethoxylated alkanolamides and bisamides; nonionic esters, including but not limited to alcohol, glycerol and glycol esters, polyethylene glycol (PEG) esters such as diethylene glycol monostearate, glycerol monostearate, PEG laurates, PEG dilaurates, PEG mono-oleates and bi PEG-oleates, wherein PEG has a molecular weight ranging from approximately LCC to 1000; ethoxylated acids and oils, including derivatives of castor oil, oleic acid, linoleic acid, mycopic acid, laupco acid and stearic acid, among others, wherein the organic acids have between 6 to 20 carbons having straight and branched chain structures, and ethoxylation grains from 1.5 to 200; sorbitan esters and ethoxylated sorbitol esters, including, but not limited to, sorbitan raono-laurate, sorbitan ethoxylated ono-laurate, sorbitan mono-oleate, sorbitan mono-oleate ethoxylate, sorbitan triOate and sodium trioleate ethoxylated sorbitan, wherein the polyhydric alcohols and sugars have a degree of ester substitution of between about 1 and 4 degrees of ethoxylation of between about 0 and 200; alkylpolyglycoside surfactants having between about 1 and 10 units of extracting and the alkyl substitution of between about 0.5 and 2.5; ethoxylated mercaptophanes having an alkyl chain length of between about 6 and 18 carbons, and a degree of ethoxylation of between about 4 and 20, surfactants with low foaming, mcluyenac ethylene oxide / oxide oxide block copolymers propylene (EO / PO) such as Pluronic® and Tetrünic® products, available from BASF Corporation, Parsippany NJ, linear alcohol EO / PO, branched alcohol EO / PO, aryl alcapl EO / PO, and linear alcohol EO with a cap chlorine; copolymers of ethylene oxide / propylene oxide, including both block and random copolymers, having a molecular weight of between about 1000 and 25,000, and a cloud point of 10 ° C to more than 100 ° C; and amine ethoxylates having an ethoxylation degree of 1.5 to 75 and alkyl groups having from about 4 to 22 carbons. The composition of the present invention does not cover the use of amine oxides as the nonionic surfactants. Any combination of the above nonionic surfactants can also be used, provided that no problems arise with the compatibility of the surfactants. Compatibilization agents, such as hydrotropes, can be used with these surfactants as desired. Preferred nonionic surfactants for use in the compositions and methods of the present invention are hard surfactants and low foaming surfactants, such as polyaryl alkylaryl alcohols, polyether alkyl alcohols, ethoxylated mercaptans and low-surface-active surfactants. foam, described above.

In addition, one or more of the above nonionic surfactants can be mixed with one or more ammonium surfactants. Suitable ammonium surfactants include, but are not limited to, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alkylarylsulfonates, sulfosuccinates, phosphate esters, carboxylates, organic saponified soaps, alkyl tocyanates, amine ethoxysulfates and alkylphenol ethoxy sulfates. When both nonionic and ammonium surfactants are used, any ratio of nonionic to ammonium surfactant with the scale of 10: 1 to 1: 2 may be used, with the scale being between 4: 1 and 1: 1 being preferred. When a mixture of nonionic and ammonium surfactants is used, an excess of nonionic surfactant is preferred, and if an excess of ammonium surfactant is used, the ratio of ammonium to nonionic surfactant of 2: 1 should not be exceeded. This is to avoid the destabilization of the enzyme, such COITO that caused by the ammonium surfactants. Formulations containing only nonionic surfactants are highly preferred over combinations of non-ammonia / ammonia surfactants. The composition should contain at least 1.0 total surfactant, including both nonionic surfactant, and ammonium surfactant, if used. Most preferably, the amount of total surfactant will be on the 1.5 and 6 'scale, although amounts of up to 25o or higher can be used. Also present in the cleaning composition of the present invention is at least one enzyme. Preferably the enzyme is a lipase. Most preferably lipase is a broad spectrum lipase that breaks down fat, oil and other hydrophobic material. This enzyme, together with the surfactant of the present invention, also serves to remove non-organic contaminants from metal and plastic surfaces. A suitable lipase for use in the present invention is Lipolase®, available from Novo Nordisk, Franklm, NC. Lipolase® contains a broad-spectrum lipase, and also contains trace amounts of catalase. Catalase is an oxidizing enzyme that breaks down into hydrogen peroxide. Catalase, therefore, helps to capture free radicals and does not play a significant role in the present invention. The enzyme must be present in the solution at a concentration of at least 0.01 °. Most preferably, this concentration will vary from about 1 to 10, preferably from 1.0 to 3.0. For example, a volume-to-volume dilution of Lipolase® can be formed to water in order to bring the concentration of active enzyme within this range. 100 L of Lipolase® have 100,000 units of active enzyme; a solution containing 1 to 10 of this formulation, therefore, could contain approximately 10 and 10,000 units of enzyme. The ratio of surfactant to enzyme in the composition should be greater than 1: 1 of surfactant: enzyme. The amount of total surfactant in the composition, whether non-ionic or ammonium if used, must be greater than that of the enzyme. It will be understood that the cleaning composition of the present invention may also contain other components such as solvents, water, stabilizers, hydrotropes, detergent formers and suitable preservatives. Other additives include defoamers, corrosion inhibitors, dyes, perfumes and chelators. Any of these products known to those skilled in the art can be used, provided that they do not lead to problems of compatibility with the surfactant and / or enzyme, and as long as they do not interfere with the cleaning function of the surfactant and enzymes. Examples of these ingredients include, but are not limited to, phosphates, silicates, hydrotropes such as sodium xylene sulfonate or a phosphate ester surfactant., carbonates, borates and the like. The cleaning composition of the present invention should have a pH within the range of 6 to 9.5. Accordingly, an acid or a base may be used as necessary to bring the pH of the composition within the desired range. The present invention is also directed to a method for cleaning surfaces, comprising contacting the surface with a composition comprising at least one nonionic surfactant and at least one enzyme. The composition as described above, can be used in this method. Several surfaces can be cleaned according to this method, including both metallic and non-metallic surfaces. Metallic surfaces include ferrous and non-ferrous surfaces. Ferrous surfaces include, but are not limited to, steel, cold rolled steel, cast iron, tin plated steel, copper plated steel, organic coated steel, galvanized steel and zinc / aluminum galvanized steel. Non-ferrous surfaces include, but are not limited to, aluminum and aluminum alloys, zinc and zinc-based alloys, zinc-aluminum alloys, and copper and copper alloys. Non-metallic surfaces include plastics, including but not limited to, polycarbonates, polyvinyl chlorides, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyethers or thermoplastic polyamines, polyurethanes, epoxides or polyepoxides, polystyrene or its copolymers, nylon and modified polyamides and modified celluloses. The contact of the surface with the composition can be achieved by any means known in the art. Typical contact methods include a soaking or soaking of the equipment or surface that will be cleaned in a bath of the composition. All forms of immersion, such as typical immersion cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning and the like are contemplated in this invention. Alternatively, the composition can be sprayed onto the surface through any spray means known in the art, such as through the use of a cabinet wash or a conveyor system used in a spray chamber. The contact time between the surface to be cleaned and the composition should be at least 30 seconds, with a preference of 1-10 minutes. Longer contact times are also within the scope of this invention. Following the period of contact, the composition can be either removed from the surface or the surface can be further treated, such as a phosphatizer, or rust reduction agent. Removal of the composition of the surface can be effected through any means known in the art, such as through rinsing.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the contact time of the solution will vary depending on several factors, such as the surface to be cleaned, the amount of contamination on the surface, the type of surface contamination and the type of washing equipment configuration. The adjustment of the contact time to maximize the effects of the methods of the present invention are within the purview of those skilled in the art. The present invention is also directed to a method for cleaning the surface first with a solution containing at least one nonionic surfactant and secondly with a solution containing at least one enzyme. The first solution may contain at least one of the nonionic surfactants described above. In addition, nonionic amine oxide surfactants can be used in this method. Again, more than one nonionic surfactant can be used in the solution. In addition, an ammonium surfactant, as listed above, can be combined with the nonionic surfactant. If both ionic and anionic surfactants are used, the ratio of the nonionic surfactant to the ammonium should be within the range of 10: 1 to 1: 2. The preferred ratio of the ammonium surfactant as ionic is about 4: 1 and 1: 1. Said solution can be prepared generally as described above, but without the addition of the enzyme and enzyme stabilizers. That is, a solution containing between about 1.0 and 25 of the total surfactant (both non-ionic and ammonium, s) can be formed and various additives such as solvents, detergent formers, stabilizers, hydrotropes, defoamers, corrosion inhibitors can be formed. and similar. The surfactant compositions commercially available within this invention may also be used. The second solution contains at least one enzyme. Preferably, this enzyme is lipase, most preferably a broad-spectrum lipase that breaks down fat, oils and other hydrophobic material. Again, aicha enzyme is available from Novo Nordisk as Lipolase®. Lipolase® contains both lipase and catalase. The enzyme solution can be prepared according to any method known in the art and should have an active enzyme unit concentration of at least 0.01, preferably between about 1 and 10, most preferably between about 1 and 3. The enzyme solution may also contain enzyme stabilizers, defoamers and the like. An enzyme solution can be prepared, for example, using Lipolase®. Lipolase® 100L contains 100,000 units of active enzyme. A volume-to-volume digestion of Lipoiase® to water can be carried out in order to produce a solution with the desired concentration of active enzyme. Both metallic and non-metallic surfaces can be cleaned according to this method. The metal surfaces include both ferrous and non-ferrous surfaces as described above, and non-metallic surfaces including the plastic surfaces as described above. According to this embodiment of the invention, the surface to be cleaned is first contacted with the solution containing the surfactant. This solution must remain in contact with the surface for at least 30 seconds, most preferably 1-10 minutes. The surface should then be put in contact with the second solution, which is a solution that contains enzymes. This solution must be in contact with the surface for at least 30 seconds, preferably 1-10 minutes. Again, longer contact times may be used for each of the solutions. The two solutions can then be removed from the surface by methods known in the art, such as through rinsing.

The contact time for each of the solutions varies depending on several factors, such as the surface to be cleaned, the amount of contamination on the surface and the type of contamination of the surface and the type or configuration of the washing equipment. The adjustment of the contact time to maximize the effects of the methods of the present invention is within the scope of the person skilled in the art. In accordance with the methods of the present invention, it is believed that the surfactant helps the enzyme to come in contact with the contaminant, thus allowing the enzyme to attack and disperse the contaminant better. The inventors do not want this to be linked through the mechanism, however. The compositions and methods of the present invention typically produce results comparable to those achieved by alkaline cleaners. The compositions and methods of the present offer a sale with respect to these alkaline cleaners, since they are bdegradable and otherwise convenient to the environment, while the alkaline based cleaners are not. In addition, the water that contains the enzyme can be collected and can be reused in the methods taught here. The compositions and methods of the present invention, therefore, provide very cost-effective means of cleaning a variety of contaminants from a variety of surfaces. EXAMPLES The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way. Example 1 A dirt formulation was prepared by mixing the ingredients listed in Table 1. Table 1 The tallow composition was prepared using the formulation shown in Table 2. Table 2 Example 2 Q panels, obtained from Q-panel were used Company, for the following examples. The Q panels were of the cold rolled steel type R, SAE 1010, with a thickness of 0.081 cm (0.032 inches), with a non-satin matte finish. The dirt formulation described in Example 1 was applied to the Q panels using a downward tracing method (downwardly drawn bar with a size of # 10). The panels were washed using a 54.4 ° C (130 ° F) spray scrubber, with a spray pressure of approximately 1.0545 kq / cX (15 psi). The panels were washed as indicated in Table 3 and air dried for 24 hours. Table 3 The alkaline cleaner contains water softened with zeolite (69.5%), caustic soda (25 ';), sodium gluconate (5"), and a copolymer of acrylic acid / sulfonated monomer (0.5'. ') The surfactant solution contains water softened with zeolite (79.84%), nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactant with 9 EO units (10), and ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymer (10 '), (Pluronic® 25R2 commercially available from BASF) , adamantane chloride (Do ic? i? 75, preservative commercially available from Dow Chemical), and dye (0.01). *** A commercial lipase having approximately 100,000 units of enzyme, obtained from Novo Nordisk. In the photographs of Figure 1, a higher cleaning performance was obtained when the surfactant / enzyme combination solution was used than when only the surfactant solution was used.The production of the surfactant / enzyme combination was comparable with that of the alkaline cleaner. * Example 3 Cold rolled steel parts from Allegheny Ludlum Corp. were used for this example. The stain was a typical mill stain consisting of roller and particle oil. Using a spray washer, the following tests were run at 54.4 ° C (130 ° F), with a spray pressure of approximately 1.75 kg / cm (25 psi).

Table 4 * The alkaline cleaner, surfactant solution and Lipolase® were as described in Example 2. The parts were dried using environmental forced air after cleaning. Two aspects of the panel surface were measured, degree of removal of dirt and tenacity of the remaining dirt on the surface. The degree of dirt removal was classified by visual inspection of the metal parts using the following scale: 5 complete removal of dirt from the metal surface 4 80 dirt removed from the metal surface 3 50 ° of dirt removed from the surface metal surface 2 20 ') of the dirt removed from the metal surface 1 no dirt removal from the metal surface The tenacity of the remaining dirt was measured using a rub test. The test consisted in rubbing the surfaces of the metal parts using a manual pressure (two fingers) with a piece of normal paper towel of two folds, 2.54 x 12.7 cm. (1x5 inches), (Utility-Wipes Disposable Wipers commercially obtained from Kimberly-Clark). Tenacity is classified using the following scale: 5 significant discoloration of the paper, denoting a low tenacity of dirt on the metal surface 4 moderate discoloration of the paper 3 some discoloration of the paper 2 minor discoloration of the paper 1 no discoloration of the paper, denoting a high Tenacity of dirt to the metal surface The results of the test are shown in the Table Table 5 In this way, the combination of surfactant solution and enzyme roughly matches the alkaline cleaner in the overall cleaning operation. Example 4 Tests were performed as was generally written in Example 3. The panel treatments were as shown in Table 6 using a panel spray washer at approximately 1.7575 kg / cm (25ps?).

Table 6 * The solution of surfactant and Lipolase® were as described in Example 2. The results are as shown in Table 7, and the use of the grade system used in Example 3. Table 7 Tests where two stages of surfactant solution were used were not as effective in cleaning performance as two-stage combinations of surfactant / enzyme solution. Example 5 A formulation was prepared consisting of 26 water softened with zeolite, 1% boric acid, 0.5% Hartopol® 25R2 (ethylene oxide / propylene oxide copolymer commercially available from Huntsman), 3 from Igepal® CA-620 (octylphenol ethoxylate commercially obtained from Rhone Poulenc), 64.5% propylene glycol, and 5 Lipolase® 100L commercially obtained from Novo Nordisk (Solution 1). A similar formulation containing no enzyme was also prepared (replaced with water softened with zeolite) (Solution 2). Cleaning tests were conducted as shown in Table 8 using a spray washer operating at approximately 1.7575 kg / cm (25 psi). Table 8 Alkaline cleaner as described in Example 2. The results are summarized in Table 9. Table 9 The formulation containing enzyme (Solution 1) shows superior cleaning performance with respect to the formulation without enzyme (Solution 2). Its performance is close to that of the alkaline cleaner. Since the particular embodiments of this invention have been described above for the purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the details of the present invention can be made without departing from the invention as defined in the claims. annexes.

Claims (28)

1. CLAIMS 1. An aqueous cleaning composition characterized in that it comprises: about 1 to 25% by weight of at least one nonionic surfactant; and from about 10 to 10,000 units of active enzyme of at least one enzyme, wherein the composition has a pH of about 6 and 9.5.
2. 2. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the nonionic surfactant is one or more nonionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of polyether alkylic / apic alcohols, alkyl ether alcohols, nonionic amides, non-ionic esters, ethoxylated acids and oils, sorbitan esters and ethoxylated sorbitol esters, alkyl polyglycoside surfactants, ethoxylated mercaptans, low foaming surfactants, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block polymers, random copolymers of ethylene oxide / oxide of propylene, and amine ethoxylates.
3. 3. The composition according to claim 2, characterized in that the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of polyether alkyl-aryl alcohols having degrees of ethoxylation of 1.5 to 120; polyether alkyl alcohols having degrees of ethoxylation of 1.5 to 120; ethoxylated mercaptans having an alkyl chain length of about 6 and 18 carbons and an ethoxylation degree of between about 4 and 20; and surfactants of ba to foam formation.
4. 4. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises an ammonium surfactant.
5. The composition according to claim 4, characterized in that the ammonium surfactant is one or more ammonium surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulphates, alkylsulfonates, alkylampulphonates, sulfosuccinates, sulfate esters, carboxylates, organic saponified soaps, alkyl isethionate , amine ethoxysulfates and alkylphenol ethoxysulfates.
6. 6. The composition according to claim 5, characterized in that the ammonium surfactant is selected from the group consisting of a phosphate ester surfactant and a carboxylate surfactant.
7. The composition according to claim 6, characterized in that the combination of nonionic to ammonium surfactant is about 10: 1 and 1: 2.
8. 8. The composition according to claim 7, characterized in that the ratio of nonionic to ammonium surfactant is about 4: 1 and 1: 1 9.
9. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the enzyme is also selected from the group consisting of lipase and a mixture of lipase and catalase.
10. The composition according to claim 9, characterized in that the ratio of surfactant to enzyme is greater than 1: 1.
11. The composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises one or more members selected from the group consisting of stabilizers, detergent formers, defoamers, colorants, perfumes, chelators, solvents, corrosion inhibitors and inorganic salts.
12. 12. A method for cleaning a surface characterized in that it comprises contacting said surface with the cleaning composition comprising approximately 1 to 25? by weight of at least one nonionic surfactant and from about 10 to 10,000 years of active enzyme from at least one enzyme, and having a pH of at least 6 to 9.5.
13. 13. The composition according to claim 12, characterized in that it includes employing one or more nonionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of polyether alkyl aryl alcohols, polyether alkyl alcohols, nonionic amides, non-ionic esters, ethoxylated acids and oils, esters of sorbitan and ethoxylated sorbitol esters, alkyl polyglycoside surfactants, ethoxylated mercaptans, low foaming surfactants, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, random copolymers of ethylene oxide / propylene oxide, and amine ethoxylates.
14. 14. The method according to claim 12, further characterized by including the step of employing an ammonium surfactant together with the ionic surfactant in a ratio of between about 10: 1 to 1: 2 of nonionic surfactant: Ammonium
15. 15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that it includes employing an ammonium surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulphates, alkyl ether sulphates, alkylsulfonates, alkylarylsulfonates, sulfosuccmates, phosphate esters, carboxylates, saponified organic soaps, alkyl isethionates, amine ethoxysulphonates and alkyl phenoethoxy sulfates.
16. 16. The method in accordance with the claim 17, characterized in that it includes employing a nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyether alkyl aryl alcohols having degrees of ethoxylation of 1.5 to 120, polyether alkyl alcohols having degrees of ethoxylation of 1.5 to 120, ethoxylated mercaptans having a length alkyl chain of between about 6 and 18 carbons and a degree of ethoxylation of between about 4 and 20, and surfactants with low foaming and a non-ammonic surfactant selected from the group consisting of a phosphate ester and a carboxylate surfactant in a ratio of nonionic to ammonium surfactant of between about 4: 1 and 1: 1.
17. 17. The method of compliance with the claim 12, characterized in that it includes cleaning a surface selected from the group consisting of a metallic surface and a non-metallic surface.
18. 18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that it includes employing a contact time of at least about 30 seconds between the surface and the composition.
19. 19. The method according to the claim 18, characterized in that it includes employing a method selected from the group consisting of immersion and spraying to effect contact between the surface and the composition.
20. A method for cleaning a surface characterized in that it comprises: sequentially contacting the surface with a first solution containing about 1 to 25 by weight of at least one nonionic surfactant; and contacting the surface with a solution containing about 10 to 10,000 units of active enzyme of at least one enzyme.
21. 21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that it includes employing one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of polyether alkyl-aryl alcohols, polyether aryl alcohols, non-limeamides, non-ionic esters, ethoxylated acids and oils, sorbitan esters and ethoxylated sorbitol esters, alkyl polyglycoside surfactants, ethoxylated mercaptans, surfactants with a foaming bath, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, random copolymers of ethylene oxide / ethylene oxide propylene, and amine ethoxylates and amine oxides.
22. 22. The method according to claim 20, further characterized in that it includes the step of employing an ammonium surfactant together with the nonionic surfactant in a ratio of about 10: 1 to 1: 2.
23. 23. The method according to the claim 22, characterized in that it includes employing an ammonium surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulphates, alkylsulfonates, alkylarylsulfonates, sulfosuccmates, phosphate esters, carboxylates, saponified organic soaps, alkyl-isethionates, amine ethoxysulfates and alkylphenol ethoxy sulfates.
24. 24. The method of compliance with the claim 23, characterized in that it includes employing a nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyether alkyl-aryl alcohols having ethoxylation degrees from 1.5 to 120, polyether alkyl alcohols having degrees of ethoxylation of from 1.5 to 120, ethoxylated mercaptans having an alkyl chain length of between about 6 and 18 carbons and a degree of ethoxylation of between about 4 and 20, and surfactants of or to foaming and an ammonium surfactant selected from the group consisting of a phosphate ester and a carboxylate surfactant in a ratio of nonionic to ammonium surfactant of between about 4: 1 and 1: 1.
25. 25. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that it includes an enzyme selected from the group consisting of lipase and a mixture of lipase and catalase.
26. 26. The method of compliance with the claim 25, characterized in that it includes cleaning a surface selected from the group consisting of a metal surface and a plastic surface.
27. 27. The method of compliance with the claim 26, characterized in that it includes employing a contact time between the surface and the first solution of at least 30 seconds and a contact time between the surface and the second solution of at least 30 seconds.
28. 28. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that it includes employing an enzyme selected from the group consisting of lipase and a mixture of iipase and catalase.