On site generation of alkalinity boost for ware washing applications

摘要

Methods for enhancing alkalinity and performance of ash-based detergents are disclosed. Nonhazardous ash-based detergent alkalinity is enhanced through increasing the ratio of sodium hydroxide to ash-based alkalinity. Methods according to the invention do not require the addition of chemical ingredients, do not generate additional waste streams and use the entirety of the ash-based detergent. The methods according to the invention provide alkalinity-enhanced detergent use solutions that are sufficiently concentrated for adequate cleaning capability while only requiring minimal amounts of the use solution to be dispensed for an in situ cleaning process.

主权项

1. A method of electrochemically increasing alkalinity of a detergent comprising:
providing an alkali metal carbonate, bicarbonate or sesquicarbonate source to an anode chamber of an electrolytic cell, wherein said electrolytic cell comprises said anode chamber and a cathode chamber; causing the alkali metal carbonate, bicarbonate or sesquicarbonate source to undergo electrolysis, wherein said electrolysis increases hydroxide concentration in the alkali metal carbonate, bicarbonate or sesquicarbonate source; removing carbon dioxide from said alkali metal carbonate, bicarbonate or sesquicarbonate source, wherein the resulting decrease in carbon dioxide in the alkali metal carbonate, bicarbonate or sesquicarbonate source and the increase in hydroxide concentration in the alkali metal carbonate, bicarbonate or sesquicarbonate source produces increased hydroxide alkalinity in the alkali metal carbonate, bicarbonate or sesquicarbonate source; recirculating the contents of the anode chamber directly into the cathode chamber; and generating a detergent use solution having increased hydroxide alkalinity compared to the original alkali metal carbonate, bicarbonate or sesquicarbonate source provided to the electrolytic cell.