-
Use of LAS as an anionic surfactant.
In a previous post I asked about a suitable cleaner for our filling machine when we are bottling Hair Conditioner. It was suggested that I should use an anionic cleaner, and NP 9 was suggested.All I can find here (in small quantities) is Linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) which is an anionic surfactant.Anyone have any experience with LAS? What would be a suitable concentration for our filling machine cleaning?Thanks. -
6 Replies
-
Not knowing too much about your conditioner, I suggest that you try to wash a lab beaker/vessel with LAS and where you would apply a little conditioner to the walls and bottom of the beaker/vessel. LAS is used extensively in H&I and I use it for my dishwash liquid in neutralized form. If there is no complexation of LAS/NP9 mixture with your cationic (which I doubt might happen) then you can give it a try. Note that it is an acid and very corrosive so even that might pose an issue to your filling machine parts. I remember @Bill_Toge and @DRBOB@VERDIENT.BIZ advising you on the same and those looked good enough measures IMO.
Surely someone can chip in with a better perception here, @chemicalmatt generally comes to mind in such ‘nowhere to go’ situations. -
It does lots of foam and it is agressive. Given the nature of you product I suggest you aim for detergents used in reactors for milk and cheese production. I think SC Johnson makes them, and since they are for food grade machinery the components and quantities are in the label.
-
Yes @Chemist77 acid indeed. At 1% the pH was around 2. Will pose problems probably in our bottling machine.
@DAS the natureof our product requires something anionic (I think). Will search for other alternatives.
-
I was thinking about, lets say a thorough inspection. You can rub the certificate over the inspectors face, regardless the kind of surfactants you use.
SLES 25% is not good enough?. Anionic, cheap, neutral and easy to find. That and hot water. By the way NP has great detergency, but is nonionic.
-
Good suggestion @DAS will give SLES 25% a go.
-
You should mix it with a few drops of dimethicone or any foam killer. Otherwise it will take time to clean the foam afterwards.
Log in to reply.