Conveyor lubricants including emulsions and methods employing them

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to conveyor lubricant compositions including an emulsion. The present disclosure also relates to methods of employing such lubricant compositions. In an embodiment, the methods include applying the present lubricant composition to a conveyor with a non-energized nozzle. In an embodiment, the methods include applying the present lubricant composition in a “semi-dry” mode.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A method for lubricating the passage of a container along a conveyor, comprising:
 applying a lubricating emulsion to at least a portion of a container-contacting surface of the conveyor or to at least a portion of a conveyor-contacting surface of the container, the lubricating emulsion comprising:
 (a) about 0.01 wt. % to about 0.35 wt. % of an alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof; 
 (b) about 0 to about 0.35 wt-% emulsifier; and 
 (c) water; 
   wherein the lubricating emulsion is applied for a period of time and not applied for a period of time.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof has a viscosity of at least about 300 centipoise when measured with a parallel plate rheometer with 20 mm plate diameter and 0.25 mm plate separation at an integrated average shear rate of 5.9 sec −1 . 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof is insoluble in water. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof is emulsified with the emulsifier, and the resulting emulsion has a particle size from about 0.05 to about 5 microns. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the applying comprises spraying the composition. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the applying comprises applying with brushes. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein applying comprises applying the lubricating emulsion for a first length of time and not applying it for a second length of time, wherein the ratio of the first length to the second length is about 1 to greater than or equal to about 10. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the lubricating emulsion further comprises an additional component. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the additional component is selected from the group of antimicrobial agents, colorants, foam inhibitors, foam generators, stress cracking inhibitors, viscosity modifiers, film forming materials, surfactants, antioxidants, antistatic agents, corrosion inhibitors, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the emulsion creates a coefficient of friction of less than about 0.4. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the container comprises polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, paper board, glass, or metal. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof has the general formula R 4 (EO) x OCH 2 COOH where R 4  is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated chain with 6 to 22 carbon atom. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein R 4  has 12 to 18 carbon atoms. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof is selected from oleocetyl-(EO) 2 CH 2 COOH, oleocetyl-(EO) 5 CH 2 COOH, or combination thereof.