US5411666A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Methods for removing biofilm from or preventing buildup thereof on surfaces in industrial water systems
Assignee: Buckman Laboratories International Inc
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Filing: 1994-03-22
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Granted: 1995-05-02
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Expires: 2014-03-22
Abstract
Abstract A composition for and methods of removing biofilm and controlling its development in industrial water systems. The water in such systems is treated with a combination of at least two biologically produced enzymes and a surface active agent, preferably an anionic surfactant.
Inventors
- 👤 C. George Hollis
- 👤 John P. Terry
- 👤 Percy A. Jaquess
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 14:52
CPC Classifications
C; C02; C02F; C02F1/00; C02F1/50; C02F3/00; C02F3/34; C02F3/342; C02F2103/00; C02F2103/02; C02F2103/023
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 26
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of removing a biofilm from a solid substrate or preventing buildup of a biofilm on a solid substrate, said biofilm being formed by at least one sessile microorganism in a water system comprising the step of contacting a water system in recognized need of such removal or prevention with a composition consisting essentially of (1) at least one acidic protease or alkaline protease, (2) at least one glucoamylase or alpha amylase, and (3) at least one surfactant, said combination of (1), (2), and (3) being capable of destroying polysaccharide material which surrounds the sessile microorganisms.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of removing a biofilm from a solid substrate or preventing buildup of a biofilm on a solid substrate, said biofilm being formed by at least one sessile microorganism in a water system comprising the step of contacting a water system in recognized need of such removal or prevention with a composition consisting essentially of (1) at least one acidic protease or alkaline protease, (2) at least one glucoamylase or alpha amylase, and (3) at least one surfactant, said combination of (1), (2), and (3) being capable of destroying polysaccharide material which surrounds the sessile microorganisms.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said combination of (1), (2), and (3) is in the form of a water solution.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said microorganism is a bacterium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 2, wherein (1) is at least one acidic protease derived from Aspergillus niger.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 2, wherein (1) is at least one alkaline protease derived from Bacillus subtilis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 2, wherein (2) is at least one alpha amylase derived from Bacillus subtilis.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 2, wherein (2) is at least one glucoamylase derived from Aspergillus niger.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said (1) at least one protease acidic or alkaline protease is derived from pineapple stem.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 2, wherein at least one of said acidic protease or alkaline protease is an endopeptidase.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 2, wherein at least one of said surfactant is an anionic surfactant.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 10, wherein said anionic surfactant is an ether alcohol sulfate or an alkylaryl sulfonate.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 11, wherein said anionic surfactant is an alkylaryl sulfonate and is dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 11, wherein said anionic surfactant is an ether alcohol sulfate and is sodium dodecyl sulfate.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said (1) at least one acidic protease or alkaline protease, said (2) at least one glucoamylase or alpha amylase and said (3) at least one surfactant are of equal proportions.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 2, wherein at least one of said acidic protease or alkaline protease is HT-PROTEOLYTIC-L-175.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 2, wherein at least one of said glucoamylase or alpha amylase is DIAZYME L-200.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 2, wherein at least one of said glucoamylase or alpha amylase is amyloglucosidase.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said water is white water.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said water pH is alkaline.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said water pH is acidic.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said water system is part of a paper machine and associated equipment.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said water system is a cooling system comprising water storage, clarification, transfer and heat exchange equipment.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said water system is a water purification system comprising water storage, clarification, purification, and transfer equipment.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said water system is a mill supply system wherein the water solution is used for cooling, steam generation, domestic supply and processing.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said substrate comprises a copper alloy, mild steel, stainless steel, glass, porcelain or plastic.
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| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-05-01 | 1998-10-31 | 1999-05-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
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