Berol LFG61: An Alkali-Stable, Low-Foam Surfactant for CIP and Metal Processing

In the industrial and food cleaning sectors, the requirements for surfactants are becoming increasingly stringent, demanding both high cleaning efficiency and environmentally friendly, low-foaming properties. Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel) has introduced Berol LFG61—a blend of alkyl alcohol ether and alkyl polyglucoside—as an innovative solution for these fields.

The formulation of Berol LFG61 is not a simple mixture but rather a synergistic combination based on the complementary properties of alkyl alcohol ether and alkyl polyglucoside. Alkyl alcohol ethers, such as fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ethers, offer excellent wetting ability, allowing them to spread quickly over soiled surfaces, along with good alkali resistance, ensuring stable performance in alkaline environments. However, they tend to produce persistent foam under highly alkaline conditions. Alkyl polyglucosides (APGs), on the other hand, are known for their green, non-toxic, low-foaming, and biodegradable nature, though they exhibit weaker degreasing power when used alone. By scientifically blending the two, Berol LFG61 retains the wetting and alkali-resistant properties of alkyl alcohol ethers while incorporating the low-foaming and biodegradable advantages of alkyl polyglucosides, creating a unique and versatile solution.

In the food and beverage industry, particularly in CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems, Berol LFG61 demonstrates outstanding advantages. CIP cleaning involves circulating cleaning solutions through pipes, tanks, and other enclosed equipment. Excessive foam can reduce pumping efficiency, create cleaning dead zones with residual contaminants, and even lead to product contamination. This blend effectively suppresses protein-induced foam, preventing overflow during cleaning and ensuring smooth equipment operation. Moreover, CIP processes often use hot alkaline solutions to remove protein and fat residues. Berol LFG61 remains stable under alkaline conditions, eliminating the need for additional defoaming agents. This simplifies formulations and reduces the risk of secondary contamination.

In metal processing, it can be used for degreasing, dewaxing, and adhesive removal, especially in alkaline cleaners for aluminum and steel, effectively eliminating various stains from metal surfaces. During the rinse phase of automatic dishwashers, it promotes rapid water film sheeting, enhancing drying performance and allowing dishes to dry faster. It also performs well in weakly acidic systems, such as citric acid-based cleaners, expanding the application scope of formulations.

For example, in brewery fermentation tank cleaning, residual yeast and proteins tend to generate stubborn foam, often requiring frequent defoamer additions with traditional cleaners. Thanks to its blended technology, Berol LFG61 maintains consistently low foam during circulation cleaning without corroding stainless steel equipment. In dairy facilities dealing with fatty soils, its superior degreasing power and rinseability ensure residue-free equipment, meeting food safety standards.

Similarly, in metal processing, automatic dishwashing, and other applications, it delivers outstanding cleaning performance and stability, providing a reliable solution for efficient and environmentally friendly cleaning across various industries.

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