Abstract: A method for producing a solid alkaline detergent in which an effective amount of a hardness sequestering agent is mixed in an aqueous solution containing less than about 51 percent of an alkali metal hydroxide or an alkali metal silicate at a temperature between about 55.degree. F. and about 130.degree. F. to form a liquid dispersion. A solid caustic material is then added to the liquid dispersion in sufficient quantity to cause the eventual solidification of the dispersion. The dispensed is then mixed until homogeneous and can then be dispersion into a suitable receptacle and permitted to solidfy.

Abstract: A thickened acid cleaner concentrate composition comprising an inorganic acid, e.g., hydrochloric, an organic acid, e.g., oxalic, a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a flocculating agent such as iron or aluminum ion and water is used to clean vehicles such as railroad equipment. The waste water is then treated by increasing its pH to cause flocculation and separation to remove suspended solids and entrained BOD prior to discharge or re-use within the plant. The flocculating agent in the composition provides a proportional pretreatment of the waste to facilitate the final treatment and separation of waste in the used composition.

Abstract: A thickened acid cleaner concentrate composition comprising an inorganic acid, e.g., hydrochloric, an organic acid, e.g., oxalic, a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a flocculating agent such as iron or aluminum ion and water is useful in cleaning vehicles such as railroad equipment. The waste water is then treated by flocculation and separation to remove suspended solids and entrained BOD prior to discharge or re-use within the plant. The flocculating agent in the composition provides a proportional pretreatment of the waste to facilitate the final treatment and separation of waste in the used composition.

Abstract: Aqueous cleaning compositions incorporating lithium salts to inhibit foaming.