PLURAFAC LF 231

CAS Number: 113089-47-7 (manufacturer's product identification)
EC Number: Not reliably established for this commercial grade from the reviewed manufacturer records.
Molecular Formula: Variable; commercial alkyl-capped fatty alcohol alkoxylate distribution, not a single molecular species.
Molecular Weight: Distribution dependent; one fixed molar mass is not applicable to the commercial product.
INCI Name: No specific INCI designation verified for the supplied grade; not a cosmetic-grade claim.
E Number / INS Number: Not applicable; the product is not identified as a food additive.
Boiling Point: Not reliably established as a single boiling temperature for the alkoxylate distribution.
Melting Point: Not applicable as a single sharp melting point; representative setting point approximately -5 °C (DIN 51583).
Viscosity: Approximately 45 mPa·s dynamic viscosity at 23 °C (EN 12092, Brookfield LVT); representative manufacturer value.
Density: Approximately 0.96 g/cm³ at 23 °C (DIN 51757); representative manufacturer value.

COMMON PRODUCT AND CHEMICAL NAMES

Plurafac LF 231
Plurafac® LF 231
Alkyl-capped fatty alcohol alkoxylate
End-capped fatty alcohol alkoxylate
Low-foaming nonionic alcohol alkoxylate
Fatty alcohol alkoxylate (broad chemical-class description; not a unique chemical synonym)
The names above describe the commercial grade or its verified chemical family; other Plurafac LF numbers are different products and should not be treated as synonyms.

WHAT IS PLURAFAC LF 231?

Plurafac LF 231 is a concentrated liquid nonionic surfactant intended primarily as a performance ingredient in professional and industrial detergent systems. In contrast to an aqueous cleaning product, the as-supplied material is a relatively concentrated raw material that normally has to be assessed in the context of the other cleaning agents, water, builders and process conditions.

The available November 2023 technical information describes Plurafac LF 231 as an alkyl-capped member of a family of alcohol alkoxylates, with an approximate concentration of 100%. This concentration refers to the trade grade as presented in the manufacturer's technical table; it is not a claim of 100% molecular purity or a guarantee of a specific residual-water level.

Plurafac LF 231 has a useful low-foam profile despite being capable of reducing interfacial tension. This combination makes it relevant to pumps, spray nozzles and high-agitation cleaning machines, where a cleaner must contact soils without generating excessive persistent foam.

CAS NUMBER, EC / EINECS NUMBER AND CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION

The manufacturer's online product record identifies Plurafac LF 231 with CAS 113089-47-7 and product reference 30044031. The CAS number relates to the commercially identified alkoxylated alcohol substance family; it does not imply a single molecular formula, exact chain length or uniquely fixed degree of alkoxylation.

Descriptions appearing in chemical registers for CAS 113089-47-7 concern C13-C15 branched and linear alcohol-derived alkoxylate polymers with end groups and ether linkages. These registry descriptions should be read together with the current grade-specific SDS, because the generic registration identity does not substitute for the actual supplier's analytical composition.

An EC/EINECS number could not be cross-verified from the reviewed product documents and is therefore not supplied here. Likewise, statements about REACH status, detergent-market compliance or regional chemical inventories require the exact current documentation for the target jurisdiction and intended application.

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS

The defining structural elements are a hydrophobic alkyl segment derived from fatty alcohol and a succession of oxygen-containing alkoxylate units. The end-capped architecture differentiates this material from some uncapped fatty alcohol ethoxylates, whose terminal polar groups and corresponding hydration properties can produce a different foam or solubility profile.

A commercial alkoxylate is generally a distribution of chain lengths and degrees of alkoxylation rather than a monodisperse molecule. Consequently, there is no responsible way to assign Plurafac LF 231 one exact molecular weight or full structural formula simply by copying a formula for a related surfactant.

Ether oxygen atoms contribute to polar interactions with aqueous surroundings, while the hydrophobic segment favors contact with oils, greasy residues and hydrophobic interfaces. The overall balance dictates clouding, dispersion, oily-soil emulsification and behavior at air-water boundaries; these properties cannot be reduced to a single hydrophilic-lipophilic balance number without validated grade-specific evidence.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

The following figures are representative measurements reported for Plurafac LF 231 in the November 2023 technical information and should not be interpreted as contractual release limits. Measuring method, temperature, concentration and medium must remain attached to each number.

Physical Form at 23 °C: Liquid.
Appearance: Clear or slightly cloudy, typically colorless to yellow within the product-family description.
Approximate Concentration: 100%.
Density: Approximately 0.96 g/cm³ at 23 °C; DIN 51757.
Dynamic Viscosity at 23 °C: Approximately 45 mPa·s; EN 12092, Brookfield LVT.
Dynamic Viscosity at 10 °C: Approximately 100 mPa·s; EN 12092, Brookfield LVT.
Dynamic Viscosity at 0 °C: Approximately 400 mPa·s; EN 12092, Brookfield LVT.
Setting Point: Approximately -5 °C; DIN 51583.
pH: Approximately 6 under EN 1262, solution B; this is a specified test preparation, not the pH of a pure anhydrous liquid.
Cloud Point, EN 1890 Method D: Approximately 35 °C.
Cloud Point, EN 1890 Method E: Approximately 28 °C.
Foam Formation: Approximately 5 mL; EN 12728.
Surface Tension: Approximately 29 mN/m; EN 14370, 1 g/L in distilled water at 23 °C.
Water Solubility: Not a clear solution at 10% in distilled or potable water at 23 °C, according to the manufacturer's comparative solubility test.
Flash Point: A historical 2018 EU SDS states above 100 °C (DIN 51758); verify the current grade and jurisdictional SDS before relying on it for safety decisions.
Vapor Pressure: A historical EU SDS states below 0.1 hPa at 20 °C; not a 2023 grade-release specification.
Shelf Life: At least two years in unopened original packaging under the manufacturer's documented appropriate storage conditions, subject to current documentation and condition of the product.

Cloud point Method D uses 5 g surfactant and 45 g of a 250 g/L butyldiglycol solution, whereas Method E uses 5 g surfactant and 25 g of the same solution. Neither 28 °C nor 35 °C is a validated cloud point for a simple 1% water solution of this grade; the distinction matters when designing hot-water cleaning systems.

The product-family data do not establish a unique boiling point, vapor-pressure curve, refractive index, critical micelle concentration or validated density-versus-temperature equation for this exact grade. Those figures should be obtained by an appropriate analytical method or from a product-specific document rather than inferred from similarly named grades.

WETTING PERFORMANCE AND TEST CONDITIONS

Wetting times in the manufacturer's EN 1772 test demonstrate that the apparent wetting efficiency of Plurafac LF 231 is strongly influenced by temperature and concentration. The test medium contains distilled water and 2 g/L sodium carbonate, and the resulting times are laboratory comparisons rather than guaranteed cleaning times for actual surfaces.

Wetting at 23 °C, 0.5 g surfactant/L: Approximately 100 seconds.
Wetting at 23 °C, 1.0 g surfactant/L: Approximately 40 seconds.
Wetting at 23 °C, 2.0 g surfactant/L: Approximately 20 seconds.
Wetting at 70 °C, 0.5 g surfactant/L: More than 300 seconds.
Wetting at 70 °C, 1.0 g surfactant/L: More than 300 seconds.
Wetting at 70 °C, 2.0 g surfactant/L: More than 300 seconds.

Faster wetting in the cool comparison does not prove stronger degreasing under every process condition, and the poorer high-temperature wetting times do not mean the grade is unusable in hot cleaning. Mechanical turbulence, alkalinity, emulsification, oil type and interaction with builders can still produce useful cleaning performance; a process-specific evaluation is essential.

SOLUBILITY, DISPERSION AND CLOUDING BEHAVIOR

At a test concentration of 10% and 23 °C, Plurafac LF 231 does not form a clear solution in distilled water or potable water. This is a critical distinction: a nonionic surfactant can function at interfaces and in dispersed form while remaining insufficiently hydrophilic to create a transparent single phase under those particular conditions.

The same comparative manufacturer table records clear solubility at 10% and 23 °C in mineral spirit, spindle oil, ethanol and isopropanol. These findings are specific laboratory compatibility observations, not proof that all solvents, all concentrations or every detergent composition are mutually compatible.

The published guidance explains that grades with limited water solubility can sometimes be formulated more clearly with selected alcohols, glycols or hydrotropes such as sodium cumene sulfonate. Any such approach requires checking the finished product for phase stability, viscosity, flash point, labeling and cleaning efficiency, because a solubilizer may change more than appearance.

Cloudiness is not automatically a defect. In a circulating cleaner, a stable dispersion can be acceptable; in a clear consumer concentrate, visible turbidity may be commercially unacceptable even if the surfactant still reduces surface tension.

HOW DOES PLURAFAC LF 231 WORK AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL?

Plurafac LF 231 lowers the energetic penalty of bringing water into contact with oily or poorly wettable surfaces. At interfaces, its hydrophobic segments have affinity for oily matter, while the ether-rich segments maintain contact with the surrounding aqueous phase or a suitable cleaning medium.

During cleaning, molecules accumulate at new liquid-liquid and solid-liquid interfaces created by flow and agitation. This can assist the distribution of oily residues into smaller droplets or dispersed domains and may support removal of residual films when paired with alkalinity, chelating agents and adequate rinsing.

Foam arises when air-water interfaces become stabilized against drainage and coalescence. LF 231 is engineered for relatively low foam persistence under reference conditions, but low initial foam volume in the EN 12728 test should not be misconstrued as evidence that it will collapse foam created by every other surfactant.

Alkyl capping and the particular alkoxylate architecture affect hydration and interfacial film properties, providing a rational explanation for the grade's practical foam profile. Exact microscopic pathways and the degree to which LF 231 functions as a defoaming agent within a given blend must be demonstrated experimentally rather than presumed from the product label.

WHY LOW FOAM MATTERS IN INDUSTRIAL CLEANING

Foam can occupy tank headspace, create inaccurate level readings, overload circulation pumps and interfere with spray patterns. In fast cleaning systems, excessive foam also prolongs rinsing and can complicate drainage, creating operational costs beyond the appearance of bubbles.

Low-foam surfactants aim to retain useful detergency and wetting while reducing air entrainment or foam persistence. This is particularly attractive where equipment repeatedly sprays, recirculates or pumps concentrated cleaning solutions and where air-liquid contact cannot be avoided.

A laboratory foam result of 5 mL is meaningful only within the EN 12728 protocol used by the manufacturer. Real foam depends on proteins, sugars, oils, water hardness, cleaning temperature, mechanical shear, surfactant mixtures and other residue components.

WHICH INDUSTRIES USE PLURAFAC LF 231?

As a low-foaming surfactant, Plurafac LF 231 is relevant to detergent manufacturers supplying food and beverage processing plants, institutional kitchens, industrial facilities and automatic cleaning operations. Its possible use in these sectors is an industrial-formulation application, not a statement that this technical-grade raw material may be added directly to food or used without an approved cleaning-and-rinsing procedure.

Application screening may also include bottle-washing plants, spray-cleaning units, high-pressure cleaning, hard-surface maintenance and metal-cleaning systems. The economic justification is usually reduced foam-related disruption and the ability to tune detergency through complementary ingredients rather than a promise of exceptional soil removal by one ingredient alone.

Suitability varies with the operating temperature, required clarity, concentration of inorganic builders, environmental criteria and sensitivity of the substrate. Some systems benefit from a more hydrophilic surfactant, some require dedicated defoamers, and some demand a different LF-series grade.

PLURAFAC LF 231 IN BOTTLE-WASHING DETERGENTS

Bottle washing is a technically relevant application for low-foaming alkyl-capped alcohol alkoxylates because wash liquor encounters labels, adhesives, beverage residues and substantial agitation. Foam created by those residues can disturb pumping and spray contact even when the incoming cleaning bath appears relatively quiet.

An older technical application guide specifically discusses LF 231 within a group of alkyl-terminated surfactants for industrial bottle washing and notes that this grade can offer stronger foam suppression than some related grades, with a wetting trade-off at higher temperatures. That historical performance observation is consistent with the more recent wetting test data but must not be treated as a promise about present-day industrial equipment or a universal formulation recommendation.

A practical bottle-washing assessment should track label separation, rinse-water drainage, residual films, soil redeposition and foam stability throughout the operating cycle. A grade that prevents excessive foaming but leaves adhesive residues may not be the best choice unless the rest of the formulation compensates.

PLURAFAC LF 231 IN CLEANING-IN-PLACE (CIP)

Cleaning-in-place processes move detergent solutions through pipes, tanks, heat exchangers and other enclosed equipment without fully dismantling the installation. Foam control can improve circulation stability, and a low-foaming nonionic component can be evaluated alongside alkalis, acids, sequestering agents and other cleaning chemistry according to the type of deposit.

Plurafac LF 231 is listed among the materials considered in industrial foam-management and acidic CIP contexts. Such listing supports examination of its use in that category, not an assurance of compatibility with every acid, oxidant, gasket material or sanitizing protocol.

Cleaning validation should include soil removal, water compatibility, rinse residues, process temperature, turbulence and contact with sensitive elastomers. The performance of a surfactant in neat alkaline solution is not enough to approve it for a food-processing sanitation program.

AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING AND PROFESSIONAL KITCHEN HYGIENE

Automatic warewashing is foam-sensitive because continuous jets and repeated recirculation can rapidly amplify the effect of a highly foaming surfactant. Plurafac LF 231 can be evaluated as a low-foam wetting or detergent component where the finished product is designed for mechanical rather than manual washing.

The formulation must still address food grease, starch, protein, hardness deposits and rinse behavior. Strong low-foam performance is not an alternative to appropriate builder chemistry, water treatment, rinsing and verified soil-removal efficiency.

Plurafac LF 231 should not be presented as automatically suitable for direct food contact or as a food additive. Any use on equipment or articles contacting food depends on the applicable cleaning-product and material-contact rules, professional procedures and adequate removal during rinsing.

HARD-SURFACE, SPRAY AND PRESSURE CLEANING

In spray equipment, controlling foam may assist pump consistency and reduce the formation of a thick bubble layer over the target surface. LF 231 can be tested in industrial hard-surface cleaners or pressure-cleaning blends where a conventional high-foam surfactant would be operationally inconvenient.

Surface compatibility needs to be considered independently of foam behavior. A low-foaming detergent can still cause spotting, streaking, corrosion through other formulation ingredients or damage to sensitive coatings; all effects should be evaluated on representative surfaces.

Soil character determines whether the product is the principal surfactant or a secondary foam-control component. For very oily residues, solvent compatibility and emulsification may matter more; for mineral deposits, acid chemistry and scale-control agents may dominate.

COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY AND OTHER INSTITUTIONAL SYSTEMS

Low-foam nonionic surfactants are used in selected mechanical laundry applications because foam can compromise hydraulic action and dosing control. LF 231 may be considered in a broader blend with conventional detergents, builders and anti-redeposition ingredients, but its water-clarity and temperature-dependent wetting behavior should be reviewed before selection.

The product's suitability for textiles depends on washing temperature, fabric type, soil composition, machine design and additives. It should not be described as an inherently superior laundry surfactant or as a complete stand-alone detergent.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE

Performance must be described through several independent measures: foam formation, wetting time, surface tension, clarity, soil removal, rinseability and stability. An ingredient can excel in one metric while making a less attractive contribution to another, which is precisely why comparative screening of LF 231 against nearby grades is useful.

The 2023 technical table illustrates this point: LF 231 gives approximately 5 mL foam formation, while LF 224 gives approximately 0 mL under the same cited foam method; nevertheless, their wetting times differ, and the two grades cannot be assumed interchangeable. Density and viscosity differences also affect pumping and dosing calibration.

Any claim of cost savings, improved cycle time, lower water demand or reduced downstream maintenance needs a site-specific comparison. Published lab properties make LF 231 a plausible candidate but do not establish quantified savings for a particular customer's equipment.

WHAT PROBLEMS CAN PLURAFAC LF 231 HELP ADDRESS?

LF 231 may be useful when a cleaning system experiences disruptive foaming from surfactant-containing liquor, when surface wetting needs to be retained in a low-foam package or when a concentrated liquid surfactant is preferred for dosing. It also offers a route to testing interfacial cleaning performance without relying on a strongly ionic surfactant as the only detergent component.

It does not by itself solve every cleaning limitation. It will not automatically remove hard-water scale, disinfect a surface, neutralize residual acids, dissolve every polymer adhesive or provide sufficient rinse clarity where the other ingredients and process are unsuitable.

The grade's limited clear-water solubility may be a problem for transparent liquid concentrates. A hydrotrope, compatible solvent, alternate nonionic grade or adjusted overall formulation may be needed, and each option requires its own stability and safety evaluation.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING PLURAFAC LF 231

Do not equate approximately 100% concentration with a precise assay for one single compound. The material is a commercial chemical distribution, and product-specific documentation should be used whenever purity or exact composition is important for regulatory or performance assessment.

Separate soluble, visually clear solutions from stable cloudy dispersions. A batch that appears hazy after addition of LF 231 is not necessarily chemically degraded, but the formulator must verify that no unacceptable phase separation, uneven dosing or sedimentation develops during storage.

Compare test results only where test methods and conditions match. The approximately 28 °C Method E cloud point should not be compared directly with a 1% aqueous cloud point from another surfactant, and a 5 mL laboratory foam reading cannot be applied as a universal foam volume for industrial tanks.

Verify the latest regulatory status and SDS for the intended market and avoid substituting historic product-family recommendations for current process validation.

FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION

For aqueous cleaners, a controlled screening program is more defensible than adopting an unverified percentage recipe. Select the desired cleaning action, identify operating temperature and water conditions, and compare LF 231 with suitable alternatives at several experimentally chosen active concentrations.

Monitor clarity or dispersion, short- and long-term phase stability, viscosity, wetting, foam formation under realistic agitation and soil-removal efficiency. Screening should also cover expected pH range, builder concentration, electrolyte content and interaction with any other anionic, cationic or nonionic ingredients.

The manufacturer advises stirring surfactant into water rather than adding water to a concentrated surfactant mass, because intermediate mixtures can become unexpectedly viscous. For the LF 231 series data, representative dynamic viscosity at 23 °C increases from about 45 mPa·s without added water to around 70 mPa·s at 10% water added, remains about 80 mPa·s at 20% and 30% added water, and then changes at greater dilution; these illustrative blend values are not finished-detergent specifications.

In concentrated alkaline products, compatibility and solubilization must be verified experimentally. Even when a surfactant is stable in an alkaline environment, it is incorrect to assume that it forms a clear single phase in a strong alkaline concentrate.

SIMILAR PRODUCTS AND ALTERNATIVES

Plurafac LF 131 and LF 431 are also described as alkyl-capped alcohol alkoxylates, but they have distinct cloud points, wetting measurements, foam profiles and viscosity values. Selection should follow the exact process rather than the apparent proximity of the numbers in a trade name.

Plurafac LF 224 is another low-foam grade and has particularly low foam formation under the manufacturer's standard test, but it is not a chemical synonym for LF 231. LF 224 and LF 231 differ in their wetting times, and simple one-to-one replacement may alter the behavior of a detergent concentrate.

Other choices include conventional fatty alcohol ethoxylates, end-capped nonionic surfactants, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymers and specialty foam-control ingredients. A dedicated defoamer may help an otherwise suitable detergent blend, but it can introduce compatibility, spotting or residue issues that should be tested.

INITIAL FORMULATION APPROACHES FOR PLURAFAC LF 231

The following examples demonstrate how PLURAFAC LF 231 can be assessed during detergent formulation and cleaning-process development. PLURAFAC LF 231 is a commercial low-foaming nonionic surfactant based on an end-capped fatty alcohol alkoxylate. This liquid surfactant belongs to the PLURAFAC LF family and is intended for evaluating cleaning and wetting behavior where excessive foam may disrupt equipment performance. The product identifier associated with PLURAFAC LF 231 is CAS 113089-47-7; however, its precise supplied specifications must be confirmed from the current manufacturer documentation rather than inferred from the broader alkoxylated-alcohol category.

The following formulations are laboratory starting approaches, not verified commercial recipes, final manufacturing procedures, or products proven to meet particular regulatory or performance standards. The PLURAFAC LF 231 percentages are illustrative concentrations of the material as supplied, expressed by total formulation weight. The amount and nature of other surfactants, water hardness, cloud point, temperature, pH, hydrotropes, and soil composition can strongly influence foam behavior and cleaning performance. Each approach requires controlled testing, chemical and packaging compatibility checks, stability evaluation, a suitable occupational-safety assessment, and verification of relevant regulatory obligations. A cleaner containing PLURAFAC LF 231 must not be described as a sanitizer or disinfectant without product-specific evidence and any required approval.

EXAMPLE 1: PLURAFAC LF 231 CONCENTRATION SCREENING IN A LOW-FOAM AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING DETERGENT

Objective: To assess how PLURAFAC LF 231 dosage influences foam control, grease removal, wetting, and rinsing performance in an illustrative alkaline automatic dishwashing detergent concentrate.

Starting components:

PLURAFAC LF 231: approximately 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% by weight, tested as separate screening levels.

Sodium carbonate or another compatible alkaline builder: approximately 3–6%, held constant within the initial comparison.

Sodium citrate or another water-conditioning builder: approximately 2–4%, held constant.

Compatible chelating agent (for example, an appropriate sodium gluconate grade): approximately 0.5–1.0%, held constant.

Hydrotrope or coupling agent, if needed for phase uniformity: approximately 1–3%, held constant.

pH-adjusting agent: as required to establish a preliminary pH range of approximately 10.5–11.5, provided the selected builder system can achieve it consistently.

Demineralized water: balance to 100% by weight.

PLURAFAC LF 231 is evaluated as a low-foaming surfactant component rather than as a complete detergent on its own. The stated concentrations are only preliminary variables. For a production-relevant study, the actual use dilution, contact time, washing temperature, soil load, and machine circulation must also be defined and kept consistent.

Application approach:

1. Add demineralized water to a clean, chemically compatible mixing vessel and begin controlled agitation.

2. Dissolve the selected alkaline builder, sodium citrate, and compatible chelating agent in the aqueous phase, checking that no unexpected precipitation occurs.

3. Incorporate the selected hydrotrope, if required, and then add PLURAFAC LF 231 gradually while maintaining constant mixing conditions.

4. Adjust pH within the intended screening range, complete the batch with demineralized water, and record appearance, homogeneity, and any clouding or phase separation.

5. Assess the PLURAFAC LF 231 concentrates for storage stability and foam generation in standardized laboratory agitation tests.

6. Conduct controlled automatic dishwashing trials using the same detergent dilution, water hardness, wash temperature, cycle, and standardized greasy or starchy soils for every PLURAFAC LF 231 concentration.

7. Compare foam height, drainage, cleanliness, residual film, visible spotting, and rinsing behavior on suitable test ware.

8. Select the PLURAFAC LF 231 concentration offering the most balanced cleaning and foam performance for additional pilot-scale validation.

Safety consideration: Alkaline automatic dishwashing formulations may cause eye or skin irritation and must be evaluated as complete mixtures. Consult the current PLURAFAC LF 231 safety data sheet and use suitable gloves, eye protection, and ventilation. Prevent uncontrolled mixing with acidic cleaning chemicals. Any food-contact suitability, residual chemical limits, and product labeling requirements must be established independently.

EXAMPLE 2: PLURAFAC LF 231 DOSAGE EVALUATION IN AN ACIDIC LOW-FOAM CLEANING-IN-PLACE SOLUTION

Objective: To investigate whether PLURAFAC LF 231 can provide suitable low-foam cleaning support and surface wetting in an acidic cleaning-in-place (CIP) laboratory formulation designed to study mineral deposits and mixed residues on compatible processing surfaces.

Starting components:

PLURAFAC LF 231: approximately 0.10%, 0.30%, and 0.50% by weight, evaluated as separate screening levels.

Citric acid: approximately 1–3%, held constant during the initial PLURAFAC LF 231 comparison.

Compatible sequestrant, if required (for example, sodium gluconate or another acid-compatible grade): approximately 0.2–0.5%, held constant.

Hydrotrope or compatible solubilizing aid, if necessary: approximately 0.5–1.5%, held constant.

Additional low-foaming nonionic surfactant, if used: approximately 0.2–0.5%, held constant.

Demineralized water: balance to 100% by weight.

Illustrative pH target: approximately 2.0–3.0, depending on the selected acid system and equipment compatibility.

These are screening levels for laboratory studies, not validated CIP operating conditions. PLURAFAC LF 231 compatibility in an acidic formulation, as well as its foam behavior at circulation temperature, must be demonstrated experimentally. Acidic cleaning can assist mineral-deposit removal, but its effectiveness against a particular deposit depends on chemistry and cannot be assumed from PLURAFAC LF 231 concentration alone.

Application approach:

1. Identify the intended equipment materials and prepare representative coupons with a controlled mineral or mixed-soil deposit. Confirm that the material can be safely exposed to the proposed acid conditions.

2. Charge demineralized water to a chemically compatible vessel and dissolve citric acid under moderate mixing, following an approved laboratory procedure.

3. Add the selected acid-compatible sequestrant and hydrotrope, where included, and observe the mixture for clarity and compatibility.

4. Introduce PLURAFAC LF 231 gradually. Keep the total mixing time and temperature comparable across the three surfactant levels.

5. Measure pH and appearance, complete the batch to 100% with water, and check for clouding, separation, or other instability.

6. Circulate each PLURAFAC LF 231 formulation through a laboratory-compatible test loop or equivalent apparatus under fixed flow, temperature, and exposure-time conditions.

7. Measure foam accumulation, foam collapse, deposit removal, rinsability, and any adverse effect on the test surfaces. Monitor material compatibility and any changes in solution appearance.

8. Compare PLURAFAC LF 231 concentrations and select only a preliminary candidate for additional equipment-compatibility, process-validation, and wastewater studies.

Safety consideration: Acidic CIP formulations can be corrosive and may damage unsuitable metals, seals, or coatings. Use appropriate chemical-resistant gloves, eye and face protection, and ventilation. Do not mix acidic cleaners with hypochlorite-containing or incompatible alkaline products. PLURAFAC LF 231 does not provide a basis for claiming sterilization or disinfection, and use on food-processing equipment requires separate residue and process validation.

EXAMPLE 3: PLURAFAC LF 231 LOW-FOAM PERFORMANCE SCREENING IN A COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY LIQUID DETERGENT

Objective: To assess whether PLURAFAC LF 231 can help control foam while maintaining wetting, oily-soil removal, and fabric compatibility in a mixed-surfactant liquid detergent developed for commercial laundry equipment.

Starting components:

PLURAFAC LF 231: approximately 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% by weight, evaluated as separate screening levels.

Anionic cleaning surfactant (for example, a suitable sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate grade): approximately 3–5% active matter, held constant.

Amphoteric or alkyl polyglucoside co-surfactant, if selected: approximately 1–3% active matter, held constant.

Sodium citrate or compatible detergent builder: approximately 1–3%, held constant.

Chelating agent or water-hardness control ingredient: approximately 0.2–0.5%, held constant, accounting for as-supplied concentration.

Hydrotrope, if needed for phase stability: approximately 0.5–2%, held constant.

Compatible preservative system: selected according to a finished-formula microbiological assessment.

pH regulator: as required for an illustrative final pH of approximately 8.5–9.5.

Demineralized water: balance to 100% by weight.

PLURAFAC LF 231 is assessed as a surfactant within a complete detergent system. The optimum level will depend on foam generated by the other ingredients and the mechanical action of the washing equipment. A lower laboratory foam result does not by itself establish superior fabric cleaning or rinsing.

Application approach:

1. Dissolve the selected builder and chelating agent in demineralized water in a clean, compatible mixing vessel.

2. Add the anionic and selected co-surfactant gradually, using the actual active-matter content of each supplied raw material when calculating the formulation.

3. Introduce PLURAFAC LF 231 at the chosen screening level while keeping all other intended formulation variables constant.

4. Add any necessary hydrotrope and preservative system, adjust pH, and bring the batch to the final weight with water.

5. Measure appearance, viscosity, pH, foam volume, and foam decay under standardized water-hardness and agitation conditions.

6. Conduct controlled laundering trials with standardized textile loads and defined greasy or particulate soil, maintaining the same detergent dosage, wash temperature, cycle, and water hardness.

7. Compare PLURAFAC LF 231 formulations for soil removal, re-deposition, rinsing, remaining foam, fabric hand feel, and color changes.

8. Perform storage-stability and preservative-efficacy assessments, then select a PLURAFAC LF 231 level for further product qualification based on the overall performance balance.

Safety consideration: Finished laundry detergent concentrates may cause irritation and require appropriate worker protection, handling instructions, and labeling. Review the current PLURAFAC LF 231 safety data sheet, evaluate textile compatibility and wastewater discharge requirements, and confirm any performance claims with finished-product testing. Surfactant foam control is not equivalent to antimicrobial efficacy.

QUALITY CONTROL AND PURCHASING CRITERIA

Purchase specifications should identify the exact trade grade Plurafac LF 231, the applicable product code and the requested destination market. Grade number and chemical-class description are not sufficient evidence that another low-foaming nonionic material is chemically equivalent.

Useful receiving checks can include appearance, batch traceability, dynamic viscosity at a defined temperature, density, pH according to a stated method and appropriate documentary confirmation of other contracted release criteria. Published typical figures may support initial screening but should not replace batch-specific acceptance limits.

A Technical Data Sheet (TDS) communicates representative properties and suggested application considerations. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides hazard, handling, emergency and transport guidance; a Certificate of Analysis (COA) documents actual test results for a particular lot where supplied. Each document has a distinct role.

Before procurement, determine the necessary packaging size, planned storage temperatures, shelf-life requirements, customs or inventory obligations, and whether the product will be exposed to severe dilution or high electrolyte levels. Confirm availability and documentation at the time of inquiry rather than relying on unspecified inventory assumptions.

FIRST AID

Inhalation: If a mist or aerosol of Plurafac LF 231 is inhaled and symptoms occur, move the affected person to fresh air and seek medical advice. Avoid unnecessary exposure to concentrated spray and follow the current SDS and workplace procedures.

Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash any skin exposed to Plurafac LF 231 thoroughly with soap and plenty of water. A historical EU safety sheet classified the grade as a skin irritant; obtain medical evaluation if irritation persists or exposure is extensive.

Eye Contact: If Plurafac LF 231 reaches the eyes, immediately rinse carefully with gently flowing water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open, and seek medical assessment. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do without delaying irrigation.

Ingestion: If Plurafac LF 231 is swallowed, rinse the mouth, do not induce vomiting and promptly seek advice from a poison center or medical professional. Do not give oral fluids to a person who is unconscious or having trouble swallowing.

Note to Physicians: The first-aid approach for Plurafac LF 231 is supportive and based on exposure, symptoms and the current SDS; no specific antidote is established in the reviewed historical safety documentation. The formulation or cleaning concentrate involved may have additional hazards beyond the raw surfactant.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling: Use Plurafac LF 231 in a controlled environment, minimize splashing and avoid unnecessary contact with eyes and skin. Keep the material in properly labeled containers and follow the precautions in the current regional SDS.

Engineering Controls: When processing Plurafac LF 231, use adequate general or local ventilation wherever aerosols or mists may form. The risk assessment should consider both the raw material and the finished formulation.

Personal Protection: Use chemical-resistant gloves, appropriate eye protection and protective workwear when handling Plurafac LF 231. Confirm glove material and breakthrough time using the latest SDS and the glove manufacturer's information rather than assuming all elastomers have equivalent resistance.

Respiratory Protection: Routine closed handling of Plurafac LF 231 may not require dedicated respiratory protection, but aerosol-generating operations or inadequate ventilation can change exposure conditions. Respiratory protection must be selected under a workplace-specific assessment and appropriate local rules.

Storage: Keep Plurafac LF 231 in original, tightly closed packaging indoors and protect it from moisture ingress. The November 2023 product-family guidance advises avoiding storage temperatures substantially below about 20 °C and excessive heat; local storage plans should account for the manufacturer's current documentation.

Material Compatibility: The November 2023 product-family guide identifies certain stainless-steel grades, including AISI 316 Ti and AISI 321, as possible materials for tanks and drums. Validate seals, gaskets, linings and alternative plastics under actual contact time and temperature rather than extending this guidance to every construction material.

Cold-Weather Handling: Plurafac LF 231 can become cloudy or more viscous on cooling without necessarily losing functional performance. Historical product-family instructions discuss gentle warming in the approximate 40-50 °C range to restore homogeneous liquid appearance when needed, with controlled heating and no local overheating; this is not a general instruction to heat all batches without checking their conditions.

Heated Bulk Storage: Where Plurafac LF 231 is stored in heated tanks near 50 °C, the product-family guide specifies a nitrogen blanket to limit contact with air and describes gentle circulation to help reduce discoloration. Engineering controls and thermal safety precautions must be designed by qualified personnel.

Spill Procedures: Contain a spill of Plurafac LF 231, prevent its spread to drains and waterways, and collect larger liquid quantities with compatible pumping or smaller residues with suitable absorbent material. Surfaces may remain slippery after gross recovery; use safe cleaning and disposal methods.

Environmental Precautions: Do not discharge Plurafac LF 231 or contaminated wash water without authorization. Its nonionic identity or potential biodegradability does not establish that concentrated releases are ecologically harmless.

Fire Response: Use extinguishing media suitable for the surrounding fire and follow the current SDS for Plurafac LF 231. A historical safety document listed water spray, foam and dry powder as appropriate and warned that decomposition under fire conditions can generate harmful smoke or carbon oxides.

Waste Disposal: Arrange disposal of excess Plurafac LF 231, contaminated absorbents and empty packaging according to the local waste classification and SDS. Do not use sewer disposal as a default pathway.

SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Plurafac LF 231 is an industrial surfactant raw material and should not be judged safe merely because it is nonionic or is sometimes used in industrial food-equipment cleaning. Exposure to the concentrated product can differ substantially from exposure to properly diluted and rinsed finished cleaners.

A February 2018 European safety sheet for this grade listed skin irritation category 2 and environmental classifications associated with H315, H400 and H412. Because regulatory classification, jurisdiction and SDS revisions may change, these are historical documented statements, not a substitute for the current local supplier SDS and container label.

That historical SDS also identified UN 3082, ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE, LIQUID, N.O.S. (contains fatty alcohol alkoxylate), transport Class 9, Packing Group III for the cited transport modes. Packaging exceptions, quantity thresholds and any present-day classification must be checked against current transport rules and the exact consignment documentation.

The manufacturer has historically stated that the surfactant meets biodegradability criteria relevant to detergent regulation. That statement should be evaluated using the current supporting documentation, and it does not justify uncontrolled discharge or a claim that every formulation containing LF 231 meets an eco-label or environmental certification requirement.

Where appropriate, conduct product-specific hazard communication, spill planning and wastewater assessment before scale-up. Safety information for a detergent containing strong alkali, acid, bleach, solvent or other active ingredients can differ materially from the hazard profile of neat LF 231.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PLURAFAC LF 231

What is Plurafac LF 231?
It is a commercial, alkyl-capped fatty alcohol alkoxylate supplied as a low-foaming nonionic liquid surfactant, primarily for formulated cleaning systems.

Is Plurafac LF 231 a single pure molecule?
No. It is a commercial alkoxylate distribution; one precise molecular formula and molecular mass would misrepresent the product.

What is the CAS number of Plurafac LF 231?
The manufacturer's product record identifies CAS 113089-47-7.

What is the product reference for Plurafac LF 231?
The manufacturer identifies this commercial grade by product number 30044031.

Is an EC or EINECS number verified for the grade?
A definitive EC number was not established from the reviewed manufacturer information; confirm it from current regulatory documents if required.

What chemical class does Plurafac LF 231 belong to?
It belongs to the family of low-foaming nonionic alcohol alkoxylate surfactants.

What does 'alkyl-capped' mean?
It describes the terminated alkoxylate structure, which differs from an otherwise comparable uncapped terminal hydroxyl architecture and can affect foaming and water compatibility.

Is Plurafac LF 231 an anionic detergent?
No. Its primary surfactant function is nonionic; it does not depend on a fixed ionic charge like sulfate or sulfonate surfactants.

Is it a cationic surfactant?
No. It is identified as nonionic.

What is the appearance of Plurafac LF 231?
The product-family technical data describe a clear or slightly cloudy, colorless to yellow liquid.

What is its approximate active concentration?
The November 2023 manufacturer's technical table reports approximately 100% concentration for this grade.

Does approximately 100% concentration mean analytical purity of one compound?
No. It describes the trade grade and does not imply a chemically uniform single component.

What is the density of Plurafac LF 231?
Approximately 0.96 g/cm³ at 23 °C, using the DIN 51757 method, as a representative manufacturer figure.

What is its viscosity at room temperature?
Approximately 45 mPa·s dynamic viscosity at 23 °C by EN 12092, Brookfield LVT.

How does cooling affect viscosity?
Representative viscosity rises to about 100 mPa·s at 10 °C and about 400 mPa·s at 0 °C under the cited method.

What is the setting point?
Approximately -5 °C by DIN 51583 according to the November 2023 technical information.

Does the setting point equal the melting point of a pure substance?
No. The product is a distribution of molecules, so it does not have the simple sharp melting behavior of a pure crystalline compound.

What is its pH?
Approximately pH 6 using the manufacturer's EN 1262 solution B test; this should not be described as the pH of an undiluted nonaqueous liquid.

What is its cloud point?
Approximately 35 °C by EN 1890 Method D and 28 °C by Method E; both methods use specific butyldiglycol test media.

Is 28 °C the cloud point of a 1% aqueous solution?
No. The cited 28 °C value is Method E, not the simple aqueous Method A determination.

How much foam does LF 231 produce in the manufacturer's test?
Approximately 5 mL under EN 12728, a laboratory reference that cannot be interpreted as a fixed foam volume in industrial equipment.

Does low-foaming mean completely foam-free?
No. Foam depends on other formulation ingredients, contaminants, temperature, concentration and mechanical conditions.

Can Plurafac LF 231 act as a defoamer?
It may help limit foam in appropriate blends, but suppression of foam produced by other ingredients requires testing; it is not automatically a universal defoamer.

What is the surface tension under the reference test?
Approximately 29 mN/m at 1 g/L in distilled water and 23 °C by EN 14370.

Does Plurafac LF 231 dissolve clearly in water?
Not at 10% in distilled or potable water at 23 °C according to the manufacturer's comparative solubility table.

Can a cloudy water mixture still clean?
Yes, a stable dispersion may still provide useful interfacial action, provided it meets application-specific stability and performance requirements.

Can the product be dissolved in ethanol?
The manufacturer reports clear solubility in ethanol at 10% and 23 °C, which does not establish compatibility with every ethanol-containing finished formulation.

Is it soluble in isopropanol?
Yes, clear solubility is reported at 10% and 23 °C in isopropanol.

What about mineral spirits?
The manufacturer reports clear solubility at 10% and 23 °C in mineral spirit.

Can hydrotropes help clarify aqueous formulations?
Certain alcohols, glycols or compatible hydrotropes may help, but the final detergent's clarity, viscosity, flash point and storage stability must be validated.

Does adding more water always reduce viscosity?
No. Intermediate dilutions may produce non-linear viscosity changes, so dilution order and concentration matter.

Why should the surfactant be added to water rather than the reverse?
The manufacturer advises this approach because adding water to surfactant concentrates can produce undesirably viscous intermediate mixtures.

What is its wetting time at 23 °C and 1 g/L?
Approximately 40 seconds under EN 1772 using the stated sodium-carbonate-containing test water.

What is its wetting time at 23 °C and 2 g/L?
Approximately 20 seconds in the manufacturer's EN 1772 reference test.

How does its wetting behave at 70 °C?
Under the reported EN 1772 test, times exceed 300 seconds at 0.5, 1 and 2 g/L, illustrating a temperature-dependent trade-off.

Does poor hot-temperature wetting mean it cannot be used in hot wash systems?
No. Actual cleaning also depends on agitation, builder chemistry, soils and other ingredients; process testing is necessary.

Which industries may use Plurafac LF 231?
It is relevant to industrial and institutional detergent formulations, including bottle washing, CIP, automatic machine cleaning and selected pressure-cleaning applications.

Why is it useful in bottle washing?
Low foam can help manage the effects of adhesive residues, beverages and mechanical agitation, subject to validated cleaning efficiency.

Does Plurafac LF 231 remove paper labels?
It can be evaluated as part of a bottle-washing detergent, but label removal depends on adhesives, alkali, temperature, washing mechanics and time.

Can Plurafac LF 231 be used in acidic CIP products?
It is listed among low-foam ingredients relevant to industrial acidic-cleaning contexts, but compatibility must be checked for the precise acid and other ingredients.

Can Plurafac LF 231 be used in strongly alkaline systems?
Alkyl-capped members of the family have been discussed in alkaline cleaning, but stability, clarity and actual performance depend on concentration and composition.

Is Plurafac LF 231 suitable for automatic dishwashing?
It can be considered in professionally formulated low-foam machine cleaners, subject to efficacy, residue and materials compatibility tests.

Can it be used in manual dishwashing liquids?
The low-foam profile of Plurafac LF 231 may not suit applications where consumers expect rich persistent foam; evaluate the intended sensory and cleaning requirements.

Is Plurafac LF 231 a disinfectant or sanitizer?
No. The reviewed product information identifies a surfactant, not an independently authorized biocidal active ingredient.

Is Plurafac LF 231 a food additive?
No. It is a detergent raw material; cleaning food-processing equipment is not equivalent to permission for direct food addition.

Is Plurafac LF 231 suitable for food-contact equipment?
Its use in a cleaning product depends on the regional rules, the full formulation and validated procedures including rinsing; the neat surfactant alone has no universal food-contact approval.

Can Plurafac LF 231 help in high-pressure spray cleaning?
Potentially. Lower foam can improve operating practicality, but wetting, pump behavior, surfaces and soil removal should be assessed together.

Can Plurafac LF 231 be used in commercial laundry detergents?
It may be screened as a low-foam nonionic component, but the complete blend and machine conditions govern suitability.

Is Plurafac LF 231 interchangeable with Plurafac LF 131?
No. Both are alkyl-capped nonionic grades, but their physical and foam/wetting data differ.

How does Plurafac LF 231 compare with LF 224?
Under the same published EN 12728 test, LF 231 is about 5 mL and LF 224 about 0 mL; their wetting and other properties also differ.

Can Plurafac LF 231 replace a silicone defoamer?
Not by assumption. It is a surfactant with a low-foaming profile, whereas a silicone defoamer has a different function and potential compatibility constraints.

Does Plurafac LF 231 work in hard water?
Nonionic surfactants do not bind calcium and magnesium through a fixed anionic head group, but hard-water performance still depends on the full cleaning blend and soils.

How does oil removal occur?
The hydrophobic segment contacts oily residues while alkoxylated groups influence interfacial wetting and dispersion in the cleaning environment.

Is Plurafac LF 231 compatible with all anionic surfactants?
No blanket compatibility claim is warranted; test mixtures for phase stability, foam, viscosity and cleaning results.

What is a suitable starting dosage?
No universal dosage is established by the reviewed grade-specific materials; establish a screening range through application trials and ingredient accounting.

Should a formulation always be perfectly clear?
Not necessarily. Some industrial cleaning formulations tolerate stable dispersions, whereas clear concentrates may require a different surfactant or solubilization system.

Which quality parameters should be checked on receipt?
At minimum verify grade identity, lot documentation, appearance and agreed release parameters such as viscosity or density using the specified method.

What does the TDS establish?
It provides representative technical properties and guidance; the manufacturer states these figures are not automatically contract specifications.

Why is a COA useful?
A batch-specific certificate of analysis helps verify the delivered lot against agreed test limits when the certificate is supplied.

Why is the SDS important?
The current regional SDS is the primary document for workplace hazards, personal protection, emergency measures, environmental precautions and transport classification.

Is Plurafac LF 231 harmless because it is nonionic?
No. Nonionic is a charge classification, not a toxicological or environmental-safety certification.

Does the concentrate irritate skin?
A historical European SDS classified the grade as skin irritant category 2; consult current supplier labeling and SDS for the applicable market.

What should be done after eye exposure?
Rinse immediately with gently flowing water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical evaluation, while following the current SDS.

What should be done after swallowing the material?
Rinse the mouth, do not induce vomiting and obtain urgent professional guidance; never give liquids to an unconscious person.

Is respiratory protection always needed?
Not necessarily in controlled non-aerosol handling; mists, sprays, ventilation and workplace exposure assessment determine protective measures.

How should Plurafac LF 231 be stored?
Keep it tightly closed in its original packaging, indoors and protected from moisture and unsuitable temperatures under the current technical guidance.

Can cold storage cause cloudiness?
Yes. The manufacturer's family guidance says low-temperature clouding may occur without automatically implying loss of performance.

Can the material be reheated if it becomes cloudy?
Controlled gentle warming may help under manufacturer guidance; uncontrolled high-temperature heating should be avoided.

Is there a documented shelf life?
The November 2023 family guidance states at least two years under proper storage in tightly closed original containers; review the actual batch and current documentation.

What tank materials does the guidance mention?
The manufacturer's general LF-family guidance identifies AISI 316 Ti and AISI 321 stainless steel as suitable examples; seals and other components still require compatibility checks.

Is nitrogen blanketing ever necessary?
The family technical information specifies nitrogen blanketing when products are kept in heated tanks near 50 °C; engineering details depend on site design.

Is the product flammable?
A historical SDS reported a flash point above 100 °C, but classification and fire precautions must come from the current regional SDS.

Is Plurafac LF 231 environmentally harmless?
No. A historical SDS contains aquatic hazard classifications, and uncontrolled release should be avoided regardless of biodegradability claims.

Is there a transport UN number?
A 2018 EU SDS assigned UN 3082, Class 9, Packing Group III for environmentally hazardous liquid; confirm the currently applicable mode and consignment classification.

Does biodegradability mean the product can go directly down the drain?
No. Wastewater discharge requires compliance with local permits, treatment limitations and the current SDS.

Does the product have an E number?
No verified E number or INS food-additive designation applies to this industrial surfactant grade.

Is a cosmetic INCI name confirmed?
No specific INCI name is established by the reviewed grade documentation, so no cosmetic suitability is asserted.

Does the grade have a fixed molecular weight?
No. A commercial alkoxylate distribution is not properly represented by one unqualified molecular weight.

Can the manufacturer's representative data replace production testing?
No. They are useful for screening and specification design, but actual application and batch verification remain necessary.

Can Ataman Kimya provide information on this grade?
Customers may contact Ataman Kimya to discuss intended applications, required documents, packaging, current availability and quotation terms; availability is subject to confirmation.

TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Plurafac LF 231 is an alkyl-capped fatty alcohol alkoxylate supplied as a low-foaming nonionic liquid surfactant. Its principal technical advantages are its ability to contribute interfacial activity with comparatively little foam under the manufacturer's reference test and its relevance to high-agitation cleaning operations.

Representative November 2023 data identify roughly 100% concentration, density around 0.96 g/cm³ at 23 °C, dynamic viscosity around 45 mPa·s at 23 °C, about 5 mL foam formation in EN 12728 and cloud points around 35 °C and 28 °C by EN 1890 Methods D and E, respectively. Plurafac LF 231 is not clearly soluble in a 10% aqueous test solution at 23 °C, and wetting performance is strongly temperature dependent.

Industrial bottle washing, CIP, institutional machine cleaning and other foam-sensitive processes are rational application areas, but no formulation should be approved from generic data alone. Users should obtain the current SDS, TDS and batch documentation, evaluate both phase behavior and operational foam, and verify handling and environmental requirements before commercial deployment.

CONTACT ATAMAN KIMYA

For technical and commercial inquiries about Plurafac LF 231, customers can contact Ataman Kimya to discuss their cleaning application, temperature range, expected foam behavior, solvent or hydrotrope requirements and preferred packaging format. Questions about product grade, available technical documentation, current supply availability and quotations can be reviewed for the intended order.

The selection of a suitable surfactant should be confirmed through application testing and review of the current manufacturer technical and safety information. No statement in this profile implies confirmed inventory, a particular certificate, or guaranteed suitability for an individual formulation.

Ataman Chemicals
Phone: +90 216 577 10 10
Email: info@atamankimya.com