US20030031964A1 - Internal combustion engine cleaning compositions - Google Patents
Internal combustion engine cleaning compositions Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030031964A1 US20030031964A1 US10/220,843 US22084302A US2003031964A1 US 20030031964 A1 US20030031964 A1 US 20030031964A1 US 22084302 A US22084302 A US 22084302A US 2003031964 A1 US2003031964 A1 US 2003031964A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- engine
- catechol
- composition according
- composition
- glycol
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 43
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 24
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 9
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- YCIMNLLNPGFGHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N catechol Chemical compound OC1=CC=CC=C1O YCIMNLLNPGFGHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCO LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- WGCNASOHLSPBMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydroxyacetaldehyde Natural products OCC=O WGCNASOHLSPBMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 150000005206 1,2-dihydroxybenzenes Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- -1 alcohol ethylene oxides Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000008367 deionised water Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia Chemical compound N QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- XESZUVZBAMCAEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 4-tert-butylcatechol Chemical compound CC(C)(C)C1=CC=C(O)C(O)=C1 XESZUVZBAMCAEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 7
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-Propenoic acid Natural products OC(=O)C=C NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- IAYPIBMASNFSPL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene oxide Chemical compound C1CO1 IAYPIBMASNFSPL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- SMZOUWXMTYCWNB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(2-methoxy-5-methylphenyl)ethanamine Chemical compound COC1=CC=C(C)C=C1CCN SMZOUWXMTYCWNB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910021529 ammonia Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- LEHOTFFKMJEONL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Uric Acid Chemical compound N1C(=O)NC(=O)C2=C1NC(=O)N2 LEHOTFFKMJEONL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- TVWHNULVHGKJHS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Uric acid Natural products N1C(=O)NC(=O)C2NC(=O)NC21 TVWHNULVHGKJHS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 229940116269 uric acid Drugs 0.000 claims description 4
- QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N propylene Natural products CC=C QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 125000004805 propylene group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([*:1])C([H])([H])[*:2] 0.000 claims description 3
- ABLZXFCXXLZCGV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phosphorous acid Chemical compound OP(O)=O ABLZXFCXXLZCGV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- ZIBGPFATKBEMQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N triethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCOCCOCCO ZIBGPFATKBEMQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 abstract description 10
- 239000011289 tar acid Substances 0.000 abstract description 10
- 230000003628 erosive effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 150000001253 acrylic acids Chemical class 0.000 abstract 1
- 150000003009 phosphonic acids Chemical class 0.000 abstract 1
- 150000007968 uric acids Chemical class 0.000 abstract 1
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 13
- DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propylene glycol Chemical compound CC(O)CO DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 12
- 101100170601 Drosophila melanogaster Tet gene Proteins 0.000 description 6
- 150000001412 amines Chemical class 0.000 description 6
- VHILMKFSCRWWIJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate Chemical compound COC(=O)C#CC(=O)OC VHILMKFSCRWWIJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 6
- 150000004668 long chain fatty acids Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- ROSDSFDQCJNGOL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dimethylamine Chemical class CNC ROSDSFDQCJNGOL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 241000408529 Libra Species 0.000 description 4
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 4
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 150000004760 silicates Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 3
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 3
- QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acetic acid Chemical compound CC(O)=O QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- BPQQTUXANYXVAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Orthosilicate Chemical compound [O-][Si]([O-])([O-])[O-] BPQQTUXANYXVAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 150000001805 chlorine compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000002222 fluorine compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 150000002334 glycols Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011269 tar Substances 0.000 description 2
- QFMDFTQOJHFVNR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-[2,2-dichloro-1-(4-ethylphenyl)ethyl]-4-ethylbenzene Chemical compound C1=CC(CC)=CC=C1C(C(Cl)Cl)C1=CC=C(CC)C=C1 QFMDFTQOJHFVNR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002028 Biomass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 1
- UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon monoxide Chemical compound [O+]#[C-] UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chlorine atom Chemical compound [Cl] ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 description 1
- GQPLMRYTRLFLPF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nitrous Oxide Chemical class [O-][N+]#N GQPLMRYTRLFLPF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002202 Polyethylene glycol Substances 0.000 description 1
- ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Potassium Chemical compound [K] ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229960000583 acetic acid Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000001668 ameliorated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003963 antioxidant agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003078 antioxidant effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012736 aqueous medium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003139 buffering effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910002091 carbon monoxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000460 chlorine Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052801 chlorine Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005536 corrosion prevention Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002270 dispersing agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010791 domestic waste Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000037406 food intake Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012362 glacial acetic acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003112 inhibitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002736 nonionic surfactant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003002 pH adjusting agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001223 polyethylene glycol Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011591 potassium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052700 potassium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000003138 primary alcohols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000010865 sewage Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013619 trace mineral Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011573 trace mineral Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002912 waste gas Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
- C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
- C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
- C11D3/0005—Other compounding ingredients characterised by their effect
- C11D3/0084—Antioxidants; Free-radical scavengers
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
- C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
- C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
- C11D3/16—Organic compounds
- C11D3/20—Organic compounds containing oxygen
- C11D3/2003—Alcohols; Phenols
- C11D3/2041—Dihydric alcohols
- C11D3/2044—Dihydric alcohols linear
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
- C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
- C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
- C11D3/16—Organic compounds
- C11D3/20—Organic compounds containing oxygen
- C11D3/2003—Alcohols; Phenols
- C11D3/2041—Dihydric alcohols
- C11D3/2058—Dihydric alcohols aromatic
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
- C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
- C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
- C11D3/16—Organic compounds
- C11D3/26—Organic compounds containing nitrogen
- C11D3/28—Heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen in the ring
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
- C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
- C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
- C11D3/16—Organic compounds
- C11D3/36—Organic compounds containing phosphorus
- C11D3/361—Phosphonates, phosphinates or phosphonites
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23G—CLEANING OR DE-GREASING OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY CHEMICAL METHODS OTHER THAN ELECTROLYSIS
- C23G1/00—Cleaning or pickling metallic material with solutions or molten salts
- C23G1/02—Cleaning or pickling metallic material with solutions or molten salts with acid solutions
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
- F02B77/00—Component parts, details or accessories, not otherwise provided for
- F02B77/04—Cleaning of, preventing corrosion or erosion in, or preventing unwanted deposits in, combustion engines
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
- C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
- C11D2111/00—Cleaning compositions characterised by the objects to be cleaned; Cleaning compositions characterised by non-standard cleaning or washing processes
- C11D2111/10—Objects to be cleaned
- C11D2111/14—Hard surfaces
- C11D2111/20—Industrial or commercial equipment, e.g. reactors, tubes or engines
Definitions
- This invention relates to engine cleaning compositions.
- the product is delivered into the engine through the airways as an atomised spray either from a fixed automatic spray device or from a mobile hand held spray device.
- the product is atomised by a pressure pump to allow the delivery of the product throughout the combustion surfaces.
- a second example is found in automobile engines where incoming airborne contaminants including silica forms a matrix deposit under the valve seats; such deposits have an adverse effect on the combustion process and can contribute to inefficient engine performance.
- an engine cleaning composition comprising, in an aqueous medium, at least one primary surfactant selected from non-ionic surfactants, and at least one glycol, and which includes catechol or a catechol derivative.
- the composition may also include ingredients known for use in such compositions as a further aid to the removal of tightly bound carbon-and silica-based deposits.
- ingredients known for use in such compositions include tar acids and dispersants for corrosion prevention.
- Uric acid is useful as a pH adjuster, and is found to improve cleaning penetration, as well as to assist stabilisation of the composition.
- Acrylic acid may be included, and this is found to improve the attack of the composition on some types of silica deposits.
- the surfactant is a main cleaning and dispersing component.
- Thermal stability is an important property to facilitate the product remaining fluid within the engine at temperatures above 350 degrees Celsius.
- the surfactant should not contain corrosive trace elements, particularly sodium, potassium and chlorine, as these encourage corrosion at high temperatures.
- a preferred group of primary surfactants comprises the primary alcohol ethylene oxide condensates, for example those commercially available under the trade designation of Ethylan synthetic C12 surfactants (Akcros chemicals of Trafford Park, Manchester England). These give particularly good removal of engine debris, especially of hydrocarbon based deposits, and have excellent soil penetration characteristics.
- the condensates have typically 6 to 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.
- Suitable alcohol ethylene oxide condensates for use as the main surfactant may be obtained from a large number of commercial suppliers, e.g. Libra Chemicals, Irlam, Manchester, England.
- the composition contains a second surfactant to enhance the attack on the build-up of contamination on engine components.
- a second surfactant to enhance the attack on the build-up of contamination on engine components.
- the glycols act as high temperature carriers, which are stable and able to remain as a fluid or in an active gaseous form so as to remain effective even at high temperatures.
- the glycol component may have additional surfactant properties to assist in cleaning and dispersion; it may also break down organic soils.
- Suitable glycols include mono propylene, polyethylene and triethylene glycols.
- tar acid in the composition assists it in being able to penetrate and disperse carbon deposits commonly found within engines.
- Tar acids generally have boiling points in the range of 230-280 degrees Celsius.
- a preferred tar acid ingredient for use in the composition is Gresylic acid.
- the water used in the formulation is preferably deionised water, with a conductivity of less than 10 microsiemen.
- the pH of the composition is preferably 6.0 to 9.5.
- a further preferred inclusion in the composition is a proportion of long chain fatty acid amides. These assist the dispersion of the composition within the engine and also have corrosion-protecting effect.
- the composition may also contain glacial acrylic acid. In addition to the buffering properties of this acid, its presence enhances the ability of the composition to remove silica from engine parts when deposited as a matrix with other engine contaminants.
- Ammonia may be included in the composition to aid the removal of contaminants particularly chlorides, fluorides, silicates, and other corrosion producing contaminants. These impurities are particularly found in engines used for generating electricity and located on waste sites where deposited household waste degrades into a variety of chemical compounds which cause erosion within engine parts.
- the composition includes catechol or a cderivative, for example 4-t-butyl catechol which is commercially available from Coalite Products, Bolsover, Derbyshire and other suppliers (it is used as an antioxidant and polymerisation inhibitor).
- catechol or a cderivative for example 4-t-butyl catechol which is commercially available from Coalite Products, Bolsover, Derbyshire and other suppliers (it is used as an antioxidant and polymerisation inhibitor).
- This is particularly useful in aiding the removal of silicates that may have deposited within an engine. Silicate is deposited as a result of impurities in the fuel being used in the engine; the silicate binds other erosion producing materials to the surfaces within the engine. To remove these deposits it is necessary to remove the silica thus breaking down the matrix and releasing the corrosion producing contaminants which are then removed via the engine exhaust.
- the proportions of components in the cleaning compositions of the present invention are preferably in the following ranges expressed as percent by volume 0.5 to 15% primary surfactant, 15 to 35% of glycol, from 0.1 to 3.0% of tar acid, up to 5% by volume of acids selected from acrylic acid, uric acid. and phosphonic acid, 0.5 to 2.0% catechol or derivative and up to 3.0% ammonia.
- composition may be initially formulated as a concentrate which is to be diluted appropriately with preferably deionised water before use.
- the cleaning compositions according to the invention when injected into the air intake of a running engine, can penetrate and disperse carbon, silica, scale and hardened deposits of hydrocarbons as well as deposits of atmospheric contaminants.
- the deposits are converted to a fine dry powder that is carried out through the exhaust system.
- composition according to the invention in individual combustion engines generally can also lead to a reduction in exhaust emissions of hydrocarbons, nitrous oxides, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide by up to 80%, while increasing the power output of the engine, either for generating power or to drive a vehicle, by up to 20%.
- the frequency and application rate of cleaning compositions when used to improve engine performance may vary widely, depending on the acceptable degradation in performance before cleaning is carried out. How rapidly performance degrades will vary with both operating and environmental conditions. For example, in a static diesel engine running on waste gas, typically methane, located on a landfill site, cleaning should be carried out at least every other day by spraying up to 5 litres of the composition into the air intake over a period of 1 to 24 hours. In other engines either running on diesel, petrol or natural gas the product should be injected into the air intake at up to 1.5 litres per 2 litres of engine capacity as often as required.
- Injection of the composition into the engine may be effected by fitting spray nozzles within the air intake.
- part or all of the tar acid can be replaced by the 4-t-butyl catechol.
- the mono propylene glycol can be partly or wholly replaced by a polyethylene glycol of molecular weight in the range 300 to 1500.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Emergency Medicine (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Detergent Compositions (AREA)
Abstract
Internal combustion engine cleaning compositions are disclosed. As is known they are water-based and contain at least one primary surfactant selected from non-ionic alcohol ethylene oxides, at least one specific glycol, and optionally tar acid and one or more of the acids selected from acrylic, phosphonic or uric acids. The improved products, which are used to clean, reduce corrosive contaminants and prevent erosion in internal combustion engines, by spraying the atomised compound into the air intake of a running engine, are characterised by including a portion of catechol or a catechol derivative.
Description
- This invention relates to engine cleaning compositions.
- Internal combustion engines suffer from deterioration in performance and corrosion of their internal parts from the ingestion of impurities either within the fuel source or from atmospheric soils arriving through the airflow. The efficiency of turbocharged and normally aspirated engines gradually deteriorates as efficiency reducing deposits of carbons; silicates and airborne contaminants build up on the engine surfaces. The delicate air to fuel mixture is disturbed and the engine runs less efficiently than its design. This can be ameliorated by regular cleaning, but such activity is time-consuming and complex if, in order to clean the engine, it has to be disassembled, the parts cleaned, and the engine reassembled.
- It is well-known that on line cleaning of metallic surfaces of engine components, particularly of aluminium and steel may be carried out by injecting cleaning compositions into an air inlet of a running engine, e.g. a static gas fuelled generating engine or automobile engine powered by gas, diesel or petrol. By injecting the invention into the engine via the airways the engine will be cleaned in place and on line, as the cleaning product passes the sites of contamination, operation of the engine will be restored to optimum operating conditions.
- Cleaning compositions and their use in this area are disclosed in UK-A1342077 and UK-A-2352730.
- For all engines the product is delivered into the engine through the airways as an atomised spray either from a fixed automatic spray device or from a mobile hand held spray device. In each application, the product is atomised by a pressure pump to allow the delivery of the product throughout the combustion surfaces.
- Cleaning an engine in this way reduces operational costs of running engines, whether fuelled by petrol, diesel or gas, by the in line removal of efficiency reducing deposits from the air intake, combustion surfaces and exhaust system. Once injected, the cleaning compound is carried into and through the engine by the air stream and out through the exhaust system.
- While in many cases the deterioration in engine performance due to the build-up of deposits is generally slow, there are instances where, because of adverse environmental conditions, it occurs rapidly. One particular example is the use of diesel engines for generating electricity on landfill waste biomass or sewage sites, where operating efficiency deteriorates markedly accompanied by the erosion of engine parts by chemical contaminants derived from the waste. Typically in such circumstances, chlorides, fluorides, silicates and other silica based materials tend to form matrices with atmospheric contaminants and corrode engine parts over short periods of time. Compositions as disclosed in the specifications referred to above do not provide adequate cleaning in such cases.
- A second example is found in automobile engines where incoming airborne contaminants including silica forms a matrix deposit under the valve seats; such deposits have an adverse effect on the combustion process and can contribute to inefficient engine performance.
- According to the present invention, there is provided an engine cleaning composition comprising, in an aqueous medium, at least one primary surfactant selected from non-ionic surfactants, and at least one glycol, and which includes catechol or a catechol derivative.
- The composition may also include ingredients known for use in such compositions as a further aid to the removal of tightly bound carbon-and silica-based deposits. These include tar acids and dispersants for corrosion prevention. Uric acid is useful as a pH adjuster, and is found to improve cleaning penetration, as well as to assist stabilisation of the composition.
- Acrylic acid may be included, and this is found to improve the attack of the composition on some types of silica deposits.
- In such compositions, the surfactant is a main cleaning and dispersing component. Thermal stability is an important property to facilitate the product remaining fluid within the engine at temperatures above 350 degrees Celsius. The surfactant should not contain corrosive trace elements, particularly sodium, potassium and chlorine, as these encourage corrosion at high temperatures.
- A preferred group of primary surfactants comprises the primary alcohol ethylene oxide condensates, for example those commercially available under the trade designation of Ethylan synthetic C12 surfactants (Akcros chemicals of Trafford Park, Manchester England). These give particularly good removal of engine debris, especially of hydrocarbon based deposits, and have excellent soil penetration characteristics. The condensates have typically 6 to 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.
- Other suitable alcohol ethylene oxide condensates for use as the main surfactant may be obtained from a large number of commercial suppliers, e.g. Libra Chemicals, Irlam, Manchester, England.
- Preferably, in addition to the primary surfactant, the composition contains a second surfactant to enhance the attack on the build-up of contamination on engine components. A combination of primary alcohol/ethylene oxide condensates and ethoxylated amine surfactants is found to work well.
- The glycols act as high temperature carriers, which are stable and able to remain as a fluid or in an active gaseous form so as to remain effective even at high temperatures. The glycol component may have additional surfactant properties to assist in cleaning and dispersion; it may also break down organic soils. Suitable glycols include mono propylene, polyethylene and triethylene glycols.
- The inclusion of tar acid in the composition assists it in being able to penetrate and disperse carbon deposits commonly found within engines. Tar acids generally have boiling points in the range of 230-280 degrees Celsius. A preferred tar acid ingredient for use in the composition is Gresylic acid.
- The water used in the formulation is preferably deionised water, with a conductivity of less than 10 microsiemen. The pH of the composition is preferably 6.0 to 9.5.
- A further preferred inclusion in the composition is a proportion of long chain fatty acid amides. These assist the dispersion of the composition within the engine and also have corrosion-protecting effect.
- The composition may also contain glacial acrylic acid. In addition to the buffering properties of this acid, its presence enhances the ability of the composition to remove silica from engine parts when deposited as a matrix with other engine contaminants.
- Ammonia may be included in the composition to aid the removal of contaminants particularly chlorides, fluorides, silicates, and other corrosion producing contaminants. These impurities are particularly found in engines used for generating electricity and located on waste sites where deposited household waste degrades into a variety of chemical compounds which cause erosion within engine parts.
- In accordance with the invention, the composition includes catechol or a cderivative, for example 4-t-butyl catechol which is commercially available from Coalite Products, Bolsover, Derbyshire and other suppliers (it is used as an antioxidant and polymerisation inhibitor). This is particularly useful in aiding the removal of silicates that may have deposited within an engine. Silicate is deposited as a result of impurities in the fuel being used in the engine; the silicate binds other erosion producing materials to the surfaces within the engine. To remove these deposits it is necessary to remove the silica thus breaking down the matrix and releasing the corrosion producing contaminants which are then removed via the engine exhaust.
- The proportions of components in the cleaning compositions of the present invention are preferably in the following ranges expressed as percent by volume 0.5 to 15% primary surfactant, 15 to 35% of glycol, from 0.1 to 3.0% of tar acid, up to 5% by volume of acids selected from acrylic acid, uric acid. and phosphonic acid, 0.5 to 2.0% catechol or derivative and up to 3.0% ammonia.
- The composition may be initially formulated as a concentrate which is to be diluted appropriately with preferably deionised water before use.
- We have found that the cleaning compositions according to the invention when injected into the air intake of a running engine, can penetrate and disperse carbon, silica, scale and hardened deposits of hydrocarbons as well as deposits of atmospheric contaminants. The deposits are converted to a fine dry powder that is carried out through the exhaust system.
- In tests on static diesel engines on landfill sites, we have found that cleaning an engine with the composition according to the invention can reduce the erosion caused by contamination sufficiently to prolong the service life of the engine between overhauls by up to twenty times,
- The use of the composition according to the invention in individual combustion engines generally can also lead to a reduction in exhaust emissions of hydrocarbons, nitrous oxides, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide by up to 80%, while increasing the power output of the engine, either for generating power or to drive a vehicle, by up to 20%.
- The frequency and application rate of cleaning compositions when used to improve engine performance may vary widely, depending on the acceptable degradation in performance before cleaning is carried out. How rapidly performance degrades will vary with both operating and environmental conditions. For example, in a static diesel engine running on waste gas, typically methane, located on a landfill site, cleaning should be carried out at least every other day by spraying up to 5 litres of the composition into the air intake over a period of 1 to 24 hours. In other engines either running on diesel, petrol or natural gas the product should be injected into the air intake at up to 1.5 litres per 2 litres of engine capacity as often as required.
- Injection of the composition into the engine may be effected by fitting spray nozzles within the air intake.
- The following are examples of preferred cleaning compositions according to the invention. In each case the deionised water has a conductivity of less than 10 microsiemen.
- 1.5 kg Ethoxylated Amine surfactanf (Imbentin, ex Libra Chemicals) 24.5 kg Alcohol Ethoxylate surfactant (UN65, ex Sufachem Group)
- 2.0 kg Dimethylamides of long chain fatty acids (DMAD ex Buckman Laboratories)
- 1.5 kg Tar Acid
- 0.5 kg 4-t-butyl Catechol
- 200 kg Mono Propylene Glycol
- 25 ml Ammonia
- 770 litres deionised water
- 1.5 kg Ethoxylated Amine surfactant (Imbentin, ex Libra Chemicals)
- 2.4 kg Alcohol Ethoxylate surfactant (UN65, ex Sufachem Group)
- 2.0 kg Dimethylamides of long chain fatty acids (DMAD ex Buckman Laboratories)
- 1.5 kg Tar Acid
- 0.5 kg 4-t-butyl Catechol
- 70 kg Mono Propylene Glycol
- 25 ml Uric Acid
- 900 litres-deionised water
- 26 kg Alcohol Ethoxylate surfactant (UN65, ex Sufachem Group)
- 1.5 kg 4-t-butyl Catechol
- 0.5 kg Tar Acid
- 2.0 kg Dimethylamides of long chain fatty acids (DMAD ex Buckman Laboratories)
- 70 kg Mono Propylene Glycof
- 30 ml Ammonia
- 900 litres deionised water
- 26 kg Ethoxyiated Amine surfactant (Imbentin, ex Libra Chemicals)
- 2.0 kg 4-t-butyl Catechol
- 2.0 kg Dimethylamides of long chain fatty acids (DMAD ex Buckman Laboratories)
- 200 litres Mono Propylene Glycol
- 25 ml Glacial Acetic Acid
- 770 litres deionised water
- In each of examples 1 to 3, part or all of the tar acid can be replaced by the 4-t-butyl catechol. In each example, the mono propylene glycol can be partly or wholly replaced by a polyethylene glycol of molecular weight in the range 300 to 1500.
- 26 kg Ethoxylated Amine (Imbentin)
- 0.5 kg Catechol
- 1.5 kg Tar Acid
- 2.0 kg DMAD
- 70.0 kg Monopropylene Glycol
- 20. Omls Acrylic Acid
- 900 litres Deionised water
- 24 kg Alcohol Ethoxylate (Sufachem)
- 2 kg Ethoxylated Amine (Imbentin)
- 0.5 kg Catechol
- 1.5 kg Tar Acid
- 2.0 kg DMAD
- 70.0 kg Monopropylene Glycol
- 15 mis Acrylic AGEd 900 litres Deionised water
Claims (9)
1. An engine cleaning composition comprising deionised water, at least one primary surfactant selected from a range of non-ionic alcohol ethylene oxide condensates, at least one glycol, one or more acids selected from acrylic, phosphonic and uric acid, and which is characterised by the inclusion of catechol or a catechol derivative.
2. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the deionised water has a conductivity of less than 10 microsiemen.
3. A composition according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the primary surfactant comprises an alcohol ethylene oxide condensate including between 8 and 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.
4. A composition according to any preceding claim wherein the glycol comprises one or more of mono propylene, polyethylene or triethylene glycol.
5. A composition according to any preceding claim containing 0.5 to 15% by volume of primary surfactant, from 15 to 35% by volume of glycol, from 0.5 to 2% by volume catechol or catechol derivative and the balance water.
6. A composition according to any preceding claim and additionally containing acrylic acid and/or ammonia.
7. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims and including 4-t-butyl catechol.
8. A method of cleaning an internal combustion engine which comprises atomising a composition according to one of the preceding claims and introducing the atomised composition into the air intake of the engine while the engine is running.
9. A method according to claim 8 wherein the amount of composition introduced is 1 to 5 litres over a period of one to 24 hours.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0100685A GB0100685D0 (en) | 2001-01-11 | 2001-01-11 | Internal combustion engine cleaning compound |
GB0100685.7 | 2001-01-11 | ||
GB0128736.6 | 2001-11-30 | ||
GB0128736A GB0128736D0 (en) | 2001-11-30 | 2001-11-30 | Internal combustion engine cleaning compositions |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030031964A1 true US20030031964A1 (en) | 2003-02-13 |
Family
ID=26245546
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/220,843 Abandoned US20030031964A1 (en) | 2001-01-11 | 2002-01-11 | Internal combustion engine cleaning compositions |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20030031964A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2392918A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002055640A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2005024096A1 (en) * | 2003-09-08 | 2005-03-17 | R-Mc Power Recovery Limited | Method and composition for cleaning metals |
WO2006133790A1 (en) * | 2005-06-11 | 2006-12-21 | Unilever Plc | Bleaching composition |
US20080011327A1 (en) * | 2003-06-13 | 2008-01-17 | Bg Products, Inc. | Cleaning solution for use in cleaning the air intake system of a diesel vehicle |
US20140331954A1 (en) * | 2013-05-07 | 2014-11-13 | Bg Intellectuals, Inc. | Cleaning formula for motor vehicle intake and exhaust systems |
US20170081621A1 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2017-03-23 | Ashland Licensing And Intellectual Property, Llc | Cleaning composition and method of cleaning air intake valve deposits |
US9657589B2 (en) | 2004-06-14 | 2017-05-23 | Ecoservices, Llc | System for washing an aero gas turbine engine |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ES2386384T3 (en) | 2008-04-19 | 2012-08-20 | Cognis Ip Management Gmbh | Compositions for degreasing metal surfaces |
EP2345702A1 (en) * | 2010-01-13 | 2011-07-20 | Cognis IP Management GmbH | Paint and coating remover compositions |
KR102461848B1 (en) * | 2015-01-30 | 2022-10-31 | 더루브리졸코오퍼레이션 | Compositions for cleaning gasoline engine fuel delivery systems, air intake systems, and combustion chambers |
CN106048635A (en) * | 2016-05-20 | 2016-10-26 | 安徽摩克机械动力科技有限公司 | Powerful cleaning agent for air inlet system and preparation method thereof |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NO127451B (en) * | 1970-10-15 | 1973-06-25 | Ivar Rivenas | |
JPS58208388A (en) * | 1982-05-28 | 1983-12-05 | Noboru Fujimura | Combustion assistant |
US4808235A (en) * | 1987-01-20 | 1989-02-28 | The Dow Chemical Company | Cleaning gas turbine compressors |
US6121217A (en) * | 1990-11-05 | 2000-09-19 | Ekc Technology, Inc. | Alkanolamine semiconductor process residue removal composition and process |
-
2002
- 2002-01-11 WO PCT/GB2002/000102 patent/WO2002055640A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2002-01-11 GB GB0318396A patent/GB2392918A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2002-01-11 US US10/220,843 patent/US20030031964A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080011327A1 (en) * | 2003-06-13 | 2008-01-17 | Bg Products, Inc. | Cleaning solution for use in cleaning the air intake system of a diesel vehicle |
WO2005024096A1 (en) * | 2003-09-08 | 2005-03-17 | R-Mc Power Recovery Limited | Method and composition for cleaning metals |
GB2421736A (en) * | 2003-09-08 | 2006-07-05 | R Mc Power Recovery Ltd | Method and composition for cleaning metals |
GB2421736B (en) * | 2003-09-08 | 2007-02-28 | R Mc Power Recovery Ltd | Method and composition for cleaning metals |
US9657589B2 (en) | 2004-06-14 | 2017-05-23 | Ecoservices, Llc | System for washing an aero gas turbine engine |
WO2006133790A1 (en) * | 2005-06-11 | 2006-12-21 | Unilever Plc | Bleaching composition |
US9249377B2 (en) * | 2013-05-07 | 2016-02-02 | Bg Intellectual, Inc. | Cleaning formula for motor vehicle intake and exhaust systems |
US20140331954A1 (en) * | 2013-05-07 | 2014-11-13 | Bg Intellectuals, Inc. | Cleaning formula for motor vehicle intake and exhaust systems |
US20170081621A1 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2017-03-23 | Ashland Licensing And Intellectual Property, Llc | Cleaning composition and method of cleaning air intake valve deposits |
US10077417B2 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2018-09-18 | Ashland Licensing And Intellectual Property, Llc | Cleaning composition comprising an alkyl hydroxybutyrate and method of cleaning air intake valve deposits |
US20190359914A1 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2019-11-28 | Valvoline Licensing and Intellectual Property, LLC | Cleaning composition and method of cleaning air intake valve deposits |
US10934508B2 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2021-03-02 | Valvoline Licensing And Intellectual Property Llc | Alkyl hydroxybutyrate cleaning composition and method of cleaning air intake valve deposits |
AU2016322548B2 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2021-06-03 | Vgp Ipco Llc | Cleaning composition and method of cleaning air intake valve deposits |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2392918A (en) | 2004-03-17 |
WO2002055640A1 (en) | 2002-07-18 |
GB0318396D0 (en) | 2003-09-10 |
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