WO2018165540A1

WO2018165540A1 - Composition to treat diesel fuel system

Info

Publication number: WO2018165540A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/021725
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gopakumar Parameswaran; Kaushik BANIK; Rajendra H. VISHNUMURTHY
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority date: 2017-03-10
Filing date: 2018-03-09
Publication date: 2018-09-13
Also published as: CN110392729A

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a diesel fuel system cleaning composition comprising: (i) a mixture of one or more aromatic and aliphatic hydro carbons, (ii) at least one surfactant and (iii) diesel, wherein said aliphatic hydrocarbons has a boiling point of about 58°C to 190°C, characterized in that the said composition has a solubility of about 16 MPa^1/2 to 30 MPa^1/2, an aniline point in the range of about 40 °C to 55 °C and 50% Distillation Temperature of about 90°C to 120°C. The present disclosure also provides methods of preparing the diesel fuel system cleaning compositions of the present disclosure.

Description

COMPOSITION TO TREAT DIESEL FUEL SYSTEM

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure broadly relates to a composition to treat the fuel system, especially for a modern generation diesel engine. The composition is useful in cleaning and decarbonizing the fuel system and burning as an ordinary fuel during the engine cleaning process.

Background

[0002] Petroleum Diesel or the conventional Diesel Fuel is a fossil fuel derived from conventional refining process using Atmospheric Fractional Distillation at refinery. Diesel is a mixture majorly composed of linear chain hydrocarbons called Paraffins apart from Naphthenes and Aromatics. The number of carbon atoms per molecule of Diesel is roughly between 8 and 21. This fuel is widely used as a source of chemical energy for motive power and stationary power applications.

[0003] Diesel is used to power a wide variety of vehicles and operations by an ignition process known as Compression Ignition. Here the mixture ignites by compression of Air and injection of Diesel Fuel into the compressed air. It fuels the diesel trucks, boats, buses, trains, cranes, farming equipment and various emergency response vehicles and power generators. A high percentile of freight whether it is shipped in trucks, trains or boats rely on diesel.

[0004] Popularity of Diesel Fuel in light and heavy motive power applications in countries like India is majorly because price of diesel fuel is subsidized and hence cheaper than gasoline. This is because it is heavily used for goods transportation which has a bearing on the general price index and price inflation of a country. In the international markets both diesel and petrol are almost equally priced.

[0005] Another reason for the popularity of diesel fuel is because it is more economical to use. Diesel has a higher calorific value than gasoline. Diesel contains about 38.6 (MJ/1) while gasoline contains about 34.6 (MJ/1). This gives a higher power to diesel. When discussed in terms of motor fuel, diesel is said to be more fuel efficient, giving almost 1.5 times the fuel efficiency of petrol. So diesel engines get better mileage than equivalent gasoline engines. Diesel cars have proven very popular in regions where gas prices are high and consumers demand fuel efficiency across a range of vehicle classes.

[0006] The new diesel engine designs using advanced computer control are eliminating many of the historical disadvantages associated with diesel engines viz., smoke, noise, vibration etc. So, the use of diesel engines is expected to be on the rise. Clean diesel cars are those that meet the limits for nitrogen oxide or particulate matter emissions set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Tier 2 standards or the European Union's Euro 5 standards. Clean diesel is also the standard in Japan, Australia, and South Korea, and is coming to other important car markets like Brazil.

[0007] The modem generation diesel powered motive engines are different in the following attributes:

A. Diesel engines used in them burn at a very high combustion pressure and diesel fuel has to be compressed to more than 1500 bar to combust efficiently.

B. Owing to higher power to weight ratio requirements, downsizing of engines and light weighting of cars has become common. Hence the demand on these diesel engines to perform without a major drop in power till the end of its usage life is gaining paramount importance.

C. The fuel injection hardware used for these diesel engines are computer controlled. The engine control unit of the vehicle is responsible for efficiently deciding the optimum fuel trim to be injected into the engine, thereby ensuring maximum fuel combustion efficiency.

D. The fuel injectors have multiple injection strokes and are actuated by solenoid or piezo controllers. Since these injectors operate fuel at a rate proportional to the Revolutions per Minute (RPM) of the engine, there response time is in the range of few micro seconds. Hence any time delay in injection can lead to reduced combustion effectiveness and thus leading to loss of motive power and higher emissions. E. This modern day diesel hardware puts a lot of pressure on the fuel delivery systems and their need to be maintained in pristine condition and essentially any contamination or deposits formed inside the fuel systems including the fuel injectors can exponentially reduce the combustion performance of a modern generation diesel engine.

F. Diesel fuel has progressed from Category 1 to Category 5 level and this represents a reduction in the fuel sulphur and aromatic content to less than 10% volume. Contaminants in diesel fuel like sodium and calcium tend to saponify with some common corrosion inhibitors used in oil transport pipelines and these interfere with movement of the injector internals and render them sticky and sluggish. The reduction in aromatic content is further responsible for leaving deposits in the fuel path inside these fuel injectors, which are termed as internal diesel injector deposits (IDID).

G. IDID in high pressure common rail fuel injection systems are a relatively new problem faced by the original equipment manufacturers across the globe, in both light duty diesel and heavy duty diesel applications. Owing to engine downsizing, these deposits drastically reduce combustion efficiency and increase emissions directly impacting user drive-ability experience apart from reducing the fuel economy as the vehicle ages and runs in real world driving conditions.

H. Cleaning internal diesel injector deposits is one of the toughest fuel challenges today. This problem is aggravated by the fact that the fuel quality available in the third world countries is still not to the best standards and fuel adulteration is rampant. This has led to an accelerated reduction in the useful life of diesel engine hardware and reduction in the performance of critical components in the fuel system like fuel injectors and intake mechanisms.

[0008] Conventionally diesel fuel system cleaning has been performed by using a fuel additive concentrate which is poured into the diesel tank of a vehicle and the cleaning occurs gradually while the vehicle is running on the road. This method suffers from the following disadvantages: A. Often road running vehicles have fuel tanks which are contaminated with dead leaves, insects, fuel induced gum, oxidized components of fuel and other bio-matter which have been accumulating inside the vehicle's fuel tank ever since it was manufactured. Fuel additive concentrates when added into the fuel tank, does not distinguish between the oxidized residue and fuel gum, there by cleaning the entire residue in the tank and sending them to the engine side with the risk of contaminating the fuel filter, fuel injectors and fuel pumps.

B. Chemical cleaning based on a fuel additive added to the fuel tank is often ineffective without a strong solvency medium to dislodge or loosen the deposits inside the fuel injection system of the vehicle.

C. Such a method of cleaning is slow and benefits are not easily perceived by the customer.

[0009] So it is apparent that the currently available cleaning techniques are not fully efficient in combating the problem of injector deposits and inadequate lubrication. Further the conventional diesel fuel cleaning compositions requires to be diluted before use. So there exists a need to have a composition to treat the diesel fuel systems, which overcome the above mentioned problems.

Summary

[0010] The present disclosure in general, provides a composition to treat the diesel fuel system which provides a composition for treating a diesel fuel system, which is ready to use, which does not require dilution and helps maintain diesel engine performance by keeping fuel injectors clean, which improves lubricity of the diesel fuel and which help prevent deposit build-up in diesel engines, while meeting the latest CRD (Common rail direct) fuel injection technology requirements for the diesel fuel system hardware.

[0011] Accordingly, in one aspect, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising a synergistic combination of surfactants, a penetrating mixture of aliphatic and aromatic solvents and diesel which enhances the cleaning performance of the fuel delivery systems and provides improved lubricity to the fuel system. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a unique, ready to use chemical composition here in referred to as a "diesel fuel system cleaner composition" (DFSC), which has the uniqueness of instantly cleaning the fuel system of a diesel engine while burning as an ordinary fuel during the engine decarbonizing process.

[0012] Advantageously, the DFSC disclosed herein, having a penetrating mixture of aliphatic and aromatic solvents, has a aniline point in the range of about 40 °C to 55°C when calculated using IS 1448-3: Methods of test for petroleum and its products, Part 3: Petroleum Products and Hydrocarbon Solvents - Determination of Aniline Point and mixed aniline point and a 50% distillation temperature between 90 °C to 120°C, as obtained in a Thermo-gravimetric Analyzer (TGA) test methodology.

[0013] Accordingly, present disclosure provides a diesel fuel system cleaning composition comprising: diesel fuel system cleaning composition comprising:

(i) a mixture of one or more aromatic and aliphatic hydro carbons

(ii) at least one surfactant and

(iii) diesel

wherein said aromatic hydrocarbons are of formula (I)

0

wherein R is selected from an alkyl group, Ri-OH, Ri-COOH and R1-COOR2 where both Ri and R2 each independently denote a hydrogen, an alkyl group or an aryl group, and wherein

said aliphatic hydrocarbons has a boiling point of about 58°C to 190°C

characterized in that the said composition has

solubility of about 16 MPa^1/2 to 30 MPa^1/2-,

aniline point in the range of about 40 °C to 55 °C and

50% Distillation Temperature of about 90°C to 120°C. [0014] In an embodiment, the present disclosure features a diesel fuel system cleaner composition, said composition comprising a polar solvent penetrant, a wetting agent, a surfactant, a hydrogen bonding coupler, an aromatic hydrocarbon based solvent and diesel

[0015] In an aspect, a diesel fuel system cleaning composition is disclosed which comprises i. about 0.1 to 25 wt % of a polar solvent penetrant

ii. about 0.1 to 25 wt% of a wetting agent

iii. about 0.1 to 35 wt% of a surfactant

iv. about 0.01 to 15 wt % of a hydrogen bonding coupler

v. about 0.01 to 15 wt% of an aromatic hydrocarbon based solvent and vi. about 20 to 60 wt % of diesel.

[0016] In one aspect, a diesel fuel system cleaning composition is disclosed which comprises i. isopropyl alcohol in an amount of 10 to 12 wt%

ii. 2 butoxy ethanol in an amount of 13 to 17 wt%

iii. Butane-di-oic acid derivative of poly isobutylene surfactant in an

amount of 15 to 20 wt%

iv. methyl alcohol in an amount of 3 to 4 wt%

v. diacetone alcohol in an amount of 2 to 3 wt%

vi. toluene in an amount of 6 to 8 wt%

vii. xylene in an amount of 3 to 5 wt% and

viii. high speed diesel in an amount of 30 to 40 wt%.

[0017] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for preparing the composition for treating a diesel fuel system, said method comprising, mixing of

(i) one or more aromatic and aliphatic hydro carbons

wherein said aliphatic hydrocarbons has a boiling point of about 58°C to 190°C and said aromatic hydrocarbons are of formula (I)

(I) wherein R is selected from an alkyl group, Ri-OH, Ri-COOH or R1-COOR2 where both Ri and R2 each independently denote a hydrogen, an alkyl group or an aryl group,

(ii) at least one surfactant and

(iii) diesel

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, said method comprises mixing i. about 0.1 to 25 wt % of one or more polar solvent penetrant

ii. about 0.1 to 25 wt% of a wetting agent

iii. about 0.1 to 35 wt% of a surfactant

iv. about 0.01 to 15 wt % of a hydrogen bonding coupler

v. about 0.01 to 15 wt% of one or more aromatic hydrocarbon based solvent and

vi. about 20 to 60 wt % of diesel.

[0019] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for treating a diesel fuel system, which method comprises delivering the composition as per the present disclosure into the engine by a pressurized feed.

[0020] The cleaning composition and method of the present disclosure provides great advantage over the known techniques. Advantageously, the composition of the present disclosure is a ready to use composition, which can be used in a concentrated form and which does not require any dilution. The diesel fuel system cleaner composition of the present disclosure meets the stringent criteria of modem day CRD technology for decarbonizing the fuel system hardware in terms of fuel viscosity and fuel lubricity index so as to safeguard high pressure systems like pump and injectors. The cleaning composition of the present disclosure is meant to drive a diesel engine and perform the intended cleaning and rejuvenation of the engine so that it results in an improved drive ability metrics defined by more power at the wheels and more torque and lesser emissions. A desired reduction in the pulse duty of the pressure regulator valve is also achieved by using the composition as per the present disclosure.

[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments thereof, and from the claims. Detailed Description

[0022] The present invention will now be described more fully herein after. For the purposes of the following detailed description, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Thus, before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly exemplified systems or embodiments that may of course, vary. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the invention or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the invention is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

[0023] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. When the term "about" is used in describing a value or an endpoint of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include both the specific value and end-point referred to. As used herein the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "containing", or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion.

[0024] As used throughout this entire disclosure, the term 'diesel' refers to a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil or a washed form of vegetable oil that is used as fuel in a diesel engine. Diesel is composed of about 75% saturated hydrocarbons (primarily paraffins including n, iso, and cycloparaffins), and 25% aromatic hydrocarbons (including naphthalenes and alkylbenzenes). The average chemical formula for common diesel fuel is C12H23, ranging from approx. C10H20 to C15H28.

[0025] "Diesel engine" as used herein refers to an internal combustion engine (also known as compression-ignition engine) that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition and burn the fuel that has been injected into the combustion chamber. This contrasts with spark-ignition engines such as a petrol engine (gasoline engine) or gas engine (using a gaseous fuel instead of gasoline), which use a spark plug to ignite an air-fuel mixture. Diesel engines are manufactured in two-stroke and four-stroke versions. [0026] As utilized throughout the instant disclosure the expression "diesel fuel system" comprises as major parts fuel tank, fuel transfer pump, fuel filters, injection pump and injection nozzles. The primary job of the diesel fuel system is to inject a precise amount of atomized and pressurized fuel into each engine cylinder at the precise time.

[0027] The fuel transfer pump is normally used on modern high-speed diesel engines. It can be driven by either engine or battery voltage. The fuel transfer pump can be located on the outside of the fuel tank in the supply line, submerged within the fuel tank, or mounted on the backside of the injection pump. The fuel pump pushes or draws the fuel through the filters where the fuel is cleaned.

[0028] The diesel fuel injector system directly injects fuel into the system. The injector is a very complicated part. The injector can withstand high pressure and deliver the fuel in a fine mist form. Several types of injection pumps are used on diesel engines. Each has its own unique operating principles. The primary function of the injection pump is to supply high- pressure fuel for injection. A wide variety of injector nozzles are in use today. All are designed to perform the same basic function which is to spray the fuel in atomized form into the combustion chamber of each cylinder. The fuel injection system can be divided into low- pressure and high-pressure sides. The high-pressure side components include a high pressure pump, accumulator, fuel injector and fuel injector nozzle. A number of injection nozzle designs and different actuation methods have been developed for use with different types of fuel injection systems.

[0029] Common rail direct (CRD) fuel injection is a modern variant of direct fuel injection system for petrol and diesel engines. In common rail systems, the separate pulsing high- pressure fuel line to each cylinder's injector is also eliminated. Instead, a high-pressure pump pressurizes fuel at up to 2,500 bar (250 MPa; 36,000 psi), in a "common rail". The common rail is a tube that supplies each computer-controlled inj ector containing a precision-machined nozzle and a plunger driven by a solenoid or piezoelectric actuator. Third-generation common rail diesels now feature piezoelectric injectors for increased precision, with fuel pressures up to 3,000 bar (300 MPa; 44,000 psi). [0030] Historically, carbonaceous coking deposits which build up on the tip of the injector and impede fuel delivery has been a source of concern. These traditional carbonaceous coking deposits are addressed with detergent-containing diesel performance additive packages. Recent field problems have been reported concerning deposits of a different nature. Small amounts of waxy deposits can accumulate on the needles and plungers of injectors used in High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) diesel engines. These are called intemal diesel injector deposits (IDID) which lead to sluggish injector operation and a loss of performance. Unlike conventional coking deposits which form on the tips of fuel injectors and within the fuel spray holes, IDID are found within the injector body itself, such as at the armature group, on the piston and nozzle needle and inside the nozzle body. IDID can be waxy/soapy or carbonaceous in nature. The intemal injector components run at such tight tolerances that even a small, thin deposit or film can cause sticking of moving intemal injector parts and interrupt fuel flow to the cylinder. This result in a loss of control of injection event timing and/or the amount of fuel delivered per injection and in a rough running engine, causes diminished power and fuel economy. Due to the complex injection sequences utilized in common rail engines, the effects of IDID on performance range widely including poor operability, loss of vehicle drivability and rough engine running, unwanted variations in power, reduced fuel economy and power, increased emissions, failure to start and, in extreme cases engine failure.

[0031] The expression 'decarbonizing the engine' as used herein refers to removal of carbon deposits from the engine, using either mechanical (physical) or chemical methods. Adding certain chemicals like alcohols and terpenes into the conventional fuel supply (for e.g., diesel) appears to dissolve and remove at least a part of the carbon deposit formed in various parts of the engine, such as fuel injection systems, piston crowns & rings, combustion chambers, valves, exhaust manifolds, EGR valves, cat-cons and mufflers. The carbon is then ejected out through the exhaust.

[0032] The term "drive ability" used herein refers to the degree of smoothness and steadiness of acceleration of an automotive vehicle.

[0033] The term "torque" as used herein refers to a measure of how much force acting on an object can cause that object to rotate. Torque is the twisting force that the engine produces. The torque from the engine is what moves a vehicle. The various gears in the transmission and differential multiply the torque and split it up between the wheels. More torque can be sent to the wheels in first gear than in fifth gear because first gear has a larger gear-ratio which gets multiplied by the torque.

[0034] The term "emission" as used in the context of the present disclosure refers to the discharge of exhaust gas or flue gas occurring as a result of combustion of the fuel. Exhaust gas or flue gas is emitted as a result of the combustion of fuels such as natural gas, gasoline/petrol, diesel fuel etc. It is a major component of motor vehicle emissions. Motor vehicle emissions contribute to one of the major causes of air pollution and are a major ingredient in the creation of smog in some large cities. European emission standards define the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of new vehicles sold in EU member states. The emission standards are defined in a series of European Union directives namely Eurol to Euro 5; Environmental Protection Agency's Tier 2, staging the progressive introduction of increasingly stringent standards.

[0035] The term "viscosity" as used in the context of the present disclosure is a measure of its resistance to gradual deformation by shear stress or tensile stress Oil's viscosity is typically measured and defined in two ways, either based on its kinematic viscosity or its absolute (dynamic) viscosity. Fluid's kinematic viscosity is defined as its resistance to flow and shear due to gravity.

[0036] Fuel with the viscosity, either too high or too low, can cause engine or fuel system damage. High viscosity fuel increases gear strain, cam and follower wear on the fuel pump assembly because of the higher injection pressure. Fuel atomizes less efficiently and the engine will be more difficult to start. Low viscosity fuel may not provide adequate lubrication to plungers, barrels and injectors, and its use should be evaluated carefully. The viscosity of the fuel affects atomization and fuel delivery rate. The viscosity of diesel fuel is normally specified at 40°C or 50°C.

[0037] The term "Total Base Number (TBN)" as herein described is a measure of (alkaline) additives in the oil. Higher TBN oils are able to neutralize a greater amount of acidic materials, which results in improved protection against corrosive reactions and longer oil life. Generally speaking, the higher the oil's total base number (TBN), the better its ability to neutralize contaminants such as combustion by-products and acidic materials.

[0038] Foaming is a common problem in fuel systems. Foam is a collection of small bubbles of air that accumulate on or near the surface of the fluid. In severe cases, the foam can leak out of the machine through breathers, sight glasses and dipsticks. Foam is an efficient thermal insulator, so the temperature of the oil can become difficult to control. The presence of air bubbles in the fluid can lead to excessive oxidation, cavitation, the reduction of lubricating properties of the oil and hydraulic system failure. So, the foaming tendency of the fuel should be minimized.

[0039] The term "Solubility parameter" as herein described is the Hanssen solubility parameter. The solubility parameter is a numerical value that indicates the relative solvency behavior of a specific solvent. It is derived from the cohesive energy density of the solvent, which in turn is derived from the heat of vaporization. The quantity is represented by the symbol ø and is obtained by the square root of the cohesive energy density as a numerical value indicating the solvency behaviour of a specific solvent.

[0040] SI Hildebrand solubility parameters are expressed in mega-pascals and are designated as such, namely 9/MPa½. Hansen parameters divide the total Hildebrand value into three parts: a dispersion force component, a hydrogen bonding component, end a polar component. This means that Hansen parameters are additive:

where Total Hildebrand parameter

dd²⁼ dispersion component

dp²⁼ polar component

dh^{2 =} hydrogen bonding component [0041] Using the Hildebrand solvent spectrum the Hildebrand value of a solvent mixture can be determined by averaging the Hildebrand values of the individual solvents by the volume fraction. Table 1 lists Hansen parameters for some of the components employed in the composition of the present invention.

TABLE 1

[0042] The term "Aniline point" as herein described is the "aniline point temperature," which is the lowest temperature (°F or °C) at which equal volumes of aniline (C6H5NH2) and the oil form a single phase. The aniline point (AP) correlates roughly with the amount and type of aromatic hydrocarbons in an oil sample. The aniline point (or mixed aniline point) is useful as an aid in the characterization of pure hydrocarbons and in the analysis of hydrocarbon mixtures. While aromatic hydrocarbons exhibit the lowest, and paraffins the highest values. Cycloparaffins and olefins exhibit values that lie between those for paraffins and aromatics. In homologous series the aniline points increase with increasing molecular weight. Although it occasionally is used in combination with other physical properties in correlative methods for hydrocarbon analysis, the aniline point is most often used to provide an estimate of the aromatic hydrocarbon content of mixtures.

[0043] The term "Distillation temperature" as herein described is an indicator of the tendency of a fuel to vaporize. This is measured by determining a series of temperatures at which various percentages of the fuel has evaporated. The fuel distillation temperature which is the temperature at which at a said initial mass of diesel evaporates. For instance, T50 is the fuel distillation temperature at which at least 50% of the initial mass of sample has evaporated.

A plot of the results is commonly called a distillation curve. The 10, 50 and 80 volume % evaporated temperatures, T10, T50 and T80, respectively, are obtained and are used to define the volatility of the composition. [0044] The advantages as per the embodiments of the present disclosure are manifold. The composition according to any embodiment of the present disclosure is a ready to use composition which can be used to clean the diesel fuel system to free it off any carbonaceous coking deposit or of IDID, and it has the advantage of simultaneously cleaning the system while being used as a fuel itself to drive the system. The fact that the instant composition does not require any dilution before being used, is a feature which distinguishes it from most of the currently known fuel system cleaners and which offer great advantage to the user in terms of cost, time and energy. The diesel fuel system cleaner composition of the present disclosure also meets the stringent standards set with respect to the modern day CRD technology for decarbonizing the fuel system hardware in terms of fuel viscosity and fuel lubricity index so as to safeguard high pressure systems like pump and injectors. The cleaning composition of the present disclosure advantageously is able to perform the cleaning and rejuvenation of the engine while acting itself as fuel for the diesel engine and thus it results in an improved drive ability metrics defined by more power at the wheels and more torque and lesser emissions. A reduction in pulse duty of the pressure regulator valve has been also achieved by using the composition according to this disclosure.

[0045] In an aspect this invention provides a diesel fuel system cleaning composition comprising:

(i) a mixture of one or more aromatic and aliphatic hydro carbons

(ii) at least one surfactant and

(iii) diesel

wherein said aromatic hydrocarbons are of formula (I)

0

wherein R is selected from an alkyl group, Ri-OH, Ri-COOH and R1-COOR2 where both Ri and R2 each independently denote a hydrogen, an alkyl group or an aryl group, and wherein said aliphatic hydrocarbons has a boiling point of about 58°C to 190°C characterized in that the said composition has

solubility of about 16 MPa^1/2 to 30 MPa^1/2-,

aniline point in the range of about 40 °C to 55 °C and

50% Distillation Temperature of about 90°C to 120°C.

[0046] In an aspect of the invention, the diesel fuel system cleaning composition comprises i. about 0.1 to 25 wt % of one or more polar solvent penetrant

ii. about 0.1 to 25 wt% of a wetting agent

iii. about 0.1 to 35 wt% of a surfactant

iv. about 0.01 to 15 wt % of a hydrogen bonding coupler

v. about 0.01 to 15 wt% of one or more aromatic hydrocarbon based solvent and vi. about 20 to 60 wt % of diesel.

[0047] In certain embodiments the aromatic hydrocarbon and aliphatic hydro carbon is present each in an amount of about 0.01 to 15 % by weight of the composition.

[0048] In an embodiment the aliphatic hydrocarbon as per the invention may be a polar solvent penetrant, a wetting agent, a hydrogen bonding coupling agent and /or combination thereof.

[0049] In an embodiment the aromatic hydrocarbon component may comprise compounds like toluene, xylene and /or combinations thereof.

[0050] Accordingly in any embodiment, the present disclosure provides a composition for treating a diesel fuel system, said composition comprising a polar solvent penetrant, a wetting agent, a surfactant, a hydrogen bonding coupler, an aromatic hydrocarbon based solvent and diesel

[0051] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the polar solvent penetrant includes low boiling alcohols, ketones and ethers like methanol, methyl Acetate, acetone etc. ; medium boiling range alcohols like n-propanol, iso-propyl alcohol, ethanol etc. and high boiling range alcohols. [0052] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the polar solvent penetrant which may be operative herein illustratively include solvents like isopropyl alcohol, methyl alcohol etc. In an embodiment, the composition as per the present disclosure may contain one or more of such solvents. The polar solvent penetrant may be present in an amount of from about 0.1 to 25 wt% by weight, in other embodiments in an amount of from about 1 to 15 wt % by weight and in still other embodiments in an amount of about 10 to 12 wt% by weight in still other embodiments in an amount of about 3 to 4 wt%.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wetting agent which may be operative herein illustratively include compounds like 2 butoxy ethanol. In an embodiment, the composition as per the present disclosure may contain one or more of such wetting agents. The wetting agent may be present in an amount of from about 0.1 to 25 wt% by weight, in other embodiments in an amount of from about 1 to 15wt % by weight and in still other embodiments in an amount of about 13 to 17 wt% by weight.

[0054] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the surfactant which may be operative herein illustratively includes compounds like Butane-di-oic acid derivative of poly isobutylene. In an embodiment, the composition as per the present disclosure may contain one or more of such surfactants. The surfactant may be present in an amount of from about 0.1 to 35 wt% by weight, in other embodiments in an amount of from about 1 to 25 wt% by weight and in still other embodiments in an amount of about 15 to 20 wt% by weight.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hydrogen bonding coupler may comprise Ri-OH, R1-COOR2 and/or combinations where both Ri and R2 are as defined in formal I. In certain embodiments the hydrogen bonding coupler which may be operative herein illustratively includes compounds like diacetone alcohol. In an embodiment, the composition as per the present disclosure may contain one or more of such hydrogen bonding couplers. The hydrogen bonding coupler may be present in an amount of from about 0.01 to 15 wt% by weight, in other embodiments in an amount of from about 0.1 to 10 wt% by weight and in still other embodiments in an amount of about 2 to 3 wt% by weight. [0056] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the aromatic hydrocarbon based solvent cleaner which may be operative herein illustratively include toluene, xylene etc. In an embodiment, the composition as per the present disclosure may contain one or more of such solvent cleaners. The aromatic hydrocarbon based solvent may be present in an amount of from about 0.01 to 15 wt% by weight, in other embodiments in an amount of from about 0.5 to 10 wt% by weight and in still other embodiments in an amount of about 6 to 8 wt% and in still other embodiments in an amount of about 3 to 5 wt%.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, diesel may be used as the mass diluent. Advantageously high speed diesel may be used. Diesel may be present in an amount of from about 20 to 60 wt% by weight, in other embodiments in an amount of from about 30 to 50 wt% by weight and in still other embodiments in an amount of about 35 to 40 wt%.

[0058] In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is disclosed a method for treating a diesel fuel system, said method comprising delivering the composition in accordance with the present disclosure to the engine. The delivering of the composition into the engine may be done by a pressurized feed.

[0059] The composition according to the present disclosure is a ready to use product which does not need any kind of dilution and can be readily fed into the diesel engine through the dispensing mechanism. The composition as per the present disclosure is capable of cleaning contemporary CRD solenoid based and piezo electric crystal based multi injection cycle diesel fuel injectors. The cleaning methodology, referred to as "through the rail cleaning", proceeds to clean the diesel fuel system through the fuel delivery lines, the high pressure rails in contemporary CRD engines, the fuel injectors and the engine combustion chamber. The cleaning composition of the present disclosure is able to drive a diesel engine and perform the intended cleaning and rejuvenation of the engine so that it results in an improved drive-ability metrics defined by more power at the wheels and more torque and lesser emissions. The difference is also noted by the pulse duty of the pressure regulator valve as per engine control data received from the ECU through an engine scanner tool. The advantages as per the present disclosure as herein described, may be well appreciated from the instant experimental section. Exemplary Embodiments

[0060] Embodiment A is a diesel fuel system cleaning composition comprising: (i) a mixture of one or more aromatic and aliphatic hydro carbons (ii) at least one surfactant and (iii) diesel wherein said aromatic hydrocarbons are of formula (I)

wherein R is selected from an alkyl group, Ri-OH, Ri-COOH and R1-COOR2 where both Ri and R2 each independently denote a hydrogen, an alkyl group or an aryl group, and wherein said aliphatic hydrocarbons has a boiling point of about 58°C to 190°C characterized in that the said composition has solubility of about 16 MPa^1/2 to 30 MPa^1/2 ,aniline point in the range of about 40°C to 55 °C and 50% Distillation Temperature of about 90°C to 120°C.

[0061] Embodiment B is a composition as defined above wherein the alkyl groups R and Ri in the aromatic hydrocarbon has 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0062] Embodiment C is a composition as defined above, wherein the said aliphatic hydrocarbon is selected from the group consisting of a polar solvent penetrant, a wetting agent, a hydrogen bonding coupling agent and combinations thereof.

[0063] Embodiment D is a composition as defined above, wherein the polar solvent penetrant is selected from the group consisting of alcohols, ketones, ethers and combinations thereof.

[0064] Embodiment E is a composition as defined above, wherein the polar solvent penetrant is selected from the group consisting methanol, methyl acetate, acetone, n-propanol, isopropyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, ethanol and combinations thereof.

[0065] Embodiment F is a composition as defined above, wherein the wetting agent comprises a glycol ether solvent.

[0066] Embodiment G is a composition as defined above, wherein the glycol ether solvent is 2-butoxy ethanol.

[0067] Embodiment H is a composition as defined above, wherein the surfactant comprises a Butane-di-oic acid derivative of poly isobutylene. [0068] Embodiment I is a composition as defined above, wherein the diesel is high speed diesel.

[0069] Embodiment J is a composition as defined above, wherein the hydrogen bonding coupler is selected from Ri-OH, R1-COOR2 or combinations thereof where both Ri and R2 are as defined in embodiment A.

[0070] Embodiment K is a composition as defined above, wherein the hydrogen bonding coupler is diacetone alcohol.

[0071] Embodiment L is a composition as defined above, wherein aromatic hydrocarbon is selected from the group consisting of toluene, xylene and combinations thereof.

[0072] Embodiment M is a composition as defined above, wherein (i) the aromatic hydrocarbon and aliphatic hydro carbons is present each in an amount of about 0.01 to 15 % by weight of the composition.

[0073] Embodiment N is a composition as defined above, wherein (i) the combination of aromatic and aliphatic hydro carbons is present in an amount of about 0.1 to 80% by weight of the composition (ii) the surfactants is present in an amount of about 0.1 to 25% by weight of the composition and (iii) the diesel is present in an amount of about 20 to 60% by weight of the composition.

[0074] Embodiment O is a composition as defined above, comprising (i) about 0.1 to 25 wt % of a polar solvent penetrant (ii) about 0.1 to 25 wt% of a wetting agent (iii) about 0.1 to 35 wt% of a surfactant (iv) about 0.01 to 15 wt % of a hydrogen bonding coupler (v) about 0.01 to 15 wt% of an aromatic hydrocarbon based solvent and (vi) about 20 to 60 wt % of diesel.

[0075] Embodiment P is a diesel fuel system cleaning composition comprising (i) isopropyl alcohol in an amount of 10 to 12 wt% (ii) 2 butoxy ethanol in an amount of 13 to 17 wt% (iii) Butane-di-oic acid derivative of poly isobutylene surfactant in an amount of 15 to 20 wt% (iv) methyl alcohol in an amount of 3 to 4 wt% (v) diacetone alcohol in an amount of 2 to 3 wt% (vi) toluene in an amount of 6 to 8 wt% (vii) xylene in an amount of 3 to 5 wt% and (viii) high speed diesel in an amount of 30 to 40 wt%.

[0076] Embodiment Q is a method for preparing diesel fuel system cleaning composition, said method comprising, mixing of (i) one or more aromatic and aliphatic hydro carbons wherein said aliphatic hydrocarbons has a boiling point of about 58°C to 190°C and said aromatic hydrocarbons are of formula (I)

wherein R is selected from an alkyl group, Ri-OH, Ri-COOH or R1-COOR2 where both Ri and R2 each independently denote a hydrogen, an alkyl group or an aryl group, (ii) at least one surfactant and (iii) diesel

[0077] Embodiment R is a method as defined above, comprising mixing of (i) about 0.1 to 25 wt % of one or more polar solvent penetrant (ii) about 0.1 to 25 wt% of a wetting agent (iii) about 0.1 to 35 wt% of a surfactant (iv) about 0.01 to 15 wt % of a hydrogen bonding coupler (v) about 0.01 to 15 wt% of one or more aromatic hydrocarbon based solvent and (vi) about 20 to 60 wt % of diesel

[0078] Embodiment S is a method for treating a diesel fuel system, said method comprising delivering the composition as defined herein above, to the engine by a pressurized feed.

[0079] Illustrative examples of the compositions which may be produced include those set forth below. The illustrative example compositions demonstrate certain particularly preferred embodiments of the invention as well as preferred weight percentages as well as preferred relative weight percentages/weight ratios with regard to the respective individual constituents present within a composition. These specific compositions, materials, and methods are not intended to limit the invention, but merely to illustrate specific embodiments falling within the scope of the invention. One skilled in the art may develop equivalent materials, and methods without the exercise of inventive capacity and without departing from the scope of the invention. It will be understood that many variations can be made in the procedures herein described while still remaining within the bounds of the invention. It is the intention of the inventors that such variations are included within the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE 1: Preparation of the diesel fuel system cleaning composition (DFSC)

[0080] Example of composition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is detailed in Table 2. It is manufactured by dissolving and mixing the various ingredients into demineralized water at room temperature. TABLE 2

EXAMPLE 2: Testing of the diesel fuel system cleaning composition (DFSC)

[0081] The tested parameters were Hanssen Solubility parameter, blend stability test, Clean- ability Performance, Aniline point, Distillation temperature, Specific gravity, Copper strip Corrosion, Total Sulphur Content, Viscosity, Total Base Number, High Frequency Reciprocating Rig and Rust & Corrosion Protection. These twelve parameters are deemed important as critical performance attributes for this product, and hence the invention was tested to show the superiority of the claimed invention. These are discussed below in detail, which proves the superiority of the present invention.

[0082] The diesel fuel system cleaning composition according to the present disclosure was assessed based on the following twelve lab tests:

[0083] HANSSEN SOLUBILITY PARAMETER: Using the Hildebrand solvent spectrum the Hildebrand value of a solvent mixture can be determined by averaging the Hildebrand values of the individual solvents multiplied by the volume fraction of the individual solvents.

[0084] BLEND STABILITY TEST: This test was carried out to determine which fluid does not separate on standing due to a polarity imbalance.

Test Method: The test involves observing the fluid after it has been standing in a long neck conical flask for a period of 48 hours for any visual layering. The blend of interest should not exhibit any separation. Blends that exhibit separation are marked to have failed the test as it indicates a failure of the polarity component matching in the blend.

[0085] CLEAN-ABILTY TEST: This test was used to understand the effectiveness of the diesel fuel system cleaners at removing deposits left by diesel and other potent additives in the fuel which has been identified for leaving deposits inside the fuel system: e.g. in the pump, the lining, rails and the fuel injectors.

Test Method: The clean-ability was monitored using a Panel Coker Machine. The machine was run at a Panel Surface temperature of 350°C which is maintained by a temperature thermostat for 2 hours, and Diesel fuel was mixed with a 5: 1 blend (by mass) of Butane-di-oic acid derivative of poly isobutylene (which is a known deposit enhancer inside fuel injectors causing heavy performance losses on combustion). This fuel was made to fall on the heated panel at a calibrated rate of 10 ml per Hour in the form of micron size droplets. The Panel was kept at an inclination due to which the fuel on impacting with the hot panel slid down on the entire length of the panel. The length of the panel was maintained at 100 mm. The metal panel plate (Aluminum 60601 T6) which had been finished to a surface finish of Ra 0.8 Microns was used for the test. The panels were tare weighed before starting the test, and after the testing period, the panels were again weighed to understand the weight of the deposits formed on it. The panels were then immersed into the various diesel cleaner solutions.

[0086] ANILINE POINT: This is an indication of the aromaticity and hence can be interpreted as an index of polarity of the mixture. The lower the aniline point, the greater is the content of aromatic compounds in the oil.

Test Method: This test was done in accordance with the IS 1448 (P:3) standard.

[0087] DISTILLATION PERFORMANCE: This test is an indicator of the tendency of a fuel to vaporize. This test was carried out to demonstrate how the blend performs in a Diesel Combustion Engine. This rest was conducted in a Thermo-gravimetric Analyzer (TGA). Test Method: The test involves heating 7 to 8 milligrams of sample in the TGA at a constant rate of 10°C per minute in an oxygen background until it reaches a temperature of 400 °C. The % weight loss due to boiling and change of phase from liquid to vapor state is recorded with respect to temperature. The lowest temperature at which 10%, 50% and 80% of the initial mass of sample has evaporated is noted. [0088] SPECIFIC GRAVITY: This test is a necessary component of this formulation so as to ensure that the composition is of the desired relative density.

Test Method: This test was done as per ASTM D 4052 standard at 15°C.

[0089] COPPER STRIP CORROSION TEST: This test was done as per ASTM D 130 standard.

[0090] TOTAL SULPHUR CONTENT TEST: This test was done as per ASTM D 4294 standard.

[0091] VISCOSITY AT 50°C: The viscosity is a necessary component of this formulation, this is to ensure that the pump is able to pressurize the fluid to the right pressure and at the same time the spray pattern of the fluid is maintained at par with the Engine Design parameters.

Test Method: This test was done in accordance with the ASTM D 445 standard at 50°C. The Diesel fuel was heated to 50°C and the time noted for the fuel to drop through a calibrated canon fenske viscometer bulb was measured. The time taken was converted to the Viscosity by multiplying with the viscometer constant.

[0092] TOTAL BASE NUMBER: This is an indication of how strong the solution is at resisting oxidation and also gives us a possible indication of the strength of the basicity of this cleaner.

Test Method: The TBN as mentioned in the ASTM D 2896 is a measurement of the basic content in petroleum products by titration with perchloric acid in glacial acetic Acid. The sample is dissolved in an essentially anhydrous mixture of chlorobenzene and glacial acetic acid and titrated with a solution of perchloric acid in glacial acetic acid using potentiometric titrimeter. A glass indicating electrode and a calomel reference electrode are used, the latter being connected with the sample solution by means of a salt bridge. The meter readings are plotted against the respective volumes of titrating solution, and the end point is taken at the inflection in the resulting curve.

[0093] HIGH FREQUENCY RECIPROCATING RIG (HFRR) wear TEST: This test is industry standard test for diesel fuel lubricity as per ASTM D6079 and to meet IS 1460 Indian Standard Diesel BSIV specifications. The High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR) is a microprocessor-controlled reciprocating friction and wear test system which provides a fast, repeatable assessment of the wear scar performance.

[0094] RUST AND CORROSION PROTECTION: This test was done in accordance with the ASTM D 665.

Test Method: A solution of 5% NaCl mixed with the samples in a 30:70 percent ratio was prepared. A Mild steel panel was cleaned to a surface finish of 0.5 Microns Ra and the panels were coated with this solution. The panels were allowed to age in room temperature at 85% humidity for 72 hours. The samples with more than 20% of the area spotted with rust were declared as failed.

[0095] The performance results of the composition of Table 2- Example 1 for the key parameters are shown in table 3 below.

TABLE 3

EXAMPLE 3: Preparation of the diesel fuel system cleaning composition (DFSC) [0096] Example of composition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is detailed in Table 4. It is manufactured by dissolving and mixing the various ingredients into demineralized water at room temperature. In this example, the medium boiling alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, has been replaced by ethanol.

TABLE 4

[0097] The performance results of the composition of Table 4 - Example 3 for the key parameters are shown in table 5 below.

TABLE 5

[0098] It can thus be inferred from the above example that in spite of replacing the polar solvent penetrant of medium boiling alcohol with ethanol, the formulation is still shown to work effectively on the clean-ability front apart from all other performance parameters.

EXAMPLE 4: Preparation of the diesel fuel system cleaning composition (DFSC)

[0099] Example of composition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is detailed in Table 6. It is manufactured by dissolving and mixing the various ingredients into demineralized water at room temperature. In this example, the medium boiling alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, has been replaced by n-propanol. TABLE 6

[00100] The performance results of the composition of Table 6- Example 4 for the key parameters are shown in table 7 below.

TABLE 7

[00101] It can thus be inferred from the above example that in spite of replacing the polar solvent penetrant of medium boiling alcohol with n-propanol, the formulation is still shown to work effectively on the clean-ability front apart from all other performance parameters.

EXAMPLE 5: Preparation of the diesel fuel system cleaning composition (DFSC)

[00102] Example of composition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is detailed in Table 8. It is manufactured by dissolving and mixing the various ingredients into demineralized water at room temperature. In this example, the medium boiling alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, has been replaced by n-propanol. Also, the low boiling alcohol, methyl alcohol was replaced with another low boiling polar solvent, acetone. TABLE 8

[00103] The performance results of the composition of Table 8- Example 5 for the key parameters are shown in table 9 below.

TABLE 9

[00104] It can thus be inferred from the above example that in spite of replacing the polar solvent penetrant of medium boiling alcohol with n-propanol and also replacing the other polar solvent methyl alcohol with another low boiling polar solvent, acetone, the formulation is still shown to work effectively on the clean-ability front apart from all other performance parameters.

EXAMPLE 6: Preparation of the diesel fuel system cleaning composition (DFSC)

[00105] Example of composition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is detailed in Table 10. It is manufactured by dissolving and mixing the various ingredients into demineralized water at room temperature. In this example, the medium boiling alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, has been replaced by n-propanol. Also, the low boiling alcohol, methyl alcohol was replaced with another low boiling polar solvent, methyl acetate. TABLE 10

[00106] The performance results of the composition of Table 10- Example 6 for the key parameters are shown in table 11 below.

TABLE 11

[00107] It can thus be inferred from the above example that in spite of replacing the polar solvent penetrant of medium boiling alcohol with n-propanol and also replacing the other polar solvent methyl alcohol with another low boiling polar solvent, methyl acetate, the formulation is still shown to work effectively on the clean-ability front apart from all other performance parameters.

[00108] Thus, the diesel fuel system cleaning composition described herein above exhibits amongst other good clean-ability, good boiling range and blend stability.

[00109] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

WE CLAIM

1. A diesel fuel system cleaning composition comprising:

(i) a mixture of one or more aromatic and aliphatic hydro carbons

(ii) at least one surfactant and

(iii) diesel

wherein said aromatic hydrocarbons are of formula (I)

0

said aliphatic hydrocarbons has a boiling point of about 58°C to 190°C

characterized in that the said composition has

solubility of about 16 MPa^1/2 to 30 MPa^1/2-,

aniline point in the range of about 40 °C to 55 °C and

50% Distillation Temperature of about 90°C to 120°C.

2. The composition as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the alkyl groups R and Ri in the aromatic hydrocarbon has 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the said aliphatic hydrocarbon is selected from the group consisting of a polar solvent penetrant, a wetting agent, a hydrogen bonding coupling agent and combination thereof.

4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the polar solvent penetrant is selected from the group consisting of alcohols, ketones, ethers and combinations thereof.

5. The composition of claim 3, wherein the polar solvent penetrant is selected from the group consisting methanol, methyl acetate, acetone, n-propanol, isopropyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, ethanol and combinations thereof.

6. The composition of claim 3, wherein the wetting agent comprises a glycol ether solvent.

7. The composition of claim 3, wherein the glycol ether solvent is 2-butoxy ethanol.

8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the surfactant comprises a Butane-di-oic acid derivative of poly isobutylene.

9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the diesel is high speed diesel.

10. The composition of claim 3, wherein the hydrogen bonding coupler is selected from Ri- OH, R1-COOR2 or combinations thereof where both Ri and R2 are as defined in claim 1.

11. The composition of claim 3, wherein the hydrogen bonding coupler is diacetone alcohol.

12. The composition of claim 1, wherein the aromatic hydrocarbon is selected from the group consisting of toluene, xylene and combinations thereof.

13. The composition of claim 1, wherein

(i) the aromatic hydrocarbon and aliphatic hydro carbons is present each in an amount of about 0.01 to 15 % by weight of the composition.

14. The composition of claim 1, wherein

(i) the combination of aromatic and aliphatic hydro carbons is present in an amount of about 0.1 to 80% by weight of the composition

(ii) the surfactant is present in an amount of about 0.1 to 25% by weight of the composition and

(iii) the diesel is present in an amount of about 20 to 60% by weight of the composition.

15. The composition of claim 1, further comprising about i. 0.1 to 25 wt % of a polar solvent penetrant

ii. about 0.1 to 25 wt% of a wetting agent

iii. about 0.1 to 35 wt% of a surfactant

iv. about 0.01 to 15 wt % of a hydrogen bonding coupler

16. A diesel fuel system cleaning composition comprising:

i. isopropyl alcohol in an amount of 10 to 12 wt%

ii. 2 butoxy ethanol in an amount of 13 to 17 wt%

iii. Butane-di-oic acid derivative of poly isobutylene surfactant in an

amount of 15 to 20 wt%

iv. methyl alcohol in an amount of 3 to 4 wt%

v. diacetone alcohol in an amount of 2 to 3 wt%

vi. toluene in an amount of 6 to 8 wt%

vii. xylene in an amount of 3 to 5 wt% and

viii. high speed diesel in an amount of 30 to 40 wt%.

17. A method for preparing diesel fuel system cleaning composition, said method comprising: mixing

(i) one or more aromatic and aliphatic hydro carbons

, R

^" ! ' Λ i

R

(I)

wherein R is selected from an alkyl group, Ri-OH, Ri-COOH or R1-COOR2 where both Ri and R2 each independently denote a hydrogen, an alkyl group or an aryl group,

(ii) at least one surfactant and

(iii) diesel.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising mixing i. about 0.1 to 25 wt% of one or more polar solvent penetrant

ii. about 0.1 25 wt% of a wetting agent

iii. about 0.1 to 35 wt% of a surfactant

iv. about 0.01 to 15 wt % of a hydrogen bonding coupler v. about 0.01 to 15 wt% of one or more aromatic hydrocarbon based solvent and

vi. about 20 to 60 wt% of diesel.

19. A method for treating a diesel fuel system, said method comprising delivering the composition of claim 1 to the engine by a pressurized feed.