Aerosol cleaning composition

Abstract

A non-combustible aerosol cleaning composition is formulated with trans-1, 2 dichloroethylene, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 5-decafluoropentane, 1, 1, 1, 3, 3-pentafluoropropane, HFC-134a, and carbon dioxide. The aerosol cleaning composition is formulated for deep cleaning, high pressure, and high output cleaning applications for cleaning aeronautical parts, such as jet engines located outside of about 10 feet from the user.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application serial number 17 / 976,531, filed on October 28, 2022, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure relates to cleaning compositions, and more particularly to aerosol cleaning compositions for deep cleaning of aircraft components.

[0004] Aircraft components (such as jet engines) are exposed to hydraulic fluids, pneumatic lubricants, combustion byproducts, and other types of pollutants and thus accumulate. Such accumulations can be cleaned and / or degreased with cleaning compositions. For example, aerosol cleaning compositions can be used to clean jet engine surfaces when the cowling is lifted. However, the force or output provided by most conventional aerosol cleaning compositions is insufficient to reach the cold section of the jet engine, which may be more than 10 feet away from the user.

[0005] In addition, many conventional aerosol spray cleaning compositions may contain toxic solvents (such as n-propyl bromide) and may also be flammable or combustible. The flammability of aerosol compositions can be alleviated with a suitable combination of one or more solvents and one or more propellants. However, the flammability of aerosol compositions increases conventionally with the increase of aerosol output pressure. Therefore, controlling flammability becomes more challenging for high-pressure and high-output aerosol compositions.

[0006] Therefore, a need remains for improved high pressure, high output aerosol cleaning compositions for cleaning aircraft components. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to various embodiments, a high-pressure, high-output, non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition for cleaning and degreasing aircraft components is provided. The aerosol cleaning composition can be formulated to provide an output pressure sufficient to reach and clean a target located approximately 10 feet vertically above a user when provided in an aerosol assembly including a high-output aerosol valve and nozzle. Furthermore, the aerosol cleaning composition can be formulated to effectively clean and degrease hydraulic fluids, pneumatic lubricants, and combustion byproducts on aircraft components, such as jet engines.

[0008] In one aspect, a non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition can comprise trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane; and a blend of propellants comprising 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and carbon dioxide.

[0009] In some embodiments, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene can be present in a concentration of about 55% to about 70% by weight (w / w) of the cleaning composition. 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane can be present in a concentration of about 10% to about 20% w / w, and 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane can be present in a concentration of about 5% to about 15% w / w. Additionally, HFC-134a can be present in a concentration of about 5% to about 15% w / w, and carbon dioxide can be present in a concentration of about 2% to about 7% w / w.

[0010] In another aspect, a non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition can include: a blend of solvents comprising 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and at least one other hydrofluorocarbon solvent or trans-1,2-dichloroethylene solvent; and a blend of propellants comprising HFC-134a and carbon dioxide. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition can be configured to clean a target located about 10 feet away when provided in a high-output Wasp & Hornet aerosol spray-type can.

[0011] In an embodiment, the blend of solvents may include trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, and 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane.

[0012] For example, the non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition can include trans-1,2-dichloroethylene at a concentration of about 55% to about 70% w / w, 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane at a concentration of about 10% to about 20% w / w, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane at a concentration of about 5% to about 15% w / w, HFC-134a at a concentration of about 5% to about 15% w / w, and carbon dioxide at a concentration of about 2% to about 7% w / w. In some embodiments, the sum of the concentrations of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, HFC-134a, and carbon dioxide can be about 100% w / w by weight of the non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition.

[0013] In any of the foregoing embodiments, the aerosol cleaning composition can be classified as non-flammable when tested according to the flame ignition distance test and the enclosed space ignition test according to the test methods outlined in Section 31 of UN2009. In addition, the aerosol cleaning composition can be configured to meet the criteria of Airbus UK ABR 9-0140 Universal Cleaning Solvent (Amendment Notice No. 5 [November 11, 2009] to ABR 9-0140 No. 6 [February 2000]) Section 4.1.1 Appearance, Section 4.1.2 Odor, Section 4.1.3 Flash Point, Section 4.1.4 Evaporation Residue, and Section 4.1.7 Non-Corrosive Effect. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition can also be configured to meet the criteria of Boeing D6 17487, Revision T, Sandwich Corrosion Test, Paint Softening Test, Hydrogen Embrittlement Test, and Stress Corrosion Cracking Test.

[0014] Other aspects, objects and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] While the present disclosure may be embodied in various forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described below presently preferred embodiments, it being understood that the present disclosure is considered by way of example and is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments shown.

[0016] According to various embodiments, an aerosol cleaning composition for cleaning and degreasing aircraft components is provided. The aerosol cleaning composition can be formulated as a non-flammable composition that can effectively dissolve and remove hydraulic fluid, pneumatic lubricant, combustion byproducts, and other types of contaminant deposits from aircraft components (e.g., jet engine surfaces) without exposing the user to hazardous solvent vapors (e.g., n-propyl bromide vapors).

[0017] In addition, an aerosol cleaning composition for a high-pressure, high-output aerosol system can be formulated. In such embodiments, the aerosol cleaning composition can be formulated with at least one solvent and a propellant blend and provided in an aerosol assembly comprising a high-output aerosol valve and a nozzle to provide a high-pressure, high-output aerosol system for spraying and cleaning a target located about 10 feet away from the user. A high-pressure, high-output aerosol system containing an aerosol cleaning composition according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can be used by a user to spray and clean aircraft components (such as the cold section of a jet engine) that can be located about 10 feet vertically above the user.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the aerosol cleaning composition can be formulated with a blend of a solvent and / or a cleaning agent and at least one propellant. Suitable solvents and cleaning agents can include hydrofluorocarbon compounds such as 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, 1,1,1,3,3 pentafluoropropane, hydrofluoroethers such as methoxy nonafluorobutane (HFE-7100), 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)ethane (HFE347pcf2), HFE-356mmz (HFMOP), hydrofluoroolefins such as trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, and dichloroethylenes such as trans-1,2 dichloroethylene. Suitable propellants may include hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) liquefied gases such as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) gases such as trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (HFO1234ze) and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (HFO1234yf), and carbon dioxide.

[0019] Some properties of aerosol cleaning compositions, such as flammability and the ability to propel the sprayed cleaning composition from an aerosol assembly, can change rapidly depending on the selection of each component and its amount. Accordingly, the applicants of the present application have invested considerable time and effort in formulating an aerosol cleaning composition that is non-flammable, high-pressure, high-output, and can clean stubborn contaminants, such as hydraulic fluids, pneumatic lubricants, and combustion byproducts, from aircraft components.

[0020] In an embodiment, an aerosol cleaning composition can be formulated with a blend of propellants to continuously propel the cleaning composition from a high output aerosol assembly at high pressure and output to clean targets located up to 10 feet away. In such an embodiment, the cleaning composition can be provided in an aerosol canister assembly including a high output valve and nozzle (e.g., an aerosol system assembly designed for wasp and hornet spray elimination).

[0021] In some embodiments, the aerosol cleaning composition can be formulated with at least two different propellants. For example, the aerosol composition can be formulated with a dual propellant system comprising a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) liquefied gas and carbon dioxide. In an embodiment, the aerosol cleaning composition can comprise from about 3.0 percent (%) to about 20.0% (w / w), preferably from about 4.0% to about 17.0% w / w, and more preferably from about 5.0% to about 15.0% w / w of HFC-134a, and from about 1.0% to about 9.0% w / w, preferably from about 2.0% to about 7.0% w / w, and more preferably from about 3.0% to about 6% w / w of carbon dioxide.

[0022] Due to the requirements of high pressure, high output and non-flammability, the propellant and solvent options for aerosol cleaning compositions are narrow. For example, trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (HFO-1234ze) was unsuccessful as a non-flammable propellant, and methoxynonafluorobutane (HFE-7100) was only marginally successful in providing the high pressure, high output, non-flammable aerosol solvent required in cleaning systems.

[0023] In addition, the high pressure and high output requirements of aerosol cleaning systems make it more difficult to mitigate the flammability of aerosol cleaning compositions. Some blends of propellants and solvents provide the desired spray output pressure and pollutant dissolving power, but make the composition flammable. Some blends provide non-flammable aerosol cleaning compositions that have the desired pollutant dissolving power but do not provide the desired spray output pressure. It was unexpectedly discovered that formulating aerosol cleaning compositions with appropriate synergistic combinations of propellants and solvents (including a specific amount of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane) can effectively reduce the flammability of aerosol cleaning compositions while still providing the desired high pressure, high output aerosol system.

[0024] In an embodiment, an aerosol cleaning composition can be formulated with a blend of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, and 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane. A certain amount of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene and 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane can be formulated to increase the solvency of hydraulic fluids, combustion byproducts, and other contaminants. The aerosol cleaning composition can be formulated with about 50% to about 75% w / w, preferably about 55% to about 70% w / w, and more preferably about 60% to about 68% w / w of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, and about 5% to about 25% w / w, preferably about 10% to about 20% w / w, and more preferably about 12% to about 18% w / w of 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, and about 3% to about 20% w / w, preferably about 5% to about 15% w / w, and more preferably about 7% to about 13% w / w of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane.

[0025] In an embodiment, the aerosol cleaning composition can include about 55% to about 70% w / w trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, about 10% to about 20% w / w 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, and about 5% to about 15% w / w 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, about 5% to about 15% w / w HFC 134a, and about 2% to about 7% carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, the aerosol cleaning composition can be formulated such that the weight percentages of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, HFC 134a, and carbon dioxide total about 100% by weight of the aerosol cleaning composition.

[0026] Samples of aerosol cleaning compositions comprising about 55% to about 70% w / w trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, about 10% to about 20% w / w 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, about 5% to about 15% w / w 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, about 5% to about 15% w / w HFC 134a, and about 2% to about 7% carbon dioxide were prepared and tested. The sample compositions effectively removed hydraulic and lubricating fluids and dried quickly without leaving residue. The solvent phase of the sample compositions was evaluated according to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) flammable (and combustible) liquid standards and was classified as non-flammable. In addition, the sample compositions were compatible with high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), nylon 6, nylon 6 / 6, phenolic CE, polypropylene, polyoxymethylene (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Teflon).

[0027] The sample composition was evaluated according to Airbus UK ABR 9-0140 Universal Cleaning Solvents (Amendment Notice No. 5 [November 11, 2009] to ABR 9-0140 No. 6 [February 2000]) and was determined to meet the conditions described in sections 4.1.1-4.1.4 and 4.1.7:

[0028] 4.1.1 Appearance : The cleaning solvent should be a single-phase liquid consisting of a single solvent or a completely miscible solvent mixture free of precipitates and suspended solids. conform to

[0029] 4.1.2 odor : Cleaning solvents should not produce an unpleasant odor during or after application. conform to

[0030] 4.1.3 Flash point : ASTM D93: No flash point observed at 33°C (91°F)

[0031] result conform to

[0032] 4.1.4 Evaporation residue : The evaporation residue should be expressed as the weight percentage remaining after evaporating to dryness in 50 ml of solvent in a water bath and then heating to constant weight in an oven at 110°C ± 2°C. The weight of the residue should be determined immediately after cooling to room temperature in a high-efficiency desiccator.

[0033] Evaporation residue: less than 5 mg per 50 ml of liquid conform to

[0034] 4.1.7 No corrosion Unused plates of the following metals (75 mm x 25 mm x 0.91 mm each, with the surfaces and edges pretreated or plated as described above) should be degreased according to the method described in ABP-1294, dried at 100°C ± 2°C for 2 hours, cooled, and weighed to 0.0001 g. These plates should then be completely immersed in the cleaning solvent in a stoppered container at room temperature for 168 hours.

[0035] After the immersion period, the panels should be removed from the cleaning solvent and rinsed thoroughly under cold running water, gently wiping the surface with cotton wool. They should be rinsed in distilled water, followed by a mixture of equal volumes of methylated spirits and acetone, dried at 100°C-105°C for 2 hours, cooled, and weighed to 0.0001 g. No attempt should be made to remove any corrosion products from the panels before weighing. Finally, the panels should be visually inspected.

[0036] The weight of the metal plate should not increase by more than 1 mg and the weight should not decrease by more than 5 mg. The metal plate should not show pitting on the edges or surface, the formation of adherent deposits or other signs of corrosion.

[0037]

[0038] Visual observation: No pitting, adherent deposits or other signs of corrosion

[0039] The results are consistent with

[0040] Additionally, the sample compositions were evaluated according to Boeing D6 17487, Revision T, Solvent Cleaners; General Cleaning:

[0041] Interlayer corrosion test :

[0042]

[0043] result Complies with paint softening test :

[0044] Paint system 1: 0 Change in pencil hardness after 24 hours drying time after exposure.

[0045] No discoloration or staining.

[0046] Paint System 2: 0 Change in pencil hardness after 24 hours drying time after exposure.

[0047] No discoloration or staining.

[0048] result Compliant with hydrogen embrittlement test :

[0049] Test specimen: Type 1c, cadmium plated according to MIL-STD-870 (45% loading, 150 hours, notched immersion for a certain period of time, room temperature).

[0050] #1: No failures occurred in 150 hours.

[0051] #2: No failures occurred within 150 hours.

[0052] #3: No failures occurred within 150 hours.

[0053] #4: No failures occurred in 150 hours.

[0054] result Comply with stress corrosion cracking : Method A used for testing

[0055] Product: AMS 4911: #1 - No visible cracking

[0056] #2-No visible cracking

[0057] #3-No obvious cracking

[0058] AMS 4916: #1 - No visible cracking

[0059] #2-No visible cracking

[0060] #3-No obvious cracking

[0061] result conform to

[0062] The sample compositions were also evaluated for their cleaning performance according to MIL-PRF-29608C, November 2, 2016, Cleaning and Cleaning-Luishing Compounds, Electrical Contact, 4.5.7 Cleaning Efficiency.

[0063] Dirt removal (efficiency / dirt removal %)

[0064]

[0065] All patents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, whether or not explicitly indicated as such within the text of this disclosure.

[0066] In this disclosure, the terms "a" and "an" are deemed to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall include the singular, where appropriate. All percentages, whether specified or not, are by weight.

[0067] As can be seen from the foregoing, many modifications and variations can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present disclosure. It should be understood that no limitation to the specific embodiments shown is intended or should be inferred. The present disclosure is intended to cover all such modifications that fall within the scope of the claims by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition comprising: a blend of solvents comprising a hydrofluoroether, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, and 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane; and A blend of propellants comprising 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and carbon dioxide.

2. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein: the hydrofluoroether being present in a concentration of about 5% to about 25% by weight of the cleaning composition; The trans-1,2-dichloroethylene is present at a concentration of about 50% to about 75% by weight of the cleaning composition; and The 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane is present in a concentration of about 3% to about 20% by weight of the cleaning composition.

3. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein The hydrofluoroether is methoxynonafluorobutane (HFE7100).

4. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein The hydrofluoroether is 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)ethane (HFE347pcf2).

5. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein The hydrofluoroether is HFE-356mmz (HFMOP).

6. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein The hydrofluoroether is present in a concentration of about 10% to about 20% w / w.

7. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein The trans-1,2-dichloroethylene is present at a concentration of about 55% to about 70% by weight (w / w) of the cleaning composition.

8. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein The 1,1,1,3,3 pentafluoropropane is present in a concentration of about 5% to about 15% w / w.

9. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein The HFC-134a is present in a concentration of about 5% to about 15% w / w.

10. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein The carbon dioxide is present in a concentration of about 2% to about 7% w / w.

11. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein The sum of the concentrations of the hydrofluoroether, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, HFC-134a, and carbon dioxide is about 100% w / w based on the weight of the non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition.

12. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition is composed of about 10% to about 20% w / w hydrofluoroether, about 55% to about 70% w / w trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, about 5% to about 15% w / w 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, about 5% to about 15% w / w HFC-134a, and about 2% to about 7% w / w carbon dioxide.

13. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein The aerosol cleaning composition is configured to clean a target located about 10 feet away from a user when disposed in a high output wasp and hornet aerosol spray can.

14. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition has no flash point when tested according to the 31.4 Spray Aerosol Ignition Distance Test and the 31.5 GHS Aerosol Flammability Enclosed Space Ignition Test (2009).

15. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein: The aerosol cleaning composition is formulated to meet the criteria of Airbus UK ABR 9-0140 Universal Cleaning Solvent (Amendment Notice No. 5 [November 11, 2009] to ABR 9-0140 No. 6 [February 2000]) in Section 4.1.1 Appearance, Section 4.1.2 Odor, Section 4.1.3 Flash Point, Section 4.1.4 Evaporation Residue, and Section 4.1.7 Non-Corrosive Effect.

16. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein: The aerosol cleaning composition is formulated to meet the standards of Boeing D6 17487, Revision T, in the interlayer corrosion test, paint softening test, hydrogen embrittlement test, and stress corrosion cracking test.

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