Fluorine-free fire extinguishing foam for use in sprayers

Abstract

The present invention relates to fluorine-free fire extinguishing foam concentrates containing one or more solvents, one or more surfactants, one or more alcohols and one or more biopolymers. The invention also relates to fire extinguishing foam solutions and fire extinguishing foams prepared from such concentrates, and methods of use thereof. The invention also relates to a method for controlling the viscosity of a fire extinguishing foam concentrate comprising reducing the viscosity of the concentrate as the temperature decreases.

Description

[0001] Citation of Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 327,198, filed on April 4, 2022, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a fluorine-free fire-fighting foam concentrate, which contains one or more solvents, one or more surfactants, one or more alcohols and one or more biopolymers. The present invention also relates to a fire-fighting foam solution and a fire-fighting foam prepared from the concentrate, and a method of using the same. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the viscosity of the fire-fighting foam concentrate, which comprises making the viscosity of the concentrate lower as the temperature decreases. Background of the Invention

[0005] Aqueous firefighting foams are used to combat Class B fires (i.e., fires fueled by flammable liquids). Such firefighting foams include aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) and alcohol-resistant aqueous film forming foams (AR-AFFF). Fluorine-free aqueous firefighting foams have been developed in recent years in view of toxicity issues. Suitable fluorine-free foams have been developed. However, there is still a need to improve certain properties of such foams to provide improved performance. One property is application in all available sprinkler heads, including non-aerated sprinkler heads. Another property is the suitability of the concentrate for low temperature proportioning. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] So, in brief, the present invention is directed to a fire fighting foam concentrate comprising: one or more organic solvents, wherein the one or more organic solvents are selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, butyl carbitol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB), butyl glycol, polyethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and combinations thereof; one or more surfactants, wherein the one or more surfactants are selected from the group consisting of C8-C22 sulfonate surfactants, C8-C22 sulfate surfactants, branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactants, C8-C22 betaine surfactants, C8-C22 sulfobetaine surfactants, and combinations thereof; one or more alcohols; and one or more biopolymers, wherein the biopolymers comprise from about 0.2 wt % to about 20 wt % of the concentrate, and wherein the one or more solvents are selected to provide a heat-thickened concentrate.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a fire extinguishing foam concentrate comprising: one or more organic solvents, wherein the one or more organic solvents comprise one or more glycols and glycol ethers; one or more surfactants, wherein the one or more surfactants comprise C8-C22 sulfonate surfactants and / or C8-C22 sulfate surfactants, branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactants, C8-C22 betaine surfactants and C8-C22 sulfobetaine surfactants; one or more alcohols; and one or more polymers, wherein the polymers comprise from about 0.2 weight percent to about 2.0 weight percent of the concentrate.

[0009] The present invention also relates to a fire extinguishing foam concentrate comprising: one or more organic solvents, wherein the one or more organic solvents comprise one or more glycols and glycol ethers; one or more surfactants, wherein the one or more surfactants are selected from C8-C22 sulfonate surfactants, C8-C22 sulfate surfactants, branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactants, C8-C22 betaine surfactants, C8-C22 sulfobetaine surfactants, and combinations thereof; one or more alcohols, wherein the one or more alcohols comprise at least one C10-C16 branched alcohol, and the at least one C10-C16 branched alcohol comprises from about 0.3 wt % to about 2.5 wt % of the concentrate; and one or more polymers, wherein the polymers comprise from about 0.2 wt % to about 2.0 wt % of the concentrate.

[0010] The present invention also relates to a fire extinguishing foam concentrate, which comprises: one or more organic solvents, wherein the one or more organic solvents are selected from propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, butyl carbitol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB), butyl glycol, polyethylene glycol, hexylene glycol and combinations thereof; one or more surfactants, wherein the one or more surfactants comprise C8-C22 sulfonate surfactants or C8-C22 sulfate surfactants, branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactants, C8-C22 betaine surfactants and C8-C22 sulfobetaine surfactants; one or more alcohols; and one or more biopolymers, wherein the one or more biopolymers are selected from diutangum, xanthan gum, guar gum, welan gum, gellan gum and combinations thereof, and the concentrate can pass the cold temperature proportioning (CTP) test.

[0011] The present invention also relates to a fire extinguishing foam solution composition which is prepared by diluting the concentrate of the present invention with water.

[0012] The present invention also relates to fire extinguishing foam compositions prepared from the concentrates and solutions of the present invention, wherein the foam compositions: are suitable for use in sprinkler heads of both aerated and non-aerated types; and / or comply with FM Standard 5130 for commercial / industrial applications; and / or comply with both FM and UL standards for commercial / industrial applications; and / or are capable of passing UL and / or FM topside polar and non-polar burn tests; and / or comply with all stability requirements; and / or comply with all sprinkler burn test requirements.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the viscosity of a fire extinguishing foam concentrate. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: providing a foam concentrate according to the present invention; subjecting the foam concentrate to a cold-temperature proportioning (CTP) test; determining whether the CTP test result is above 85% or below 85%; and if the CTP test result is below 85%, then: adjusting one or more solvents of the foam concentrate, wherein the adjustment comprises removing one or more solvents, adjusting the concentration of one or more solvents, and / or adding one or more solvents to the concentrate; and / or adding a short-chain surfactant to the concentrate, wherein the short-chain surfactant is selected from the group consisting of short-chain sulfonate / sulfate surfactants, short-chain branched and linear ethoxylated sulfate surfactants, short-chain betaine surfactants, short-chain sulfonobetaine surfactants, and combinations thereof; and / or adjusting one or more alcohols, wherein the adjustment comprises removing the aforementioned one or more alcohols and introducing one or more added alcohols, wherein the one or more added alcohols are different from the aforementioned one or more alcohols and are selected from the group consisting of C8-C16 linear alcohols, C10-C16 branched alcohols, or combinations thereof.

[0014] The present invention is also directed to an industry-approved (ie, Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed and / or Factory Mutual (FM) approved) fluorine-free 3x3 foam concentrate for use in multi-sprinkler systems.

[0015] In various of the above embodiments and other embodiments described herein, the composition further comprises water.

[0016] The present invention also relates to a method for suppressing and / or extinguishing a Class B flame.

[0017] Other subjects and features will be in part apparent and in part described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1A , 1B1C and 1C show, respectively, for Formulation 5 in Example 1, the effect of different alcohols on the following properties: (a) foam expansion volume generated from 100 g of a 3% solution, (b) 30% drain time of the foam, and (c) foam stability to IPA.

[0020] Figure 2 A graph showing the viscosity change as a function of temperature for the initial solvent and for a solvent-blend providing a formulation that passed the Cold Temperature Proportioning (CTP) test, as described in Example 2.

[0021] Figure 3A and 3B Results are shown for converting a heat-thinning foam concentrate to a heat-thickening foam concentrate by adding short-chain surfactants and changing the structure of the alcohol, respectively.

[0022] Figure 4 The proposed mechanism for improving the flow properties of the foam concentrates described in the examples is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Fluorine-free firefighting foam concentrates are described herein that exhibit one or more advantageous properties, and foam solutions and foam compositions having one or more advantageous properties are provided. One advantageous property of the compositions of the present invention is that they are suitable for use in all types of sprinkler heads, including aerated and non-aerated sprinkler heads and for use in multiple sprinkler systems. Moreover, when the concentrate of the present invention is subjected to a cold temperature proportioning (CTP) test, it exhibits advantageous properties. In general, the compositions of the present invention are suitable for use in compliance with industry standards, including Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listings and Factory Mutual (FM) approved standards for commercial and / or industrial applications. These advantageous properties are provided by various combinations of the components described herein and in the appended claims. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the viscosity of a foam concentrate, the method comprising providing a concentrate viscosity that is reduced at a lower temperature.

[0025] Generally speaking, the compositions of the present invention comprise one or more organic solvents, one or more surfactants, one or more alcohols, and one or more biopolymers.

[0026] (One or more) organic solvents

[0027] Suitable organic solvents include: alkyl glycols, polyols and glycol ethers. Exemplary alkyl glycols include propylene glycol, butyl glycol, neopentyl glycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol and combinations thereof. According to certain embodiments, the organic solvent is an alkyl glycol selected from propylene glycol, butyl glycol, ethylene glycol and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the organic solvent is butyl glycol. In further embodiments, the organic solvent is an alkyl triol, including, for example, glycerol.

[0028] According to the present invention, organic solvent can be glycol ether. Suitable glycol ether includes propylene, n-butyl glycol ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PNB), propylene glycol n-propyl ether, tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol phenyl ether, dipropylene glycol phenyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol hexyl ether; diethylene glycol hexyl ether; ethylene glycol propyl ether; diethylene glycol phenyl ether, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, alpha-phenyl-ω-hydroxy-poly (oxy-1,2-ethylene) (poly (oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alphaphenyl-omegahydroxy), diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol n-butyl ether, butyl carbitol, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the glycol ether is selected from propylene glycol, n-butyl glycol ether, butyl glycol, butyl carbitol, and combinations thereof.

[0029] In various embodiments, the organic solvent is selected from alcohols, glycols (eg, ethylene glycol), glycol ethers, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises one, two, or three organic solvents.

[0030] In particular, in certain embodiments, the composition comprises one, two or three glycol and / or glycol ether solvents. In various embodiments, the composition comprises a glycol solvent and a glycol ether solvent. In various other embodiments, the composition comprises a plurality of glycol ether solvents (e.g., two or three glycol ether solvents).

[0031] In various embodiments, the one or more organic solvents are selected from propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, butyl carbitol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB), butyl glycol, polyethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and combinations thereof.

[0032] In various other embodiments, one or more organic solvents may include one or more of propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butyl carbitol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB) and / or butyl glycol. In certain embodiments, one or more organic solvents include hexylene glycol and butyl carbitol. In other embodiments, one or more organic solvents include propylene glycol and butyl carbitol. In further other embodiments, one or more organic solvents include butyl carbitol and propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB). As a further example, one or more organic solvents may include propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB) and butyl glycol, or may include butyl carbitol and butyl glycol.

[0033] Typically, the total proportion of solvent is at least about 2 wt%, at least about 5 wt%, at least about 10 wt%, at least about 15 wt%, at least about 20 wt%, or at least about 25 wt%.

[0034] For example, in certain embodiments, the total proportion of the organic solvent is about 5 wt % to about 30 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 15 wt %, or about 2 wt % to about 15 wt %.

[0035] According to the present invention, it has been found that solvents have different effects on surfactants also present in the compositions of the present invention, as described in detail in the Examples below. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the solvent(s) are selected and formulated in proportions to provide a foam concentrate having a viscosity that is less thermally thinned. Thus, various compositions of the present invention include a solvent blend for a thermally thinned concentrate that includes one or more glycol solvents and / or one or more glycol ether solvents.

[0036] Surfactant(s)

[0037] The surfactant component of the compositions of the present invention generally comprises one or more anionic surfactants and one or more amphoteric surfactants.

[0038] Suitable anionic surfactants include C8-C22 sulfonate surfactants, C8-C22 sulfate surfactants, and branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactants.

[0039] In certain embodiments, only C8-C22 sulfonate surfactants or C8-C22 sulfate surfactants are anionic surfactants. In other embodiments, C8-C22 sulfonate surfactants or C8-C22 sulfate surfactants and branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactants are also included.

[0040] Any C8-C22 sulfonate surfactant or C8-C22 sulfate surfactant is typically present in a concentration of about 0.5 wt % to about 10 wt % (e.g., about 0.5 wt % to about 7 wt %), about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, or about 1 wt % to about 9 wt %.

[0041] Any branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactants are typically present in a concentration of about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % (e.g., about 1 wt % to about 8 wt %), or about 5 wt % to about 20 wt %.

[0042] Suitable amphoteric surfactants include C8-C22 betaine surfactants and C8-C22 sultaine surfactants. Suitable betaine surfactants include C10-C16, C12-C14 and C12 betaine surfactants. Suitable sultaine surfactants include C10-C16, C12-C14 and C12 sultaine surfactants.

[0043] Any C8-C22 betaine surfactant is typically present at a concentration of about 2 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 15 wt%, or about 2 wt% to about 12 wt%.

[0044] Any C8-C22 sulfobetaine surfactant is typically present in a concentration of about 2 wt % to about 25 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 15 wt %, or about 2 wt % to about 12 wt %.

[0045] Suitable amphoteric surfactants include C8-C22 betaine surfactants and C8-C22 sultaine surfactants.

[0046] In various embodiments, the surfactant component includes C8-C22 sulfonate surfactants or C8-C22 sulfate surfactants, branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactants, C8-C22 betaine surfactants, and C8-C22 sulfobetaine surfactants. According to the present invention, it was found that compositions containing these surfactant components can pass UL and FM sprinkler burn tests on polar and non-polar fuels.

[0047] Alcohol(s)

[0048] Suitable alcohols for use in the compositions of the present invention include linear alcohols (e.g., C8-C16 linear alcohols), branched alcohols (e.g., C10-C16 branched alcohols), and combinations thereof. Typically, any linear alcohol, branched alcohol, or combination thereof is present in a concentration of about 0.3 wt % to about 0.25 wt %, or about 0.3 wt % to about 2.0 wt %.

[0049] It has been found that the introduction of branched alcohols alone or in combination with linear alcohols can provide improved foam properties, namely increased foam expansion, extended foam life and increased resistance to isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Therefore, various embodiments of the present invention include an alcohol component for improving foam, the alcohol component comprising a branched alcohol.

[0050] Biopolymer(s)

[0051] The compositions of the invention also typically include a biopolymer component. The biopolymer component may include one or more (eg, two or three) biopolymers, wherein all biopolymer components are typically present in a concentration of about 0.2 wt% to about 20 wt%.

[0052] Suitable biopolymers include alginates, acacia, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, inulin, konjac, locust bean gum, pectin, tara gum, alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), xanthan gum, carrageenan, diutan gum, gellan gum, locust bean gum, scleroglucan, chitin, modified guar gum, casein, welan gum, and combinations thereof.

[0053] In various embodiments, the biopolymer is selected from diutan gum, xanthan gum, guar gum, welan gum, gellan gum, and combinations thereof.

[0054] It is also found according to the present invention that the introduction of short-chain surfactants and the adjustment of alcohols by adding branched alcohols can adjust the hydration properties of biopolymers. Specifically, these chemicals can reduce the hydration of biopolymers at low temperatures, which reduces the resistance to flow in the low temperature proportioning (CPT) test and can reduce the freezing point.

[0055] Accordingly, certain embodiments of the present invention comprise short chain surfactants and branched alcohols.

[0056] The composition of the present invention is usually in the form of a concentrate and is provided in a device suitable for generating foam. Suitable foam generating equipment includes aerated foam generating equipment, non-aerated foam generating equipment, foam chambers and sprinkler systems, especially for various sprinkler systems, including multi-sprinkler systems.

[0057] The foams of the present invention are particularly suitable for use in sprinklers within commercial or industrial facilities, including warehouses, and in the petrochemical industry.

[0058] In further accordance with the present invention, the fire fighting foam concentrate is presently believed to be a multi-purpose 3x3 (3% mix ratio for hydrocarbon and polar solvent) fluorine-free foam concentrate that complies with UL standards and FM standards.

[0059] The compositions and foams of the present invention are useful in methods of resisting and / or extinguishing a Class B flame wherein the composition or foam composition is applied directly or indirectly to the Class B flame.

[0060] Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that other modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Example

[0061] The following non-limiting examples are provided to further illustrate the present invention.

[0062] Example 1

[0063] The following are various test results of the fluorine-free type composition shown in the table below.

[0064] Table 1. Compositions for fluorine-free 3x3 products

[0065]

[0066] Surfactant package testing

[0067] The above formulations were tested for their combustion properties. As shown below, the formulations tested (including the hydrocarbon surfactant) successfully passed the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and Factory Mutual (FM) sprinkler fire tests for polar and non-polar fuels.

[0068] Table 2. Combustion performance

[0069]

[0070] IPA = Isopropyl Alcohol

[0071] Alcohol Screening

[0072] The following test results demonstrate the effect of alcohol on foam expansion volume, drain time and foam resistance to IPA. Alcohols (e.g., lauryl alcohol) are generally considered defoamers. However, according to the following results, when specific linear alcohols, branched alcohols, and / or mixtures of linear and branched alcohols were added to Formulation #5, the beneficial effects of increased foam expansion, extended foam life, and improved IPA resistance were observed. In addition, as shown above, Formulation 5 also provides acceptable performance for polar fuel combustion, which is currently believed to be due at least in part to the combination of (one or more) biopolymers and (one or more) solvents.

[0073] Figure 1A , 1B1C and 1C show, respectively, for Formulation 5, the effect of different alcohols on the following properties: (a) foam expansion volume generated from 100 g of a 3% solution, (b) 30% drain time of foam, and (c) foam stability to IPA.

[0074] Example 2

[0075] A novel method for controlling or adjusting the flow properties and stability of foam concentrates is described below.

[0076] Most biopolymer-containing systems, such as fluorine-free firefighting foams known in the art, are heat-thinning (i.e., the viscosity of the system decreases as the temperature increases). This property causes problems for such systems in the cold temperature proportioning (CTP) test. In the CTP test, the results can be expressed as follows:

[0077]

[0078] In the aforementioned list and approval test, the CTP value is required to be no less than 85%. The CTP result can be estimated based on the transformed Hagen-Poiseuille formula for laminar flow in pipes,

[0079]

[0080] in

[0081] p = pressure difference between the two ends,

[0082] μ=dynamic viscosity,

[0083] L = length of the pipe,

[0084] Q = volume flow rate,

[0085] π=pi,

[0086] R = pipe radius.

[0087] To successfully pass the CTP test, the flow rate of the foam concentrate needs to be within 15% when tested at room temperature and when tested at the lowest use temperature. Strategies for changing, controlling or adjusting the temperature dependence of viscosity to successfully pass the CTP test are described here.

[0088] Solvent Blend Method

[0089] One approach studied involves blends of different solvents. In this study, it was found that glycol and glycol ether solvents had different effects on the dispersion and hydration of biopolymers when mixed with the surfactant package used in the composition of the present invention. Further, the solvents were divided into two categories. When the solvent helps the biopolymer to disperse in the surfactant solution, the solvent is called a dispersing (D) solvent. When the solvent helps the biopolymer to hydrate, the solvent is called a hydrating (H) solvent.

[0090] Without being bound by any particular theory, it is currently believed that the morphology of the biopolymer can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the dispersing solvent and the hydrating solvent. Using a suitable hydrating solvent and sufficient dispersing solvent can reduce the cross-linking structure of the biopolymer, thereby causing the viscosity of the foam concentrate to have less thermal thinning.

[0091] Table 3. Solvent types in the solvent-blend method

[0092]

[0093] Table 4. Improved Formulation 3 Based on Solvent-Blend Approach

[0094] Solvent / Formulation 3 3 3-A 3-B 3-C 1 + + + 3 + + 6 + + 7 + CTP 59％ 86％ 95％ 83％

[0095] Table 4 shows that Formulation 3 (containing branched alcohols) shown in Table 1 above is improved by blending with a dispersing solvent and a hydrating solvent. As shown in the table, by blending with a solvent having either dispersing or hydrating properties, the CTP test results can be increased from 59% (failed) to 86% or even 95% (all successfully passed the test). These results prove the hypothesis of the solvent-blend method. More rheological property tests were collected to support this hypothesis, as described below.

[0096] about Figure 2 The results shown are collected in 5s -1 Viscosity data at shear rate. The only variable between the two samples was the combination of solvents. Figure 2 Results are shown for Formulations 3 (initial solvent) and 3B (new solvent blend). Figure 2 An example of converting a heat-thinning foam concentrate to a heat-thickening concentrate using the solvent-blend method is shown. By adjusting the solvent used in Formulation 3, the concentrate is converted from a heat-thinning liquid (i.e., the viscosity of the system decreases with increasing temperature) to a heat-thickening liquid (e.g., successfully passing the CTP test with a percentage greater than 85%). Referring to the Hagen-Poiseuille formula, lower viscosity at low temperatures facilitates the sample to pass the CTP test.

[0097] Additive methods for flow property control

[0098] like Figure 3Aand 3B As shown, the hydration properties of biopolymers as a function of temperature can also be transformed by adding short chain surfactants and changing the alcohol structure. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is currently believed that the "trigger chemicals" (i.e., short chain surfactants and / or alcohols) can improve the foam concentrate in either or both of the following ways: 1) they can reduce the hydration of the biopolymer at low temperatures, which reduces the resistance to flow during the CTP test, and / or 2) they can reduce the freezing point.

[0099] Figure 3A Results are shown for converting a heat thinning foam concentrate to a heat thickening foam concentrate by adding a short chain surfactant. Figure 3B Results are shown for converting a heat thinning foam concentrate to a heat thickening foam concentrate by changing the alcohol structure.

[0100] Figure 4 The proposed mechanism for improving the flow properties of the foam concentrate is shown. At room temperature, proper hydration causes the biopolymer to disentangle and the foam concentrate exhibits high viscosity due to its cross-linked structure. At low temperatures, such as between 1°C and 4°C, the biopolymer begins to dehydrate and the solution exhibits a lower resistance to flow. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is currently believed and proposed that the dehydration process at low temperatures is caused by competitive adsorption between adsorbed water molecules and other competing molecules on the biopolymer. In these data, the competing molecules are solvents, short chain surfactants and alcohols.

[0101] Formulations combined with the above mentioned technologies for commercial / industrial applications

[0102] By combining the results obtained from the above tests, two formulations (5-A and 5-B) were prepared that successfully passed the polar and non-polar shower burn tests and showed favorable flow properties according to the CTP test.

[0103] Table 5. Improvements in Formulation 5

[0104]

[0105] Detailed fire test results are listed in Table 6. Formulation 5-A complies with FM Standard 5130 for commercial / industrial applications.

[0106] Table 6. Fire test profile of Formulation 5-A as FM product

[0107]

[0108] Formulation 5-B was prepared by modifying the alcohol and solvent components of formulation 5-A. Formulation 5-B showed improved foam quality and performance during the sprinkler fire test (Table 7). Formulation 5-B met both FM and UL standards for commercial / industrial applications, including both aerated and non-aerated sprinkler heads. Table 8 summarizes all sprinkler fire performance of formulations 5-A and 5-B.

[0109] Table 7. Fire Test Summary of Formulation 5-B as FM and UL Products

[0110]

[0111] Table 8. Summary of the sprinkler burn test for formulations 5-A and 5-B

[0112]

[0113] Pass▲: Fail

[0114] As shown in Table 8, only the combination of Formulation 5-A "failed" the test; Sprinkler Head Test / Listed Rates: 11.2K Vertical; FM Sprinkler; Heptane 0.3.

[0115] In summary, the present invention comprises hydrocarbon surfactant based compositions for polar and non-polar fuel combustion. The formulations are suitable for topside combustion, and sprinkler combustion with aerated and non-aerated sprinkler heads, based on UL and FM standards.

[0116] The present invention also includes a novel method for causing the viscosity of the foam concentrate to decrease as the temperature decreases. It is currently believed that this property (ie, the change in the rheological behavior of the foam concentrate at low temperatures) is explained by the competitive adsorption theory described above.

[0117] Implementation

[0118] For further illustration, other and preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0119] Embodiment A is a fire fighting foam concentrate comprising: one or more organic solvents, wherein the one or more organic solvents are selected from propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, butyl carbitol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB), butyl glycol, polyethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and combinations thereof; one or more surfactants, wherein the one or more surfactants are selected from C8-C22 sulfonate surfactants, C8-C22 sulfate surfactants, branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactants, C8-C22 betaine surfactants, C8-C22 sulfobetaine surfactants, and combinations thereof; one or more alcohols; and one or more biopolymers, wherein the biopolymers comprise from about 0.2 weight % to about 2.0 weight % of the concentrate, and wherein the one or more solvents are selected to provide a heat-thickened concentrate.

[0120] Embodiment B is a fire extinguishing foam concentrate comprising: one or more organic solvents, wherein the one or more organic solvents are selected from glycols, glycol ethers, and combinations thereof; one or more surfactants, wherein the one or more surfactants comprise C8-C22 sulfonate surfactants and / or C8-C22 sulfate surfactants, branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactants, C8-C22 betaine surfactants, and C8-C22 sulfobetaine surfactants; one or more alcohols; and one or more polymers, wherein the polymers comprise from about 0.2 weight percent to about 2.0 weight percent of the concentrate.

[0121] Embodiment C is a fire fighting foam concentrate comprising: one or more organic solvents, wherein the one or more organic solvents are selected from glycols, glycol ethers, and combinations thereof; one or more surfactants, wherein the one or more surfactants are selected from C8-C22 sulfonate surfactants, C8-C22 sulfate surfactants, branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactants, C8-C22 betaine surfactants, C8-C22 sulfobetaine surfactants, and combinations thereof; one or more alcohols, wherein the one or more alcohols comprise at least one C10-C16 branched alcohol, and the at least one C10-C16 branched alcohol comprises from about 0.3 wt % to about 2.5 wt % of the concentrate; and one or more polymers, wherein the polymers comprise from about 0.2 wt % to about 2.0 wt % of the concentrate.

[0122] Embodiment D is a fire extinguishing foam concentrate comprising: one or more organic solvents, wherein the one or more organic solvents are selected from propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, butyl carbitol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB), butyl glycol, polyethylene glycol, hexylene glycol and combinations thereof; one or more surfactants, wherein the one or more surfactants comprise C8-C22 sulfonate surfactants or C8-C22 sulfate surfactants, branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactants, C8-C22 betaine surfactants and C8-C22 sulfobetaine surfactants; one or more alcohols; and one or more biopolymers, wherein the one or more biopolymers are selected from diutan gum, xanthan gum, guar gum, welan gum, gellan gum and combinations thereof, and wherein the concentrate can pass a cold temperature proportioning (CTP) test. Embodiment D1 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more surfactants comprise a short chain surfactant selected from the group consisting of short chain sulfonate / sulfate surfactants, short chain branched and linear ethoxylated sulfate surfactants, short chain betaine surfactants, short chain sulfonate surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0123] Embodiment D2 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more solvents are selected from trimethylene, n-butyl glycol ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol phenyl ether, dipropylene glycol phenyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol hexyl ether; diethylene glycol hexyl ether; ethylene glycol propyl ether; diethylene glycol phenyl ether, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, α-phenyl-ω-hydroxy-poly(oxy-1,2-ethylene), diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol n-butyl ether, butyl carbitol, and combinations thereof.

[0124] Embodiment D3 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more solvents are selected from propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butyl carbitol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB), butyl glycol, and combinations thereof.

[0125] Embodiment D4 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more organic solvents comprise hexylene glycol and butyl carbitol.

[0126] Embodiment D5 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more organic solvents comprise propylene glycol and butyl carbitol.

[0127] Embodiment D6 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more organic solvents comprise butyl carbitol and propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB).

[0128] Embodiment D7 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more organic solvents comprise propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB) and butyl glycol.

[0129] Embodiment D8 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more organic solvents comprise butyl carbitol and butyl glycol.

[0130] Embodiment D9 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more solvents comprise at least about 2 weight percent, at least about 5 weight percent, at least about 10 weight percent, at least about 15 weight percent, at least about 20 weight percent, or at least about 25 weight percent of the concentrate.

[0131] Embodiment D10 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more solvents comprise from about 5% to about 30%, from about 5% to about 15%, or from about 2% to about 15% by weight of the concentrate.

[0132] Embodiment D11 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the concentrate comprises a C8-C22 sulfonate surfactant and / or a C8-C22 sulfate surfactant at a concentration of about 0.5 wt % to about 10 wt % (e.g., about 0.5 wt % to about 7 wt %), about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, or about 1 wt % to about 9 wt %.

[0133] Embodiment D12 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the concentrate comprises a concentration of about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % (e.g., about 1 wt % to about 8 wt %), or about 5 wt % to about 20 wt % of a branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactant.

[0134] Embodiment D13 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the concentrate comprises a C8-C22 betaine surfactant at a concentration of about 2 weight % to about 25 weight %, about 2 weight % to about 20 weight %, about 2 weight % to about 15 weight %, or about 2 weight % to about 12 weight %.

[0135] Embodiment D14 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the concentrate comprises a C10-C16 betaine surfactant at a concentration of about 2% to about 25%, about 2% to about 20%, about 2% to about 15%, or about 2% to about 12%.

[0136] Embodiment D15 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the concentrate comprises a C8-C22 sulfobetaine surfactant at a concentration of about 2 wt % to about 25 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 15 wt %, or about 2 wt % to about 12 wt %.

[0137] Embodiment D16 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the concentrate comprises a C10-C16 sulfobetaine surfactant at a concentration of about 2 wt % to about 25 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 15 wt %, or about 2 wt % to about 12 wt %.

[0138] Embodiment D17 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the concentrate comprises C8-C16 linear alcohols, C10-C16 branched alcohols, or combinations thereof.

[0139] Embodiment D18 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more alcohols comprise from about 0.3 weight percent to about 0.25 weight percent, or from about 0.3 weight percent to about 2.0 weight percent of the concentrate.

[0140] Embodiment D19 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more biopolymers comprise from about 0.2 weight percent to about 2.0 weight percent of the concentrate.

[0141] Embodiment D20 is a concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more biopolymers are selected from alginate, acacia, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, inulin, konjac, locust bean gum, pectin, tara gum, alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), xanthan gum, carrageenan, diutan gum, gellan gum, locust bean gum, scleroglucan, chitin, modified guar gum, casein, welan gum, and combinations thereof.

[0142] Embodiment E is a fire extinguishing foam solution composition, which is prepared by diluting the concentrate according to any one of the preceding embodiments with water.

[0143] Embodiment F is a fire extinguishing foam composition prepared from a concentrate or solution as described in any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the foam composition: is suitable for use in aerated and non-aerated sprinkler heads; and / or complies with FM Standard 5130 for commercial / industrial applications; and / or complies with both FM 5130 and UL 162 standards for commercial / industrial applications; and / or is capable of passing UL and / or FM top edge polar and non-polar burn tests; and / or is capable of passing UL / FM CTP testing; and / or meets all stability requirements; and / or meets all sprinkler burn test requirements.

[0144] Embodiment G is directed to a method for controlling the viscosity of a fire fighting foam concentrate, the method comprising: providing a foam concentrate as described in any of the preceding embodiments; subjecting the foam concentrate to a cold proportioning (CTP) test; determining whether the CTP test result of the concentrate is above 85% or below 85%; and if the CTP test result is below 85%, then: adjusting one or more solvents of the foam concentrate, wherein the adjusting comprises removing one or more solvents, adjusting the concentration of one or more solvents, and / or adding one or more solvents to the concentrate; and / or adding a short chain surfactant to the concentrate, wherein the short chain surfactant is selected from the group consisting of short chain sulfonate / sulfate surfactants, short chain branched and linear ethoxylated sulfate surfactants, short chain betaine surfactants, short chain sulfonate betaine surfactants, and combinations thereof; and / or adjusting one or more alcohols, wherein the adjusting comprises removing the aforementioned one or more alcohols and introducing one or more added alcohols, wherein the one or more added alcohols are different from the aforementioned one or more alcohols and are selected from the group consisting of C8-C16 linear alcohols, C10-C16 branched alcohols, or combinations thereof.

[0145] Embodiment G1 is a method as described in Embodiment G, wherein the one or more added solvents are selected from propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, butyl carbitol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, butyl glycol, polyethylene glycol, hexylene glycol and combinations thereof.

[0146] Embodiment H is a fire extinguishing foam concentrate comprising: one or more organic solvents selected from propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butyl carbitol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB), butyl glycol, and combinations thereof; one or more surfactants, wherein the one or more surfactants are selected from C8-C22 betaine surfactants, C8-C22 sulfobetaine surfactants, and combinations thereof; one or more alcohols; and one or more biopolymers.

[0147] Embodiment H1 is a concentrate as described in Embodiment H, wherein the one or more organic solvents comprise hexylene glycol and butyl carbitol; or comprise propylene glycol and butyl carbitol; or comprise butyl carbitol and propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB); or comprise propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB) and butyl glycol; or comprise butyl carbitol and butyl glycol.

[0148] Embodiment H2 is a concentrate as described in Embodiment H or H1, wherein the one or more surfactants comprise a C10-C16, C12-C14 and / or C12 betaine surfactant.

[0149] Embodiment H3 is a concentrate as described in any one of Embodiments H to H2, wherein the one or more surfactants comprise a C10-C16, C12-C14 and / or C12 sulfobetaine surfactant.

[0150] Exemplary embodiments have been provided herein so that the disclosure is sufficient and so that those skilled in the art fully understand the scope of the invention. Many specific details, such as examples of specific components, methods, etc., are described herein to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessary, i.e., these exemplary embodiments can be performed in many different forms, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In certain exemplary embodiments, known methods and known techniques are not described in detail.

[0151] When introducing elements of the present invention or one or more preferred embodiments thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" mean that there are one or more elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The steps, processes and operations of the methods described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring execution in the specific order discussed or described, unless the order of execution is explicitly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0152] Although the words "first", "second", "third" and the like can be used herein to describe various elements, components, etc., these elements, components, etc. should not be limited by these words. These words can be used only to distinguish one element, component, etc. from other elements, components, etc. Unless otherwise clearly stated herein, when words such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms are used, they do not imply an order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element or component can be referred to as the second element or component.

[0153] From the foregoing it will be seen that the several objects of the invention have been achieved and other advantageous results attained.

[0154] As various changes could be made in the above without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is intended that all matter described above and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.

[0155] Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fire extinguishing foam concentrate, the concentrate comprising: One or more organic solvents, wherein the one or more organic solvents are selected from propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, butyl carbitol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB), butyl glycol, polyethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and combinations thereof; One or more surfactants, wherein the one or more surfactants are selected from C8-C22 sulfonate surfactants, C8-C22 sulfate surfactants, branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactants, C8-C22 betaine surfactants, C8-C22 sulfobetaine surfactants, and combinations thereof; one or more alcohols; and one or more biopolymers, wherein the biopolymer comprises from about 0.2% to about 2.0% by weight of the concentrate, and wherein the one or more solvents are selected to provide a heat-thickening concentrate.

2. A fire extinguishing foam concentrate, the concentrate comprising: one or more organic solvents, wherein the one or more organic solvents are selected from glycols, glycol ethers, and combinations thereof; one or more surfactants, wherein the one or more surfactants comprise C8-C22 sulfonate surfactants and / or C8-C22 sulfate surfactants, branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactants, C8-C22 betaine surfactants and C8-C22 sulfobetaine surfactants; one or more alcohols; and One or more polymers, wherein the polymer comprises from about 0.2% to about 2.0% by weight of the concentrate.

3. A fire extinguishing foam concentrate, the concentrate comprising: one or more organic solvents, wherein the one or more organic solvents are selected from glycols, glycol ethers, and combinations thereof; One or more surfactants, wherein the one or more surfactants are selected from C8-C22 sulfonate surfactants, C8-C22 sulfate surfactants, branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactants, C8-C22 betaine surfactants, C8-C22 sulfobetaine surfactants, and combinations thereof; one or more alcohols, wherein the one or more alcohols comprises at least one C10-C16 branched alcohol, and the at least one C10-C16 branched alcohol comprises from about 0.3 wt % to about 2.5 wt % of the concentrate; and One or more polymers, wherein the polymer comprises from about 0.2% to about 2.0% by weight of the concentrate.

4. A fire extinguishing foam concentrate, the concentrate comprising: One or more organic solvents, wherein the one or more organic solvents are selected from propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, butyl carbitol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB), butyl glycol, polyethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and combinations thereof; One or more surfactants, wherein the one or more surfactants comprise C8-C22 sulfonate surfactants or C8-C22 sulfate surfactants, branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactants, C8-C22 betaine surfactants and C8-C22 sulfobetaine surfactants; one or more alcohols; and One or more biopolymers, wherein the one or more biopolymers are selected from diutan gum, xanthan gum, guar gum, welan gum, gellan gum, and combinations thereof, and wherein the concentrate can pass a cold temperature proportioning (CTP) test.

5. The concentrate of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more surfactants comprises a short chain surfactant selected from the group consisting of short chain sulfonate / sulfate surfactants, short chain branched and linear ethoxylated sulfate surfactants, short chain betaine surfactants, short chain sulfobetaine surfactants, and combinations thereof.

6. The concentrate of any of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more solvents are selected from trimethylene, n-butyl glycol ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol phenyl ether, dipropylene glycol phenyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol hexyl ether, diethylene glycol hexyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, diethylene glycol phenyl ether, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, alpha-phenyl-omega-hydroxy-poly(oxy-1,2-ethylene), diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol n-butyl ether, butyl carbitol, and combinations thereof.

7. The concentrate of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more solvents are selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butyl carbitol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB), butyl glycol, and combinations thereof.

8. The concentrate of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more organic solvents comprise hexylene glycol and butyl carbitol.

9. The concentrate of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more organic solvents comprise propylene glycol and butyl carbitol.

10. The concentrate of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more organic solvents comprise butyl carbitol and propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB).

11. The concentrate of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more organic solvents comprise propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB) and butyl glycol.

12. The concentrate of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more organic solvents comprise butyl carbitol and butyl glycol.

13. The concentrate of any of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more solvents comprise at least about 2%, at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, or at least about 25% by weight of the concentrate.

14. The concentrate of any of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more solvents comprise from about 5% to about 30%, from about 5% to about 15%, or from about 2% to about 15% by weight of the concentrate.

15. The concentrate of any of claims 1-4, wherein the concentrate comprises a C8-C22 sulfonate surfactant and / or a C8-C22 sulfate surfactant at a concentration of about 0.5 wt % to about 10 wt % (e.g., about 0.5 wt % to about 7 wt %), about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, or about 1 wt % to about 9 wt %.

16. The concentrate of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the concentrate comprises a branched and / or linear ethoxylated C8-C16 sulfate surfactant at a concentration of about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % (e.g., about 1 wt % to about 8 wt %), or about 5 wt % to about 20 wt %.

17. The concentrate of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the concentrate comprises a C8-C22 betaine surfactant at a concentration of about 2% to about 25%, about 2% to about 20%, about 2% to about 15%, or about 2% to about 12%.

18. The concentrate of any of claims 1-4, wherein the concentrate comprises a C10-C16 betaine surfactant at a concentration of about 2 wt % to about 25 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 15 wt %, or about 2 wt % to about 12 wt %.

19. The concentrate of any of claims 1-4, wherein the concentrate comprises a C8-C22 sulfobetaine surfactant at a concentration of about 2 wt % to about 25 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 15 wt %, or about 2 wt % to about 12 wt %.

20. The concentrate of any of claims 1-4, wherein the concentrate comprises a C10-C16 sulfobetaine surfactant at a concentration of about 2 wt % to about 25 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 2 wt % to about 15 wt %, or about 2 wt % to about 12 wt %.

21. The concentrate of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the concentrate comprises C8-C16 linear alcohols, C10-C16 branched alcohols, or combinations thereof.

22. The concentrate of any of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more alcohols comprise from about 0.3% to about 0.25% by weight, or from about 0.3% to about 2.0% by weight of the concentrate.

23. The concentrate of any of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more biopolymers comprise from about 0.2% to about 2.0% by weight of the concentrate.

24. The concentrate of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more biopolymers are selected from the group consisting of alginate, acacia, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, inulin, konjac, locust bean gum, pectin, tara gum, alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), xanthan gum, carrageenan, diutan gum, gellan gum, locust bean gum, scleroglucan, chitin, modified guar gum, casein, welan gum, and combinations thereof.

25. A fire extinguishing foam solution composition, the foam solution being prepared by diluting the concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims with water.

26. A fire extinguishing foam composition prepared from a concentrate or solution as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foam composition: Suitable for use in aerated and non-aerated sprinkler heads; and / or Complies with FM Standard 5130 for commercial / industrial applications; and / or Complies with both FM 5130 and UL 162 standards for commercial / industrial applications; and / or Capable of passing UL and / or FM topside polar and non-polar flame tests; and / or Can pass UL / FM CTP test; and / or meets all stability requirements; and / or Meets all sprinkler fire test requirements.

27. A method of controlling the viscosity of a fire extinguishing foam concentrate, the method comprising: Providing a foam concentrate as described in any one of claims 1 to 24; subjecting the foam concentrate to a cold temperature proportioning (CTP) test; Determine whether the CTP test result of the concentrate is above or below 85%; and If the CTP test result is less than 85%, then: adjusting one or more solvents of the foam concentrate, wherein the adjusting comprises removing one or more solvents, adjusting the concentration of one or more solvents, and / or adding one or more solvents to the concentrate; and / or adding a short chain surfactant to the concentrate, wherein the short chain surfactant is selected from the group consisting of short chain sulfonate / sulfate surfactants, short chain branched and linear ethoxylated sulfate surfactants, short chain betaine surfactants, short chain sulfobetaine surfactants, and combinations thereof; and / or Adjusting the one or more alcohols, wherein the adjusting comprises removing the aforementioned one or more alcohols and introducing one or more additional alcohols, wherein the one or more additional alcohols are different from the aforementioned one or more alcohols and are selected from C8-C16 straight chain alcohols, C10-C16 branched alcohols, or combinations thereof.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the one or more added solvents are selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, butyl carbitol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, butyl glycol, polyethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and combinations thereof.

Images