Aerosol cleaning composition

Abstract

A non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition is formulated using 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 heavy-duty, high-pressure, and high-output cleaning applications, such as cleaning aircraft parts such as jet engines, located approximately 10 feet away from the user.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Cross-reference to related application data] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 976,531, filed October 28, 2022, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to cleaning compositions, particularly aerosol cleaning compositions for heavy duty cleaning of aircraft construction. [Background technology]

[0003] Aircraft components, such as jet engines, are exposed to and accumulate hydraulic fluids, pneumatic lubricants, combustion by-products, and other types of contaminants. Such buildup can be cleaned and / or degreased using cleaning compositions. For example, aerosol cleaning compositions can be used to lift the cowl and clean the surfaces of a jet engine. However, most conventional aerosol cleaning compositions lack sufficient force or power to reach the cold sections of a jet engine, which can be up to 10 feet away from the user.

[0004] Furthermore, many conventional aerosol jet cleaning compositions may contain toxic solvents, such as n-propyl bromide, and may also be flammable or combustible. While the flammability of an aerosol composition can be reduced by appropriately combining the solvent(s) and propellant(s), the flammability of an aerosol composition typically increases with increasing aerosol output pressure. Therefore, controlling flammability becomes a greater challenge for high-pressure and high-output aerosol compositions. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, there remains a need for improved high pressure, high power aerosol cleaning compositions for cleaning aircraft construction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Various embodiments provide a high-pressure, high-power, non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition for cleaning and degreasing aircraft structures. The aerosol cleaning composition can be formulated to provide sufficient power pressure to reach and clean targets located approximately 10 feet vertically above the user when placed in an aerosol structure equipped with a high-power aerosol valve and nozzle. Furthermore, the aerosol cleaning composition can be formulated to efficiently clean and degrease hydraulic fluids, compressed air engine lubricating oils, and combustion by-products on aircraft structures such as jet engines.

[0007] In one embodiment, the non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition can include 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 including 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and carbon dioxide.

[0008] 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.

[0009] In another embodiment, the non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition can include a blend of solvents including 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and at least one other hydrofluorocarbon solvent or trans-1,2-dichloroethylene solvent, and a blend of propellants including HFC-134a and carbon dioxide. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition can be configured to be placed in a high-powered aerosol spray can for wasps and hornets to clean targets located at a distance of about 10 feet.

[0010] In embodiments, the blend of solvents can include trans 1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, and 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane.

[0011] For example, a non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition can include trans-1,2-dichloroethylene at a concentration of about 55% w / w to about 70% w / w, 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane at a concentration of about 10% w / w to about 20% w / w, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane at a concentration of about 5% w / w to about 15% w / w, HFC-134a at a concentration of about 5% w / w to about 15% w / w, and carbon dioxide at a concentration of about 2% w / w to about 7% w / w. In some embodiments, the total concentration 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.

[0012] In any of the above-described embodiments, the aerosol cleaning composition can be classified as non-flammable when tested according to the Flame Ignition Distance Test and the Confined Space Ignition Test in accordance with the test methods outlined in UN 2009, Section 31. Additionally, the aerosol cleaning composition can be configured to meet the criteria of Airbus UK ABR 9-0140 General Purpose Cleaning Solvents (Amendment Notice Issue 5 [November 9, 2009] to ABR 9-0140 at Issue 6 [February 2000]) under sections 4.1.1 Appearance, 4.1.2 Odor, 4.1.3 Flash Point, 4.1.4 Evaporation Residue, and 4.1.7 Avoidance of Corrosive Effects. Additionally, the non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition can be configured to meet the criteria of Boeing D6 17487, Revision T, in the Sandwich Corrosion Test, Paint Softening Test, Hydrogen Embrittlement Test, and Stress Corrosion Cracking Test.

[0013] Other aspects, objects and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] While the present disclosure is susceptible to embodiments in various forms, presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings and described below, it being understood that the disclosure is to be considered as illustrative and that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments illustrated.

[0015] Various embodiments provide aerosol cleaning compositions for cleaning and degreasing aircraft structures. The aerosol cleaning compositions can be formulated as non-flammable compositions that can efficiently dissolve and remove hydraulic fluids, compressed air engine lubricating oils, combustion by-products, and other types of contaminant deposits on aircraft structures, such as jet engine surfaces, without exposing the user to harmful solvent vapors, such as n-propyl bromide vapors.

[0016] Additionally, the aerosol cleaning compositions can be formulated for high-pressure, high-output aerosol systems. In such embodiments, the aerosol cleaning compositions can be formulated with at least one solvent and propellant blend and placed in an aerosol construct equipped with a high-output aerosol valve and nozzle to provide a high-pressure, high-output aerosol system for spraying and cleaning objects located approximately 10 feet away from a 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 structures, such as the cold section of a jet engine, which may be located approximately 10 feet vertically above the user.

[0017] According to embodiments, the aerosol cleaning composition can be formulated using a blend of solvents and / or cleaning agents and at least one propellant. Suitable solvents and cleaning agents can include hydrofluorocarbons such as 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, hydrofluoroethers such as methoxynonafluorobutane (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.

[0018] Some properties of aerosol cleaning compositions, such as flammability and the ability to propel a cleaning composition spray from an aerosol construction, can be rapidly altered by selecting each component and its amount. Therefore, applicants have invested considerable time and effort in formulating aerosol cleaning compositions that are non-flammable, high pressure, high output, and capable of cleaning tough contaminants such as hydraulic fluids, compressed air engine lubricating oils, and combustion by-products from aircraft construction.

[0019] In embodiments, the aerosol cleaning composition can be formulated with a blend of propellants to continuously extrude the cleaning composition at high pressure and power from a high-power aerosol assembly to clean objects located up to 10 feet away. In such embodiments, the cleaning composition can be contained in an aerosol can assembly equipped with a high-power valve and nozzle, such as an aerosol system assembly designed for spray control of wasps and hornets.

[0020] In some embodiments, the aerosol cleaning composition can be formulated using at least two different propellants. For example, the aerosol composition can be formulated using a dual propellant system including a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) liquefied gas and carbon dioxide. In embodiments, the aerosol cleaning composition can include from about 3.0 weight percent (%) to about 20.0 weight percent (w / w), preferably from about 4.0% w / w to about 17.0% w / w, and more preferably from about 5.0% w / w to about 15.0% w / w, of HFC-134a and from about 1.0% w / w to about 9.0% w / w, preferably from about 2.0% w / w to about 7.0% w / w, and more preferably from about 3.0% w / w to about 6% w / w of carbon dioxide.

[0021] The requirements of high pressure, high output, and non-flammability limit the choice of propellants and solvents for aerosol cleaning compositions. For example, trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (HFO-1234ze) is not effective as a non-flammable propellant, and methoxynonafluorobutane (HFE-7100) is only marginally effective at providing a non-flammable aerosol solvent at the high pressure and high output required in cleaning systems.

[0022] Furthermore, 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 provided the required spray output pressure and contaminant dissolving power, but the compositions became flammable. Some blends provided non-flammable aerosol cleaning compositions with the required contaminant dissolving power, but did not provide the required spray output pressure. It was surprising to discover that formulating an aerosol cleaning composition using a suitable synergistic combination of a specific amount of propellant and a solvent, including 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, can effectively reduce the flammability of the aerosol cleaning composition while providing the required high-pressure, high-output aerosol system.

[0023] In embodiments, aerosol cleaning compositions can be formulated using 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. The trans 1,2-dichloroethylene and 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane can be blended in amounts to enhance the solvency of hydraulic fluids, combustion by-products, and other contaminants. The aerosol cleaning composition can be formulated using about 50% w / w to about 75% w / w, preferably about 55% w / w to about 70% w / w, and more preferably about 60% w / w to about 68% w / w of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene; about 5% w / w to about 25% w / w, preferably about 10% w / w to about 20% w / w, and more preferably about 12% w / w to about 18% w / w of 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane; and about 3% w / w to about 20% w / w, preferably about 5% w / w to about 15% w / w, and more preferably about 7% w / w to about 13% w / w of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane.

[0024] In embodiments, the aerosol cleaning composition may include about 55% to about 70% trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, about 10% to about 20% 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, about 5% to about 15% 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, about 5% to about 15% HFC 134a, and about 2% to about 7% carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, the aerosol cleaning composition may 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.

[0025] Samples of aerosol cleaning compositions containing about 55% w / w to about 70% w / w of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, about 10% w / w to about 20% w / w of 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, about 5% w / w to about 15% w / w of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, about 5% w / w to about 15% w / w of HFC 134a, and about 2% w / w to about 7% w / w of carbon dioxide were prepared and tested. These sample compositions efficiently removed hydraulic and lubricating fluids, dried quickly, and left no residue. The solvent phase of the sample compositions was classified as nonflammable when evaluated under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) criteria for flammable (and combustible) liquids. Additionally, the sample compositions were miscible with high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), nylon 6, nylon 6 / 6, phenolic CE, polypropylene, polyoxymethylene (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polytetrafluoroethylene, such as Teflon.

[0026] The sample composition was evaluated in accordance with Airbus UK ABR 9-0140 General Purpose Cleaning Solvents (Amendment Notice Issue 5 [11 Nov 09] to ABR 9-0140 at Issue 6 [Feb 2000]) and was found to comply with sections 4.1.1 to 4.1.4 and 4.1.7: 4.1.1 Appearance: The cleaning solvent is a single-phase liquid, free of sediment and suspended solids, consisting of a single solvent or a completely miscible solvent mixture. The results are in compliance. 4.1.2 Odor: The cleaning solvent does not produce an unpleasant odor either during or after application. The results are compliant. 4.1.3 Flash Point: ASTM D93: No flash point observed at 33°C (91°F). Results meet. 4.1.4 Residue on Evaporation: Residue on evaporation is expressed as the weight percent remaining after evaporating 50 ml of solvent in a water bath to dryness and heating to constant weight in an oven at 110 ± 2°C. The weight of the residue is checked immediately after cooling to room temperature in a validated desiccator. Residue on evaporation: Less than 5 mg per 50 ml of liquid. The result is compliant. 4.1.7 Avoidance of Corrosion: The following unused metal panels, each 75 mm x 25 mm x 0.91 mm, pretreated or plated on the face and edges as described, are degreased according to the method described in ABP-1294, dried at 100 ± 2°C for 2 hours, cooled, and weighed to the nearest 0.0001 g. These panels are then individually and completely immersed in cleaning solvent in a stoppered container at room temperature for 168 hours. At the end of the immersion period, the panels are removed from the cleaning solvent, rinsed thoroughly under running cold water, and the surfaces are gently wiped with absorbent cotton. The panels are then rinsed with distilled water, followed by a rinse with a mixture of equal parts methanol-denatured spirit and acetone, dried at 100°C to 105°C for 2 hours, cooled, and weighed to the nearest 0.0001 g. No attempt is made to remove any corrosion material from the panels before weighing. The panels are subjected to a final visual inspection. The metal panels should not have increased in weight by more than 1 mg or decreased in weight by more than 5 mg. The metal panel shows no edge or surface pitting, deposit formation, or other signs of corrosion. [Table 1] Visual observation: No pitting, deposits or other signs of corrosion. The results are compliant.

[0027] Additionally, the sample compositions were evaluated according to Boeing D6 17487, Revision T, Solvent Cleaner; General Cleaning. Sandwich corrosion test: [Table 2] The results are conforming. Paint softening test: Paint System 1: Pencil hardness change after 24 hours of exposure and drying time: 0. No fading or staining. Paint System 2: Pencil hardness change after 24 hours exposure and drying time 0. No fading or staining. The results are conforming. Hydrogen embrittlement test: Specimen: Type 1c cadmium plated in accordance with MIL-STD-870 (45% load, 150 hours, notch immersion period, room temperature) #1: No destruction within 150 hours #2: No destruction within 150 hours #3: No destruction within 150 hours #4: No destruction within 150 hours The results are conforming. Stress corrosion cracking: Test using Method A Product: AMS 4911: #1 - No obvious cracks #2 - No obvious cracks #3 - No obvious cracks AMS 4916:#1 - No obvious cracks #2 - No obvious cracks #3 - No obvious cracks The results are conforming.

[0028] The sample compositions were also evaluated for cleaning performance according to MIL-PRF-29608C, November 2, 2016, Cleaning and Cleaning Lubricating Compounds, Electrical Contacts, 4.5.7 Cleaning Effectiveness. Decontamination (% Effectiveness / Decontamination) Lubrizol Corrosion Inhibitor 100% Unilube general purpose grease 100% 5W30 synthetic oil 100% 100% flame-resistant hydraulic fluid Chain Lube 100% 100% silicone

[0029] All patents referenced herein, whether or not expressly cited within the text of this disclosure, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0030] In this disclosure, unspecified quantities (the words "a" or "an") are to be construed as including both the singular and the plural. Conversely, references to the plural shall, where appropriate, include the singular. All percentages, whether specified or not, are percent by weight.

[0031] From the foregoing description, it will be seen that numerous modifications and variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that no limitation to the particular embodiments shown is intended or should be inferred. The present disclosure is intended to cover, by the appended claims, all modifications that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

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

2. the hydrofluoroether is present at 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; The 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane is present at a concentration of about 3% to about 20% by weight of the cleaning composition.

10. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition of claim 1.

3. 2. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein the hydrofluoroether is methoxynonafluorobutane (HFE7100).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. 10. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein the combined concentration of hydrofluoroether, trans 1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, HFC-134a, and carbon dioxide is about 100% w / w of the weight of the non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition.

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

13. 10. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein the aerosol cleaning composition is configured to be contained in a high-power aerosol spray can for wasps and hornets to clean objects located approximately 10 feet away from the user.

14. 10. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition of claim 1, having no flash point when tested according to 31.4 Ignition Distance Test for Spray Aerosols and 31.5 GHS Aerosol Flammability Confined Space Ignition Test (2009).

15. 10. The non-flammable aerosol cleaning composition of claim 1, configured to meet the criteria of Airbus UK ABR 9-0140 General Purpose Cleaning Solvents (Amendment Notice Issue 5 [11 Nov. 2009] to ABR 9-0140 at Issue 6 [February 2000]) in sections 4.1.1 Appearance, 4.1.2 Odor, 4.1.3 Flash Point, 4.1.4 Residue on Evaporation, and 4.1.7 Avoidance of Corrosive Effects.

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

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