Aqueous Cleaning Composition for Engine Deposit Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Newly designed vehicles may pass emission standards initially but develop deposits on emission control devices and engine components during service, reducing the effectiveness of emissions reduction systems.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous-based cleaning composition comprising a nitrogen-based dispersant, surfactant, C6 to C18 alcohol, glycol ether, and organic acid, which is introduced into the air intake, turbocharger, or exhaust gas recirculation system to break down and remove deposits, improving emissions and drivability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cleaning methods are used, then initial emission standards are met, but deposits build up on emission control devices and engine components during service, reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning composition is introduced into the engine system before deposits can significantly accumulate and harm emissions performance. By performing preliminary cleaning action during scheduled maintenance intervals, the system prevents deposit buildup that would otherwise reduce emissions reduction effectiveness over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning composition acts as an intermediary substance that chemically interacts with deposits on emission control devices and engine components. The composition contains surfactants and solvents that penetrate, emulsify, and remove carbonaceous deposits, thereby restoring the effectiveness of emission control systems without directly modifying the deposits themselves.
2Reliability
If strong solvents are used to remove deposits, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but volatility and toxicity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning composition changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning agents used, transitioning from traditional high-volatility organic solvents to an aqueous-based formulation with surfactants and milder solvents. This parameter change maintains cleaning effectiveness through synergistic chemical action while reducing volatility and toxicity to acceptable levels for engine system application.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning composition uses a composite formulation combining water, surfactants, alcohols, and mild solvents in specific proportions. This composite approach allows each component to contribute different cleaning mechanisms (emulsification, solvation, chelation) while the overall composition maintains reduced volatility and toxicity compared to conventional single-solvent cleaners.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cleaning composition effectively reduces deposits, restoring vehicle performance, improving torque, horsepower, and fuel economy, while being versatile for use across multiple vehicle systems without causing damage and having low volatility and toxicity.
Implementation Method 1
about 0.5 vol % to about 10.0 vol % of a nitrogen-based dispersant
Implementation Method 2
about 0.25 vol % to about 4.0 vol % of a surfactant
Implementation Method 3
about 2 vol % to about 12 vol % of an C6 to C18 alcohol; about 2 vol % to about 30 vol % of a glycol ether
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system is provided to reduce, minimize, or eliminate deposits located within gaseous intake, processing, and emissions portions of a vehicle engine. The cleaning system includes use of a cleaning composition for removing such deposits. The cleaning composition can include water; a nitrogen-based dispersant or cleaner; a surfactant; a C6-C18 alcohol; a glycol ether; and an organic acid.