Dual-Purpose Engine Cooling Flush Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current engine cooling system flush technologies require two separate processes to remove corrosion by-products and hydrocarbon contaminants, lacking a dual-purpose cleaning composition that can effectively clean both during the same flush.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning composition comprising a carrier liquid, metal citrate, non-ionic surfactants, and an organophosphate hydrotrope, which can remove corrosion by-products and hydrocarbon contaminants from engine cooling systems, allowing for a single flush and degreasing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate flush processes are used to remove corrosion by-products and hydrocarbon contaminants, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate flush processes (corrosion by-product removal and hydrocarbon contaminant removal) into a single dual-purpose cleaning composition. The composition contains both citric acid (for corrosion by-products) and nonionic surfactants (for hydrocarbons), allowing simultaneous removal of both contaminant types in one flush operation, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning composition is designed with multi-functionality to perform both corrosion by-product removal and hydrocarbon contaminant removal. The formulation includes citric acid for chelating metal ions and removing corrosion products, along with nonionic surfactants for emulsifying and removing hydrocarbon contaminants, making a single composition capable of addressing multiple cleaning needs
2Reliability
If two separate flush processes are used to remove corrosion by-products and hydrocarbon contaminants, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate flush operations into one by creating a dual-purpose cleaning composition that simultaneously addresses corrosion by-products and hydrocarbon contaminants. This consolidation reduces maintenance time from two separate procedures to a single flush operation, while the synergistic formulation ensures both contaminant types are effectively removed
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning composition maintains continuous cleaning action throughout the flush process by incorporating both citric acid and nonionic surfactants that work simultaneously and synergistically. The formulation ensures uninterrupted removal of both corrosion by-products and hydrocarbon contaminants during the single flush operation, maximizing cleaning efficiency within reduced time
3Device complexity
If a single dual-purpose flush is used, then process complexity is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite cleaning composition that integrates multiple active ingredients with complementary functions. The formulation combines citric acid (for corrosion by-product removal) with nonionic surfactants (for hydrocarbon contaminant removal), creating a synergistic composite material that maintains high cleaning effectiveness for both contaminant types while simplifying the overall process
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning composition utilizes parameter changes in pH and chemical reactivity to achieve effective removal of different contaminant types. The formulation includes citric acid to lower pH for corrosion by-product dissolution, along with nonionic surfactants that operate effectively across a range of conditions, allowing the single composition to adapt to and effectively remove both corrosion products and hydrocarbons
4Loss of time
If a single dual-purpose flush is used, then maintenance time is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate flush processes into one dual-purpose composition that simultaneously removes corrosion by-products and hydrocarbon contaminants. The formulation includes citric acid for corrosion removal and nonionic surfactants for hydrocarbon removal, enabling both cleaning actions to occur concurrently during a single, time-efficient flush operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning composition ensures continuous and simultaneous cleaning action throughout the flush process by incorporating both citric acid and nonionic surfactants that work in parallel. This continuous multi-functional action maintains high cleaning effectiveness for both contaminant types while reducing total maintenance time compared to sequential processes
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 composition effectively cleans engine cooling systems, including those with residual coolant, providing flexibility and improved efficiency by removing both corrosion by-products and hydrocarbons in a single flush, reducing the complexity and time required for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an organophosphate hydrotrope configured to increase solubility of the one or the plurality of non-ionic surfactants in the carrier liquid
Implementation Method 2
one or a plurality of non-ionic surfactants
Implementation Method 3
a metal citrate and/or a plurality of reagents configured to generate the metal citrate in situ
Data Source
AI summary
Cleaning compositions include (a) a carrier liquid; (b) a metal citrate and/or a plurality of reagents configured to generate the metal citrate in situ; (c) one or a plurality of non-ionic surfactants; and (d) an organophosphate hydrotrope configured to increase solubility of the one or the plurality of non-ionic surfactants in the carrier liquid. Methods for cleaning engine cooling systems are described.