GB2510679A

GB2510679A - Method for cleaning a vehicle surface using wipes pre-impregnated with heptane

Info

Publication number: GB2510679A
Application number: GB1321600.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Mills; Ian Adams
Original assignee: CROSSLINK SOLUTIONS Ltd
Current assignee: CROSSLINK SOLUTIONS Ltd
Priority date: 2012-12-06
Filing date: 2013-12-06
Publication date: 2014-08-13
Also published as: GB201321600D0

Abstract

A method for cleaning a vehicle surface comprises providing a vehicle surface needing cleaning and cleaning the surface using heptane, and the heptane is provided in the form of a wipe pre-impregnated with heptane. The heptane is provided in the form of a mixture containing at least 70-90 or more volume% heptane. The heptane can be a mixture of heptane and isopropyl alcohol. The method may be beneficial for use when installing a replacement panel for a vehicle, when installing a panel for a new vehicle, or when applying a coating to a vehicle. In this regard, the heptane wipes allow the user to clean a vehicle surface in a one-step cleaning process without the need for primer. The heptane wipes also provide improved wetting out of the surface and therefore permit better bonding of a panel or a coating to the surface.

Description

METHOD OF CLEANING

The present invention relates to an improved method of cleaning a vehicle surface, such as an automotive surface, and iii particu'ar a method of cleaning an automotive S surface in preparation for securing a panel thereto or in preparation for a coating process.

Background to the Invention

It is well known in the automotive industry that from time to time panels in motor vehicles need to be replaced, For example, glass panels, such as the front windscreen or the rear windscreen (known as the backlite). of a road vehicle may crack, chip or shatter and require replacement. Before the new panel is secured in place with use of a bonding system, the surfaces of the motor vehicle to which the new panel will be secured arc clcaned. in order to promote good adhesion of the bonding system.

Equafly, from time to time the paint on a motor vehicle needs to be reapplied, in a repaint (or refinish) process, As part of the repaint or refinish process semi-structural bonding systems and/or structural bonding systems may be applied, in addition to paint. Before the new paint is applied, the surfaces of the motor vehicle to which the new paint will be apphed must be thoroughly cleaned, in order to promote good adhesion of the paint to the surface.

In partieuar, there is a desire to remove contaminants, including dirt, airborne dust, oil. silicones and the like, Generally the aim is to remove matter that would weaken the bond between the vehicle surface and the new substrate (new panel or new paint), e.g. rust and weak oxide scale on metallic substrates, plastieiser which has migrated to the surface of polymers, dust, dirt, grease, oils, or finger marks.

The native oxide layer that fornis on aluminum and magnesium alloys is mechanically very weak. In fact, unprotected magnesium surfaces can become unstable from exposure to the air in a shop environment or corrode in shipment from manufacturer to the end user. Before bonding, removal of these corrosion or organic coatings is important to ensure adequate joint strength. Before painting. remova' of these corrosion or organic coatings is important ensure successful application of a good coat of paint.

It is normal for these coatings to be removed by mechanical abrasive means in S conjunction with deaning, Current practice is that a chemical cleansing agent is used, followed by a primer.

Oncc the surface has been treated by chemical cleansing agent and primer then the desired next step can be taken, i.e. when dealing with a rep'acement pane' the replacement panel is secured into position using a suitable bonding system, or when dealing with a repaint/ refinish a suitable paint or other coating is applied to the surface (and optionally semi-structural bonding systems and/or structural bonding systems may a'so be applied).

The chemical cleansing agent will tend to be a low concentration solvent chemical cleaner.

Further, the chemical cleansing agent will tend to be applied by the use of a paper tissue or wipe.

However, the present invention has identified that there are disadvantages and problems associated with this current approach.

The use of a low concentration solvent chemica' cleaner (apphed by the use of a paper tissue or wipe). followed by primer, means that a two-step strategy is required. This not only takes longer but requires there to be two separate treatment agents provided.

There has been a rise in popularity of mobile repair agents, who will come out to the location of a motor vehicle in need of a replacement windscreen or other panel.

Equafly, mobile agents may come out to the location of a motor vehicle in need of a retouched or reapplied paint coating. Therefore there wou'd be a clear benefit if those mobile agents could take with them a single type of cleaning treatment system.

In addition, it has been recognised that when apphied manually (by pouring or atomisation). the low concentration solvent chemicah cleaners tend to prove unabhe to robustly clean the vehicle surfhces. Therefore the surface tension on the relevant surfaces can tend to be lower than is necessary for good cohesive bonding strength.

Also, if a poor quality paper tissue or wipe is used this will reduce the effectiveness of the cleaning step and therefore not all surface contaminants will be removed.

Further, a mobile repair agent must work in a far greater range of conditions than a repair agent working in a fixed garage location. The range of temperatures (e.g. possibly down to sub zero temperatures) and other external conditions (e.g. wind and rain) will be significantly more demanding. Therefore a more robust and repeatable process would be beneficial.

It is also the case that the use of solvents in liquid form can present a safety and environmental hazard. In particular, the safe transportation of hazardous solvents has been identified as a concern for mobile repair agents.

In addition, the trend towards use of trim-less glass means that there is an increased problem of contaminants and debris being located on the automotive surface to which replacement glass panels will bc secured. In particular, these may often bc found close to, or actually on, the line that will be the bond line between the automotive surface and the replacement glass panel.

It will be appreciated that a key application and benefit of the present invention is in respect of existing vehicles that require cleaning before a replacement panel is applied or before a fresh coating is applied. The issues of cleaning on a new vehicle production line are not the same as those when cleaning a used vehicle before a replacement panel is installed or before a fresh coat of paint or other coating is applied. The contaminants likely to be present are different and there is also likely to be more contamination. The contaminants may be more challenging to remove. Also, the environment for cleaning on a new vehicle production line is much more controlled than in a repair/repainting agent's premises, and certainly as compared to an outdoor (roadside/on drive) location for a repair/repaint.

Thus the invention in particular applies to used vehicles rather than new vehicles.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides, in a first aspect, a method of cleaning a vehicle surface, the method comprising: S -providing a vehicle having a surface in need of cleaning; -cleaning the surface using heptane.

The heptane is suitably provided in the form of pre-impregnated wipes. These pre-impregnated wipes are preferably saturated with heptane. The textile material that may be used for the wipes is described in more detail below.

This method is beneficial because it is highly robust.

The use of pre-impregnated heptane wipes provides economical, environmental and safety advantages for users, ensuring that the aggressive nature of the heptane is contained within the wipes and reducing the risks and difficuhies derived from handling and storing a flammable so'vent.

The use of the heptanc in the form of pre-impregnated wipes reduces the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the product when compared with heptane in the conventional liquid form. It also reduces transportation risks when compared with heptane or other solvents in the conventional liquid form. There is a much reduced chance of hazardous solvent being spilt.

The use of the heptane in the form of pre-impregnated wipes ensures that a poor quality wipe is not used and therefore increases the effectiveness of the cleaning step and allows the user to ensure all surface contaminants will be removed.

The use of the heptane in the form of pre-impregnated wipes ensures that a lint free wipe can be provided.

The usc of the hcptane in the form of pre-imprcgnatcd wipes ensurcs that a non-abrasive wipe can be provided.

The use of the heptane in the form of pre-impregnated wipes means that the cleaning process is more repeatable and consistent.

The use of the heptane iii the form of pre-impregnated wipes means that the product can readily be used in a range of temperatures and conditions. There will be fewer health and safety concerns for the user of thc product. The product will be more environmentally safe.

In one preferred embodiment, therefore, the invention provides a method of cleaning a vehicle surface, the method comprising: -providing a vehicle having a surface in need of cleaning; -cleaning the surface using heptane, wherein the heptane is provided in the form of a wipe pre-impregnated with heptane.

The wipe may be provided from a container filled with wipes that are pre-impregnated with heptane. It will be appreciated that the container may be fifled with one or more wipes. The pre-impregnated wipe may be provided within a pouch that in turn is contained within a container.

The vehicle may be a motor vehicle, and therefore the method may be a method of cleaning an automotive surface. However, the surface could also be a surface of a non-motor vehicle or a surface in a part of a vehicle that is non-motoriscd, e.g. a surface in a train carriage.

The vehicle may in particular be a used vehicle where repair or refinishing is required, e.g. where a replacement panel (e.g. a new windscreen) is to be secured or where a nev coating, such as a new coat of paint, is to bc applicd.

However, it can also be envisaged that the vehicle may be a new vehicle that is being manufactured and where a surface requires cleaning before a panel is secured or before a coating (e.g. a coat of paint) is applied.

The use of heptane permits the surface to be cleaned in a one-step cleaning process.

No primer needs to be used to prime the surface before or after the surface is cleaned using the heptane.

Preferably, therefore, in the method of the invention there is no step of priming the surface with a primer before or after the surface is cleaned using heptane.

S Therefore, in one preferred embodiment, the invention provides a method of deaning a vehicle surface, the method comprising: -providing a vehicle having a surface in need of cleaning; -cleaning the surface using heptane.

wherein the heptane is provided in the form of a wipe pre-impregnated with heptane, and wherein in the method there is no step of priming the surface with a primer before or after the surface is cleaned using the pre-impregnated heptane wipe.

In particular, when the intention is that the cleaned surface will then have a pane' (e.g. a replacement panel) secured thereto by a bonding system that comprises a conventional adhesive, there is no step of priming the surface with a primer before or after the surface is cleaned using heptane.

Once the surface has been cleaned using heptane the desired next step is carried out.

In one embodiment. the desired next step is the securing of a panel (e.g. a replacement pane') to the automotive surface. Therefore once the surface has been cleaned using heptane a panel (e.g. a replacement panel) is secured to the cleaned surface using a bonding system, e.g. an adhesive or a system comprising adhesive or other binding agent.

In one embodiment, the desired next step is applying a coating to the surface (e.g. painting the surface). Therefore once the surface has been cleaned using heptane a coating is applied (e.g. a painting or repainting process, or a finishing or refinishing process. is carried out).

Surprisingly, the methods disclosed in the present invention avoids the need of priming the surface with a primer before a new substrate, especially a panel or replacement panel, is secured to the cleaned surface. Therefore good adhesion, bonding or coating can be attained to an inorganic materia' or a metaL plastic or the like in a non-primer condition.

The present invention therefore provides, in a second aspect, a method of installing a replacement panel for a vehicle, the method comprising: -providing a vehicle in need of a replacement panel: S -ensuring that the surface to which the replacement panel will be secured is exposed for cleaning; -cleaning the exposed surface using heptane; -securing the replacement panel to the cleaned surface using a bonding system.

The heptane is suitably provided in the form of pre-impregnated wipes. These pre-impregnated wipes are preferably saturated with heptane. The textile material that may be used for the wipes is described in more detail below. The benefits of this are as discussed above in respect of the first aspect.

The wipe may be provided from a container filled with wipes that are pre-impregnated with heptane. It will be appreciated that the container may be filled with one or more wipes. The pre-impregnated wipe may be provided within a pouch that in turn is contained within a container, Therefore, in one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method of installing a replacement panel for a vehicle, the method comprising: -providing a vehicle in need of a replacement panel; -ensuring that the surface to which the replacement panel will be secured is exposed for cleaning: -cleaning the exposed surface using a pre-impregnated heptane wipe; -securing the replacement panel to the cleaned surface using a bonding system, The vehicle may suitably be a motor vehicle.

Again, preferably in the method of the invention there is no step of priming the surface with a primer before or after the surface is cleaned using heptane.

Therefore, in one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method of installing a replacement panel for a vehicle, the method comprising: -providing a vehicle in need of a replacement panel; -ensuring that the surface to which the replacement panel will be secured is exposed for cleaning; -cleaning the exposed surface using a pre-impregnated heptane wipe; -securing the replacement panel to the cleaned surface using a bonding system, S wherein in the method there is no step of priming the surface with a primer before or after the surface is cleaned using the pre-impregnated heptanc wipe.

The replacement panel is suitably a glass panel, e.g. a windscreen.

The present invention also provides, in a third aspect, a method of installing a panel in a new vehicle, the method comprising: -providing a vehicle in need of a panel; -ensuring that the surface to which the panel will be secured is exposed for cleaning; -cleaning the exposed surface using hcptanc; -securing the panel to the deaned surface using a bonding system.

The heptane is suitably provided in the form of pre-impregnated wipes, These pre-impregnated wipes arc preferably saturated with heptane. The textile material that may be used for the wipes is described in more detail below. The benefits of this are as discussed above in respect of the first aspect.

The wipe may be provided from a container filled with wipes that are pre-impregnated with heptane. It will be appreciated that the container may be fUled with one or more wipes. The pre-impregnated wipe may be provided within a pouch that in turn is contained within a container, Therefore in one preferred embodiment of the third aspect, the method of installing a pane' in a new vehicle comprises: -providing a vehicle in need of a paneL -ensuring that the surface to which the panel will be secured is exposed for cleaning; -cleaning the exposed surface using a pre-inipregnated heptane wipe; -securing the panel to the cleaned surface using a bonding system.

The vehicle may suitably be a motor vehicle. The vehicle is a new vehicle and in this regard may be a vehick that is in the process of being constructed, i.e. it may be incomplete.

S Again, preferably in the method of the invention there is no step of priming the surface with a primer before or after the surface is cleaned using heptane.

In one preferred embodiment of the third aspect, the method of installing a panel in a new vehicle comprises: -providing a vehicle in need of a panel; -ensuring that the surface to which the panel will be secured is exposed for cleaning; -cleaning the exposed surface using a pre-inipregnated heptane wipe; -securing the panel to the cleaned surface using a bonding system, wherein in the method there is no step of priming the surface with a primer before or after the surface is deaned using the pre-impregnated heptane wipe.

The panel is suitably a glass panel. e.g. a windscreen, but may alternatively be a floor panel or roof panel or the like.

The present invention also provides, in a fourth aspect, a method of coating a vehicle surface, the method comprising: -providing a vehicle with a surface in need of coating; -ensuring that the surface to be coated is exposed for cleaning; -cleaning the exposed surface using heptane; -applying a coating to the cleaned surface.

The heptane is suitably provided in the form of pre-impregnated wipes. These pre-impregnated wipes are preferab'y saturated with heptane, The textile material that may be used for the wipes is described in more detafl below, The benefits of this are as discussed above in respect of the first aspect.

The wipe may be provided from a container filled with wipes that are pre-impregnated with heptane. It will be appreciated that the container may be filled with one or more wipes. The pre-impregnated wipe may be provided within a pouch that in turn is contained within a container.

In one preferred embodiment, therefore, this aspect of the present invention provides a S method of coating a vehicle surface, the method comprising: -providing a vehicle with a surface in need of coating; -ensuring that the surface to be coated is exposed for cleaning: -cleaning the exposed surface using a pre-impregnated heptane wipe; -applying a coating to the cleaned surface.

The vehicle may suitably be a motor vehicle. The vehicle may be a new vehicle and may be a vehicle that is in the process of being constructed, i.e. it may be incomplete; in this embodiment the coating may be a first coating that has been applied to the surface in question. The vehicle may alternatively be a used vehicle and the coating may therefore be a replacement coating, e.g. it may be a repaint or refinish.

The step of applying the coating may therefore involve a painting or repainting process being carried out, or a finishing or refinishing process being carried out.

The coating may be a paint coating but other coatings, e.g. a powder coating or varnish, can be envisaged.

In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention there is no step of priming the surface with a primer before or after the surface is cleaned using heptane.

However, it can still be beneficial to apply primer before applying a layer of paint or other coating or finish; therefore in one other embodiment of this aspect of the invention the exposed surface is cleaned using heptane, then primer is applied to the cleaned surface and then paint or another coating or finish is applied to the surface.

In one embodiment, the method of coating a vehicle surface comprises: -providing a vehicle with a surface in need of coating; -ensuring that the surface to be coated is exposed for cleaning; -cleaning the exposed surface using a pre-impregnated heptane wipe; -applying a coating to the cleaned surface,

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wherein iii the method there is no step of priming the surface with a primer before or after the surface is deaned using the pre-impregnated heptane wipe.

The invention also provides, in a further aspect, the use of heptane to clean a vehick S surface in a one-step cleaning process without the need for primer before adhering a panel thereto. Preferably, said heptal1e is provided in the form of a wipe pre-impregnated with heptane.

These pre-impregnated wipes are preferably saturated with heptane. The textfle material that may be used for the wipes is described in more detail below. The benefits of this are as discussed above in respect of the first aspect.

The wipe may be provided from a container filled with wipes that are pre-impregnated with heptane, It will be appreciated that the container may be filled with one or more wipes. The pre-impregnated wipe may be provided within a pouch that in turn is contained within a container.

The invention also provides, in a further aspect, the usc of heptanc to clean a vehicle surface in a one-step cleaning process without the need for primer before applying a coating thereto. Preferably, the heptanc is provided in the form of a wipe pro-impregnated with heptane.

These pre-impregnated wipes are preferably saturated with heptane. The textile materia' that may be used for the wipes is described in more detail below. The benefits of this are as discussed above in respect of the first aspect.

The wipe may be provided from a container filled with wipes that are pro-impregnated with heptane. It will be appreciated that the container may be filled with one or more wipes. The pre-impregnated wipe may be provided within a pouch that in turn is contained within a container.

The invention also provides, in a further aspect, the usc of hoptanc to clean a vehicle surface in order to provide improved wetting out of the surface and therefore to perniit better bonding of a panel to the cleaned surface, Preferably, the heptane is provided in the form of a wipe pro-impregnated with heptane.

The wipe may be provided from a container filled with wipes that are pre-impregnated with heptane. It will be appreciated that the container may be filled with one or more wipes. The pro-impregnated wipe may be provided within a pouch that in turn is contained within a container.

The invention also provides, in a further aspect, the use of heptane to clean a vehicle surface in order to provide improved wetting out of the surface and therefore to permit better bonding of a coating to the surface. Preferably, the heptane is provided in the form of a wipe pre-impregnated with heptane, which is use to clean the vehicle surface in order to provide improved wetting out of the surface and therefore to permit better bonding of a coating to the surface.

These pre-impregnated wipes are preferably saturated with heptanc. The textile matcrial that may be used for the wipes is described in more detail below. The benefits of this are as discussed above in respect of the first aspect.

The wipe may be provided from a container filled with wipes that are pre-impregnated with heptane. It will be appreciated that the container may be filled with one or more wipes. The pre-impregnated wipe may be provided within a pouch that in turn is contained within a container, In all aspects of the present invention the use of heptane is surprisingly beneficial.

The heptane effectively "wets-out" the surface, leading to high surface tension. This higher surface tension in turns leads to better bonding of the new substrate (panel or coating) to the surface. Thus there is better bonding of a panel or replacement panel to the surface and better sealing at this interface once the panel is secured. Equally, this higher surface tension in turns leads to better bonding of a coating (e.g. a new paint layer) to the surface.

By using heptane it has also unexpectedly been found that no primer is needed before a new substrate, especiaHv a panel or replacement panel, is secured to the cleaned surface S Heptane is also suitable for use in cleaning surfaces over a wide range of environmental conditions. In particular, it can be utilised in the most severe temperature conditions. This even includes temperatures below zero degrees Celsius.

This is especially the case when the heptane is provided in the form of pre-impregnated wipes. Even the most severe temperature conditions that could be experienced outdoors can be tolerated when the heptane is provided in the form of pre-impregnated wipes, Therefore the present methods are particularly useful for mobile repair, where the replacement panel is replaced away from a garage. In particular. the present methods are suitable for roadside use or use on a driveway.

The issues to be considered when cleaning outside are clearly different from those when cleaning in an indoor environment, especially when compared to a controlled indoor environment such as a garage or workshop, It will be appreciated by the skilled person that a tissue cannot be suitable for use as a pre-impregnated wipes because the tissue material would disintegrate when left in a form where it was impregnated with heptane for any length of time. Therefore in all aspects of the invention where reference is made to pre-impregnated wipes these clearly must be wipes made of a material that will not disintegrate or degrade when left in a form where it was impregnated with heptane for any length of time (e.g. 12 holLrs or more, or 24 hours or more, or 48 hours or more especially one week or more or one month or more).

Accordingly, all aspects of the invention preferably use wipes pre-impregnated with heptane, where the wipes have been pre-impregnated with the heptane at least 12 holLrs before the method is carried out, e.g. for 24 hours or more, or for 48 hours or more; especially for one week or more, or for two weeks or more, or for one month or more.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The heptane used in the present invention may be pure heptane, i.e. 100% heptane. or substantially pure heptane (e.g. low levels of impurity, such as 0.1% or kss by S volume, may be acceptable), However, it can a'so be envisaged that a heptane product is used that includes a diluent. such as an organic or aqueous diluent. and/or a co-cleaning agent. Thus the invention involves the use of a cleaning agent that comprises heptane, and that in one embodiment consists essentially of heptane, and that in one embodiment consists on'y of heptane.

In one embodiment the cleaning agent that is used is 50% or more heptane. e.g. 55% or more heptane (by volume). In one embodiment the cleaning agent that is used is 60% or more heptane, such as 70% or more, 75% or more. 80% or more, or 85% or more heptane (by volume). In one embodiment the cleaning agent that is used is 90% or more heptane, slLch as 92% or more, 95% or more. 97% or more, or 99% or more heptane (by vo'ume). In one embodiment the cleaning agent that is used is 99.5% or more heptane. such as 99.9% or more heptane (by volume).

In one embodiment the heptane product that is used is a mixture of heptane and isopropyl alcohol. Suitably this mixture may comprise 60% or more heptane, such as 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 90% or more, or 95% or i'nore heptane (by volume). In one such embodiment the mixture comprises from 1 to 40% isopropyl alcohol, such as from 1 to 35%, or from 1 to 30%, or from 2 to 25%. or from 3 to 20%, or from 4 to 15%. or from 5 to 10% isopropv alcohol (by volume).

A benefit of using a heptane product that is a mixture of heptane and isopropyl alcohol is that the ineliLsion of the isopropyl alcohol can assist with dissolving/removing non-polar contaminates from the surface.

It may be that the heptane product that is used consists essentially of heptane and isopropyl alcohol, e.g. 99% or more (by volume) of the product may be heptane and isopropyl alcohol, or 99.5% or more (by volume) of the product may be heptane and isopropyl alcohol, or 100% (by volume) of the product may be heptane and isopropyl alcohol.

The heptane is preferably applied by being wiped on to the surface using a cloth that has had the heptane pre-applied. e.g. by the cloth being dipped or soaked in the heptane or by the cloth being sprayed with the heptane.

Preferably the cloth has been soaked in the heptane.

Improved wetting out can be achieved by wiping of the heptane onto the surface using a pre-impregnated wipe. This contrasts with spraying a cleaner onto the surface, where the fine mist of the spray may cause less wetting out of the surface.

The heptane is therefore suitably provided in the form of pre-impregnated wipes. This is advantageous in terms of ease of use of the product, especially in the context of mobile repair. For a mobile repair agent to be able to take with him a container fifled with wipes that are pre-impregnated with heptane means that he only has to take a single container and when lie is ready to carry out the cleaning step he simply removes one pre-impregnated wipe from the container and applies the heptane wipe to the surface in order to clean the surface, Further, it is bcncficial because the health and safety assessment of the product in terms of flammability will then bc determined on the basis of the product as a solid product (pre-impregnated wipes) rather than a liquid (so'vent product).

Furthermore, by providing the cleaner in the form of pre-impregnated wipes there is consistency in approach because the mechanical device used to apply the cleanser (i.e. the wipe or cloth) is consistent and is pre-providcd. Therefore inconsistency in cleaning due to each technician using his own cloth, which may be old or shedding lint, or of a fabric that is rclativcly mechanically weak, is avoided. Instead each technician will use the same type of cloth which will be selected to have the desired mechanical properties for a cleaning wipe materiaL It is also beneficial to provide the cleaner in the form of pre-impregnated wipes becausc this ensures that the aggressive nature of the heptane is contained within the wipes. There is a reduced risk of the material accidentafly reaching areas it was not intended to contact, e.g. due to spills.

This is particularly relevant for mobile repair agents, who clearly have to transport the cleaner to the required locations.

In the prior methods when lieptane is used as a cleaner it is provided in liquid form S and is applied to the surface (e.g. sprayed) and the user then utilises his own tissue or fabric wipe to clean the surface using the heptane.

The pre-impregnated wipes are formed from absorbent material. The material may be formed from any suitable absorbent fibres, e.g. the material may comprise absorbent fibres selected from cellulosic fibre (such as cotton, rayon and/or acetate), superabsorbent fibres, and mixtures and blends thereof. Some non absorbent or less absorbent fibres may optionally be included, provided that the overall material is absorbent.

In one preferred embodiment the wipes are non woven textile sheets. They may be produced by any suitable technique, e.g. they may be spunbond, melt blown, air-laid, wet-laid (including techniques that involve hydro-entangling of the fibres, e.g. spun laced), dry-laid (bonded by needle-punching, thermal bonding or chemical bonding) or stitch bonded.

Preferably the wipes are made from a material that is highly absorbent, such that high levels of the heptane can be impregnated therein. In one embodiment the wipes are made from a material that can absorb an amount of liquid equal to 100% or more of its weight, such as 200% or more, or 300% or more (e.g. from 300% to 600% or more), or 400% or more (e.g. from 400% to 600% or more), or even as much as 500% or more (e.g. from 500% to 700% or more).

Preferably the wipes are made from a material that includes low amounts of binder (e.g. less than 0,Swt%, such as less than 0,lwt %) or most preferably no binder.

Preferably the wipes are made from a material that has a tight cross-weave interlayer.

Preferably the wipes are made from a material that is substantially lint free (e.g. 95% or more lint free, by weight, or 97% or more lint free, by weight, or 98% or more lint free, by weight, e.g. 98.5% or more lint free, by weight).

The wipes are suitably made from a material that is non-abrasive, This is clearly a desirable characteristic in order that. when used, the wipes do not damage the surface being ckaned,

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In one embodiment the wipes are made from a material that is strong cnough to permit re-use following the cleaning step. For example it may be beneficial to use a material that has sufficient wet strength to permit the wipe to be re-used following the cleaning step as a dry wipe.

It may be that one side of the wipe is used to clean the surface and then the wipe is allowed to dry, i.e. any remaining heptane is allowed to evaporate from the wipe, and the other side of the then-dry wipe can then be used to wipe down the cleaned surface, e,g. to remove any remaining heptane residues and/or to polish the surface, For example, the wipe may be allowed to dry for a minute or more, such as from 1 to 5 minutes, e.g. about 2 or 3 minutes, before then being re-used in a wipe down or polishing step.

In one embodiment the wipes arc made from a material that was formed by a process involving hydro-entanglement of the fibres, e.g. it may be spun laced. Such material is known in the art to be a strong. durab'e, tear-resistant three-dirnension& sheet structure.

Spun aced materia' may be produced by a hydro-entanglement process that involves shooting high-pressure, needle-like jets of water into a blend of absorbent fibres, which results in the fibres becoming entangled; then the fibres are dried, wound and finished.

In one embodiment, the wipes are made of material of the type used in DuPontT Sontara EC® wipes, or the like, These types of material are highly absorbent, strong, substantially lint free, non abrasive, and permit re-use of the wipe if desired, The wipes may be any suitabk size but may, for exampk, be 100 to 500mm in width (e.g. about 200 to 300mm, such as about 230mm) and may be 100 to 500mm in ength (e.g. about 200 to 300mm, such as about 250mm). The wipes may suitably be rectangular or square. The depth of the wipe may be any suitable thickness, such as about 0.05 to 0.5mm, e.g. from 0.05 to 0,3mm.

The wipes ma have any suitable basis weight. In one embodiment the basis weight S may be from 30 to bOg/rn2, e.g. from 40 to 90g/m2 or from 50 to 80g/m2. Basis weight may be determined by measuring the weight and size of the fabric at standard textile conditions of 21°C and 65% RH, under a tension of 2.1 kN/m (12 ph). and then dividing the weight (g) by the size (m2).

The pre-impregnated wipes may be provided in the form of a roll of wipes, with each wipe being tearable from the roll when required due to the presence of a perforated section between each wipe. The roll of wipes may include any suitable number of wipes but may, for example, be from 10 to 1000 wipes, such as from 25 to 500 wipes or from 50 to 300 wipes, e.g. from 100 to 200 wipes.

The pre-impregnated wipes may be provided in any suitable container. In one embodiment the container has a met& body, This is advantageous in terms of being able to store the pre-impregnated heptane wipes over a period of time.

The pre-impregnated wipes may, in one embodiment, be provided in a container that has an duminium body, However, other meta's or metal alloys could be contemplated, e.g. steel or stainless steel.

The container may be any suitable size, In one embodiment it may be from 0,5 to 10 litres in size. e,g. from 1 to S litres or from 2 to 4 litres, In one embodiment, the container with a metal body does not directly contain the pre-impregnated wipes. Instead, in this embodiment the pre-impregnated wipes are provided within a pouch that in turn is contained within the container, The pouch may suitably be a foil pouch, e.g, an aluminium foil pouch, In one embodiment it may be double lined. It may be that the pouch has seams that are heat sealed to ensure air tightness. e.g. the seams may be 6mm heat seakd throughout to ensure air tightness, It may be that the pouch is aminated, e.g. double laminated or triple laminated, The pouch may initially be sealed, to provide an airtight pouch within which the pre-impregnated wipes are located. When the pre-impregnated wipes are first used the seal can be broken. This is advantageous in terms of being able to store the pre-impregnated heptane wipes over a period of time.

In addition, the use of a pouch within a container allows each wipe to stay clean and fully impregnatcd with heptane up until thc point it is removed from thc containcr for use. This therefore provides the user with more time to use the pre-impregnated wipe before all the heptane evaporates from the wipe. Therefore improved wetting out of thc surface is achievcd.

Further, the use of a pouch within a container allows the container to be refillable, because a sealed pouch containing the pre-impregnated wipes can be provided to be inserted within the container once all the pre-impregnated wipes initially provided with the container have been used.

In one embodiment invcntion thc pouch is a scaled, chemical resistant pouch, which may be refilled or replaced.

In one embodiment, the pouch is high integrity, triple laminated, aluminium construction, where the seams are 6mm heat sealed throughout to ensure air tightness.

It may be that the pre-impregnated wipes are provided in a container that has a re-sealable closure, through which individual wipes can be drawn one at a time.

The closure may be plastic, such as polyethylene, e.g. high density polyethylene (HDPE). The plastic may be one that has been subjected to a fluorination process.

It may be that the vehicle is a motor vehicle is selected from cars, buses, coaches, vans, trucks and lorries. However, the vehicle could also be a non motorised vehicle, e.g. a train carriage.

It may be that the vehicle is a road vehicle, e.g. it may be selected from ears, buses, coaches, vans, trucks, lorries, bicycles and motorbikes. Other vehicles that can be used on the road (even if also designed for off-road use) can also be mentioned, e.g. SUVs, tractors, combine harvesters and other farm vehides, The panel may be a repacenient pand or a panel being fitted in a new vehicle. The S panel is suitab'y a glass panel. This may be, for examp'e, a front windscreen or a rear windscreen, or a sidc window, or a mirror such as a wing mirror, However, it could also be a non glass panel, such as a floor panel unit or a roof panel unit.

The bonding system used may indude any suitable adhesive or other binding agent.

The adhesive may, for example, be a polyurethane adhesive, Other adhesives that can be mentioned include modified silicone adhesives. silyl derivative adhesives. silanie pre-polymer adhesives, acrylic adhesives, anaerobic adhesives, epoxy adhesives and silicone adhesives, It wifl be appreciated that there is no particu'ar hniitation on the bonding system to be used provided that it is suitable for securing the panel to the cleaned surface.

The coating used may be paint, varnish, powder coating or another other finish. It may be water-based paint or oil-based paint. It may, for example, be a polyurethane paint, such as a polyurethane paint with a medium or high solid based base coat and a watcrborne base clear (lacquer) coat. It will be apprcciated that there is no particular limitation on the coating to be applied provided that it is suitable for app'ying to the cleaned surface.

The surface to be deaned preferaHy comprises polymer, polymer composite, metal or metal alloy. In one embodiment the surface to be cleaned is a metal or metal alloy, such as aluminium or steel, The present invention will now be further described, in a non limiting fashion, by reference to the foflowing examples.

Examples

A container of pre-impregnated heptane wipes was provided. The container has a lid and contains a pouch, which in turn contains the wipes, The wipes can be dispensed via a central spout in the lid.

Co nta mi.

* Steel tin of galvanised construction, with lacquered outer surface and uncoated inner surface, Cvhndrica in shape.

* 3,1 litre volume (UN v&unietric) * 150mm diametcr x 195mm external height * 140mm diameter x 180mm internal height Container Lid * Steel constructed lid.

* Centre punched pull up' polyethylene burg spout through which wipes can be dispensed. This has dimensions: 37mm diameter x 28mm high. The PB has had a 4 stage fluorination process.

* Threaded plastic fluorinated lid for closing the burg spout when not in use.

This has dimensions: 45mm external diameter x 15mm high.

* As an inner seat, and to complement the lid, there is also a galvanised locking ring seal, Wipe S * Container contains a 150 wipe roll of textile wipes.

* Wipes are each sized 230 x 250mm.

* Wipes are made from 98% lint free, binder free, 500% absorbent (with respect to its own weight), cross weave, non-abrasive textile.

* Wipes are impregnated with 100% heptane. Pouch

* Wipes are provided within an ALEPT produced foil pouch, which is sealed but is opened once the first wipe is required.

* This fofl pouch is a tri-iaver &uminium construction, * The fofl pouch is double 6mm integrity heat seated at the top and side, to protect from solvent leakage and evaporation.

Example 1 (Comparative) Method A Seat Leon Cupra panel in red, with original factory finish, had sections tested as foil ows: S Code I: Cleaned thoroughly with commercial glass and aperture deaner (isopropyl aicohoi pius water), wipe on and off, then one coat of All in One' primer was applied at the bottom of the panel, followed by a primeness adhesive over the entire panel section -Code 2: Abraded with abrasive paste first, then cleaned thoroughly with commercial glass and aperture cleaner (isopropyl alcohol plus water), wipe on and off, then one coat of All in One' primer was applied at the bottom of the panel, followed by a primerless adhesive over the entire panel section.

Code 3: Abraded with 3M Scotchbrite pad first, then cleaned thoroughly with commercial glass and aperture cleaner (isopropv acoho pius water), wipe on and off, then one coat of AU in One' primer was applied at the bottom of the panel, foflowed by a primerless adhesive over the entire panel section, All the adhesives were compressed and left for 8 days.

Results The results can be seen in Figure 1, There was no successful adhesion to the cleaned surface, It can be seen that some of the adhesive beads have already fallen off after 8 days.

Example 2

Method Four pands were tested. Three had the origina' factory finish; the fourth was a Hack Q7 front wing that had been repainted.

The panels were cleaned thoroughly with a pre-impregnated heptane wipe according to the invention, wipe on and off, then a primedess adhesive was applied over the entire panel section.

The panels then underwent 7 days of cataplasma treatment (7 days at 70°C, 100% condensed humidity, then 16 hours at -20°C).

Results The results can be seen in Figures 2a-2d. There was good adhesion to the cleaned surface for these panels treated in accordance with the invention,

Example 3

IS Method Substrates with a waterborne clear coat paint were tested. Each substrate was cleaned either with isopropyl alcohol cleaner or heptane pre-impregnated wipe according to the invention (wipe on wipe off).

After drying, polyurethane based glass bonding adhesive was apphed.

Samples were left under four different sets of conditions before the adhesion was assessed, Results Substrate Cleaner Drying Primer Adhesive Adhesion Test a Test b Test c Test d Waterborne Isopropvl alcohol 5 nnnuLes wipe None Polyurethane based glass 3 2 2 2 clear coat paint cleaner on wipe off bonding adhesive Waterborue Heptane pre-2 mimites wipe None Polyurethane based glass 5 4 1 4 clear coat path! impregnated wipe on wipe off bonding adhesive Test a: 7 days, room temperature (23°C, 50% RH) Test b: 7 days, in H20 Test c: 7 days, 70°C Test d: Cataplasma (7 days 70°C, 100% condensed humidity, then 16 hours at -20 °C) Key to adhesion results: 1=0% adhesion 2=25% adhesion 3=50% adhesion 4=75% adhesion 5=100% adhesion cohesioll It can be seen that the nse of the heptane cleaning regime in accordance with the invention permits improved adhesion to occur in each of the tested environments.

Example 4

Method Further panels were tested in this example.

The first panel (red) was cleaned thorolLghly with a pre-impregnated heptane wipe according to 11w invention, wipe on and off, thcn a primeness adhesive was applied and then a layer of black paint was applied.

The second panel (white) was divided into two sections, The left hand section was cleaned thoroughly with a pre-impregnated heptane wipe according to the invention, wipe on and off, then a primedess adhesive was applied and then a layer of black paint was applied. The right hand section was cleaned thoroughly with a commercial glass and apcrturc cleaner (isopropyl alcohol plus water) wipe on and off, then a prirnerless adhesive was applied and then a ayer of black paint was applied.

All panels were left for 7 days at room temperature.

Results The results can be seen in Figures 3a-3b.

Figure 3a shows the red panel tested in accordance with the invention. Good adhesion can be observed.

Figure 3b shows the white panel tested. The left hand side was tested in accordance with the invention and the right hand side was tested using conventional IPA/water based cleaning, It can be seen that the left hand side shows good peel adhesion, The adhesion was rated as a S in peel adhesion trials.

It can be seen that the right hand side shows poor peel adhesion, The adhesion was rated as a 2 in peel adhesion trials, It can therefore be appreciated that the use of the heptane cleaning regime iii accordance with the invention positively changes surface tension in preparation for bonding and permits good bonding to occur.

D

Example 5

Method Three panels were tested in this example.

The panels were cleaned thoroughly either with isopropyl alcohol cleaner or heptane pre-impregnated wipe according to the invention (wipe on wipe off).

The surface tension was then measured.

Results Panel tested Surface tension after IPA Surface tension after heptane-and water based cleaner based wipes (invention) VW POLO 37mN/m 42mN/m Ford Transit 3SmN/m 36mN/m Seat Leon 37mN/m 42mN/m It can be seen that there is an improvement in the surface tension when the present invention is used, which allows cohesive adhesion to be achieved.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of cleaning a vehicle surface, the method comprising: -providing a vehicle having a surface in need of cleaning; -cleaning the surface using heptane, wherein the heptane is provided in the form of a wipe pre-impregnated with heptane.
2. A method of installing a replacement panel for a vehicle, the method comprising: -providing a vehicle in need of a replacement panel; -ensuring that the surface to which the replacement panel will be secured is exposed for cleaning; -cleaning the exposed surface using heptane; -securing the replacement panel to the cleaned surface using a bonding system, wherein the heptane is provided in the form of a wipe pre-impregnated with heptane.
3. A method of installing a panel in a new vehicle, the method comprising: -providing a vehicle in need of a panel; -ensuring that the surface to which the panel will be secured is exposed for cleaning; -cleaning the exposed surface using hcptanc; -securing the panel to the cleaned surface using a bonding system, wherein the hcptanc is provided in the form of a wipe pre-impregnated with hcptane.
4. A method of applying a coating to a vehicle, the method comprising: -providing a vchiclc in nccd of a coating; -ensuring that the surface to which the coating will be applied is exposed for cleaning; -cleaning the exposed surface using heptane; -applying the coating to the cleaned surface, wherein the heptane is provided in the form of a wipe pre-impregnated with heptane.
5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein in the method there is no step of priming the surface with a primer before or after the surface is cleaned using the pre-impregnated heptane wipe.
6. The use of heptane to clean a vehicle surface in a one-step cleaning process without the need for primer before adhering a panel thereto, wherein the heptane is provided in the form of a wipe pre-impregnated with heptane.
7. The use of heptane to clean a vehicle surface in a one-step cleaning process without the need for primer before applying a coating thereto, wherein the heptane is provided in the form of a wipe pre-impregnated with heptane.
8, The use of heptane to clean a vehicle surface in order to provide improved wetting out of the surface and therefore to permit better bonding of a panel to the cleaned surface, wherein the heptane is provided in the form of a wipe pre-impregnated with heptane.
9. The use of heptane to clean a vehicle surface in order to provide improved wetting olLt of the surface and thcrcforc to permit better bonding of a coating to the surface, wherein the heptane is provided in the form of a wipe pre-impregnated with heptane.
10, The invention of any one of the preceding claims wherein the wipe is provided from a container filled with wipes that are pre-impregnated with heptane.
11. The invention of any one of the preceding claims wherein the heptane is provided in the form of a fabric wipe pre-impregnated with heptane.

12, The invention of claim I I wherein the fabric wipe is a non-woven textile sheet, 13, The invention of claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the fabric wipe is provided within a container with a metal body.14, The invention of claim 13 wherein the container has an aluminium body, 15, The invention of claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the container is from 0.5 to 10 litres in size.16, The invention of any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the fabric wipe is provided within a pouch that is located within the container with a metal body.17, The invention of claim 16 wherein the pouch is a fofl pouch.18 The invention of claim 17 wherein the pouch is an auminiurn foil pouch 19, The invention of any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the pouch is refillable or replaceable.20, The invention of any one of claims 16 to 19 wherein the pouch is doubk lined, 21, The invention of any one of claims 16 to 20 wherein the pouch has seams that are heat sealed to ensure air tightness.22, The invention of any one of claims 16 to 21 wherein the pouch is laminated, 23. The invention of any one of claims 16 to 22 wherein the pouch is initially sealed, to provide an airtight pouch within which the pre-impregnated wipes are ocated, and then when the pre-impregnated wipes are first used the seal is broken.24. The invention of any one of claims 16 to 23 wherein the pouch is a triple laminated pouch of aluminium construction, having heat sealed seams.25. The invention of any one of the preceding claims wherein the pre-impregnated wipe is provided from a rofl of wipes, with each wipe being tearable from the roll when required due to the presence of a perforated section between each wipe.26. The invention of claim 25. wherein the roll of wipes includes from 10 to 1000 wipes.27, The invention of any one of the preceding daims wherein the pre-impregnated wipe is formed from absorbent material that comprises absorbent fibres selected from cellulosic fibre. superabsorbent fibres, and mixtures and blends thereof.28. The invention of any one of the preceding claims wherein the pre-impregnated wipe is formed from absorbent material that can absorb an amount of hquid equa' to 100% or more of its weight.29. The invention of claim 28, wherein the pre-impregnated wipe is formed from absorbent material that can absorb an amount of liquid equal to 300% or more of its weight.30, The invention of ally one of the preceding dainls wherein the pre-impregnated wipe is formed from a material that includes less than 0.Swt% binder.31. The invention of any one of the preceding claims wherein the pre-impregnated wipe is formed from a material that is 95% or more lint free, by weight.32. Thc invention of any one of the prcceding claims wherein the pre-impregnated wipe is formed from a material that is non-abrasive.33, The invention of any one of the preceding claims wherein the pre-impregnated wipe is formed from a material that is strong enough to permit re-use following the cleaning step.34. The invention of claim 33 wherein the pre-impregnatcd wipe is formed from a material that has sufficient wet strength to pern'iit the wipe to be re-used, following the deaning step, as a dry wipe.35, The invention of any one of the preceding claims wherein the vehicle is a motor vehicle.36, The invention of claim 30 wherein the motor vehicle is sekcted from cars, buses, coaches, vans, trucks and lorries, 37. The invention of any one of the preceding claims wherein the vehicle is a used vehicle.38. The invention of any one of the preceding claims wherein the vehicle surface is cleaned whilst the vehicle is away from a garage.39, The invention of any one of the preceding claims wherein the vehicle surface is cleaned whilst the vehick is at a roadside location or on a driveway.40. The invention of any one of the preceding claims wherein the heptane is provided in thc form of a product that is 70% or more hcptanc by volume.41, The invention of claim 40 wherein the heptane is provided in the form of a product that is 90% or morc heptanc by volume.42, The invention of any one of the preceding claims wherein the heptane is provided in the form of a mixture of heptane and isopropyl alcohol.