WO2008134023A1

WO2008134023A1 - Cleaning compositions

Info

Publication number: WO2008134023A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/005403
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tamara S. Hofstetter
Original assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Current assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Priority date: 2007-04-25
Filing date: 2008-04-25
Publication date: 2008-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2009-10-25

Abstract

This disclosure relates to cleaning compositions, particularly those suitable for cleaning engine or machine components. The disclosure further provides methods and compositions including the cleaning compositions, such as, for example, methods of use, a cleaning apparatus, and a cleaning kit.

Description

CLEANING COMPOSITIONS

Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to cleaning compositions and methods, more particularly to those suitable for cleaning engine or machine parts.

Background

A number of cleaning solutions are commercially available for removing contaminants from a variety of objects. For example, CAT Hydrosolv 4165, also known as CAT HD Pressure Wash, is a liquid alkaline cleaner used for removing contaminants from various engine and machine parts. That cleaner includes the following ingredients: ethylene glycol butyl ether, triethanolamine, sodium hydroxide, and tetrasodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

Another example of a cleaning composition is described in U.S. Patent No. 3,839,234, which includes a glycol ether, a glycol, a monohydroxy alcohol, ammonium hydroxide, an amine, and a synthetic detergent.

New cleaning compositions continue to be developed for a variety of applications in different environments.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the disclosure provides cleaning compositions and related methods and compositions.

In one aspect, a cleaning composition of the disclosure comprises at least one solvent, at least one alkali metal hydroxide, at least one amine; at least one glycol, and at least one hydroxy alcohol. The cleaning composition may further comprise water. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition is effective for cleaning at least one component of an engine. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition has a combined amount of at least one solvent, at least one alkali metal hydroxide, and optionally at least one hydroxyl alcohol that is effective for cleaning at least one component of an engine. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition has a freezing point at or below -10 °C, - 15 °C, -20 °C, -22 ⁰C, -25 °C, -28 °C, -30 °C, -32 °C, -35 °C, -38 °C, -40 °C, -42 °C, -45 °C, -48 °C, -50 °C, -55 °C, or -60 °C. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition has a combined amount of at least one glycol and at least one hydroxy alcohol that is effective for maintaining the freezing point at or below the desired temperature.

In certain embodiments, a cleaning composition of the disclosure may include at least one glycol ether, at least one glycol, at least one hydroxy alcohol, at least one amine, and at least one alkali metal hydroxide. In further embodiments, the cleaning composition is effective for cleaning at least one component of an engine. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition has a freezing point at or below -10 °C.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus may comprise a cleaning composition of the disclosure. A further aspect of the disclosure provides a regeneration assembly for regenerating a filter assembly of an engine, and the regeneration assembly may comprise a cleaning apparatus of the disclosure.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides an engine. The engine may comprise a cleaning apparatus of the disclosure. The engine may also comprise a regeneration assembly of the disclosure. The engine may further comprise a sensor operably linked to the cleaning apparatus, wherein the sensor detects contaminants in a component of the engine and thereby activates the cleaning apparatus. A further aspect of the disclosure provides a cleaning kit. The cleaning kit may comprise a cleaning composition of the disclosure. The cleaning kit may further comprise instructions for use.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a collection device. The collection device can be used to collect and optionally store a cleaning composition after being used. In certain embodiments, the collection device may be part of an engine of the disclosure.

A further aspect of the disclosure provides a method of cleaning at least one component of an engine, such as, for example, a fuel supply component. The method comprises contacting the at least one component with a cleaning composition of the disclosure.

Further provided is a machine including an engine described herein, which comprises a cleaning composition of the disclosure.

Detailed Description A cleaning composition of the disclosure comprises at least one solvent, at least one alkali metal hydroxide, at least one amine; at least one glycol, and at least one hydroxy alcohol. The cleaning composition may further include water.

In certain embodiments, the at least one solvent can be a glycol ether. The glycol ether can be chosen from ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol), ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether.

The at least one solvent can be present in the cleaning compositions of the disclosure in an amount ranging from 3-30% by weight, such as, for example, from 3-25% by weight, from 3-20% by weight, from 3-15% by weight, from 3-10% by weight, from 5-30% by weight, from 5-25% by weight, from 5-20% by weight, from 5-15% by weight, from 5-10% by weight, from 10- 30% by weight, from 10-25% by weight, from 10-20% by weight, from 10-15% by weight, from 15-30% by weight, from 15-25% by weight, from 15-20% by weight, from 20-30% by weight, from 20-25% by weight, from 6-14% by weight, from 7-13% by weight, from 8-12% by weight, or from 9-11% by weight. In certain embodiments, the at least one glycol ether can be diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (also known as 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol). A cleaning composition of the disclosure may comprise, by weight, 3-30% of 2- (2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition may comprise, for example, by weight, 5-15% of 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition may include, by weight, 6-14% of 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition may include, by weight, 7-13% of 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition may include, by weight, 8-12% of 2-(2- butoxyethoxy)ethanol. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition may include, by weight, 9-11% of 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol. In certain embodiments, a cleaning composition may include, by weight, an amount of 2- (2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol that is at or below a concentration limit set forth by a regulatory agency. For example, Environment Canada published final regulations on December 27, 2006 restricting the use of 2-butoxyethanol for indoor use products, which includes a concentration limit of 10% (w/w) of 2- butoxyethanol in automobile cleaners (excluding automobile degreasers) and concentration limits of 2-butoxyethanol for other cleaning or coating products. The cleaning compositions of the present disclosure comprise at least one glycol. In certain embodiments, the at least one glycol can be chosen from propylene glycol, monoethylene glycol (also known as 1 ,2-ethanediol), diethylene glycol, hexylene glycol (2-methyl-2, 4 pentanediol), triethylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol.

The at least one glycol can be present in the cleaning compositions of the disclosure in an amount ranging from 5-70% by weight, such as, for example, from 5-65% by weight, from 5-60% by weight, from 5-55% by weight, from 5-50% by weight, from 5-45% by weight, from 5-40% by weight, from 5- 35% by weight, from 5-30% by weight, from 5-25% by weight, from 5-20% by weight, from 5-15% by weight, from 5-10% by weight, from 10-70% by weight, from 10-65% by weight, from 10-60% by weight, from 10-55% by weight, from 10-50% by weight, from 10-45% by weight, from 10-40% by weight, from 10- 35% by weight, from 10-30% by weight, from 10-25% by weight, from 10-20% by weight, from 10-15% by weight, from 15-70% by weight, from 15-65% by weight, from 15-60% by weight, from 15-55% by weight, from 15-50% by weight, from 15-45% by weight, from 15-40% by weight, from 15-35% by weight, from 15-30% by weight, from 15-25% by weight, from 15-20% by weight, from 20-70% by weight, from 20-65% by weight, from 20-60% by weight, from 20-55% by weight, from 20-50% by weight, from 20-45% by weight, from 20-40% by weight, from 20-35% by weight, from 20-30% by weight, from 20-25% by weight, from 25-70% by weight, from 25-65% by weight, from 25-60% by weight, from 25-55% by weight, from 25-50% by weight, from 25-45% by weight, from 25-40% by weight, from 25-35% by weight, from 25-30% by weight, from 30-70% by weight, from 30-65% by weight, from 30-60% by weight, from 30-55% by weight, from 30-50% by weight, from 30-45% by weight, from 30-40% by weight, from 30-35% by weight, from 35-70% by weight, from 35-65% by weight, from 35-60% by weight, from 35-55% by weight, from 35-50% by weight, from 35-45% by weight, from 35-40% by weight, from 40-70% by weight, from 40-65% by weight, from 40-60% by weight, from 40-55% by weight, from 40-50% by weight, from 40-45% by weight, from 50-70% by weight, from 50-65% by weight, from 50-60% by weight, from 50-55% by weight, from 55-70% by weight, from 55-65% by weight, from 55-60% by weight, and from 60-70% by weight.

In certain embodiments, the at least one glycol can be 1 ,2- ethanediol. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition may include 1,2- ethanediol in an amount ranging from 5-70% by weight, such as, for example, from 5-65% by weight, from 5-60% by weight, from 5-55% by weight, from 5- 50% by weight, from 5-45% by weight, from 5-40% by weight, from 5-35% by weight, from 5-30% by weight, from 5-25% by weight, from 5-20% by weight, from 5- 15% by weight, from 5-10% by weight, from 10-70% by weight, from 10- 65% by weight, from 10-60% by weight, from 10-55% by weight, from 10-50% by weight, from 10-45% by weight, from 10-40% by weight, from 10-35% by weight, from 10-30% by weight, from 10-25% by weight, from 10-20% by weight, from 10-15% by weight, from 15-70% by weight, from 15-65% by weight, from 15-60% by weight, from 15-55% by weight, from 15-50% by weight, from 15-45% by weight, from 15-40% by weight, from 15-35% by weight, from 15-30% by weight, from 15-25% by weight, from 15-20% by weight, from 20-70% by weight, from 20-65% by weight, from 20-60% by weight, from 20-55% by weight, from 20-50% by weight, from 20-45% by weight, from 20-40% by weight, from 20-35% by weight, from 20-30% by weight, from 20-25% by weight, from 25-70% by weight, from 25-65% by weight, from 25-60% by weight, from 25-55% by weight, from 25-50% by weight, from 25-45% by weight, from 25-40% by weight, from 25-35% by weight, from 25-30% by weight, from 30-70% by weight, from 30-65% by weight, from 30-60% by weight, from 30-55% by weight, from 30-50% by weight, from 30-45% by weight, from 30-40% by weight, from 30-35% by weight, from 35-70% by weight, from 35-65% by weight, from 35-60% by weight, from 35-55% by weight, from 35-50% by weight, from 35-45% by weight, from 35-40% by weight, from 40-70% by weight, from 40-65% by weight, from 40-60% by weight, from 40-55% by weight, from 40-50% by weight, from 40-45% by weight, from 50-70% by weight, from 50-65% by weight, from 50-60% by weight, from 50-55% by weight, from 55-70% by weight, from 55-65% by weight, from 55-60% by weight, and from 60-70% by weight. The cleaning compositions of the present disclosure comprise at least one hydroxy alcohol. In certain embodiments, the cleaning compositions of the present disclosure comprise at least one monohydroxy alcohol. In alternative embodiments, the cleaning compositions of the present disclosure comprise at least one polyhydroxy alcohol. In other embodiments, the cleaning compositions of the present disclosure comprise a combination of at least one monohydroxy alcohol and at least one polyhydroxy alcohol.

The at least one hydroxy alcohol can be present in the cleaning compositions of the disclosure in an amount ranging from 5-40% by weight, such as, for example, from 5-35% by weight, from 5-30% by weight, from 5-25% by weight, from 5-20% by weight, from 5-15% by weight, from 5-10% by weight, from 10-40% by weight, from 10-35% by weight, from 10-30% by weight, from 10-25% by weight, from 10-20% by weight, from 10-15% by weight, 15-40% by weight, from 15-35% by weight, from 15-30% by weight, from 15-25% by weight, from 15-20% by weight, 20-40% by weight, from 20-35% by weight, from 20-30% by weight, from 20-25% by weight, from 25-40% by weight, from 25-35% by weight, from 25-30% by weight, 30-40% by weight, and from 35- 45% by weight.

In certain embodiments, the at least one hydroxy alcohol can be a monohydroxy alcohol chosen from isopropanol, n-propanol, isobutanol, and ethanol. In certain embodiments, the at least one hydroxy alcohol can be a polyhydroxy alcohol chosen from glycerol, sorbitol, and xylitol.

A cleaning composition of the disclosure may include isopropanol. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition may comprise isopropanol in an amount ranging from 5-40% by weight, such as, for example, from 5-35% by weight, from 5-30% by weight, from 5-25% by weight, from 5-20% by weight, from 5-15% by weight, from 5-10% by weight, from 10-40% by weight, from 10- 35% by weight, from 10-30% by weight, from 10-25% by weight, from 10-20% by weight, from 10-15% by weight, 15-40% by weight, from 15-35% by weight, from 15-30% by weight, from 15-25% by weight, from 15-20% by weight, 20- 40% by weight, from 20-35% by weight, from 20-30% by weight, from 20-25% by weight, from 25-40% by weight, from 25-35% by weight, from 25-30% by weight, 30-40% by weight, and from 35-45% by weight. The cleaning compositions of the present disclosure further comprise at least one amine. In certain embodiments, the at least one amine can be chosen from triethanolamine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, monomethylamine, dimethylamine, ethylenediamine, propylenediamine, cyclohexylamine, diethylethanolamine, ethyl diethanolamine, and morpholine.

The at least one amine can be present in the cleaning compositions of the disclosure in an amount ranging from 1-15% by weight, such as, for example, from 1-13% by weight, from 1-12% by weight, from 1-10% by weight, from 1-8% by weight, from 1-7% by weight, from 1-5% by weight, from 1-3% by weight, from 2-15% by weight, from 2-13% by weight, from 2-12% by weight, from 2-10% by weight, from 2-8% by weight, from 2-7% by weight, from 2-5% by weight, from 3-15% by weight, from 3-13% by weight, from 3- 12% by weight, from 3-10% by weight, from 3-8% by weight, from 3-7% by weight, from 3-5% by weight, from 4-15% by weight, from 4-13% by weight, from 4- 12% by weight, from 4- 10% by weight, from 4-8% by weight, from 4-7% by weight, from 5-15% by weight, from 5-13% by weight, from 5-12% by weight, from 5-10% by weight, from 5-8% by weight, from 5-7% by weight, from 7-15% by weight, from 7-13% by weight, from 7-12% by weight, from 7- 10% by weight, from 8-15% by weight, from 8-13% by weight, from 8-12% by weight, and from 8-10% by weight.

In certain embodiments, the at least one amine can be triethanolamine. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition of the present disclosure can comprise triethanolamine in an amount ranging from 1-15% by weight, such as, for example, from 1-13% by weight, from 1-12% by weight, from 1-10% by weight, from 1-8% by weight, from 1-7% by weight, from 1-5% by weight, from 1-3% by weight, from 2-15% by weight, from 2-13% by weight, from 2-12% by weight, from 2-10% by weight, from 2-8% by weight, from 2-7% by weight, from 2-5% by weight, from 3-15% by weight, from 3-13% by weight, from 3-12% by weight, from 3-10% by weight, from 3-8% by weight, from 3-7% by weight, from 3-5% by weight, from 4-15% by weight, from 4-13% by weight, from 4-12% by weight, from 4-10% by weight, from 4-8% by weight, from 4-7% by weight, from 5-15% by weight, from 5-13% by weight, from 5-12% by weight, from 5-10% by weight, from 5-8% by weight, from 5-7% by weight, from 7-15% by weight, from 7-13% by weight, from 7-12% by weight, from 7- 10% by weight, from 8-15% by weight, from 8-13% by weight, from 8-12% by weight, and from 8-10% by weight.

The cleaning composition s of the present disclosure further comprise at least one alkaline metal hydroxide. In certain embodiments, the at least one metal hydroxide can be chosen from potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide.

The at least one alkaline metal hydroxide can be present in the cleaning compositions of the disclosure in an amount ranging from 0.5-10% by weight, such as, for example, from 0.5-8% by weight, from 0.5-7% by weight, from 0.5-5% by weight, from 0.5-4% by weight, from 0.5-3% by weight, from 0.5-2% by weight, from 1-10% by weight, such as, for example, from 1-8% by weight, from 1-7% by weight, from 1-5% by weight, from 1-4% by weight, from 1-3% by weight, from 2-10% by weight, from 2-8% by weight, from 2-7% by weight, from 2-5% by weight, from 2-4% by weight, from 3-10% by weight, from 3-8% by weight, from 3-7% by weight, from 3-5% by weight, from 4-10% by weight, from 4-8% by weight, from 4-7% by weight, from 5-10% by weight, from 5-8% by weight, and from 5-7% by weight.

In certain embodiments, a cleaning composition may include potassium hydroxide. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition may include potassium hydroxide in an amount ranging from 0.5-10% by weight, such as, for example, from 0.5-8% by weight, from 0.5-7% by weight, from 0.5-5% by weight, from 0.5-4% by weight, from 0.5-3% by weight, from 0.5-2% by weight, from 1-10% by weight, such as, for example, from 1-8% by weight, from 1-7% by weight, from 1-5% by weight, from 1-4% by weight, from 1-3% by weight, from 2-10% by weight, from 2-8% by weight, from 2-7% by weight, from 2-5% by weight, from 2-4% by weight, from 3-10% by weight, from 3-8% by weight, from 3-7% by weight, from 3-5% by weight, from 4-10% by weight, from 4-8% by weight, from 4-7% by weight, from 5-10% by weight, from 5-8% by weight, and from 5-7% by weight.

The cleaning composition of the present disclosure can be used and is effective for cleaning at least one component of an engine. By "effective," the cleaning composition is not required to remove 100% of the contaminants of the at least one component of an engine. The cleaning composition may have different levels of effectiveness under different conditions, such as for example, humidity, temperature, time length of contact between the engine component and the cleaning composition. Further, different circumstances may mandate difference levels of effective cleaning. For example, under certain conditions, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or greater removal of contaminants of an engine component may be considered "effective."

In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition has a combined amount of at least one solvent, at least one alkali metal hydroxide, and optionally at least one hydroxyl alcohol that is effective for cleaning at least one component of an engine. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition can be used for cleaning a fuel injector, such as for example, a fuel injector of an engine including, for example, a nozzle of the fuel injector. The fuel injector, in certain embodiments, may be a fuel injector of a regeneration assembly of an engine, also known as an afterburner. An example of a regeneration assembly is described in U.S. Application Serial Nos. 11/503,306 and 11/641,777. The fuel supply component cleaning systems described in those two patent applications may employ a cleaning composition of the present disclosure.

In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition has a freezing point at or below -10 °C, such as, for example, at or below -15 °C, at or below - 20 °C, at or below -22 °C, at or below -25 °C, at or below -28 °C, at or below -30 °C, at or below -32 °C, at or below -35 ⁰C, at or below -38 °C, at or below -40 °C, at or below -42 °C, at or below -45 °C, at or below -48 °C, at or below -50 °C, at or below -55 °C, and at or below -60 °C. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition has a combined amount of at least one glycol and at least one hydroxy alcohol that is effective for maintaining the freezing point at or below the desired temperature.

Accordingly, the cleaning composition of the present disclosure may comprise 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol, 1 ,2-ethanediol, isopropanol, triethanolamine, and potassium hydroxide. The cleaning composition may further comprise water. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition can comprise, by weight, 3-30% of 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol, 5-70% of 1 ,2- ethanediol, 5-30% of isopropanol, 1-15% of triethanolamine, and 0.5-10% of potassium hydroxide. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition can comprise, by weight, 5- 15% of 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol, 30-50% of 1 ,2- ethanediol, 10-20% of isopropanol, 3-7% of triethanolamine, and 1-5% of potassium hydroxide. In a further embodiment, the cleaning composition can comprise, by weight, 7-13% of 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol, 30-50% of 1,2- ethanediol, 10-20% of isopropanol, 3-7% of triethanolamine, and 1-5% of potassium hydroxide.

In additional embodiments, the cleaning composition of the present disclosure can comprise, by weight, 3-30% of at least one glycol ether, 5- 70% of at least one glycol, 5-30% of at least one hydroxyl alcohol, 1-15% of at least one amine, and 0.5-10% of at least one alkaline metal hydroxide. In certain embodiments, the cleaning composition can comprise, by weight, 3-30% of at least one glycol ether chosen from ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol), ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; 5-70% of at least one glycol chosen from propylene glycol, monoethylene glycol (1,2-ethanediol), diethylene glycol, hexylene glycol (2-methyl-2, 4 pentanediol), triethylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol; 5-30% of at least one hydroxyl alcohol chosen from isopropanol, n- propanol, isobutanol, ethanol, glycerol, sorbitol, and xylitol; 1-15% of at least one amine chosen from triethanolamine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, monomethylamine, dimethylamine, ethylenediamine, propylenediamine, cyclohexylamine, diethylethanolamine, ethyl diethanolamine, and morpholine, and 0.5-10% of at least one alkaline metal hydroxide chosen from potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. The cleaning composition may further comprise water.

The disclosure also provides a cleaning apparatus that comprises a cleaning composition described herein. The cleaning apparatus may comprise a suitable container for housing the cleaning composition. The cleaning apparatus may further comprise a device or system for dispensing the cleaning composition for use. In certain embodiments, the cleaning apparatus may be a component of an engine.

The disclosure further provides a regeneration assembly, which may be used for regenerating a filter assembly in an aftertreatment system for an engine. An aftertreatment system generally refers to a system for decreasing the amount of emissions exhausted by an engine including diesel engines, gasoline engines, natural gas engines, and other engines in the art. An aftertreatment system may employ exhaust treatment devices such as particulate filters to remove particulate matter from the exhaust flow to control emissions. A particular filter may include filter material designed to capture particulate matter. After an extended period of use, however, the filter material may become partially saturated with particulate matter, such as soot. This partial saturation may hinder the ability of the particulate filter to remove particulates from the exhaust flow.

The collected particulate matter may be removed from the filter material through a process called regeneration. A particulate filter may be regenerated by increasing the temperature of the filter materials and the particulate matter in the filter material above the combustion temperature of the particulate matter. For regeneration to occur, oxygen must be available to facilitate oxidation of the soot. The increase in temperature results in oxidation of the collected particulate matter.

The increase in temperature to support oxidation of soot may be effectuated by a regeneration assembly including a combustion chamber. The combustion chamber may require a fuel injector unit for fuel that is to be ignited within the combustion chamber. In addition, a fuel supply circuit, including at least one flow passages, may be provided for delivering the fuel from a source to the fuel injector unit. During regeneration, fuel may flow through the fuel supply circuit and the fuel injector unit to support combustion within the regeneration assembly.

After a regeneration even or cycle, the supply of fuel to the regeneration assembly may be shut off. However, fuel may remain within the fuel supply circuit and the fuel injector unit. The fuel injector unit an/or fuel supply circuit may be subjected to a build-up of substances that may be contained within or derived from fuel remaining within the fuel injector unit and/or fuel supply circuit. These substances are considered as contaminants of the fuel injector unit and/or fuel supply circuit. For example, when fuel remains within a fuel injector unit and/pr fuel supply circuit for a time, the environment is conducive to a build-up of carbon deposits. Such a build-up of substances or contaminants may inhibit proper operation of the fuel injector unit and/or fuel supply circuit, and may adversely affect performance of the regeneration assembly.

Nozzle purging of fuel injector units may be effective in removing fuel from a fuel injector unit. However, residual fuel may remain in the fuel supply circuit after regeneration, and may leak toward the fuel injector unit. Moreover, valves in the fuel supply circuit may be subject to seepage or leakage, resulting in fuel leaking to the fuel injector after purging. As a result, the fuel injector unit may be exposed to contact with non-flowing fuel for a time sufficient to cause a build-up of deposits or contaminants, which may adversely affect fuel delivery to the regeneration assembly. Such a build-up may require fuel injector unit removal for cleaning, or replacement, and resulting downtime.

U.S. Application Serial No. 11/641,777 provides systems and methods for cleaning fuel supply components, particularly those components for supplying fuel to a regeneration assembly. The cleaning compositions and apparatuses of the present disclosure may be employed in those cleaning systems and methods. For example, a method for cleaning the fuel supply components may comprise operating a regeneration assembly to regenerate a filter assembly during a regeneration cycle, and supplying fuel through a fuel flow path to at least one fuel injector unit associated with the regeneration assembly during the regeneration cycle. The method may further comprise dispensing a cleaning composition of the present disclosure into the fuel flow path during a cleaning cycle. The method may also comprise directing the cleaning composition through the at least one fuel injector unit during the cleaning cycle. Certain embodiments also provide a system including a regeneration assembly configured to regenerate a filter assembly during a regeneration cycle, and a combustion chamber associated with the regeneration assembly. The system may further comprise a fuel injector unit for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber during the regeneration cycle. The system may also comprise a fuel flow path configured to direct fuel to the fuel injector unit. The system may further comprise a cleaning apparatus configured for dispensing a cleaning composition of the disclosure into the fuel flow path for cleaning the fuel injector unit during a cleaning cycle. Other embodiments provide a machine that includes an engine system having an exhaust flow path. The machine comprises a filter assembly in the exhaust flow path. The machine also comprises a regeneration assembly proximate the exhaust flow path upstream of the filter assembly, the regeneration assembly including a combustion chamber and configured to regenerate the filter assembly during a regeneration cycle. The machine also comprises at least one fuel supply circuit and at least one fuel injector unit associated with the combustion chamber. The machine further comprises a cleaning apparatus configured to dispense a cleaning composition of the present disclosure into the at least one fuel supply circuit and to the at least one fuel injector unit. In certain embodiments, the cleaning apparatus can be operably linked to a fuel supply circuit and/or a fuel injector unit. Certain embodiments may also comprise a sensor operably linked to the cleaning apparatus, wherein the sensor detects contaminants in the fuel supply components and thereby switches on the cleaning apparatus. In further embodiments, the sensor may be operably linked to an engine Electronic Control Module.

Accordingly, certain embodiments provide a method of cleaning at least one component of an engine or machine comprising contacting the at least one component with a cleaning composition of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the cleaning is conducted at or after the cleaning composition has been subjected to an outdoor temperature below -20 °C. In certain embodiments, the method may also comprise detecting contamination of the at least component of the engine and switching on a cleaning apparatus when the contamination is detected, thereby contacting the at least one component with the cleaning composition. A method of the disclosure may further comprise collecting and disposing of the cleaning composition after contacting the at least one component.

The disclosure further provides a cleaning kit. The cleaning kit may comprise a cleaning composition of the disclosure. The cleaning kit may further comprise instructions for use. The cleaning kit may also comprise at least one protective gear to prevent direct contact of the cleaning composition with an operator's skin or eye. The cleaning kit may further comprise a collection device for collecting and optionally storing the cleaning composition after its use. The disclosure also provides a collection device for collecting and optionally storing the cleaning composition after its use. In certain embodiments, the collection device may be a component of an engine or a machine of the disclosure.

Industrial Applicability The cleaning compositions, and related methods and compositions described herein may have a variety of applications. For example, a fuel supply component cleaning system as described in U.S. Application Serial Nos. 11/503,306 and 11/641,777 may employ a cleaning composition or a cleaning apparatus of the disclosure. The cleaning compositions and methods described herein will facilitate cleaning of one or more fuel supply components, such as a fuel injector unit, so as to remove undesirable deposits or contaminants that accumulate due to the presence of fuel. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed compositions and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

While exemplary embodiments have been disclosed in connection with cleaning fuel supply components, the disclosed compositions and methods may be applicable to clean a variety of other objects. Other embodiments will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only with the true scope of protection being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning composition comprising: at least one solvent and at least one alkali metal hydroxide in a combined amount effective for cleaning at least one component of an engine; at least one amine; at least one glycol and at least one hydroxy alcohol in a combined amount effective for maintaining the freezing point of the cleaning composition at or below -20 °C.

2. A cleaning composition comprising: at least one solvent and at least one alkali metal hydroxide; at least one amine; at least one glycol and at least one hydroxy alcohol in a combined amount effective for maintaining the freezing point of the cleaning composition at or below -20 °C, wherein the cleaning composition is effective for cleaning at least one component of an engine.

3. The cleaning composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one solvent is a glycol ether chosen from: ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol), ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether or diethylene glycol monoethyl ether.

4. A cleaning composition comprising: at least one glycol ether, at least one glycol, at least one hydroxy alcohol, at least one amine, and at least one alkali metal hydroxide.

5. The cleaning composition of claim 4, wherein the at least one solvent is a glycol ether chosen from: ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol), ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, or diethylene glycol monoethyl ether.

6. The cleaning composition of claim 4, wherein the cleaning composition is effective for cleaning at least one component of an engine.

7. The cleaning composition of claim 4, wherein the cleaning composition has a freezing point at or below -20 °C.

8. The cleaning composition of claim 1, 2, or 4, wherein the at least one amine is chosen from triethanolamine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, monomethylamine, dimethylamine, ethylenediamine, propylenediamine, cyclohexylamine, diethylethanolamine, ethyl diethanolamine, or morpholine.

9. The cleaning composition of claim 1, 2, or 4, wherein the at least one glycol is chosen from propylene glycol, monoethylene glycol (1,2- ethanediol), diethylene glycol, hexylene glycol (2-methyl-2, 4 pentanediol), triethylene glycol, or dipropylene glycol.

10. The cleaning composition of claim 1, 2, or 4, wherein the at least one hydroxy alcohol is a monohydroxy alcohol.

11. The cleaning composition of claim 10, wherein the monohydroxy alcohol is chosen from isopropanol, n-propanol, isobutanol, or ethanol.

12. The cleaning composition of claim 1, 2, or 4, wherein the at least one hydroxyl alcohol is a polyhydroxy alcohol.

13. The cleaning composition of claim 12, wherein the polyhydroxy alcohol is chosen from glycerol, sorbitol, or xylitol.

14. The cleaning composition of claim 1, 2, or 4, wherein the alkaline metal hydroxide is chosen from potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide.

15. The cleaning composition of claim 1, 2, or 6, wherein the at least one component of an engine is a fuel supply component.

16. The cleaning composition of claim 1, 2, or 6, wherein the fuel supply component is a fuel injector unit.

17. The cleaning composition of claim 15 or 16, wherein the fuel supply component supplies fuel to a regeneration assembly.

18. The cleaning composition of claim 1, 2, or 4 comprising 3- 30% (by weight) of 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol.

19. The cleaning composition of claim 1, 2, or 4 comprising 5- 70% (by weight) of 1 ,2-ethanediol.

20. The cleaning composition of claim 1, 2, or 4 comprising 5- 40% (by weight) of isopropanol.

21. The cleaning composition of claim 1, 2, or 4 comprising 1- 15% (by weight) of triethanolamine.

22. The cleaning composition of claim 1, 2, or 4 comprising 0.5- 10% (by weight) of potassium hydroxide.

23. The cleaning composition of claim 1, 2, or 4 comprising 2-(2- butoxyethoxy)ethanol, 1 ,2-ethanediol, isopropanol, triethanolamine, and potassium hydroxide.

24. The cleaning composition of claim 23 comprising, by weight, 3-30% of 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol,

5-70% of 1,2-ethanediol, 5-30% of isopropanol, 1-15% of triethanolamine, and 0.5-10% of potassium hydroxide.

25. The cleaning composition of claim 24 comprising, by weight, 5- 15% of 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol,

30-50% of 1,2-ethanediol, 10-20% of isopropanol, 3-7% of triethanolamine, and

1-5% of potassium hydroxide.

26. The cleaning composition of claim 1, 2, or 4 comprising, by weight, 3-30% of at least one glycol ether, 5-70% of at least one glycol, 5-30% of at least one hydroxyl alcohol, 1-15% of at least one amine, and 0.5-10% of at least one alkaline metal hydroxide.

27. The cleaning composition of claim 1, 2, or 4 comprising, by weight,

3-30% of at least one glycol ether chosen from ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethyl ene glycol monobutyl ether (2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol), ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether or diethylene glycol monoethyl ether,

5-70% of at least one glycol chosen from propylene glycol, monoethylene glycol (1,2-ethanediol), diethylene glycol, hexylene glycol (2- methyl-2, 4 pentanediol), triethylene glycol, or dipropylene glycol,

5-30% of at least one hydroxyl alcohol chosen from isopropanol, n-propanol, isobutanol, ethanol, glycerol, sorbitol, or xylitol,

1-15% of at least one amine chosen from triethanolamine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, monomethylamine, dimethylamine, ethylenediamine, propylenediamine, cyclohexylamine, diethylethanolamine, ethyl diethanolamine, or morpholine, and

0.5-10% of at least one alkaline metal hydroxide chosen from potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide.

28. A cleaning apparatus comprising the cleaning composition of claim 1, 2, or 4.

29. A regeneration assembly for regenerating a filter assembly of an engine comprising the cleaning apparatus of claim 28.

30. The regeneration assembly of claim 29 further associated with at least one fuel supply component, wherein the cleaning apparatus is operably linked to the at least one fuel supply component.

31. An engine comprising the cleaning apparatus of claim 29.

32. An engine comprising the regeneration assembly of claim 29, further comprising a sensor operably linked to the cleaning apparatus, wherein the sensor detects contaminants in the regeneration assembly and thereby switches on the cleaning apparatus.

33. An engine comprising the regeneration assembly of claim 30, further comprising a sensor operably linked to the cleaning apparatus, wherein the sensor detects contaminants in the at least one fuel supply component and thereby switches on the cleaning apparatus.

34. The engine of claim 33, wherein the sensor detects contaminants in a fuel injector unit.

35. The engine of claim 32 or 33, wherein the sensor is operably linked to an engine Electronic Control Module.

36. A cleaning kit comprising the cleaning composition of claim 1, 2, or 4 and instructions for use.

37. The cleaning kit of claim 36, further comprising a collection device comprising the cleaning composition after its use for cleaning.

38. A collection device comprising the cleaning composition of claim 1 , 2, or 4 after its use for cleaning.

39. An engine comprising the collection device of claim 38.

40. A method of cleaning at least one component of an engine comprising contacting the at least one component with a cleaning composition comprising: at least one glycol ether, at least one glycol, at least one hydroxy alcohol, at least one amine, and at least one alkali metal hydroxide.

41. The method of cleaning of claim 40, wherein the cleaning composition comprises, by weight, 3-30% of at least one glycol ether,

5-70% of at least one glycol,

5-40% of at least one hydroxy alcohol,

1-15% of at least one amine, and

0.5 to 10% of at least one alkali metal hydroxide.

42. The method of cleaning of claim 40, wherein the cleaning composition comprises, by weight,

3-30% 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol, 5-70% 1,2-ethanediol, 5-40% isopropanol, 1-15% triethanolamine, and 0.5 to 10% potassium hydroxide.

43. The method of cleaning of claim 40, wherein the cleaning is conducted at a temperature below -20 °C.

44. The method of cleaning of claim 40, further comprising: detecting contamination of the at least component of the engine.

45. The method of cleaning of claim 44, wherein the engine comprises a cleaning apparatus containing the cleaning composition, further comprising: switching on the cleaning apparatus when the contamination is detected, thereby contacting the at least one component with the cleaning composition.

46. The method of cleaning of claim 40, further comprising collecting and disposing of the cleaning composition after contacting the at least one component of the engine.

47. The method of cleaning of claim 40, wherein the at least one component of the engine is a fuel supply component.

48. The method of cleaning of claim 47, wherein the at least one fuel supply component supplies fuel to a regeneration assembly of the engine.

49. The method of cleaning of claim 40, wherein the at least one component of the engine is a fuel injector unit.

50. A machine comprising the engine of any of claims 31-33.