GB2124643A - Method of cleaning chimneys and the like - Google Patents

Method of cleaning chimneys and the like Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2124643A
GB2124643A GB08222403A GB8222403A GB2124643A GB 2124643 A GB2124643 A GB 2124643A GB 08222403 A GB08222403 A GB 08222403A GB 8222403 A GB8222403 A GB 8222403A GB 2124643 A GB2124643 A GB 2124643A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
cleaning composition
deposit
cleaning
composition
mist
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Granted
Application number
GB08222403A
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GB2124643B (en
Inventor
Eric Graham Fishlock-Lomax
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to GB08222403A priority Critical patent/GB2124643B/en
Publication of GB2124643A publication Critical patent/GB2124643A/en
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Publication of GB2124643B publication Critical patent/GB2124643B/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11DDETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D1/00Detergent compositions based essentially on surface-active compounds; Use of these compounds as a detergent
    • C11D1/88Ampholytes; Electroneutral compounds
    • C11D1/90Betaines
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11DDETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D2111/00Cleaning compositions characterised by the objects to be cleaned; Cleaning compositions characterised by non-standard cleaning or washing processes
    • C11D2111/40Specific cleaning or washing processes
    • C11D2111/42Application of foam or a temporary coating on the surface to be cleaned

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)

Abstract

A method of cleaning a surface covered by a deposit formed by the incomplete combustion of carbonaceous fuel, which comprises forming a fine spray or mist of a liquid cleaning composition capable of penetrating the deposit, allowing the spray or mist to penetrate and loosen the deposit and thereafter removing the loosened deposit from the surface. The cleaning composition is preferably an aqueous composition containing an amphoteric surfactant and an alkali.

Description

SPECIFICATION Method of cleaning chimneys and the like This invention concerns a method of cleaning surfaces covered with deposits of products formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels, such as soot, tars and resinous materials. The method is particularly applicable to chimneys, but is also applicable to other surfaces covered with similar deposits.
These deposits have to be removed periodically to prevent them becoming dislodged and falling down the chimney. They also constitute a fire hazard, and where heat transfer is required through the surface the deposit reduces the heat transfer efficiency, resulting in waste of fuel.
The traditional method of removing said deposits is by brushing which involves time and effort. Brushing is also ineffective against certain types of deposits, especially resins deposited as a result of burning wood. Other methods, such as vacuum application, have been found of limited effect, as have additives to the combustion area to promote burning of the deposits.
The removal of these deposits by washing with liquid compositions is generally precluded for various reasons, for example the absence of adequate drainage and the fire hazard caused by flammable constituents of such washing compositions.
I have now found a new method of cleaning such surfaces which involves the use of an acceptably small volume of a liquid cleaning composition. In this method, the liquid is atomised and a mist of the composition is passed over the surface to loosen or dislodge the deposit.
Cleaning is then completed by removing the loosened deposit by conventional means, e.g.
sweeping or suction.
The pre-treatment of the deposit in this way enables the final cleaning to be effected both more quickly and more easily. The method is also capable of removing resinous products formed by burning wood and similar materials which cannot normally be removed by conventional methods alone.
The invention thus provides a method of cleaning a surface covered by a deposit formed by the incomplete combustion of carbonaceous fuel, which comprises forming a fine spray or mist of a liquid cleaning composition capable of penetrating the deposit, allowing the spray or mist to penetrate and loosen the deposit and thereafter removing the loosened deposit from the surface. The invention also includes liquid cleaning compositions for use in this method.
This method is particularly applicable to domestic chimney cleaning but it can also be applied to other surfaces contaminated with similar deposits, e.g. industrial chimneys, ships funnels, boilers and furnaces.
The spray or mist of the cleaning compositions may be formed by atomising the composition under pressure. Conventional atomisation systems may be used, conveniently equipped with a nozzle which enables the atomised material to be directed as required. In the case of a chimney, the natural draught carries the mist up the chimney without assistance in some circumstances and as the mist moves up it penetrates and loosens the deposit; however, the movement of the mist across the surface can if necessary be assisted by blowing.
The cleaning composition used in my method is based on a non-flammable liquid carrier, preferably water, together with one or more chemicals capable of penetrating and loosening the deposit. The composition will thus usually contain a detergent, which is preferably an amphoteric surface active agent.
The surfactant is preferably of the type having the general formula (I) or (II)
where R is a C820 hydrocarbyl group, optionally substituted; R' is H or 1-6 alkyl; B is H, alkyl or substituted alkyl, or a group Q as defined below; Q is an anionic moiety; xis 2 to 6; y is O to 5; and z is O or 1.
In these compounds, R may for example be an alkyl, alkenyl or cycloalkyl group, an aralkyl or aralkenyl group in which the alkyl or alkenyl portion contains at least 6 carbon atoms; or the hydrocarbyl portion of a resinic acid containing at least two fused rings, e.g. as in the tricyclic pine resin acids such as abietic acid. R is preferably a C 10-16 alkyl group, e.g. a C,2 group. R may for example be the hydrocarbyl portion of lauric or coconut fatty acid, both of which contain a high proportion of C12 constituents. An example of an unsaturated R group is oleyl. R may for example be substituted by hydroxy, as in hydroxystearyl.
R1 is usually a hydrogen atom, but may be an alkyl group such as methyl.
When B is an alkyl group, it may have 1-6, preferably 2-4, carbon atoms, and is preferably a straight chain group. Examples of such groups are methyl and ethyl. The alkyl group may be substituted, for example by hydroxy, as in 2hydroxyethyl, or by amino.
The group Q may for example be of the formulaR2COOM where R2 is a C16 alkylene group (such as methylene or ethylene) and M is hydrogen or an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium ion (e.g.
mono-, di- or tri-hydroxyethylammonium). M is preferably sodium, and R2 is preferably methylene.
x is preferably 2 and y is preferably 0 or 1.
The surfactant thus preferably has one of the following structures:
RN(CH2CH2COOM)2 RNH.CH2CH2COOM RNH.CH(CH3)CH2COOM
The surfactant is generally used in an amount of up to 5% by weight of the cleaning composition, preferably 0.11.0%.
The cleaning composition may also contain an alkali, preferably in addition to the surface active agent. The alkali is preferably a strong alkali such as sodium hydroxide, and is generally present in an amount of up to 20% by weight of the composition, preferably 0.55%.
The cleaning composition may also contain further additives, for example water-softening agents and chelating agents.
The amount of cleaning composition used in any particular case will of couse depend on the particular circumstances, varying for example according to the area of the surface to be treated, the nature and amount of the deposit and the nature of the cleaning composition. As a general guide however, from 0.25-0.75 litres of the preferred composition described above will normally be sufficient for domestic chimney cleaning.
In the example below the following cleaning composition was used: sodium hydroxide 4 9 AmpholakXCE 1 g water 95 ml ("Ampholak" is a trade mark of Amphoterics Internation Ltd.).
Example 1 A high pressure pump was used which generated a pressure of about 800 p.s.i. and which was fitted with a nozzle capable of producing a fine spray or mist of the cleaning composition.
About 0.5 litre of the cleaning composition described above was atomised to a fine spray or mist. This mist, assisted by natural draught, was blown, for a few seconds, up the chimney of a wood-burning fire wherein resinous deposits as well as soot has accumulated. The chimney was then swept with a normal brush used for sweeping chimneys. Very little brushing was needed to ensure complete removal of the deposits, less effort was required and the process was effected in less than one third the time normally required for such an operation.
Furthermore, the results were superior to those obtained without use of the cleaning composition, even after extending brushing.
Example 2 Similar tests to those of Example 1 were conducted in a coal-burning fire and less brushing was needed than would normally be the case.
Less effort was required and the cleaning was effected more quickly. Furthermore the presence of the said small amount of liquid dampended the soot, resulting in less dusting and consequently less mess.
The following example is given to demonstrate the efficiency of the cleaning composition in other uses.
Example 3 The cleaning composition was placed in a small hand-held applicator wherein a small pressure was generated by squeezing a lever.
Using this simple apparatus, a small amount of the composition was sprayed onto a plastic sheet heavily contaminated with soot. The area sprayed immediately appeared cleaner and simple wiping left a prefectly clean surface with no remaining soot particles. An aerosol applicator may similarly be used.
Claims (Filed on 1-8-83) 1. A method of cleaning a surface covered by a deposit formed by the incomplete combustion or carbonaceous fuel, which comprises forming a fine spray or mist of liquid cleaning composition capable of penetrating the deposit, allowing the spray or mist to penetrate and loosen the deposit and thereafter removing the loosened deposit from the surface.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the surface is the surface of a chimney, a boiler, a furnace of a ship's funnel.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the spray or mist is formed by atomising the liquid cleaning composition.
4. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cleaning composition is an aqueous composition containing a detergent.
5. A method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the detergent is an amphoteric surfactant.
6. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the surfactant is of the type having the general formula (I) or (II)
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (15)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. mono-, di- or tri-hydroxyethylammonium). M is preferably sodium, and R2 is preferably methylene. x is preferably 2 and y is preferably 0 or 1. The surfactant thus preferably has one of the following structures: RN(CH2CH2COOM)2 RNH.CH2CH2COOM RNH.CH(CH3)CH2COOM The surfactant is generally used in an amount of up to 5% by weight of the cleaning composition, preferably 0.11.0%. The cleaning composition may also contain an alkali, preferably in addition to the surface active agent. The alkali is preferably a strong alkali such as sodium hydroxide, and is generally present in an amount of up to 20% by weight of the composition, preferably 0.55%. The cleaning composition may also contain further additives, for example water-softening agents and chelating agents. The amount of cleaning composition used in any particular case will of couse depend on the particular circumstances, varying for example according to the area of the surface to be treated, the nature and amount of the deposit and the nature of the cleaning composition. As a general guide however, from 0.25-0.75 litres of the preferred composition described above will normally be sufficient for domestic chimney cleaning. In the example below the following cleaning composition was used: sodium hydroxide 4 9 AmpholakXCE 1 g water 95 ml ("Ampholak" is a trade mark of Amphoterics Internation Ltd.). Example 1 A high pressure pump was used which generated a pressure of about 800 p.s.i. and which was fitted with a nozzle capable of producing a fine spray or mist of the cleaning composition. About 0.5 litre of the cleaning composition described above was atomised to a fine spray or mist. This mist, assisted by natural draught, was blown, for a few seconds, up the chimney of a wood-burning fire wherein resinous deposits as well as soot has accumulated. The chimney was then swept with a normal brush used for sweeping chimneys. Very little brushing was needed to ensure complete removal of the deposits, less effort was required and the process was effected in less than one third the time normally required for such an operation. Furthermore, the results were superior to those obtained without use of the cleaning composition, even after extending brushing. Example 2 Similar tests to those of Example 1 were conducted in a coal-burning fire and less brushing was needed than would normally be the case. Less effort was required and the cleaning was effected more quickly. Furthermore the presence of the said small amount of liquid dampended the soot, resulting in less dusting and consequently less mess. The following example is given to demonstrate the efficiency of the cleaning composition in other uses. Example 3 The cleaning composition was placed in a small hand-held applicator wherein a small pressure was generated by squeezing a lever. Using this simple apparatus, a small amount of the composition was sprayed onto a plastic sheet heavily contaminated with soot. The area sprayed immediately appeared cleaner and simple wiping left a prefectly clean surface with no remaining soot particles. An aerosol applicator may similarly be used. Claims (Filed on 1-8-83)
1. A method of cleaning a surface covered by a deposit formed by the incomplete combustion or carbonaceous fuel, which comprises forming a fine spray or mist of liquid cleaning composition capable of penetrating the deposit, allowing the spray or mist to penetrate and loosen the deposit and thereafter removing the loosened deposit from the surface.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the surface is the surface of a chimney, a boiler, a furnace of a ship's funnel.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the spray or mist is formed by atomising the liquid cleaning composition.
4. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cleaning composition is an aqueous composition containing a detergent.
5. A method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the detergent is an amphoteric surfactant.
6. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the surfactant is of the type having the general formula (I) or (II)
where R is a C820 hydrocarbyl group, optionally substituted; R' is H or C16 alkyl; B is H, alkyl or substituted alkyl, or a group Q as defined below; Q is an anionic moiety; xis 2 to 6; y is O to 5; and z is 0 or 1.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the surfactant has one of the following structures:
RN(CH2CH2COOM)2 RNH.CH2CH2COOM RNH.CH(CH3)CH2COOM
8. A method as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein the composition contains 0.1 - 1.0% by weight of the surfactant.
9. A method as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8 wherein the cleaning composition also contains an alkali.
10. A method as claimed in claim 9 wherein the alkali is sodium hydroxide.
11. A method as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the composition contains 0.55% by weight of an alkali.
12. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the cleaning composition contains 0.1-1.0% by -weight of surfactant as defined in claim 7 and 0.55% by weight of sodium hydroxide.
13. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the loosened deposit is removed by sweeping or suction.
14. A method as claimed in claim 1, substantially as described herein in any one of the Examples.
15. An aqueous cleaning composition as defined in any one of claims 4 to 12, when intended for use in a method as claimed in claim 1.
GB08222403A 1982-08-03 1982-08-03 Method of cleaning chimneys and the like Expired GB2124643B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08222403A GB2124643B (en) 1982-08-03 1982-08-03 Method of cleaning chimneys and the like

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08222403A GB2124643B (en) 1982-08-03 1982-08-03 Method of cleaning chimneys and the like

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB2124643A true GB2124643A (en) 1984-02-22
GB2124643B GB2124643B (en) 1986-03-12

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2561367C1 (en) * 2014-05-20 2015-08-27 Открытое акционерное общество "Уфимское моторостроительное производственное объединение" ОАО "УМПО" Method of cleaning of fuel manifold with injectors of combustion chamber of gas-turbine engine of fuel coking products
RU2614441C1 (en) * 2015-10-07 2017-03-28 Федеральное государственное унитарное предприятие "Всероссийский научно-исследовательский институт авиационных материалов" (ФГУП "ВИАМ") Method for cleaning parts of fuel manifolds of gas turbine engines from sludge and carbon pollution
RU2650438C1 (en) * 2017-05-04 2018-04-13 Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Рыбинский государственный авиационный технический университет имени П.А. Соловьева" Method of cleaning a duplex nozzle of combustion chamber of gas turbine engine of products from the coking of fuel and carbon and device for its implementation

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1157976A (en) * 1965-10-01 1969-07-09 Spitzer Joseph G Aerosol Oven Treating Compositions
GB1250357A (en) * 1967-11-24 1971-10-20
GB1309092A (en) * 1969-12-23 1973-03-07 Pyrene Chemical Services Ltd Process of and materials for cleaning the paintwork of road vehicles
GB1342077A (en) * 1970-10-15 1973-12-25 Rivenaes I Cleaning engines and boilers
GB1474389A (en) * 1974-06-18 1977-05-25 Pyrene Chem Services Ltd Cleaning composition and method

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1157976A (en) * 1965-10-01 1969-07-09 Spitzer Joseph G Aerosol Oven Treating Compositions
GB1250357A (en) * 1967-11-24 1971-10-20
GB1309092A (en) * 1969-12-23 1973-03-07 Pyrene Chemical Services Ltd Process of and materials for cleaning the paintwork of road vehicles
GB1342077A (en) * 1970-10-15 1973-12-25 Rivenaes I Cleaning engines and boilers
GB1474389A (en) * 1974-06-18 1977-05-25 Pyrene Chem Services Ltd Cleaning composition and method

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2561367C1 (en) * 2014-05-20 2015-08-27 Открытое акционерное общество "Уфимское моторостроительное производственное объединение" ОАО "УМПО" Method of cleaning of fuel manifold with injectors of combustion chamber of gas-turbine engine of fuel coking products
RU2614441C1 (en) * 2015-10-07 2017-03-28 Федеральное государственное унитарное предприятие "Всероссийский научно-исследовательский институт авиационных материалов" (ФГУП "ВИАМ") Method for cleaning parts of fuel manifolds of gas turbine engines from sludge and carbon pollution
RU2650438C1 (en) * 2017-05-04 2018-04-13 Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Рыбинский государственный авиационный технический университет имени П.А. Соловьева" Method of cleaning a duplex nozzle of combustion chamber of gas turbine engine of products from the coking of fuel and carbon and device for its implementation

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Publication number Publication date
GB2124643B (en) 1986-03-12

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PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee