WO2019111172A2

WO2019111172A2 - Water detecting semi-solid composition for hydrocarbons

Info

Publication number: WO2019111172A2
Application number: PCT/IB2018/059661
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shalini Gupta; Dharmendra Pandey; Tushar S. THORAT; D. T. Gokak; Sanjay Bhargava
Original assignee: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.
Priority date: 2017-12-05
Filing date: 2018-12-05
Publication date: 2019-06-13
Also published as: WO2019111172A3

Abstract

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a composition for detecting presence of water in a hydrocarbon fluid, the composition including: at least one dye; at least one binder; at least one alkali metal hydroxide; and a combination of CaCO3 and BaCO3; wherein said composition is in a semi- solid form at a temperature ranging from about 30°C to about 45°C, and wherein said composition produces a visibly detectable color change on contact with water present in the hydrocarbon fluid. The hydrocarbon fluid can be a petroleum product with at least one oxygenated liquid blended therewith, for example, ethanol blended motor spirit (EBMS). In an embodiment, the composition does not exhibit substantial leaching in the hydrocarbon fluid. The composition can enable detection of presence of entrained water in the hydrocarbon fluid.

Description

WATER DETECTING SEMI-SOLID COMPOSITION FOR HYDROCARBONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to compositions for detecting water. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an easy-to-use, water detecting semi-solid composition that can find utility in detecting the presence of water in hydrocarbons or mixture of hydrocarbons, such as gasoline, oil or other fuels, and particularly, the hydrocarbon blends like ethanol blended motor spirit (EBMS).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Globally, countries are now moving towards substitution of the conventional hydrocarbon based fuels with the bio-fuel(s) due to growing environmental concerns and energy security. Alcohol is becoming a familiar component of gasolines known as gasohols, wherein the alcohol content is often found to be as much as 10%, and in some specialty fuels it can approach nearly 100%. Although ethanol is most often the alcohol of choice, other alcohols such as methanol or tertiary butanol are sometimes added to gasoline or even used as fuels themselves for various reasons. In this regard, the propensity of alcohols to absorb water from the environment has long been known, where it is theoretically possible to find as much as 10% disbursed water in alcohol, which would translate into about 1% water disbursed in gasohols containing 10% alcohol.

[0004] In countries like Brazil, more than 80% of ethanol is being blended in motor spirits. Government of India has also taken steps to make ethanol blending mandatory in gasoline. In metro cities and some other Indian states/cities, 10% ethanol is being blended in gasoline, depending upon the availability. Ethanol blending in gasoline reduces particulate emissions and improves the combustion. Due to its hygroscopic nature, ethanol is stored in a separate moisture resistant tanks and blending in motor spirit is done online.

[0005] The antagonistic effects of excessive water in a fuel system cannot be overstated as ranging from corrosion to poor engine performance, and accordingly over the past 30 years, there have been various methods proposed and described for detecting water and/or alcohol in engine fuels. Detection of free (undissolved) water and/or entrained water in hydrocarbon fuels (such as EBMS) is of particular importance. To minimize this hazard, it is normal practice to inspect all fuel for the presence of free water/entrained water or other aqueous solutions.

[0006] Though some of the reports propose and/or claim to have developed the visual indicating paste composition for producing a detectable color change upon contact with an aqueous solution, they are far from satisfactory, primarily, due to the fact that such compositions inherently carry the propensity of “leaching” or “being washed out” from the applicator when contacted with the hydrocarbons being tested for the presence of water therein. This problem (leaching) is quite severe in the cases, where such compositions are put to practice to detect water in hydrocarbons blended with alcohol(s) or such other oxygenated liquids (for example, EBMS). In other scenarios, water may penetrate such pastes, should humid conditions exist during manufacture or storage of the paste. Also, water may be introduced along with the ingredients, such as liquid carriers, employed in the formulation of such paste compositions. Further, water may be absorbed by the paste while opening the container during the application of the paste by the user. A person skilled in the pertinent art would immediately realize that these challenges have precluded the utility of such compositions at the commercial level so far.

[0007] In view of above stated shortcomings, there exists a need for a visual water detecting semi solid composition that can detect the presence of water in the hydrocarbons being tested without exhibiting substantial leaching therein. Need is also felt of a composition that can quantitatively detect the water, ranging from 0.1% by volume to about 50% by volume, present in the hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon blends.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Primary object of the present disclosure is to provide a water detecting semi-solid composition that upon contact with an aqueous solution develop a visibly detectable color change.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a visual water detecting semi-solid composition that can react almost instantaneously with the water present in a hydrocarbon.

[00010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a visual water detecting semi-solid composition that does not leach/get dissolved in the hydrocarbon being tested for presence of water therein. [00011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a visual water detecting semi-solid composition, which is stable and has a long shelf-life.

[00012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a visual water detecting semi-solid composition, which is useful for detecting the water level ranging from 0.1% by volume to about 50% by volume in the fuels or hydrocarbons with oxygenated components blended therein.

[00013] Other objects of the present disclosure will be apparent from the description of the invention herein below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00014] The present disclosure generally relates to compositions for detecting water. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an easy-to-use, water detecting semi-solid composition that can find utility in detecting the presence of water in hydrocarbons or mixture of hydrocarbons, such as gasoline, oil or other fuels, and particularly, the hydrocarbon blends like ethanol blended motor spirit (EBMS).

[00015] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a composition for detecting presence of water in a hydrocarbon fluid, the composition including: at least one dye; at least one binder; at least one alkali metal hydroxide; and a combination of CaC03 and BaC03; wherein said composition is in a semi-solid form at a temperature ranging from about 30°C to about 45°C, and wherein said composition produces a visibly detectable color change on contact with water present in the hydrocarbon fluid. In an embodiment, said composition does not exhibit substantial leaching in said hydrocarbon fluid. In an embodiment, said composition effects detection of presence of entrained water in said hydrocarbon fluid. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid is a petroleum product with at least one oxygenated liquid blended therewith. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid is ethanol blended motor spirit (EBMS). In an embodiment, said composition includes CaC03 and BaC03 in a weight ratio ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5. In an embodiment, said composition includes CaC03 and BaC03 in a weight ratio of about 1.0. In an embodiment, said at least one alkali metal hydroxide is selected from a group including calcium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide. In an embodiment, said at least one dye includes a combination of an indicator dye and a neutral dye. In an embodiment, said composition produces visibly detectable color change on contact with the water present in the hydrocarbon fluid at a pH ranging from about 7 to about 11. In an embodiment, said composition includes at least one dye in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition; at least one surfactant in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 30% by weight of the composition; at least one liquid carrier in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 30% by weight of the composition; at least one alkali metal hydroxide in an amount ranging from about 2% to about 5% by weight of the composition; at least one binder in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 5% by weight of the composition; and a combination of CaC03 and BaC03 in an amount ranging from about 30% to about 80% by weight of the composition, wherein the combination comprises CaC03 and BaC03 in a weight ratio ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5.

[00016] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a substantially anhydrous paste composition that produces a visibly detectable color change on contact with water present in a hydrocarbon fluid, the composition comprising at least one dye, at least one binder, at least one alkali metal hydroxide, and a combination of CaC03 and BaC03, characterized in that, the composition comprises CaC03 and BaC03 in a weight ratio ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5, and wherein the composition does not exhibit substantial leaching in said hydrocarbon fluid. In an embodiment, said composition comprises the combination of CaC03 and BaC03 in an amount ranging from about 30% to about 80% by weight of the composition. In an embodiment, said composition produces the visibly detectable color change on contact with entrained water present in said hydrocarbon fluid. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid is a petroleum product with at least one oxygenated liquid blended therewith. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid is ethanol blended motor spirit (EBMS).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00017] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more comprehensively with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of the ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[00018] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions may be included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention. [00019] As used in the description herein, the meaning of“a,”“an,” and“the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of“in” includes“in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[00020] As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include”, “includes”, and“including” are meant to be non-limiting, i.e., other steps and other ingredients which do not affect the end of result can be added. The above terms encompass the terms“consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’.

[00021] The term“composition does not exhibit substantial leaching in hydrocarbon”, as used herein, refers to compositions that exhibit less than about 30% of leaching (by weight of the composition introduced into and/or contacted with the hydrocarbon), preferably less than about 20% of leaching (by weight of the composition introduced into and/or contacted with the hydrocarbon) and most preferably less than about 10% of leaching (by weight of the composition introduced into and/or contacted with the hydrocarbon), when introduced into and/or contacted with the hydrocarbon to be tested for presence of water therein.

[00022] As used herein, the terms“composition”“blend,” or“mixture” are all intended to be used interchangeably.

[00023] The terms “weight percent,” “wt-%,” “percent by weight,” “% by weight,” and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of a substance as the weight of that substance divided by the total weight of the composition and multiplied by 100. It is understood that, as used here,“percent,”“%,” and the like are intended to be synonymous with“weight percent,”“wt- %,” etc.

[00024] The present disclosure generally relates to compositions for detecting water. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an easy-to-use, water detecting semi-solid composition that can find utility in detecting the presence of water in hydrocarbons or mixture of hydrocarbons, such as gasoline, oil or other fuels, and particularly, the hydrocarbon blends like ethanol blended motor spirit (EBMS).

[00025] The composition of the present disclosure produces visibly detectable color change upon contact with water. Inventors of the present disclosure surprisingly realized that inclusion of a combination of calcium carbonate (CaCOi) and barium carbonate (BaCOi) in a defined proportion in the composition confers an exceptional leaching resistance thereto, when used to detect the presence of water in hydrocarbons blended with alcohol(s) or such other oxygenated liquids (for example, EBMS). Accordingly, the advantageous compositions realized in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can be used to detect the presence of water in a variety of hydrocarbon blends containing oxygenated liquids like lower alcohols, ethers and the like without substantial leaching (alternatively and synonymously referred to as“bleeding” or“washing out” hereinafter in the present disclosure) therein.

[00026] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure provides a composition for detecting presence of water in a hydrocarbon fluid, the composition including: at least one dye; at least one binder; at least one alkali metal hydroxide; and a combination of CaC03 and BaC03; wherein said composition is in a semi-solid form at a temperature ranging from about 30°C to about 45°C, and wherein said composition produces a visibly detectable color change on contact with water present in the hydrocarbon fluid. In an embodiment, said composition detects presence of entrained water in said hydrocarbon fluid. In an embodiment, said composition does not exhibit substantial leaching in said hydrocarbon fluid. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid is a petroleum product with at least one oxygenated liquid blended therewith. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid is ethanol blended motor spirit (EBMS).

[00027] In an embodiment, said composition includes CaC03 and BaC03 in a weight ratio ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5. In an embodiment, said composition includes CaC03 and BaC03 in a weight ratio of about 1.0. In an embodiment, the CaCOi is coated CaCOi. In an embodiment, said at least one alkali metal hydroxide is selected from a group including calcium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide. In an embodiment, said at least one dye includes a combination of an indicator dye and a neutral dye. In an embodiment, said composition produces visibly detectable color change on contact with the water present in the hydrocarbon fluid at a pH ranging from about 7 to about 11. In an embodiment, said composition includes at least one dye in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition; at least one surfactant in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 30% by weight of the composition; at least one liquid carrier in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 30% by weight of the composition; at least one alkali metal hydroxide in an amount ranging from about 2% to about 5% by weight of the composition; at least one binder in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 5% by weight of the composition; and a combination of CaC03 and BaC03 in an amount ranging from about 30% to about 80% by weight of the composition, wherein the combination comprises CaC03 and BaC03 in a weight ratio ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5. [00028] In an embodiment, the indicator dye is a water-soluble, non-staining dye. In an embodiment, the indicator dye includes particles having diameters not greater than about 200 microns. In an embodiment, the indicator dye can produce visibly detectable color change on contact with the water present in the hydrocarbon fluid at a pH ranging from about 7 to about 11. In an exemplary embodiment, the indicator dye is selected from a group consisting of phenolphthalein, o- cresolphthalein, p-naphtholbenzein, ethyl bis(2,4-dinitrophenol) acetate, thymolphthalein, Nile Blue A (CI51180), and the like. In an embodiment, the indicator dye can be included in the water detecting semi-solid composition in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition.

[00029] In an embodiment, the neutral dye can be a green neutral dye which can be added to the water detecting semi-solid composition to impart a light green color to it, prior to use. In an embodiment, the neutral dye can be included in the water detecting semi-solid composition in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition.

[00030] In an embodiment, the surfactant can be any surface modifying surfactant. In an embodiment, the surfactant can include fatty acid ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylate family of non ionic surfactants, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the surfactant can include stearic acid ethoxylate, ethoxylated nonylphenol with 9 moles of ethylene oxide, and the like. In an embodiment, the surfactant can be included in the water detecting semi-solid composition in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 30% by weight of the composition.

[00031] In an embodiment, the liquid carrier can be any vehicle capable of absorbing water, but not readily leached by water or by the hydrocarbon fluid. In an embodiment, the liquid carrier can include any organic compound, or mixture thereof, which is inert to other ingredients of the water detecting semi-solid composition. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid carrier can be selected from a group including ethoxylated glyceryl monostearate, aliphatic polyols, alkylene glycols and polyalkylene glycols of sufficiently high molecular weight to preclude their solubility in the water/hydrocarbon environment in which the water detecting semi-solid composition is employed. Exemplary polyols that can be utilized in the paste composition of the present disclosure include 1 ,4- butanediol; l,3-butanediol; hexylene glycol; l,2,6-hexanetriol; and l,6-hexanediol. The polyalkylene glycols normally contain from between about 2 and 4 carbon atoms in each alkylene chain unit of the polyalkylene glycol. Exemplary polyalkylene glycols that can be utilized in the paste composition of the present disclosure include polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and polybutylene glycol having molecular weights between about 200 and about 4000. In an embodiment, the liquid carrier can have sufficiently high viscosity, low freezing point, and not inhibit fairly rapid, color reaction of the indicator dye upon contact with water or water in a hydrocarbon fluid. In an embodiment, the liquid carrier can be included in the water detecting semi-solid composition in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 30% by weight of the composition.

[00032] In an embodiment, the binder can be any synthetic resin based adhesive that binds the whole water detecting semi-solid composition of the present disclosure, together. In an exemplary embodiment, the synthetic resin based adhesive can include Fevicol SR 998 (available from Pidilite Industries). However, any other binder can be used to serve the purpose as laid down in embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the binder can be included in the water detecting semi-solid composition in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 5% by weight of the composition.

[00033] In an embodiment, the alkali metal hydroxide can be selected from a group consisting of calcium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide. The alkali metal hydroxide must not dissolve and ionize in the liquid carrier. In an embodiment, the alkali metal hydroxide can be included in the water detecting semi-solid composition in an amount ranging from about 2% to about 5% by weight of the composition.

[00034] While the calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate act in unison to confer leach resistance to the composition of the present disclosure, they can act as a filler material as well. However, inclusion of any other filler (apart from inclusion of defined proportion of CaC03 and BaC03) is completely within the scope of the present disclosure. Fillers generally increase the pH of the composition and result in the optimum hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance of the water detecting semi-solid composition of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the combination of CaC03 and BaC03 can be included in the water detecting semi-solid composition in an amount ranging from about 30% to about 80% by weight of the composition.

[00035] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a substantially anhydrous paste composition that produces a visibly detectable color change on contact with water present in a hydrocarbon fluid, the composition comprising at least one dye, at least one binder, at least one alkali metal hydroxide, and a combination of CaC03 and BaC03, characterized in that, the composition comprises CaC03 and BaC03 in a weight ratio ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5, and wherein the composition does not exhibit substantial leaching in said hydrocarbon fluid. In an embodiment, said composition comprises the combination of CaC03 and BaC03 in an amount ranging from about 30% to about 80% by weight of the composition. In an embodiment, said composition produces the visibly detectable color change on contact with entrained water present in said hydrocarbon fluid. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid is a petroleum product with at least one oxygenated liquid blended therewith. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid is ethanol blended motor spirit (EBMS).

[00036] The water detecting semi-solid composition of the present disclosure can produce a visibly detectable color change upon contact with water, generally within 30 seconds or less. Liquids such as fuel, petroleum, coal tar hydrocarbon oils, and the like petroleum products, however, do not effect a change in color of said water detecting semi-solid composition. In an exemplary embodiment, a green colored water detecting semi-solid composition can change to pink in color if water is present in the hydrocarbon fluid being tested. In case the hydrocarbon fuel being tested is free from water, the composition does not exhibit any change in color.

[00037] The water detecting semi-solid composition can be readily employed for detecting the presence of water in a hydrocarbon fluid at supply point of installations, retail outlets, storage tanks, and the like. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid can include kerosene, naphtha, diesel, gasoline, motor spirit, ethanol blended motor spirit, and the like. In an embodiment, the water detecting semi solid composition can be applied directly on a dip rod and subsequently inserted into a container holding hydrocarbon fluid that is suspected for presence of water. In an embodiment, the container holding a hydrocarbon fluid suspected for presence of some amount of water can include storage tanks, tank wagons, tank lories, RO storage tanks, and the like. Accordingly, the water detecting semi solid composition, as realized in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, is easy-to- use, quick, handy, and accurate. The water detecting semi-solid composition is environmentally safe and can be applied on a dip rod without the use of safety gloves or any other safety item, for detecting the presence of water.

[00038] In an embodiment, the semi-solid composition can include paste, gel, and the like formulations that is in semi-solid form at a room temperature (30°C to 45°C). Preferably, the composition of the present disclosure is formulated as a paste.

[00039] The water detecting semi-solid compositions of the present disclosure may be prepared by customary methods employed in the art for the production of water detecting paste compositions. In an embodiment, the water soluble, non-staining indicator dye can be mixed with a major portion of finely divided anhydrous solid selected from a group consisting of calcium carbonate, barium carbonate, barium sulfate, magnesium carbonate or combination thereof and chalk powder. In a preferred embodiment, said finely divided anhydrous solid is a mixture of coated calcium carbonate and barium carbonate. These materials may be in the form of finely divided technical grade crystalline powder, readily available from commercial sources.

[00040] In an embodiment, a method to form the water detecting semi-solid composition of the present disclosure can include the steps of: a) firstly heating the finely divided anhydrous solid ingredients (such as CaC03, BaC03 etc.) at a temperature of about H0°C for a time period ranging from about 72 hours to about 120 hours to completely remove moisture therefrom, b) heating the water soluble non-staining indicator dye for about 15 minutes to remove moisture therefrom, c) comminuting the dye to make smooth powder, d) mixing the water soluble non-staining indicator dye with a major portion of finely divided anhydrous solids (any or a combination of calcium carbonate, barium carbonate, barium sulfate, magnesium carbonate and combination thereof), e) effecting addition of neutral green dye to the mixture obtained from step d), f) dispersing the mixture from step e) in a liquid carrier, g) effecting addition of surfactant such as stearic acid ethoxylate, h) effecting mixing of all ingredients to form a smooth paste, and i) effecting addition of a synthetic rubber based adhesive thereto to make the final composition.

[00041] In an embodiment, each of the ingredients (e.g. dye, binder, alkali metal hydroxide, coated CaC03 and BaC03) can be pre-packed in tubes or bottles. The tubes/bottles can serve two functions, first to protect the quality of the chemical reagents used and second to avoid exposing them to moisture in the air. Greater sensitivity of said dye can be maintained if the dye is kept in sealed and away from moisture and air. Use of an inert gas in filling the bottles/tubes can further improve the stability of the dye sensitivity.

[00042] The present disclosure may be more fully understood by reference to the following examples:

EXAMPLES

Example 1

[00043] A paste with following composition was prepared:

[00044] All the ingredients were mixed together to make a smooth paste. The paste was applied on a dip rod and tested in an EBMS tank. The paste exhibited sharp color change due to presence of water in the EBMS. Further, the paste did not dissolve (i.e. no leaching was observed) in EBMS even after 15 minutes. The paste remained steady and firm.

Example 2 - Comparative Example

[00045] A paste with following composition was prepared:

[00046] All the ingredients were mixed together to make a smooth paste. The paste was applied on a dip rod and tested in an EBMS tank. The paste exhibited sharp color change due to presence of water in the EBMS but the paste was dissolved/leached in EBMS after 2 minutes.

Example 3 - Comparative Example

[00047] A paste with following composition was prepared:

[00048] All the ingredients were mixed together to make a smooth paste. The paste was applied on a dip rod and tested in an EBMS tank. The paste exhibited sharp color change due to presence of water in the EBMS but the paste was dissolved/leached in EBMS after 2 minutes.

Example 4

[00049] A paste with following composition was prepared:

[00050] All the ingredients were mixed together to make a smooth paste. The paste was applied on a dip rod and tested in an EBMS tank. The paste exhibited sharp color change due to presence of water in the EBMS. Further, the paste did not dissolve (i.e. no leaching was observed) in EBMS even after 15 minutes. The paste remained steady and firm.

[00051] Accordingly, it could be concluded that a combination of BaC03 + Coated CaC03 (as illustrated in example 1 and example 4) yields an anhydrous water detecting paste composition that is substantially non-leachable and can detect the presence of water, ranging from 0.1% by volume to about 50% by volume, in a hydrocarbon fluid blended with oxygenated liquid(s) like ethers or alcohols. [00052] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[00053] The present disclosure provides a water detecting paste composition which will, upon contact with aqueous solutions, develop a clear visible color change.

[00054] The present disclosure provides a visual water detecting paste composition which reacts fast with water/aqueous solution admixed with hydrocarbon.

[00055] The present disclosure provides a visual water detecting paste composition which does not leach/dissolve the matrix into the hydrocarbon being tested.

[00056] The present disclosure provides a visual water detecting paste composition which is stable and has a long shelf-life.

[00057] The present disclosure provides a visual water detecting paste composition, which is useful for detecting the water level, ranging from 0.1% by volume to about 50% by volume, in a hydrocarbon fluids containing oxygenated liquids blended therewith at supply point of installations, retail outlets and storage locations, and particularly for indicating sharp and distinct color changes without bleeding or running off the probe to which the paste will be applied.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A composition for detecting presence of water in a hydrocarbon fluid, the composition comprising:

at least one dye;

at least one binder;

at least one alkali metal hydroxide; and

a combination of CaC03 and BaC03;

wherein said composition is in a semi-solid form at a temperature ranging from about 30°C to about 45 °C, and wherein said composition produces a visibly detectable color change on contact with the water present in the hydrocarbon fluid.

2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said composition does not exhibit substantial leaching in said hydrocarbon fluid.

3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises CaC03 and BaC03 in a weight ratio ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5.

4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon fluid is ethanol blended motor spirit (EBMS), and wherein the composition enables detection of presence of entrained water in said hydrocarbon fluid.

5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one alkali metal hydroxide is selected from a group comprising calcium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide.

6. The composition as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said at least one dye comprises a combination of an indicator dye and a neutral dye.

7. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said composition produces visibly detectable color change on contact with the water present in the hydrocarbon fluid at a pH ranging from about 7 to about 11.

8. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said composition comprises: at least one dye in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition;

at least one surfactant in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 30% by weight of the composition;

at least one liquid carrier in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 30% by weight of the composition;

at least one alkali metal hydroxide in an amount ranging from about 2% to about 5% by weight of the composition;

at least one binder in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 5% by weight of the composition;

a combination of CaC03 and BaC03 in an amount ranging from about 30% to about 80% by weight of the composition, wherein the combination comprises CaC03 and BaC03 in a weight ratio ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5.

9. A substantially anhydrous paste composition that produces a visibly detectable color change on contact with water present in a hydrocarbon fluid, the composition comprising at least one dye, at least one binder, at least one alkali metal hydroxide, and a combination of CaC03 and BaC03, characterized in that, the composition comprises CaC03 and BaC03 in a weight ratio ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5, and wherein the composition does not exhibit substantial leaching in said hydrocarbon fluid.

10. The composition as claimed in claim 9, wherein the composition comprises the combination of CaC03 and BaC03 in an amount ranging from about 30% to about 80% by weight of the composition.