Solvent compositions for removing petroleum residue from a substrate and methods of use thereof

摘要

Water-soluble solvent compositions, including from about 10% to about 60% by weight of an aromatic ester; from about 30% to about 60% by weight of an aliphatic ester; from 0% to about 15% by weight of a co-solvent; from 0% to about 20% of one of a cyclic terpene and a terpenoid; from 0% to about 1% by weight of an odor-masking agent; and from 0% to about 20% by weight of a nonionic surfactant, for removing petroleum residue from a substrate, and methods of use thereof. The composition can further comprise water. The composition also can comprise an aqueous solution. The method for removing petroleum residue from a substrate can further comprise recycling the solvent composition by using a countercurrent separation column charged with compressed ammonia and/or carbon dioxide and a spinning band distillation column to separate the solvent composition from the petroleum residue.

主权项

1. A method for removing petroleum residue from a substrate, said method comprising:
(a) providing a composition, said composition comprising:
(i) from about 10% to about 60% by weight of an aromatic ester, wherein the aromatic ester is an alkylated benzoic acid ester selected from the group consisting of methyl benzoic acid ester, ethyl benzoic acid ester, n-propyl benzoic acid ester, isobutyl benzoic acid ester, n-butyl benzoic acid ester, tert-butyl benzoic acid ester, isomers of pentyl benzoic acid ester, isopropyl benzoic acid ester, and combinations thereof;(ii) from about 30% to about 60% by weight of an aliphatic ester, wherein the aliphatic ester is a fatty acid methyl ester;(iii) from 0% to about 15% by weight of a co-solvent, wherein the co-solvent is a hydrotrope;(iv) from 0% to about 20% by weight of one of a cyclic terpene and a terpenoid;(v) from 0% to about 1% by weight of an odor-masking agent; and(vi) from 0% to about 20% by weight of a nonionic surfactant; and (b) contacting the substrate with said composition such that the petroleum residue separates from the substrate; wherein the petroleum residue comprises asphalt, bitumen, or a combination thereof.