[0001] The present disclosure pertains to the technical field of cleaning compositions. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to a surface cleaning composition comprising at least one inorganic nitrate and at least one other active agent. The present disclosure also relates to a method of preparation of the surface cleaning composition, and to a method of cleaning process lines of oil refining or petrochemical plants, refinery furnaces, boilers and heat-exchangers.

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] In modern oil refineries, unwanted deposits on the walls of inner tubes of furnaces are an area of concern, as it reduces the heat transfer to the inner fluids. Typically, in a furnace, fuel is generally burnt in the presence of air in a combustion chamber, the air is supplied by a blower and the fuel enters the burning chamber through a series of burners aligned in different orientations. Upon combustion of fuel, the heat generated is being transferred to the fluids present inside the tubes located in the radiant as well as in convection section of the furnace. In a typical crude distillation unit, crude oil present inside these metal tubes gets heated to the desired temperature and enters into the distillation column for further processing. Over a period of time fuel sediments, coke, metal oxides and dust deposits on the surface of these tubes. These deposits reduce the efficiency of the heat transfer and increase the fuel consumptions, resulting in higher operating cost. Moreover, these deposits corrode the metal tubes and reduce their working life.
[0004] Various methods for cleaning refinery furnaces, heaters and boilers are conventionally used that includes high pressure water blasting, sand blasting and injection of chemicals to furnace walls and tubes. Among these, online chemical cleaning is one of the most recent and preferred choice of cleaning as it doesn’t require shutdown of the unit, and the chemicals in general leaves no residue in the furnace. However, very limited literature is available related to the development of such cleaning compositions and their applications in refinery furnaces.
[0005] UK Patent no. GB1378882 describes a method for the removal of deposits from surfaces, which comprises applying chemical to a heated surface. The chemicals used in the method are a combination of ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate and magnesium carbonate. The mixture is mechanically injected in the furnace as a free flowing powder.
[0006] WIPO Publication WO94/28091 discloses that breaking up deposits on metal surface can be enhanced in the presence of a pH stabilizer along with potassium nitrate and ammonium nitrate. An aqueous solution of potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate and a pH stabilizer was directly injected on the furnace walls.
[0007] US Patent no. US5841826 discloses a method for dislodging and dislocating scale, sludge, corrosion and other deposits from heat transfer equipment surfaces, such as boiler and heat exchanger surfaces in steam generation systems. The aqueous chemical cleaning solution containing water, a chelating agent or a non-corrosive chemical cleaning agent containing a carrier and/or intercalation agent was injected into the heat exchanger vessel. The non-corrosive chemical cleaning agent may be a lower alkyl amine, e.g., dimethylamine, lower hydroxyalkyl amine, e.g., ethanolamine and pentanolamine, or cyclic dimines, e.g., 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2'-bipyrindine and 4,4'-bypyridine, or combinations thereof.
[0008] US Patent no. US5021096 describes a method for removal of scale from heat transfer equipment in which the scale contaminated surface is first contacted with a cleaning composition, consisting essentially of an aqueous solution of hydroxyacetic acid and a polysaccharide gum and then contacted with a dilute aqueous solution of citric acid.
[0009] US Patent no. US9897401 discloses a composition comprising a waterless mixture which includes a biuret and/or urea, silica, and melamine particles coated with a layer of magnetite iron oxide for cleaning furnaces, heaters or boilers. A typical cleaning mixture comprises 30-50 percent silica, 20-50 percent biuret and/or urea, 20-40 percent melamine and 1-5 percent iron oxide. The cleaning may lead to a reduction in fuel consumption, less air pollution, increased throughputs, and avoidance of equipment damage.
[0010] Conventionally, majority of the cleaning formulations utilize ammonium nitrate as one of their active ingredients. However, ammonium nitrate is an explosive, and hence, its accumulation in large quantities may poses risk of explosion. Further, several countries including India has already banned the use of this chemical. Different surface cleaning compositions utilizing different chemical entities are known in the art; however, majority of these compositions suffers from drawbacks such as being explosive, corrosive, toxic and low thermal stability at high temperature.
[0011] There is, therefore, an unmet need in the art for an improved surface cleaning composition, and method of preparation thereof, that may overcome the drawbacks associated with the existing compositions. Need is also felt of a method of cleaning process lines of oil refining or petrochemical plants, refinery furnaces, boilers, heat-exchangers etc.
[0012] The present invention satisfies the existing needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the prior art.
[0013] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a surface cleaning composition that overcomes one or more limitations associated with the conventional cleaning compositions.
[0015] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a new and improved surface cleaning composition.
[0016] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a surface cleaning composition for online cleaning of surfaces of process lines of oil refining or petrochemical plants, refinery furnaces, boilers and heat-exchangers.
[0017] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a surface cleaning composition that is free from ammonium nitrate.
[0018] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a surface cleaning composition that is aqueous and non-acidic in nature.
[0019] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a surface cleaning composition that is thermally stable at higher temperatures.
[0020] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a surface cleaning composition that is non-explosive, non-corrosive and has a long shelf-life.
[0021] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a surface cleaning composition that is less polluting, particularly, which reduces NOx emission.
[0022] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a method of preparation of a surface cleaning composition.
[0023] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a method of cleaning the surfaces of process lines of oil refining or petrochemical plants, refinery furnaces, boilers and heat-exchangers.

SUMMARY
[0024] The present disclosure pertains to the technical field of cleaning composition. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to a surface cleaning composition comprising at least one inorganic nitrate and at least one other active agent. The present disclosure also relates to a method of preparation of the surface cleaning composition, and to a method of cleaning process lines of oil refining or petrochemical plants, refinery furnaces, boilers and heat-exchangers.
[0025] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a surface cleaning composition, the composition including: at least one inorganic nitrate in an amount ranging from 40% to 90% by weight of the composition; and at least one other active agent in an amount ranging from 10% to 60% by weight of the composition, the at least one other active agent being selected from any or a combination of at least one oxidant and at least one organic compound. In an embodiment, none of the at least one inorganic nitrate and the at least one oxidant is ammonium nitrate. In an embodiment, the composition is free of ammonium nitrate. In an embodiment, the at least one inorganic nitrate is selected from any or a combination of magnesium nitrate, guadinium nitrate and calcium nitrate. In an embodiment, the at least one oxidant is selected from any or a combination of ammonium bicarbonate, guadinium nitrate and calcium nitrate. In an embodiment, the at least one organic component is selected from any or a combination of ammonium acetate, ammonium formate, biuret, ammonium acetate and urea. In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into any of a solid formulation, a liquid formulation and a semi-solid formulation. In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into an aqueous formulation.
[0026] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for preparing a surface cleaning composition, the method including the steps of:
i. taking, at least one inorganic nitrate in an amount ranging from 40% to 90% by weight of the composition; and at least one other active agent in an amount ranging from 10% to 60% by weight of the composition, the at least one other active agent being selected from any or a combination of at least one oxidant and at least one organic compound, to form a mixture;
ii. effecting addition of the mixture into an aqueous solvent to prepare a surface cleaning composition, said aqueous solvent being maintained at a temperature of about 25°C to about 75°C.
[0027] In an embodiment, the pH of the surface cleaning composition is at least 7.5.
[0028] Further aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for cleaning a surface, the method including:
i. preparing a surface cleaning composition including: at least one inorganic nitrate in an amount ranging from 40% to 90% by weight of the composition; and at least one other active agent in an amount ranging from 10% to 60% by weight of the composition, the at least one other active agent being selected from any or a combination of at least one oxidant and at least one organic compound; and
ii. contacting the composition with the surface.
[0029] In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into any of a solid formulation, a liquid formulation and a semi-solid formulation. In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into an aqueous formulation. In an embodiment, the composition is contacted with the surface by spraying the composition. In an embodiment, the composition is contacted with the surface by injecting the composition. In an embodiment, the surface is having a surface temperature ranging from 400°C to 2000°C. In an embodiment, the at least one inorganic nitrate and the at least one oxidant is not ammonium nitrate. In an embodiment, the method for cleaning the surface is an online method. In an embodiment, the surface is a surface of a process line of oil refining or petrochemical plant, refinery furnace, boiler or heat-exchanger.
[0030] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrate an exemplary graph depicting arch temperature profile of the furnace, on application of surface cleaning composition, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the invention. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
[0034] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0035] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability.
[0036] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”
[0037] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0038] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, 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.
[0039] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable.
[0040] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.
[0041] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
[0042] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0043] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0044] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0045] The present disclosure pertains to the technical field of cleaning composition. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to a surface cleaning composition comprising at least one inorganic nitrate and at least one other active agent, wherein the at least one other active agent is selected from any or a combination of at least one oxidant and at least one organic compound. The present disclosure also pertains to a method of preparation of the surface cleaning composition, and its method of application in cleaning process lines of oil refining or petrochemical plants, refinery furnaces, boilers and a heat-exchanger.
[0046] As explained in the background, to overcome the problems associated with conventional cleaning compositions, inventors of the present disclosure surprisingly realized that inclusion of a combination of at least one inorganic nitrate and at least one other active agent selected from any or a combination of at least one oxidant and at least one organic compound (as claimed and disclosed in the present invention) in a defined proportion in the composition confers an improved thermal degradation profile, and an exceptional drop in arch temperature when applied to a furnace of a crude distillation unit. Accordingly, the advantageous compositions realized in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can be used to clean surfaces of process lines of oil refining or petrochemical plants, refinery furnaces, boilers and heat-exchangers, with improved thermal degradation profile and better cleaning efficiency.
[0047] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a surface cleaning composition, the composition including: at least one inorganic nitrate in an amount ranging from 40% to 90% by weight of the composition; and at least one other active agent in an amount ranging from 10% to 60% by weight of the composition, the at least one other active agent being selected from any or a combination of at least one oxidant and at least one organic compound. In an embodiment, none of the at least one inorganic nitrate and the at least one oxidant is ammonium nitrate. In an embodiment, the composition is free of ammonium nitrate.
[0048] In an embodiment, the at least one inorganic nitrate is selected from any or a combination of magnesium nitrate, guadinium nitrate and calcium nitrate. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other inorganic nitrates and oxidants, as known to or appreciated by a person skilled in the art can be utilized to serve its intended purpose in the instant invention, without departing from the scope and the spirit of the present disclosure.
[0049] In an embodiment, the at least one oxidant is selected from any or a combination of ammonium bicarbonate, guadinium nitrate and calcium nitrate. In an embodiment, the at least one organic component is selected from any or a combination of ammonium acetate, ammonium formate, biuret, ammonium acetate and urea. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other organic component, as known to or appreciated by a person skilled in the art can be utilized to serve its intended purpose in the instant invention, without departing from the scope and the spirit of the present disclosure.
[0050] In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into any of a solid formulation, a liquid formulation and a semi-solid formulation. In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into an aqueous formulation. The aqueous solvent may be water. The hardness of the water may be less than 500. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other aqueous solvent or mixture thereof may be utilized to serve its intended purpose, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.
[0051] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for preparing a surface cleaning composition, the method including the steps of:
i. taking, at least one inorganic nitrate in an amount ranging from 40% to 90% by weight of the composition; and at least one other active agent in an amount ranging from 10% to 60% by weight of the composition, the at least one other active agent being selected from any or a combination of at least one oxidant and at least one organic compound, to form a mixture;
ii. effecting addition of the mixture into an aqueous solvent to prepare a surface cleaning composition, said aqueous solvent being maintained at a temperature of about 25°C to about 75°C.
[0052] In an embodiment, the pH of the surface cleaning composition is at least 7.5.
[0053] Further aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for cleaning a surface, the method including:
i. preparing a surface cleaning composition including: at least one inorganic nitrate in an amount ranging from 40% to 90% by weight of the composition; and at least one other active agent in an amount ranging from 10% to 60% by weight of the composition, the at least one other active agent being selected from any or a combination of at least one oxidant and at least one organic compound; and
ii. contacting the composition with the surface.
[0054] In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into any of a solid formulation, a liquid formulation and a semi-solid formulation. In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into an aqueous formulation. In an embodiment, the composition is contacted with the surface by spraying the composition. In an embodiment, the composition is contacted with the surface by injecting the composition. In an embodiment, the surface is having a surface temperature ranging from 400°C to 2000°C. In an embodiment, the at least one inorganic nitrate and the at least one oxidant is not ammonium nitrate. In an embodiment, the method for cleaning the surface is an online method. In an embodiment, the surface is a surface of a process line of oil refining or petrochemical plant, refinery furnace, boiler or heat-exchanger.
[0055] In an embodiment, the surface cleaning composition is injected directly into the combustion chamber at a temperature between 400°C to 2000°C. In an embodiment, the surface cleaning composition dissociates at elevated temperature (e.g. furnace temperature) and reacts with the deposit present on the surface of combustion chamber/tube. Therefore, it is essential to determine thermal degradation profile of composition to assess if the composition serves its intended purpose of cleaning the deposit with superior efficiency. Thermal degradation of different compositions can be measured using thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) up to a temperature of 900°C in presence of air, and the same are provided in the example section.
[0056] The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning composition which is capable of synergistically enhancing the cleaning of the surface deposits, wherein ingredients of the composition of the present disclosure acts in unison (i.e. they exhibit functional reciprocity). The composition of the present disclosure surprisingly exhibits an improved thermal degradation profile and an exceptional drop in arch temperature when applied to surfaces of process lines of oil refining or petrochemical plants, refinery furnaces, boilers and heat-exchangers. Further, the composition is non-explosive, less polluting, non-acidic, non-corrosive with long shelf-life. Accordingly, the advantageous compositions realized in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can be used for online cleaning of the surface of process lines of oil refining or petrochemical plants, refinery furnaces, boilers and a heat-exchanger, with improved thermal degradation profile and an exceptional drop in arch temperature.
[0057] While the foregoing description discloses various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
[0058] Example 1 – Preparation of surface cleaning composition and its thermal degradation analysis using Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA):
[0059] 28 wt% of ammonium bicarbonate and 72 wt% magnesium nitrate were mixed in distilled water with constant stirring to obtain a clear solution, which was concentrated under reduced temperature followed by drying under high vacuum (0.1 torr) to obtain a white solid. TGA analysis of the solid up to 900°C resulted in 91.3% decomposition.
[0060] Example 2 – Preparation of Surface cleaning composition and its TGA analysis:
[0061] 28 wt% of ammonium acetate and 72 wt% magnesium nitrate were mixed in water with constant stirring to obtain a clear solution, which was concentrated under reduced temperature followed by drying under high vacuum (0.1 torr) to obtain a white solid. TGA analysis of the solid up to 900°C resulted in 94.2% decomposition.
[0062] Example 3 – Preparation of Surface cleaning composition and its TGA analysis:
[0063] 28 wt% of ammonium formate and 72 wt% magnesium nitrate were mixed in distilled water with constant stirring to obtain a clear solution, which was concentrated under reduced temperature followed by drying under high vacuum (0.1 torr) to obtain a white solid. TGA analysis of the solid up to 900°C resulted in 92.1% decomposition.
[0064] Example 4 – Preparation of Surface cleaning composition and its TGA analysis:
[0065] 28 wt% of guadinium nitrate and 72 wt% magnesium nitrate were mixed in distilled water with constant stirring to obtain a clear solution, which was concentrated under reduced temperature followed by drying under high vacuum (0.1 torr) to obtain a white solid. TGA analysis of the solid up to 900°C resulted in 95.2% decomposition.
[0066] Example 5 – Preparation of Surface cleaning composition and its TGA analysis:
[0067] 28 wt% of biuret and 72 wt% magnesium nitrate were mixed in distilled water with constant stirring to obtain a clear solution, which was concentrated under reduced temperature followed by drying under high vacuum (0.1 torr) to obtain a white solid. TGA analysis of the solid up to 900°C resulted in 92.4% decomposition.
[0068] Example 6 – Preparation of Surface cleaning composition and its TGA analysis:
[0069] 10 wt% of calcium nitrate and 90 wt% magnesium nitrate were mixed in distilled water with constant stirring to obtain a clear solution, which was concentrated under reduced temperature followed by drying under high vacuum (0.1 torr) to obtain a white solid. TGA analysis of the solid up to 900°C resulted in 88.8% decomposition.
[0070] Example 7 – Preparation of Surface cleaning composition and its TGA analysis:
[0071] 10 wt% of ammonium acetate, 10 wt% of urea, 30 wt% of water and 50 wt% magnesium nitrate were mixed with constant stirring to obtain a clear solution, which was concentrated under reduced temperature followed by drying under high vacuum (0.1 torr) to obtain a white solid. TGA analysis of the solid up to 900°C resulted in 90.6% decomposition.
[0072] Example 8 – Preparation of Surface cleaning composition and its TGA analysis:
[0073] 28 wt% of guadinium nitrate and 72 wt% magnesium nitrate were mixed in distilled water with constant stirring to obtain a clear solution. pH of the solution was adjusted to 8 using aqueous base. The mixture was concentrated under reduced temperature followed by drying under high vacuum (0.1 torr) to obtain a white solid. TGA analysis of the solid up to 900°C resulted in 95.2% decomposition.
[0074] Example 9 – Preparation of Surface cleaning composition and its TGA analysis:
[0075] 28 wt% of ammonium acetate and 72 wt% magnesium nitrate were mixed in water with constant stirring to obtain a clear solution. The pH of the solution was adjusted to 8.0 using aqueous base. The mixture was concentrated under reduced temperature followed by drying under high vacuum (0.1 torr) to obtain a white solid. TGA analysis of the solid up to 900°C resulted in 91.3% decomposition.
[0076] Example 10 – Preparation of Surface cleaning composition and its TGA analysis:
[0077] 28 wt% of guadinium nitrate and 72 wt% calcium nitrate were mixed in distilled water with constant stirring to obtain a clear solution, which was concentrated under reduced temperature followed by drying under high vacuum (0.1 torr) to obtain a white solid. TGA analysis of the solid up to 900°C resulted in 87.7% decomposition.
[0078] Application of surface cleaning composition for cleaning a furnace and its effect on Arch temperature of the furnace
[0079] 4000L surface cleaning composition was prepared by mixing Magnesium nitrate and Guanidine nitrate in water in a manner as disclosed in above examples. The pH of the composition was adjusted to above 8 and it was diluted further with water just before its application. The composition was injected into a crude distillation unit furnace by using a nozzle at a pressure between 4-8 Kg, and its effect was studied on arch temperature of the furnance.
[0080] In general, the arch temperature of the furnance increases with increase of the crude oil throughput. However, the arch temperature of the furnace reduced substantially and continuously with the application of composition of the present invention, even with the increase in the crude oil throughput, as depicted from FIG. 1 of the present disclosure. Table 1 below provides the comparison of arch temperature of the furnace before and after the application of surface cleaning composition of the present disclosure.

Table 1: Variation in furnace parameters before and after the application of
the surface cleaning composition
Furnace RCO feed (T/D) FG + FO
(T/D) Heat Duty - mmkcal/hr Avg. Arch temp, Deg. C Arch temp reduction
Deg. C Increase in RCO throughput (T/D)
Vacuum Distillation Unit Furnace Before surface cleaning composition 8392.0 68.7 28.5 848.9 40.1 672.5
After surface cleaning composition 9064.5 66.3 27.5 808.1

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0081] The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning composition that may overcome the limitations associated with the conventional cleaning compositions.
[0082] The present disclosure provides a new and improved surface cleaning composition.
[0083] The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning composition for online cleaning of surface of process lines of oil refining or petrochemical plants, refinery furnaces, boilers and a heat-exchanger.
[0084] The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning composition that is free from ammonium nitrate.
[0085] The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning composition that is aqueous and non-acidic in nature.
[0086] The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning composition that is thermally stable at higher temperatures.
[0087] The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning composition that is non-explosive, non-corrosive and has a long shelf-life.
[0088] The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning composition that is less polluting, particularly, reduces NOx emission.
[0089] The present disclosure provides a method of preparation of a surface cleaning composition.
[0090] The present disclosure provides a method of cleaning the surfaces of process lines of oil refining or petrochemical plants, refinery furnaces, boilers and a heat-exchanger.

Claims:1. A surface cleaning composition, the composition comprising:
at least one inorganic nitrate in an amount ranging from 40% to 90% by weight of the composition; and
at least one other active agent in an amount ranging from 10% to 60% by weight of the composition, said at least one other active agent being selected from any or a combination of at least one oxidant and at least one organic compound, further, none of the at least one inorganic nitrate and the at least one oxidant is ammonium nitrate.
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one inorganic nitrate is selected from any or a combination of magnesium nitrate, guadinium nitrate and calcium nitrate.
3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one oxidant is selected from any or a combination of ammonium bicarbonate, guadinium nitrate and calcium nitrate.
4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one organic component is selected from any or a combination of ammonium acetate, ammonium formate, biuret, ammonium acetate and urea.
5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is formulated into a solid formulation, a liquid formulation and a semi-solid formulation.
6. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is formulated into an aqueous formulation.
7. A method for preparing a surface cleaning composition, the method comprising the steps of:
i. taking, at least one inorganic nitrate in an amount ranging from 40% to 90% by weight of the composition; and at least one other active agent in an amount ranging from 10% to 60% by weight of the composition, wherein the at least one other active agent is selected from any or a combination of at least one oxidant and at least one organic compound to form a reaction mixture;
ii. effecting addition of the reaction mixture into an aqueous solvent to prepare a surface cleaning composition, wherein said aqueous solvent is maintained at a temperature of about 25°C to about 75°C.
8. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein none of the at least one inorganic nitrate and the at least one oxidant is ammonium nitrate.
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one inorganic nitrate is selected from any or a combination of magnesium nitrate, guadinium nitrate and calcium nitrate, the at least one oxidant is selected from any or a combination of ammonium bicarbonate, guadinium nitrate and calcium nitrate, and the at least one organic component is selected from any or a combination of ammonium acetate, ammonium formate, biuret, ammonium acetate and urea.
10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pH of the surface cleaning composition is at least 7.5.
11. A method for cleaning a surface, the method comprising:
i. preparing a surface cleaning composition comprising, at least one inorganic nitrate in an amount ranging from 40% to 90% by weight of the composition; and at least one other active agent in an amount ranging from 10% to 60% by weight of the composition, wherein the at least one other active agent is selected from any or a combination of at least one oxidant and at least one organic compound;
ii. contacting the composition with the surface.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the composition is applied to the surface by any of spraying the composition or injecting the composition, said surface having a surface temperature ranging from 400°C to 2000°C.
13. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein none of the at least one inorganic nitrate and the at least one oxidant is ammonium nitrate.
14. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one inorganic nitrate is selected from any or a combination of magnesium nitrate, guadinium nitrate and calcium nitrate, the at least one oxidant is selected from any or a combination of ammonium bicarbonate, guadinium nitrate and calcium nitrate and the at least one organic component is selected from any or a combination of ammonium acetate, ammonium formate, biuret, ammonium acetate and urea.
15. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the method for cleaning the surface is an online method.
16. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the surface is a surface of process lines of oil refining or petrochemical plants, refinery furnaces, boilers and heat-exchangers.