| abstract |
Dye formulations for marking liquid hydrocarbon fuels, lubricants and oils A marker dye formulation for marking liquid hydrocarbon fuels, lubricants and oils wherein the formulation comprises: one or more azo dye(s) in a total amount of formula 1 to 60 weight%; one or more hydrocarbon solvents in a total amount of 2 to 98 weight %; and one or more co-solvents of formula (I) in a total amount of formula 1 to 20 weight % wherein in formula 1: X is H, methyl, ethyl or propyl; R1 is H, optionally substituted C1-6alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl; R2 is H, optionally substituted C1-6alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl; and n is 1 to 4. Preferably the co-solvent is selected from dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether and diethylene glycol monomethyl ether. Preferably the azo dye comprises one or more dyes selected from the group consisting of Solvent Yellow 124, Solvent Red19 and Solvent Orange 2. The hydrocarbon solvent is preferably a naphtha aromatic solvent selected from the group consisting of C20 type SolvessoRTM 150, ShellsolRTM A150, SolvarexRTM 10, C28 type SolvessoRTM 200. A method of marking a liquid hydrocarbon fuels, lubricants or oils with the dye formulation is also outlined. Preferably the hydrocarbon fuels, lubricants and oils are selected from the group consisting of kerosene, gasoline, jet fuel and diesel fuel, heating oil, lubricating oil or brake fluid. |