Abstract: The methods and apparatus of the present invention include an tubing disposed within an conduit to assure flow through the outer pipe. The tubing string is nearly neutrally buoyant or substantially buoyant and has a cleaning and monitoring tool attached to its end. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for removing material from an conduit includes an tubing extending through the conduit and having a flowbore adapted to flow fluids within the tubing and a monitoring and cleaning tool attached to and receiving the fluids from the tubing. The tool preferably includes a plurality of nozzles, a sonic measuring device, and an expandable element.

Abstract: Plant parts which are used for the production or processing of (meth)acrylic esters are cleaned by (a) emptying the plant parts, (b) flushing the plant parts with aqueous 5 to 50% strength by weight alkali metal hydroxide solution, (c) removing the alkali metal hydroxide solution from the plant parts, (d) if required, washing the plant parts with water and (e) if required, drying the plant parts.

Abstract: A method for cleaning silicon carbide and/or organosilicate layers from interior surfaces of a process chamber is disclosed. In one aspect, silicon carbide and/or organosilicate layers are cleaned from interior surfaces of a process chamber by treating it with a hydrogen/fluorine-based plasma. In another aspect, silicon carbide and/or organosilicate layer are cleaned from interior surfaces of the process chamber by treating it with a hydrogen-based plasma followed by a fluorine-based plasma. Alternatively, silicon carbide and/or organosilicate layers are cleaned from interior surfaces of the chamber by treating it with a fluorine-based plasma followed by a hydrogen-based plasma.

Abstract: A method of cleaning tubing in an operating heater, in which the tubing has an inlet and an outlet. While the heater is in operation, a hollow, metallic and/or tubular mesh pig is run through the tubing from the inlet to the outlet. Cleaning should be done before contaminant has hardened. An improved pipe pig, preferably hollow, metallic and/or made from tubular mesh, has scraping edges made from longitudinal edges of a wire. The tubular mesh may be a knit, weave or may be knotted. The pig is preferably radially expandable up to twice its fully compressed radius, and may have an expander to force it radially outward. The pipe pig is preferably made of a resilient wire having a polygonal cross-section.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of organic carbonates having formula (I) wherein: n=1-4 R and R′ are two linear or branched alkyl radicals which contain a number of carbon atoms whose sum is equal to at least 5 and which can be the same or different, as solvents for the washing of metal surfaces.

Abstract: In order to simplify the cleaning and disinfection of water wells, perforated casings are installed outside and adjacent to a water well casing and screen. This installation provides cleaning and disinfection capability of the well without removing the well's pump. The number of adjacent perforated casings can range from one for a small diameter well to three or more for lager diameter wells. The perforated casings define alternating blank sections and perforated sections.

Abstract: A chamber (10) is supplied with a pressurized cleaning agent of carbon dioxide and cosolvents from a first source (12) and an antimicrobial fluid, such as ethylene oxide or hydrogen peroxide from a second source (16). Chamber conditions are maintained in the sub-critical range for the carbon dioxide. The cleaning agent and antimicrobial fluid are recirculated through a separator (32) and a condenser (38) to filter contaminants from the mixture before returning the carbon dioxide, and optionally the antimicrobial fluid and other additives, to the chamber. Medical instruments or other articles within the chamber are cleaned by the cleaning agent and sterilized by the antimicrobial fluid in a single cycle, rendering them ready for reuse in a short period of time. The instruments may be cleaned and stored in hermetically sealable containers (82). The cleaning agent is rapidly evaporated from surfaces of the articles at the end of the cycle by reducing the pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of removing copper oxide deposits from stator water cooling system piping material surfaces. The present invention disconnects the generator from the stator water cooling system, connects bridging piping to the stator water cooling system at the points from which the generator was disconnected to allow the stator water cooling system to operate without the generator, provides a sufficient amount of an aqueous solution of an agent which dissolves or removes copper oxide deposits from piping material surfaces for a time sufficient to dissolve or remove substantially all copper oxide deposits, and rinses the piping material surfaces with sufficient water until the output water from the rinsing of the piping material surfaces is essentially neutral.

Abstract: This application discloses an automated apparatus for scarifying the interior surface of a pipe or other similar elongated passageway. The apparatus includes a vehicle that propels itself down the inside of the pipe. A scarifying assembly is removably secured to the vehicle and uses arms to reach the walls of the pipe. At the end of each arm there is a fluid nozzle assembly equipped with fluid nozzles. The fluid nozzle assembly rotates or oscillates to scarify the pipe surface. The arms and fluid nozzle assembly interchange with other such scarifying assemblies depending on the shape or type of pipe and the desired scarifying technique. The apparatus is tethered to a source of fluid under pressure and a power source, both of which are located off-board the apparatus at a remote location.

Abstract: There is provided a method of efficiently removing polymer stuck to the inside and/or on the surface of packings of a distillation tower, when nitrogen-containing polymerizable monomers (for example, ethyleneimine) are distilled. Said method consists of washing the inside and/or packings of a distillation tower with an acidic liquid (for example, aqueous solution of acetic acid).

Abstract: A vortex ring is used to produce a flow of fluid through a flexible tube, to remove surface deposits from a surface, and to transfer heat from a platen to a ring vortex. In pumping a fluid through a flexible conduit or tube, a vortex ring is launched along the tube so that the vortex ring encircles the tube. The vortex ring compresses and expands the flexible tube utilizing a high circumferential pressure formed at the bow of the vortex ring and a low pressure at the wake of the vortex ring. In removing deposits from a surface, a vortex ring launched along the surface mechanically abrades the surface and fractures the adhesion bonds of the surface deposits. In transferring heat from a heated surface to a vortex ring, the vortex ring removes the heat from the surface of the heated platen by forced convection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and method for removing build-up on such measurement gauges. The inventive device and method involve a movable scraper that fits around a cylindrical shield of a measurement gauge and continuously removes the build-up on the shield. Movement of the scraper is accomplished by a magnetic coupling between a magnetic core attached to the scraper, which is inside a pipe or other piece of equipment, and solenoids that are installed on the outside of the pipe. The device and method of the invention ensure instantaneously correct readings from the measurement gauge and improve control and operation strategies of heat exchanges, with significant economic advantages.

Abstract: A method of accessing and cleaning an interior portion of a gas scrubber canister in-situ. A removable glass member is attachable to a flange formed on the canister. By removing the removable glass member an access port in communication with the interior portion of the canister is provided. A vacuum device is insertable through the access port to clean the interior portion in-situ.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the interior of capillary tubes used to dispense 1 to 100 micron diameter liquid droplets by a piezoelectric transducer surrounding each capillary tube. Magnetic particles are aspirated into the capillary tubes and moved by an exterior magnet to cause deposits on the interior walls to be dislodged and subsequently discharged from the capillary tube. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic particles are coated with a material capable of binding such deposits, e.g., DNA, RNA, and the like.

Abstract: Method and system for purging a process line of a process gas used in a semiconductor wafer fabrication process. Inert gas (e.g., nitrogen gas) is repeatedly charged from an inert gas source into the process line and evacuated using a vacuum system. The vacuum system is preferably supplied with inert gas having a pressure in excess of 30 psig from the inert gas source. The inert gas is introduced into the process line from an inert gas conduit at a predetermined pressure to prevent process gas from liquefying in the process line. A set pressure regulator or an absolute pressure regulator may be used to reduce he pressure of the inert gas to below the vapor pressure of the process gas.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for storing pipeline pigs and launching the pigs into a subsea production pipeline. The device is installed in line with a pipeline and includes a frame, a magazine containing several rotatable trays for storing and sequentially launching the pigs, and a connector for directing the pigs into a pipeline. Each magazine tray holds several pigs and rotates to align the pigs with a launching tube. The pigs travel through the launch tube and connector and into the pipeline.

Abstract: A method of removing metal-containing polymeric material and ion implanted or plasma damaged photoresist from a surface using a plasma jet system, by generating radicals having high energy and high density from atmospheric plasma by introducing a reactant gas to the plasma, and placing the surface at a distance from the plasma, whereby ionic reaction on the surface is minimized while the removing action of the radicals on the surface is maintained.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning screw extruder, especially powder-coating extruders, include filling the extruder barrel with a gel purge formulation comprised of a high-boiling pyrrolidone or piperidone (lactam) solvent (most preferably N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP)), thickened with 5-50 wt. % of a thermoplastic resin thickening agent, most preferably polystyrene (PS). Once the extruder barrel is filled with the gel purge formulation, the screws are stopped and the gel allowed to soak for between about 10 to about 30 minutes. The screws are then restarted and the gel is discharged from the extruder. Immediately after the gel purge formulation exits the machine, a small amount of a thermoplastic “rinse” polymer (e.g., polyethylene) may be added so as to remove any vestigial amount of the gel purge formulation therefrom.

Abstract: A method for removing an acidic deposit containing a sulfur compound, which comprises contacting the acidic deposit with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal carbonate and/or an alkali metal hydrogencarbonate to remove it.

Abstract: A system for flushing an airless sprayer essentially reverses operation such that the spray gun is immersed in a container of water or other solvent and that fluid is pulled through the pump and flushed through the normal inlet tube. The preferred embodiment attaches a fluid bar to the front of the spray gun to redirect the fluid for flushing. This reverse flushing action allows quicker flushing using less fluid.

Abstract: Method for removing microbial biofilm from surfaces in contact with an aqueous system is disclosed, which comprises adding to the system a treatment comprising low foaming, ethoxylated anionic surfactant composed of alkyl substituted carboxylated acid or salt thereof and polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer.

Abstract: A conventional apparatus for preventing growth of microbia in a carrier tube by an electromagnetic field has no or little effect. An apparatus 1 serves to prevent growth of microbia propagating themselves on an internal wall of a carrier tube 63 for carrying beer and the like or to remove the microbia. The apparatus 1 comprises a control unit 2 for generating an electric signal including an audio frequency component, a transponder 3 including a coil 31 and a case 32 for housing the coil 31, and means for attaching the transponder 3 to an external wall of the carrier tube 63, and generates an audio electronic signal to be sent through the carrier tube 63 by applying the electric signal to the coil 31.

Abstract: A method for removing gross soils from a substrate during a multi-step cleaning process comprising the step of flushing the substrate with a pre-rinse solution prior to application of a cleaning solution and/or second rinse solution. The pre-rinse solution comprises water and a partially neutralized anionic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for cleaning films and particulates from the compressor section and combustion contaminants from the combustion and turbine sections of a combustion turbine. Particulate films and contaminants adhering to the internal components of the compressor section of a turbine are readily removed by forcing a mist comprising a cleaning solution such as an aqueous surfactant solution through the compressor section. Contaminants resulting from fuel combustion and deposited in the combustion and turbine sections are removed by forcing a mist comprising a second cleaning solution through those sections. The second solution typically comprises an aqueous acid solution optionally including a corrosion inhibitor. The compressor section must be isolated from such acid solutions, e.g. by continuing to force the misted surfactant solution through the compressor section prior to and simultaneously with forcing the misted acid solution through the combustion section.

Abstract: A composition and method for the removal of scale from a substrate are disclosed. The composition and method are more specifically utilized for the in situ removal of silicate-containing scale from interior surfaces of boilers and other heat exchange equipment. The silicate-containing scale is deposited in the boilers as silicate-sulfate complexes of calcium, magnesium, aluminum, and other metal atoms that are present in water. The composition, which is circulated throughout the boiler to contact the interior surfaces, such as the boiler tubes, includes a chelating agent having at least two carboxylic acid functional groups, preferably citric acid. The composition also includes an alkali metal hydroxide basic agent. The preferred alkali metal hydroxides are either potassium or sodium hydroxide. The basic agent establishes an overall basic pH of from 7 to 14 in the composition to enable precipitation of the metal atoms from the composition after interaction with the chelating agent.

Abstract: A method of cleaning airfoils and related turbine engine components that have a crust-like debris deposited on the surface thereof. This method involves subjecting at least the portion of the component having the deposit of the crust-like debris to sufficient laser shock peening to cause the debris on the surface thereof to be loosened therefrom so that the loosened debris can be removed from the component. This loosened debris can then be removed from the component, such as by passing a cleaning fluid through the portion of the component that is subjected to the laser shock peening.

Abstract: An automatically analyzing apparatus includes a plurality of reaction containers for reacting a sample with a reagent, and a reaction container washing unit for washing the reaction containers through a plurality of washing steps. The reaction container washing unit includes a plurality of storage parts in each of which washing liquid containing therein reacted substance is reserved. The plurality of storage parts are sorted with different reacted substance concentrations. A supply part of the reaction container washing unit selects washing liquid of a desired reacted substance concentration among the plurality of storage parts in accordance with respective washing conditions of the reaction containers and supplies the selected washing liquid into the reaction containers for washing the respective reaction containers.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning screw extruder, especially powder-coating extruders, include filling the extruder barrel with a gel purge formulation comprised of a high-boiling pyrrolidone or piperidone (lactam) solvent (most preferably N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP)), thickened with 5-50 wt. % of a thermoplastic resin thickening agent, most preferably polystyrene (PS). Once the extruder barrel is filled with the gel purge formulation, the screws are stopped and the gel allowed to soak for between about 10 to about 30 minutes. The screws are then restarted and the gel is discharged from the extruder. Immediately after the gel purge formulation exits the machine, a small amount of a thermoplastic “rinse” polymer (e.g., polyethylene) may be added so as to remove any vestigial amount of the gel purge formulation therefrom.

Abstract: A magnetic unit 12 having yokes 15 made of magnetic material, with a permanent magnet on one end and a magnet treatment part 14 contacting a conduit 11 through which fluids move on the other end, is utilized for the purpose of treating fluids by exposure to the line of magnetic force. A plurality of the magnetic units 12 are arranged such that the N and S magnetic poles generated at the magnetic treatment parts 14 alternate along the flow path of the fluids.

Abstract: Compositions for removing deposits from the interior surfaces of oil refining equipment are provided. The compositions include an organic oil-soluble or oil-miscible acid and a multi-polyether-headed surfactant (MPEHS). Methods of removing these deposits from the interior surfaces of oil refining equipment and removing mud deposits from the bottom of desalters, while the equipment is online, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pipe pig that is employed in a piping system for the purpose of recovering product. The pipe pig, or simply “pig,” is utilized to flush or purge a piping system, which includes a pipe that is normally filled with a product stream. The pig is a substantially solid slug that is introduced into the flow within the pipe. The pipe pig includes at least a component of a product stream and the pig is at least partially frozen to achieve its substantially solid form. The pipe pig is inserted or alternatively formed within a launch chamber that junctions with a pipe. A release valve is opened to allow the pig to enter the pipe. An exterior surface of the launch chamber can be heated to prevent the pig from sticking within the launch chamber or refrigerated to form the pig. The pipe pig can be propelled into the product stream or allowed to fall by gravity or suction alone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chemical cleaning process for removing fouling from process lines of oil refining or petrochemical plants. The process lines are in an on-line state and a chemical cleaning agent is circulated through the process lines to remove the fouling. It can effectively recover the thermal efficiency in oil refining processes or petrochemical processes within a short period of time, so that significant energy consumption is reduced. Furthermore, the chemical cleaning process requires a shorter cleaning period and therefore allows for a longer operating time. It can also dislodge fouling without opening heat exchangers or other equipment thereby preventing the release of VOCs. As a result, environmental pollution is not generated. The present invention is also ecconomically favorable as it extends the time between periodic maintenance.

Abstract: A plating apparatus includes a plating solution tank which stores a plating solution, a holder including an inner space to house a wafer and an opening for the wafer to be in contact with the plating solution, and a nitrogen supplying mechanism to supply nitrogen to the inner space of the holder.

Abstract: A chemical cleaning method for cleaning an internal passage of an engine-run gas turbine engine airfoil wherein the airfoil is immersed in an inorganic hydroxide medium at superambient temperature and atmospheric pressure for a short time to remove accumulated oxides and dirt from the internal passage. The hydroxide medium can comprise molten KOH and immersion times of the engine-run airfoil not exceeding 10 minutes are involved.

Abstract: A method for cleaning paint carrying parts of a paint shop, especially the paint lines, is described, wherein the paint carrying parts are rinsed with a liquid containing an organic solvent. In order to obtain particularly advantageous conditions, polyaspartic acid is mixed with the rinsing liquid.

Abstract: A rinsing tray system for pipette tips or transfer needles, arranged in the form of a matrix and having a bottom tray and a top tray, protrusions which have through-apertures arranged perpendicular to the base of the top tray and at the same grid spacing from one another as the pipette tips or transfer needles, projecting into the interior of the top tray, wherein the bottom tray having at least one inlet in order to be continuously filled with rinsing liquid and at least one outlet being present on the top tray.

Abstract: A method of removing ceramic core material from an internal passage of a superalloy airfoil casting using a CNC controlled fluid spray nozzle in a manner that the fluid spray nozzle is caused to laterally scan and/or rotary orbit an area of one or more openings of one or more passages at an exterior casting surface to improve removal of material residing in the passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning a metallic or an enameled surface comprising flooding a metallic surface contaminated with deposits with a mixture comprising (i) water, (ii) chippings of woods selected from the group consisting of merantis, bongossis, mahoganies, sipos, khayas, lauans, and sapellis, and (iii) a member selected from the group consisting of polyaspartic acid, salts of polyaspartic acid, and polysuccinimide, and thereby cleaning the surface.

Abstract: This invention includes systems and methods for cleaning ventilation ducts using a dry ice blasting system that is adapted to blast debris from the interior surfaces of ventilation ducts. This invention employs either existing or artificial duct ventilation airflow to evacuate dislodged debris and a filter or filtration system attached to the ventilation system to capture the dislodged debris.

Abstract: Paint residues may be removed from spraying equipment and the like by flushing with aqueous compositions containing alkoxylated aromatic alcohols wherein the aromatic ring moieties of such alcohols do not bear any alkyl substituent containing more than 4 carbon atoms. Preferably, the aqueous compositions also contain an alkanolamine or other base. The alkoxylated aromatic alcohols contain an average of at least about 2 oxyalkylene moieties (preferably, oxyethylene moieties) per molecule.

Abstract: An article having a metallic surface treated with polymeric complexing agent is described. Particularly suitable polymeric complexing agents are phosphonoalkylated polyethyleneimines and/or carboxyalkylated polyethyleneimines and/or vinylimidazole polymers. As a rule, the treated metallic surface forms the total inner surface or a part of the inner surface of a process apparatus or of a container. The surface is protected by the treatment, in particular from the adhesion of polymer.

Abstract: The present invention cleans contaminants from pipes. The first step may be pulling a vacuum on the pipe to be cleaned. The pipe is then filled with a solvent, which is preferably a fluorocarbon solvent. After the pipe is filled with solvent, a cleaning solution is pumped at a high velocity through the pipe. The cleaning solution preferably comprises the fluorocarbon solvent, and a fluorosurfactant. The pipe is then rinsed with solvent. A particle counter is used to determine whether the solvent rinse contains an acceptably low number of particles. The solvent is then blown out of the pipe by a gas, such as dry air. A vacuum is then pulled on the pipe. Subsequently, a hot dry gas is pumped through the pipe to evaporate and remove any remaining solvent. The gas is preferably hot, dry air. The gas exiting from the pipe is then checked to confirm that it contains an acceptably low level of solvent vapor.

Abstract: A paint-removing method comprises the steps of putting dimethyl sulfoxide into a tank, raising the dimethyl sulfoxide at a temperature of approximately 35° C. to 189° C. in the tank; and soaking a member to be removed of paint into the dimethyl sulfoxide in the tank. The dimethyl sulfoxide is applying or blowing to a member to be removed of paint.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for cleaning pipette needles or stirrers, the device comprising a trough which holds cleaning fluid and whose lower region has a fluid duct for filling and/or emptying purposes and whose upper region has at least one feed pipe which leads into at least one nozzle directed into the trough interior. Advantageously, the device has a cylindrical trough and an insert with nozzles which is screwed into the trough. The invention further concerns a method of cleaning pipette needles or stirrers, the material to be washed being introduced into the trough interior and sprayed with a washing fluid. The device can also be used to flush the interior of a pipette needle.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning dried photoresist from a photoresist dispensing nozzle. The tip of the photoresist dispensing nozzle is inserted through an opening in a nozzle base. A catch pan is positioned beneath the nozzle base. A solvent dispensing needle is inserted through an opening in the catch pan to face the photoresist dispensing nozzle tip and sprays solvent onto the photoresist dispensing nozzle tip. The catch pan collects the solvent and dissolved photoresist particles. The catch pan includes a drain for draining the solvent and the dissolved photoresist particles.

Abstract: A pig injector has a magazine having a plug at one end and connected to a pig injector valve at the other end. The pig injector valve has a rotatable pig receiving chamber with a length L. Plural pigs of length L between rounded ends are positioned end to end within the elongate interior cavity of the magazine. A method of injecting pigs into a pipe at a pig injector valve comprising: (a) storing plural pigs in a magazine connected to the pig injector valve; (b) rotating the ball of the pig injector valve to be in position to receive a pig and close the pipe; (c) moving a pig from the magazine into the pig injector valve; (d) rotating the ball of the pig injector valve to open the pig injector valve and release the pig in the pipe; (e) moving the pig away from the pig injector valve with fluid pressure in the pipe; and subsequently repeating steps (b)-(e) with a second pig. Steps (b)-(e) may be repeated plural times and at regular intervals.

Abstract: A chemical cleaning method for cleaning an internal passage of an engine-run gas turbine engine airfoil wherein the airfoil is immersed in an inorganic hydroxide medium at superambient temperature and atmospheric pressure for a short time to remove accumulated oxides and dirt from the internal passage. The hydroxide medium can comprise molten KOH and immersion times of the engine-run airfoil not exceeding 10 minutes are involved.

Abstract: A method for cleaning small volume pharmaceutical containers of particulate contamination, which includes the simultaneous introduction of air and cleaning fluid as a moving film on the interior of the container, particulary in a neck region, to prevent re-deposit of contaminant particulates thereon. A nozzle is used for introduction of fluid such as water into the container and a tube within or otherwise juxtaposed with the nozzle is used for the simultaneous introduction of air. Cleaning is effected before initial medical application use.

Abstract: A method of cleaning the inside surface of a kitchen extraction duct or other grease duct, includes applying solid carbon dioxide under pressure to the inside surface of the duct, so that grease thereon is hardened and dislodged therefrom.

Abstract: Equipment used in the processing of plastic, such as molds and extrusion screws, is cleaned of plastic residue by a combination of thermal cycling and agitation without impact cleaning. A chamber can be heated by an electric radiant heater and cooled by the introduction of liquid nitrogen. A fixture in the chamber receives the equipment to be cleaned and is agitated by a drive motor. The chamber is heated and cooled in the following cycle in which the drive motor agitates the fixture: first to 250-300° F., then to −315° F., then cycled between −50° F. and −10° F., then to 150° F., then to −200° F., to 100° F., then to ambient temperature. The chamber is controlled by a computer that prompts the operator for the kind of plastic to be cleaned off of the equipment and then controls the heating and cooling automatically.