Abstract: The invention concerns an underwater water treatment unit which has specific cleaning means which are suitable for cleaning filtration membranes in the unconventional conditions associated with use at great or very great depths, as well as a method for cleaning the membrane of the underwater water treatment unit.

Abstract: A converter-dissolver composition in an aqueous solution of carbonate or bicarbonate, chelating agents, hydroxide base, and surfactant wetting agent. A mixture of the chelating agents and carbonate or bicarbonate is diluted with deionized water. The mixture reacts for five minutes. The hydroxide base is added to the mixture to form an in-situ reaction with the carbonate or bicarbonate and reacted for another five minutes. The solution pH is adjusted with the chelating agent. The surfactant wetting agent is added. The aqueous solution is heated to 70-230° C. and applied to a surface of oil or gas well and pipeline equipment with metal sulfate scales in a ratio of 3.78 liters of the aqueous solution per 0.45 kilograms of the metal sulfate scales. The aqueous solution reacts for 0.25-1.5 hours to dissolve the metal sulfate scales. The aqueous solution and dissolved metal sulfate scales are flushed from the surface.

Abstract: A cleaning solution for cleaning laboratory consumables comprises sodium percarbonate in a concentration of from 0.9% w/w to 1.6% w/w based on a total weight of the solution and at least one diluent to 100% w/w.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for obtaining a solution from a solid product are disclosed. A solid product is housed in a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into the housing of the dispenser to interact with the solid product to form a solution. To control the concentration of the formed solution, the turbulence of the liquid introduced to the dispenser is controlled and adjusted either manually or on a real time basis to account for varying characteristics of either or both of the solid product and the liquid. The dispenser will adjust the turbulence based on the characteristics to maintain a formed solution within an acceptable range of concentration. The concentrated solution can then be discharged from the dispenser to an end use application.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for obtaining a solution from a solid product are disclosed. A solid product is housed in a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into the housing of the dispenser to interact with the solid product to form a solution. To control the concentration of the formed solution, the turbulence of the liquid introduced to the dispenser is controlled and adjusted either manually or on a real time basis to account for varying characteristics of either or both of the solid product and the liquid. The dispenser will adjust the turbulence based on the characteristics to maintain a formed solution within an acceptable range of concentration. The concentrated solution can then be discharged from the dispenser to an end use application.

Abstract: Process for treatment of residual nucleic acids present on the surface of laboratory consumables. The process combines two treatment phases: (1) treatment with ethylene oxide in gaseous phase; then (2) treating the surface with hydrogen peroxide in liquid phase or in gaseous phase. The effect of this treatment is the avoidance of the amplification of residual nucleic acids, in particular during PCR or TMA reactions.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting an industrial water system is described and claimed. The method involves the addition to the water of the industrial water system of a Compound selected from the group consisting of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and mixtures thereof; and an acid, followed by allowing the water in the industrial water system to circulate for several hours. The reaction of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and acid produces chlorine dioxide in-situ in the water of the industrial water system. The chlorine dioxide kills microorganisms and the acid acts to remove deposits upon the water-contact surfaces of the equipment. This cleaning and disinfecting method works in a variety of industrial water systems including cooling water systems.

Abstract: Methods for introducing a substantially uniform concentration of a functional agent into a flowing stream of water using a shaped composition. The composition may be shaped and sized to be inserted into a device configured to be attached over the end of a faucet. The shaped composition comprises a dissolvable region including a functional agent (e.g., an anti-microbial sanitizing agent). A non-dissolvable region disposed adjacent to the dissolvable region may optionally be provided. The substantially non-dissolvable region remains substantially intact as the dissolving region is progressively dissolved, introducing the functional agent into a flowing stream of water.

Abstract: Methods of cleaning a processing chamber with nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) are described. The methods involve a concurrent introduction of nitrogen trifluoride and a reactive diluent into the chamber. The NF3 may be excited in a plasma inside the chamber or in a remote plasma region upstream from the chamber. The reactive diluent may be introduced upstream or downstream of the remote plasma such that both NF3 and the reactive diluent (and any plasma-generated effluents) are present in the chamber during cleaning. The presence of the reactive diluent enhances the chamber-cleaning effectiveness of the NF3.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions and methods of using such compositions. The compositions comprise oxidizing agent(s); weak acid(s), and surfactant(s) (e.g., a combination of short-chain non-ionic surfactant(s) and long-chain non-ionic surfactant(s) or a combination of short-chain anionic surfactant(s) and long-chain anionic surfactant(s)). The compositions can be used to clean objects such as reusable water containers, home seltzer-maker bottles, hydration bladders, coffee mugs, etc.

Abstract: A composition for treating a water system to remove scale, microorganisms and biofilm, and corrosion by-products. The composition comprises chelating agents and a surfactant. Depending on the water system being treated, the composition may be a solid dissolved by water in the system being treated or may be a pre-mixed foam or aerosol. A treatment system particularly suitable for flowing water systems comprises a container for holding such a treatment composition and mixing it with a portion of water from the water system, a filter for removing solids dislodged during treatment, and a corrosion monitor. A method for using such a treatment composition comprises draining substantially all existing water in the water system, filling or rinsing the system with fresh water, contacting the treatment composition with substantially all parts of the water system, and draining the treatment composition from the system before resuming normal operations.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improving water quality by reducing chlorine demand, decreasing disinfection by-products and controlling deposits in drinking water distribution systems include adding low concentrations of supplemental oxidants, for example, RE-Ox® to the systems.

Abstract: A cover for a pedicure spa containing an automatic sanitation apparatus is disclosed. When activated, the cover automatically sprays disinfectant in a circular motion from a nozzle on the bottom of the cover. The interior surfaces of the pedicure basin are treated with the disinfectant solution. The pedicure basin is thereby efficiently and thoroughly sanitized.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for preparing a brazed surface to receive a coating is disclosed. The method includes providing a brazed surface having a flux layer including a conversion coating and a powder component; and applying an aqueous solution containing a flux-removing agent to the surface to at least partially remove the powder component of the flux layer to obtain a treated brazed surface that is suitable for receiving a subsequent coating layer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improving water quality by reducing chlorine demand, decreasing disinfection by-products and controlling deposits in drinking water distribution systems include adding low concentrations of supplemental oxidants, for example, RE-Ox® to the systems.

Abstract: A method measures a property of a germicidal solution in an endoscope processor spectroscopically by placing a quantity of the solution into a cuvette and passing a light therethrough. A reservoir receives a quantity of the solution and bubbles are filtered out via a cross-flow filter prior to putting a sample therefrom into the cuvette for measuring.

Abstract: Methods for preventing isotropic removal of materials at corners formed by seams, keyholes, and other anomalies in films or other structures include use of etch blockers to cover or coat such corners. This covering or coating prevents exposure of the corners to isotropic etch solutions and cleaning solutions and, thus, prevents higher material removal rates at the corners than at smoother areas of the structure or film from which material is removed. Solutions, including wet etchants and cleaning solutions, that include at least one type of etch blocker are also disclosed, as are systems for preventing higher rates of material removal at corners formed by seams, crevices, or recesses in a film or other structure. Semiconductor device structures in which etch blockers are located so as to prevent isotropic etchants from removing material from corners of seams, crevices, or recesses in a surface of a film or other structure at undesirably high rates are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coke removal system removes coke deposits from the walls of a high temperature passage in which hydrocarbon fuel is present. The system includes a carbon-steam gasification catalyst and a water source. The carbon-steam gasification catalyst is applied to the walls of the high temperature passage. The water reacts with the coke deposits on the walls of the high temperature passage to remove the coke deposits from the walls of the high temperature passage by carbon-steam gasification in the presence of the carbon-steam gasification catalyst.

Abstract: A cleaning compound for cleaning surfaces in a food processing environment includes at least one container, with each container including a peroxide and/or an alkaline reactant therein. The alkaline reactant is selected to raise the pH of the cleaning compound into the alkaline range when the peroxide and the alkaline reactant are mixed together. The cleaning compound may be a liquid or dry compound, which is applied to the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning surface deposits, such as sulfidation deposits or dust particles, from a surface bounding an internal passage in a turbine engine component. The surface deposits are cleaned by placing a halogen-containing organic compound, such as a fluorine-containing organic compound, into the internal passage and heating the component and organic compound to chemically react the halogen-containing species in the liquefied and boiling organic compound with the deposits. The temperature is further elevated to vaporize the chemically-modified deposits, which are moved by mass transport through the internal passage and out of the turbine engine component. An optional protective coating, such as a chromium or aluminum coating, may be applied to the cleaned surface of the internal passage.

Abstract: A method for cleaning process apparatus used for production of liquids, especially for cleaning filters, for example membrane filters. The apparatus is contacted with a solution of periodate. It is especially preferred that the cleaning process is carried out at a temperature between 15 and 95° C.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and system for cleaning a media support structure in a filter cell in a liquid filter system, wherein a cleaning solution does not significantly enter a filter media zone. The method comprises supplying a cleaning solution to a filter cell to a level sufficient to submerge the media support structure, but not to significantly enter the filter media zone. Additionally, the cleaning solution level is monitored to ensure the cleaning solution does not significantly enter the filter media zone. Alternatively, the cleaning solution may be continuously recirculated and reintroduced to the filter cell during the cleaning operation.

Abstract: Methods are provided for increasing the temperature of a section of conduit used for the production or transmission of hydrocarbon. According to one aspect, the method includes the steps of: (a) forming a treatment fluid comprising: (i) a carrier fluid; and (ii) a first reactant and a second reactant; and (b) introducing the treatment fluid into a section of conduit used for the production or transmission of hydrocarbon. The first reactant and second reactant are selected for being capable of reacting together in an exothermic chemical reaction; and the first and second reactant are in at least sufficient concentrations in the carrier fluid to generate a theoretical heat of reaction of at least 1,000 kJ/liter of the treatment fluid. At least some of at least one of the first reactant and the second reactant is suspended in the carrier fluid in a solid form that is adapted to help control the release of the reactant into the carrier fluid.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] To provide a method of treating a sealing compound that can efficiently separate and recover a used sealing compound into rubber latex and a liquid constituent, and also simplify the treatment of the rubber latex and liquid constituent separated from the used sealing compound.

Abstract: A coke removal system removes coke deposits from the walls of a high temperature passage in which hydrocarbon fuel is present. The system includes a carbon-steam gasification catalyst and a water source. The carbon-steam gasification catalyst is applied to the walls of the high temperature passage. The water reacts with the coke deposits on the walls of the high temperature passage to remove the coke deposits from the walls of the high temperature passage by carbon-steam gasification in the presence of the carbon-steam gasification catalyst.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for masking and subsequent removal of oil, grease, rust and other stains from a variety of rough solid surfaces, including, but not limited to stone, concrete, asphalt, stucco brick, and ceramic. The methods include coating the stains with an opaque or translucent thin film of a composition that makes the stain practically indistinguishable against the background, exposing the coated stain to the elements, such as, sunlight, air, moisture, resulting in spontaneous transformation, degradation and subsequent removal of the stains from the solid surfaces. The compositions include a photocatalyst by itself or the photocatalyst combined with at least one of, a sensitizer, a dopant, a mediator, a co-reagent, a pigment and a binder. The role of a photocatalyst is to produce highly reactive species or radicals and initiate the degradation of a stain upon exposure to elements, such as, sunlight, air and ambient humidity. Artificial light sources can be used instead of sunlight.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for cleaning deposition systems utilizing alkylsilanes are described herein. In an embodiment, a method of cleaning a semiconductor fabrication system comprises flushing the system with a solvent comprising at least one alkylsilane. In another embodiment, a method of removing at least one chemical precursor from a semiconductor fabrication system comprises forcing a solvent containing at least one alkylsilane through the semiconductor fabrication system and dissolving the at least one chemical precursor in the solvent. The solvent may also contain mixtures of different alkylsilanes and other organic solvents.

Abstract: Prion infectivity adsorbed onto substrates (for example, chromatographic columns used to fractionate blood plasma) is removed by treatment with 2M sodium chloride. Optionally, the substrate is further washed with 0.1 M sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: On-Line and Off-Line methods of simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting an industrial water system are described and claimed. The methods involve the addition to the water of the industrial water system of a Compound selected from the group consisting of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and mixtures thereof; and an acid, followed by allowing the water in the industrial water system to circulate for several hours. The reaction of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and acid produces chlorine dioxide in-situ in the water of the industrial water system. The chlorine dioxide kills microorganisms and the acid acts to remove deposits upon the water-contact surfaces of the equipment. An alternative method involves the use of a chelating agent and a biocide. Other possible cleaning and disinfection reagents may be added as needed including corrosion inhibitors, chelating agents, biocides, surfactants and reducing agents.

Abstract: A process is provided for cleaning a surface of an internal cavity of a gas turbine component having sulfidation or sulfur bearing deposits comprising: inserting into the internal cavity a fluoride salt; and heating the fluoride salt and the component in an inert atmosphere for a time and at a temperature to clean the sulfidation or sulfur bearing deposits on the surface. In a preferred embodiment the cleaned internal surface is then coated with a metallic coating.

Abstract: A method and cleaning composition for removing engine deposits from turbine components, in particular turbine disks and turbine shafts. This method comprises the following steps: (a) providing a turbine component having a surface with engine deposits thereon, wherein the turbine component comprises a nickel and/or cobalt-containing base metal; and (b) treating the surface of the turbine component with a cleaning composition to convert the engine deposits thereon to a removable smut without substantially etching the base metal of the turbine component. The cleaning composition comprises an aqueous solution that is substantially free of acetic acid and comprising: a nitrate ion source in an amount, by weight of the nitrate ion, of from about 470 to about 710 grams/liter; and a bifluoride ion source in an amount, by weight of the bifluoride ion, of from about 0.5 to about 15 grams/liter.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the removal of contaminating materials from pipework, the contaminating materials comprising deposits on the pipework which cause a reduction in the effective internal diameter of the pipes and thereby effect a reduction in the rate of flow of a fluid through the pipework, the method comprising treating the contaminating materials with at least one carbamate salt. The methods is also suitable for the treatment of contaminating materials which have a particularly deleterious effect on fluid flow and comprise partial or total blockages of the pipework. The carbamate is preferably in the form of an aqueous solution, and a preferred carbamate salt is ammonium carbamate. The treatment may be carried out in the presence of an additive such as caesium carbonate or ammonium bicarbonate. Optionally the treatment may be accompanied by a pre-treatment or post-treatment with aid, this being followed by a water wash.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of low temperature cleaning and applying an antimicrobial treatment to food and beverage plant equipment. In addition, the method includes carbon dioxide compatible chemistry. The method may be achieved through a multi-step method.

Abstract: An aqueous detergent composition is provided containing phosphoric acid or salt thereof, an organic phosphate surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and water. The aqueous detergent composition may be employed to improved the adhesion of a coating to a substrate. Also provided is a method of improving the adhesion of a coating to a substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of low temperature cleaning and applying an antimicrobial treatment to food and beverage plant equipment. In addition, the method includes carbon dioxide compatible chemistry. The method may be achieved through a multi-step method.

Abstract: A cleaner-passivator composition and method for treating a fuel cell cooling system are described. The cleaner-passivator comprises a complexing agent, a surfactant, a corrosion inhibitor, and a solvent. The cleaner-passivator reduces the contaminants circulating in the fuel cell coolant system that contribute to increasing conductivity in the fuel cell coolant. In addition, the passivator reduces the surface corrosion in the fuel cell system.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of treating a dry or processed fluid pipe line susceptible to the build-up of iron sulfide deposits by complexing the iron sulfide in the pipe lines. The method of the present invention introduces the composition on a continuous or a batch basis to a gas pipe line. The composition is made of a solution of 1) water, 2) [tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium]sulfate or chloride, and 3) a soluble ammonium salt, such as ammonium chloride or the like.

Abstract: A process for treating acidic and metallic waste water, particularly the rinsing water and/or used acids from pickling plants. The process includes the step of adding an alkaline solution or gas to bind the free acids in the waste water, followed by separation of the waste water into a first partial stream with high metal content and a second partial stream with low metal content. To achieve a more economical embodiment, particularly in terms of favorable energy consumption, and also reduce the nitrate load as much as possible, the free acids are bonded by adding ammonia solution or gas, and the first partial stream with the high metal content is fed to a regeneration plant to undergo pyrohydrolytic treatment, preferably by spray roasting. The second stream can be recycled to a rinse station.

Abstract: On-Line and Off-Line methods of simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting an industrial water system are described and claimed. The methods involve the addition to the water of the industrial water system of a Compound selected from the group consisting of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and mixtures thereof; and an acid, followed by allowing the water in the industrial water system to circulate for several hours. The reaction of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and acid produces chlorine dioxide in-situ in the water of the industrial water system. The chlorine dioxide kills microorganisms and the acid acts to remove deposits upon the water-contact surfaces of the equipment. An alternative method involves the use of a chelating agent and a biocide. Other possible cleaning and disinfection reagents may be added as needed including corrosion inhibitors, chelating agents, biocides, surfactants and reducing agents.

Abstract: Process for removing deposits from water-carrying systems and devices for water supply, or from their individual parts, in which the deposits are dissolved by means of an aqueous treatment solution and removed in dissolved form from the system or the device or their individual parts, wherein the deposits are dissolved by means of an aqueous treatment solution comprised of a combination of (i) a reducing agent, in particular in the form of a slat-like, reducing sulfur-oxygen compound, nitrogen-oxygen compound or phosphorous-oxygen compound, and (ii) a complexing agent having phosphonic acid groups or phosphonate groups or a complexing agent of the hydroxy acid type at pH values in the range of approximately 4.5 to 9.5, in particular from approximately 6.0 to 8.0.

Abstract: In a steam cracking operation the formation of coke is a problem which needs to be overcome. While significant work has been done on decoking of furnaces little work has been done regarding transfer line exchangers. Coking of transfer line exchangers (TLE) may be reduced by injection of a solution containing at least one group 1 or 2 metal dichromate or dichromate and one or more of a group 1, 2 or 7 metal carbonate into the TLE.

Abstract: A method of cleaning articles, such as infant feeding bottles is disclosed. The method provides for the use of alkali metal chloride, more particularly sodium chloride. The salt is deposited into the article to be cleaned, then water is added, and then the article is shaken to cause the crystalline substance to contact the interior walls of the container, thereby cleaning and sanitizing the interior of the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of cleaning the inner surfaces of a liquid-containing vessel with an automatic cleaning device, wherein said process is performed by said device and comprises the steps of applying a cleaning composition onto at least portions of the inner surfaces of said liquid-containing vessel and rinsing at least portions of the inner surfaces of said liquid-containing vessel and wherein said automatic cleaning device is a non-floating device (8) placed on the bottom of said vessel.

Abstract: A method is taught for cleaning photographic chemistry product fouling, including a proteinaceous portion and a non-proteinaceous portion from a liquid delivery system. The method comprises the steps of displacing resident product solution in the piping with water, hydrodynamically cleaning the piping system using two-phase flow a first time, chemically cleaning the piping system with an aqueous bleach solution to remove the proteinaceous portion of the photographic chemistry product fouling, chemically cleaning the piping system with a functionalized ethyl acetate solvent to remove the non-proteinaceous portion of the photographic chemistry product fouling, and hydrodynamically cleaning the piping system using two-phase flow a second time after the chemical cleaning steps to remove remaining residue. Preferably, after the second hydrodynamic two-phase flow cleaning step, the delivery system is subjected to a high purity water rinse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid enzyme cleaning composition in which the enzyme is stable in the presence of mixtures of carbonate and bicarbonate at alkaline pH, and methods employing this composition. The enzyme cleaning composition preferably employs weight ratios of carbonate and bicarbonate to stabilize one or more enzymes in a solid, a concentrate, and/or a use composition, and at temperatures higher than ambient.

Abstract: An anticorrosive, penetration enhancing composition for cleaning decontaminating and rinsing includes electrochemically activated (ECA) water as the decontamination agent. The anticorrosive decontamination composition has, as the anticorrosive agent, a compound or mixture of compounds capable of inhibiting corrosion of various metals used in sterilization decontamination and rinsing systems and objects such as medical instruments. Preferred anticorrosive compounds include phosphates, azoles, and sulfates. Other additives, including wetting agents, are added to reduce the surface energy of the ECA water. This reduced surface energy permits the ECA water to penetrate into objects of complex design thus permitting complete decontamination of the treated object.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon contaminants in drill cuttings generated in an oil drilling operation are removed by mixing the drill cuttings with an agglomerant to produce a pre-treatment mixture; heating to vaporize the hydrocarbon contaminants under a condition in which vapor entrainable particles of the drill cuttings are agglomerated by the agglomerant, and caking of drill cuttings is inhibited; drill cuttings having a reduced content of the contaminant are removed, and vaporized hydrocarbons having a reduced content of vapor entrainable particles are recovered. In this way, the particulate content of vapors escaping from the drill cuttings is reduced.

Abstract: A detergent composition useful for cleaning away a resin remaining in a molding machine after molding, comprising a thermoplastic resin, water and wollastonite.

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 composition for a cleaning-in-place system is described. The composition has a halogen dioxide and a optionally hydroxide and does not require the use of a detergent to display excellent cleaning and disinfecting properties on processing equipment such as the equipment found in breweries, dairy plants and carbonated beverage plants.