Abstract: A cleaning system and method utilizing sonic whistle and other agitation methods to enhance the soil removal and mass transport capacity of the liquid carbon dioxide at low process temperatures. Agitation devices disposed in or couple to a cleaning chamber, and cause the liquid carbon dioxide to ultrasonically emulsify and disperse non-miscible liquids or insoluble solids, such as remove low solubility oils and greases. Cleaning is accomplished at temperatures between −68° F. and 32° F., and the temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide is typically below 32° F.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 7, 2000
Date of Patent:
July 24, 2001
Assignee:
Raytheon Company
Inventors:
Sidney C. Chao, Edna M. Purer, Nelson W. Sorbo