Abstract: A method for precision cleaning of a workpiece with a cleaning fluid comprising liquid and/or supercritical fluid carbon dioxide and a primary solvent which is liquid at ambient temperatures and pressures comprises first placing the workpiece in a pressurizable vessel with a removable lid and within an inner tank open at the top; supplying the primary solvent to the inner tank; flushing the primary solvent through the pressure vessel; draining the inner tank to remove the primary solvent; and then supplying liquid and/or supercritical fluid carbon dioxide to the pressure vessel and flushing it through the vessel by withdrawing it from near the bottom of the inner tank.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 14, 1993
Date of Patent:
May 23, 1995
Assignee:
Autoclave Engineers, Inc.
Inventors:
Charles W. Smith, Jr., Larry R. Rosio, Stephen H. Shore