Abstract: In one embodiment, contaminates are removed from a material by contacting an activated carbon fabric wetted with a solvent with the surface of the material. The activated carbon fabric is maintained in contact with the surface in a substantially vapor-tight environment to allow the solvent to dissolve the contaminants, the contaminates to diffuse in the solvent, and the contaminates to be adsorbed by the activated carbon fabric. Thereafter, the activated carbon fabric containing the contaminates is removed and the any remaining solvent is allowed to evaporate. In another embodiment, contaminates are removed from a material by maintaining a solvent wetted fabric in contact with the surface of a material, while exposing at least an upper face of the fabric to a surrounding environment to promote evaporation of the solvent. The evaporation of the solvent from the upper face migrates contaminates from the surface into the fabric where they are contained.

Abstract: Ultrasonic solvent cleaning processes can effectively decontaminate sensitive equipment. The disclosed decontamination liquids meet the following criteria: a. It is compatible with a wide range of sensitive equipment—the performance of electronic and optical equipment is not affected by immersion in decontamination liquid. b. The principal chemical warfare agents of concern are sufficiently soluble in decontamination liquid for it to be an effective decontamination medium. c. The principal chemical warfare agents of concern are quantitatively removed from solution in decontamination liquid by activated carbon. When agent contaminated decontamination liquid is passed through a bed of activated carbon, the agent adsorbs onto the activated carbon, resulting in agent free decontamination liquid that can be recycled and reused. d. It is nonflammable, nontoxic, and environmentally acceptable.