Abstract: In one embodiment, a pad is provided for wiping a contaminant from a contaminated surface. The pad includes a layer of non-adsorptive fabric having a first surface configured to directly contact the contaminated surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The pad further includes a layer of activated-carbon fabric attached to the second surface of the layer of non-adsorptive fabric. A decontamination liquid that is a solvent for the contaminant saturates the layer of non-adsorptive fabric and the layer of activated-carbon fabric. Such decontamination liquid is configured to adsorb the contaminant. The layer of activated-carbon fabric is configured to adsorb the contaminant from the decontamination liquid, and the layer of non-adsorptive fabric is configured to prevent direct contact of the activated-carbon fabric and any adsorbed contaminant in the activated-carbon fabric with the contaminated surface.

Abstract: A decontamination pad includes an adsorptive/absorptive knitted activated-carbon layer exposed on a first surface, an activated-carbon fabric attached to the other surface of the knitted layer and backed up an impermeable layer. The activated carbon is saturated with a non-hazardous CWA decontamination solvent as nonspecific means of decontaminating equipment and open-wounds is provided. The pad is packaged in a sealed, disposable plastic packet. The pad is thus a simple and immediate means of personal decontamination by applying the exposed surface of the knitted layer to the surface to be decontaminated.

Abstract: The invention provides dry cleaning liquid formulations and methods for their use based on a highly fluorinated organic solvent which contains at least one hydrogen atom per molecule, in particular, highly fluorinated hydrocarbons or highly fluorinated ethers. In a preferred embodiment the cleaning liquid contains an HFC or HFE in combination with dichloroethylene. The addition of a surfactant enhances the ability of the liquid to remove water-soluble soils.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for recycling a water-displacement process fluid that includes an organic liquid and a surfactant, the boiling point of which exceeds that of the organic liquid, maintains a sufficient quantity of organic liquid such that water displaced into the organic liquid is evaporated at least as fast as it is introduced. If the water and the organic liquid are immiscible and exhibit different densities, the resulting condensate can be separated into constituent phases by decanting. The condensed organic liquid and unevaporated surfactant are then available for recycling.

Abstract: A cleaning system and method adapted for removal of small particles from solid substrates is disclosed. In one implementation, the system employs two on-line particle counters to measure particle concentrations in an incoming stream of filtered cleaning liquid, providing a baseline measurement, and in the outgoing or recirculation stream that has already made contact with the article to be cleaned. Comparison of the two measurements over time provides an accurate indication of the degree of particle removal, which is reported to the user and/or employed to control the cleaning cycle. In another implementation, the system employs a single detector that measures the magnitude of a signal (e.g., radioactivity) emitted by the particles; this signal continuously indicates the number of particles remaining on the substrate.

Abstract: Fluorocarbon/hydrocarbon coupling agents are used in conjunction with highly fluorinated or, alternatively, hydrocarbon carrier liquids to remove refractory soils from solid substrates. To remove hydrocarbon soils, such as oils and greases, the coupling agent is combined with a highly fluorinated carrier liquid and the substrate exposed thereto. To remove fluorocarbon soils, a hydrocarbon carrier is used instead.