Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning using blast cleaning media including a cabinet, an evacuation device in communication with the cabinet, and a delivery unit containing cleaning media in communication with the cabinet. The delivery unit includes a safety device for relieving pressure within the delivery unit prior to refilling. The cabinet includes ports in communication with a diverter channel for increasing visibility along a line of sight upon activation of the evacuation device.

Abstract: A parts washer including a receptacle positioned on a reservoir for cleaning liquid having a drain opening and a module which engages a portion of the reservoir in the cleaning liquid for adjusting the temperature of the cleaning liquid and circulating the cleaning liquid into the receptacle. The module includes a heating element, a sensor and pump. An enclosure houses a temperature controller which displays the temperature of the cleaning liquid and a low liquid level condition. A bridge thermally links the heating element to the sensor so that the sensor normally generates a signal representative of the temperature of the cleaning fluid unless the level of the cleaning fluid is disposed below the sensor.

Abstract: A device for generating a pressurized stream of treating media including a vessel (4) containing the treating media (6), a pressurized fluid delivery assembly (16) for delivering a pressurized fluid to the vessel (4) and a conduit (14) for transporting the treating media (6) out of the vessel (4) which has been pressurized through the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: An oil-water and oil emulsion separation system using a plurality of transport vessels as the separation tanks. The containers or tanks are arranged in series with sludge or oil removed first and thereafter remaining oil is removed and finally a relatively pure aqueous solution is returned to the system. The unit is useful with parts washers or any apparatus with which water is contaminated by free oil or sludge. A floating skimmer is placed in the user's sump and a vacuum draws this into a series of containers in which it is processed and in which sludge and oil are successively separated. A positive displacement pump is used. A manifold having vacuum relief valves for at least one container is also provided. In one embodiment, flow restrictors are placed in at least one manifold.

Abstract: An apparatus for skimming a layer of oil from an aqueous surface which includes a body portion having a horizontal opening. There is a collection tube secured to the opening and a suction tube having a lower end located in said collection tube. The body portion has a float secured thereto and has a guide element extending through the float.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing floating and subsurface contaminants from a machine tool coolant bath is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a floating skimmer for collecting floating contaminants from the surface of the bath connected to an oil trap having an imperforate shell with a fluid tight column extending below the interface. A return conduit and a positive displacement pump are in series with the skimmer and oil trap. A submersible pump is disposed in the bath near the bottom for collection of water and water density contaminants and is connected to a remote filter assembly having a housing and a removable filter element. The filter assembly and the oil trap are both accessible without affecting the operation of the machine.

Abstract: A method of treating cleaning solvent used to clean mechanical parts. The method includes adding to the cleaning solvent a treating composition selected from the group of C.sub.5 -C.sub.14 alcohols, C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 dials, C.sub.10 -C.sub.14 polyols, and C.sub.4 -C.sub.14 glycol ethers, and mixtures thereof. A further embodiment includes the foregoing plus adding a clarifying agent from the group of aromatic, aliphatic and alkaryl sulfonic acids and sulfonic acid salts, esterified polyols, and alkyl phenol formaldehyde resins capped with alkoxy groups. The solvent is vaporized and condensed to effect recycling thereof without adding substituted quantities of treating composition to the solvent.

Abstract: Various cleaning compositions useful in cleaning oil and carbon residue encrusted metallic surfaces are described. The specific formulations of the present invention may include a variety of non-corrosive and non-hazardous materials which include an aliphatic ether of a propylene glycol and/or an ester thereof, an alkanolamine, an aliphatic fatty acid blend, an alkyl pyrrolidone, water and, in some applications, a mild caustic such as ammonium hydroxide, for example. The various formulations of the present invention combine their ability to dissolve or emulsify a combination of deposits commonly found on auto and aircraft engines and the like. These formulations are most effective in removing or dissolving soils, such as oils, greases, varnishes and like residue from oil, fuel, solvents and other sources.

Abstract: A treated solvent composition for washing mechanical parts or the like. The solvent contains not more than about 25% aromatic solvents with the balance being aliphatic and other non-aromatic solvents having a flashpoint of at least 100.degree. F. The solvent is treated with up to 10 parts of an additive composition selected from the group consisting of C.sub.14 and lower alcohols, diols, polyols, lower glycols, and lower glycol ethers and mixtures thereof. In use, finely dispersed contaminant particles settle from the body of the solvent more rapidly than in untreated solvent and the resulting clarified appearance enables the solvent to be used longer and more effectively in a cleaning operation.

Abstract: A drain flow control assembly for liquids draining from a sink or the like to a reservoir having a given liquid level. The flow control assembly includes a downtube with its inlet opening above the level of the liquid and its outlet below the liquid level, a divider plate surrounding the outlet opening and extending radially outwardly of the opening a distance equal to at least twice the diameter of the downtube opening. The assembly also includes a radially smaller, imperforate deflector plate positioned beneath and spaced closely apart from the divider plate, so as to form a radially extending transfer space between the two plates. When the assembly is positioned in a liquid-containing reservoir with the downtube outlet below the upper surface of the liquid, liquid flows vertically through the downtube outlet opening and then horizontally through the radial transfer space.

Abstract: A visual comparator for use in evaluating the nature and extent of contamination in a solvent used for cleaning mechanical parts. The comparator comprises an opaque frame, and an array of viewing apertures is formed in the frame. Each of said apertures is covered by a translucent viewing panel, with certain of the viewing panels comprising a first array having a graduated sequence of predetermined colors and optical densities, each indicative of a given level of soluble liquid contamination. The remainder of the viewing panels comprises a second array having a graduated sequence of graduated optical densities, each indicative of a given level of contamination by suspended particles.

Abstract: A test apparatus for use in determining the concentration of oils or other soluble contaminants in a petroleum hydrocarbon solvent. The apparatus includes a positioner for a two-layer fibrous sheet, or two separate sheets, in either case providing an upper layer of material that is sorptive to polar materials and a lower layer that is absorptive to non-polar hydrocarbon liquids. When the contaminated liquid evaporates either, as by being heated, a characteristic stain indicative of contaminant level remains on the lower layer. The method includes applying contaminated solvent, separating particulates in the upper fibrous level, and allowing the soluble materials to stain the lower layer. Some embodiments of the apparatus include built-in heating and air circulation means.

Abstract: A drain flow control assembly for liquids draining from a sink or the like to a reservoir having a given liquid level. The flow control assembly includes a downtube with its inlet opening above the level of the liquid and its outlet below the liquid level, a divider plate surrounding the outlet opening and extending radially outwardly of the opening a distance equal to at least twice the diameter of the downtube opening. The assembly also includes a radially smaller, imperforate deflector plate positioned beneath and spaced closely apart from the divider plate, so as to form a radially extending transfer space between the two plates. When the assembly is positioned in a liquid-containing reservoir with the downtube outlet below the upper surface of the liquid, liquid flows vertically through the downtube outlet opening and then horizontally through the radial transfer space.

Abstract: A liquid filter apparatus particularly useful in removing particulates from parts washing solvent. A filter assembly includes an exterior, fluid, impermeable container, preferably in the form of a flexible sidewall bag, and an interior filter element with permeable sidewalls and inlet and outlet ends, preferably in the form of a sleeve. In use, liquid entering the sleeve may pass unfiltered entirely through the sleeve and exit through a sidewall of the exterior container, or all or any part of such liquid may pass through the filter sleeve and into a portion of the apparatus outside the sleeve but inside the exterior container. From this portion, the liquid emerges in a filtered condition. Consequently, the filter continually operates in both filtration and bypass modes.

Abstract: A liquid filter apparatus particularly useful in removing particulates from parts washing solvent. A filter assembly includes an exterior, fluid-impermeable container, preferably in the form of a flexible sidewall bag, and an interior filter element with permeable sidewalls and inlet and outlet ends, preferably in the form of a sleeve. In use, liquid entering the sleeve may pass unfiltered entirely through the sleeve and exit through a sidewall of the exterior container, or all or any part of such liquid may pass through the filter sleeve and into a portion of the apparatus outside the sleeve but inside the exterior container. From this portion, the liquid emerges in a filtered condition. Consequently, the filter continually operates in both filtration and bypass modes.

Abstract: A liquid sampling apparatus comprising a sample retention tube, a tube plug, and an operating rod and handle unit. The retention tube is an open-ended cylinder made from a thin material. The plug includes a lower body portion with a skirt type seal, a rod-receiving center section, and tapered guide surfaces extending from the center toward the top of the body. The plug is secured to one end of an operating rod, and the other end of the rod has a handle in the form of a loop and a transverse section. The rod handle configuration enables the plug to be positively located in one of two desired positions.

Abstract: New and improved spill containment devices and methods, for use primarily by the railroads, are provided in one or more lidded catch pans positionable generally around and under a transportation container for collecting and containing spilled or dripping chemical materials. A preferred spill containment apparatus comprises a combination of three catch pans positionable along a railroad siding including an inboard pan disposed between the rails and two outboard pans extending outwardly adjacent and alongside the rails and the inboard pan. The outboard pans have sectional lids that swing back over the railroad rails. This not only protects the area from splashing caused by heavy dropping in the big center pan, but also ensures that drips from above do not land on the rails or the gap between the inboard pan and the rails. When not in use, these sloped sectional lids divert dirt and rainwater away from the outboard receptacle or collecting basin portions of each outer pan.

Abstract: A storage and transport container for used anti-freeze solutions. The container includes a primary receptacle and a secondary containment and support vessel. The top of the primary receptacle is generally conical but includes a shoulder wall with an opening therein defined by a collar. The closure system includes a contoured shoulder cover, a cap support and a removable cap for the collar. The secondary containment and support vessel includes an outer sidewall and a support shoulder which engages a counterpart, lower shoulder on the primary container. The secondary vessel has a contoured bottom wall constructed so as to register with forklift tines which engage the bottom wall of the secondary receptacle and also support a portion of the primary receptacle that is in contact with the bottom wall of the secondary vessel.

Abstract: A safety cover assembly for use with an associated storage drum. The assembly includes a drum insert with a collar having a two-part cover assembly disposed atop the collar. The moveable part of the cover assembly is actuated by one portion of a crank mechanism, the other portion of which includes a pair of ends secured to a treadle and riser assembly. In use, pushing down on the treadle lowers the one portion of the crank mechanism, and raising the other portion and the associated cover. The treadle and riser assembly is open at the rear to facilitate removal and replacement of the drum. The moveable cover part may be secured to the crank by a fusible link for fire protection.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing non-volatile residues and impurities from a used solvent includes a self-scrubbing heating distillation subassembly for separating purified solvent for reuse and a controlled waste collector subassembly for overflowing concentrated residues and impurities stripped from the used solvent into an easy-to-service container. The apparatus may be disposed in a parallel in-line relationship with a circulating solvent flow circuit, such as in a dry cleaning operation, to continuously withdraw and purify aliquot portions of the circulating solvent stream, returning good solvent back to the flow circuit and concentrating non-volatile residues and impurities to a removable, environmentally sound serviceable container.