Abstract: The present invention relates to an extractor tube element (6, 10, 14) for mounting as a part of an extractor tube (1) for a beverage container (16), comprising a contact surface (8) for abutment to another extractor tube element, wherein the contact surface (8) has a protrusion (9), the protrusion tapering into a contact point for reducing a contact area of the abutment to the other extractor tube element and for creating space between the abutting extractor tube elements. The present invention also relates to an extractor tube (1), a beverage container (16), a beverage dispensing system (100) and a cleaning method.

Abstract: A monitoring arrangement monitors the operation of a cleaning-in-place system which is operable to remove contaminations, deposits and other impurities from the internal walls of a container. The CIP system comprises a pipe for extending into the container through a wall portion of the container, and a nozzle head for ejecting liquid into the container in a predetermined pattern. The monitoring arrangement comprises a sensor unit with a sensing surface responsive to liquid impact for enabling the sensor unit to emit a sensor signal indicative of the liquid impact. The sensing surface is elongated and configured to extend along a perimeter of the pipe when the sensor unit is mounted at the wall portion of the container. This enables improved performance of a processing unit that obtains and processes the sensor signal for monitoring the operation of the CIP system.

Abstract: A method for operating a vacuum cleaner includes providing a vacuum cleaner including a motor-driven fan, a pick-up device configured to pick up an air-dust mixture that is disposed on a suction side of the fan, a dust separator including at least one cyclone separator and a valve element disposed between the pick-up device and the fan. The dust separator is disposed between the pick-up device and the fan. The valve element is operated so as to connect a flow path leading from the pick-up device through the at least one cyclone separator to the fan only when a predefined minimum value of a volume flow generated by the fan or a quantity correlating with the volume flow is present.

Abstract: A new combination cleaning tool construction wherein the same can be utilized for cleaning surfaces, in particular, glass surfaces such as windshields. In particular the invention described herein provides a new combination cleaning tool construction wherein the same can be utilized for cleaning surfaces, in particular, glass surfaces such as windshields or the like, with corner portions.

Abstract: An online cleaning system for tube and shell heat exchangers is presented. The system includes a positioner, a plunger, an umbilical cleaner, and a motor. The cleaning system cleans the tubes while the heat exchanger remains in operation. The cleaning system locates and isolates a single tube via rotating and translating mechanical actions and inserts the umbilical cleaner into the tube, which may clean the tube via rotational movement or via sonication. The cleaning system may further clean the outer surface of the tubes of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An online cleaning system for tube and shell heat exchangers is presented. The system includes a positioner, a plunger, an umbilical cleaner, and a motor. The cleaning system cleans the tubes while the heat exchanger remains in operation. The cleaning system locates and isolates a single tube via rotating and translating mechanical actions and inserts the umbilical cleaner into the tube, which may clean the tube via rotational movement or via sonication. The cleaning system may further clean the outer surface of the tubes of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a spraying circuit, in particular of paint, and for treating the chemical effluents generated includes a first rinsing of the paint circuit using a predetermined first volume of treated effluent, a second rinsing of the paint circuit using a predetermined second volume of ecosolvent and a third rinsing of the paint circuit using a predetermined third volume of treated effluent, so as to save on the consumption of water from the network by recycling the treated effluent to clean and rinse the paint circuit.

Abstract: A method for removing sludge from a crude oil storage tank comprising a bottom and a moveable roof configured to float on the top of a quantity of crude oil disposed in said storage tank, where the method includes reducing a volume of crude oil in the storage tank to about a level of a sludge sediment in the storage tank, measuring a topology of the sludge disposed on said bottom, reliquefying asphaltene deposits, pumping the reliquefying asphaltene deposits out of the storage tank, wherein the method is performed without the entry of one or more persons into said storage tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for cleaning the surface of CMP polishing pads comprising blowing a stream or curtain of forced air or gas from a source onto the surface of a CMP polishing pad substrate at a pressure of from 170 kPa (24.66 psig) to 600 kPa (87 psig), towards a vacuum source, the forced air or gas blowing at an angle of from 6 to 15° from a vertical plane which lies normal to the surface of the substrate, traverses the entire width of the surface of the substrate, and passes through the source of the forced air or gas, while, at the same time conveying along a horizontal plane the CMP polishing pad so that the entire surface of the CMP polishing pad surface is exposed to the forced air or gas at least one time; and, vacuuming the surface of the CMP polishing pad at a point on the surface which is downstream from a point at which the stream curtain of forced air or gas contacts the surface of the CMP polishing pad.

Abstract: A device for descaling flow passages of a pod-type beverage machine, comprising: a container having a bottom wall and a sidewall extending from the bottom wall, the sidewall defining an opening at a top of the container, wherein the container is configured to be received by the beverage machine; a dry, liquid-absorbing material disposed within the container adjacent to the bottom wall, and configured to retard a flow of liquid therethrough; a dry powder descaler disposed within the container, wherein at least a portion of the dry powder descaler is disposed on a surface of the absorbing material opposite the bottom wall; and a cover over the opening at the top of the container and configured to seal the liquid-absorbing material and the dry powder descaler in the container.

Abstract: Cleaning industrial plant components to remove silane, metal halide, and organometallic halide contaminants and mixtures thereof, involves treating the plant components with a liquid nitrile or amine or mixture thereof or with a solution of a nitrile or amine or mixture thereof in an aprotic solvent.

Abstract: A relatively quiet pulse valve and a method of using the pulse valve are provided. The pulse valve includes a dampening mechanism to decrease mechanical stresses, decrease operating noise, decrease compressed air waste and increase operational life expectancy of the valve. Such dampening mechanism is arranged within an internal area of the pulse valve housing.

Abstract: An instrument reprocessor for cleaning, disinfecting, and/or sterilizing a medical instrument is disclosed. To reprocess instruments having one or more channels defined therein, the reprocessor can include one or more flow control systems configured to control a flow of fluid through each channel. In various embodiments, a flow control system can include a differential pressure sensor and a proportional valve for controlling the fluid flow in a channel. The reprocessor can also include, one, a fluid circulation pump which can be configured to supply the flow control systems with fluid and, two, a system for controlling the pressure of the fluid supplied to the flow control systems. The reprocessor can also include a system for supplying a metered amount of fluid to the fluid circulation system. The system can include a reservoir having a fluid height sensor to monitor the amount of fluid therein and a pump configured to supply the reservoir with fluid.

Abstract: A travelling wave motion is formed in a power line wire, which wave motion loosens material, like snow or ice, on the surface of the wire. A first support point and a second support point are arranged on the wire course, the distance of which support points being substantially smaller than the distance between the adjacent support posts of the power line, and the course of the wire is changed on the part between the support points. Then the wire is suddenly returned into its original course, which evokes a longitudinal and/or transverse wave motion in the wire. The course of the wire can be changed by applying a force on the wire between the first and second support points, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the wire. Thus the wire is returned into its original course by suddenly removing the force applied into the wire.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a method for cleaning endotracheal tubes comprises inserting a cleaning device within an endotracheal tube while a cleaning member is in a compressed position, radially expanding the cleaning member to an expanded position within the endotracheal tube, and withdrawing the cleaning device from the endotracheal tube with the cleaning member in the expanded position.

Abstract: A self-contained system is provided for cleaning a food flow path in a food processor. The system can be operably engaged without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the food processor or can be operably engaged after a partial disassembly of the food processor. The system includes a control assembly for directing passage of a solution through the food processor without requiring constant operator oversight. The system can employ available positive pressure water supply, such as public utility water pressure to selectively and automatically push solutions, including rinses, backwards or forwards through a food flow path in the food processor, though typically countercurrent to the normal processing food flow. A manifold assembly includes an intake manifold and a distribution manifold, with an induction port and/or access port in the distribution manifold for introducing additives or agents into a controlled motive stream passing through the manifold assembly.

Abstract: In order to remove a deposit adhered to the backside of the peripheral portion of a wafer, a cleaning gas containing carbon dioxide gas is set to a pressure that is slightly lower than the pressure corresponding to a vapor pressure line of carbon dioxide at a temperature in the nozzle, and a gas cluster of carbon dioxide is generated. A gas cluster of carbon dioxide generated under such a condition is in a state immediately prior to undergoing a phase change to a liquid and therefore is a gas cluster having a large cluster diameter and having molecules that are firmly solidified.

Abstract: An on-line wash system for a compressor including: a nozzle including a flow passage for wash liquid, wherein the flow passage is configured to be coupled to a source of a wash liquid and includes a discharge outlet arranged to project the wash liquid into a stream of working fluid for the turbomachine; an electrode proximate to the flow passage of the nozzle, wherein the electrode is configured to form an electrical field sufficient to charge the wash liquid flowing through the passage and the charge applied to the wash liquid is of a first polarity, and a surface of the compressor charged with the first polarity, wherein the surface is exposed to the stream of working fluid and downstream of the nozzle.

Abstract: An improved device and method for gathering up loose pet hair, lint, and other fine debris from a variety of surfaces. In the preferred embodiment, the device includes a handle and a blade. The blade is made of an elastromeric material that is flexible. Exposed surfaces of the blade have a rough, crinkled, pebble-grain texture, such as crepe rubber. The blade is greater in height than in thickness; greater in width than in height; and wider at the bottom end than at the top end, where it is connected to the handle. The handle of the device is held by the user, while the bottom end, side ends, or front and back surfaces of the blade are placed on the surface to be cleaned and dragged with slight pressure across the cleaning surface. The blade dislodges, grips, and gathers up loose pet hair and other fine debris into a wad so that it may be removed by hand or by vacuum suction.

Abstract: A clean-in-place process may begin with a pre-rinse step in which soil (e.g., contaminants, residual product) is flushed from industrial equipment prior to circulating a cleaning agent through the equipment. To determine when the equipment has been suitably flushed, pre-rinse fluid exiting the industrial equipment and containing soil may be fluorometrically analyzed. A concentration of the soil is determined from fluorescent emissions emitted by the soil itself. Based on this information, the pre-rinse flushing process can be controlled, for example, to minimize water usage, maximize pre-rinse cleaning, or based on any other suitable metric.