Abstract: A fluoride ion cleaning system includes a retort for cleaning at least one component via a working fluid supplied to the retort, a post-retort subsystem for processing a post-retort fluid stream exiting the retort at a first temperature, and a scrubber downstream from the post-retort subsystem. The post-retort subsystem includes a separator in flow communication with the retort. The separator includes an inlet for receiving the post-retort fluid stream from the retort and an outlet for the post-retort fluid stream exiting the separator. The post-retort subsystem also includes a cooling device for selectively cooling the post-retort fluid stream to a second temperature, the second temperature being lower than the first temperature. The second temperature enables particulate to be separated from the post-retort fluid stream within the separator.

Abstract: A detection system for use with a component is provided. The component includes a plurality of cooling holes located on an outer surface of the component and an air supply system coupled in flow communication to a back surface of each of the plurality of cooling holes. The detection system includes a data acquisition system including at least one sensor and a processor. The processor is configured to cause a laser device to drill a first of the cooling holes, detect an air change in air proximate the first cooling hole from the air supply system based on data received from the at least one sensor, wherein the air change is indicative of a drilling breakthrough of the back surface of the first cooling hole, and operate the laser device to stop drilling the first cooling hole based on the detected air change.

Abstract: A method of ablating one or more holes in an article with a laser is provided. The method includes an establishing step that establishes an ablation characteristic. The ablation characteristic includes a synchronized machine motion characteristic. An ablating step ablates the one or more holes with the laser based on the synchronized machine motion characteristic. The synchronized machine motion characteristic synchronizes a laser beam emitted from the laser with a location of the one or more holes.

Abstract: A method of processing a group of holes in an article is provided. The method includes an establishing step that establishes an ablation characteristic including at least one of, a laser operating parameter and an ablation pattern for the group of holes. An ablating step ablates a first group of holes with a laser based on a first established ablation characteristic. A second ablating step ablates a second group of holes with the laser based on a second established ablation characteristic. The first established ablation characteristic is different from the second established ablation characteristic.

Abstract: A method of laser ablation of one or more holes in an article includes a step of establishing an ablation characteristic. The ablation characteristic is a laser characteristic, a working zone characteristic, a cooling hole characteristic, or a synchronized machine motion characteristic. A creating step creates a laser path plan for a laser beam based on the established ablation characteristic for a first working zone and a second working zone of the article. An ablating step ablates the first working zone with a first ablation characteristic and afterwards ablates the second working zone with a second ablation characteristic which is different from the first ablation characteristic.

Abstract: A fluoride ion cleaning system includes a retort for cleaning at least one component via a working fluid supplied to the retort, a post-retort subsystem for processing a post-retort fluid stream exiting the retort at a first temperature, and a scrubber downstream from the post-retort subsystem. The post-retort subsystem includes a separator in flow communication with the retort. The separator includes an inlet for receiving the post-retort fluid stream from the retort and an outlet for the post-retort fluid stream exiting the separator. The post-retort subsystem also includes a cooling device for selectively cooling the post-retort fluid stream to a second temperature, the second temperature being lower than the first temperature. The second temperature enables particulate to be separated from the post-retort fluid stream within the separator.

Abstract: A system for cooling a medium includes a line having coolant flowing therein, and a sub-cooling unit in fluid communication with the line. The sub-cooling unit receives a portion of the coolant diverted from the line to cool coolant flowing in the line. A method of cooling a medium is further disclosed.