Abstract: Rinsing of an aqueous liquid from a hydrophilic surface is accomplished by contact with an inert non-solvent such as a perfluorinated liquid in a manner that creates an emulsion and does not convert the hydrophilic properties of the rinsed surface. By breaking down the emulsion, the insert non-solvent is recycled for re-use and the aqueous liquid is recovered for treatment or re-use. Drying of the rinsed hydrophilic surface is also optionally provided.

Abstract: Surfaces wet with an aqueous liquid are treated by using a thermally stable and chemically inert non-solvent liquid so as to form an emulsion with the aqueous liquid to be removed from said surfaces up to the complete elimination of said aqueous liquid, whereafter the wet surfaces are subjected to a rinsing operation in the presence of vapors from said non-solvent liquid, and to drying. The installation for implementing such method comprises a first rinsing zone (1) wherein are arranged means (2,3) for the treatment of the surfaces by means of an inert non-solvent liquid intended to form an emulsion with the aqueous liquid to be eliminated from said surfaces, as well as means (16-18) for vaporizing the inert non-solvent liquid in a second rinsing zone (15), and a drying zone (20) situated preferably directly above said second vapor rinsing zone.