Abstract: A closed circuit solvent cleaning method and system in which the object to be cleaned is placed in a chamber and subjected to a negative gauge pressure to remove air and other non-condensible gases, after which a solvent is introduced to the evacuated chamber and the object is cleaned. Following this, the solvent is recovered from the object and chamber and then the clean object is removed.

Abstract: An apparatus which performs solids particles separation from a liquids/solids slurry, and subsequent drying of such solids particles, within a single enclosure. Further processing functions, such as reslurry washing, plug washing, crystal growth and other reactions, can also be carried out within that single enclosure.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the remediation of soil is provided with a plug flow of soil and counter-current wash of water. The contaminant-containing soil with water is first treated to disengage the contaminant from the soil and form a liquid phase containing water and contaminant. The treated soil and liquid phase is continuously introduced into a wash zone at a first end of the wash zone, and the soil and the liquid phase are conveyed in successive and discrete portions through the wash zone between the first end of the wash zone and a second end of the wash zone to provide an essentially plug-flow of the soil through the wash zone.

Abstract: A centrifugal type, enclosed cleaning apparatus including a housing to hold the parts thereof, a washing container fastened in a hole on the housing, a lifting unit on the housing at the top, a stirrer unit having a base coupled to the lifting arm of the lifting unit and a material carrier with a shaft received inside the washing container and coupled to the transmission shaft of a power device and driven to turn within the washing container in causing a centrifugal effect, a cleaning unit consisted of a chemical pre-wash trough, a chemical trough, an inert air supply pipe assembly, an air compressing pipe assembly, a water trough, a water spray pipe assembly, and a separating trough, a drying unit, and a programmable control unit to control the operation of the lifting unit, the stirrer unit, the cleaning unit, and the drying unit in cleaning the products placed in the material carrier.

Abstract: Water-based industrial cleaning solutions are stripped of mixed oil and high density particulate (dirt) contamination by a full or partial flow system through, first, a centrifugal separator to produce two effluent flow streams respective to low and high density contamination. Each centrifugal separator effluent stream is conducted to and through respective gravimetric separators producing three effluent streams each. The two purified cleaning solution streams are combined for recycling. The two oil effluent streams are combined for disposal. The two particulate dominated streams are combined for screen or matrix filtration.A small side stream such as effluent from the screen or filter is treated with ozone for bacterial control prior to recombination.

Abstract: A method for precision cleaning of a workpiece with a cleaning fluid comprising liquid and/or supercritical fluid carbon dioxide and a primary solvent which is liquid at ambient temperatures and pressures comprises first placing the workpiece in a pressurizable vessel with a removable lid and within an inner tank open at the top; supplying the primary solvent to the inner tank; flushing the primary solvent through the pressure vessel; draining the inner tank to remove the primary solvent; and then supplying liquid and/or supercritical fluid carbon dioxide to the pressure vessel and flushing it through the vessel by withdrawing it from near the bottom of the inner tank.

Abstract: A single motive pump, clean-in-place system is disclosed for use with an associated piping system and with a vessel to be cleaned of contaminating material. The system comprises a recirculation loop, a return line from the vessel to the recirculation loop, and a feed line from the recirculation loop to the vessel. During a wash recirculation cycle, the system uses a single motive pump to provide recirculation flow, feed flow, and, via an eductor pump, return suction from the vessel. An alternate embodiment of the clean-in-place system uses a water storage tank when adequate water flow rate or supply pressure are unavailable.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing paint spray guns and associated equipment with a liquid solvent for the purpose of cleaning and removing paint therefrom after use in painting operations. The apparatus includes a cleaning chamber having solvent dispersing nozzles therein, the nozzles being structured and disposed for spraying the liquid solvent onto exterior and interior surfaces of the spray gun, paint canister and other equipment supported within the cleaning chamber for cleaning thereof. The used solvent is collected in a holding chamber having a float switch therein which activates a solenoid controlled valve upon the used solvent reaching a predetermined level, releasing the contaminated solvent into a distillation chamber for boiling. Purified vapors pass through a condenser where they are cooled to a liquid state, yielding pure solvent which is directed into a clean solvent tank. A pump circulates the purified solvent from the clean solvent holding tank to the dispersing nozzles in the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: Oil, water and sand are separated from soil by screening and separation of coarse particles, agitating the soil in a solution of non-ionic biodegradable detergent to promote emulsification of the oil, separating sand from the emulsion, separating the oil in the emulsion from the detergent solution in a coalescing filter, and recycling the detergent solution. Preferably the soil and detergent solution is agitated first at low speed to separate any aggregate from the soil, and to provide a homogenized mixture of the soil and the detergent solution, and then agitating the homogenized mixture of the soil and the detergent at high speed to transfer the oil from the soil into an emulsion with the detergent solution. For reduced maintenance of the coalescing filter, the emulsion is passed through a hydrocyclone for removing fines before the emulsion is passed to the coalescing filter.

Abstract: Precision cleaning of parts is performed with liquefiable gases, such as CO.sub.2, without the use of a complex and costly processor system. Rather, simplified and reliable performance for small scale and "low end" cleaning applications is accomplished without the use of pumps and condensers. The apparatus for removing undesired material from a chosen substrate comprises: (a) an enclosed cleaning chamber in a walled vessel for containing a liquid derived from a liquefiable gas and the substrate containing the undesired particulates and contaminants, the walled vessel adapted to withstand a maximum pressure of about 1,500 pounds per square inch (105.4 kg/cm.sup.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing contaminants from soil by a closed-loop, counter-current extraction process is disclosed. The process involves a preliminary water removal step, followed by a counter-current leaching of the contaminants from the soil by an extraction solvent in one or more extraction vessels. The extraction solvent is preferably 2-methyl-2-propanol and is continuously recycled.

Abstract: A method of cleaning metal articles comprises the steps of cleaning metal articles with alkaline washing water, rinsing the metal articles with deoxidized rinsing water, removing water from the metal articles by blowing dry vapor on the metal articles and drying the same in a heated atmosphere. Further, an apparatus for cleaning metal articles comprises a washing reservoir for containing alkaline washing water, a rinsing water deoxidizing device, a rinsing reservoir connected to the water-deoxidizing device, for containing deoxidized rinsing water supplied from the rinsing water deoxidizing device, a boiler, a water-removing reservoir connected to the boiler and supplied with dry vapor from the boiler, and a drying reservoir having an interior in which a heated atmosphere is created, which reservoirs are arranged in this order.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for use in removal of coatings from airplanes and the like wherein such removal requires the application of a solvent composition for dissolving the coating such as paint, the solvent having a sufficiently high vapor pressure to be present in both a liquid phase and a gaseous vapor phase at stripping temperatures with the solvent in the vapor phase being lighter than the liquid phase and heavier than air, and the apparatus including a portable carriage, positionable beneath the airplane, a receptacle having spaced side walls and carried by the carriage, the side walls extending vertically upwardly, the receptacle further defining a receptacle bottom portion, the receptacle receiving spent solvent in both the liquid and the vapor phases after application of the solvent to the airplane surfaces and dissolution of the paint therein, the side walls directing the received spent solvent in both phases to the receptacle bottom portion such that vapor phase is trapped above the he

Abstract: A system for removing oil from oil/water or oil/sand or oil/water/sand mixtures. An oil/water mixture is taken from an oil spill on the surface of the water or from other sources such as producing oil wells and is transported to a surge tank where it is agitated and then passed on to a separator which separates the oil from the water. The system also covers separating oil from sand or earth when the spill is on land.

Abstract: A solvent recovering system capable of recovering the solvent wetting solvent-cleaned articles, such as machine parts, electronic parts or medical instruments, without releasing the solvent into the atmosphere. A solvent vapor processing unit is connected by circulation passages to a closed chamber for accommodating solvent-cleaned articles. The vapor of the solvent evaporated from the solvent-cleaned articles is circulated through the closed chamber and the solvent vapor processing unit to subject the vapor repeatedly to adsorption or condensation to recover the solvent perfectly so that the solvent may not be released into the atmosphere to prevent air pollution and harm on health.

Abstract: A self-contained and integrated multi-process power spray washer apparatus to be used to clean articles placed therein, the washer apparatus including a central washing chamber which is large enough to enclose and rotate an article to be cleaned therein. A primary filter removes contaminants from a cleaning solution immediately after it has been used, and a solution reservoir receives and holds filtered cleaning solution from the primary filter. A fan forced electronic burner heats the cleaning solution contained in the reservoir, and provides a heat source for contaminant incineration. An oil skimmer removes oil and grease from an upper surface of the cleansing solution held in the reservoir, and a secondary centrifugal filter through which cleansing solution is pumped from the reservoir additionally filters the solution.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus to clean and cleanliness test printed circuit wiring boards and includes an inner chamber and an outer enclosure encasing the inner chamber. A rack within the chamber is adapted to hold a plurality of PCBs having electronic components assembled thereon. An operator programmable microprocessor controller causes a saponifier solution to be introduced into the interior chamber. The saponifier solution is pumped through a diffusion assembly in the chamber to spray the solution onto the PCBs. Upon completion of this cleaning cycle, the saponifier solution is drained by gravity out of the chamber. This is followed by a water rinsing cycle utilizing the same hardware and procedure. Once the rosin saponification cleaning cycle and water rinsing cycle are complete, the system controller empties the wash chamber and pumps in a standard resistivity test mixture of 75% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and 25% water. A MIL-P-28809 cleanliness test is then performed on the PCBs.

Abstract: A retrofit manifold, system and process for converting a solvent vapor degreaser to an aqueous solution degreaser is provided for an efficient and environmentally safe method for removing contaminants from workpieces, manufactured articles and other parts. A uniquely designed agitation manifold is fitted at the back wall of the wash tank. Unclean workpieces are submerged in hot aqueous solution in the wash tank and are positioned in the wash tank in front of the agitation manifold. A plurality of nozzles arranged at each section of the manifold spray aqueous solution at the workpieces. Oil based contaminants separated from the workpieces are collected at the surface of the aqueous solution and exited from the tank along with a quantity of aqueous solution. The contaminants are removed from the system and the aqueous solution is recycled back into the wash tank.

Abstract: Distillation chamber for extracting solvent from sludge, in particular for dry-cleaning machines, having a bottom shaped like a half-cylinder with a horizontal axis. The bottom is provided, in a downward position, at one end, with an outlet for extracting dried sludge. A shaft is axially and rotatably mounted in the chamber and spatula-like sectors, suitable for stirring the sludge and for pushing it toward the outlet upon the rotation of the shaft, are fixed to the shaft itself.

Abstract: A cleaning method and cleaning system using an organic solvent such as Freon. A cleaning tank is closed after an article to be cleaned is placed within the cleaning tank. The solvent is supplied to the cleaning tank from a solvent storage tank. The article is cleaned with the supplied solvent. After the cleaning, the solvent is discharged in liquid state from the cleaning tank while vapor of the solvent which remains in the cleaning tank is discharged to a condenser to condense the vapor. The condensed solvent is returned from the condenser into the solvent storage tank. After the liquid solvent and vapor solvent are discharged from the cleaning tank, the cleaned article is taken out from the cleaning tank. The condenser is incorporated in a distiller. A solvent vapor supplying unit is connected to the cleaning tank. The thus provided closed system prevents release of Freon to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are described for removing contaminants from soil or other substrate materials. A hot pressurized liquid is continuously supplied to a volume of soil or other material contained in a processing vessel. The hot pressurized liquid may be steam, which vaporizes a fraction of the contaminant which is then released through a vapor filter to prevent atmospheric cross-pollution. The remaining contaminant is removed as either a liquid phase or a solid solution phase along with the steam driver. The waste stream and stream driver condense in a collector and are removed from the system. The driver may be recovered for reuse or may be discarded along with the waste stream. The processor may also be used to remove various types of contaminants ranging from light hydrocarbons, chlorinated, solvents, and water soluble organics to heavy oils, paints, heavy metals, and radionucleides.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing out photopolymer printing plates by means of solvents, drying the printing plates and recovering the solvents, a conventional washout station and a conventional drying station being connected to a solvent recovery means integrated in the drying station, which consists of the following parts:a hermetically sealing drying chamber for the printing plates, having an adjustable hood (15) and stationary panel (16), with panel heaters (18a, 18b) inserted in the hood and panel,a system which is connected to the interior space formed when the drying chamber is closed and which consists of a heat exchanger (25) for cooling the solvent vapor/air mixture, formed by drying the printing plates in the drying chamber, and condensation of the solvents,a solvent separator (26) for separating off the liquefied solvents,a vacuum pump (27) and a buffer vessel (33) for sucking up the solvent vapor/air mixture and compressing the solvent vapor/air mixture,a heat exchanger (28) for increasing the temperature

Abstract: A rollover type car wash and rinse machine which uses permeate from a reverse osmosis unit for a final rinse operation. The machine is operator controlled to wash and initially rinse cars with a spray arch using raw water and concentrate from the reverse osmosis unit. A final rinse can then be performed with a second spray arch using permeate alone, and only after a wash and initial rinse has been performed.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus that provides for immersion cleaning in one or two solvents. Using a source of inert gas and a recycling loop, the apparatus provides a drying zone above the solvents and prevents escape of solvent vapor into the surrounding atmosphere. The recycling loop maintains nonequilibrium vapor conditions and includes a centrifugal separator, which facilitates separation and recovery of the solvent vapors and the inert gas during normal operation of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing the dispersion medium in a metal or ceramic molded body which comprises a dispersion medium-removing vessel includes a condensing zone located in a upper part and a boiling zone located in a lower part, a separator to separater a solvent in the dispersion medium solution discharged from the vessel by heating the solution at a temperature higher than the boiling point of the solvent to evaporate it, the boiling zone being connected with the separator through a pipe to transport the dispersion medium solution and a pipe to transport the vaporized solvent to form a circuit, and a pump provided in the circuit. In the apparatus since the dispersion medium is removed in the boiling solvent, keeping a constant temperature is easy. The dispersion medium is promptly removed by contacting it with a solution of which the concentration of the dispersion medium is always low due to continuous removal of the dispersion medium in the separator. Since the boiling point of the solvent is about 20.

Abstract: A system for cleaning solids contaminated with solvent-soluble contaminants. The system comprises the use of at least two successive cleaning zones, each of which includes a slurry stage and a centrifuge separation stage, wherein the solids to be cleaned and the solvent used for cleaning flow in countercurrent relationship to each other between the successive zones.

Abstract: The cleaning method of the present invention comprises; (a) immersing a material to be cleaned in a mixed solvent contained in the first open vessel, wherein the mixed solvent consists of a chlorofluoro-hydrocarbon with a boiling point of 20.degree.-50.degree. C. and an organic solvent with a boiling point of 50.degree. C. or more higher than that of said chlorofluoro-hydrocarbon and compatible therewith, but not azeotropic therewith, and kept at a temperature within a range between the boiling point of the chlorofluoro-hydrocarbon and a temperature of at least 30.degree. C.

Abstract: Rinser dryer system for rising process chemical from silicon or gallium arsenide wafers, substrates, masks or disks and drying of silicon or gallium arsenide wafers, substrates, masks or disks positioned in a wafer cassette. A wafer cassette is positioned in a rotor assembly and the rotor assembly positioned within a removable heated chamber bowl. The wafer cassette rotates past rising and drying manifold nozzles. The removable chamber bowl is secured to a rinser dryer mounting plate by quick disconnect hardware for removal and for external cleansing. A broken chip collector in a lower portion of an exhaust manifold assembly removes small broken chip remains. An acidity sensor is positioned in a bottom portion of the exhaust manifold assembly for monitoring rinse effluent during the rising process. A gated exhaust valve in an exhaust gas manifold of the exhaust manifold assembly provides for gases to exhaust to an external location.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for removing oil base drilling mud or like contaminants from drill cuttings. A continuous phase liquid, such as, base oil or wash water, is used to wash the contaminants from the cuttings. The continuous phase liquid and the contaminants removed from the cuttings are separated for recirculation and reuse. The separation system (10) of the invention includes a wash drum (14) for agitating the contaminated cuttings and continuous phase liquid together, a drying screen (16) for separating the larger solids from the liquid phase, a first column tank (18) and a pair of centrifuges (24 and 26) for separating the smaller solids from the liquid phase, and second and third column tanks (20 and 22) for separating the continuous phase liquid from the removed contaminants.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissolving oil or PCB which exists in the electrical insulation of parts to be cleaned, wherein a solvent is evaporated during a heating phase by an evaporator located with the parts in an autoclave. The solvent vapor condenses on the parts and penetrates into the electrical insulation to form an oil or PCB-solvent mixture. The apparatus provides for a plurality of intermediate pressure reductions which are carried out in the autoclave, and during each intermediatre pressure reduction the solvent is simultaneously evaporated from the oil or PCB-solvent mixture, directly from the autoclave. That is, during each of the pressure reductions, the solvent supply is discontinued and the mixture circulated through a circulating line. Following the completion of each intermediate pressure reduction, the pure oil or PCB present in a condensate vessel is pumped out by an intermediately located feed pump through a connecting line and into a reservoir.

Abstract: Energy efficient apparatus of compact size and configuration for the decontamination of the PCB contaminated fluid removed from transformers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid circulation loop with a side stream to a distillation means followed by a venturi for reintroducing the vapors of distillation into the circulating loop of contaminated fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for the removal and the recovery of washcoat remaining in the channels of freshly coated monolithic or honeycombed catalytic carriers. The carrier is inserted into a chamber from above and tightly fitted therein at least with the lowest part of the carrier therein. The chamber is fitted with a collection area and a runoff located thereunder. The runoff leads via a shutoff valve into a separation vessel under a vacuum. The opening and closing of the shutoff valve causes air to be aspirated through the carrier channels, which are open at the top or are gradually opened by means of a slotted slide. This action causes the washcoat remnants to be transferred into the separation vessel, where they can be collected in the sump and are then pumped off. The apparatus can be used in systems for manufacturing catalysts for cleaning exhaust gases.

Abstract: A dry cleaning solvent recovery and filtering system includes a dry cleaning solvent tank containing solvent for use in a dry cleaning machine. A filtration path from the tank includes a centrifugal separator for removing coarse debris and a filter element for removing fine debris from the solvent fluid. The filter element includes a perforated metal cylinder, having an open mouth, with a Teflon.RTM. coated screen forming the interior debris collection surface. A rinsing spray nozzle situated at the mouth of the filter element directs a fluid spray under pressure against the collection surface in the same direction that debris contaminated solvent fluid flows therethrough. The pressure of the fluid spray is sufficient to dislodge fine debris adhered to the collection surface without forcing the debris into the perforations of the filter element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for cleaning rosin flux residues off of printed wiring assemblies. In accordance with the invention printed wiring assemblies are placed within a processing chamber and a vacuum pump is used to draw a vacuum within the processing chamber. The rosin flux residues are then washed off of the printed wiring assemblies using a solvent for dissolving and removing the flux residues.

Abstract: A transportable, self-contained work site, designed specifically to facilitate manual vehicle washing and engine cleaning, comprising a rigid skeletal structure which is constructed of preformed, connectable modules and a lightweight raised platform or flooring which slopes inwardly to capture liquids for recycling.

Abstract: 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane or 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane are employed as solvents to remove oleophylic material from mineral particulates. In one aspect the method of this invention includes the steps of transporting oil-based mud-laden cuttings to a solid feed tank wherein the oil-based cuttings are subjected to turbulent mixing to leave the surface of the cuttings substantially free of oil. The cuttings are then subjected to countercurrent flow of solvent in order to separate oily solvent and fines smaller than a chosen diameter from the heavier solids. The heavier solids are cleaned of any remaining oil-based muds, separated from cleaning solvent and ultimately returned to the sea environment.

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: A method for decontaminating PCB containing transformers. The transformer is initially cleaned using a vapor degreasing solvent. The internal parts are removed and given a second cleaning which combines vapor degreasing with mechanical tumbling. The transformer and its parts are cleaned to less than 10 .mu.g/100 cm.sup.2 PCB. These cleaned parts are reclaimed rather than disposed of as toxic waste.

Abstract: A finely pulverized component added in vehicle spray washing water and acting to remove dirt which ordinarily tend to be left on a car surface when washing the car by applying dynamic water spray, and a vehicle spray washing system using the spray washing water containing detergent and the finely pulverized component, including a device for clarifying waste washing water and a device for recovering the finely pulverized component from the waste washing water to return the same to water to be sprayed.

Abstract: A closed system and method for cleaning articles by means of a volatile cleaning solvent is disclosed herein. The system generally comprises a cleaning chamber having a doorway which, when opened allows access to the interior of the chamber, and when closed seals the chamber interior from the ambient atmosphere, a solvent nozzle disposed within the cleaning chamber for discharging a jet of volatile cleaning solvent on an article within the chamber incident to a cleaning operation, a solvent sump for collecting liquid solvent from the chamber that includes a quantity isolating fluid, which may be water, for forming a liquid curtain over the collected solvent that isolates the solvent from the ambient atmosphere when the chamber door way is opened, and a solvent condenser system connected to the interior of the cleaning chamber for condensing vaporized and atomized solvent discharged by the solvent nozzle into liquid form, and circulating the liquid solvent into the sump.

Abstract: A dry cleaning solvent recovery and filtering system includes a dry cleaning solvent tank containing solvent for use in a dry cleaning machine. A filtration path from the tank includes a centrifugal separator for removing coarse debris and a filter element for removing fine debris from the solvent fluid. The filter element includes a perforated metal cylinder, having an open mouth, with a Teflon.RTM. coated screen forming the interior debris collection surface. A rinsing spray nozzle situated at the mouth of the filter element directs a fluid spray under pressure against the collection surface in the same direction that debris contaminated solvent fluid flows therethrough. The pressure of the fluid spray is sufficient to dislodge fine debris adhered to the collection surface without forcing the debris into the perforations of the filter element.

Abstract: A distillation apparatus includes a heating device, an inlet for medium to be distilled, a vapor outlet, a distillation space between the distillation medium inlet and the vapor outlet and a drain for the separate components of the solvent, arranged in the bottom part of the distilling space and extending from same. In a heating vessel, which is able to be filled with a heating medium to be heated by the heating device, there is a downwardly extending down tube joined with the inlet and an up tube extending upwards to the vapor inlet. During operation the two tubes are surrounded by heating medium and form the distillation space. The drain is arranged under the junction between the up and down tubes and is provided with a U-trap.

Abstract: A solvent recovery system is provided which is characterized by improved efficiency and safety. The system includes an evaporator unit having a heat source for vaporizing contaminated solvent. The resulting vapors are subsequently liquified in a condensing unit. During evaporation and condensation of the solvent, a negative pressure is maintained within the system using a vacuum generator. After condensation, the liquid solvent passes into at least one accumulator which is periodically drained. The accumulator and vacuum generator operate in synchronization so that a vacuum is maintained in the system while drainage of the accumulator occurs. Since the evaporation and condensation systems of the invention are maintained at a negative pressure, any leaks therein do not result in the escape of flammable vapors.

Abstract: Both an apparatus and method for water washing garments and removing radioactive contaminates therefrom without the generation of liquid effluents is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a washing machine unit having a wash water inlet, a rinse water inlet and an outlet conduit, and a hydraulically closed wash water system. The wash water system in turn includes a reservoir of filtered and demineralized water connected to the wash water inlet, a particulate filter unit connected to the outlet conduit for removing particulate impurities from the wash water discharged through the conduit, and a water polisher connected between the particulate filtration unit and the reservoir for supplying the reservoir with filtered and demineralized and chemically purified water.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement of ultrasonic washing apparatus comprising at least one washing vessel, an ultrasonic vibrator for radiating ultrasonic wave into the washing bath, an oscillator for operating the ultrasonic vibrator and degassing means for removing dissolved air and other gases from the washing liquid, thereby enhancing cavitation in the washing bath when the ultrasonic wave is radiated therein, said degassing means including gas separating means and barrier means for preventing surrounding air from dissolving into the washing liquid while it is degassed. Thanks to deaeration in the washing bath cavitation can be used to its full extent in removing soil from a soiled object in the washing bath.

Abstract: A solution of water soluble conveyor lubricant is continuously recovered from a moving conveyor through a suction bar. The lubricant is treated to reduce suspended solids, heat sterilized, the pH adjusted, and a bactericide is added. The solution is then recycled at least once to obtain about a 50%-90% recovery, and then is discharged. The process saves a significant amount of water, in addition to lubricant.

Abstract: A solution of water soluble conveyor lubricant is continuously recovered from a moving conveyor through a suction bar. The lubricant is treated with a bactericide and the pH is adjusted as needed. The solution is then recycled at least once to obtain about a 50%-90% recovery.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for cleaning workpieces such as semiconductors and other electronic devices by using chloro-fluoro-carbon solvent such as R113. Chloro-fluoro-carbon vapor is drawn from a lateral position of a layer of chloro-fluoro-carbon vapor through a suction duct and is cooled and liquefied in a collecting tank. The resulting liquid is returned to a cleaning tank through a return duct. This feature allows the gas generated from the chloro-fluoro-carbon vapor to be collected for repeated use, reduces the amount of chloro-fluoro-carbon solvent consumption, and prevents air pollution by the chloro-flouoro-carbon gas. Further, the entire apparatus may readily be constructed as a unit, thus at low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus which includes an ultrasonic cleaning tank, a rinse cleaning tank, a vapor cleaning tank and a distilling tank. The distilling tank has, at its inner lower portion, a heater. Means are provided for directing the flow of the cleaning liquid in each of the ultrasonic, vapor and rinse cleaning tanks into the distilling tank. Cooling means are disposed above the level of the cleaning liquid in each of the tanks to condense rinsing cleaning liquid vapors. Supply means supply a cleaning liquid cooled by the cooling means into the rinse cleaning tank and the vapor cleaning tank.

Abstract: In order to dissolve oil or PCB which exists in the electrical insulation of parts to be cleaned, a solvent is evaporated during a heating phase by an evaporator located with the parts in an autoclave. The solvent vapor condenses on the parts and penetrates into the electrical insulation to form an oil or PCB-solvent mixture. In the heating phase, a plurality of intermediate pressure reductions are carried out in the autoclave, and during each intermediate pressure reduction the solvent is simultaneously distilled out of the oil or PCB-solvent mixture, directly from the autoclave. That is, during each of the pressure reductions, the solvent supply is discontinued and the mixture circulated through a circulating line. Following the completion of each intermediate pressure reduction, the pure oil or PCB present in a condensate vessel is pumped out by an intermediately located feed pump through a connecting line and into a reservoir.