With Pressurized Fluid Or Fluid Manipulation Patents (Class 134/22.12)
  • Patent number: 7185663
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for on-line cleaning of internal surfaces of selected sections of a hydrocarbon fuel burning gas turbine and associated heat recovery equipment, during operation. Cleaning solutions containing graphite and/or molybdenum-based particles and oil soluble corrosion inhibitors, aromatic solvents, and surfactants are selectively introduced directly into the combustion chamber (combustor) of the gas turbine, into the fuel stream, water washing system, or the combustion air system (hot gas path). The cleaning process dislodges unwanted ash deposit buildup and, thereby restores the gas turbine to rated power. When introduced into the compressor section, the particles impinge on the metal surfaces, cleaning them prior to entering the hot gas section where the process may be repeated. They may also be carried through the exhaust to additionally clean attendant heat recovery equipment, if present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Koch, Daniel T. Smith, Mark D. Hughes, Thomas Urbas
  • Patent number: 7160395
    Abstract: A device for alternately applying pressure and vacuum to pipes in order to remove or prevent build-up of undesirable coatings inside the pipes is disclosed. The device includes a pressure and vacuum source connected to a plenum having a hose attached to the plenum at a proximal end and a control mechanism attached to the hose near a distal end. The control mechanism is operable to control the plenum to rapidly switch between variable amounts of vacuum and pressure to the hose. The plenum may also be controlled to supply neither vacuum nor pressure to the hose. The device may be used in a wide variety of settings, including industrial, commercial, marine hospitality industry, and household settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Stuart R. Amos
  • Patent number: 7132017
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a heat exchanging coil in an air conditioning unit using a low-pressure cleaning system to remove foreign particles that have accumulated on the heat exchanging coil. The low-pressure cleaning system discharges air at a low pressure, high velocity, and a high volume in order to clean the heat exchanging coil. Further, the low-pressure cleaning system can inject a substance into the discharge air flow to aid in cleaning the heat exchanging coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: George M. Laurence
  • Patent number: 7128074
    Abstract: An apparatus for scarifying an interior surface of a sewer pipe, which includes a vehicle moveable along an interior of the sewer pipe and a scarifying assembly connected to the vehicle having a fluid nozzle assembly. The fluid nozzle assembly has at least one branch with a fluid nozzle coupled to a distal end of the branch. The nozzle is positioned proximate the interior surface of the passageway. The fluid nozzle assembly is operative to rotate or oscillate and to emit a jet of fluid from the one nozzle against the interior surface of the passageway and to scarify the interior surface of the passageway as the vehicle moves along the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Mac & Mac Hydrodemolition, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard MacNeil, David MacNeil, Gordon MacNeil, Vernon Bose
  • Patent number: 7117877
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to clean a paint feed-line (1) of a painting system, line running from at least one paint tank (2, 9) to a paint deposition device (3) and feeding paint in this direction during the operational stages. During cleaning stages between operational stages, a cleaning substance is forced through the feed line (1). An inert gas, for instance nitrogen, is used as the gas for this purpose, and at the end of the cleaning stages the feed line (1) is filled with the inert gas. The gas remains in the feed line (1) until the next operational stage begins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: ITW Oberflachentechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Bahr
  • Patent number: 7115171
    Abstract: A method and cleaning composition for removing engine deposits from turbine components, in particular turbine disks and turbine shafts. This method comprises the following steps: (a) providing a turbine component having a surface with engine deposits thereon, wherein the turbine component comprises a nickel and/or cobalt-containing base metal; and (b) treating the surface of the turbine component with a cleaning composition to convert the engine deposits thereon to a removable smut without substantially etching the base metal of the turbine component. The cleaning composition comprises an aqueous solution that is substantially free of acetic acid and comprising: a nitrate ion source in an amount, by weight of the nitrate ion, of from about 470 to about 710 grams/liter; and a bifluoride ion source in an amount, by weight of the bifluoride ion, of from about 0.5 to about 15 grams/liter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Matthew Powers, William Clarke Brooks
  • Patent number: 7105062
    Abstract: A method for cleaning an exhaust stack tube of an oil tank heater comprises the steps of securing collection drums at open ends of a heater tube using attaching straps; securing a drop cloth over an exhaust end of the heater tube with an attaching strap; interconnecting the collection drums to one of a vacuum apparatus and a receptacle container; attaching a nozzle to an end of a high pressure hose; inserting the nozzle under the drop cloth and into an exhaust end of the heater tube; forcing wash water under pressure through the nozzle; guiding the nozzle to the top of the exhaust stack; pulling the nozzle back a few feet and, again, guiding the nozzle upward while rotating the nozzle; and repeating this process until the nozzle reaches the bottom of the exhaust stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Brian Crichton
  • Patent number: 7094293
    Abstract: A device for mechanically cleaning a grooves used to hold a rotor or a stator winding of an electric machine includes an axially moveable device carrier and at least one cleaning tool connected to the device carrier and extending radially from the device carrier into the groove. In addition, a corresponding method includes the steps of radially moving at least one cleaning tool connected to a device carrier so as to mechanically remove impurities on a wall section of the groove, axial advancing of the device carrier in a manner adapted to the radial movement of the at least one cleaning tool, and setting the dimensional tolerance range for the groove by adjusting the cleaning tool. The device and the method are suitable for cleaning grooves into which a new winding is to be installed in an existing laminated body, for example, in the case of the retrofitting of generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Walter Meier, Ralph Studer
  • Patent number: 7065955
    Abstract: A method details injecting water into a gas turbine engine to facilitate cleaning an inner surface of a combustor. The method comprises removing an axial fuel injector from the combustor, wherein the fuel injector includes a nozzle stem, and inserting a spray nozzle assembly into a fuel injector opening created within the combustor when the fuel injector was removed, wherein the spray nozzle assembly includes a popet nozzle that is coupled to a nozzle stem that is shaped substantially identically to the fuel injector nozzle stem removed from the combustor. The method also comprises coupling the spray nozzle assembly to the combustor such that the popet nozzle is inserted substantially concentrically into the combustor, and injecting water into the combustor through the spray nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Scott Mitchell Reback, Stephen Thomas Sebeika
  • Patent number: 7063593
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for surface treating boundary walls of an interior chamber formed in a workpiece. Nozzle members are inserted through access openings which communicate with opposite sides of the interior chamber and are positioned so that discharge openings of the nozzle members are disposed in closely adjacent and directly opposed relationship. High velocity streams of carrier fluid having entrained solid abrasive media therein are simultaneously discharged from the nozzle members so that the opposed streams directly violently impact and are deflected radially outwardly for impact against the surrounding boundary walls. The opposed nozzle members are preferably simultaneously synchronously moved lengthwise of the chamber to effect treating of the boundary walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Roto-Finish Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7056442
    Abstract: A contaminant-flushing machine for removing contaminants from a container, such as an engine transmission, air-conditioner coil, or transmission cooler, which includes hoses for coupling to the transmission cooler and a pump for circulating fluid through the hoses and the transmission cooler, and a fluid filter having a reduced tendency towards causing vaporization of the fluid. Also included in the contaminant-flushing machine is an automatic aeration system for injecting air into the circulating fluid at predetermined intervals. Additionally, a reverse flow piping circuit is included to permit automatic and electric manipulation of the flow direction of fluid through said transmission cooler while at the same time not altering the direction of flow of fluid through the pump. The flow reversals are repeated with a cycle of three (3) seconds in one direction followed by a flow in the other direction of one-fourth (¼) of a second, thereby creating an overall flow of fluid primarily in one reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Dennis B. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7055533
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing misted cleaning or disinfecting solution at one or more atomizing discharge ports for cleaning suction conduits, such as HVE conduits. The apparatus includes a venturi valve to extract concentrated cleaning/disinfectant fluid from a storage container. The concentrated fluid is mixed with a pressurized venturi-operating fluid, typically water, before being suctioned through an atomizing discharge port and entering the conduit to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Rodney B. Larkin
  • Patent number: 7047985
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for the removal of contaminating materials from pipework, the contaminating materials comprising deposits on the pipework which cause a reduction in the effective internal diameter of the pipes and thereby effect a reduction in the rate of flow of a fluid through the pipework, the method comprising treating the contaminating materials with at least one carbamate salt. The methods is also suitable for the treatment of contaminating materials which have a particularly deleterious effect on fluid flow and comprise partial or total blockages of the pipework. The carbamate is preferably in the form of an aqueous solution, and a preferred carbamate salt is ammonium carbamate. The treatment may be carried out in the presence of an additive such as caesium carbonate or ammonium bicarbonate. Optionally the treatment may be accompanied by a pre-treatment or post-treatment with aid, this being followed by a water wash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels PLC
    Inventors: Iain Stewart Dennis, Phillip Antony Mayhew
  • Patent number: 7044226
    Abstract: A method and a device for removing a hydrate plug (38) from a pipeline (16), wherein a pig (1), which is connected to an umbilical (2) extending to surface, is displaced down into the pipeline (16) until proximity of the hydrate plug (38), after which a fluid arranged with hydrate-plug-dissolving properties is pumped through the umbilical (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: AGR Subsea AS
    Inventor: Roger Stave
  • Patent number: 7045022
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and process for removing adherent molten metal from a surface by applying a non-wetting agent for the metal to the surface or to the adherent molten metal. The non-wetting agent may be a pressurized fluid or applied by a pressurized fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Excera Materials Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Breslin, Andrew C. Strange, Michael E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 7041176
    Abstract: A pipe renovating method and system in which a pipe is first cleaned and then coated with a suitable coating material. In the cleaning step, pressurized air and particles of abrasive material are pumped into a first end of a pipe while suction is applied to the second end of the pipe via a vacuum pump to improve flow along the entire length of the pipe. The coating material is subsequently pumped in at one end of the cleaned pipe while suction is applied at the other end. In each step, the suction flow rate is higher than the input flow rate, so as to steer the mixture towards the second end. This method can be used to coat and clean different sections of a pipe system, by connecting the input materials successively to different access ports in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Joerg Kruse
  • Patent number: 7026598
    Abstract: A method for controlling the positioning of a stream of pressurized fluid against a surface zone of a stream generator to clean contaminants. The coordinates of a plurality of points of the surface zone to be cleaned are first determined. The coordinates are measured with respect to a fixed coordinate system with origin point at the location where the lance water cannon penetrates the cannon wall of the steam generator. The determined boundary points are converted into corresponding angles with respect to the horizontal plane and the cannon wall. These angles are then used directly to control the position of the lance with respect to the fixed coordinate system. The stream of pressurized fluid is directed against the surface zone in a predetermined pattern by monitoring and controlling the angle of the lance through axial resolvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Clyde Bergemann, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Schwade, M. Ishaq Jameel
  • Patent number: 7017592
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for on-line wash-down of a heat sink media bed in a regenerative heat exchanger of a regenerative fume incinerator is disclosed. When a heat sink media bed requires cleaning, the selected regenerative heat exchanger is cooled while the remaining regenerative heat exchangers are operated in their normal mode of operation. When the selected media bed reaches a temperature which is less than the thermal-shock temperature of the media material, a cleaning fluid is sprayed on the media surfaces through spray-pipes which are installed within the media bed. After the media surfaces are washed down, the selected regenerative heat-exchanger is reverted back to its normal mode of operation. The regenerative heat exchanger can also be automatically burnt-out of deposited gasifiable matter prior to the wash-down. Random or sequential burn-out and wash-down of the regenerative heat-exchangers can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Pro-Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph David Chiles, Jeffrey J. Yerkes, John G. Kirkland, Agustin Cabarlo, Anu D. Vij
  • Patent number: 7017593
    Abstract: A micro device in which a functional element can be moved between an operating position and a waiting position by the displacement of support means coupled to a substrate. The micro device has a cantilever structure in which one end of support means is made a fixed one fixed to the substrate and the other end to which an active element is provided is made a free end. A spring portion is provided to at least part of the support means, and thus the active element can be greatly displaced by a small stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Toshimi Honda
  • Patent number: 7005012
    Abstract: The device includes a spray system for spraying a fluid against the inside periphery of the tube to be cleaned, and two analogous brushing assemblies, each of which include brushing means and a propelling element which cooperates with the inside periphery of the tube. The device further includes means for moving axially the brushing assemblies towards and away from each other in alternation, which means include a chamber connected to a feed for feeding in fluid under pressure. The spray system includes a reservoir put under pressure by being connected to the chamber. A method of cleaning a tube, in which two brushing assemblies including brushing means are inserted into the tube and are moved towards and away from each other in alteration. A fluid, disposed in a reservoir cooperating with a support system on which the propelling elements are secured, is sprayed against the inside periphery of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: R. Marchal & Cie
    Inventors: Bernard Bourrelly, Jacques Vadot
  • Patent number: 7005872
    Abstract: A test fixture for an electronic device is provided that removes debris from a socket of the test fixture using back side air blow off. In general, the test fixture includes a circuit board, a socket on a front side of the circuit board, and an air manifold on a back side of the circuit board. Pressurized air is provided to the air manifold through an air supply inlet coupling the air manifold to an external pressurized air supply. At least one via formed through the circuit board fluidly couples the air manifold on the back side of the circuit board to the socket on the front side of the circuit board. Accordingly, the pressurized air from the air manifold flows through the vias and up through the socket such that debris is removed from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lanowitz, James Migliaccio, Jerome Ferr, Jeffrey Read
  • Patent number: 6994823
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for removing fumes from an endoscope disinfecting apparatus configured for disinfecting an endoscope with a disinfecting solution. In architecture, the exhaust system includes a fan housing, a fan disposed within the fan housing, an exhaust hose connected to the fan housing, and wherein the exhaust system is connected to the endoscope disinfecting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Next Step Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: H. Thomas Hight, III
  • Patent number: 6991685
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of low temperature cleaning and applying an antimicrobial treatment to food and beverage plant equipment. In addition, the method includes carbon dioxide compatible chemistry. The method may be achieved through a multi-step method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph I. Kravitz, Francis L. Richter, Duane J. Reinhardt, Gerald K. Wichmann
  • Patent number: 6990987
    Abstract: Equipment and methods are provided for combining with a typical heat exchanger having numerous fin tubes, the combination allowing the containment of cleaning fluid used to clean fin tubes with high pressure liquid cleaning devices in which cleaning fluid is discharged into one end of each fin tube and out the other. An enclosure is attached to an opened end of a heat exchanger having U-shaped fin tubes, the enclosure having cleaning tool access portions for separately exposing each of at least two pluralities of the fin tubes entry ends, while continuing to cover the remaining fin tube pluralities, and the fin tube exit ends. Fluid splashed at the cleaning fluid entry end of the fin tubes and cleaning fluid exiting the fin tubes is captured and drained by the enclosure. Alternatively, a second enclosure captures exiting cleaning fluids in heat exchangers having straight fin tubes and two openable ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Gary Ray Smith
  • Patent number: 6988503
    Abstract: Equipment and methods are provided for combining with a typical air cooler having numerous fin tubes, the combination allowing the containment of cleaning fluid used while cleaning the fin tubes with high pressure liquid cleaning devices in which cleaning fluid is discharged into one end of each fin tube and out the other. Two enclosures are attached to each end of the air cooler, with one enclosure having cleaning tool access portions for separately exposing each of at least two pluralities of the fin tubes while continuing to cover the remaining fin tube pluralities. Cleaning fluid splashed at the cleaning fluid entry end of the air cooler is captured and drained by the first enclosure, while cleaning fluid exiting the fin tubes at the cleaning fluid discharge end of the air cooler is captured and drained by the second enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Gary Ray Smith
  • Patent number: 6986817
    Abstract: A method of automatic cleaning of cooking cavities of cooking equipment for food processing includes the introduction of steam at a temperature of at least 100.deg. C. from a supply line and nozzle into a cooking cavity for a time period depending on the degree of disinfection desired. The cooking cavity is rinsed with the steam condensate; and the supply line and nozzle are flushed with demineralized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Convotherm Elektogerate GmbH
    Inventors: Lutz Riefenstein, Dario Manicardi
  • Patent number: 6986815
    Abstract: A method of clearing residue from a fluid conduit includes commencing flush fluid flow through the fluid conduit and injecting a first fluid into the fluid conduit at a first point to induce turbulent flow of the flush fluid. The first fluid is preferably a gas. The method further includes sampling the flush fluid downstream of the first point to confirm the residue is adequately cleared from the fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Louis C. Eichenberger
  • Patent number: 6982242
    Abstract: An aqueous detergent composition is provided containing phosphoric acid or salt thereof, an organic phosphate surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and water. The aqueous detergent composition may be employed to improved the adhesion of a coating to a substrate. Also provided is a method of improving the adhesion of a coating to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Audrey Brenda Liss, Joseph Martin Rokowski, Thomas James Ennis
  • Patent number: 6953507
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of low temperature cleaning and applying an antimicrobial treatment to food and beverage plant equipment. In addition, the method includes carbon dioxide compatible chemistry. The method may be achieved through a multi-step method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph I. Kravitz, Francis L. Richter, Duane J. Reinhardt, Gerald K. Wichmann
  • Patent number: 6948512
    Abstract: A device and method for automatically flushing hydrants. The device is installed externally to an existing hydrant. The device comprises a nipple having an internally threaded collar for attaching the device to a hydrant outlet, a valve, a control for automatically operating the valve, and a lockable box containing at least the valve, the box having an outlet for allowing water from the hydrant to pass from the valve to the exterior of the box. The box functions as an enclosure and may be of any desired configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: John C. Kupferle Foundry Co.
    Inventor: Daniel G. McKeague
  • Patent number: 6945257
    Abstract: Hollow porous fibers containing adhered contaminants are cleaned to remove the contaminants by backflushing a liquid to fill the pores, and adding a flow of gas so as to form a two-phase mixture of gas and bubbles of liquid that can scrub the fibers, loosening the contaminants and allowing them to be flushed from the hollow fibers. The method is particularly useful for cleaning hemodialyzers used for dialysis and hollow fiber modules used in water treatment and separations. The two phase flow method is specifically effective in cleaning piping systems having high length to diameter (l/d) ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Princeton Trade & Technology
    Inventors: Yacoob Tabani, Mohamed Emam Labib
  • Patent number: 6939409
    Abstract: A cleaning method and an etching method for removing, by cleaning grease components and silicon micro pieces hard to remove, used for an apparatus and a carrier for manufacturing a semiconductor wafer or a semiconductor device. Matters to be removed are brought into contact with XeF2 gas produced by sublimation in a vacuum atmosphere to decompose and gasify the grease components and to remove silicon pieces by etching. If a trace of residual water is left in the vacuum atmosphere before the cleaning, the H2O reacts with XeF2, so that HF is produced. Therefore, for example, the native oxide SiO2 formed on the silicon pieces can be removed, and XeF2 can directly react with silicon, thereby enabling etching. The cleaning and etching speeds are extremely accelerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Sumitomo Precision Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tokiko Kanayama, Hiroaki Kouno
  • Patent number: 6936114
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for removing stubborn contaminants, aluminum fluoride and aluminum chloride in particular, from components of semiconductor-processing equipment. One embodiment forces steam through small holes in a gas distribution plate to remove build up on the interior walls of the holes. A cleaning fixture disposed between the steam source and the gas distribution plate delivers the steam at increased pressures. The gas distribution plate can be immersed in water during cleaning to capture the exiting steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Quantum Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David S. Zuck, Kurtis R. Macura
  • Patent number: 6936112
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel process for cleaning and restoring the operating efficiency of organic liquid chemical exchangers in a safe and effective manner and in a very short period of time, without a need to disassemble the equipment and without the need to rinse contaminate from the equipment after cleaning. Used is a formulation of monocyclic saturated terpene mixed with a non-ionic surfactant package specifically suited to oil rinsing. The terpene-based chemical is injected into organically contaminated exchangers using a novel process involving high-pressure steam to form a very effective cleaning vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Refined Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Robert Jansen, Sean Edward Sears
  • Patent number: 6929015
    Abstract: The invention proposes a process and device for the at least partial elimination of carbon deposits in a heat exchanger in which an oxidation treatment is carried out comprising at least one controlled-oxidation stage at a conventional temperature between 400 and about 500° C. for a period of at least 4 hours, by means of an oxidizing fluid comprising for the greater part an inert gas, and a lesser quantity of oxygen, under conditions such that the temperatures of the fluids feeding or leaving the heat exchanger remain below about 520° C. throughout the oxidation treatment, and in that the hot approach of the exchanger remains below about 120° C. throughout the oxidation treatment. The invention also relates to a hydrotreatment system for the implementation of this process and this device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole, Packinox, S.A.
    Inventors: Willy Nastoll, Dominique Sabin
  • Patent number: 6918397
    Abstract: A flush system comprising a network of conduits, valves and screens that can be interposed between the process container and solvent re-claim tank components of a dry film photoresist (DFR) remover system, for example, that is used in the processing and packaging of integrated circuit chips. By operation of the valves in the flush system, DFR particles can be removed from the DFR remover system in order to prevent or minimize particle clogging of a particle filter in the DFR remover system. The screens in the flush system can be periodically cleaned by reverse flow of solvent or by operation of a nitrogen and DI (deionized) water purge system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor
    Inventors: Ta-Min Lin, Szu-Yao Wang, Chia-Fu Lin, Kai-Ming Ching, Wen-Hsiang Tseng
  • Patent number: 6915810
    Abstract: A reprocessing unit for the reprocessing of a device having internal passageways by applying a fluid at a plurality of pressures to the internal passageways of the device to permit reuse of the device in a clean environment, the reprocessing unit including a pressure differentiation device for receiving a fluid having a single input pressure, the pressure differentiation device having first and second pressure control fittings for providing first and second differing pressure outputs in accordance with the single input pressure. Also included are tubing for transmitting the fluid at the first and second differing pressures from the pressure differentiation device to the internal passageways whereby the internal passageways are reprocessed with the transmitted fluid at the first and second differing pressures and the internal passageways are reprocessed at differing pressures in accordance with the single input pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Custom Ultrasonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Weber
  • Patent number: 6913653
    Abstract: A cleaning method for removing fats, oils, and silicon small particles, which are conventionally difficult to remove, adhering to devices and carriers used to manufacture a semiconductor wafer or a semiconductor device. An etching method is also disclosed. XeF2 gas produced by sublimation is made to contact with an object to be cleaned in a vacuum atmosphere so as to decompose and gasify the oils and fats and to remove silicon small particles by etching. Prior to the cleaning, when a trace amount of residual water is left in the vacuum atmosphere, H2O reacts with XeF2, and HF is produced. For example, a native oxide SiO2 formed on the surface of silicon small particles can be removed, and XeF2 directly reacts with silicon, therby enabling etching. The cleaning etching rates are extremely high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Sumitomo Precision Products Co., LTD
    Inventors: Tokiko Kanayama, Hiroaki Kouno
  • Patent number: 6893509
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel process for interior cleaning and by cleaning, removing noxious gas and/or restoring the operating efficiency of organically contaminated hydrocarbon processing equipment in a safe and effective manner and in a very short period of time, without a need to manually enter an unsafe environment and mechanically remove organic contaminants. Used is a formulation of non-aqueous, monocyclic saturated terpene mixed with a non-ionic surfactant package. The terpene-based chemical is injected into organically contaminated equipment using a novel process involving high-pressure steam to form a very effective cleaning vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Refined Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean E. Sears, Kevin L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6877337
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning fluid for a refrigeration plant, characterized in that it comprises a cleaning oil mixed with a liquefied carrier gas with which it forms, by expansion, a cleaning foam, for example the oil is a POE or a PAG and the gas is R134a. The invention also relates to a cleaning method. This comprises the following steps: the step of creating a foam from the oil and a liquefied gas in which it is at least partly miscible; the step of making the foam circulate in the said component; and the step of extracting the foam. In particular, the plant is rinsed with the gas separated from the cleaning foam, in order to remove the oil residues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: DEHON SA
    Inventors: Serge Francois, Francoise Brisset
  • Patent number: 6872263
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel process for interior cleaning and by cleaning, removing noxious gas and/or restoring the operating efficiency of organically contaminated hydrocarbon processing dynamic devices in a safe and effective manner and in a very short period of time, without a need to manually enter an unsafe environment and mechanically remove organic contaminants. Used is a formulation of non-aqueous, monocyclic saturated terpene mixed with a non-ionic surfactant package. The terpene-based chemical is injected into the organically contaminated device using a novel process involving high-pressure steam to form a very effective cleaning vapor. The device is activated during the process. The vapor may be optionally directed against the normal-flow direction of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Refined Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Robert Jansen, Sean Edward Sears
  • Patent number: 6863740
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning method of a ceramic member, which permits removing with a high accuracy the contaminants from a ceramic member contaminated with the contaminant. The cleaning method comprises the steps of processing the contaminated ceramic member with an alkaline chemical liquid having a pH value not smaller than 10 in the presence of an ultrasonic wave, processing the ceramic member processed with the alkaline chemical liquid with a prescribed acidic chemical liquid in the presence of an ultrasonic wave, and heating the ceramic member processed with the acidic chemical liquid under temperatures not lower than 1,000° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Nihon Ceratec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shirou Moriyama, Hiroshi Hatakeyama, Hiromichi Ohtaki
  • Patent number: 6860276
    Abstract: A method for the reprocessing of a device having internal passageways by applying a fluid at a plurality of pressures to the internal passageways of the device to permit reuse of the device in a clean environment includes applying a fluid having a single input pressure to a pressure differentiation device having first and second pressure control fittings for providing first and second differing pressure outputs in accordance with the single input pressure and transmitting the fluid at the first and second differing pressures from the pressure differentiation device to the internal passageways. The internal passageways are reprocessed with the transmitted fluid at the first and second differing pressures, whereby the internal passageways are reprocessed at differing pressures in accordance with the single input pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Custom Ultrasonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Weber
  • Patent number: 6858090
    Abstract: Railroad tank cars that have contained petroleum products are cleaned of asphalt residues by a closed cleaning system. An initial spray of terpene-based solvent is followed by a water rinse. The solvent extracts hydrocarbons from the asphalt residue. The solvent and hydrocarbon are separated by filtration, stratification, and distillation, allowing reuse of clean solvent and sale of marketable oil products. The rinse water is cleaned by filtration and evaporation of solvent residues, allowing reuse of the water. The asphalt solids such as residual inorganics are removed by filtration as a dry product suited for disposal in a landfill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Shirley A. Hebert
  • Patent number: 6857436
    Abstract: A method of cleaning surfaces using a mixed phase cleaning mixture of an aqueous solution and a flow of gas sufficient to produce droplets of the liquid which are entrained by the gas for a time sufficient to clean tubing of various lengths and geometries and porous membranes to remove biofilm, debris and contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Princeton Trade & Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamed Emam Labib, Ching-Yue Lai, Peter A. Materna, Geoffrey Lawrence Mahon
  • Patent number: 6848456
    Abstract: A method for the reprocessing of a device having internal passageways by applying a fluid at a plurality of pressures to the internal passageways of the device to permit reuse of the device in a clean environment includes applying a fluid having a single input pressure to a pressure differentiation device having first and second pressure control fittings for providing first and second differing pressure outputs in accordance with the single input pressure and transmitting the fluid at the first and second differing pressures from the pressure differentiation device to the internal passageways. The internal passageways are reprocessed with the transmitted fluid at the first and second differing pressures, whereby the internal passageways are reprocessed at differing pressures in accordance with the single input pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Custom Ultrasonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Weber
  • Patent number: 6841125
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the application of a coating to a pipeline, FPS (Fire Protection System) or to pipe stock from which a pipeline is fabricated. A composition which when applied to the inside surface of the pipe prevents either chemical corrosion or microbiologically influenced corrosion is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for utilizing this material to protect both existing pipelines and the raw stock used to construct pipelines and various apparatus for applying a coating of the composition, cleaning, and maintenance of the passive coating. Also disclosed is a method to recycle the composition to be used in other industrial pacification processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: WHI USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas M. Chartier, Calvin L. Reid
  • Patent number: 6840251
    Abstract: On-Line and Off-Line methods of simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting an industrial water system are described and claimed. The methods involve the addition to the water of the industrial water system of a Compound selected from the group consisting of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and mixtures thereof; and an acid, followed by allowing the water in the industrial water system to circulate for several hours. The reaction of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and acid produces chlorine dioxide in-situ in the water of the industrial water system. The chlorine dioxide kills microorganisms and the acid acts to remove deposits upon the water-contact surfaces of the equipment. An alternative method involves the use of a chelating agent and a biocide. Other possible cleaning and disinfection reagents may be added as needed including corrosion inhibitors, chelating agents, biocides, surfactants and reducing agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Jasbir S. Gill, Amit Gupta
  • Patent number: 6835121
    Abstract: A chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) method includes applying a solid abrasive material to a substrate, polishing the substrate, flocculating at least a portion of the abrasive material, and removing at least a majority portion of the flocculated portion from the substrate. Applying solid abrasive material can include applying a CMP slurry or a polishing pad comprising abrasive material. Such a method can further include applying a surfactant comprising material to the substrate to assist in effectuating flocculation of the abrasive material. Such surfactant comprising material may be cationic which includes, for example, a quaternary ammonium substituted salt. Also, for example, the surfactant comprising material may be applied during polishing, brush scrubbing, pressure spraying, or buffing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael T. Andreas
  • Patent number: 6833032
    Abstract: An automatic deliming process for a steam oven cooker is described. The process initiates a deliming procedure after a predetermined time of normal operation, which period of time is determined by the hardness of the water in the local area. Upon the expiration of this period of time a microprocessor signals an operator to shut down normal operation of the oven, and initiate the deliming process. The microprocessor then activates a peristaltic pump which injects a predetermined quantity of deliming liquid from an external reservoir into the generator. After the deliming time has passed and the generator contents have cooled to 140° F. the microprocessor automatically activates a drain pump to drain the deliming solution from the generator. Subsequently the microprocessor activates a fill-solenoid opening and inlet from a reservoir of rinse water into the generator to rinse the same. The microprocessor then again opens the drain to drain the rinse water, and normal operation is resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Blodgett Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Douglas, John Bardeau