Abstract: In process for cleaning tray columns which are used for the purposes of rectifiying liquids comprising (meth)acrylic compounds, a basic liquid is conveyed downward through the tray column and a gas is passed through the column in countercurrent to the basic liquid at an average gas phase differential pressure over all trays of at least 0.5 mbar/tray.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method of cleaning a workpiece is disclosed. The method comprises providing a mobile flushing unit and servicing the workpiece as follows: a) connecting a flexible hose of the mobile flushing unit to one end of the workpiece and connecting another flexible hose of the mobile flushing unit to a second end of the workpiece; b) flowing compressed air through each hose and the workpiece; c) pumping a cleaning fluid through each hose and the workpiece for a predetermined amount of time; d) ceasing cleaning fluid flow, followed by purging with air to remove the cleaning fluid from the workpiece; e) pumping water through each hose and the workpiece for a predetermined amount of time; f) ceasing water flow, following by another purge with air to remove the water from the workpiece; and g) disconnecting each hose from the workpiece.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for cleaning deposition systems utilizing alkylsilanes are described herein. In an embodiment, a method of cleaning a semiconductor fabrication system comprises flushing the system with a solvent comprising at least one alkylsilane. In another embodiment, a method of removing at least one chemical precursor from a semiconductor fabrication system comprises forcing a solvent containing at least one alkylsilane through the semiconductor fabrication system and dissolving the at least one chemical precursor in the solvent. The solvent may also contain mixtures of different alkylsilanes and other organic solvents.

Abstract: Prion infectivity adsorbed onto substrates (for example, chromatographic columns used to fractionate blood plasma) is removed by treatment with 2M sodium chloride. Optionally, the substrate is further washed with 0.1 M sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method of cleaning a workpiece is disclosed. The method comprises providing a mobile flushing unit and servicing the workpiece as follows: a) connecting a flexible hose of the mobile flushing unit to one end of the workpiece and connecting another flexible hose of the mobile flushing unit to a second end of the workpiece; b) flowing compressed air through each hose and the workpiece; c) pumping a cleaning fluid through each hose and the workpiece for a predetermined amount of time; d) ceasing cleaning fluid flow, followed by purging with air to remove the cleaning fluid from the workpiece; e) pumping water through each hose and the workpiece for a predetermined amount of time; f) ceasing water flow, following by another purge with air to remove the water from the workpiece; and g) disconnecting each hose from the workpiece.

Abstract: A novel cleaning composition comprises a dilutant, a wetting agent, a chelating agent, an alkaline builder, and a chlorine provider. The dilutant is preferably water. The wetting agent is alkoxylated alcohol. The chelating agent is an acrylic/maleic acid copolymer. The alkaline builder is sodium hydroxide. The chlorine provider is sodium hypochlorite. A method comprises the steps of partially filling the whirlpool tub with water, activating the whirlpool pump to circulate the water, adding to the circulating water a cleaning composition comprising a dilutant, a wetting agent, a chelating agent, an alkaline builder, and a chlorine provider, running the whirlpool pump for a predetermined time to circulate the water and cleaning composition thoroughly through the internal plumbing, and draining the whirlpool tub completely.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method of cleaning a workpiece is disclosed. The method comprises providing a mobile flushing unit and servicing the workpiece as follows: a) connecting a flexible hose of the mobile flushing unit to one end of the workpiece and connecting another flexible hose of the mobile flushing unit to a second end of the workpiece; b) flowing compressed air through each hose and the workpiece; c) pumping a cleaning fluid through each hose and the workpiece for a predetermined amount of time; d) ceasing cleaning fluid flow, followed by purging with air to remove the cleaning fluid from the workpiece; e) pumping water through each hose and the workpiece for a predetermined amount of time; f) ceasing water flow, following by another purge with air to remove the water from the workpiece; and g) disconnecting each hose from the workpiece.

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.

Abstract: A method of dissolving scale comprises contacting the scale with a solution of an alkali metal bisulfate. Another method of dissolving scale comprises contacting the scale with a solution of an alkali metal bisulfate and a strong mineral acid. A further method of dissolving scale comprises contacting the scale with a solution of an alkali metal bisulfate and an inorganic oxidizer.

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.

Abstract: A method of cleaning potable liquid flow lines employing a high pH caustic cleaning solution or a low pH acid cleaning solution with a stable dye in sufficient concentration so as to have a visible color when the solution is further diluted. The cleaning solution is pumped through the lines. The lines then are flushed with clean water until no colored solution is discharged from the lines, indicating the lines have been purged of cleaning solution. The method can be used with draft beer, soft drink or other potable liquid flow lines to prevent inadvertent consumption of caustic cleaning solution along with subsequently dispensed potable liquid.

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.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a pressurized container having at least one chemical contained therein such as, for example, chlorine gas or sulfur dioxide gas. The pressurized container may be any type of container able to store chemicals under pressure. Preferably, however, the container may be a rail tank car. Generally, the method may include steps for injecting the container with a quantity of input gas to form an input gas/chemical mixture and removing the input gas/chemical mixture from the container via a vacuum pump. input gas/chemical mixture may be pushed into a reaction tank for neutralization of the chemical by a neutralizing solution.

Abstract: Removal of water-insoluble organic residues from inorganic surfaces can be accomplished in aqueous cleaning solutions containing an oxidant at a preselected temperature wherein the pH is adjusted with respect to the isoelectric point of the surface material to be removed so that the pH is above the pK, and the isoelectric point of the surface for acid materials, and below the PKa and the isoelectric point of the surface for basic materials. Surfactants can also be added to the cleaning solution.

Abstract: In a method of cleaning and refurbishing a process chamber component having a metal coating having a surface thereon, the surface of the metal coating is immersed in an acidic solution to remove at least a portion of the process deposits from the surface. Thereafter, the surface of the metal coating is immersed in a basic solution to remove substantially all the metal coating. The component may optionally be bead blasting to roughen a surface of the component, and the metal coating may be re-formed.

Abstract: A method of cleaning the interior of a processing chamber first performs a halogenation treatment by supplying a treatment gas containing a halogenating gas into the processing chamber and heating a support member for a target substrate, thereby halogenating a metal element in a by-product film. A reduction treatment is then performed by supplying a treatment gas containing a reducing gas into the processing chamber, thereby reducing a halide of the metal element and liberating the metal element. An oxidation treatment is then performed by supplying a treatment gas containing an oxidizing gas into the processing chamber and heating the casing walls of the processing chamber, thereby passivating the liberated metal element by oxidation.

Abstract: A cleaner-passivator composition and method for treating a fuel cell cooling system are described. The cleaner-passivator comprises a complexing agent, a surfactant, a corrosion inhibitor, and a solvent. The cleaner-passivator reduces the contaminants circulating in the fuel cell coolant system that contribute to increasing conductivity in the fuel cell coolant. In addition, the passivator reduces the surface corrosion in the fuel cell system.

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.

Abstract: Brass articles having leachable lead are contacted with an aqueous caustic solution that contains a chelating agent. A brass article can optionally be post-treated by contacting it with an aqueous solution containing anazole.

Abstract: A method of cleaning potable liquid flow lines employing a high pH caustic cleaning solution or a low pH acid cleaning solution with a stable dye in sufficient concentration so as to have a visible color when the solution is further diluted. The cleaning solution is pumped through the lines. The lines then are flushed with clean water until no colored solution is discharged from the lines, indicating the lines have been purged of cleaning solution. The method can be used with draft beer, soft drink or other potable liquid flow lines to prevent inadvertent consumption of caustic cleaning solution along with subsequently dispensed potable liquid.

Abstract: A method of cleaning process residues formed on surfaces in a chamber during processing of a substrate in the chamber includes first and second steps. In a first cleaning step, a first energized cleaning gas having a first chlorine-containing gas and oxygen is provided in the chamber and then exhausted. In a second cleaning step, a second energized cleaning gas having a second chlorine-containing gas and oxygen is provided in the chamber and then exhausted.

Abstract: In a steam cracking operation the formation of coke is a problem which needs to be overcome. While significant work has been done on decoking of furnaces little work has been done regarding transfer line exchangers. Coking of transfer line exchangers (TLE) may be reduced by injection of a solution containing at least one group 1 or 2 metal dichromate or dichromate and one or more of a group 1, 2 or 7 metal carbonate into the TLE.

Abstract: Alkaline and acid cleaning solutions (180, 182), are used sequentially for removing organic and inorganic residues, respectively, from the chamber. The two cleaning solutions are stored in separate storage containers (52, 54) carried by the cart. The alkaline cleaning fluid preferably includes a strong base, such as potassium or sodium hydroxide. The acid cleaning solution includes a strong acid, such as phosphoric acid, which passivates the chamber during the cleaning process. After cleaning is complete, the two cleaning fluids are mixed together to form a neutral or near neutral solution which is disposable in a sanitary sewer system without further treatment.

Abstract: A method of dissolving scale comprises contacting the scale with a solution of an alkali metal bisulfate. Another method of dissolving scale comprises contacting the scale with a solution of an alkali metal bisulfate and a strong mineral acid. A further method of dissolving scale comprises contacting the scale with a solution of an alkali metal bisulfate and an inorganic oxidizer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a processing chamber are provided. The cleaning method includes the use of a remote plasma source to generate reactive species and an in situ RF power to generate or regenerate reactive species. The reactive species are generated from a carbon and fluorine-containing gas and an oxygen source.

Abstract: A composition and method for the removal of scale from a substrate are disclosed. The composition and method are more specifically utilized for the in situ removal of silicate-containing scale from interior surfaces of boilers and other heat exchange equipment. The silicate-containing scale is deposited in the boilers as silicate-sulfate complexes of calcium, magnesium, aluminum, and other metal atoms that are present in water. The composition, which is circulated throughout the boiler to contact the interior surfaces, such as the boiler tubes, includes a chelating agent having at least two carboxylic acid functional groups, preferably citric acid. The composition also includes an alkali metal hydroxide basic agent. The preferred alkali metal hydroxides are either potassium or sodium hydroxide. The basic agent establishes an overall basic pH of from 7 to 14 in the composition to enable precipitation of the metal atoms from the composition after interaction with the chelating agent.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a plasma chamber after metal etching. First, a substrate having a metal layer thereon is placed in a plasma chamber. Next, the metal layer is etched. Finally, the substrate is removed from the plasma chamber to perform a dry cleaning which includes the following steps. First, the inner wall of the plasma chamber is cleaned by plasma etching using oxygen as a process gas. Next, the top and bottom electrode plates in the plasma chamber are cleaned by plasma etching using chlorine and boron chloride as process gases. Next, the inner wall of the plasma chamber is cleaned again by plasma etching using sulfur hexafluoride and oxygen as process gases. Finally, oxygen and helium used as purging gases are injected into the plasma chamber and exhausted from therein.

Abstract: A method of cleaning articles, such as infant feeding bottles is disclosed. The method provides for the use of alkali metal chloride, more particularly sodium chloride. The salt is deposited into the article to be cleaned, then water is added, and then the article is shaken to cause the crystalline substance to contact the interior walls of the container, thereby cleaning and sanitizing the interior of the article.

Abstract: The removal of ceramic material from the interior of cast metallic components is accomplished in a closed system. A vessel within the system is filled with a chemical leaching fluid that immerses the cast component having the ceramic material and/or ceramic cores therein. The leaching fluid is superheated and boiling is controlled by varying the pressure within the closed system without changing the molecules in the vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for cleaning reactors. The process utilizes a solvent fed from multiple pressure sources to clean reactors of residual polymers. The reactors are equipped with agitators and stationary nozzles aimed at the agitator blades. The agitator is rotated during cleaning. The process may also utilize heated aqueous base to clean heat exchangers in external loops. In one aspect, a mixture of at least one organic solvent and aqueous base are utilized to clean certain reactors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of cleaning the inner surfaces of a liquid-containing vessel with an automatic cleaning device, wherein said process is performed by said device and comprises the steps of applying a cleaning composition onto at least portions of the inner surfaces of said liquid-containing vessel and rinsing at least portions of the inner surfaces of said liquid-containing vessel and wherein said automatic cleaning device is a non-floating device (8) placed on the bottom of said vessel.

Abstract: A method for the production of (meth)acrylic acid and/or a (meth)acrylic ester is provided. This method for the production of (meth)acrylic acid and/or a (meth)acrylic ester includes washing the device constructed for the production thereof with a basic solution and subsequently rinsing them with a solvent for the purpose of removing solid substances such as polymer and precipitate which occur during the production of (meth)acrylic acid and/or a (meth)acrylic ester.

Abstract: A method and a solution are provided for cleaning a container, in particular a boiler of a conventional power station. The container is degreased and pickled in one method step using an alkaline cleaning solution. A suitable cleaning solution includes, for example, an ammonium EDTA salt, hydrazine and a surfactant.

Abstract: A method is taught for cleaning photographic chemistry product fouling, including a proteinaceous portion and a non-proteinaceous portion from a liquid delivery system. The method comprises the steps of displacing resident product solution in the piping with water, hydrodynamically cleaning the piping system using two-phase flow a first time, chemically cleaning the piping system with an aqueous bleach solution to remove the proteinaceous portion of the photographic chemistry product fouling, chemically cleaning the piping system with a functionalized ethyl acetate solvent to remove the non-proteinaceous portion of the photographic chemistry product fouling, and hydrodynamically cleaning the piping system using two-phase flow a second time after the chemical cleaning steps to remove remaining residue. Preferably, after the second hydrodynamic two-phase flow cleaning step, the delivery system is subjected to a high purity water rinse.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cleaning a torch for a vertical furnace used in semiconductor processing are disclosed. The apparatus is constructed by two main components of a basket-shaped fixture body and a cleaning bath. The fixture body is formed of cylindrical shape with a top ring, a bottom ring and three support rods connecting the two rings together. The top ring is provided with an outwardly extending flange portion for engaging an opening in a cleaning bath for supporting and suspending the fixture body in the bath. The bottom ring is equipped with a pair of symmetrically positioned, inwardly extending arcuate-shaped flange portions adapted for supporting an edge of a bottom surface of the furnace torch in the cleaning bath.

Abstract: A method of prevention maintenance preventing parts of an etcher from being eroded is disclosed. First, a layer of hydrogen-free chemical compound is formed on surface of the parts of the etcher according to one embodiment of the present invention. Otherwise, the parts of the etcher are immersed into a tank containing hydrogen-free chemical compound according to another embodiment of the present invention. After that, a standard process of prevention maintenance is performed by a cleaning agent.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for reprocessing a dialyzer for hemodialysis, the method comprising the steps of rinsing the dialyzer with water and cleaning it with electrolyzed strongly acidic water, or the steps of rinsing the dialyzer with water, cleaning it with electrolyzed strongly alkaline water, rinsing it with water and cleaning it with electrolyzed strongly acidic water, as well as a reprocessing apparatus for carrying out the reprocessing method.

Abstract: An oil-pump-screen (1) cleaning method and apparatus with which an oil pan (3) of an internal-combustion engine (2) is drained by removal of a drain plug (7) from a drain aperture (15); the drain plug is reinserted in the drain aperture; a measured amount of a predetermined carbon-disintegrative liquid is put in the oil pan, preferably through a dipstick tube (10), to immerse the oil-pump pickup screen, but not the oil pump (41) without contacting engine bearings, gaskets, or other engine components that could be deteriorated or otherwise damaged by the carbon-disintegrative liquid. The cleaner liquid is left in the oil pan long enough, preferably about one hour, for it to disintegrate and dislodge all carbonic and other material from the oil-pump pickup screen while not running the engine or otherwise conveying the carbon-disintegrative liquid to other parts of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid enzyme cleaning composition in which the enzyme is stable in the presence of mixtures of carbonate and bicarbonate at alkaline pH, and methods employing this composition. The enzyme cleaning composition preferably employs weight ratios of carbonate and bicarbonate to stabilize one or more enzymes in a solid, a concentrate, and/or a use composition, and at temperatures higher than ambient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decontaminating chemical and biological agents using the reactive properties of both the single atomic oxygen and the hydroxyl radical for the decontamination of chemical and biological agents. The apparatus is self contained and portable and allows for the application of gas reactants directly at the required decontamination point. The system provides for the use of ultraviolet light of a specific spectral range to photolytically break down ozone into molecular oxygen and hydroxyl radicals where some of the molecular oxygen is in the first excited state. The excited molecular oxygen will combine with water vapor to produce two hydroxyl radicals.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a pre-cleaning process is performed for removing a physical substance such as blood, mucus or tiny pieces of tissue that are attached to the exterior of the medical device and are inside a duct or a hollow portion. Then, the pre-cleaned medical device is immersed in a chlorine dioxide solution and/or a chlorine dioxide solution is passed through the duct or the hollow portion. Thereafter, the medical device is placed in a chlorine dioxide gas atmosphere and/or a chlorine dioxide gas is passed through the duct or the hollow portion. In this manner, the exterior of the medical device and the interiors of the duct and the hollow portion are deodorized, disinfected and sterilized.

Abstract: An unwanted tungsten film deposit on a Chemical Vapor Deposition chamber is cleaned by adding a mixture of at least two cleaning gases into the chamber at a predetermined temperature and pressure and in contact with said chamber walls for a sufficient length of time. The cleaning gases and reacted tungsten species are removed from the chamber by vacuum, and unreacted cleaning gases are removed by purging the chamber with an inert gas. At least one cleaning gas is selected from the group consisting of bromomethane, dibromomethane, bromoform and mixtures thereof. The temperature of the chamber is preferably at least about 300 degrees Celsius. The cleaning gases in the chamber are at a pressure in the range from about 100 to 200 Torr and the chamber is purged at a pressure in the range from about 200 to 500 Torr.

Abstract: The present invention provides a defined alkylpolyglucoside having a degree of oligomerization of at least 1.7 to 3 and an alkyl radical comprising 8 carbon atoms, and mixtures of this alkylpolyglucoside with further alkylpolyglucosides, as cleaner concentrate. The present invention also relates to compositions which include the defined alkylpolyglucoside and a concentrated alkali metal hydroxide solution as well as a method of using the composition as a cleaner.

Abstract: Brass articles having leachable lead are contacted with an aqueous caustic solution that contains a chelating agent. The brass article can optionally be post-treated by contacting them with an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of cleaning a chamber of a CVD machine and elements within. A gas mixture of carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) and perfluoro ethane (C2F6) is first injected into the chamber. After performing a surface treatment, comprising a sandblasting step or a polishing step, on the surfaces of the elements, the elements are then immersed in a cleaning solution, comprising at least ammonia water (NH4OH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at a temperature maintained between 40° C. to 70° C. Finally, the temperature of the cleaning solution is raised so that the residual layer on the surface of the elements can drop from the surfaces of the heater and the process kits or dissolve into the cleaning solution.

Abstract: Compositions for the removal of polymeric material from a substrate are provided where the compositions include a polyol compound selected from (C3-C20)alkanediols, substituted (C3—C20)alkanediols, (C3-C20)alkanetriols or substituted (C3-C20)alkanetriols, a glyco ether, at least 5% wt water based on the total weight of the composition, and a fluoride salt selected from ammonium fluoride, ammonium bifluoride, ammonium-tetramethylammonium bifluoride or mixtures thereof. Methods of removing polymeric material using these compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A cleaning unit (A) includes a movable cart (20) which carries a cleaning system for cleaning baked-on residues from walls (10) of a sterilizer chamber (12). The cleaning system includes a lid (80) which is mounted over an opening (82) to the chamber. In one embodiment, the door (232) of the chamber provides the lid. An articulating nozzle (124) extends from the lid into the interior of the chamber. Alkaline and acid cleaning solutions (180, 182), for removing organic and inorganic residues, respectively, from the chamber, are stored in two storage containers (52, 54) carried by the cart. A first pump (60), mounted on the cart, pumps first the alkaline, then the acid cleaning solution to the nozzle. A second pump (62), mounted on the cart, connects with a scavenge fitting (166) in the chamber to return the cleaning fluid to the respective storage container.

Abstract: A method of repairing a thermal barrier coating on a component designed for use in a hostile thermal environment, such as turbine, combustor and augmentor components of a gas turbine engine. The method is particularly suited for completely removing a thermal insulating ceramic layer of thermal barrier coating system that includes a metallic bond coat, such as a diffusion aluminide or MCrAlY coating, between the surface of the component and the ceramic layer, while leaving the bond coat substantially undamaged. Furthermore, the method of this invention includes a technique by which ceramic material within cooling holes in the component can be removed without damaging the underlying bond coat. The process steps generally include removing the ceramic layer from the surface of the component by subjecting the ceramic layer to a caustic solution at an elevated temperature and pressure, and then removing ceramic material from the cooling hole by carefully directing a high-velocity fluid stream into the cooling hole.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions which, as powder or as aqueous formulation based on sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride and/or sugar, comprise a water-soluble polymeric polycarboxylate as dispersant with the exception of those formulations containing only sodium bicarbonate and polyaspartic acids and/or their salts, to the use of these cleaning compositions for the abrasive cleaning of hard surfaces. A method for cleaning surfaces contaminated with deposits using these cleaning compositions.