Abstract: A process is provided for removing a thermal barrier coating that has been deposited on the surface of an article. Thermal barrier coatings that can be removed by the process of this invention are generally composed of a ceramic layer that is bonded to the surface of an article by a metallic bond layer. The process generally involves heating the article and its thermal barrier coating to a temperature of at least about 870.degree. C., and exposing the thermal barrier coating to a halogen-containing agent for a duration sufficient to deteriorate the bond between the thermal barrier coating and the article to the extent that the coating separates from the article without damaging the underlying surface. The process can be carried out within various types of heated enclosures, including those within which the halogen-containing agent is introduced in a gaseous state, or those in which the halogen-containing agent can be prepared as a powder mixture that changes to a vapor when heated.

Abstract: A solution and solution concentrate for cleaning metal surfaces, particularly aluminum surfaces in which CaO or Ca (OH).sub.2 is added to sulfuric acid to raise the pH to about 13.1 after which the solution is passed through an eleven micron filter and potassium hydroxide is added to raise the pH to greater than 13.8. The resulting concentrate is diluted with water to an appropriate degree, generally 15 parts concentrate to 85 parts of water such as to bring the pH down to a working range of 8.5 to 11.0, degree of dilution depending on the usage.

Abstract: A procedure for disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses, including introducing the lenses into a container containing therein an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution and a destabilizer component therefor, prepared in such a way that enables this component to cause controlled peroxide destabilization from the first instance and to maximize its oxidizing action in order to achieve a more efficient lens disinfection and cleaning. As a final result of the process, there is a hydrogen peroxide degradation that results in levels that allow the transformed solution to be compatible with the eye and to maintain the contact lens cleanliness parameters.

Abstract: A process for cleaning a surface contaminated with an organic, acidic or basic contaminant. In the process, a liquid-state composition including an agent selected form the group consisting of an absorbant, an acid-neutralizing agent and a base-neutralizing agent is applied to the surface, and allowed to interact with the contaminant to form a product and to solidify into a solid-state matrix which sequesters the product. The solid-state matrix is then removed from the surface, thereby substantially cleaning the surface of the contaminant. There is also a process wherein a second liquid-state composition including a functionally different composition is applied to the surface. The second liquid-state composition may enhance the removability of the solid-state matrix from the surface.

Abstract: A method for removing scale and stains from the interior surfaces of a water-containing system having a reservoir, auxiliary equipment and piping, without having to drain the water from the system. The use of inhibited mineral acid allows the water to be circulated throughout the entire system, cleaning all interior surfaces without damaging them. Once scale and stains are removed, the water is neutralized.

Abstract: A semiconductor processor and methods using pillar shaped liquid emitters. The emitters have emission ports upon which liquid domes of processing chemicals are formed. The domes are applied to the surface of a wafer to wash discrete areas and thereby allow gases evolved from the reaction to easily escape about the domes and through gas passageways existing about the pillars. The wafer is rotated to provide even processing of the treated surface.

Abstract: Methods for removing paraffin wax deposits from the surfaces of oilfield production equipment during oil production by melting and subsequently dispersing the deposits. These methods utilize an acid compound and a neutralizer compound which react exothermally to melt the deposit and form a dispersant to remove the melted fragments of the deposit.

Abstract: A method for removing copper oxide on a surface of a copper film is comprising the steps of treating the surface of the copper film with acid, neutralizing the surface of the copper film treated with acid, and washing the neutralized surface of the copper film.

Abstract: A device for applying fluid to a substrate which includes a head member having first and second opposed portions adapted for being fixedly positioned relative to each other. The device is particularly suited for treating a substrate as the substrate moves between the first and second portions. Each portion may in turn include a first channel located at a predetermined distance from the substrate for having a first fluid impinge on the substrate at a first velocity. Additionally, each portion may include a weir adjacent the first channel for having fluid pass thereover at an accelerated rate and thus at a greater velocity than the first fluid, this weir being located at a lesser distance than the first channel. Fluid inlet means is coupled to the respective portions to provide the fluid thereto at desired velocities. Significantly, a fluid blocking means (e.g., an elongated bar) is also included as part of the structure for maintaining the fluids at pre-established levels.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating soil contaminated by petroleum products on the site of the contamination. Such decontamination is accomplished by chemical breakdown, enzymatic action and biological microbial degradation. Significant byproducts of this degradation of the hydrocarbon material are: water, sodium salts, ammonium salts, carbon dioxide, free amino acids and heat.

Abstract: A method and composition for clean up of an oil based composition using an aqueous solution. The clean up composition includes 5-60% by weight of a solubility controlling component exhibiting pH dependent water solubility behavior and 30-95% by weight of a diluent. The method includes applying the clean up composition to the oil based composition and cleaning the same with an aqueous solution having a wash pH falling within the pH levels at which the solubility controlling component is water washable.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for controlling structural deterioration of a vehicle parking structure by arresting deterioration caused by road salt erosion and corrosion of concrete floors and reinforcing steel in that structure. The invention includes spray washing the underside of vehicles prior to entry into the parking structure to remove road salt and thereby reduce road salt corrosive action within the facility. The invention further comprises arresting corrosion due to road salt which already has penetrated the concrete floors within the parking structure by the application of a chemical detergent which neutralizes the road salt that previously has penetrated the concrete. The chemical detergent may include a material having galvanic characteristics, such as metallic particles, which are believed to aid in inhibiting corrosion of the reinforcing steel.

Abstract: A chromium and ferricyanide free aqueous deoxidizer/desmutter for aluminum and magnesium alloys contains nitric acid, ferric ions, persulfate, and molybdate and preferably also sulfate, fluoride, and ethoxylated acetylenic diol surfactant.

Abstract: A drum processing apparatus serves to purge and decontaminate successive product-containing storage drums. The drum processing apparatus includes a drum deheading station, a drum emptying station, and at least one drum cleaning station. The drum deheading station includes high frequency torch or non-flammable cutting device for removing a lid of the drum to provide an opening at one end of the drum. The drum emptying station includes a drum invertor for emptying the contents of the drum through the opening in the drum. The drum cleaning stations are located downstream of the drum emptying station, and function to remove contaminants from the interior and exterior surfaces of the drum. A drum table moves the successive drums downstream from the drum deheading station to the drum emptying station and the drum cleaning station.

Abstract: An amine functional water reducible resin and an ink composition incorporating an amine functional water reducible resin which is water insoluble under certain pH conditions and selectively water washable under certain other pH conditions. The method aspect of the present invention relates to a method of making, using and recovering the ink composition and a method of making the water reducible resin.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for generating superoxides and other free radicals for cleaning and sterilizing contact lenses tonometers and other poorly oxidizing objects in an electrolytic solution which may optionally include an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide enzymes and soaps and for neutralizing the above agents by using electrolysis to decompose the peroxide and to generate free radicals that neutralize the enzymes and soaps and sterilize. The apparatus includes a timer for controlling the process and indicating when sterilization and neutralization are taking place and when they have been completed.

Abstract: The invention is a process for removing corrosive by-products from semiconductor assembly by applying an aqueous spray comprising a saponifying agent to release and dissolve flux constituents and applying an acidic aqueous spray to the assembly to dissolve metal contaminants. While the acid source in the aqueous spray may be any number of constituents, preferably carbon dioxide is used. Metal released by the aqueous acid spray is inactivated and bound by a chelating agent which is introduced into the wash. The invention is applicable to any semiconductor device or assembly made through processes using bonding materials such as solder which may have by-products which are corrosive or otherwise deleterious to the device or device assembly once placed in the chosen environment of use.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for controlling structural deterioration of a vehicle parking structure by arresting deterioration caused by road salt erosion and corrosion of concrete floors and reinforcing steel in that structure. The invention includes spray washing the underside of vehicles prior to entry into the parking structure to remove road salt and thereby reduce road salt corrosive action within the facility. The invention further comprises arresting corrosion due to road salt which already has penetrated the concrete floors within the parking structure by the application of a chemical detergent which neutralizes the road salt that previously has penetrated the concrete.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting a lens is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a lens to be disinfected in a liquid medium with at least one chlorine dioxide precursor in the presence of at least one acidic component effective to increase the rate of formation of chlorine dioxide from the chlorine dioxide precursor, thereby disinfecting the lens; and adjusting the acidity of the liquid medium containing the disinfected lens. Compositions useful in the above-noted method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for removing organic contaminants, such a flux residues, from a solid substrate comprises: (a) hydrogen peroxide in the amount of about 3 to 5 percent by weight of the composition; (b) an alkaline compound in sufficient amount to provide a pH of at least 10.5 in the composition; (c) about 0.1 to 0.3 percent by weight of a chosen wetting agent which is unreactive with the hydrogen peroxide and the alkaline compound; and (d) purified water as the balance of the composition. Optionally, the composition may further comprise about 0.5 to 2.0 percent by weight of a chosen metal protective agent.The solid substrate having organic contaminants thereon is exposed to the above noted composition whereby the organic contaminants are removed from the substrate and are converted into non toxic and non-hazardous products. Thus, negative environmental impact is avoided by the present process.

Abstract: Polyester and cellulosic contaminants are removed from the surfaces of polyolefins by contacting the polyolefins with an aqueous composition of alkali metal hydroxide and/or alkaline earth metal hydroxide; and with an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: Drill cuttings are cleaned of oil-based drilling mud and oil using a cleansing agent, such as a C6-C10 carboxylic acid, that is preferentially oil soluble at one pH and preferentially water soluble at another pH. The oily cuttings are treated with the carboxylic acid and then washed with an aqueous, alkaline washing solution, which converts the carboxylic acid to its water soluble salt and, with vigorous agitation, lifts most of the oil from the cuttings. In other embodiments, the process is used for cleaning oil-contaminated soil, sand, and gravel, and for separating the oils from the solids in oily sludges.

Abstract: A surface of a silicon wafer is treated with hydrogen fluoride. Subsequently, the surface is cleaned with choline, choline-derivative and/or tetraalkyl ammonium hydroxide. Impurities are removed from the surface by cations from the cleaning agent. Further, hydroxyl groups from the cleaning agent cause the surface to become hydrophilic, preventing the formation of droplets which would otherwise roll along and contaminate the surface.

Abstract: This invention discloses an in-situ process or method for cleaning the interior surfaces of a swimming pool or the like for removing stains, scale, calcium deposits, and the like, and without the need for draining the pool. The chlorine content of the pool is initially tested, and chlorine is added to bring it up to a level sufficient to prevent algae growth for a period of up to 10 days without filtering. Water is added to the pool to insure all water line marks are sufficiently immersed so as to benefit from the cleaning operation. An acid wash solution, including a mixture of hydrochloric acid and a strong metal chelating agent, is then applied in-situ or as close to the surfaces to be cleaned as possible. As the stains, scale, and deposits dissolve, a strong organic acid such as oxalic acid is added to precipitate out the undesirable materials and cause them to settle down to the bottom of the pool for subsequent vacumming.

Abstract: Cork articles are bleached by a treatment by means of an alkaline aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and by drying the articles, impregnated with hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of an ultraviolet radiation. No figure.

Abstract: A method for cleaning cellular contamination in a flow cytometer comprising the sequential use of a strong oxidizing solution, particle-free neutral pH fluid and a weak acid.

Abstract: Workpieces containing copper, in particular copper laminated printed circuit boards, are etched in an alkaline etching agent which contains a copper tetramine complex as the active component. After etching, the workpieces are washed with a mainly neutral washing liquid consisting of a solution of the salt required for regeneration of the etching agent. This regeneration salt mainly contains ammonia ions and chloride ions. In a regeneration system connected to the etching machine the etching agent is on the one hand set to the correct pH value with ammonia gas and on the other hand diluted with the neutral mixture resulting from the washing process.

Abstract: A method for the decomposition of halogenated and non-halogenated organic contaminant compounds contained in a contaminated medium comprises adding an alkali or alkaline earth metal carbonate, bicarbonate or hydroxide to the contaminated medium in an aqueous solution or in a solvent having a boiling point of at least 200.degree. C., or in the form of a solid dispersion or suspension. The medium includes a hydrogen donor compound. The hydrogen donor compound may be originally contained in the medium or may be added to the medium. The medium further includes a catalytic source of carbon, for example, a carabohydrate, which will cause formation of a free radical hydrogen ion from the hydrogen donor compound. The medium is heated to dehydrate the medium and then is further heated at a temperature between about 200.degree. and 400.degree. C. to cause formation of the free radical hydrogen ion and effect reductive decomposition of the halogenated and non-halogenated organic contaminant compounds.

Abstract: A mixture of an oil sludge and an oil-contained waste water is first separated into a first oil-contained water and an oily dust containing metal-contained dust, fine metal powder and small fragments. Secondly, the oily dust is washed and separated into a harmless oil-free dust and a second oil-contained water containing the metal. Finally, both the first and second oil-contained water are separated into oil, harmless water and metal hydroxide by electrolysis. Thus, the mixture of the oil sludge and the oil-contained waste water is separated into components, which are in turn recovered, recycled, or converted into new materials, and the purification of the waste water can be realized.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the treatment of confined bodies of water such as a swimming pool to remove scale deposits from the surfaces of the vessel containing the water. The water is acidified with a mixture of hydrochloric acid, sulfamic acid and sodium bisulfate to eliminate its total alkalinity, as determined by a standard neutralization test. The water is continuously or repeatedly monitored for total alkalinity following the initial addition of acid, to insure that sufficient acid has been added. The acidified water has a tendency to gain total alkalinity as the scale deposits are removed during the treatment, and monitoring detects this change, permitting correction by addition of acid. After the treatment with the acid, which can last from several hours to several days, any excess treatment acid is neutralized by the addition of a neutralizing agent which is preferably magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide.

Abstract: A method for the decomposition of halogenated organic compounds contained in a contaminated medium comprises adding an alkali metal carbonate or bicarbonate to the contaminated medium in an aqueous solution or in a solvent having a boiling point of at least 200.degree. C., or in the form of a solid dispersion or suspension. The medium is heated to dehydrate the medium and then is further heated at a temperature between about 250.degree. and 400.degree. C. to effect decomposition of the halogenated organic compounds. An acid is then added to the medium in an amount sufficient to neutralize the same.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting a contact lens comprises immersing the lens in an aqueous solution of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 having a pH of 4 or below and adding to the solution a neutralizing agent comprising a catalyst for decomposing any residual H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and a retarding agent for delaying the decomposition of the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 for a predetermined time in order to permit sterilization of the lens to be substantially complete. The retarding agent preferably comprises either a polymeric coating which dissolves gradually in the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 solution or a semipermeable membrane enveloping the catalyst. The neutralizing agent preferably also contains an auxiliary material which raises the pH of the acidic H.sub.2 O.sub.2 solution. The enzymatic decomposing agent can be embedded in a particulate carrier substance forming the bottom part of a two part container, the upper part of which contains an aqueous solution of H.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: Contaminated surface layers are decontaminated by treatment with an aqueous fluorine base-containing decontamination solution. The aqueous decontamination solution contains 0.05 to 50 Mol of decontamination agent per liter, and the decontamination agent preferably comprises at least one substance from the group colon hexafluorosilicate acid, fluoroboric acid, and the salts of both of these. The decontamination solution produces the required high decontamination factors on metallic substances and brickworks as well. The used decontamination solution can, after regeneration, be recycled into the decontamination process.Release of decontaminated material by dissolution of the surface layer of the decontaminated objects provides decontamination of objects having complicated and hard-to-measure geometries.The decontamination agent (HBF.sub.4 -acid) is advantageously produced from contaminated boric acid from pressurized water reactor wastes by reaction with fluoride or hydrofluoric acid. The HBF.sub.

Abstract: Gel dishwashing detergent compositions are prepared contaiing, by weight, from about 10% to 50% of one or more anionic surfactants, from about 8% to about 40% of a monoalkylolamide of a higher fatty acid, from about 3% to about 40% of a dialkylolamide of a higher fatty acid, and from about 10% to 50% water. A process for making the stable high viscosity detergent gel composition and avoiding phase separation is claimed.

Abstract: Processes and apparatuses are provided for hygienically returning for reuse in subsequent manufacturing processes, the original liquid absorbing materials and moisture sealing materials of used single use collecting and/or absorbing products, previously worn by infants or adults to absorb urine and/or to collect feces. These human wastes are washed out from single use diapers, one use adult diapers, and other like purpose products, and directed into municipal sewer systems, or other systems ending in the treatment of sewage. These used single use collecting and/or absorbing products are heated to reach temperatures high enough to liquidize adhesives originally used, where necessary, to hold together the original liquid absorbing materials and moisture sealing materials, and then the liquidized adhesives are drained clear of these materials. Preferably, this removal of adhesives is completed during the washing of these one use products.

Abstract: After the etching away of copper to selectively expose surface areas of insulating material in a printed circuit process based upon copper foil-clad insulating substrate material, the exposed surface areas of insulating material are contacted with an aqueous alkaline permanganate solution to remove from the areas residual metal species associated therewith so as to improve the electrical resistance afforded by those areas in the printed circuit.

Abstract: A method for pickling and consolidating water atomized metallic powders to reduce surface oxides. The technique includes introducing the powder into an acid bath--preferably nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid, rinsing the powder, introducing the powder into an alkaline bath, rinsing the powder and then consolidating the powder into a workpiece. Alternatively, the powder can be additionally introduced into a second acid bath and/or placed into a finishing boric acid bath before consolidation.

Abstract: A method and means is provided for cleaning of drums with interior linings wherein sulfuric acid is utilized. The process of the present invention is especially suitable for cleaning epoxy, phenolic, epoxy phenolic linings and other linings from steel drums. In certain instances chains may be used in conjunction with the cleaning process.

Abstract: Contaminated surface layers are decontaminated by treatment with an aqueous fluorine base-containing decontamination solution. The aqueous decontamination solution contains 0.05 to 50 Mol of decontamination agent per liter, and the decontamination agent preferably at least one substance from the group: hexafluorosilicate acid, fluoroboric acid, and the salts of both of these. The decontamination solution produces the required high decontamination factors on pressurized water reactors, boiling water reactors, metallic substances, high temperature alloys and brickworks as well. The used decontamination solution can, after regeneration, by recycled into the decontamination process. Release of decontaminated material by dissolution of the surface layer of the decontaminated objects provides decontamination of objects having complicated and hard-to-measure geometries. The decontamination agent (NBF.sub.

Abstract: An electrophoretic technique and apparatus for decontamination and sterilizing of contact lenses are provided. The lenses are placed in respective perforated containers and inserted in a buffer solution of suitable pH value. An electric field is established in the solution by a pair of spaced electrodes. Contaminants on the lenses become charged and are attracted to a respective electrode, thereby cleaning and sterilizing the lenses.

Abstract: A process for pretreatment of chromium-rich oxide surfaces of nuclear reactor cooling system components involves application of a dilute acidic reagent comprising potassium permanganate and chromic acid, at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the treatment of confined bodies of water such as a swimming pool to remove scale deposits from the surfaces of the vessel containing the water. The water is acidified with a mixture of hydrochloric acid, sulfamic acid and sodium bisulfate to eliminate its total alkalinity, as determined by a standard neutralization test. The water is continuously or repeatedly monitored for total alkalinity following the initial addition of acid, to insure that sufficient acid has been added. The acidified water has a tendency to gain total alkalinity as the scale deposits are removed during the treatment, and monitoring detects this change, permitting correction by addition of acid. After the treatment with the acid, which can last from several hours to several days, any excess treatment acid is neutralized by the addition of a neutralizing agent which is preferably magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitated automatic washing and rinsing of previously used lithographic plate members having substantially flat central portions and pre-formed parallel flanged peripheral edges which comprises removing one or more used plates from a press plate drum, placing the plate on a feed fixture, longitudinally propelling the plate member, applying one or more cleaning solvents to the surface of the plates, scrubbing the surfaces of the plates, rinsing the surfaces thereof with one or more solvents, removing of excess rinse liquids from the surfaces of the plates, sealing the surfaces with a water soluble preserving substance and storing of the plate members until reuse thereof, while accommodating and preserving the peripheral pre-formed flanges of the lithographic plates as they pass through the apparatus, and recycling the cleaning solvent.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously removing and monitoring the removal of a metallic contaminant from the surface of a metallic workpiece is disclosed. The workpiece and a reference electrode are immersed in an electrically conductive cleaning solution. The potential difference between the workpiece and the reference electrode is periodically measured to generate a series of potential difference values. Differences between successive potential difference values of the series are quantified to generate a noise parameter value. The noise parameter value is compared to a reference value, wherein the reference value is indicative of a maximum allowable amount of contaminant, to determine if an amount of contaminant greater than the maximum allowable amount of contaminant is present on the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and additive to be employed in said method whereby the fouling of metal surfaces with copper deposits resulting from acid cleaning of copper alloy surfaces, be they all of the same metallurgy or merely elements with in the overall system is markedly reduced by adding to the rinse or flush formulations commonly employed following an acid treatment, a chelating agent for copper, and, subsequently adding a copper corrosion inhibitor to the conventional neutralization fluid.

Abstract: Contact lenses are treated with hydrogen peroxide and the remaining hydrogen peroxide is decomposed by electrolysis.

Abstract: Contaminated surface layers are decontaminated by treatment with an aqueous fluorine base-containing decontamination solution. The aqueous decontamination solution contains 0.05 to 50 Mol of decontamination agent per liter, and the decontamination agent preferably comprises at least one substance from the group, hexafluorosilicate acid, fluoroboric acid, and the salts of both these. The decontamination solution produces the required high decontamination factors on metallic substances and brickworks as well. The used decontamination solution can, after regeneration, be recycled into the decontamination process.Release of decontaminated material by dissolution of the surface layer of the decontaminated objects provides decontamination of objects having complicated and hard-to-measure geometries.The decontamination agent (HBF.sub.4 -acid) is advantageously produced from contaminated boric acid from pressurized water reactor wastes by reaction with fluoride or hydrofluoric acid. The HBF.sub.

Abstract: Stabilized hydrogen peroxide disinfecting solutions containing diphosphonic acids (such as hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid), and glycerin are disclosed along with a disinfection method.

Abstract: A process for the removal of solid deposits, especially calcium-, iron-, manganese-containing incrustations and mixtures thereof, from water supply installations wherein an aqueous solution comprising a mineral acid, preferably hydrochloric acid corresponding to a normality of the solution of 0.001 N to 6 N, and hydrogen peroxide in a proportion of 0.05 to 20% by weight of the total solution, is applied to the interior surfaces of the installations by, for example, spraying or rinsing.

Abstract: Contaminated surface layers are decontaminated by treatment with an aqueous fluorine base-containing decontamination solution. The aqueous decontamination solution contains 0.05 to 50 Mol of decontamination agent per liter, and the decontamination agent preferably comprises at least one substance from the group.Iadd.: .Iaddend..[.colon.]. hexafluorosilicate acid, fluoroboric acid, and the salts of both of these. The decontamination solution produces the required high decontamination factors on metallic substances and brickworks as well. The used decontamination solution can, after regeneration, be recycled into the decontamination process.Release of decontaminated material by dissolution of the surface layer of the decontaminated objects provides decontamination of objects having complicated and hard-to-measure geometries.The decontamination agent (HBF.sub.4 -acid) is advantageously produced from contaminated boric acid from pressurized water reactor wastes by reaction with fluoride or hydrofluoric acid.