Abstract: A process for treating a stone surface is disclosed. Stone floor surfaces, such as, marble and terrazzo, are treated with an acid conditioner followed by buffing with a crystallizing agent whereby a durable, high gloss finish is produced in situ on the floor surface.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the removal of paints, stains, varnishes, resins, grease, wood pitch, urea and phenolic resins, creosote, fungi, algae, moss, pulp mill black liquor, and resin glue. Also disclosed are methods of restoring old, weather-beaten or water-stained wood. The methods generally comprise application of compositions consisting essentially of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and xanthan gum. Enhanced effectiveness of the compositions is obtained in some cases by further application of a weakly acidic oxalic acid solution. The compositions are applied to the surface having the coating desired to be removed by brushing, spraying, and the like, allowed to stand for a time, then either wiped off or washed off with water, except in the case of creosote removal, where the composition is allowed to dry and then removed by conventional methods.

Abstract: Method by cleaning of printing ink and printing mould from the screen of a serigraphical frame (3), where the screen is cleaned with high pressure water to which has been added alkaline washing powder, to loosen the printing ink and the printing mould, thereafter flushing the screen with high pressure water to remove possible remaining printing ink and printing mould and finally to dry the cleaned screen for reuse.

Abstract: The particular method for treating cork articles such as cork plugs, comprises the steps of submitting the cork products to two successive washing operations in a basic aqueous solution, then in a concentrated peroxide solution. Thereafter the cork products are dried with a possible centrifugation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel alkaline detergent and the use thereof in cleaning a variety of substrates either alone or with prior treatment with acidic detergent solutions. Specifically, the invention relates to a unique combination of surfactants with detergents and various builder salts and the use of the detergent solutions in a process for washing a variety of substrates. The alkaline detergent composition comprises a mixture of alkoxylated non-ionic surfactants in combination with high molecular weight anionic detergents comprising amine and alkali metal salts of sulfonic acids and sulfates together with tertiary amine oxides and/or alkanol amides and builder salts including the inorganic metal salts and salts of lower molecular weight polycarboxylic acids. The detergent compositions of this invention are particularly useful in spray equipment whereby dilute aqueous solutions are applied to the substrates under pressure.

Abstract: A novel bellows expansion joint design and method of preventing stress corrosion cracking incorporates an internal cylindrical weir or sleeve which defines an inner flushing chamber adjacent the expansion bellows wherein connections are provided on the exterior wall of the expansion joint body to allow the admission of a chemical solution or treating fluid directly onto the inside surface of the bellows from an external connection to the expansion joint. In addition, a further connection is provided to a second flushing chamber surrounding the exterior of the bellows so that a similar solution may be admitted and allowed to overflow from an upper portion of the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oxidizing composition of water, about 0.1 to saturation of an alkali metal hypohalite, and sufficient alkali metal hydroxide to raise the pH of the solution to at least about 12. A method of decontaminating metal surfaces having a coating thereon which contains radioactive substances is also disclosed. The composition is passed over the coating at a temperature of about 50.degree. to about 120.degree. C. followed by passing a decontamination solution over the coating.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for rinsing a chemically treated or plated article by sequentially moving the article initially over a chemical solution bath and subsequently over a plurality of rinse baths, in which the article is sprayed as it rises from each successive bath with a less concentrated rinse solution from the next succeeding bath.

Abstract: Aqueous, alkaline liquid NaMnO.sub.4 solutions are provided which provide excellent resin desmearing and etchback, especially in the manufacture of printed circuit boards. The solutions comprise water, alkali metal hydroxide, NaMnO.sub.4 and from about 0.1 to about 3.0 moles per mole of MnO.sub.4.sup.- of a co-ion for MnO.sub.4.sup.- selected from the group consisting of K.sup.+, Cs.sup.+, Rb.sup.+ and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Aqueous, alkaline, liquid solutions consisting essentially of NaMnO.sub.4 and NaOH provide high etch rates for, e.g., printed circuit boards. The solutions can be used to desmear and etchback, and produce manganese residues on the surface of the board which are readily removed by acid neutralization alone.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline cleaning composition and process for cleaning aluminum container surfaces in a manner to inhibit objectionable white-etch staining during prolonged cleaning cycles and brown oxide discoloration during prolonged rinse cycles in which the cleaning solution contains an alkalinity agent or agents present in an amount sufficient to remove aluminum fines from the surfaces thereof, a complexing agent present in an amount to complex at least some of the metal ions in the cleaning solution which tend to form insoluble precipitates and at least one surfactant present in an amount sufficient to remove organic soils from the surfaces being cleaned and to suppress the formation of white-etch staining of the surfaces during prolonged cleaning cycles. The surfactant or blend of surfactants employed are further characterized by at least one having a Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance (HLB ratio) of at least about 12.

Abstract: This is a process that allows previously cleaned steel (which may have been leaned in any of several different ways) to be passivated with a rinse of almost pure water, that is made slightly alkaline to inhibit corrosion, and flash rusting such that any small residue remaining on the steel surface after drying of the water will itself evaporate and in such a manner that any remaining residue will be incorporated into a subsequently applied non-aqueous protective coating without leaving any water-soluble or ionic residue on the surface of the steel that will cause corrosion or affect adhesion of the protective coating.

Abstract: A method for decontaminating metal surfaces having radioactive oxide deposits thereon is disclosed which comprises preparing a decontamination solution having a pH of about 1.5 to about 4 comprising water, about 0.02 to about 0.5% of a water soluble organic acid which has an equilibrium constant in a complex with ferric ion of at least about 10.sup.9 and which is capable of producing a pH of about 2 to about 3 in water, and about 0.01 to about 0.4% of a chelate in free acid form which has an equilibrium constant in a complex with ferric ion of about 10.sup.15 to about 10.sup.19 and which is at least 0.4% soluble at 40.degree. C. in water having a pH of about 2 to about 3. An apparatus for performing the above method is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses is disclosed wherein the lenses are first treated with a peroxide solution to effect disinfection and then are subsequently treated with a catalyst which decomposes the peroxide in a rapid, turbulent manner so as to facilitate removal of surface contamination. The catalyst is preferably catalase, which when used as an aqueous solution is particularly effective in increasing the speed and thoroughness of peroxide removal from the lenses.

Abstract: Surfaces and articles or devices sterilized with an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution are treated with an aqueous solution comprising a sufficient amount of sodium pyruvate to decompose the hydrogen peroxide. The invention includes a method and sterilization system which is particularly useful in medical applications. Hydrophilic contact lenses may be conveniently sterilized with a hydrogen peroxide solution and rendered non-irritating to the eyes by treating the sterilized lenses with a sterile, sodium pyruvate solution which decomposes any hydrogen peroxide remaining with the lenses.

Abstract: The monourea adduct of sulfuric acid, when combined with water, has the unique ability to ablate the surface of wooden articles without charring or otherwise disfiguring the surface of the wooden article. Thus, wooden articles can be treated to accomplish a variety of purposes by contacting the surface to be treated with a composition containing the monourea adduct of sulfuric acid. Such compositions comprise mixtures of urea and sulfuric acid in which the molar ratio of urea to sulfuric acid is within the range of 1/4 to about 7/4 so that at least about 25 percent of the sulfuric acid is present as the monourea adduct. Such treatment can be employed to modify the dimensions of the article surface, remove stains, mars or other markings, accentuate the hard grain of the article surface, emboss the surface with a predetermined pattern, or accomplish other objectives that result from generally or selectively ablating the article's surface.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for cleaning solid surfaces with aqueous alkaline cleaning compositions comprising (a) strongly alkaline active-substance concentrates and (b) acidic active-substance concentrates comprising dispersions of boric acid or alkali metal borates in orthophosphoric acid. Component (a) is present in an excess over component (b) sufficient to cause an alkaline medium.

Abstract: Oxide deposits containing chromium are dissolved by contacting the deposits sequentially with(i) a permanganate salt in acid solution to remove chromium therefrom as hexavalent chromium;(ii) a reducing agent in acid solution to destroy excess permanganate ions and manganese dioxide formed by reduction of the permanganate; and(iii) a mixture of a reducing agent and complexing acid to dissolve the residual chromium depleted oxide.

Abstract: A process for treating spent fluoride-containing pickling paste on metal surfaces by applying to the spent pickling paste on the metal surface an aqueous treating paste composition comprising calcium carbonate having a particle size not in excess of about 5 microns and an alkali metal bicarbonate, which composition has a pH which is not in excess of about 9.5.

Abstract: A first high concentration acidic solution is applied over a dry and generally highly contaminated surface. A second less concentrated acidic solution is applied to at least the remaining surfaces. The second acidic solution concentrations are selected to leave protective coatings, such as wax, intact on the cleaned surface. The first and second acidic solutions are rinsed from the surfaces with alkaline solutions.

Abstract: A neutralization process is provided for neutralizing chloride ions in etched via holes in multilayer printed circuit boards. The process comprises two dip operations of the board in a Neutra-Clean and water solution which is continuously re-circulated. This is followed by subjecting the board to a heated de-ionized cascaded water feed, an ambient overflow de-ionized water rinse, and conveyorized air drying. The Neutra-Clean solution has the ability to penetrate down to the bottom of the via hole and to attract the free chloride ions from the etchant residue. The de-ionized water feed and rinse steps rinse out and remove the Neutra-Clean solution and any residuals formed by chemical reaction.

Abstract: Steel sheet is subjected to a thermal treatment as a result of which an oxide layer is formed. The sheet is pickled by contact with an organic acid solution (formic acid), containing at least 50 mg/l of iron, at a pH of 1.5 to 4 and at a temperature above a minimum value T.sub.m given by T.sub.m =20+(pH-1.5)32.

Abstract: A method of finishing a glass surface to a close tolerance and a substantially blemish-free state using a moving polishing lap and an aqueous treatment liquid containing inert abrasive particles, in which the treatment liquid also contains a bifluoride which reacts with the glass to form an insoluble silicofluoride or fluoride, an acid supplying hydrogen ions and a solubility suppressant which ensures that the silicofluoride or fluoride separates out on the glass surface, whereby the lap and inert particles remove the silicofluoride or fluoride from high portions of the glass surface and thereby allow further reaction and glass removal in those areas until the desired finished form of the glass surface has been achieved, whereupon the supply of treatment liquid is stopped and immediately replaced by a supply of an alkaline neutralizing solution, e.g.

Abstract: A method for removing scale, particularly oxide scale, from a surface of a high temperature alloy, the surface having been exposed to high temperature conditions, employs an aqueous alkaline hydroxide solution in contact with the scale in an autoclave. The solution is heated in the autoclave in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature in the range of about 200.degree.-340.degree. C. while providing relative movement between the solution and the scale. Thereafter, the scale reaction product is flushed from the surface to remove the alkaline solution.

Abstract: In the combustion zone of a furnace burning sulphur-containing fuel, one introduces continuously sodium or potassium nitrate; ammonium nitrate; calcium hydroxide and/or magnesium carbonate; carbon; and ammonium carbonate.A neutralization of acidic sulphur compounds formed by the combustion is achieved, and the boiler is kept free from soot and other deposits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feed unit of a detergent composition containing one or more surfactants, an alkali carbonate, and an acid which forms water-soluble calcium salts and magnesium salts and/or complexes, and in which detergent composition the acidic constituent and the alkaline constituent are separately present, the acidic constituent having a higher rate of solubility in a wash liquor than the alkaline constituent, and the total amount of alkali being present in excess relative to the amount of acid.The invention is characterized in that the feed unit comprises a sachet which entirely or partly consists of a material permeable to or disintegrating in water and is filled with the acidic and the alkaline constituent, the acidic constituent containing 5-30 percent by weight, calculated on the total amount of detergent composition, of an acid having a pK.sub.1 value in the range of 2.8 to 4.8.

Abstract: A spill of hydrofluoric acid is controlled and cleaned up by being treated with a composition comprising an aqueous solution of calcium acetate and applying to the resulting precipitate an activated composition of powdered magnesia and an appropriate normally solid pH indicator.

Abstract: Process for bleaching wooden articles by sequentially treating the articles with sodium carbonate, a hydrogen peroxide mist, and weak acid, with intermediate drying operations.

Abstract: Foundry sand particles are regenerated by contact with a liquid containing ither a peroxide oxidant or an oxidizing salt to remove resinous binder material accumulated around each of the particles.

Abstract: A method for automatically processing photogravure images onto curvilinear surfaces including automated conveying means, etching means, etch terminating means, staging material removing means, and etching resist removing means.

Abstract: A process for sterilizing an article, more particularly packaging material, by wetting the article with a sterilizing solution having an active-chlorine-concentration in the range of 500 to 20,000 mg/l, and treating the sterilized article with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide to deactivate any remaining active-chlorine.

Abstract: A method for passivating acid-cleaned ferrous metal surfaces is disclosed. The method features the use of an aqueous passivating solution having a pH of greater than about 8, comprising a base, an oxygen containing gas, and one of hydrazine, an iron complexing agent and mixtures thereof, wherein the method comprises contacting an acid-cleaned ferrous metal surface with the passivating solution at temperatures up to about 400.degree. F or greater.

Abstract: Fiber containing devices for eliminating mist and/or particulate matter from flue gases may become plugged with carbonaceous and/or inorganic deposits or particulate matter. Cleaning of such mist eliminators to remove the plugging deposits is accomplished by the present invention by employing a two-step cleaning process. The process involves soaking the plugged fiber beds of the mist eliminator in hot acidified potassium permanganate (KMnO.sub.4) followed by treating the beds with gaseous sulfur dioxide.

Abstract: A denture cleaning composition comprises an acidic component which gives an acidic solution when the composition is mixed with water and a neutralizing component having a protective coating which causes the neutralizing component to be released over an interval of time to neutralize the acidic solution. A bleaching agent may also be included.

Abstract: Metal surfaces, after being cleaned of rust with an aqueous acid solution, are rinsed with an aqueous solution of a chelating agent and an ammonium or alkali metal silicate. Such rinsed surfaces remain rust free for extended periods of time. When coated with primer and top-coat paints, excellent durability and corrosion resistance are obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and composition effective prior to the electroless plating of polymeric substrates to substantially completely remove hexavalent chromium ions present in the aqueous acidic solution utilized to etch the plastic part. This novel result is accomplished by treating the polymeric substrate with a hydroxylamine salt in an acidic solution which may contain hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid or partially neutralized acidic salts. The process and composition of this invention may be employed as a neutralizer prior to the activating step or subsequent thereto as an accelerator, or at both locations in the process for maximum effectiveness.