Abstract: Equipment which is contaminated with an organometallic residue is treated with gaseous carbon dioxide to react with the organometallic compounds contained in the equipment.

Abstract: A method for using a foamed liquid for cleaning and/or inerting a vessel is described which allows for continuous recycling of the foam and its breakout liquid and gas components into regenerated foam which is continously directed back into the vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interrupting the flow of carbon black particle-carrying transport as passing through recuperator tubes for a short period of time to cause the carbon black material accumulating and adhering to the inner walls of the tube to be removed therefrom and swept from the tube by the resumption of transporter gas flow.

Abstract: A vapor generating and recovery apparatus for vaporizing a liquid and condensing a vapor, the apparatus including a container having a liquid therein with a heating and cooling system in heat transfer relation with the liquid and vapor in the container. The heating and cooling system includes means to vaporize the liquid and means to condense the vaporized liquid disposed within the container. The apparatus further includes means to remove liquid from the container and return same to the container into the liquid below the top surface of the liquid in the form of a spray at boiling or higher temperatures to provide agitation of the liquid sufficient to create treating action on objects which have been placed in the liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning blinds which have a plurality of parallel, spaced slats where the method comprises the steps of (1) drawing the slats of the blind together, (2) immersing the blind in a container of liquid detergent, (3) rinsing the drawn blind with a rinsing liquid and (4) blowing the blind with a gas until it is substantially dry. The apparatus comprises a container containing a liquid detergent and capable of receiving the blind, a rinsing means for propelling rinsing liquid over the blind and drying means for blowing a gas over and through the blind until it is substantially dry.

Abstract: A method for removing processing oil from thin sheets of microporous plastic material is comprised of a tank having a liquid zone in its bottom portion which is divided into three sub-tanks having decreasing depths extending across the tank. Heating coils in each sub-tank vaporize the solvent to form a cleaning zone, containing vaporized solvent, above the liquid portion, and condensing coils located at the top of the tank condense the vaporized solvent and deposit it into the deepest sub-tank which also is supplied fresh make up solvent when required. A series of rollers feeds the material through the tank, from the side having the shallowest sub-tank toward the side having the deepest sub-tank, while repeatedly passing it between the cleaning zone where solvent is condensed on it to clean it, and the condensing zone where it is cooled to a temperature below the temperature of the vaporous solvent.

Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions comprising of trichlorotrifluoroethane, acetone, nitromethane and hexane are stable and have utility as degreasing agents and as solvents in a variety of industrial cleaning applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for decontaminating military nerve agents and blister agents. The process involves contacting the nerve agent and blister agent, particularly clothing and other items contaminated therewith, with gaseous ozone or chlorine dioxide, whereby the agents are oxidized to non-toxic products and thereby decontaminated rapidly, e.g. within a few minutes. The treatment with ozone or chlorine dioxide does not seriously affect the mechanical properties of the contaminated materials, such as fabrics.

Abstract: A pretreatment process for removing air within through-holes of printed circuit boards before plating the through-holes is provided. Air within the through-holes of the printed circuit boards is replaced with a saturated vapor of a water-soluble liquid by dipping the printed circuit board into the boiled liquid and then the saturated vapor is dissolved in water or a water-soluble liquid to remove air.

Abstract: Contamination of wafers is reduced by an enclosed full-flow method and apparatus for the cleaning and other wet processing of semiconductor wafers. Process fluids flow sequentially and continuously past the wafers such that the processing does not require movement or operator handling of the wafers between processing steps. The vessel containing the wafers is hydraulically full during each process step. Wafers may be cleaned using a hot corrosive fluid, such as sulfuric acid; rinsed using high purity water at high flow rates; and dried using a drying fluid such an isopropanol. In addition, chemical reagents such as dilute hydrofluoric acid or hydrogen peroxide may be precisely mixed in situ and applied to the wafer surface for a precisely controlled period, by injecting concentrated reagent into rinse water purified by multipass filtration.

Abstract: Azeotropic admixture of 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2- trifluoroethane, methanol, and 1,2-dichloroethylene useful in solvent cleaning applications.

Abstract: The main object of the invention is the limiting of corrosion in vapor-phase reflow soldering machines. Liquid chlorine and fluorine are used in the device for soldering in vapor phase. The decomposition of these elements by heat releases ions which, when brought in the presence of water, form hydrofluoric acid and hydrochloric acid. These acids corrode the tank through which the soldering method is used as well as the metallic elements of the soldered components. The device which is the object of the present invention eliminates water from the secondary liquid by isolating the vapors of these liquids from the atmosphere, preventing water from penetrating into the water-removal cartridge and providing for the water-removal process before fresh secondary liquid is brought into use. The invention applies mainly to reflow soldering in vapor phase.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning a lens system utilizes a rotating turntable that sequentially moves a plurality of lenses parallel to a shielding plate from a preexposed position to an exposed position located adjacent an aperture in the shielding plate. The apparatus includes a first manifold for directing a first flow of gas across a surface of a lens located at the preexposed position, and a second manifold for directing a second flow of gas across a surface of a lens located at the exposed position. First and second vacuum nozzles remove, respectively, airborne particles within the first and second gas flows. An additional nozzle mounted adjacent the aperture provides an ionized gas.

Abstract: In an isotope separation system in which hot, isotopically separated vapor is deposited on enriched product and depleted tails plates, deposit adherence is improved and plate cooling simplified. The tails plate is liquid-cooled to a lower temperature which permits the product plate to be radiatively cooled by it simplifying product plate cooling and lowering its temperature to reduce the tendency for the product plate deposit to separate during temperature cycling. In one embodiment plate surfaces are cleaned of impurities in a vacuum by allowing the temperature of the tails plates to reach the relatively low operating temperature prior to proceeding with the deposition. In another embodiment plate surfaces are provided with rough surfaces to promote air penetration during deposit stripping, which permits the formation of a brittle, more easily severed bond between plate and deposit.

Abstract: Azeotropic mixtures of 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (FC-113) and 1,2-dichloro-1,1-difluoroethane (FC-132b) with methanol or ethanol, the azeotropic mixtures being useful in solvent cleaning applications.

Abstract: A technique for condensation soldering of articles (29) in a facility (40 or 80) having a vapor chamber (42) and a pair of aligned input (102) and exit (104) throats. An article (29) to be soldered is transported sequentially through the input channel (56), the vapor chamber (42) and the output channel (58). Simultaneously, air is moved, in a controlled manner, into and through a portion of the exit channel, in a direction opposite to the movement of the article and withdrawn from the input channel. The air exiting the input channel is processed to recover the expensive vapor entrained therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing polychlorinated biphenyls from electrical apparatus, particularly transformers, to achieve concentration levels of 50 ppm or less as required by the EPA. A dielectric fluid having a relatively low boiling point as compared to polychlorinated biphenyls and other contaminants and in which PCB's are soluble is selected. There is an external cooling loop through which the dielectric fluid is circulated maintaining the temperature and pressure of the transformer within its design limits. There is an external distillation loop where the liquid removed from the transformer is heated to boiling point of the selected dielectric fluid thereby vaporizing the dielectric fluid and leaving the polychlorinated biphenyls in liquid phase in the distillation vessel. The dielectric fluid vapor is then condensed and returned to solubilize remaining PCB's in the transformer.

Abstract: A vapor tank for processing a product by heating the same through exposure to vapor serving as a heat transfer medium. The vapor tank includes at least one partition wall separating a vapor chamber filled with vapor and a heating chamber for processing the product by heating the same for supplying a sufficient saturated vapor to the product. The partition wall is formed with openings for allowing the saturated vapor to be injected therethrough from the vapor chamber into the heating chamber where the product is enveloped by the saturated vapor. The vapor tank is provided with a recovery device for recovering the vapor flowing out of the tank through an inlet and an outlet for introducing and discharging the product into and out of the tank with a high degree of vapor recovering efficiency and with a minimum loss of energy. The vapor tank is also provided with a mechanism for externally supplying air currents to prevent the vapor from flowing out of the tank through the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions comprising of trichlorotrifluoroethane, ethanol, acetone, nitromethane and hexane are stable and have utility as degreasing agents and as solvents in a variety of industrial cleaning applications.

Abstract: Stable methylchloroform solvent compositions in combination with from about 3 to about 5 volume percent of 2-butanol and from about 1 to about 3 volume percent of 3-methyl-1-butyn-3-ol have been shown to be superior solvents for removing flux from circuit boards. Such compositions have no flash point and maintain excellent distribution of the components in the vapor and liquid sections of the defluxing apparatus.

Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions comprising trichlorotrifluoroethane, ethanol, nitromethane and 2-methylpentane or a mixture of hexanes which are stable and have utility as degreasing agents and as solvents in a variety of industrial cleaning applications.

Abstract: A chemical composition particularly useful in a vapor generating apparatus which includes at least one organic compound with two or less carbon atoms and a selected coating compound therein. Upon submersion of an object to be cleaned or dried in a boiling solution of the organic compound the object is not only cleaned or dried, but is also coated with a material which improves its resistance to, for example, erosion, corrosion, friction, and the like.

Abstract: A photo-mask to be used in a light exposure step for manufacturing semiconductor devices is cleaned by wetting front and rear surfaces of the mask with a liquid, brushing the wetted surfaces with a pair of rotary brushes, wetting the brushed surfaces with an electrolytic solution containing sufficient electrolyte to substantially eliminate electrostatic charge from the surfaces, spraying and immersing the photo-mask in an organic liquid such as an alcohol, and then drying the photo-mask.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating at least two vapor zones, one above the other, by vaporizing a fluid mixture having at least two compounds therein having different vaporizing temperatures. The apparatus includes a chamber with vaporizing means, and vapor condensing means. Condensate recovery means is provided for recovering the condensed vapor and the condensate recovery means is in flow communication with a separation device for receiving the condensate from the condensate recovery means. The flow communication between the condensate recovery means and the separation device is external of the chamber. The separation means revaporizes the liquid with the lower vaporizing temperature for return to the vapor zone in the upper portion of the chamber and separates as a liquid the fluid having a higher vaporizing temperature.

Abstract: A method for reducing contamination in a vacuum processing chamber includes introducing into the vacuum chamber a gas selected to react with the contaminant and form a compound more volatile than the contaminant. The volatile compound is then removed from the vacuum chamber, typically by vacuum pumping. In one embodiment, the vacuum chamber is an ion implantation chamber, the contaminant is phosphorous and the gas is water vapor, which reacts with the phosphorous to form phosphine gas or other high vapor pressure phosphorous-containing substances.

Abstract: A vapor degreasing method and apparatus wherein a second cooling coil is used to prevent escape of solvent or solvent vapor from a degreaser. Gaseous refrigerant from the second coil can be released to the freeboard space above the solvent vapor zone to provide a barrier layer.

Abstract: A novel process for the removal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and other adsorbed material from electrical apparatus to limit residual contamination to be less than a predetermined level; the process includes the steps for removal of the bulk fluid, subsequent solvent wash, repeated contact with penetrating solvent vapor, and cooling solvent soaks, with continuous solvent recovery.

Abstract: Quaternary azeotropic mixtures of 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane, methylene chloride, methanol and cyclopentane are provided. These azeotropic mixtures are useful as solvents to remove buffing compounds residues. These mixtures are useful not only because of their high solvency characteristics but also because they exhibit essentially the constant boiling characteristics of an azeotrope which is formed between these components, thereby facilitating handling and purification of the solvent mixtures without significantly altering their compositions. [The quaternary mixtures disclosed herein exhibit certain advantageous solvency characteristics of glycol based compositions, over the known binary or ternary azeotropic systems containing 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane, methylene chloride, methanol and cyclopentane.

Abstract: A thermoluminescent radiation detector crystal which has been irradiated by ionizing radiation is contacted with an organic solvent at its boiling point prior to read-out of the crystal. The boiling point of the solvent is approximately equal to the optimum post-radiation annealing temperature of the crystal. The solvent thereby simultaneously cleans and anneals the crystal. Preferably, the contacting step is performed by suspending the crystal in vapors of the solvent. The vapor condenses on the crystal and washes away impurities from the surface thereof.

Abstract: A sulfur trioxide-containing fluid, e.g., sulfur trioxide gas, is contacted with the surfaces of equipment in contact with crude oil to retard the deposition of paraffins from the crude oil and/or to react with the paraffins already deposited on the equipment surfaces to produce a water-dispersible material which is removed with an aqueous liquid.

Abstract: The removal of undesirable substances such as water, PCB's and air from the internal components of electrical devices such as transformers and power capacitors is efficiently and effectively achieved by contacting, in the absence of air, the internal components of these various electrical devices with a heat-stable fluid material. The heat-stable fluid materials are preferably halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons and most preferably perchloroethylene or FREON 113.

Abstract: Condensation polymer coatings are removed from various objects to permit their reuse. Superheated water vapor flows in contact with the coating surfaces, excluding air therefrom while heating them to temperatures above the melting point of the polymer. The water vapor further enters into an hydrolysis reaction with the polymer to decompose it.

Abstract: A method for cleaning metal parts, particularly crack damaged gamma prime hardened nickel alloy parts, but also including stainless steels superalloys, and solid solution superalloys in order to render them brazable or otherwise bondable. The method makes use of a C-O-H-F atmosphere as the primary cleaning material wherein the atmosphere has an H/O ratio of 10.sup.4 or greater, and a C/F ratio of approximately 0.01 to less than 2.0. The preferred source of the C-O-H-F atmosphere is thermal decomposition of a fluorocarbon resin and a low moisture containing hydrogen gas although sources other than fluorocarbon resins are also disclosed.

Abstract: A nitroalkane-free inhibitor system for methylchloroform has been formulated which contains dioxane, an alkylene oxide, and 3-butyn-1-ol. The stabilizer amounts to about 4 to 6% by volume of the stabilized methylchloroform composition. The stabilized composition is useful in vapor degreasing applications when it additionally contains an alkyl nitrate.

Abstract: A method of removing residual carbon from solid surfaces, such as metal or glass, by contacting the surface with sulfur trioxide and thereafter rinsing the surface. The surface may be subsequently contacted with a passivating solution.

Abstract: A solvent composition comprising 1,1,1-trichloroethane and a stabilizing amount of an epoxide of formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, phenyl or benzyl,R.sub.3 is hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms,R.sub.4 is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atomsand n is 0 or 1.Preferably the or each alkyl group contains 1 or 2 carbon atoms; examples of useful epoxides are ethyl trans-2,3-epoxybutyrate, ethyl 3,4-epoxy-3-methylvalerate and ethyl beta-methyl-beta-phenylglycidate.

Abstract: A solvent composition for cleaning metal and other articles which comprises 1,1,1-trichloroethane having dissolved therein a stabilizing amount of a mixture of stabilizing components comprising (i) tertiary butanol (ii) nitromethane and (iii) 1-or 2-nitropropane or nitroethane, in which mixture the specified stabilizing components are present in the mole fraction percent ranges encompassed by Contour K in FIG. 1 of the drawings in the case where component (iii) is 1-or 2-nitropropane or by Contour A in FIG. 2 of the drawing in the case where component (iii) is nitroethane.

Abstract: A contaminated article is subjected to vapor degreasing operations wherein the vapor degreasing solvent is a blend consisting essentially of methylene chloride and either 1,1,1-trichloroethane or trichloroethylene. Addition of methylene chloride to the solvent blend is found to stabilize the other component of the blend in the presence of contaminants encountered in the conventional vapor degreasing process; thus extending the normal life of the degreasing solvents.

Abstract: A vapor generating and recovering apparatus for vaporizing a liquid and condensing a vapor, the apparatus including a container having a liquid therein with a heating and cooling system in heat transfer relation with the liquid and vapor in the container. The heating and cooling system includes means to vaporize the liquid and means to condense the vaporized liquid disposed within the container. The apparatus further includes means to remove liquid from the container and return same to the container in the form of a liquid spray at boiling or higher temperatures.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning glass or other nonporous surfaces having an applicator pad of open pored spongy material for juxtaposition with the surface to be cleaned. A disposable cloth or tissue is interposed between the pad and the surface to be cleaned. A flexible conduit directs moisture laden gas, usually human breath, from the user's mouth, to the applicator pad and thence to the surface to be cleaned where moisture condenses for easy removal of soil therefrom. The escape of gas in undesired directions is avoided by a hood element which confines the gas to the spongy material except where it contacts the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A method for relatively low temperature cleaning of metal parts, particularly stainless steels, superalloys, solid solution superalloys and gamma prime hardened nickel alloy parts, in order to render them brazable or otherwise bondable. The method makes use of a C--O--H--F atmosphere as the primary cleaning material. The preferred source of the C--O--H--F atmosphere is by thermal decomposition of a fluorocarbon resin and addition of a low moisture containing hydrogen gas.

Abstract: The method for cleaning metal parts, particularly crack damaged gamma prime hardened nickel alloy parts but also including stainless steels, superalloys, and solid solution superalloys in order to render them brazable or otherwise bondable. The method makes use of elemental fluorine as the primary cleaning material. A reducing gas such as hydrogen may be present. The preferred source of elemental fluorine is by thermal decomposition of a fluorocarbon resin. The cleaned part has a surface layer free of oxides and depleted of aluminum and titanium. It is brazable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metal degreasing or metal phosphatizing that utilizes a low boiling point solvent. The apparatus comprises a vessel defining a reservoir of solvent and a zone of solvent vapor above the reservoir, and an external heat pump system having a heat-emitting section and a heat-absorbing section to provide the necessary heating and cooling for the vessel. Intermediate heat transfer fluid loops transmit heat between the vessel and the heat pump, and include reservoirs to inhibit the loss of thermal balance in the heat pump. Coolant fluid is circulated through the solvent reservoir to inhibit solvent evaporation when the apparatus is not being used.

Abstract: Protective and residual organic coatings are stripped from a surface by substantially sealing the surface from the atmosphere to provide a stripping zone, forming a stream of gaseous stripping composition in an evaporation zone, contacting the surface with the stripping composition in the gaseous state at about ambient temperature and recirculating the gaseous mixture from the stripping zone to the evaporating zone and back to the stripping zone to rapidly increase the concentration of gaseous stripping composition in the stripping zone. Optionally the surface may be rinsed by raising the temperature of the gaseous stripping composition slightly above ambient temperature, whereby the gaseous stripping composition condenses on the surface and flushes the surface free of adhering particles.

Abstract: A method of removing acrylic acid polymer from processing vessels, e.g., distillation towers, which comprises contacting said polymer with a dialkyl phthalate in vapor or liquid form at elevated temperatures. This procedure dissolves and depolymerizes the polymer and removes it from the vessel.

Abstract: A contaminated article is subjected to vapor degreasing operations wherein the vapor degreasing solvent comprises a blend consisting essentially of perchlorethylene and trichlorethylene, wherein in the preferred embodiment, the perchlorethylene comprises about 81 volume percent of the degreasing solvent, while the trichlorethylene comprises the remaining 19 volume percent of the solvent blend.The solvent blend extends the normal life of perchlorethylene degreasing solvents alone, or in combination with stabilizers and the like, or, alternatively, allows the utilization of trichlorethylene at temperatures higher than those that would normally cause pyrolysis. The degreasing solvent blend not only extends the operational life of perchlorethylene-based vapor degreasing solvents, but also reduces the cost of conducting vapor degreasing operations.

Abstract: Trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene or methylene dichloride is stabilized with an epoxy alkyl ester which is derived from a carboxylic acid containing from 5 to 22 carbon atoms and from an alcohol containing from 3 to 12 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for prevention of clogging of exhaust systems, especially the exhaust hoods and ducts above fused salt baths onto which salts splatter as they are being added by spraying from aqueous solutions. A fluid tight jacket surrounds a portion of the exhaust pipe and hood and a cooling fluid, preferably the aqueous solution of the salt being added is flowed through the jacket. This will condense the water of the solvent onto the inside of the hood and duct dissolving and washing away any splattered salt.

Abstract: A method for removing the rubber lining from rubber-lined vessels. A pool of solvent is maintained in the bottom of the vessel and heated to produce vapors which will penetrate the rubber lining and attack the adhesive bonding agent which attaches the rubber lining to the vessel wall. This vapor attack is maintained until the adhesive bonding agent is sufficiently weakened to allow sufficient air to be blown between the rubber lining and the wall to separate them.

Abstract: Coatings, such as paint or oil, are stripped from the surface of a coated object by circulating a stream of a stripping composition in a gaseous state at ambient temperature and pressure into contact with the surface. The stripping composition is normally a liquid at ambient temperature and pressure and has a partial pressure of at least 5 mm of Hg. at ambient conditions. The contacting procedure is conducted substantially in the absence on the surface of liquid condensate of the stripping composition.