Abstract: Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and apparatus (kits) for treating petroleum and petro-chemical based contaminants within expended filtration components, wherein the filtration components are exposed to water and a small concentrated volume of dormant bio-oxidizing medium comprising freeze-dried microorganisms on a freeze-dried substrate.

Abstract: A detergent composition for removing resinous stains including (a) an aromatic compound represented by the general formula (1); and (b) an alkylene oxide compound represented by the general formula (2); and optionally including (c) an alkali metal hydroxide; and (d) water.

Abstract: The use of a mixture of cycloalkanes of general formula C.sub.n H.sub.2 (n+1-a) in which n is an integer ranging from 8 to 12 and a represents the number of rings as agent for cleaning and degreasing solid surfaces, e.g., printed circuits. The mixture has a flash point above 55.degree. C. (ASTM D56-70) and a distillation range of 175.degree. C. to 235.degree. C.

Abstract: Various cleaning compositions useful in cleaning oil and carbon residue encrusted metallic surfaces are described. The specific formulations of the present invention may include a variety of non-corrosive and non-hazardous materials which include an aliphatic ether of a propylene glycol and/or an ester thereof, an alkanolamine, an aliphatic fatty acid blend, an alkyl pyrrolidone, water and, in some applications, a mild caustic such as ammonium hydroxide, for example. The various formulations of the present invention combine their ability to dissolve or emulsify a combination of deposits commonly found on auto and aircraft engines and the like. These formulations are most effective in removing or dissolving soils, such as oils, greases, varnishes and like residue from oil, fuel, solvents and other sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lamellar phase compositions comprising defined surfactant systems and a structurant selected from the group consisting of liquid fatty acids liquid alcohols and derivatives thereof which structurant is responsible for inducing the lamellar phrase. The invention also relates to a method of inducing said lamellar phase in such compositions by adding the defined structurant.

Abstract: A hazardous ingredient free cleaning composition and method for cleaning an oil/grease stained concrete surface. The cleaning composition includes (i) about 50 to about 95% by weight of water; (ii) at least about 2% by weight of a detergent builder; (iii) at least about 1% of a surfactant; and (iv) at least about 1% of a coupling agent which minimizes phase separation of the surfactant from the builder during cleaning of the surface. The method includes applying the cleaning composition to the stained surface, allowing the composition to set on the surface, and rinsing the surface with water.

Abstract: An oxidizer, preferably hydrogen peroxide, is used for cleaning the finger holes in a bowling ball and for cleaning the inserts which are placed in those holes. The hydrogen peroxide is preferably provided as part of a solution which is substantially similar to a "hair neutralizer". However a simple hydrogen peroxide 3% solution can be used, where about 3% of the solution is hydrogen peroxide and about 97% of the solution is water, by weight. In this simple 3% solution, the only other chemical, other than water and hydrogen peroxide, which may in one embodiment be provided, is a stabilizer, in typically a small percentage. The hydrogen peroxide solution can be placed or soaked onto a towlette. The towlette should be placed in a sealed plastic packet to prevent it from drying out. The hydrogen peroxide solution can then be applied to cleaning the holes in bowling balls and the inserts in bowling balls, and can also be applied to known uses such as an antiseptic to be applied to skin.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of non-halogenated and non-aromatic cleaning solvents as environmentally safe replacement of perchloroethylene and xylene to remove rosin flux residue formed on electronic circuit device materials during solder interconnection process for assembly of electronic components.

Abstract: The invention provides a solvent mixture including n-propyl bromide, a mixture of low boiling solvents and, preferably, a defluxing and/or ionics removing additive and/or at least one saturated terpene. The invention also provides a method of cleaning an article (e.g., an electrical, plastic, or metal part) in a vapor degreaser using the solvent mixture. The solvent mixture of the invention is non-flammable, non-corrosive, and non-hazardous. In addition, it has a high solvency and a very low ozone depletion potential. Thus, using the solvent mixture of the invention, oil, grease, rosin flux, and other organic material can be readily removed from the article of interest in an environmentally safe manner.

Abstract: An aqueous liquid composition containing dihydrogen phosphate salt, sulfur containing surfactant, and preferably a small amount of phosphoric acid cleans soiled metal surfaces without damaging any plastic parts that come into contact with the composition with the composition and without supporting the growth of bacteria that cause unpleasant odors. The composition is particularly useful for cleaning unpainted aluminum sided rail transport cars that have polycarbonate housings insulating electrical contact points that provide motive electric power to the cars; many conventional aqueous alkaline and acid cleaners promote stress cracking of polycarbonate plastics.

Abstract: A method or removing and disposing hydrocarbons absorbed in a fabric, the method comprising the steps of providing a nonwoven fabric which comprises in excess of 55% fibers of polyvinyl alcohol, and wherein the nonwoven fabric is contaminated with hydrocarbons, disposing the nonwoven fabric in a warm aqueous bath heated to a temperature substantially less than the dissolution temperature of the polyvinyl alcohol fibers, whereby to cause liberation of the hydrocarbons from the fabric.

Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning an electronic circuit board having first and second opposing surfaces. The method includes directing a stream of carbon dioxide particles against the first surface. Steam is sprayed toward the first and second surfaces such that condensation of the steam caused by cooling from the CO.sub.2 particles forms a thin film of water on the first surface for conducting electrostatic charge away from the first surface. The CO.sub.2 particles substantially remove residue present on the first surface, thereby cleaning the circuit board.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in de-oiling components comprises a furnace (10) for receiving components to be de-oiled and pumps (12, 14, 16) for creating a vacuum in the furnace. At least one of the pumps is a liquid ring pump. Oil is utilised to form the liquid ring and the oil is selected to be compatable with or the same as the oil to be removed from the contaminated components.

Abstract: A process for removing contaminants from the surface of a substrate comprises contacting the substrate with a cleaning composition comprising at least one mono-, di-, or trialkoxy-substituted perfluoroalkane, perfluorocycloalkane, perfluorocycloalkyl-containing perfluoroalkane, or perfluorocycloalkylene-containing perfluoroalkane compound, the compound optionally containing additional catenary heteroatoms. The compounds exhibit good solvency properties while being environmentally acceptable.

Abstract: A method of producing a semiconductor wafer in which a semiconductor wafer cut by a wire saw can be cleaned efficiently and in automatic steps and abrasive grains are substantially completely removed away, and a cleaning apparatus for the method are provided. A semiconductor ingot is cut by a wire saw into cut semiconductor wafers. Each of the cut semiconductor wafers is degrease-cleaned, the semiconductor wafer which has been degrease-cleaned is oil-water separation-cleaned, the semiconductor wafer which has been oil-water separation-cleaned is rinsed, abrasive grains are removed away from the surface of the semiconductor wafer which has been rinse-cleaned, by alkali cleaning, the semiconductor wafer which has been abrasive grain removal-cleaned is separated from a slicing plate.

Abstract: A process for removing waxes from silicon wafer polishing plates is provided. The process includes the steps of providing submersion baths of an alkali soap, de-ionized rinse water, sodium hydroxide, and additional de-ionized rinse water, in which polishing plates are exposed. The process eliminates the use of methylene chloride from the process.

Abstract: Composition for cleaning cooking surfaces comprises, by weight, from about 0.5% to about 10% of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is H, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, 2-hydroxyl ethyl or 2-hydroxy propyl; R.sub.2 is a C.sub.5 -C.sub.31 hydrocarbyl; and Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyls directly connected to the chain, or an alkoxylated derivative of the polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl wherein at least one of the hydroxyls is alkoxylated; from about 0% to about 10% of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of amine oxide surfactants having the formula:R.sub.3 R.sub.4 R.sub.5 N.fwdarw.Owherein R.sub.3 is an alkyl having from about 8 to about 16 carbon atoms, and R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are each independently methyl or ethyl; and mixtures thereof; from about 0.

Abstract: A method for separating hydrocarbons from a soil, e.g. to separate bitumen from oil sands, involves mixing the soil thoroughly with water and a supply of buoyant beads having surfaces that are of oleophilic material and coated with a surface layer of hydrocarbon solvent. The beads, soil and water are agitated for a period during which hydrocarbons from the soil become adhered to the solvent coated beads. After the mixture has been allowed to settle the beads separate towards the top and are removed and treated with solvent to recover the adhered hydrocarbons therefrom. Suitable solvents are oil refinery products such as naphtha, kerosine, gasoline, varsol, toluene and diesel fuel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a spray stream nozzle employed in dispensing upon a photoexposed blanket photoresist layer formed over a semiconductor substrate a photoresist developer solution. There is first provided a spray stream nozzle having a minimum of one aperture formed therein. There is then provided through the spray stream nozzle a volume of a photoresist developer solution sufficient to develop a photoexposed blanket photoresist layer formed over a semiconductor substrate placed beneath the spray stream nozzle. Finally, there is provided then through the spray stream nozzle a volume of a solvent which is not susceptible to clogging the spray stream nozzle.

Abstract: A remover solution composition for resist which comprises (a) a salt of hydrofluoric acid with a metal-free base, (b) a water-soluble organic solvent, and (c) water and optionally (d) an anticorrosive, and has a pH or 5 to 8. A method for removing resist which comprises the steps of (I) forming a resist layer on a substrate having a metal film, (II) light-exposing the resist layer through a mask pattern and subsequently developing the resist layer to form a resist pattern, and (III) dry-etching the substrate using the resist pattern as a mask and then removing the unnecessary resist and modified resist film with the remover solution composition.

Abstract: A process for wet chemically stripping dry, thick film photoresists in semiconductor applications. This process includes contacting the silicon wafer with a stripping solution and agitating the solution. The process may be performed in a strip tank having a chemical stripping solution, and nitrogen or other inert gases may be provided through a pressurized tube to cause bubbling in the solution and to strip the wafer.

Abstract: A wax and asphaltene solvation fluid for use in oil and gas wells is derived as a residual fluid from a feedstock that includes a greater mass percentage of trimethylbenzene than decane, and is preferably sour. Mass percentage of both aromatics and asphaltenes in the residual fluid is in the 30%-70% range, and a complex mixture of both is described.

Abstract: A stripping and cleaning composition for removing resists and etching residue from substrates containing hydroxylamine and at least one alkanolamine is described. Further, a cleaning composition for removing etching residue from semiconductor substrates containing hydroxylamine, at least one alkanolamine, at least one chelating agent, and water is described. The preferred chelating agent is 1,2-dihydroxybenzene or a derivative thereof. The chelating agent provides added stability and effectiveness to the cleaning composition.

Abstract: An alkali metal cleaning composition for cleaning metal and for inhibiting corrosion of metal. The composition is composed of an alkali carbonate salt, a surfactant, and a corrosion inhibitor. A preferred corrosion inhibitor is an alkali metal silicate. Additional metal corrosion inhibitors such as a combination of a triazole compound and an alkali metal borate also can be employed. Such alkali carbonate compositions are readily water soluble and remain in solution over prolonged storage periods.

Abstract: A method for treating and maintaining floors cleans the floor and restores an optimum coefficient of friction. The method involves a restoring phase and a cleaning phase, in which the cleaning phase is performed using the same solution as in the restoring phase, but in a diluted form. The method is applicable to cleaning solid hard floors such as those made of unglazed quarry tiles, glazed ceramic tiles and cement.

Abstract: Mixtures comprised of the compounds trans-1,2-dichloroethylene and/or cis-1,2-dichloroethylene and perchloroethylene are disclosed; as is a method for cleaning a solid substrate which comprises treating the substrate with said mixtures. A method for precision cleaning is disclosed, comprising the steps of showering the contaminated surfaces with said mixtures and then rinsing said surfaces with said mixtures that have been cleaned by distillation in-system. A method for dissolving and reconstituting polymers, waxes and oils by use of said mixtures or by use of mixtures consisting essentially of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene or cis-1,2-dichloroethylene is also disclosed; as is a method for delivering polymers, waxes, oils paints, pesticides, insecticides and fungicides to a surface by use of said mixtures or by use of mixtures consisting essentially of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene or cis-1,2-dichloroethylene.

Abstract: Azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions comprising effective amounts of 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane and cyclohexane or 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, cyclohexane and acetone to form an azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition that are useful as cleaning agents, displacement drying agents, wipe solvents, refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes and as power cycle working fluids are described.

Abstract: A cleaning method whereby a cleaning liquid used for cleaning in one cleaning stage is mixed after the one cleaning stage with a cleaning liquid used for cleaning in a rear cleaning stage. The flow rate of the one cleaning stage being greater than that of the cleaning liquid used for cleaning in the rear cleaning stage.

Abstract: A method of vapor degreasing workpieces using a refrigerated vapor degreasing system. The system has a tank for containing a bath of degreasing solvent, a heater for vaporizing the solvent, a primary solvent condenser, a secondary solvent condenser, and a single refrigeration unit which can be switched to operate in two different modes. Workpieces are loaded and supported within the tank. The degreasing solvent is heated and evaporated in the tank. Refrigerant is cycled in a closed-loop, single compressor refrigeration system as low-pressure/low-temperature vapor, high-pressure/high-temperature vapor, high-pressure/low-temperature liquid, low-pressure/low-temperature vapor, and low-pressure/low-temperature liquid. A degreasing zone is formed around the workpiece and a primary evaporation barrier is formed above the workpiece by circulating low-pressure/low-temperature refrigerant from the refrigeration system through the primary solvent condenser located above the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for separating wax from wax containing paper. The method involves immersing the wax containing paper in a heated alkane solvent, preferably n-hexane, to dissolve the wax contained in the paper into the solvent. The dissolved wax and solvent forms a miscella which is later separated from the paper. Any residual solvent absorbed in the paper is removed therefrom. The method also involves retrieving the wax from the miscella.

Abstract: An on-line, thermo-chemical process for the dewaxing of oil export pipelines with the aid of a Nitrogen Generating System is described, wherein the treating fluid to be employed as dewaxing fluid comprises: a) a solution of nitrogen salts activated by emulsified acetic acid and designed to yield nitrogen and heat, and b) a solvent, which is the petroleum oil being produced. The dewaxing treatment is effected at the same time as the petroleum oil is produced, this leading to great savings in costs and energy.

Abstract: A self-contained single-use apparatus for cleaning and hydrating a pair of contact lenses comprises a housing including a pair of hollow snap-lock lens containers in which opposed layers of a deformable relatively hydrophobic reactive material having surfaces arranged for non-abrasive contiguous wetted contact with the optical surfaces of the lenses when the lenses are enclosed in the housings. While in contact with the optical surfaces contaminants in the lenses are attracted to the contacting surfaces of the reactive layers. Upon removal of the lenses the attracted contaminants remain on the contacting surfaces and are disposed of with the housing. The container contains sufficient absorbed liquid for maintaining the lens in a hydrated condition while being treated in the container during the treatment process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of dissolving coke oven gas deposits comprising treating the deposits with a combination of a first amide and a second amide under conditions and at a ratio sufficient to dissolve a first amount of the deposit greater than a second amount of the deposit calculated based upon the proportional individual solvencies of the first amide and the second amide, wherein the first amide comprises N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of water-based cleaning solutions and their use as environmentally safe replacements of chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents to remove metal-polymer composite paste residue from screening masks and ancillary equipment, such as, used for screening a conductive metal pattern on a ceramic green sheet in the manufacture of multi-layer ceramic products.

Abstract: An object to be cleaned is cleaned with an cleaning agent which mixes a base cleaning agent such as silicon-containing cleaning agent or an isoparaffin containing cleaning agent with a surfactant or a hydrophilic solvent to promote the cleaning power. The object is rinsed with the base cleaning agent alone after it goes through the first cleaning step as described above. Then, this is followed by the finishing treatment by the use of hot air or steam drying. The base cleaning agents can be recovered and recycled, improving economy in the case with the use of two or more cleaning agents in combination. The excellent properties of degreasing and dewatering, comparable to those of flon system, can be obtained using a mixture of silicon-containing or isoparaffin-containing cleaning agents with surfactants and hydrophilic solvents and maintaining safety in environment.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning a drive train of a bicycle, e.g., a mountain bike, that includes a novel stand, cleaning axle, tweezer brush, water nozzle, and gear cleaner used to clean the entire drive train of the bicycle or other cycle having a chain-driven drive train and a removable wheel that is driven by the chain. The stand has a base, an upright, and a pig tail hook having at least two surface portions that contact a seat post of the mountain bike, with the pig tail hook characterized in that gravity provides a retaining force for the pig tail hook to retain the seat post. The cleaning axle replaces the chain driven wheel and provides tension to the chain, allowing the chain to be cycled with the pedals and rapidly cleaned while the chain is cycled. The tweezer brush has two cleaning surfaces oppositely disposed to evenly grip the chain on opposite sides. The water nozzle has a wand to be inserted into cleaning ports in the cleaning axle to direct a cleaning fluid, e.g.

Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning garments which comprises treating them with an azeotropic solvent of propylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether and water.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved printable sheet for use in a variety of applications requiring extreme image durability and weather (e.g., water) resistance. The printable sheet of the present invention employs an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sheet comprising a series of polymeric nodes interconnected by fibrils. Images can be applied to this sheet using a variety of means, including pen and ink, electrostatic printing, screen printing, offset printing, etc. These images have proven to be very durable and capable of substantial wear, water exposure, and general abuse. Moreover, the printable sheet of the present invention is capable of being cleaned and reused over and over again once any given image is no longer of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations and methods for preventing surfaces of natural or mineral materials or cementitious products from becoming slippery, especially when wet. The formulations comprise a non-fluorine-containing acid; a fluorine-containing compound, hydrogen sulfate or acetic acid; and a surfactant. Also disclosed are novel cleaning agents.

Abstract: A washing method for removing oily soil from an object stained therewith by contacting the object with a non-flammable washing agent composition comprising 0.001 to 30 parts of a fluorine-free absorbent which can absorb and capture oily soil and not less than 70 parts of perfluorocarbon liquid to remove the soil from the object.

Abstract: A method for treating the surface of a substrate with a surface treatment composition, wherein the surface treatment composition comprises a liquid medium containing a complexing agent as a metal deposition preventive.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to an improved solvent extraction/soil remediation process for the concurrent removal of hydrocarbon contaminants, and fixation of heavy metals.

Abstract: We have found an alkaline warewashing detergent composition that can contain a critical amount of a nonionic rinse agent that when used in automatic warewashing machines permits the use of a potable water rinse without the addition of a separate rinse agent. Sufficient residual nonionic surfactant from the alkaline detergent remains on the surface ware and internal machine and rack surfaces after washing to promote adequate sheeting in the rinse cycle. The residual nonionic surfactant on internal surfaces dissolves in the rinse water to create an effective aqueous rinse agent. The nonionic rinse agents can be a single nonionic for both foam reduction cleaning and sheeting or can be a blend of nonionic materials providing these functions. The detergent can be in the form of a particulate, pelletized or block solid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for cleaning one or more articles which includes the steps of:I) contacting the article(s) with a cleaning agent containinga) from 0.01 to 80 weight percent of water andb) from 99.99 to 20 weight percent of an organic solvent having the features of:i) forming an azeotrope with water, andii) forming a separate phase after azeotropic distillation, the amounts of a) and b) being based on the total weight of a) and b),II) rinsing one or more cleaned articles with a rinsing agent containing from 99.99 to 60 weight percent of water and from 0.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an alkaline cleaning composition for cleaning heavily soiled surfaces such as food fryers, baking pans, high temperature pasteurizers, beer kettles and similar equipment that normally requires caustic soda based cleaners to clean. The present invention is also useful in cleaning ceramics such as restaurant grade ceramic china plates and platters. The present invention is particularly useful in cleaning brass and aluminum parts and equipment without causing corrosion damage. Further, since the cleaning composition of the present invention is not based on caustic soda, the composition is not considered hazardous. Further, the cleaning composition of the present invention dissolves readily in water, providing a solution that can be used in mechanical sprayers, soak-tanks and clean-in-place equipment. Also the cleaning composition may be effectively used at lower temperatures than caustic cleaning agents.

Abstract: Reworkable encapsulant formulations are being developed to allow recovery of part-good microelectronic assemblies. According to this invention, a gelled form of the solvent is useful for removing the reworkable encapsulant from a specific region of the assemblies without affecting components on the assembly which do not need to be reworked. This novel method eliminates expensive tooling that would otherwise be required to handle the solvent.

Abstract: A 1-bromopropane composition is disclosed, which stays stable even under the condition that it is repeatedly used at high temperatures over an extended period of time as in vapor degreasing. The stabilized 1-bromopropane composition comprises 100 parts by weight of 1-bromopropane, from 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of nitromethane, and from 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of 1,2-butylene oxide or trimethoxymethane.

Abstract: A cleaning system and method utilizing sonic whistle agitation to enhance the soil removal and mass transport capacity of the liquid carbon dioxide at low process temperatures. Sonic whistles are within a cleaning chamber, and liquid carbon dioxide is forced out of the sonic whistle jets to ultrasonically emulsify and disperse non-miscible liquids or insoluble solids, such as remove low solubility oils and greases, in the liquid carbon dioxide contained in the cleaning chamber. Cleaning is accomplished at temperatures between -68.degree. F. and 88.degree. F., and the temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide is typically below 32.degree. F.

Abstract: The invention involves the demulsification and liquefaction of hydrocarbon based sludges. A demulsifier and a liquefaction agent and methods of using the same are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the demulsifier contains a salt of DDBSA, polypropylene glycol, and citrene. In a preferred embodiment, the liquefaction agent contains a glycol ether and sodium silicate. In another preferred embodiment, the liquefaction agent contains a glycol ether and citrene. In preferred practice, the sludge is treated with the liquefaction agent, circulated, treated with the demulsifier, and circulated further. An object of the invention is to provide a hydrocarbon based sludge that is sufficiently liquefied to be pumped and which is sufficiently demulsified to allow the waters, oils, and solids in the sludge to separate.