Abstract: Method in which the pickling solution is sprayed onto the metal part in a confined atmosphere with an oxygen supply by feeding into the spraying enclosure an oxygen-containing gas, the pickling solution being recycled in a closed pickling solution circuit. The device for pickling metal surfaces comprises a spraying enclosure (1) with a collecting tank (2), means for spraying (6) a pickling solution (S) in said enclosure, means (11) for recirculating said solution between said tank (2) and said spraying means (6) and means (8,9) for passing an oxygen-containing gas through said enclosure, and optionally means (13) for maintaining the temperature of said solution, and control means. The method of the invention is designed to improve the productivity of lines for pickling stainless or alloy steel components while economising on reagents.

Abstract: A method for treatment of heavy metal contaminated surface coatings, heavy metal contaminated industrial byproducts and industrial effluents utilizing calcium phosphate compounds to render the heavy metal compounds immobile and biologically nonhazardous to humans. In a first embodiment surfaces contaminated with heavy metal compounds are decontaminated in situ during their removal. Solid calcium phosphate material is added to the liquid or chemical paint remover before the paint remover is applied to the heavy metal contaminated painted surface. After application of the paint remover, it is removed by suitable means as scraping or water blasting. The paint and paint remover mixture thus removed is rendered non-toxic with the heavy metal compounds in the paint immobile and biologically nonhazardous. In a second embodiment of the invention, the calcium phosphate compounds are used in a floor sweeping compound to treat the heavy metal contaminated dust generated during industrial processes.

Abstract: Oil based paint containing lead compounds is removed from a substrate on which it is deposited by application of an aqueous solution thereto. The solution comprises a solvent that does not dissolve the paint and is compatible with water; a film former for retarding evaporation; a viscosity builder to fortify the solution and prevent slumping thereof during application to vertical and overhead horizontal surfaces; an alkaline compound for reacting with the pigment portion of the paint. Advantageously, the solution penetrates the deposited paint, which coagulates and separates from the substrate. Stripping procedures are facilitated, and neutralization of the substrate prior to repainting is avoided. A safe and effective treatment of materials covered with lead-containing paint is carried out in an economical, cost efficient manner.

Abstract: An asphalt release agent for preventing hot road asphalt, especially polymer-modified asphalt, from sticking to surfaces of delivery truck beds is provided. The release agent includes a water-based mixture of polycycloaliphatic amines and polyalkylene glycols. The release agent is applied onto the truck beds to create a slippery non-stick surface so that the road asphalt which comes in contact with such truck bed surfaces will not adhere.

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: Oil-based paint containing lead compounds, acrylic-based or other latex paint or a combination of paints in which acrylic-based or other latex paint covers an oil-based paint is removed from a substrate on which the paint is deposited by application of an aqueous solution thereto. The solution comprises a solvent that does not dissolve the oil-based paint and is compatible with water; a film former for retarding evaporation; a viscosity builder to fortify the solution and prevent slumping thereof during application to vertical and overhead horizontal surfaces; an alkaline compound for reacting with the pigment portion of the paint. Advantageously, the solution penetrates the deposited paint, which coagulates and separates from the substrate. Stripping procedures are facilitated, and neutralization of the substrate prior to repainting is avoided. A safe and effective treatment of materials covered with lead-containing paint is carried out in an economical, cost efficient manner.

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 method of removing layers of heat cured paint buildup on supporting hangers is disclosed. The method includes coating support hangers with a layer of a thermally expandable material in a water soluble carrier and thereafter applying a water insoluble coating layer. The thermally expandable material, the carrier and the water insoluble coating are all selected so as to be relatively unaffected by the curing temperatures of the paint line where the hangers are to be used. When an undesirably thick coating of cured paint has built-up on the hangers, it is removed by heating to a temperature sufficient to expand the thermally expandable material thereby cracking the paint layers. Thereafter, the hangers are soaked in a hot aqueous solution to dissolve the carrier layer and remove the cracked, cured paint layers.

Abstract: A method of removing a resist layer formed on a substrate wherein the resist layer includes an ion-implanted upper region. The method includes hydrogenating the ion implanted upper region of the resist layer resulting in the hydrogenated ion-implanted upper region. The resist layer, including the hydrogenated ion-implanted upper region is then removed. A hydrogenation of the ion-implanted upper region may be performed by immersing the resist layer, including the ion-implanted upper region, into pressurized boiling water, and/or treating the ion-implanted upper region with pressurized water vapor.

Abstract: A process for recovering quantities of carbonyl compound material from spent solvent-in-water emulsions derived from paint overspray treatment and capture systems in which the spent solvent-in-water emulsion is removed from the paint overspray treatment and capture system and fed into a reaction vessel. The reaction vessel employed includes an outer housing defining a reaction chamber and a plurality of mixing blades movably positioned in the reaction chamber. The surface area of the mixing blades are maintained at a temperature sufficient to generate volatilized carbonyl compound. The interior of the reaction vessel is maintained under a vacuum. The spent solvent-in-water emulsion is processed in the reaction vessel for an interval sufficient to generate volatilized carbonyl compound.

Abstract: Methods for on-site remediation of contaminated natural resources and fabrication of construction products therefrom. A mobile treatment facility is provided at the site of the contaminated natural resources. Contaminated sediment, soil, pulp and/or liquids are obtained from the site and processed on-site to obtain a variety of construction materials, including coarse and fine particulate material, bricks, concrete products, pellets and aggregate material. Coarse, sand-like materials are fabricated from decontaminated clay-based based materials and used in the fabrication of concrete products. Waste streams are combined to optimize their mutually neutralizing properties. Contaminants such as inorganics and heavy metals are immobilized as water-insoluble complexes in the matrix of the resulting products. Organic contaminants are volatilized and/or burned off, and thermochemical reactions of inorganic contaminants are induced, in a high-temperature irradiation treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluorinated surfactant for use with halocarbon and hydrofluoroether solvents. Additionally, the invention provides drying, dry cleaning, and soil repellency compositions containing a halocarbon or hydrofluoroether and a fluorinated surfactant.

Abstract: Process for stainless steel pickling consisting in placing the material to be treated in a bath kept at a temperature ranging from 30.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. and containing:a) H.sub.2 SO.sub.4b) Fe.sup.3+c) HFd) emulsifiers, wetting agents, polishing agents, acid attack inhibitors;the bath being kept under agitation with:an air flow and continuously fed with a quantity of oxidizing agent adjusted to the bath redox potential to be kept at 250 mV min.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of removing paint containing heavy metal from a surface without the production of hazardous wastes. Specifically, this method involves applying a coating preparation to the heavy metal containing paint prior to its removal from its surface. The preparation contains lead reactive chemicals such as phosphates, metal sulfides and organic sulfides. The preparation may also contain buffers such as magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide. These chemicals react with the heavy metals rendering them nonhazardous. The invention also involves the coating preparation itself.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reducing the concentration of mobile ion and metal contaminants in a processing chamber by increasing the bias RF power density to greater than 0.051 W/mm.sup.2 and increasing the season time to greater than 30 seconds, during a chamber seasoning step. The method of performing a season step in a chamber by depositing a deposition material under the combined conditions of a bias RF power density of about 0.095 W/mm.sup.2 and a season time of from about 50 to about 70 seconds, reduces the mobile ion and metal contaminant concentrations within the chamber by about one order of magnitude.

Abstract: A novel method for cleaning high precision optical equipment. The method involves applying a curable coating to an optical or optical forming surface which has been contaminated with undesirable foreign matter, then allowing the coating to dry to form a resilient dried film, and then removing the dried film to remove along therewith the undesirable foreign debris which has contaminated the optical surface. Preferably, the curable coating is formed from an aqueous polyurethane emulsion. The method allows foreign debris to be removed with a very high degree of reliability and completeness, so that when the method is used with compact disc stampers, the stampers are restored to a like new condition.

Abstract: A composition and method of using the composition is provided which greatly aids in the removal of contaminants contained in a finishing solution used in a mass finishing process. The composition contains water, monoethanolamine borate, monoethanolamine octanoate and triethanolamine. The composition additionally contains either triethanolamine octanoate and an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide polymer or a linear alcohol ethoxylate and a cationic polyacrylamide.

Abstract: Stabilized, n-propyl bromide containing cleaning solvent compositions and a cleaning process are provided. The cleaning solvent compositions include an alcohol selected from 1-propanol and 2-butanol, including mixtures thereof, as a co-solvent so as to form azeotropic or azeotropic-like mixtures which have no fire or flash points.

Abstract: A process and device for treating and repairing a hard surface consisting of a polymer film, such as a floor surface, are provided. The process comprises the steps of:(i) cleaning said surface with an aqueous cleaning product comprising 0.1-20% by weight of a surfactant and 0.1-80% by weight of a solvent;(ii) applying to the cleaned floor surface a liquid repair product, the properties of which, after drying thereof, being similar to those of the polymer film; and (iii) allowing the thus-treated floor to dry for at least 5 minutes. The device is a manually operated floor treating device specially adapted for use in said process.

Abstract: Pasty solution 5 made by dissolving membrane-forming polymer 2 and plasticizer 3 in water 4 is applied to wall surface 1 in the form of liquid film 6. The plasticizer 3 improves flexibility and elongation of membrane formable by the membrane-forming polymer. Dirt substance 8 on the wall surface 1 is caused to adhere to the liquid film 6. Water 4 of the liquid film 6 is allowed to evaporate gradually so as to turn the liquid film 6 into flexible membrane 7 which is peelable intact. After dried, the flexible membrane 7 is peeled off intact from the wall surface 1 while carrying the dirt substance 8 adhering thereto.

Abstract: A method for containing or removing contamination from a substrate includes applying a material such as a polyurea elastomer to the contaminated substrate. Preferably, the material sets in less than about 1 hour and is substantially unaffected by exposure to radiation. The contaminants can be contained or shielded on the substrate by the material to reduce exposure to the contaminants. In one preferred embodiment, this invention relates to the encapsulation of objects or surfaces to shield persons in the area from contamination. Alternatively, the material can be removed from the substrate to remove contaminants. Preferably, the material provides a Decontamination Factor of at least about 10. In another preferred embodiment, the material is applied hot to the contaminated substrate to increase its effectiveness in removing contaminants. The present method can also prevent contamination of an uncontaminated substrate.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for impregnating a molten or viscous cleaning composition into a traveling, three dimensional, lofty, dense nonwoven web is disclosed. The composition is applied by an applicator manifold and is retained in the voids within the web. The velocity of the web and the flow of the cleaning composition are adjusted depending on the viscosity of the composition and the web density. Additionally, the viscosity of the composition can be controlled by altering its temperature or by altering the line pressure. The process eliminates the use of a doctor blade, spray system and application roll to meter the amount of cleaning composition into the web, and is suitable for the application of a molten or very viscous chemical compositions into a lofty, dense nonwoven web.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for cleaning bituminous asphalt- and tar-coated equipment, using combinations of alkyl esters with terpene cosolvents and/or surfactants. The specific invention is the use of ester solvents in combination with terpene solvents, optionally with emulsifiers and other additives. The combination of the two is found surprisingly to exhibit the excellent solvency of terpene solvents, but with the slower evaporating rate and higher flashpoint properties of ester solvents.

Abstract: A method of washing and drying of discrete components in bulk, wherein the components are washed with a cleaning liquid and the wet components are dried in a freeze-drying process by bringing the wet components to a temperature below the melting point of the cleaning liquid, so that the cleaning liquid becomes a solid substance, and by evaporating the solid substance through introduction of the components and the solid substance into a space having a pressure lower than the vapour pressure of the solid substance.

Abstract: a method for removing wallpaper involving the employment of a composition comprising a surfactant, a polyhydric alcohol humectant, an organic solvent and water.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for removing smearing material or filth deposits from a coated surface by means of spraying an aqueous dispersion to form a gel-like film on the surface. The aqueous dispersion comprises a selected amount of highly absorbent and/or water-soluble polymers dispersed in water. The gel-like film is washed down with pressured water with smearing particulate material entrained therewith.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for cleaning deposits from gas turbine engine components, particularly turbine blades, by locating or drilling a hole into the cavity of the component, inserting a cleaning tube into the cavity and cleaning the deposits from the cavity with a cleaning material inserted into the cavity through the tube, followed by sealing any hole drilled in the component.

Abstract: The method for cleaning the surface of an external wall of a building, includes forming and maintaining a layer of foam of a cleaning agent on the surface of an external wall of a building to detach soil deposited on the surface of the external wall by the cleaning action of the cleaning agent, and subsequently removing the cleaning agent foam from the surface of the external wall by, for example, washing with water. In the method, the scattering of the cleaning agent around the building can be prevented by removing the cleaning agent containing soil as it is, in the state of the foam.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of removing paint containing heavy metal from a surface without the production of hazardous wastes. Specifically, this method involves applying a coating preparation to the heavy metal containing paint prior to its removal from its surface. The preparation contains lead reactive chemicals such as phosphates, metal sulfides and organic sulfides. The preparation may also contain buffers such as magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide. These chemicals react with the heavy metals rendering them nonhazardous. The invention also involves the coating preparation itself.

Abstract: There are herein disclosed a rubber composition for cleaning a mold which comprises 100 parts by weight of a natural rubber and/or a synthetic rubber, 2 to 30 parts by weight of an amino-alcohol salt in terms of an amino-alcohol content, 5 to 50 parts by weight of a glycol, 30 to 90 parts by weight of an adsorbent and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of an organic peroxide, and a method for cleaning the mold by the use of this rubber composition.Since the amino-alcohol is fixed as the salt, the generation of ammonia odor at the time of kneading or at room temperature can be prevented to improve a working environment, and the volatilization of the amino-alcohol can be inhibited, whereby a mold cleaning effect can be maintained even after the lapse of a long time.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of polymers of aspartic acid by reacting (a) maleic anhydride and (b) ammonia and/or primary or secondary amines without diluent in the (a):(b) molar ratio of 1:0.1 to 1:3 to give monoamides of maleic acid, fumaric acid or their ammonium salts at up to 100.degree. C. and subsequent condensation of the reaction products, with or without compounds capable of cocondensation, at above 100.degree. C. and, where appropriate, hydrolysis of the condensates and use of the polymers as scale inhibitor, as dispersants for pigments and as additive to detergents and cleaners.

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 cleaning a surface of an external wall of a building includes applying a cleaning fluid containing a strippable film forming agent to the surface of an external wall of a building, drying the applied cleaning fluid to form a strippable film, and stripping the strippable film from the surface of the external wall. Thus, the cleaning fluid which contains soil is removed with the strippable film, so that the scattering of the cleaning fluid around the building can be prevented.

Abstract: A stable, crystallizing solution of magnesium silicofluoride and oxalic acid is disclosed which can be incorporated into a complete maintenance system covering daily and weekly maintenance along with the periodic maintenance process of crystallization for preserving the appearance of polished marble flooring, terrazzo limestone, etc. The results which can be achieved through the use of this system are determined via an initial pretest with performance quantified using a glossmeter. Final performance results, the visible results of crystallization, are quantified via the glossmeter.

Abstract: Methods for removing particulates from the surfaces of semiconductor materials, such as silicon substrates and wafers. The methods use repeated oxide growth steps and intervening oxide removal. Rinses are preferably used between the oxide growth and removal steps, such as with purified water. The oxide growth steps use an oxidation agent and a base, for example hydrogen peroxide and ammonium hydroxide. The oxide removal steps use a suitable oxide removal agent such as a hydrogen halide acid, for example hydrogen fluoride.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a desired surface which is liable to soiling by organic food deposits by applying to the surface a food-safe composition containing a food-safe, inorganic thickening agent which is substantially insoluble in an alkaline aqueous composition and which is present in an mount sufficient so that the composition is capable of forming a continuous coating adhered to all desired portions of the surface; an alkaline, food-safe, water soluble inorganic salt in an mount sufficient so that the composition is readily removable with water or an aqueous solution after the composition has been dried and soiled; a food-safe silicone polymer of the formula (CH.sub.3).sub.3 SiO[SiO(CH.sub.3).sub.2 ].sub.n Si(CH.sub.3).sub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing undesired material from the internal spaces of parts and more particularly, air cooled gas turbine engine blades. The cleaning method employs a series of an immersion in water to saturate at least a portion of the material, an immersion in a liquid which will freeze the water remaining in the material and on the part or blade directly adjacent to the material and a pressure flush to remove the loosened material from the internal spaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for oil cleanup or protection includes meltblowing equipment mounted on a vessel or vehicle for the generation and deposition of an oil absorbent web at the site of the spill.

Abstract: This invention presents a new method of using a composition of monomethyl coconate esters with emulsifiers as a release compound causing black top, asphalt or other sticky materials that stick to a truck bed to slide and release from the surface of the truck. The composition is sprayed as a mixture on the truck bed with water in ratio of 1 part composition to 20-30 parts water with a hose of form a thin layer on a truck bed. The black top, asphalt or other sticky material is loaded and discharged and the mixture is washed away from a truck bed by hosing down the truck bed with water.

Abstract: A food-safe composition for the pretreatment of a surface, preferably an oven or a broiler, which may be subjected to heat is liable to soiling by organic food deposits, especially baked-on food deposits.

Abstract: A method of treating surfaces to facilitate removal of graffiti comprises applying a coating of anti-graffiti material to a surface to form a graffiti barrier on the surface.. The anti-graffiti material is substantially free of organic solvents and comprises a water-based material containing waxes, sodium silicate, rosins, gums or combinations thereof. To remove graffiti applied to the coated surface, the surface is power washed with heated pressurized water having a pressure greater than 250 psi, and preferably in excess of 1000 psi. The surface is power washed, as needed, to remove graffiti, and following each one, two or several power washings, the anti-graffiti material is re-applied to the surface.

Abstract: A method for decontaminating a radioactively contaminated metallic object. A radioactively contaminated metallic object is placed into a first bath and thus contacted with a non-radioactive, aqueous solution containing formic acid until the formic acid is completely stoichiometrically depleted thereby forming an aqueous, stoichiometrically depleted solution. The metallic object is then placed into a second bath of the same chemical composition. The non-radioactive, aqueous solution of the second bath is also preferably completely stoichiometrically depleted. The concentration of the aqueous solution containing formic acid is preferably about 0.3 Mol/l. These steps are repeated until the residual radioactivity level of the metallic object is beneath a permissible threshold level, such as 0.37 Bq/cm.sup.2. The radioactive metallic oxides and metallic hydroxides are sedimented out, and the sludge is solidified with cement and subsequently decontaminated.

Abstract: A method for removing radioactive barium sulphate from fluid carrying equipment includes immersing the equipment and scale in liquid nitrogen or other cyrogenic liquid, followed by immersing the equipment and scale in water or other aqueous solution, and subsequent impacting of the equipment and scale to remove the scale.

Abstract: Processes for enhancing the drainage of residual aqueous rinse from the external surfaces of plastic parts, such as auto fascia, are disclosed. The processes employ an aqueous solution of an amine functional silane compound, which when applied to the surfaces of plastic parts will not rinse off during subsequent rinse stages and will remain on the plastic parts.

Abstract: Lead in coatings on structures can be removed, without creating hazardous waste, by a flame spray process which utilizes a glass composition having high lead solubility, resistance to devitrification, and an expansion coefficient which is substantially different from that of the metal structure. The process comprises flame spraying particles of a glass powder composition onto the lead based coating to form a layer of glass material, permitting the glass layer to cool sufficiently so that it spalls, thereby forming fragments of the glass layer which readily separate from the structure, collecting the glass fragments, and repeating these steps until any organic material in the coating has been pyrolized and removed as part of the fragments, substantially all red lead present in the coating has been reduced to yellow lead, and all of the lead which was in the lead based coating has been removed from the structure by being incorporated into the glass layers.

Abstract: An additive for a single stage aqueous alkaline cleaning composition for metal surfaces which imparts improved lubricity to the metal surfaces being treated. The additive is a fatty amine, preferably an ethoxylated fatty diamine.

Abstract: A rinse-free cleaner composition is provided in a composition comprising a storage-stable volatile polymer gel solution and a cleaning agent including an alkali metal hydroxide. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer gel solution includes a hydroxypropylmethylcellulose polymer and has a lotion-like consistency when stored in a closed container until ready for use. After being applied to a surface and being exposed to air and rubbing, the cleaner composition beads up, extracting dirt, oil, grease and foreign particles, and falls off without the need for a towel and easily wipes away to provide a substantially cleaned, micro-film coated surface.

Abstract: An inorganic based strippable coating is provided for isolating hazardous materials. The coating is formed from a metal alkoxide material which undergoes a sol-gel reaction to form a metal oxide material. While the sol is still in a green state, the sol is applied to the surface to be protected. Any hazardous material such as nuclear contamination present on the surface is trapped within the matrix of the sol. The sol coating may be stripped from the surface while in a green state or may be allowed to harden. Once hardened, the sol forms a metal oxide coating which will deter the future accumulation of contamination.

Abstract: A system for removing paint, varnish and the like which comprises: a stripper composition including an aliphatic dibasic acid ester, N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone, and an ingredient selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether and a combination thereof. The composition may include propylene glycol and an acrylic polymer (or latex paint), either acetic acid or monoethanolamine, a surfactant and a thickening agent. In addition, the system includes an extender. The system may further include a laminated cover which comprises paper coated with polyethylene or wax.

Abstract: A physicochemical process for refining metal surfaces which includes the steps of introducing metallic objects to be refined and a solution capable of reacting with the metal to produce a softer phosphate or oxalate conversion coating on the metal surface into a finishing unit for agitation. Agitation is carried out to produce movement among the metallic objects for conversion of the metallic surface by the solution. The mechanical and chemical action achieves a reduction in the surface roughness of the metallic objects. A burnishing step is carried out by agitating the metallic objects with a burnishing liquid to remove the conversion coating and to achieve a specular finish. The burnishing liquid contains 0.01 to 1.5 weight percent of a phosphate compound and 0.002 to 0.2 weight percent of an organic slip agent and is used at a pH of 8.5 to 10.5. The low organic content of the burnishing liquid produces a waste stream having a low oxygen demand for waste treatment facilities.