Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved methods for processing battery wastes, battery casing debris and other lead contaminated materials. The improved processes of the present invention provide less environmentally stressful methods for recovering lead from such materials while at the same time producing scrap or recyclable ebonite and plastics having reduced and environmentally acceptable lead and leachable lead levels. Most of the lead is first removed by trammel scrubbing. In another aspect of the present invention ebonite and other hard surface materials to which are adhered lead contaminants are mixed with water and abraded in a high energy scrubber to remove the adhered contaminants prior to separation of the cleaned ebonite from solution. This simple and environmentally preferred hydromechanical process provides clean scrap or recyclable ebonite.

Abstract: Hydrophobic contaminants are removed from a particulate matter by contacting the particulate matter with a solid organic phase. The hydrophobic contaminants have greater affinity for the solid organic phase than for the particulate matter and repartition to the solid organic phase. The solid organic phase is then separated from the particulate matter. A typical embodiment utilizes polystyrene particles to remove polychlorinated biphenyls from soil.

Abstract: Liquid hydrocarbon is absorbed from a liquid hydrocarbon-contaminated substrate by a chemical absorbent composition of the formula A.sub.m B.sub.n C.sub.p, wherein A.sub.m is an acid leached bentonite, B.sub.n is a modified aminoplast resin, and C.sub.p is a solid hydrophobic material, and wherein at least one of m and n is a positive numerical value. Oil, crude oil, fuel oil, diesel fuel, bunker oil, gasoline, liquid hydrocarbons and synthetic oils may be cleaned up.

Abstract: An alkaline blast cleaning system for aluminum surfaces which avoids discoloring or tarnishing of the aluminum surfaces, is comprised of an alkali metal bicarbonate having a particle size of from about 50 to about 1000 and an aqueous solution of sodium silicate, the sodium silicate having an SiO.sub.2 :Na.sub.2 O ratio of from about 2.44 to about 3.22:1 and being present in the aqueous solution in a corrosion inhibiting concentration of from about 100 to about 1000 ppm., the pH of the solution ranging from about 8.1 to about 8.3.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning photoreceptor substrates where at least one substrate is rotated in a bath of moving dry ice particles. The dry ice particles contact the outer surface of the substrate, melt locally upon contact and refreeze to capture particulate contaminants on the outer surface of the dry ice particles. An inert gas counter current to the flow of moving dry ice particles is supplied to enhance cleaning efficiency and assist in removing carbon dioxide, contaminants and small dry ice particles.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a solid surface which is effective for a substance to be cleaned having a complicated structure and which uses no solvent such as CFC or the like which is harmful to the environment of the earth. A cleaning liquid is obtained by mixing insoluble particles in a liquid and brought into an eddy-flow state so that a surface to be cleaned can be uniformly cleaned.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for cleaning semiconductor wafers, an exhaust chamber having a sub-outlet slows down the flow of frozen micro-particles and thus prevents rebounding of the particles toward the wafer. Therefore, dust or the like is kept away from a cleaned semiconductor wafer so that the semiconductor wafers are cleaned more thoroughly.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for cleaning semi-conductor solid surfaces using a spray of frozen cryogen, such as argon, to impinge on the solid surface to remove contaminant particles. The apparatus includes an appropriate nozzle positioned in a housing designed for ultra clean conditions including sweep gas supply and evacuation conduits and a support table movably positioned within the housing to controllably convey the semi-conductor solid surface on a track under the spray of frozen cryogen emanating from the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for flushing a workpiece including a passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the apparatus comprising structure adapted to communicate with the inlet and with the outlet for circulating only a fluid through a fluid flow loop including the workpiece passageway, and structure located downstream of the outlet and upstream of the inlet for removing from the fluid substantially all relatively large particles flushed from the passageway and for allowing relatively small particles flushed from the passageway to remain in the fluid so that the relatively small particles are recirculated through the passageway to act as the sole cleaning medium other than the fluid.

Abstract: New contact lens cleaning materials are designed for use in cleaning fluorine and silicon containing hard contact lenses. The contact lens cleaning materials are water based and contain an alkylphenyl polyether alcohol surfactant, an anionic second surfactant selected to have good cleaning action with respect to protein and mucous-like material deposits and a phosphate ester surfactant.

Abstract: Novel paint removing compositions, a method for their production, and methods for using the same, are described, which employ conventional active paint removing ingredients, in combination with auxiliary ingredients, which aid in lifting paint from a painted surface, such as an automobile body and which act to prevent re-adhesion of the paint, and to convert the paint-paint-removing composition mixture to a dry, friable mass, which is easily removed to exposed the bare substrate, and produce a dry, easily handled and disposable waste product.

Abstract: A method of steam cracking hydrocarbons in a steam cracking furnace (10) having tubes (12) connected to indirect quench menas (16) for the gaseous effluent leaving the furnace, the method consisting in allowing a layer of hard coke to form on the inside walls of the furnace tubes (12) and then in injecting a small quantity of solid erosive particles into the steam and hydrocarbon feedstock to be cracked, with the particles being separated from the gaseous effluent in a cyclone (28) provided at the outlet from the indirect quench means. The invention serves in particular to enable a steam cracking installation to operate continuously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating old foundry sand for reuse in place of core sand wherein the precleaned sand grains are subjected to further abrasive-thermal treatment so as to volatize and remove basic constituents adhering to the precleaned sand grains.

Abstract: A method for cleaning the interior wall of a tube with a slurry and a tubular lance. The method includes the steps of inserting an end of the tubular lance into the tube and pumping a fluid through the tubular lance into the tube. A slurry is pumped into the interior of the tube between the tubular lance and the interior of the tube. The slurry mixes with the fluid at the end of the tubular lance in the tube and the slurry and fluid mixture is propelled against the interior tube wall at the end of the tubular lance to clean the interior wall of the tube.

Abstract: Blasting media for removing coatings from sensitive metal and composite surfaces, and a process useful therewith, wherein the blasting media comprise mixtures of water-soluble crystalline sodium bicarbonate particles having average particle sizes of from 100-500 microns.

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.

Abstract: A method for removing soot or the like adhered to heat transfer tubes of a heat exchanger by providing a steel ball scatterer above the heat transfer tubes and intermittently scattering steel balls towards the heat transfer tubes. The improvements reside in that the steel ball scattering rate is set to a small initial rate at the commencement of the scattering operation and thereafter is increased either in a stepwise manner or continuously. Preferably, within a main body casing of the heat exchanger, a plurality of steel ball collision preventing plates having their central portions extending convexly upwards are provided between the steel ball scatterer and the heat transfer tube group, in order to prevent fins of the heat transfer tubes from being damaged by steel balls falling from the steel ball scatterer and directly colliding against the fins.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispensing detergent from within a container comprises directing a water spray transversely of the container vertical orientation to dissolve and remove detergent in solution from the container. The transverse direction of water spray greatly improves detergent dispensing performance and minimize clogging of the system during down times.

Abstract: To remove foreign matter (contaminants in the form of fine particles or a film of oil) deposited on a solid surface, fine frozen particles (0.01 .mu.m to 5 mm in diameter) are used. The fine frozen particles, together with chilled nitrogen, are jetted onto the surface of a solid by the pressure of a carrier gas (nitrogen (N.sub.2) gas). These fine frozen particles are produced by freezing a liquid such as water (super pure water) or alcohol. The hardness of the fine frozen particles is adjusted according to the type of liquid, the frozen freezing temperature and jetting temperature in order to control the damage to the surface of the solid. Low temperature cleaning (0.degree. to -150.degree. C.) in which fine frozen particles and chilled nitrogen are sprayed is achieved.

Abstract: A method for mechanically finishing parts having the step of agitating a plurality of parts to be finished in contact with a plurality of discrete substantially homogeneous compressed felt chunks having a particulate abrasive material coating thereon.

Abstract: A method of cleaning oil slicks or chemical spills on a body of water or on the ground or other floor surface is disclosed. The method includes spreading a poplar bark-based product either onto a floating net on a body of water or onto oil or a chemical spill on a ground surface and absorbing the oil or chemical into the product. The soaked product may then be removed and a substantial portion of the oil or spilled chemical is recoverable from the product, such as by compressing it. The product may be spread onto a beach or shoreline for cleaning up a prior oil spill or the product may be spread on a clean beach or shoreline to protect it from contamination by any future oil slicks or chemical spills. The poplar bark-based product may be placed in flexible elongated socks for convenient handling for cleaning smaller spills from a surface.

Abstract: A method for polishing articles manufactured from silicone rubber or silicone elastomers is disclosed. This method includes tumble-polishing in a receptacle charged with polishing objects, an alcohol solvent, and silicone articles for a period of time and at a rotation speed sufficient to remove surface irregularities and produce the desired finish and/or improve the optical transparency of the silicone articles. This method is particularly useful in the polishing of biomedical articles such as intraocular or soft contact lenses, tips of cannulae, and articles such as O-rings for precision mechanical devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to a contact lens cleaner comprising microcapsules and a desired liquid or semi-solid containing the microcapsules, the microcapsules each being formed by laminating a wall material comprised of an inorganic polishing agent on the surface of a core material having elasticity. The present contact lens cleaner can effectively remove dirt or stain on a contact lens surface without having any adverse effect on the contact lens, and can be very easily removed by washing it away with water after use.

Abstract: A cleaning process involving expanding carbon dioxide from an orifice into a thermally insulated chamber to form small carbon dioxide particles, retaining the small carbon dioxide particles in the insulating chamber until the small carbon dioxide particles agglomerate into large snowflakes, entraining the large snowflakes in a high velocity vortex of inert gas to accelerate the large snowflakes and directing a stream of the inert gas and accelerated large snowflakes against the surface of a substrate to be cleaned. This process may be carried out with apparatus including means to direct a stream of small carbon dioxide snow particles into an expansion chamber, means to agglomerate the small carbon dioxide particles into large carbon dioxide snowflakes in the expansion chamber, and means to accelerate the large snowflakes with a high velocity inert gas stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for buffing articles, such as leather goods, silverware and the like. The apparatus includes a flexible container for receiving an article to be buffed. The interior of the container has a buffing material therein and is of a size to permit relative movement of the article and the buffing material so that, when the container is moved about, such as in the drum of a clothes dryer, the article and the buffing material move continuously into frictional engagement with each other causing a buffing action to occur. Several embodiments of the container are disclosed. A clothes dryer can be used for moving the container. In the alternative, a coin operated drum can be provided.

Abstract: The method of absorbing oil for clean-up comprising applying dry and pulverized aquatic lily to the spilled oil. The powdered water lily can be applied to both spills on land and water without adverse ecological effects.

Abstract: Blasting media for removing coatings from sensitive metal and composite surfaces, and a process useful therewith, wherein the blasting media comprise mixtures of water-soluble crystalline sodium sulfate particles having average particle sizes of from 100 to 250 microns, in admixture with flow/anticaking agents.

Abstract: A detergent resin composition is provided which is, in a small quantity, capable of very effectively deterging the inside of molding machines in a short period of time at the time of change-over of chlorine-containing resins inside the machines, which composition is obtained by blending 50 to 95% by weight of a polystyrene resin, 0.1 to 15% by weight of a polymethyl methacrylate, 2 to 30% by weight of a neutral salt of a sulfonic acid and 0.1 to 10% by weight of basic magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, zinc carbonate or a mixture thereof, the respective proportions being based upon the weight of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the cleaning of the inner surfaces of a chemical vapor deposition reactor used in the production of polycrystalline silicon. The process comprises impacting the surfaces to be cleaned with solid carbon dioxide pellets. The carbon dioxide pellets dislodge silicon deposits from the surface of the reactor without damaging the surface of the reactor and without providing a source for contamination of polycrystalline silicon produced in the cleaned reactor. The present process is particularly useful for the cleaning of the inner surfaces of chemical vapor deposition reactors used in the production of semi-conductor grade silicon.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treatment of an oil slick resulting from an oil spill on a body of water. The oil slick is treated with a mixture of a granular elastomeric gum comprising a block copolymer of ethylene/butylene and styrene and an oleochemical synthetic wax, the latter being used in amounts of from 1 to 33 weight percent of the mixture. The adsorbent mixture has a low density, typically from 14 to about 15 pounds per cubic foot and will absorb oil and form a dry solid which has a non-tacky and non-oily surface. The adsorbent mixture is broadcast on the surface of an oil slick in proportions from about 0.2 to about 1 part per weight part of oil. The wave action on the body of water is generally sufficiently turbulent to admix the absorbent with the oil of the oil slick, resulting in the formation of floating solids which are dry to the touch and which have a non-oily, non-tacky surface. These solids can be readily recovered from the water or from a shoreline after they have washed ashore.

Abstract: A process of decontaminating a surface contaminated with a toxic chemical agent in which there is applied to the contaminated surface, a macroporous cross-linked hydrophobic copolymer containing an agent which is a decontaminant for the toxic chemical agent present on the surface. The decontaminant can be a chemical neutralizer such as sodium hydroxide; lithium hydroxide; concentrated bleach; and mixtures of diethylene triamine, 2-methoxy ethanol, and sodium hydroxide, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the protection of the environment, particularly the soil and ground water, by biological degradation of unwanted chemical and biological entities often finding their way into soils. The process of the present invention utilizes the well known methods of the art of composting but specifically selects the raw plant materials to be composted from plant groups having carbon:nitrogen ratios of approximately 10:1 to 30:1 of carbon and nitrogen content. Examples of said special plant material being from members of the plant family Leguminosae, and specifically Gossypium hirsutum (cotton). By means of certain modifications of the art of composting said special plant materials, disclosed herein, generate a special humic substrate which supports an indigenous microflora and fauna capable of degrading a number of unwanted substances harmful to man, animals and plants; examples being certain petroleum hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbon pesticides and soil borne plant pathogens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blasting method for removing coatings of paint, varnish or like substances from objects coated with such substances, in which the objects are cooled in a condensed gas, e.g. liquid nitrogen, and then subjected, in a chilled state, to the effect of a blasting agent, e.g. steel shot, delivered by a blasting machine. The coating fragments dislodged are collected together with the blasting agent and mutually separated one from the other in a separator. The recovered blasting agent is then returned to the blasting machine. The method is characterized by adding an absorbent to the blasting agent in the blasting machine.

Abstract: New contact lens cleaning materials are designed for use in cleaning fluorine and silicon containing hard contact lenses. The contact lens cleaning materials are water based and contain an alkylphenyl polyether alcohol surfactant and an anionic second surfactant selected to have good cleaning action with respect to protein and mucous-like material deposits.

Abstract: A method for cleaning the surface of an oxidized semiconductor wafer subjected to a planarization polishing process is described. The planarization process employes a slurry which contains abrasive particles suspended in a liquid solution. The invented cleaning method removes remnant particles electrochemically by placing the polished wafers in a PH-controlled bath.

Abstract: A method of carrying out a reaction in a solution catalytically comprising contacting a solid catalytically active material and a solution in which a catalytic reaction is to be carried out wherein the catalytic reaction yields a gas which adheres to the catalyst particles such that as the reaction is substantially complete in the immediate environment of the catalyst, the catalyst migrates to a reactant richer portion.

Abstract: Decontaminating article comprising a preagglomerated, powdered polymer of bicyclo[2.2.1]-2-heptene or its methyl derivative in at least one fine-mesh textile bag. The bag is at least partially filled with the polymer. The decontaminating article can be used to absorb a liquid contaminating product, in particular petroleum hydrocarbon.

Abstract: An oil degradation compound, comprising a mixture of a carrier, namely flour, a first oil-reactive agent, namely dry powdered mustard, and a second wetting agent, the carrier and first agent being each in a concentration which may vary from 1 to 99% by weight relative to the total amount of carrier and first agent. The wetting agent is in a small amount just sufficient to produce a paste when admixed with the first agent and carrier. The paste is destined to be spread onto an oil spill on a land surface, wherein the oil is to be absorbed by the paste and broken down into a crumbly powder, which can then be easily collected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating, and in particular for abrading surfaces, utilizing glass-like polysaccharide grits. The invention also extends to novel glass-like polysaccharide products, especially starches, and to processes for the production thereof. Additionally, there is disclosed cross-linked polysaccharide materials and glass-like starches having a substantially occluded water component. Combinations of these various polysaccharide grits and other abrasive grit materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for cleaning microelectronics surfaces using an aerosol of at least substantially solid argon particles which impinge upon the surface to be cleaned and then evaporate and the resulting gas is removed by venting along with the contaminants dislodged by the cleaning method.

Abstract: A method for on-site bioremediation of soils contaminated with petroleum derived hazardous wastes is described. This method for enhancing bioremediation includes the step of applying a cationic ion exchange resin to the contaminated soil in an amount sufficient to promote growth of organisms capable of degrading the hazardous waste.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a leather ball adapted for sport and recreational use is provided. The method includes frictionally contacting the cover of the ball with an abrasive medium sufficient to completely dislodge some of the soil and debris thereon and partially dislodge other soil and debris but insufficient to substantially abrade the cover. The method additionally includes the step of applying a substantially moisture-free particulate material comprising poly tri-sodium phosphate to the cover to completely dislodge any remaining soil and debris following the frictional contacting step. According to one aspect of the method, a conical rotating abrasive surface is oriented relative to a predetermined direction along a seam of the ball and applied to the ball laterally to each side of the seam to frictionally dislodge the soil and debris.

Abstract: A pre-moistened towelette wipes a compact disc clean without leaving a visible residue thereon. An ultra-pure tissue, free of binders, fillers and dyes, is permeated with a liquid cleaning preparation comprised of a highly concentrated solution of ultra-pure alcohol, a non-ionic, ultra-pure surfactant, and ultra-pure water.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of cleaning a surface soiled with a staining agent. The method includes the steps of applying to the soiled surface a highly cross-linked macroporous hydrophobic copolymer which contains a chemical entrapped therein which is a solvent for the staining agent present on the soiled surface, dissolving the staining agent with the solvent, absorbing the staining agent into the solvent entrapped copolymer, and removing the copolymer containing the solvent and the dissolved staining agent from the surface.

Abstract: Soft and hard contact lenses are freed from deposits by rubbing them with a particulate organic polymer with a carrier, the polymer having a particular size in the range from about one micron to about 600 microns and a Rockwell hardness in the range of from about R120 to about M68, or a shore hardness in the range from about A15 to about D100.

Abstract: A cleaning method and a gettering method for semiconductor wafers comprises blasting frozen particles at the surface of a semiconductor wafer. A processing apparatus for a semiconductor wafer comprises means for forming ultrafine frozen particles and means for blasting the frozen particles at the surface of a semiconductor wafer to perform either the gettering or the cleaning of the semiconductor wafer. In one form of the invention, the frozen particles are formed by spraying a mist of water into a chamber partially filled with liquid nitrogen, which freezes the mist to form ice particles. In another form of the invention, the frozen particles are formed by spraying a mist of water into a chamber containing cold nitrogen gas, which freezes the mist to form ice particles.

Abstract: A high efficiency phase change nozzle has a body with primary orifices, a pilot nozzle extends upstream from the body and has a pilot orifice and central cavity through which a pilot flow of liquid is flashed to the solid state, cooling the pilot nozzle, thereby precooling the liquid before it flows through the primary orifices. An exit nozzle, in conjunction with a housing, assists in continuing the phase change of the mixture exiting the primary orifices and with dispersing the mixture into the downstream cavity.

Abstract: An aqueous cleaning dispersion, especially suitable as a contact lens cleaning solution, which includes a homogeneous mixture of water and a liquid-adsorbable powder homopolymer of tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate.

Abstract: In recovering flat glass faceplates used in color cathode ray tubes (CRTs) where the CRT is rejected during manufacture, the faceplate is cleaned for re-use with a high pressure vapor blast incorporation small particles in a slurry form. The particles may be comprised of small plastic beads or pellets, with walnut shells reduced to particle size on the order of 40-100 mesh and pressures in the range of 20-30 p.s.i. used in a preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A wafer cleaning system which cleans semiconductor wafers by sand blasting them with ice particles is disclosed. In this system a stream of gas is conducted by a conduit to the semiconductor wafer while a spray of water is frozen into the ice particles by a number of cooling coil systems which protrude into the conduit. After the semiconductor wafer is sandblasted with ice, any residual ice is removed simply by evaporating it. This results in a clean wafer without the contamination that can accompany chemical solvents of other semiconductor cleaning and etching systems.