Alcohol spray cleaning system
US5273060A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 1993 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC23G5/04
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A spray cleaning system is designed to use a flammable solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol, and includes safety features to maintain the concentration of solvent vapor within the cleaning chamber below a safe limit. The system includes a chamber for containing the article to be cleaned, a nozzle for directing a spray of solvent against the article, and a pump for supplying solvent to the nozzle. The chamber is ventilated with a flow of air to maintain the concentration of solvent vapor within the chamber below a predetermined safety limit, such as the lower explosive limit for the solvent, and the air is exhausted to create a negative pressure within the chamber. A sensor detects combustion or an explosion within the chamber. Additional sensors can be included to monitor leakage of solvent from the cleaning chamber or solvent supply tank. The flow of solvent to the nozzle is automatically halted in the event of combustion or explosion, or if solvent leakage is detected. A fire extinguishing system is also automatically triggered. Electrical continuity to ground is maintained among all of the components of the cleaning chamber as well as the solvent storage tank, pumps, and pipelines…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.