Cleaning process using microwave energy and centrifugation in combination with dense fluids
US5344493A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 1992 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB09B3/70
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An environmentally safe process for cleaning substrates used in critical environments with stringent end-product cleanliness requirements in a single process using microwave-energized and centrifuged dense fluids. One or more dense fluids are mixed with one or more chemical or physical agents and are simultaneously subjected to microwave radiation and centrifugal force to remove deeply recessed contaminants from internal and external surfaces of intricately arranged or formulated substrates such as biomaterials, spent activated carbon, elastomerics, surgical aids, or dental implants. Subsequently, cleaned substrates are simultaneously subjected to microwave radiation and centrifugal force under vacuum to remove residual volatile contaminants. Additionally, the cleaned and sterilized substrates are contacted with chemical or physical agents to provide enhanced cleaning and to provide new and improved substrate properties such as increased electrical insulation, conductivity, or biocompatibility. Finally, the entire process is performed on substrates which are prepackaged in semi-permeable membranes, preventing recontamination of the cleaned substrates.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.