Particle blasting using crystalline ice
US5367838A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 21, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB24C1/003
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for particle blasting utilizing crystalline ice. A theory of impact erosion is presented, as opposed to conventional abrasive techniques, which allows for the development of ice blast conditions to achieve a maximum efficiency for surface cleaning and coating removal applications. By impacting a surface with ice particles which have been treated to bring their temperature near the melting point of ice, erosion is effected by a rupture process caused by the well known reaction-force. It has been found that warming of the ice particles can be realized by simply utilizing unconditioned blast air taken directly form a high pressure compressor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.