Patent · US Expired

Liquid/supercritical cleaning with decreased polymer damage

US5370742A · kind A · utility

101Cited by
4References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 13, 1992
Grant dateDec 6, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 13, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC11D2111/44
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

The invention provides a cleaning method in which a solvent such as densified carbon dioxide can be used for rapid and efficient cleaning, but with decreased damage to solid components such as buttons. The method comprises contacting a substrate to be cleaned with a first fluid, removing the first fluid from contact with the substrate while replacing with a second fluid, and recovering the substrate substantially free of the first and second fluids and from the contaminant. The first fluid is a densified gas while the second fluid is a compressed gas. A preferred embodiment of the method includes the use of a pretreatment designed for compatibility with the densified first fluid.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.