Process for cleaning a workpiece using supercritical carbon dioxide
US6558475B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S134/902
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning a workpiece with a cleaning medium that is maintained at a single fluid phase. The apparatus includes means for providing the cleaning medium; a pressurizable cleaning vessel for receiving the cleaning medium and the workpiece; and means for maintaining a single fluid phase of the cleaning medium in the cleaning vessel. The present invention further provides a process for cleaning the workpiece with cleaning medium under conditions such that the workpiece is exposed to a single fluid phase of the cleaning medium. The present invention further includes a process for a storage media that includes instructions for controlling a processor for the process of the present invention. The storage media includes means for controlling the processor to control contacting conditions of the workpiece and the cleaning medium such that the workpiece is exposed to a single fluid phase of the cleaning medium.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.