Method and apparatus for decontamination of sensitive equipment
US7163589B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB08B3/02
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Ultrasonic solvent cleaning processes can effectively decontaminate sensitive equipment. The disclosed decontamination liquids meet the following criteria: Ultrasonic agitation provides effective mass and physical transfer of contaminants from the surfaces of the objects being decontaminated to the bulk of the decontamination liquid.Contaminant removal occurs in three steps: removal of the contaminant from the surface of the part being processed, transfer of the dissolved or suspended contaminant into the bulk of the decontamination liquid in the immersion sump, and then removal of the dissolved contaminant by activated carbon adsorption, or suspended contaminant by filtration.Biological contaminants are also effectively removed or inactivated by immersion and sonication in decontamination fluid or solutions of a soluble surfactant in decontamination fluid.Activated carbon beds and filters that come into contact with contaminated liquid can be contained in commercially available housings that shield the system operator from any contained toxic contents. These sealable containers, and their contents, can be destroyed by standard methods, such as incineration.Spectrographic fluori…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.