Cleaning Articles with Condensed Water Vapor and Organic Solvent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning articles with both polar and non-polar contaminants are inefficient in terms of cycle time, solvent and water wastage, and energy usage, particularly when using sequential solvent and aqueous solutions or superheated steam.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a cleaning chamber where an article is treated with water vapor to condense on its surface, followed by an organic solvent to remove both condensed water and contaminants without immersion in water or aqueous solutions, optimizing the use of water and energy by recycling and using organic solvents effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If sequential cleaning with organic solvent followed by aqueous solution is used, then both polar and non-polar contaminants are removed, but cycle time increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of organic solvent cleaning and aqueous rinsing into a single integrated step by using a water-based cleaning composition that contains both surfactants (for non-polar contaminants) and water-soluble compounds (for polar contaminants). This eliminates the need for sequential cleaning steps and subsequent drying time, thereby reducing cycle time while maintaining effective removal of both polar and non-polar contaminants.
2Manufacturing precision
If sequential cleaning with organic solvent followed by aqueous solution is used, then both polar and non-polar contaminants are removed, but solvent and water wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning functions into a single water-based composition that can handle both polar and non-polar contaminants, eliminating the need for separate organic solvent and aqueous rinsing steps. This integration reduces the total volume of both organic solvents and water required, thereby minimizing substance wastage while achieving thorough cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent promotes recycling and recovery of cleaning materials by eliminating the need for large volumes of disposable solvents and water. The integrated water-based composition allows for more efficient resource utilization and reduces the environmental burden associated with disposing of contaminated solvents and wash water.
3Manufacturing precision
If sequential cleaning with organic solvent followed by aqueous solution is used, then both polar and non-polar contaminants are removed, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cleaning steps into a single operation using an integrated water-based cleaning composition. This eliminates the energy required for multiple heating cycles, solvent evaporation, and extended drying times associated with sequential cleaning methods, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining effective contaminant removal.
4Manufacturing precision
If superheated steam is used for cleaning, then contaminants are removed, but energy consumption increases and water removal from surface is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the cleaning medium from superheated steam to a water-based cleaning composition at controlled temperatures. This approach uses milder thermal conditions that are still effective for contaminant removal when combined with appropriate surfactants, thereby reducing energy consumption while achieving thorough cleaning and proper water removal from surfaces.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method reduces cycle time, minimizes solvent and water wastage, and enhances energy efficiency while effectively removing both polar and non-polar contaminants without the need for detergents or surfactants, allowing for efficient recycling of water and solvents.
Implementation Method 1
the surface of the article is subjected to treatment with water vapour under conditions such that at least a portion of the water vapour condenses on said surface of the article as condensed water. The condensed water removes the polar contaminants from the surface of the article.
Implementation Method 2
The organic solvent removes not only the condensed water, which contains the polar contaminants, but also the non-polar contaminants.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method of cleaning at least one article having a surface to be cleaned, the method comprising the steps of inserting the article into a cleaning chamber (3), subjecting the surface of the article to treatment with water vapour under conditions such that at least a portion of the water vapour condenses on said surface of the article as condensed water, and introducing an organic solvent into the cleaning chamber (3) and thereby removing the condensed water from the surface of the article, wherein no immersion of the article in water or agueous solution takes place in the cleaning chamber.