Supercritical CO2 Cleaning Apparatus for Substrate Contaminant Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning tools and substrates are inefficient, often requiring water-based solutions that can damage materials, are hazardous, or ineffective for removing hydrophobic compounds, and may lead to mold and bacterial growth due to extensive drying times.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus and device that utilizes a transport media delivery system to direct a supercritical fluid stream, such as carbon dioxide, to dislodge contaminants from tools and substrates, with optional UV light sterilization and a microcontroller for controlled cleaning cycles, avoiding hydrocarbon solvents and ensuring dry substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water-based cleaning methods are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but material damage and mold growth risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the cleaning medium from water to supercritical carbon dioxide. This parameter change allows the cleaning medium to effectively remove contaminants while avoiding water-related damage to materials and preventing mold growth, as CO2 evaporates completely without leaving residue or requiring extended drying times
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of carbon dioxide, specifically transitioning CO2 to a supercritical state for cleaning and then allowing it to expand to gas phase for complete evaporation. This phase transition approach eliminates the need for drying and prevents mold growth while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
2Reliability
If hydrocarbon solvents are used, then cleaning effectiveness for hydrophobic compounds is improved, but safety and environmental hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition and physical state of the cleaning medium from hydrocarbon solvents to supercritical carbon dioxide. This parameter change maintains effectiveness for hydrophobic compounds through the hydrophobic nature of CO2 in its supercritical state while eliminating the safety and environmental hazards associated with hydrocarbon solvents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts carbon dioxide, a common greenhouse gas, into a beneficial cleaning agent by utilizing it in its supercritical state. This approach transforms a potentially harmful substance into an environmentally friendly cleaning solution that effectively removes hydrophobic contaminants without the hazards of traditional hydrocarbon solvents
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
Effectively removes contaminants from tools and substrates without water damage, reducing drying times and preventing mold and bacterial growth, while being environmentally friendly and safe for users.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element configured to modulate the transport medium within the pressure vessel to a supercritical phase
Implementation Method 2
The stream of the supercritical transport medium causes contaminant particles to be dislodged from a surface of the utensils
Implementation Method 3
The cleaning vessel further includes one or more ultraviolet (UV) light sources configured to irradiate the plurality of utensils with UV radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices for efficient and user-friendly transport of materials from a first substrate to a second substrate are described. Systems can include a first substrate vessel configured to hold a first substrate to be cleaned or extracted, a transport media delivery system in fluid communication with the first substrate vessel, and a catchment system. The transport media delivery system delivers a fluid transport medium, which may include a fluid in a supercritical phase, to the first substrate vessel. The fluid transport medium removes particles from the first substrate and carries the particles to the catchment system, where the particles can be exhausted to the atmosphere or deposited onto a second substrate such as a filter or disposal tray.