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Apparatus and Method for Cleaning Articles Utilizing Supercritical and Near Supercritical Fluids: 5,401,322

Abstract: 

Disclosed is an apparatus and method of removing contaminants from an article utilizing a supercritical or near supercritical fluid. The article to be cleaned is first contacted with a fluid in which the contaminant is soluble at a first supercritical or near temperature. The contaminate solubilized fluid is then cooled or heated to a second supercritical or near supercritical temperature to lower the solubility of the contaminant in the supercritical fluid and thereby precipitate the contaminant. The contaminant is then recovered.

Patent Number: 
5,401,322
Date Of Issue: 
03/27/1995
Inventors: 

Mary C. Marshall