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
Inventors
Mary C. Marshall