Apparatus and method for cleaning large glass plates using linear arrays of carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) jet spray nozzles

A system for cleaning a glass plate having first and second major surfaces, comprising:

• an enclosure for maintaining a cleaning environment in which the glass plate is decontaminated;
• an actuated support member for receiving the glass plate exterior to the enclosure and for vertically translating the glass plate into the enclosure manner with the first and second major surfaces substantially perpendicular to a ground plane;
• a pressurized supply of liquid carbon dioxide;
• at least two opposing jet spray nozzles located within the enclosure and between which the glass plate is positioned, the pressurized supply of liquid carbon dioxide is coupled to the at least two nozzles and through which the pressurized liquid carbon dioxide is expanded, thereby simultaneously directing carbon dioxide snow particles in directions of the first and second major surfaces of the glass plate that impact the first and second major surfaces for removing contamination therefrom;
• means for concurrently guiding the at least two nozzles throughout the first and second major surfaces of the glass plate, thereby removing contamination therefrom while minimizing the forces exerted on the glass plate, whereby the carbon dioxide snow particles sublime within the cleaning environment;
• blower means for directing a uniform laminar flow of subliminated carbon dioxide gas over the first and second major surfaces of the glass plate and for recirculating the gas throughout the enclosure;
• and
• filter means for filtering particles from the carbon dioxide gas within the enclosure.

A method of cleaning a glass plate having first and second major surfaces, comprising the steps of:

• (a) loading the glass plate upon an actuated support member in a vertical manner with the first and second major surfaces substantially perpendicular to a ground plane;
• (b) translating the glass plate into an enclosure in which a cleaning environment is maintained;
• and
• (c) simultaneously directing carbon dioxide snow particles against the first and second major surfaces of the glass plate, thereby removing contamination therefrom, whereby the carbon dioxide snow particles sublime within the cleaning environment.