Process and apparatus for cryogenically cleaning residue from containers
AssigneesJames L. Popp, Carolyn Popp
InventorsJames L. Popp, Carolyn Popp, James Dean, Robert E. Clark
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for the cleaning of residue from the surface of a container where the method comprises cooling the container and residue adhered to the container surface to a low temperature, substantially embrittling the residue, fragmenting the residue, separating the residue from the surface of the container and removing the residue from the container. The container is placed in an enclosure with an opening in the top of the enclosure to permit access to the interior of the container when a container lid is removed. The system includes a rotating base to turn the container to facilitate freezing and removal of the residue.
Claims20
A method for cleaning residue of expended commodity from commodity containers comprising the steps of:
- (a) cooling the container and the residue to effect substantial embrittlement of the residue adhered to the surface of the container;
- (b) fragmenting the embrittled residue;
- (c) separating residue fragments from the surface of the container;
- and
- (d) removing residue from the container.
An apparatus for cryogenically treating containers comprising an insulated box having an opening in the top of the box sufficiently large to allow placement and removal of a container therethrough, a collar adapted to surround a container placed through the opening wherein the collar has a width that extends from the exterior of the container to the perimeter of the opening to seal the opening, and a plurality of cryogen spray ports in the box.
An apparatus for cryogenically treating containers comprising a first insulated chamber having an opening in the top of the chamber sufficiently large to allow a container to extend therethrough, the opening having a gasket to seal against a container, the chamber further having a door on the side to allow placement of a container therethrough, a base for supporting a container, and a plurality of cryogen spray ports in the chamber, wherein the spray ports are located on the chamber wall across at least a third of the perimeter of the chamber spaced apart to spray the height of a container in the chamber, and located above the base to spray the bottom of a container.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.