Cleaning polymer contaminated machine parts - involves heating parts in autoclave and removing residuum of polymer thermal breakdown by flushing with superheated steam

摘要

The contaminated machine parts are allowed to heat up in an autoclave (2). As soon as a predetermined temperature of 350-400 deg. C is attained, superheated steam (11) at a temperature of 400-450 deg. C is admitted to the autoclave through an inlet pipe (8) and mixes with the residuum originating from thermal breakdown of polymer on the parts to be cleaned. The mixture of steam and residuum escapes from the autoclave through the outlet pipe (8). Finally, air (12) at a temperature of 400-450 deg. C is switched through the inlet pipe (7) into the autoclave to prevent the development of polymer incrustations. USE/ADVANTAGE - Cleaning machine parts contaminated with polymers with minimal production of harmful waste products. Cleaned parts are not damaged. Low capital and running costs.