US4318786A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrolytic decontamination
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Co LLC
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Filing: 1980-03-10
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Granted: 1982-03-09
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Expires: 2000-03-10
Abstract
Abstract The invention comprises methods and apparatus for conducting a stream of electrolyte solution with an electrical potential applied between the nozzle of the apparatus and the piece of equipment to be decontaminated. The apparatus provides a nozzle that is capable of conducting the electrolyte to the component to be decontaminated in an effective manner without short circuiting the electrical system. Moreover, the method provides a means by which the exposure time of the component to the electrolyte is controlled such that corrosion of the component is minimized while the component is effectively decontaminated.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward J. Lahoda
- 👤 David A. Eckhardt
- 👤 Donald L. Grover
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 12:04
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21F; G21F9/00; G21F9/28; G21F9/001; G21F9/002; G21F9/004; C; C25; C25F; C25F1/00; C25F1/02; C25F1/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for electrolytically decontaminating components comprising: arranging a wand near the component to be decontaminated for conducting an electrolyte solution to said component; maintaining the end of said wand approximately 0.20 to 0.30 inches from the surface of said component; conducting said electrolyte solution through said wand and onto said component; conducting an electrical current from said wand, through said electrolyte solution, and through said component; and moving said wand along said component so that no portion of said component is exposed to said electrolyte solution for more than approximately 5 seconds for removing the contaminated oxide layer from said component without damaging the metal surface of said component.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for electrolytically decontaminating components comprising: arranging a wand near the component to be decontaminated for conducting an electrolyte solution to said component; maintaining the end of said wand approximately 0.20 to 0.30 inches from the surface of said component; conducting said electrolyte solution through said wand and onto said component; conducting an electrical current from said wand, through said electrolyte solution, and through said component; and moving said wand along said component so that no portion of said component is exposed to said electrolyte solution for more than approximately 5 seconds for removing the contaminated oxide layer from said component without damaging the metal surface of said component.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the surfaces of said component are exposed to said electrolyte solution for approximately 1 second.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 2 wherein said electrolyte solution is a solution of water having approximately 10 percent sulfuric acid by weight.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 3 wherein said electrical current is established between approximately 3 to 20 amperes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method according to claim 4 wherein an electrical potential of between approximately 30 to 50 volts is maintained between said wand and said component.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 5 wherein said electrolyte solution is conducted through said wand at approximately 3 gallons per minute.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 6 wherein said electrolyte solution is conducted through said wand at approximately 6 psi.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 7 wherein said wand has a rubber insulator mounted on the end thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 8 wherein said electrical current is established at approximately 16 amperes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 9 wherein said electrical potential of approximately 40 volts is maintained between said wand and said component.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-03-08 | 1985-09-07 | 1986-03-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-03-08 | 1989-09-07 | 1990-03-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-03-08 | 1993-09-07 | 1994-03-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |