초록 ▼

The invention provides an apparatus and method for removing spent solvent from manufacturing apparatus during operation. The apparatus uses a collection housing having input, exhaust, and output ports with U-shaped output transfer tubing positioned inside the housing and connected on one end to the

The invention provides an apparatus and method for removing spent solvent from manufacturing apparatus during operation. The apparatus uses a collection housing having input, exhaust, and output ports with U-shaped output transfer tubing positioned inside the housing and connected on one end to the output port. The output tubing arches upward inside the housing and has a tapered opening positioned near the bottom of the housing. Negative pressure is applied to the exhaust port to move cleaned air out of the housing and solvent laden air into the housing through the input port. Solvent precipitates from the air and collects as a liquid in the housing until the liquid level rises above the arched bottom of the transfer tubing. At this point, the solvent flows through the tubing and the output port, and out of the housing under the influence of gravity at atmospheric pressure. In further embodiments, a liquid level indicator using translucent is secured between a pair of access ports extending outward from a sidewall of the housing.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of removing solvent from a manufacturing system during processing, comprising the steps of: connecting a substantially fluid tight chamber to said manufacturing system, said chamber having input means for receiving air laden with solvent from the system, exhaust means for removing cleaned a

A method of removing solvent from a manufacturing system during processing, comprising the steps of: connecting a substantially fluid tight chamber to said manufacturing system, said chamber having input means for receiving air laden with solvent from the system, exhaust means for removing cleaned air from the chamber, and a fluid output port disposed on a sidewall of said chamber adjacent a bottom portion thereof through which spent solvent is transferred out of said chamber; connecting an inverted U-shaped tubing member on one end to said output port; positioning a second end of said tubing member adjacent the chamber bottom; extending said tubing upward away from said output port and then downward toward said chamber a bottom in a generally inverted U configuration within said housing interior; applying a negative pressure to said exhaust means so as to draw solvent laden air into said housing and reduced solvent content air out of said chamber; and providing a predetermined minimum volume of solvent within said chamber so as to maintain a predetermined minimum pressure barrier between said applied negative pressure and pressure exterior of said chamber to which said tubing member is connected.