초록 ▼

An apparatus is provided for cleaning a workpiece with solid CO.sub.2 particles. A flow channel member includes a flow channel therein having an exhaust nozzle at a distal end thereof. A source of pressurized air is provided in selective fluid communication with the flow channel. A phase separator i

An apparatus is provided for cleaning a workpiece with solid CO.sub.2 particles. A flow channel member includes a flow channel therein having an exhaust nozzle at a distal end thereof. A source of pressurized air is provided in selective fluid communication with the flow channel. A phase separator includes first and second portions, with the first portion being in selective fluid communication with the flow channel. A source of liquid CO.sub.2 is provided in selective fluid communication with the phase separator. A liquid flow line includes first and second ends, with the first end being in fluid communication with the second portion of the phase separator, and the second end includes an injector nozzle positioned with the flow channel. The phase separator is operative to separate CO.sub.2 vapor from the liquid CO.sub.2 such that the vapor travels to the first portion for selective communication with the flow channel and the liquid remains in the second portion for injection through the injector nozzle.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for cleaning a workpiece with solid CO.sub.2 particles, comprising:a channel member forming a flow channel having an exhaust nozzle at a distal end thereof;a source of pressurized air in selective communication with the flow channel;a phase separator having f

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for cleaning a workpiece with solid CO.sub.2 particles, comprising:a channel member forming a flow channel having an exhaust nozzle at a distal end thereof;a source of pressurized air in selective communication with the flow channel;a phase separator having first and second portions, said first portion being in selective fluid communication with the flow channel;a source of liquid CO.sub.2 in selective fluid communication with the phase separator;a liquid flow line having first and second ends, said first end being in fluid communication with said second portion of the phase separator, and said second end having an injector nozzle positioned within the flow channel;wherein said phase separator is operative to separate CO.sub.2 vapor from the liquid CO.sub.2 such that the vapor travels to the first portion for selective fluid communication with the flow channel, and the liquid remains in the second portion for injection into the flow channel through the injector nozzle where it changes phase to CO.sub.2 snow, and further through the exhaust nozzle for cleaning the workpiece.