초록 ▼

An apparatus and associated method for decontaminating contaminated matter, such as an object or substance, with ultrasonic transient cavitation is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a container for containing a contaminated object, a pressure source for pressurizing the container to a predetermined

An apparatus and associated method for decontaminating contaminated matter, such as an object or substance, with ultrasonic transient cavitation is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a container for containing a contaminated object, a pressure source for pressurizing the container to a predetermined pressure, a vibration source operably connected to the container, and a cleaning solution comprising a predetermined concentration of a volatile substance. The presence of the volatile substance in the cleaning solution, along with the pressurization and vibration thereof, enhances the effect of ultrasonic transient cavitation and improves decontamination of the contaminated matter. An associated method of decontaminating contaminated matter further comprises submerging the contaminated matter, such as a medical or dental instrument, in a cleaning solution having a predetermined concentration of a volatile substance, pressurizing the container, and vibrating the cleaning solution to produce ultrasonic transient cavitation therein.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for decontaminating a contaminated object, said method comprising:submerging the contaminated object in a cleaning solution contained within a pressurizable container; pressurizing the pressurizable container to a predetermined pressure, greater than about 1 atmosphere, so as to pressuri

1. A method for decontaminating a contaminated object, said method comprising:submerging the contaminated object in a cleaning solution contained within a pressurizable container; pressurizing the pressurizable container to a predetermined pressure, greater than about 1 atmosphere, so as to pressurize the cleaning solution; and vibrating the cleaning solution at an energy density sufficient to produce ultrasonic transient cavitation, the cleaning solution comprising a base solution having a predetermined amount of a transient cavitation-enhancing substance, the transient cavitation-enhancing substance being selected so as to maximize ultrasonic transient cavitation in the cleaning solution, the maximum transient cavitation being a function of the amount of the transient cavitation-enhancing substance, the pressure, and the energy density.