Patent ID: 7194334
Filing Date: 2007-03-20
Classification: B08B,B25J,G05B

Abstract:
1. A method of washing an oil contaminant from a surface of an object with solvent-free water, said method of washing a contaminant comprising the steps of: providing a solvent-free water supply, a separator for separating oil from said water supply, a filter for filtering solids from said water supply, a pump for pressurizing said water supply to a high-pressure, and a robotic arm with an end effector and nozzle for directing said water supply in the form of a water spray at the surface of the object; separating oil from said water supply to a purity level of 5 ppm of oil or less; filtering solids from said water supply to a purity level of 30 microns or less; pressurizing said water to a high-pressure in a range of about 1,000 to 5,000 psi; directing said water spray of high-pressure, pure water substantially normal to the surface of the object to substantially completely remove the contaminant form the surface; collecting said water spray in the form of a flow of used water; and recirculating said flow of used water to said water supply for reuse.