Patent ID: 7823261

Claim:
A method for reconditioning a barrel previously used for containing a substance, the barrel having an interior surface comprising a barrel interior material, an exterior surface comprising a barrel exterior material, a first end, and a second end, each end comprising a barrel head, the method comprising: (a) determining cutting parameters specific to the barrel interior material, the barrel exterior material, or both, wherein the cutting parameters provide controlled cutting of the barrel interior material, the barrel exterior material, or both; (b) removing a desired depth of the barrel interior material or barrel exterior material using an automated high pressure water cutting device at a pressure determined by the cutting parameters; (c) testing for the presence of a remnant of the substance using a sensor device which is capable of detecting the substance in or on the barrel interior or exterior; wherein upon detecting the presence of the substance in or on the barrel interior, steps (b) and (c) are repeated.