CO2 Mechanics Blog (3)

The CO2 Backstory

CO2 Backstory 1.3.1

Early Supercritical and Liquid CO2 Processes

Mr. Orval Buck

The first CO2-based immersion cleaning system was constructed and tested by Mr. Orval Buck at Hughes Aircraft Company in 1984, essentially adapted from a German supercritical CO2 (scCO2) extraction process for decaffeinating green coffee beans [10]. Shown in Figure 1-4, the first scCO2 cleaning system comprised an insulated high pressure vessel (retrofitted isostatic press) which was temperature-regulated using flexible silicone-insulated heating tape and a thermostatic controller. A contaminated production part was loaded into the vessel through a topside threaded closure. Following purging with CO2 gas to remove internal atmosphere (i.e., residual air and moisture), the vessel was fluidized using a high pressure pneumatic pump supplied by a cylinder of high pressure liquid CO2. The vessel was compressed to various supercritical fluid conditions ranging between 2,000 and 5,000 psi with the pressure vessel heated to a temperature of between 40 and 60 degrees C.

David Jackson

Sep 8, 2020 7:54:51 AM

The CO2 Backstory

CO2 Backstory 1.3

CO2 Technology Development

Faster, Better and Cheaper

CO2 technology described in this blog-eBook represents more than 30 years of process, application, and commercial product development beginning in 1984 and continuing to the present day. The old adage – Necessity is the Mother of Invention – has been and continues to be a major driving force behind the CO2 technology innovation process. Discrete cleaning, surface modification, cooling, purification, and recycling technologies represent derivatives – various CO2-enabled solutions ideated, developed, and advanced to jointly solve production cleaning and contamination control problems encountered in numerous end-user manufacturing applications to achieve specific performance requirements. In this regard, rapid changes in manufacturing technology, shrinking product features, and increasing global competitiveness have driven the need for sustainable manufacturing technology - faster processing, better performance, and a lower cost of production.

David Jackson

Sep 1, 2020 11:00:35 AM

Forward

Blog preview

This eBook has been a long time in the making and continues to be a work in progress. Based on more than 30 years of carbon dioxide (CO2) technology development and commercialization, this eBook provides manufacturing engineers and managers with practical knowledge, tools and techniques for developing and implementing innovative CO2-enabled lean and green (clean) manufacturing processes, products and production lines. This eBook shows how CO2 technology can transform your product manufacturing operations using a holistic implementation approach – design for cleanability, build clean, and maintain clean protocols.

David Jackson

Aug 14, 2020 4:34:31 PM

Dedications

Thank you

To my wife, best friend, and colleague, Karen, for her enduring love and support all these years. To my brother, Rick and father, Richard on the other side, thank you for your love and support at the very start of this journey. You are both greatly missed and your contributions are forever appreciated.

David Jackson

Aug 14, 2020 12:40:02 PM

Technical Terms

What does that mean

CO2

An abundant and recycled gaseous by-product of industrial processes repurposed for precision cleaning, cooling, and surface modification applications in high-value or high-reliability hardware manufacturing operations.

David Jackson

Aug 14, 2020 11:28:06 AM

Copyright Notice

CO2Mechanics.Blog

Blog to eBook

Practical knowledge, tools, tips, and techniques for developing and implementing innovative CO2-enabled lean and green manufacturing processes, products, and production lines.

David Jackson

Aug 14, 2020 8:01:09 AM

How to use this Blog

How to use this blog

This blog is an eBook

Each chapter in this eBook is self-contained, which means you can start with whichever chapter or topic interests you the most. CO2Mechanics.Blog is a comprehensive guide for improving your knowledge of CO2 technology, implementing state-of-the-art CO2-Powered clean manufacturing solutions, and maximizing your return on investment in terms of reduced manufacturing waste in all of its possible forms.

David Jackson

Aug 14, 2020 7:53:15 AM

Blog Icons

Icons used in this eBook

Throughout this eBook, you will see small symbols called icons in the margins and these highlight special types of information presented or available (hyperlinked). These are shown in Figure I-1 and used to help you better understand and apply the material.

Ready for next steps? Try our CO2 Powered Consultation.

David Jackson

Aug 14, 2020 7:42:06 AM

Scope and Objectives

Contamination is defined in many ways

Contamination may be broadly defined as any material, substance, or energy which adversely affects the performance or function of a manufacturing process and/or manufactured product [adapted from “Contamination Control Engineering Design Guidelines for the Aerospace Community”, A.C. Tribble et al., Rockwell International Corporation, NASA Contractor Report 4740, May 1996]. By this broad definition contamination can be vapors, particles, films, residues, light, nuclear radiation, electromagnetic fields, electrostatic charge, and heat (or lack of heat), among many other examples. Furthermore, contamination can be organic, inorganic, ionic, biological, volatile, non-volatile, condensable, non-condensable, corrosive, or non-corrosive in nature.

David Jackson

Aug 12, 2020 9:07:06 PM

Author Bio

About the Author

David Jackson

While attending college, Mr. Jackson worked full-time as a manager of a certified testing laboratory analyzing pollutants in wastewater generated and discharged by industrial manufacturers and municipal wastewater treatment plants. Following graduation and working for Hughes Aircraft Company as a group head of precision cleaning and contamination control in the mid-1980’s, he developed first generation CO2 immersion cleaning processes for use in the manufacture of advanced aerospace products. While moonlighting the construction of his first commercial centrifugal CO2 immersion cleaning system in his garage between 1989 and 1992, he worked as an environmental consultant, helping manufacturers minimize and treat EPA-regulated wastewater effluents generated by their electroplating and metal finishing operations. Mr. Jackson launched his first CO2 business venture in 1993 and over the following 12 years developed and commercialized several CO2 immersion and spray cleaning products and accessories.

David Jackson

Aug 11, 2020 9:52:09 PM