Flash drying treatment of solvent from workpieces

Abstract

A solvent control arrangement for stripping liquid solvent from parts being degreased/defluxed in a degreaser or defluxer by intimate contact with liquid solvent or a vapor phase thereof is disclosed. The solvent control arrangement comprises a tank or box having an open end extending downwardly into the vapor zone in an exit area of the degreaser/defluxer to define a flash drying chamber above and in communication with the vapor zone. The solvent covered parts are directed into the flash drying chamber from the vapor zone where heat is applied to heat the air in the flash drying chamber to a temperature above the solvent boiling point to thereby evaporate liquid solvent on the parts. The parts are then returned from the chamber into the vapor zone where they ultimately exit the degreaser/defluxer from the exit end. Optionally, condensing coils may be disposed in the chamber at the vapor line to condense solvent in the chamber and prevent the solvent vapor zone from encroaching within the chamber. The amount of solvent within the chamber may be further controlled through an outlet duct arrangement directing solvent laden air from the chamber through dehumidifying coils, molecular sieves, carbon absorption filters or like solvent stripping mechanisms.