About Vacuum Processing Systems

Vacuum Processing Systems, LLC (VPS), headquartered in Rhode Island, is managed by Dr. Donald Gray and Joe Schuttert. Dr. Gray, a former professor of chemical engineering with over thirty years of academic experience, and Mr. Schuttert, with a background in biology and extensive industry experience, have collaborated since 1994 on the design and manufacturing of advanced cleaning systems. Dr. Gray holds 12 patents related to industrial cleaning technologies, including the vacuum-to-vacuum solvent recovery process, which achieves over 95% efficiency in solvent reclamation as recognized by the USEPA, and has received the EPA’s Environmental Excellence Award. These systems range from modules under 1 cubic foot to process chambers exceeding 700 cubic feet, compatible with a broad spectrum of flammable and non-flammable solvents.

Among Dr. Gray’s innovations is the Vacuum Cycle Nucleation (VCN) process, an immersion cleaning technique applicable to both aqueous and solvent-based applications. The VCN methodology involves cyclic modulation of the process chamber’s pressure above and below the vapor pressure of the cleaning medium, inducing micro-bubbles that facilitate contaminant removal. This process is distinguished by its surface-friendly operation, lower chemical utilization, and efficacy in cleaning hard-to-reach areas, which also enables rapid drying post-cleaning.

Joe Schuttert oversees sales operations at VPS and brings expertise in navigating government environmental regulations, ensuring client compliance, and facilitating project approvals. VPS provides comprehensive consulting services, including rigorous testing in our application laboratory to validate process selection.

We maintain an unbiased stance on cleaning chemistries and use our extensive experience in aqueous and solvent cleaning to tailor solutions that optimize operational cost-efficiency and performance.

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