Abstract:
The invention discloses an apparatus and method for mixing liquid carbon dioxide with an additive or surfactant and then forcibly dispersing the mixture into a cleaning chamber full of liquid carbon dioxide. Valving controls the process of admitting a liquid additive into a two liter reservoir and then admitting liquid carbon dioxide into the two liter reservoir under pressure thus filling the reservoir. The mixture is then admitted to the cleaning chamber under pressure. A nozzle, a plurality of nozzles, or a pipe having apertures therein is used to disperse the mixture inside the cleaning chamber.
Abstract:
A soil release agent for dry cleaning containing a copolymer having (A) a repeating unit derived from a polymerizable monomer having a fluorine atom; and (B) a repeating unit derived from a polymerizable monomer having a siloxane linkage and/or a polymerizable monomer (having no siloxane linkage) having a solubility parameter of 6 to 15 gives excellent soil release property using the dry cleaning.
Abstract:
The separation of a contaminant from a substrate that carries the contaminant is disclosed. The process comprises contacting the substrate to a carbon dioxide fluid containing an amphiphilic species wherein the contaminant associates with the amphiphilic species and becomes entrained in the carbon dioxide fluid. The substrate is then separated from the carbon dioxide fluid, and then the contaminant is separated from the carbon dioxide fluid.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for bleaching and cleaning fibers of a fiber web. The method and apparatus includes continuously forming and moving a fiber web through a bleaching and cleaning station. Directing ultraviolet light onto the surface of the fiber web forming a bleaching and cleaning line. Selecting an intensity and frequency for the ultraviolet light sufficient to separate micro trash and dust from the fibers while simultaneously destroying pigment of the fibers. Collecting and removing the micro dust and trash while conveying the fiber web to subsequent fiber processing apparatus.
Abstract:
The present invention encompasses, in a process which comprises the steps of laundering or otherwise moistening fabrics using an aqueous medium, thereby securing damp fabrics and, thereafter, subjecting said damp fabrics to a drying process in a mechanical apparatus, the improvement which comprises: conducting said drying process by placing said damp fabrics in a vapor venting containment bag and drying said fabrics, thereafter removing said fabrics from said bag, whereby fabric shrinkage and wrinkling are minimized. The process herein is especially useful when the fabrics are cotton.
Abstract:
A method for cleaning objects in a pressure vessel with liquefied gases is provided. The gas liquefied under pressure is conducted into the pressure vessel. The temperature of the liquefied gas then, or beforehand, is lowered below the critical temperature of the gas and cleaning is performed at least primarily below the critical temperature and below the critical pressure of the gas. Carbon dioxide at temperatures between -20.degree. C. and +20.degree. C. is especially suitable. The mechanical interactions produced by the increased density and viscosity of the liquefied gas reinforce cleaning. Reduced solvent capacity does not influence the effectiveness of the cleaning. Textiles or components can therefore be cleaned at lower pressure and temperature.
Abstract:
A bag for the cleaning and containment of soiled fabric articles is provided which comprises a fastening system that, when fastened provides a vapor impermeable container and an interior surface releasably impregnated with an effective amount of a gelled liquid dry-cleaning composition.
Abstract:
A system for dry cleaning soils from fabrics comprising densified carbon dioxide and a surfactant in the densified CO.sub.2. The surfactant has a polysiloxane, a branched polyalkylene oxide and a halocarbon group which is a functional CO.sub.2 -philic moiety connected to a CO.sub.2 -phobic functional moiety. The surfactant either exhibits an HLB of less than 15 or has a ratio of siloxyl to substituted siloxyl groups of greater than 0.5:1.
Abstract:
A method of dry cleaning fabrics using a dry cleaning system is described. The system comprises densified carbon dioxide, preferably in a liquid phase, and a selected surfactant which is soluble in the densified CO.sub.2. The surfactant has a polysiloxane, a branched polyalkylene oxide or a halocarbon group which is a functional CO.sub.2 -philic moiety connected to a CO.sub.2 -phobic functional moiety. The surfactant either exhibits an HLB of less than 15 or has a ratio of siloxyl to substituted siloxyl groups of greater than 0.5:1.
Abstract:
1,2-Octanediol is used to clean soiled fabrics. Thus, cleaning compositions comprising 1,2-octanediol, preferably in combination with solvents, are impregnated into carrier sheets. The sheets are tumbled with soiled fabrics inside of a plastic bag. The resulting home dry cleaning process leaves the fabrics clean and refreshed.