Abstract: An apparatus and a method of operating a dry cleaning system are disclosed which utilize liquid carbon dioxide as the cleaning medium. The apparatus comprises two storage tanks in conjunction with a cleaning vessel, where one of the storage tanks is employed for pressure equalization and the other storage tank is employed for bulk solvent transfer to and from the cleaning vessel. The apparatus also comprises a return line from the cleaning vessel, which is routed back into the cleaning vessel where it forms a heat exchange coil. In the method of operating the dry cleaning system, the pressure equalization tank is used for absorbing temperature fluctuations and for providing efficient control of the transfer of the dry cleaning medium, using a compressor for subsequent bulk transfer.