Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying separator waste water from a dry cleaning process. The present invention utilizes 3 stages of purification. In Stage one, highly contaminated separator waste water is put into a solvent separator tank. Liquid solvent settles out of the separator waste water, sink to the bottom of the solvent separation tank where it accumulates below the separated water. In Stage 2 air bubbles are introduced through the separated water, stripping out much of the solvent which is dissolved in the separated water and reducing the dissolved solvent concentration. This air stripping process dramatically extends to useful life of the granulated carbon in the granulated eaton filter. Stage 3 takes the air stripped water and filters it through a granulated carbon filter, which results in the carbon purified water having a dissolved solvent of less than 0.7 parts per million. The carbon purified water can then be safely and economically disposed of without harming the environment.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the volume of the liquid hazardous waste stream generated as a byproduct of the dry cleaning process combines an air atomization apparatus, and a temperature controlled water injection apparatus. The air atomization apparatus disposes of separator water by misting. The temperature controlled injection apparatus uses dry cleaning separator water to create and boil an azeotropic mixture in the still of the dry cleaning machine itself. Consequently, the storage and disposal of separator water is eliminated and almost no solvent is left in the residue of the still before disposal.