Abstract: A system for the controlled addition of detergent formulations and the like to a carbon dioxide cleaning apparatus comprises: (a) a high pressure wash vessel; (b) an auxiliary vessel; (c) a drain line connecting the auxiliary vessel to the wash vessel; (d) optionally but preferably, a separate vent line connecting the auxiliary vessel to the wash vessel; (e) a detergent reservoir; and (f) a detergent supply line connecting the detergent reservoir to the auxiliary vessel. An advantage of this apparatus is that, because the detergent formulation can be pumped into the auxiliary vessel in a predetermined aliquot or amount, which predetermined aliquot or amount can then be transferred into the wash vessel where it combines with the liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution, the detergent formulation can be added to the cleaning solution in a more controlled or accurate manner.

Abstract: An automatic control apparatus for effecting the continuous removal of contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a process fluid, such as water used to wash print towels or the like. The apparatus includes a pump for circulating wash water from a washer to a treatment tank. A diffuser is provided for air stripping the contaminants from the wash water in the tank. The diffused gas is exhausted through a vent in the tank, and a contaminant emissions concentration sensor detects the composition of VOCs in the exhaust. A controller signals the pump to vary the circulation based on the emissions concentration detected by the sensor. The wash water is continuously recirculated to the washer until a predetermined emissions concentration is reached. A drain in the tank releases the treated wash water to the environment.

Abstract: A wash tank adapted for use with a carbon dioxide cleaning medium has a body member having a front opening formed therein, the body member having side walls and a back wall opposite the front opening. The side walls terminate in a front body member edge portion that defines the front opening. The edge portion serves in the sealing mechanism, as discussed below. A substantially cylindrical basket is disposed within the body member for rotation about a generally horizontal axis. The basket has a front opening formed therein, and has a side wall and a back wall opposite the front opening. The basket side wall terminates in a front basket edge portion defining the basket front opening. The said basket edge portion is spaced forward from the body member edge portion when the basket is positioned in the body member, serving to prevent loose garments or materials placed within the basket from becoming caught in the seal and interfering with seal integrity.

Abstract: A wash tank adapted for use with a carbon dioxide cleaning medium has a body member having a front opening formed therein, the body member having side walls and a back wall opposite the front opening. The side walls terminate in a front body member edge portion that defines the front opening. The edge portion serves in the sealing mechanism, as discussed below. A substantially cylindrical basket is disposed within the body member for rotation about a generally horizontal axis. The basket has a front opening formed therein, and has a side wall and a back wall opposite the front opening. The basket side wall terminates in a front basket edge portion defining the basket front opening. The said basket edge portion is spaced forward from the body member edge portion when the basket is positioned in the body member, serving to prevent loose garments or materials placed within the basket from becoming caught in the seal and interfering with seal integrity.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for separating water from a solvent during dry cleaning. Included is an inlet capable of receiving a mixture of dry cleaning fluid and water from a basket of a dry cleaning apparatus. The dry cleaning fluid includes a siloxane composition. Also provided is a flow controller for urging a flow of the mixture received from the outlet. Coupled to the flow controller is a coalescent media that receives the mixture urged by the flow controller. A chamber is coupled to the coalescent media for receiving the mixture from the coalescent media to separate the water and the dry cleaning fluid. Also coupled to the chamber is an outlet to remove the dry cleaning fluid from the chamber in the absence of the water.

Abstract: Method and system of rejuvenating pressurized fluid solvents used for cleaning a substrate in a pressurized vessel. A primary flow of the pressurized fluid solvent is continuously cycled from the pressurized vessel through a series of filters to remove insoluble and soluble contaminants, and then returned to the pressurized vessel. A secondary flow of the pressurized fluid solvent, preferably equivalent to less than about 40% of the primary flow, is directed either continuously or intermittently during the cleaning operation to an evaporator to evaporate the pressurized fluid solvent of the secondary flow into a vapor and to separate contaminants therefrom. The vapor from the evaporator is then either liquified by a compressor or condenser to create rejuvenated pressurized fluid solvent and redirected to the pressurized vessel for further use, or vented to atmosphere and replaced by new pressurized fluid solvent from a supply tank.

Abstract: A method for cleaning or sterilizing objects in a liquid fluid cleaning system comprising a high-pressure storing/working vessel, a cleaning chamber, and a low-pressure supply vessel, the method comprising the steps of loading the cleaning chamber with objects to be cleaned or sterilized; supplying cleaning fluid to the cleaning chamber from the low-pressure supply vessel by means of pressure difference; supplying cleaning fluid to the cleaning chamber from the high-pressure storing/working vessel; cleaning the objects in the cleaning chamber with the cleaning fluid; transferring cleaning fluid from the cleaning chamber to the high-pressure storing/working vessel; and unloading the cleaned objects from the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for dry cleaning articles utilizing a siloxane solvent. The system includes a cleaning basket for receiving articles therein and a one or more tanks for containing a siloxane solvent. Coupled between the tank and the cleaning basket is a pump for immersing the articles in the cleaning basket with the siloxane solvent. Also included is a still for distilling the dirty siloxane solvent to recover the pure siloxane solvent. A condenser is coupled to the cleaning basket and/or the still for recovering condensed vapors. For decanting any water in the siloxane solvent received from the condenser, a separator is coupled to the condenser. A fan is coupled to the cleaning basket for circulating air past the condenser, then the heater coils and into the cleaning basket for drying and cooling the articles.

Abstract: A dry-cleaning apparatus using liquid carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) as the cleaning fluid has a liquid level detector for providing a continuous reading of the liquid CO.sub.2 level in a storage tank. The liquid level detector includes a first resistance temperature detector disposed in the gas above the liquid, a second resistance temperature detector immersed in the liquid, and a third resistance temperature detector with an elongated sensing section disposed in part in the gas above the liquid and in part in the liquid. Each of the three resistance temperature detectors are heated by a constant current. Voltage signals indicating the respective resistance values of the resistance temperature detectors are measured and processed by a controller to continuously determine and monitor the liquid level in the storage tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing shop cloths comprises a hot water storage tank, a washer that washes, rinses, centrifuges and dries, and an evaporator for evaporating effluent from the washer. The washer rotates about a horizontal axis when washing, rinsing, drying and centrifuging, but at different speeds depending on whether it is centrifuging or washing, rinsing or drying. In use, the washer is loaded and then the load is centrifuged to remove fluids present in the cloths. The effluent is discharged to the evaporator. Then the load is washed in hot water from the hot water storage tank and biodegradable degreasers and soaps. After draining the washer to the evaporator, the load is centrifuged. The washer undergoes a rinse cycle, draining the rinse water to the water heater through a filter for reuse, and finally a tumble dry cycle.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of reducing the microbial population on a textile in a washing machine. The washing machine has an outer shell for containing fluids and an internal assembly for containing textiles. The method includes introducing a wash liquor into the internal assembly, thus contacting the textile with the wash liquor and wetting the textile. The wash liquor is then removed from the internal assembly and the outer shell at a first point. At a second point, a combination of ozone gas, oxygen and/or oxygen enriched air is mixed into the wash liquor being removed from the outer shell to form an ozonated wash liquor. This ozonated wash liquor is re-introduced into the outer shell and internal assembly thus contacting the textile with the ozonated wash liquor for a period of time.

Abstract: A improved solvent cleaning method and system which is truly a closed system in which the object to be cleaned is placed in a chamber and subjected to a negative gauge pressure to remove air and other non-condensible gases after which a solvent is introduced to the evacuated chamber and the object is cleaned and then the solvent is recovered from the object and chamber within the closed system before the clean object is removed.

Abstract: A process is provided for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing substrates comprising the steps of: (a) placing the contaminated substrate in a cleaning vessel; (b) contacting the contaminated substrate with dense phase carbon dioxide in liquid form; (c) subjecting the substrate and the dense phase carbon dioxide to ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength within the range of about 180 to 300 nm for a duration and intensity sufficient to produce a photochemical reaction capable of destroying the DNA of microorganisms on the substrate; (d) substantially simultaneously subjecting at least the dense phase carbon dioxide to agitation; and (e) removing the dense phase carbon dioxide from the cleaning vessel and thereby transporting the contaminants from the substrate such that the substrate is cleaned and, in the case of contaminated garments, disinfected or, in the case of medical and dental instrumentation, sterilized.

Abstract: A textile web, for example, a carpet web, is provided with a patterning agent including a thickening agent and subsequently steamed in a steamer. The agent residues remaining on the textile web are at least partially removed by mechanical means, and cleaned and decolorized in a cleaning unit, leaving a virtually pure thickening agent which can be reused for preparing a new batch of patterning agent in the batching tank.

Abstract: A pressure vessel for receiving and storing pressurized fluid in a pressurized dense phase liquid dry cleaning apparatus is provided. The dry cleaning apparatus generally includes a cleaning vessel within which garments or the like are cleaned and a solvent recovery device which takes the contaminated cleaning fluid from the cleaning vessel and separates out the contaminants. The pressure vessel comprises a plurality of interconnected hollow structures and as such is substantially self-supporting and occupies less space within dry cleaning apparatus. The pressure vessel can also serve as the support structure for the other components of the dry cleaning system to provide a further cost and space savings.

Abstract: A dry cleaning system and method, in which specially designed or modified machinery is used in conjunction with a specific solvent which is derived from an organic/inorganic hybrid (organo silicone). In this class of organo silicones is a group known as cyclic siloxanes. The cyclic siloxanes present the basis for material composition of the solvent chemistry which allows this dry cleaning system to be highly effective. The cyclic-siloxane-based solvent allows the system to result in an environmentally friendly process which is, also, more effective in cleaning fabrics and the like than any known prior system. The siloxane composition is employed in a dry cleaning machine to carry out the method of the invention.

Abstract: Method and system of rejuvenating pressurized fluid solvents used for cleaning a substrate in a pressurized vessel. A primary flow of the pressurized fluid solvent is continuously cycled from the pressurized vessel through a series of filters to remove insoluble and soluble contaminants, and then returned to the pressurized vessel. A secondary flow of the pressurized fluid solvent, preferably equivalent to less than about 40% of the primary flow, is directed either continuously or intermittently during the cleaning operation to an evaporator to evaporate the pressurized fluid solvent of the secondary flow into a vapor and to separate contaminants therefrom. The vapor from the evaporator is then either liquified by a compressor or condenser to create rejuvenated pressurized fluid solvent and redirected to the pressurized vessel for further use, or vented to atmosphere and replaced by new pressurized fluid solvent from a supply tank.

Abstract: A method and system for removing a lubricant from an absorbent material. The method comprises placing the lubricant-contaminated material in a dry cleaner and centrifuging the material to remove and subsequently recover a first quantity of lubricant, dry cleaning the material, separating and recovering a second quantity of lubricant from the dry cleaning fluid, and recycling the dry cleaning fluid. The present invention maximizes the recovery of lubricant and effectively recycles the dry cleaning fluid, which in turn minimizes both the cost and environmental impact of cleaning absorbent materials.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide dry cleaning system features a pair of liquid carbon dioxide storage tanks in communication with a compressor. A sealed cleaning chamber contains the objects being dry cleaned. By selectively pressurizing the storage tanks with the compressor, liquid carbon dioxide is made to flow to the cleaning chamber through cleaning nozzles so as to provide agitation of the objects being dry cleaned. Liquid carbon dioxide displaced from the cleaning chamber returns to the storage tanks. A still is disposed within one of the storage tanks and receives soiled liquid carbon dioxide as it is returned from the chamber. The pressure in the storage tank causes the soiled liquid carbon dioxide in the still to boil off. The gas is communicated to a third tank.

Abstract: With a view to saving water consumed in a washing machine (10), the water used during the last two rinsing operations is recovered in a recovery tank (20) so that it may be used during the next washing cycle for the purpose of carrying out the prewash and washing operations and the first rinsing operation. The water is transported to the tank (20) by a filling pipe (22) fitted with a pump (30). The water recovered in the tank (20) is used by opening, in a given order, solenoid valves (32, 34, 36) placed in extraction pipes (24, 26, 28) entering the tank (20) at given locations.

Abstract: A liquified gas dry-cleaning system including a storage tank containing a liquified gas derived from a liquifiable gas, a pressure vessel for containing a liquid bath derived from the liquifiable gas, and a circulating system for transporting the liquified gas between the storage tank and the pressurized vessel. The pressurized vessel includes a compressor mounted in a wall structure of the vessel for use in evacuating a gaseous form of the liquifiable gas released from the liquid bath during a cleaning cycle. Positioning of the compressor in this manner allows heat generated during each compression stroke of the compressor to be directed to the interior of pressure vessel to minimize the effects of a temperature decrease incident to the gaseous evacuation.

Abstract: A solvent recovery dryer having a flow sensing device in communication with the output of the solvent recovery dryer. The flow sensing device is in operable communication with a computer and the computer calculates the flow rate of liquid being recovered, and controls the dryer when a certain flow rate is reached. The computer also stores and displays flow rate data. The flow sensing device provides for nearly continuous monitoring of the flow rate, and also provides for accurate monitoring of flow rates at high and low levels of liquid flow.

Abstract: A method of replenishing liquid carbon dioxide solvent in a liquid carbon dioxide dry cleaning system or other dense phase carbon dioxide cleaning system. The method uses dry-ice or solid carbon dioxide, as a replenishing stock, thus reducing transportation, storage and handling costs. The method disposes solid carbon dioxide blocks in a cleaning chamber after a cleaning cycle. Liquid carbon dioxide solvent is boiled and is used to melt the solid carbon dioxide blocks. Liquid carbon dioxide solvent produced by melting the solid carbon dioxide blocks is pumped from the cleaning chamber into a storage tank to replenish the liquid carbon dioxide solvent.

Abstract: An environmentally safe laundry washing apparatus and method includes a primary solids removal system with an inlet for receiving waste wash water which delivers the water to a separation system and then to a main circulation system which has an ozone source and at least one filter. A final water purification batch treatment system capable of greater than 98% total dissolved solids removal in conjunction with a sterilization device is in fluid communication with the main circulation system, and a washing means is located downstream from the final water purification system. The wash water is recirculated from the washing means after the completion of a wash cycle to an inlet of the primary solids removal system.

Abstract: A bleach liquor recovery system for a commercial bleaching apparatus. The recovery system includes a bleaching tank for bleaching loads of textile fabric items with a predetermined batch volume of bleach liquor and a bleach liquor supply system for providing fresh bleach liquor to the bleaching tank. The bleach liquor supply system includes a chemical mixing system for generating the fresh bleach liquor and a bleach liquor injection line for delivering the fresh bleach liquor from the chemical mixing system to the bleaching tank. A bleach liquor recirculation system is connected to the bleaching tank for reclaiming at least a portion of the bleach liquor from the bleaching tank after bleaching a load of textile fabric items and for recycling the reclaimed bleach liquor into successive loads of textile fabric items in the bleaching tank. In the preferred embodiment, a collection tank stores the reclaimed bleach liquor between the successive loads of textile fabric items.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for the treatment of an endless web of fabric with a washing liquid and employing a vacuum. The treatment medium is withdrawn from the treatment zone and the withdrawn treatment medium is separated in a cyclone into a gas and a liquid. The liquid is pumped back into the treatment zone. The gas is heated additionally in a vacuum generator and is then returned into the treatment zone.

Abstract: Clothes are dry cleaned by placing the clothes in a tumbler/dryer, sealing the tumbler/dryer, applying a negative gauge pressure to the tumbler/dryer, providing solvent to the tumbler/dryer, activating the tumbler/dryer to dry clean the clothes, removing the solvent from the tumbler/dryer, and simultaneously throttling hot solvent vapor into the tumbler/dryer while removing vapor from the tumbler/dryer in order to dry the clothes.

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.

Abstract: A waste water treatment machine for use primarily with dry cleaning equipment to remove the solvent perchlorethylene and other contaminants from waste water so the purified water can be returned to the environment. The machine includes a collecting tank to collect waste water from both a dry cleaning machine and a dry cleaning vacuum press which vacuum waste water and solvent from garments that still remains therein after the dry cleaning operation is completed. The treatment machine pumps the collected waste water through filters and an elevated separation tank wherein the heavier than water perchlorethylene separates from the water, the machine having a re-circulation conduit through which the partially purified water above a separation level in the separation tank can flow by gravity back down for re-circulation through the filters and then pumped up again to the separation tank for additional filtering and separation of the solvent and other contaminants.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine is provided with a tank (2) for the recovery of liquids and a transfer conduit (3) which, by way of a first pump (4) disposed in the conduit, connects the lower portion of the tub (1) to the tank. The lower volume of the tank is connected by way of a suitable conduit (6) and a second pump (7) to a nozzle (8) that discharges into the hydraulic circuit (9) that feeds containers (10) for substances for the washing operation. The machine has one or more of the following properties. The feed pump (7) for the hydraulic distributor (9) and the feed pump (12) for the condenser (11) are replaced by a single pump (17) and by a two-way directional control valve (18) which alternatively feeds respective conduits that feed into the hydraulic distributor and into the condenser. The discharge pump (20) and the transfer pump (4) are replaced by a single pump followed by a further directional control valve (21) which alternatively feeds the transfer conduit or the discharge.

Abstract: In a dry cleaner, after clothes 2 is washed, the washing solvent contained in the washed clothes 2 is dissolved into a liquid perfluorocarbon 4a being heated at its boiling point or thereabout in order to remove the washing solvent. Thereafter, drying of the clothes 2 is performed by mainly aiming to evaporate the liquid perfluorocarbon 4a contained in the clothes 2. Since the drying is targeted on the liquid perfluorocarbon, the time required for drying clothes can markedly reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for deodorizing and refreshing petroleum group solvent used in a dry cleaning apparatus, and a dry cleaning apparatus using such a method, which can maintain the circulating solvent in a fresh condition for a long time, eliminate a bad smell of the solvent, provide highly stable cleaning ability and good cleaning finish, and prevent ignition and explosion of the solvent to ensure safety.

Abstract: A cleaning process for industrial rags to remove petroleum-based solvents in an environmentally safe manner comprises a series of steps. The industrial rags are initially subjected to high speed forces in a rotary drum to physically extract liquid solvent. The high speed extraction step is conducted while preferably maintaining a temperature within the drum of below the flash point of the petroleum-based solvent. Next, the rags are tumbled while being subjected to intermittent forced blasts of cold air and hot air to vaporize solvent remaining in the rags. The vapors are routed from the drum and condensed. The extracted liquid solvent and condensed solvent vapors are both routed to a waste solvent collection line. The industrial rags are finally dried to produce clean rags suitable for reuse.

Abstract: A dry cleaning system particularly suited for employing supercritical CO.sub.2 as the cleaning fluid consisting of a sealable cleaning vessel containing a rotatable drum adapted for holding soiled substrate, a cleaning fluid storage vessel, and a gas vaporizer vessel for recycling used cleaning fluid is provided. The drum is magnetically coupled to a motor so that it an be rotated during the cleaning process. The system is adapted for automation which permits increased energy efficiency as the heating and cooling effect associated with CO.sub.2 gas condensation and expansion can be channeled to heat and cool various parts of the system.

Abstract: A compact solvent reprocessing system for use in a limited physical area. Solvents to be reprocessed is contacted by deionized water in a water wash column and delivered to a distillation column where waste solvent is separated from materials that boil at a higher temperature than the waste solvent. Distilled solvent is delivered to a drying column and final filters for removal of any other foreign materials. The modular solvent reprocessing system to reclaim/recycle high purity solvents on-site at a manufacturing facility. A system includes a pumpless pressurized tank solvent transfer units, storage tanks, liquid-liquid extraction column, distillation columns, submicron filtration units, and water and acid adsorption columns arranged as necessary to produce ultra-high purity solvents from waste solvent streams. The systems are packaged in modular assemblies with secondary containment to meet U.S. EPA requirements.

Abstract: A sterilizing mechanism for flexible material such as fabrics resulting in a waste material which is sanitary and disposable in traditional trash mechanisms without posing any biological hazards. The invention utilizes ozone in a bathing and agitating process to sterilize. An initial step utilizes detergent with ozone to further enhance the process. The resulting liquid bath is non-hazardous and is disposable through traditional means such as sewer disposal. In the preferred embodiment, the drum holding the contaminated material is pressurized and chilled to increase the effectiveness of the ozone in the sterilizing process.

Abstract: A system for decontaminating waste water produced during dry cleaning operations wherein the waste water contains dry cleaning solvent and particulate contaminants, the system comprising: a storage tank including an inlet through which the waste water is introduced into the storage tank and walls defining a settling chamber having a bottom sediment zone, wherein at least a portion of the dry cleaning solvent and particulate contaminants in the waste water settle by gravity to form a sediment in the sediment zone and provide partially decontaminated waste water which contains reduced amounts of the dry cleaning solvent and particulate contaminants; pump means for removing the partially decontaminated waste water from the settling chamber; particulate filter means for removing substantially all of the particulates remaining in the partially decontaminated waste water to provide particulate free waste water; solvent filter means for removing substantially all of the dry cleaning solvent remaining in the particul

Abstract: A cleaning process for industrial rags to remove petroleum-based solvents in an environmentally safe manner comprises a series of steps. The industrial rags are initially subjected to high speed forces in a rotary drum to physically extract liquid solvent. The high speed extraction step is conducted while preferably maintaining a temperature within the drum of below the flash point of the petroleum-based solvent. Next, the rags are tumbled while being subjected to intermittent forced blasts of cold air and hot air to vaporize solvent remaining in the rags. The vapors are routed from the drum and condensed. The extracted liquid solvent and condensed solvent vapors are both routed to a waste solvent collection line. The industrial rags are finally cleaned with a dry cleaning solvent and dried to produce clean rags suitable for reuse.

Abstract: A dry cleaning system and method includes having a rotatable basket therein for receiving to-be-cleaned clothing articles. A fluid circulating system provides for the circulation filtering and cleaning of dry cleaning solvent through the cleaning basket and clothes therein. An air circulating system includes a motor driven fan together with a solvent recovery station utilized to pass heated air through the basket and clothing therein to extract the solvent therefrom. A steam injection system is periodically operated during the drying and reduction portions of the dry cleaning cycle to improve the efficiency of solvent recovery and increase the effectiveness of the dry cleaning system.

Abstract: A method is designed to treat the effluent from a commercial laundry facility. Commercial laundry facilities produce typically a relatively clean effluent produced by washing clothing, towels and the like. The same laundry facility can also produce an oily effluent from washing shop towels, mops and the like. The effluent produced by the commercial laundry is all subjected to a particulate filtration and heat exchanger. The nonoily effluent is then directed to the sanitary drain. The oily effluent is treated with a demulsifier to break down the oil/water emulsion and is subsequently transferred to a oil/water separator. This permits the capacity of the oil/water separator to be approximately 1/3 to 1/4 of that which would be required to treat all effluent in the laundry.

Abstract: Distillation chamber for extracting solvent from sludge, in particular for dry-cleaning machines, having a bottom shaped like a half-cylinder with a horizontal axis. The bottom is provided, in a downward position, at one end, with an outlet for extracting dried sludge. A shaft is axially and rotatably mounted in the chamber and spatula-like sectors, suitable for stirring the sludge and for pushing it toward the outlet upon the rotation of the shaft, are fixed to the shaft itself.

Abstract: Controlled heating unit for extracting solvent from sludge by distillation, in particular for dry-cleaning machines, having a sludge tank with a flattened shape which is arranged at the base of a sealed box-like chamber and above which inlets for microwaves generated by a microwave source are present, a mixer for the sludge to be treated, at least one sludge temperature sensor which switches off the microwave source when the sludge reaches a temperature which is proximate to the degradation temperature of the solvent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a technique which comprises the steps of stopping the rotation of a treating durm in a deodorizing step, introducing the outside air into a treating tank through an upper opening provided in the upper portion of the treating tank or the upper portion of a recovery air duct, simultaneously exhausting a solvent gas from the treating tank through a lower opening provided in the lower portion of the treating tank or a button trap portion so slowly as not to agitate the solvent gas in the treating tank by an exhaust means connected to a solvent recovery device in the condition that the treating drum is stopped, in order to replace the solvent gas in the treating tank with the outside air, and reusing the solvent gas through the solvent recovery device once or several times. In addition, the present invention is further directed to an improvement of the above-mentioned technique.

Abstract: Both an apparatus and method for water washing garments in order to remove particulate radioactive contaminants therefrom is disclosed herein. The apparatus generally comprises a washing machine having a wash-water inlet, a rinse-water inlet, a circulation inlet, a water outlet and a particulate removal system connected between the circulation inlet and the water outlet of the washing machine for circulating water introduced into the washing machine between two and three times through a filtration bank while the machine washes or rinses the garments. The apparatus also includes a hydraulically closed wash-water system having a polished wash-water reservoir connected to the wash-water inlet of the washing machine, as well as a hydraulically closed rinse-water system having a polished rinse-water reservoir connected to the rinse-water inlet of the machine. Both the wash-water system and the rinse-water system also have water polishers for removing dissolved radionucleides from the clothing.

Abstract: There are disclosed a dry cleaning method and apparatus using organic solvents in which two types of solvents melted to each other, one of which is a solvent (for example, perchloroethylene or 1.1.1 trichloroethane) having large washing power and the other of which is a solvent (for example, fleon R113 or terpene) having high safety for clothes can be simultaneously possessed and mixed to a predetermined mixture ratio in the range in which the respective characteristics of both the solvents do not interfere with each other by a fractionating device of the solvents, whereby almost all materials for clothes can be cleaned.With the structure, a single dry cleaner can clean almost all material for clothes and can increase the generality greatly as compared with the prior art cleaner.

Abstract: A transfer system for transferring textile articles laden with solvent from a solvent cleaning machine to a solvent reclaiming machine in a manner that significantly reduces the emission of solvent vapor to the atmosphere. An enclosed transfer vehicle includes a transportable basket, a flexible shroud covering the basket and a pair of sealed gloves for manipulating the machine access doors and the articles being transferred. A frame to which the shroud is attached includes an opening configured to match-up with the access opening of the cleaning/reclaiming machine and a closure for the opening. A collet is attached to either the transfer vehicle or each of the machines in a manner to be positioned between the vehicle opening and the machine access door to seal the interface. The collet is connected with a vapor recovery unit to recover vapors emitted by the articles while being transferred to the vehicle.

Abstract: A dry cleaning solvent recovery and filtering system includes a dry cleaning solvent tank containing solvent for use in a dry cleaning machine. A filtration path from the tank includes a centrifugal separator for removing coarse debris and a filter element for removing fine debris from the solvent fluid. The filter element includes a perforated metal cylinder, having an open mouth, with a Teflon.RTM. coated screen forming the interior debris collection surface. A rinsing spray nozzle situated at the mouth of the filter element directs a fluid spray under pressure against the collection surface in the same direction that debris contaminated solvent fluid flows therethrough. The pressure of the fluid spray is sufficient to dislodge fine debris adhered to the collection surface without forcing the debris into the perforations of the filter element.

Abstract: A cleaning system includes a liquid heating system utilizing heat from the cooling air and the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine. A heat pump driven by the engine is utilized to extract heat from the cooling air and impart that heat to a first heat exchanger. A second heat exchanger is associated with the exhaust gases for extracting heat therefrom. Liquid to be heated is conveyed through said first and second heat exchangers.

Abstract: A transfer system for transferring textile articles laden with solvent from a solvent cleaning machine to a solvent reclaiming machine in a manner that significantly reduces the emission of solvent vapor to the atmosphere. An enclosed transfer vehicle includes a transportable basket, a flexible shroud covering the basket and a pair of sealed gloves for manipulating the machine access doors and the articles being transferred. A frame to which the shroud is attached includes an opening configured to match-up with the access opening of the cleaning/reclaiming machine and a closure for the opening. A collet is attached to either the transfer vehicle or each of the machines in a manner to be positioned between the vehicle opening and the machine access door to seal the interface. The collet is connected with a vapor recovery unit to recover vapors emitted by the articles while being transferred to the vehicle.

Abstract: Both an apparatus and method for water washing garments and removing radioactive contaminates therefrom without the generation of liquid effluents is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a washing machine unit having a wash water inlet, a rinse water inlet and an outlet conduit, and a hydraulically closed wash water system. The wash water system in turn includes a reservoir of filtered and demineralized water connected to the wash water inlet, a particulate filter unit connected to the outlet conduit for removing particulate impurities from the wash water discharged through the conduit, and a water polisher connected between the particulate filtration unit and the reservoir for supplying the reservoir with filtered and demineralized and chemically purified water.