Abstract: A method for preventing the adhesion of scale on the sealing mechanism of a high pressure steamer in a process of continuous scouring of a long cloth therein, which comprises washing the cloth to be subjected to scouring with the use of weak acidic water with a pH of 5-6 outside of the steamer body, passing the thus washed cloth through the sealing mechanism of the steamer body, and then applying a scouring agent solution to the cloth in the interior of the steamer body. A durable sealing mechanism can be offered by preventing the damage of the sealing mechanism.

Abstract: Garments contaminated with radioactive, toxin, biological and/or chemical contaminants are deposited in a cleaning drum and the drum is agitated during a wash cycle. A dry cleaning solvent is added to the drum during the initial wash cycle and then drained to a distillation means. Within the distillation means, there is a neutralizing agent which deactivates the biological and toxin contaminants and chemically breaks down the chemical contaminants removed with the dry cleaning solvent from the cleaning drum. Dry cleaning solvent is then continuously added to the drum during the secondary wash cycle and continuously removed from the drum. After the dry cleaning solvent is removed from the drum, and before it is pumped back to the drum, the dry cleaning solvent is filtered to remove remaining trace particulate contaminants. The dry cleaning solvent is also passed through an absorber where remaining trace chemical contaminants dissolves in the dry cleaning solvent are removed.

Abstract: A process for removing silicones from fibers, yarns or two-dimensional textile materials by the action of aqueous preparations, which may contain surface active equilibration catalysts for organosiloxanes, and optionally detergents, wetting agents and alkali carbonates, optionally at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A method of continuously sequentially coating polyester with copper and silver which utilizes as a key step in the process the use of a wetter solution containing alcohol, a detergent and an ethylene oxide and propylene oxide copolymer surfactant. The filaments are in the form of multi-filament tows, roving, woven tape or fabric and the steps involve immersing the filaments in a sodium hydroxide trisodium phosphate cleaning solution, followed by a water rinse and the immersion in the wetter solution, followed by water rinse and then followed by an etch in hydrogen peroxide, followed by a commercial palladium chloride/stannous chloride catalytic activator, followed by a hydrochloric acid immersion, followed by commercial autocatalytic copper plating as a first copper plating step, followed by a subsequent copper plating step from a copper cyanide bath, followed by a conventional silver plating step, with appropriate water rinses after each of the plating steps, and finally with an alcohol rinse and drying.

Abstract: A method of continuously sequentially coating polyamide filaments with copper and silver which utilizes as a key step in the process the use of a wetter solution containing alcohol, a detergent and an ethylene oxide and propylene oxide copolymer surfactant. The filaments are in the form of multi-filament tows, roving, woven tape or fabric and the steps involve immersing the filaments in a sodium hydroxide trisodium phosphate cleaning solution, followed by a water rinse and then immersion in the wetter solution, followed by water rinse and then followed by a conventional commercial pre-activator, then a commercial palladium chloride/stannous chloride catalytic activator, followed by commercial autocatalytic copper plating as a first copper plating step, followed by a subsequent copper plating step from a copper cyanide bath, followed by a conventional silver plating step, with appropriate water rinses after each of the plating steps, and finally with an alcohol rinse and drying.

Abstract: A method of preparation of fiberglass filaments for subsequent coating with metal wherein the fiberglass filaments first are immersed in a wetter solution containing alcohol, a detergent, and an ethylene oxide and propylene oxide copolymer surfactant. Following this treatment the filaments may be treated with conventional palladium chloride or tin chloride activators, followed by treatment with an acid accelerator and then autocatalytically coated with metals such as copper, gold, palladium, cobalt, nickel, and nickel alloys of phosphorus, boron, or tungsten. A second electroplating or immersion plating step may be included where the metal-coated filaments are electroplated or immersion plated with either the same metal, or a different metal taken from the group consisting of nickel, silver, zinc, cadmium, platinum, iron, cobalt, chromium, tin, lead, rhodium, ruthenium, or iridium.

Abstract: A fiber processability-improving agent comprising a salt of (meth-)acrylic acid and/or maleic acid (co-)polymer is provided. This agent has an average molecular weight of up to 10,000 and is useful for improving dyeability and scouring properties of fibers to realize a level dyeing and an excellent hand.

Abstract: Skins, hides and pelts are effectively degreased under mild conditions prior to tanning, in the presence of an organic primary, secondary or tertiary amine having surface-active properties and containing at least one lipophilic residue and at least one ethylene oxide unit, optionally in admixture with a non-ionic emulsifier.

Abstract: The invention concerns a wool washing arrangement whereby the washings are divided into a wool-wax containing line and two sludge-containing lines of which the first sludge containing line contains wax-bearing sludge and the second contains wax-free sludge, the first sludge is treated for separation of the wax and the sludge and the second for separation of the sludge, the supernatant liquor from the latter being mixed with at least a portion of a flow containing a high concentration of soluble salts.

Abstract: A bath for the simultaneous desizing and bleaching of fabrics comprising hydrogen peroxide, a sequestering agent, an amylase, a surfactant, and a buffer consisting essentially of sodium tetraborate decahydrate. Also, the method for the simultaneous desizing and bleaching a fabric comprising saturating a fabric with the above destarching and bleaching bath, maintaining the saturated fabric for a time and at a temperature sufficient to desize and bleach to the desired degree, and washing the fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating heavy solids from an effluent, for example wool scouring effluent, comprising a tank having a solids discharge outlet at its base and an ultra-sonic sensor located at a predetermined distance from this outlet. Means responsive to the output of the sensor, for example a solonoid controled valve, are provided for opening the discharge outlet when the solids concentration exceeds the preset limit. Preferably, a secondary settlement tank immediately below and directly communicating with the main tank is provided and the discharge outlet, controlled by a suitable valve, is at the base of the secondary tank. The secondary tank has a zone offset from the main solid flow in which the sensor may be located in order that large aggregates of solids do not lead to spurious operation of the sensor.

Abstract: A method for desizing, scouring and/or bleaching and/or mercerizing textile fabrics by foaming a composition containing an appropriate desizing, bleaching or scouring agent and a foam system to a blow ratio from about 2:1 to 30:1 and a foam density in the range from about 0.5 g/cc to 0.033 g/cc. The foam is applied to the surface of the fabric in a uniform thickness and is then collapsed and forced through the fabric. The fabric is then batched to allow the particular desizing agent, bleaching agent, scouring agent or mercerizing agent to be effective and then the fabric is rinsed. With the inventive process, a substantial reduction in the liquid volume normally required for such treatments as well as improved end results are obtained.

Abstract: 1-Phenyl- and -benzyl-2,2-dichloro-cyclopropanes of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 denotes a hydrogen atom or a methyl, ethyl, propyl, methoxy or ethoxy group,R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 independently of one another represent hydrogen atoms or methyl, ethyl or propyl groups, n is 0 or 1, andthe total number of the carbon atoms in the molecule is at most about 15, and preferably at most about 12,are employed as scents in the cosmetic and home hygiene fields.

Abstract: In wool scouring systems in which scouring liquor is continuously withdrawn from the scouring bowls for separation of solid contaminants and wool grease and then recycled to the bowls, improved separation of solids is achieved by adding a soluble silicate, and preferably also a polyelectrolyte to the liquor before solids separation. Silicate can advantageously replace soda as scouring agent. Improved operation can also be obtained by controlled flow down from the circulatory system, as at 27, and by passing the jet phase from a disc centrifuge 17 to a decanter centrifuge 15 for further separation of solids. Alternatively, the entire liquor circulation may be passed first to the disc centrifuge and only the jet phase to the decanter, the middle liquor phase being recycled.

Abstract: A new type of scoured animal hair material, in which the animal hair retains therein 1 to 3% by weight of a residual soapy substance and 0.3 to 5% by weight of a residual fatty substance, is prepared by scouring a greasy animal hair material in the form of opened loose fibers having a density of 0.007 to 0.04 g/cm.sup.3, with a scouring liquid comprising at least one organic solvent selected from 1,1,1-trichloroethane and methylene chloride and 0.1 to 10%, based on the weight of the scouring liquid, of a raw animal hair grease which has been extracted from the same type of greasy animal hair as that to be scoured, while moving either one or both of the animal hair material and the scouring liquid in relation to each other at a relative speed of 3 to 60 m/min.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for treating and processing textile materials which comprises contacting said textile materials with an aqueous composition containing a low-foaming, nonionic surfactive agent having a block-random structure represented by the formula:R--O--Ax--B--Hwhere R is a primary alkyl group having from 7 to 11 carbon atoms; A is oxypropylene groups; x is an integer of from 3 to about 15 and B is a random mixture of oxyethylene and oxypropylene groups having a molar ratio of oxyethylene to oxypropylene of from about 2:1 to about 5:1.

Abstract: Esters of lower aliphatic dibasic acids and fatty alcohol alkoxylates have been prepared having excellent low-foaming and scouring properties.

Abstract: Chemical bleaching pretreatment processes are provided for cotton goods and other cellulosic materials which have the effect of enhancing the bleached cloth whiteness levels and/or reducing the bleaching time or intensity. The goods may be pretreated by intimately contacting them, as by immersion in a bath, in an alkaline scour solution having a pH of 10 to 14 and a temperature of 160.degree.-212.degree. F. for from 5 seconds to 31/2 minutes. A second and separate pretreatment involves immersing the goods in such an alkaline scour solution and, immediately prior or subsequent thereto, in an acid solution having a pH less than about 3 at a temperature in the range 45.degree. to 212.degree. F. for from 1 to 10 seconds. Optionally, either the alkaline scour pretreatment or the combination acid/alkaline scour pretreatment may be preceded by an up to 31/2 minute water dip or rinse in water ranging from just above ambient to 212.degree. F.

Abstract: A method and compositions for pre-laundering treatment of fabrics for stain removal are disclosed. The compositions comprise 25-100% of an ester of a short chain alcohol and a fatty acid and 0-75% of a surfactant.

Abstract: A hot-melt warp yarn size composition and a method for applying, desizing, and disposing of it which essentially eliminates atmospheric and water pollution at all stages of the process. The size is a melt blend of ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer with microcrystalline, paraffin, or hydrogenated tallow wax. It is applied as a melt to warp yarn, desized with hot petroleum solvent, and the extracted size and unrecovered solvent burned to non-polluting carbon dioxide and water.

Abstract: Garments are deposited in a cleaning drum and the drum is agitated during a wash cycle. A dry cleaning solvent is continuously added to the drum during the wash cycle and continuously removed from the drum during the wash cycle to flush the radioactive particulate material separated from the garments into a sump. The solvent is pumped from the sump for addition to the drum during the wash cycle and the pumped solvent is filtered to remove substantially all of the radioactive particulate material suspended in the solvent.The apparatus for decontaminating the radioactive garments comprises a sump for supporting a dry cleaning solvent. A drum for supporting the radioactively contaminated garments during a wash cycle which separates the radioactive particulate material from the garments means are provided for continuously pumping the dry cleaning solvent from the sump to the drum and for continuously removing the solvent and separated particulate material from the drum into the sump.

Abstract: Process for anti-redeposition of staining substances on textiles of natural, synthetic or artificial fibers or mixtures thereof in the course of operations of dry cleaning or de-oiling by means of suitably stabilized perchloroethylene comprising incorporating into the perchloroethylene a sufficient amount of at least one nitroalkane containing from 1 to 4 atoms, as an anti-redeposition additive.

Abstract: In the process of washing and cleaning rawhides and fur skins before tanning comprising subjecting rawhides and fur skins to the action of an aqueous solution containing (1) surface-active compounds selected from the group consisting of anionic surface-active compounds, nonionic surface-active compounds and mixtures thereof, (2) emulsifiable solvents for fats and (3) electrolytes, removing said aqueous solution, rinsing, and recovering washed and cleaned rawhides and fur skins, the improvement consisting essentially of employing a fine-particulate, water-insoluble alkali metal aluminosilicate, containing bound water, of the formula(M.sub.2 O).sub.x.Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.(SiO.sub.2).sub.ywherein M represents an alkali metal, x is an integer from 0.7 to 1.5 and y is an integer from 0.8 to 6, said aluminosilicates having an average particle size in the range of from 0.1 to 25.mu. and a calcium binding power of from 20 to 200 mg CaO/gm of anhydrous active substance measured at 22.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention relates to primary processing of animal hides and more particularly to methods for cleansing cattle hides and to apparatus for carrying out same. According to the proposed method, washing, soaking and removal of dung from the surface of the hides are carried out simultaneously and continuously under copious irrigation of the moving hides with water and the hides are then clamped in position essentially along the axis of movement, while the removal of dung is effected by carding their hair covering and subsequent removal of surface moisture.

Abstract: Cellulose fiber textiles are whitened by boiling in an aqueous alkaline solution containing 0.1 to 10% by weight of a hydrazine phosphonate or a hydrazine alkali phosphonate.

Abstract: A process for reducing the pollutant concentration of effluent liquor from wool-scouring operations. The suint concentration of scouring liquor is allowed to build up to a point where suspended dirt and grease particles are destabilized and hence more efficiently removed by centrifugation. The centrifuged liquor is then recycled for further wool-scouring. Apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Article and process for cleaning grain or suede leather surfaces. The process comprises rubbing over the surface to be cleaned a semi-solid article formed from a substantially uniform mixture of a rubber-type material, a liquid plasticizer/solvent for this material, and inorganic, finely divided particulate filler. An optional preferred ingredient is a thickener to reduce cold flow. Another optional preferred ingredient is a finely divided pigment to impart a uniform shade to the article. The article is formulated to be sufficiently yielding to avoid damage to the soiled surface of the material that is to be cleaned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a carpet on location without removing the carpet to a cleaning plant, the method comprising washing the carpet on location with an alkaline solution and neutralizing the alkaline residue left on the carpet after washing by blowing a spray of an acid solution under pressure into the washed carpet and removing the blown acid solution from the carpet after blowing by drawing a vacuum over the washed and blown carpet. The washing step also comprises blowing a heated spray of the alkaline solution under pressure into the carpet and removing the blown alkaline solution and loosened dirt from the carpet after blowing by drawing a vacuum over the blown carpet.

Abstract: Emulsifier-solvent scour compositions which are stable at elevated temperatures when incorporated into aqueous caustic media for treatment of textile materials. The scour compositions comprise an inert organic solvent media containing:A. 5 to 35% of at least one phosphate ester of an ethoxylated and/or propoxylated C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 aliphatic or aromatic alcohol;B. 1 to 10% of at least one C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 carboxylic acid of salt thereof; andC. 4 to 20% of eitherI. at least one member from the group of sulfonated fatty acids or salts thereof, ethoxylated and/or propoxylated C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 carboxylic acid or glyceride, sulfonated alkyl diphenyl oxide or salts thereof, or substituted imidazoline; orIi. at least one of an ethoxylated and/or propoxylated C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 aliphatic or aromatic alcohol, amine or mercaptan; a sulfonated alkyl benzene, condensation products or salts thereof; or a fatty diethanol amide obtained from reacting diethanolamine with a C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 fatty acid or ester.

Abstract: A processing aid is used to improve worsted and woolen processes. In the worsted process, pretreatment of wool tops with the processing aid prior to dyeing preserves fiber strength and softness. In the woolen process, addition of the processing aid to the carbonizing bath permits reduction in sulfuric acid concentration, enhances destruction of vegetable matter, and produces whiter, cleaner fiber and preserves fiber strength. If desired, the processing aid may also be introduced in the final rinse after wool scouring in either worsted or woolen processes. The preferred processing agent is epoxidized chain extended polyamide.

Abstract: New stable stain removing compositions are provided which contain 15 to 35 percent by weight of an anionic surfactant, optionally 3 to 25 percent by weight of a water-insoluble alcohol containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms, 3 to 25 percent by weight of pine oil, of a reaction product of a fatty acid containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms and sorbitol, and/or of at least one alkylene oxide adduct of the formula RO(CH.sub.2 CHR.sub.1 O).sub.n H or of an ester of the formula Z'COOR.sub.2, wherein R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical of 12 to 18 carbon atoms, R' is an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical of 7 to 17 carbon atoms, R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl, R.sub.2 is ##STR1## or --CH.sub.2 CHOHCH.sub.2 OH, and n is an interger from 1 to 12, the amount of components (2) and (3) together being at least 12 percent by weight, and 30 to 73 percent by weight of water.These agents provide excellent cleaning and dispersing power and are particularly adapted to use in cleaning or combined cleaning (washing) and dyeing processes.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polyglycol ethers of formula I,r--c.sub.2 h.sub.4 o).sub.x --C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O.sub.y --C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.z --H-- Iin which R is alkoxy of 8 to 24 carbon atoms,X has a value of 9 to 10Y has a value of 12 to 17AndZ has a value of 8 to 12.The new compounds have a number of uses in the dyeing and printing industries, for example as scouring and washing agents.

Abstract: Emulsifier-solvent scour compositions which are stable at elevated temperatures when incorporated into aqueous caustic media for treatment of textile materials. The scour compositions comprise an inert organic solvent media containing:(a) 5 to 35% of at least one phosphate ester of an ethoxylated and/or propoxylated C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 aliphatic or aromatic alcohol;(b) 1 to 10% of at least one C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 carboxylic acid or salt thereof; and(c) 4 to 20% of either(i) at least one member from the group of sulfonated fatty acids or salts thereof, ethoxylated and/or propoxylated C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 carboxylic acid or glyceride, sulfonated alkyl diphenyl oxide or salts thereof, or substituted imidazoline; or(ii) at least one of an ethoxylated and/or propoxylated C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 aliphatic or aromatic alcohol, amine or mercaptan; a sulfonated alkyl benzene, condensation products or salts thereof; or a fatty diethanol amide obtained from reacting diethanolamine with a C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 fatty acid or ester.

Abstract: A process for scouring, desizing and bleaching cotton greige goods comprises the steps of immersing the goods for a time sufficient to achieve commercial brightness in an aqueous solution have a temperature in the range from 100.degree. to 212.degree. F and consisting of from 0.3 to 70% by volume hydrogen peroxide, water and sufficient hydroxide to adjust the solution to a pH in the alkaline range, the solution being substantially free of heavy metal ions and maintained out of contact with all metals while the goods are immersed therein and cycling a portion of the solution through a filtration means to remove solid impurities therefrom while maintaining the volume, composition and pH of the solution in contact with the goods substantially the same. Preferably, the process is conducted as a simultaneous scouring, desizing and bleaching process in a temperature range 160.degree. to 212.degree.

Abstract: An improved process for treating wool scouring wastes liquors in which the waste liquors are first cooled before acid and collodial bentonite are added; then the flocculated liquor is reheated to a temperature in the range of 130.degree. to 150.degree. to separate the waste liquor into a supernatent liquor and a settled drainable sludge and finally dewatering the settled sludge by centrifugal separation.

Abstract: Warp textile sizes comprising interpolymers of vinyl esters are recovered by extraction of the interpolymer from woven cloth with an aqueous solvent to form an aqueous solution of the interpolymer. The interpolymmer is precipitated from the aqueous solution by adjusting the alkali metal ion concentration of the solution within defined limits and adding acid to reduce the pH to the range of 1 to 3. The precipitated polymer is isolated from the supernatant solution and is reused by dissolving it in an aqueous base to yield a sizing solution.

Abstract: A fabric treating composition for use in preventing the staining of fabrics consisting essentially of an aqueous solution of a complexing acid and a cationic fabric softening agent, the complexing acid and the softening agent being present in amounts so that on dilution with water the complexing acid comprises from 0.01 to 0.1% by weight of the dilution and the softening agent comprises from 0 to 0.1% of the dilution.

Abstract: The pilling propensity of knit fabric from polyester staple fiber can be reduced by scouring the fabric at a temperature in the range of about 160.degree. to 205.degree. F. for from about 15 to 60 minutes in a 0.3 to 1.0% aqueous caustic solution containing about 0.001 to 0.1% of a quaternary ammonium salt of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is an alkylene radical of 2 to 3 carbon atoms, R' is H or phenyl, R" is a C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 hydrocarbon radical, x is 2 or 3, y is 0 to 3, and Z.sup.- is an anion, preferably the dimethyl sulfate quaternary ammonium salt of bis(hydroxy-tri-1,2-propyleneoxy-2-ethyl)tallowamine. After scouring, the fabric is normally rinsed, neutralized, rinsed again and dried.