Methods for carbon dioxide dry cleaning with integrated distribution
US6248136A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 19, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06L1/02
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention provides a dry cleaning process that facilitates distribution of detergent and solvent and (optionally) facilitates recovery of cleaning by-products in conjunction with the cleaning of articles at a dry cleaning facility. The proces comprises the steps of: (a) receiving from a source a dry cleaning solvent at the dry cleaning facility, the solvent consisting essentially of carbon dioxide; (b) receiving a concentrated detergent formulation (preferably a liquid formulation) at the cleaning facility; (c) accepting from customers soiled articles to be cleaned at the cleaning facility; (d) mixing the dry cleaning solvent and the concentrated detergent formulation to provide a dry cleaning formulation comprised of from 30 or 40 to 99 percent by weight of carbon dioxide solvent; (e) cleaning the articles in a cleaning apparatus to produce cleaned articles; (f) at least periodically distilling the dry cleaning formulation to produce a still residue comprising surfactant and soil; and then (g) returning the cleaned articles to the customers. Optionally but preferably, the process further comprises the step of: (h) returning the still residue to a waste collector or rep…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.