Processing apparatus, processing method, and method for manufacturing textile products

Abstract

To provide a processing apparatus, a processing method, and a method for manufacturing textile products that enable highly efficient cleaning and allow for good supercritical treatment of the material to be treated under clean conditions. [Solution] The processing apparatus 1 is a device that processes a material to be processed 9 using a supercritical fluid, and is characterized by comprising: a supercritical processing tank 10 that performs supercritical processing by bringing the supercritical fluid and the material to be processed 9 into contact; a circulation circuit 20 that circulates the supercritical fluid contained in the supercritical processing tank 10; a circulation pump 22 provided on the circulation circuit 20; first branch circuits 32 and 33 that branch off from the circulation circuit 20; a first circuit switching unit 34 that switches between the circulation circuit 20 and the first branch circuits 32 and 33; and a washing tank 30 connected to the first branch circuits 32 and 33 and having an adsorbent 31 that removes impurities from the supercritical fluid or fluids derived therefrom.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing apparatus, a processing method, and a method for producing a fiber product. [[Background Art]]

[0002] As a method of coloring a fiber product by dyeing processing or adding functions by functional processing, a method of immersing the fiber product in an aqueous solution or solvent containing a dye or a functional agent has been conventionally used. However, consumption of a large amount of water and discharge of contaminated wastewater and organic solvents after processing pose a problem of high environmental load.

[0003] Accordingly, dyeing processing and functional processing using a supercritical fluid that do not use a large amount of water or solvents have attracted attention. Supercritical fluids are excellent in diffusivity and solubility, and thus can be excellent solvents in dyeing processing and functional processing for fiber products.

[0004] Meanwhile, in dyeing processing and functional processing using a supercritical fluid, it is necessary to remove impurities such as dyes, treatment agents and by-products remaining in the supercritical treatment tank and in the circuit when changing dyeing colors or switching processing types. This is because these impurities may adversely affect products in subsequent treatments. Accordingly, processing apparatuses provided with a cleaning function have been proposed.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning apparatus including an autoclave, a circulation path for circulating a supercritical fluid, a circulation pump disposed on the circulation path, and a supply pump for supplying a dye-free supercritical fluid to the circulation path. In this cleaning apparatus, after completion of dyeing, a dye-free supercritical fluid is continuously introduced into the autoclave, whereby the dye concentration of the supercritical fluid can be gradually reduced and cleaning can be performed continuously. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0006] [[Patent Document 1]] International Publication No. 2012 / 105011 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, when cleaning with a supercritical fluid that does not contain dyes, a large amount of supercritical fluid is consumed until sufficient cleanliness is achieved. This results in high cleaning costs, which is a problem. Furthermore, impurities are introduced into the supercritical fluid as the cleaning progresses. As a result, the cleaning efficiency decreases as the cleaning progresses, and it becomes impossible to achieve sufficient cleanliness. If the cleanliness is insufficient, defects may occur in the next supercritical treatment.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and processing method that enables highly efficient cleaning and allows for good supercritical treatment of a material to be treated under clean conditions, as well as a method for manufacturing textile products that can produce high-quality textile products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The processing apparatus according to an example of the present invention is: A processing apparatus that uses a supercritical fluid to perform processing on a material to be processed, A supercritical treatment tank that performs supercritical treatment by bringing the supercritical fluid into contact with the material to be treated, A circulation circuit for circulating the supercritical fluid contained in the supercritical processing tank, A circulation pump provided on the aforementioned circulation circuit, A first branch circuit that branches off from the aforementioned circular circuit, A first circuit switching unit that switches between the aforementioned circulation circuit and the first branch circuit, A cleaning tank connected to the first branch circuit and having a removal material for removing impurities from the supercritical fluid or fluids derived therefrom, It is equipped with.

[0010] The processing method according to an example of the application of the present invention is: A process of performing supercritical treatment using an apparatus comprising: a supercritical treatment tank for performing supercritical treatment by bringing a supercritical fluid into contact with a material to be treated; a circulation circuit for circulating the supercritical fluid contained in the supercritical treatment tank; and a cleaning tank provided on the circulation circuit and having a removal material for removing impurities from the supercritical fluid; A step is provided after the supercritical treatment, in which the supercritical fluid or a fluid derived therefrom is circulated through the circulation circuit so as to pass through the washing tank, and washing is performed. It holds.

[0011] The method for manufacturing a textile product according to an example of the application of the present invention is: The present invention relates to a processing method comprising the step of applying dyeing or functional processing as a supercritical treatment to the material to be treated, which includes fibers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the apparatus and processing method of the present invention, highly efficient cleaning is possible, and good supercritical treatment can be performed on the material to be treated under clean conditions.

[0013] Furthermore, the method for manufacturing textile products according to the present invention makes it possible to manufacture high-quality textile products. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a list showing examples of processing conditions stored in the memory unit of Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a process diagram illustrating the processing method according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a process diagram that further explains the post-scouring, post-dyeing, and post-functional processing washing processes shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the processing apparatus according to the first modified example. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing the processing apparatus according to the second modified example. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing a part of a processing apparatus according to a third modification. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, the processing apparatus, processing method and method for manufacturing a textile product of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0016] 1. Processing Apparatus First, a processing apparatus according to an embodiment will be described.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 1, fluid paths are indicated by solid arrows, and electrical signal paths are indicated by broken arrows.

[0018] The processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus that performs supercritical processing on a material to be processed 9 using a supercritical fluid. Examples of the supercritical processing include various treatments such as scouring, desizing, dyeing, dye removal, functional processing and the like using a supercritical fluid, and treatments combining two or more of these. In such supercritical processing, since a supercritical fluid is used as a solvent, the usage amount of water and organic solvents can be kept low. This makes it possible to save water resources, reduce the amount of waste liquid, and reduce environmental load. In addition, the supercritical fluid is excellent in solubility and diffusivity, so when the material to be processed 9 contains, for example, fibers, it swells the fibers and injects a treatment agent into the fiber material. The treatment agent injected in this manner is unlikely to detach even after washing or the like, so the durability of dyeing and functional processing of the material to be processed 9 can be improved. Furthermore, the supercritical fluid can diffuse into the gaps between fibers and efficiently extract the extract.

[0019] In the following description, the processing apparatus 1 that performs scouring, dyeing, and functional processing, all of which are supercritical processing, will be described as an example.

[0020] The processing apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a supercritical treatment tank 10 for containing the material to be processed 9, a circulation circuit 20, a washing tank 30, an injection agent supply tank 40, an extractant supply tank 50, a fluid introduction unit 60, a separation tank 70, and a control unit 80.

[0021] 1.1. Supercritical Treatment Tank The supercritical treatment tank 10 is a container for housing the material to be treated 9, which is the object to be subjected to supercritical treatment. Examples of the material to be treated 9 include fibers, fabrics, and resin molded products. Examples of fibers include synthetic fibers such as polyester fibers, nylon fibers, acrylic fibers, and polypropylene fibers, and natural fibers such as cotton fibers, hemp fibers, silk fibers, and wool fibers. Examples of fabrics include woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, woven cloths, and nonwoven cloths containing these fibers. Examples of resin molded products include molded products made by molding the constituent materials of the aforementioned synthetic fibers. In addition, as shown in Figure 1, the material to be treated 9 may be wound on a bobbin 90 and housed together with the bobbin 90 in the supercritical treatment tank 10.

[0022] The supercritical fluid treatment tank 10, although not shown in the figure, has an inlet for introducing supercritical fluid and an outlet for releasing supercritical fluid from the inside. The supercritical fluid that flows in from the inlet flows radially from the central axis of the cylindrical bobbin 90. This increases the contact efficiency between the supercritical fluid and the fiber material 9 to be treated.

[0023] A supercritical fluid is a fluid in a supercritical state. The fluid is introduced into the supercritical treatment tank 10, for example, in a liquefied state. Examples of fluids include liquefied carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, ammonia, and alkanes such as ethane and propane. A supercritical state can be obtained by raising the pressure and temperature of these fluids above their critical points. Of these, liquefied carbon dioxide is preferably used as the fluid. Carbon dioxide is useful because it can reach a supercritical state relatively easily, has a critical pressure point of approximately 7.38 MPa and a critical temperature point of approximately 31.1°C, has low procurement costs, and is highly safe.

[0024] The supercritical fluid contains, if necessary, a treatment agent used in the supercritical treatment. In other words, the supercritical fluid functions as a solvent for dissolving the treatment agent. In this specification, the treatment agent refers to an injector injected into the material to be treated 9, an extractant used to extract extracts from the material to be treated 9, etc. In the supercritical treatment tank 10, the supercritical treatment is performed by bringing the supercritical fluid containing the treatment agent into contact with the material to be treated 9. Dissolution of the treatment agent is not essential, and the supercritical treatment may be performed using only the supercritical fluid.

[0025] The supercritical fluid processing tank 10 is equipped with a heater 12 (heating section), a thermometer 14, and a pressure gauge 16. The heater 12 adjusts the temperature of the supercritical fluid present in the supercritical fluid processing tank 10 by heating the inside of the tank. The thermometer 14 detects the temperature inside the supercritical fluid processing tank 10. The pressure gauge 16 detects the pressure inside the supercritical fluid processing tank 10.

[0026] 1.2. Circulation circuit The circulation circuit 20 is a flow path whose ends are connected to the outlet and inlet of the supercritical fluid treatment tank 10. The supercritical fluid that flows out from the outlet of the supercritical fluid treatment tank 10 passes through the circulation circuit 20 and is returned to the supercritical fluid treatment tank 10 from the inlet. By repeating this process, the supercritical fluid circulates in the circuit composed of the circulation circuit 20 and the supercritical fluid treatment tank 10.

[0027] A circulation pump 22 and a heater 24 (heating section) are provided on the circulation circuit 20.

[0028] The circulation pump 22 circulates the supercritical fluid present in the supercritical treatment tank 10 and the circulation circuit 20. The heater 24 adjusts the temperature of the supercritical fluid present in the circulation circuit 20 by heating the inside of the circulation circuit 20.

[0029] Furthermore, the processing unit 1 shown in Figure 1 includes a bypass circuit 27 and a bypass circuit switching unit 28.

[0030] The bypass circuit 27 is connected to the circulation circuit 20 and bypasses (circuits) the supercritical fluid treatment tank 10. By bypassing the supercritical fluid treatment tank 10, it is possible to disconnect the supercritical fluid treatment tank 10 from the circulation path of the supercritical fluid. As a result, as will be described later, when cleaning is performed using supercritical fluid, the circulation circuit 20 and the bypass circuit 27 can be cleaned efficiently.

[0031] The bypass circuit switching unit 28 switches the path of the supercritical fluid between the supercritical treatment tank 10 and the circulation circuit 20. The bypass circuit switching unit 28 shown in Figure 1 includes a valve 282 provided near the inlet of the supercritical treatment tank 10 on the circulation circuit 20, a valve 284 provided near the outlet of the supercritical treatment tank 10 on the circulation circuit 20, and a valve 286 provided on the bypass circuit 27.

[0032] 1.3. Washing Tank First branch circuits 32 and 33 branch off from the circulating circuit 20. A first circuit switching unit 34 is also provided on the circulating circuit 20. The first circuit switching unit 34 switches between the circulating circuit 20 and the first branch circuits 32 and 33.

[0033] The first branch circuits 32 and 33 are connected to the cleaning tank 30. Specifically, the first branch circuit 32 is connected to the inlet of the cleaning tank 30, and the first branch circuit 33 is connected to the outlet of the cleaning tank 30. When the path of the supercritical fluid circulating in the circulation circuit 20 is changed by the first circuit switching unit 34, it flows in the order of the first branch circuit 32, the cleaning tank 30, and the first branch circuit 33, and then returns to the circulation circuit 20.

[0034] The cleaning tank 30 has a removal material that removes impurities from the supercritical fluid. Examples of removal materials include those that have the function of adsorbing impurities and remove them through that function, those that have the function of filtering impurities and remove them through that function, and those that have a combination of both functions and remove impurities through that function.

[0035] The form of the removal material is preferably such that it has a large surface area in contact with the supercritical fluid in the washing tank 30. Specifically, examples include porous materials, mesh materials, cloth-like materials, perforated materials, granular packing materials, or combinations of two or more of these.

[0036] Examples of materials for the removal agent include various fiber materials, ceramic materials, metal materials, resin materials, etc., or composite materials combining two or more of these. Among these, examples of removal agents using fiber materials include synthetic fibers or their fabrics. Examples of synthetic fibers used in removal agents include fibers composed of synthetic resins such as polyester (polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene terephthalate, polynaphthalene terephthalate, etc.), polyolefin (polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.), polyamide (nylon 6, nylon 66, aramid, etc.), polyacrylic resins, and fluoropolymers. Examples of fabrics include woven fabrics and nonwoven fabrics. Because these have a large surface area and high uniformity, impurities can be removed efficiently. Furthermore, woven or nonwoven fabrics of polyester fibers are preferably used as removal agents, and nonwoven fabrics are more preferably used. Nonwoven fabrics of polyester fibers have excellent breathability and fluid permeability, which can reduce the flow resistance of supercritical fluids. This can increase the efficiency of impurity removal in the removal agent.

[0037] Furthermore, the removal material may contain a polymer adsorbent. Examples of polymer adsorbents include polymer compounds having a phenyl group or naphthyl group and ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, or a carbon-hydrogen chain having 8 to 20 carbon atoms as unit units. The molecular weight of the polymer adsorbent is preferably 20,000 or more. These polymer adsorbents remove impurities from the supercritical fluid by adsorbing them. The polymer adsorbent may, if necessary, be maintained coated on spherical objects such as the aforementioned fabric or glass beads.

[0038] Furthermore, the removal material may also have functions such as decomposing impurities or agglomerating impurities, in addition to the aforementioned functions of adsorbing and filtering impurities. This can further improve the efficiency of impurity removal.

[0039] Furthermore, functions for decomposing impurities or for agglomerating impurities may be provided in the washing tank 30, for example, or in another tank located upstream of the washing tank 30. In such cases, the same effects as when the removal material has the above-mentioned functions can be obtained. In particular, by providing the above-mentioned functions in the washing tank 30 or in another tank located upstream of the washing tank 30, the efficiency of impurity removal by the removal material can be further increased, and the lifespan of the removal material can be extended.

[0040] In the following explanation, we will use as an example the case in which an adsorbent 31, which has the function of adsorbing impurities and removes impurities through the action of this function, is used as the removal material.

[0041] In this specification, impurities refer to substances that inhibit supercritical fluid treatment. Specifically, these include excess injectants and extractants, extracts from the material to be treated 9, and by-products such as polyester oligomers. By adsorbing and removing these impurities in the washing tank 30, the cleanliness of the supercritical fluid can be increased. As a result of circulating the highly clean supercritical fluid, the processing equipment 1, including the supercritical fluid treatment tank 10 and the circulation circuit 20, can be efficiently cleaned, as well as the material to be treated 9. Consequently, the supercritical fluid treatment performed after cleaning can be carried out successfully under clean conditions.

[0042] The cleaning tank 30 may also be provided with a cleaning agent supply unit (not shown) as needed. The cleaning agent supply unit supplies a cleaning agent to the supercritical fluid or a fluid derived therefrom. A fluid derived from a supercritical fluid is a fluid that exists at a pressure and temperature lower than that of the supercritical fluid, such as a subcritical fluid. During cleaning, not only the supercritical fluid but also a fluid derived therefrom may be used. The cleaning agent is an additive added to the supercritical fluid, etc. Examples of cleaning agents include surfactants.

[0043] Surfactants are compounds that have a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part as their basic structure. Examples of the hydrophilic part include structures derived from polymers with molecular weights of 1,000 to 20,000, using ethylene oxide (EO), propylene oxide (PO), and butylene oxide (BO) as unit units, and structures derived from sugar chain compounds with molecular weights of 1,000 to 20,000. Examples of the hydrophobic part include structures derived from hydrocarbon chains with 8 to 20 carbon atoms, or compounds having a phenyl group or naphthyl group in part thereto.

[0044] Furthermore, in the washing after dyeing, detergents such as surfactants, reducing agents, and high-boiling point solvents are used. The detergent may be supplied in the washing tank 30 or in the extractant supply tank 50, which will be described later.

[0045] The first circuit switching unit 34 includes a valve 342 provided on the first branch circuit 32, a valve 344 provided on the first branch circuit 33, and a valve 346 provided on the circulation circuit 20. In this embodiment, the first circuit switching unit 34 has three valves 342, 344, and 346, but the configuration of the first circuit switching unit 34 is not limited to this, and for example, a multi-port valve that performs at least two functions from among the three valves 342, 344, and 346 may be used. Also, the "valve" described herein may be a manual valve, but it may also be an automatic valve such as a solenoid valve or an electric valve. In the latter case, opening and closing can be automated, which can contribute to labor saving.

[0046] Furthermore, the cleaning tank 30 and the separation tank 70 are connected via a valve 35. When the valve 35 is opened, the supercritical fluid remaining in the cleaning tank 30 is discharged into the separation tank 70.

[0047] In the processing apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1, the fluid that flows out of the washing tank 30 is configured to flow into the supercritical treatment tank 10 immediately afterward. This allows the supercritical fluid with the lowest impurity concentration to be supplied to the supercritical treatment tank 10 for cleaning. This improves the cleaning efficiency of both the supercritical treatment tank 10 and the material to be treated 9.

[0048] 1.4. Injector supply tank Second branch circuits 42 and 43 branch off from the circulating circuit 20. A second circuit switching unit 44 is also provided on the circulating circuit 20. The second circuit switching unit 44 switches between the circulating circuit 20 and the second branch circuits 42 and 43.

[0049] The second branch circuits 42 and 43 are connected to the injection material supply tank 40. Specifically, the second branch circuit 42 is connected to the inlet of the injection material supply tank 40, and the second branch circuit 43 is connected to the outlet of the injection material supply tank 40. When the path of the supercritical fluid circulating in the circulation circuit 20 is changed by the second circuit switching unit 44, it flows in the order of the second branch circuit 42, the injection material supply tank 40, and the second branch circuit 43, and then returns to the circulation circuit 20 again.

[0050] The injection agent supply tank 40 has an injection agent carrier 41 on which the injection agent is carried, in order to supply the injection agent to the supercritical fluid. The injection agent is supplied to the supercritical fluid when the supercritical fluid comes into contact with the injection agent carrier 41. Examples of the injection agent carrier 41 include synthetic fiber fabrics or glass beads to which powdered injection agent is attached. Examples of synthetic fibers used for the injection agent carrier 41 include polyester fibers, nylon fibers, polypropylene fibers, and cotton fibers. It is preferable that the surface of the fabric is napped. This increases the surface area of ​​the fabric and increases the amount of injection agent that can be carried. As a result, the efficiency of injection agent supply can be improved. The injection agent carrier 41 can also be stored in the injection agent supply tank 40 wound around a bobbin or the like, as needed.

[0051] Examples of injectable agents include dyes, functional processing agents, dispersants, surfactants, and reducing agents. In this specification, the process of injecting an injectable agent into the material to be treated 9 is referred to as the "injection process." In particular, an injection process using a dye as the injectable agent is also referred to as "dyeing," and an injection process using a functional processing agent is also referred to as "functional processing." Examples of dyes include disperse dyes and oil-soluble dyes. Examples of dye types include anthraquinone dyes, azobenzene dyes, and thiazole azo dyes. In dyeing, dispersants, surfactants, cosolvents, and bases may be used along with the dye. Examples of functional processing agents include processing agents that impart functionalities such as water repellency, hydrophilicity, flame retardancy, antibacterial properties, antiviral properties, cool-to-the-touch properties, moisture-absorbing and heat-generating properties, and stain resistance. In functional processing, cosolvents and bases may be used along with the functional processing agent.

[0052] The following describes specific examples of functional processing agents. Examples of functional processing agents include compounds having an anchor site and a functional site that directly or indirectly binds to the anchor site. The anchor site is a site introduced into the fiber by supercritical fluid treatment. On the other hand, the functional site is a site that protrudes or is exposed to the outside of the fiber.

[0053] The anchoring site is, for example, a polymer chain with a weight-average molecular weight Mw (hereinafter also simply referred to as "molecular weight Mw") of 1,000 to 20,000. Because the molecular weight Mw of the polymer chain is sufficiently large, using the polymer chain as the anchoring site firmly fixes the functional processing agent to the fiber. This makes it difficult for the functional processing agent to detach from the fiber.

[0054] The functional portion is preferably designed to have a low affinity for the fiber so that it protrudes or is exposed to the outside from the surface of the fiber. For example, if the fiber is hydrophobic, the functional portion is preferably hydrophilic.

[0055] These anchoring and functional parts are appropriately selected depending on the type of fibers contained in the material to be treated 9.

[0056] For example, if the material to be treated 9 contains synthetic resin fibers, the anchor portion preferably contains hydrophobic groups. This is because synthetic resin fibers are often hydrophobic. Examples of hydrophobic groups include linear and branched hydrocarbon groups having 3 or more carbon atoms (e.g., 3 to 30 carbon atoms). Examples of such hydrocarbon groups include linear or branched alkyl groups, linear or branched alkenyl groups, linear or branched alicyclic hydrocarbon groups, and biphenyl groups. Examples of alicyclic hydrocarbon groups include cyclohexyl groups, cyclopentyl groups, norbornene groups, and dicyclopentadiene groups.

[0057] Furthermore, when the synthetic resin fiber is particularly polypropylene fiber, the anchor portion preferably contains a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 3 or more carbon atoms (for example, 3 to 30 carbon atoms), a cyclohexyl group, or a cyclopentyl group, or the like.

[0058] Furthermore, when the synthetic resin fiber is a polyester fiber, it is preferable that the anchor portion includes a group having one or more aromatic rings (such as a phenyl group) or heterocycles, and a linear or branched hydrocarbon portion having 3 or more carbon atoms (for example, 3 to 30 carbon atoms), a cyclohexyl group, a cyclopentyl group, or the like, as well as other alicyclic hydrocarbon groups.

[0059] Furthermore, when the material to be treated 9 contains naturally derived fibers (cotton, silk, etc.) mainly composed of cellulose or protein, it is preferable that the anchor portion has a structure containing functional groups that can be covalently bonded to the fibers. Naturally derived fibers have functional groups such as hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, and amino groups. The functional groups of the fibers react with the functional groups of the precursor of the anchor portion to form a covalent bond, thereby more firmly immobilizing the functional processing agent to the fibers. Examples of functional groups of the precursor of the anchor portion include groups having a triazine ring and vinyl sulfonic acid groups. Examples of groups having a triazine ring include groups having a dichlorotriazine ring and groups having a monochlorotriazine ring.

[0060] Examples of functional groups include at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic groups, hydrophobic groups, flame-retardant functional groups, antibacterial functional groups, and antiviral functional groups. The molecular skeleton of conventional water-based fiber processing agents may be used as the backbone of the functional group.

[0061] Examples of hydrophilic groups include polyether chains such as polyethylene glycol groups and polypropylene glycol groups, monosaccharide residues such as glucose and galactose, disaccharide residues such as sucrose and mannose, polysaccharide residues such as starch and dextrin, or compound groups formed by linking these in any combination.

[0062] Examples of water-repellent groups include linear and branched hydrocarbon groups having 3 or more carbon atoms, linear and branched perfluorohydrocarbon groups having 4 or more carbon atoms, and linear and branched hydrocarbon groups having 3 or more carbon atoms in which some of the hydrogen atoms are replaced with fluorine.

[0063] Examples of functional groups that have flame-retardant properties include phosphate groups and their derivatives, boron compound groups, and the like.

[0064] Examples of groups having antibacterial or antiviral properties include compound groups containing quaternary ammonium groups, and compound groups containing metal complexes that include metal ions such as silver ions.

[0065] In the processing apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1, the injection agent carrier 41 is housed in an injection agent supply tank 40 located outside the supercritical processing tank 10. However, the arrangement of the injection agent carrier 41 is not limited to this, and it may, for example, be located inside the supercritical processing tank 10. In that case, for example, the injection agent may be wrapped in cloth or the like and placed adjacent to the material to be processed 9, or the aforementioned injection agent carrier 41 may be wound between the bobbin 90 and the material to be processed 9. Furthermore, when the injection agent is placed inside the supercritical processing tank 10 in this manner, the injection agent supply tank 40 and its associated circuits shown in Figure 1 may be omitted.

[0066] The second circuit switching unit 44 includes a valve 442 provided on the second branch circuit 42, a valve 444 provided on the second branch circuit 43, and a valve 446 provided on the circulation circuit 20. In this embodiment, the second circuit switching unit 44 has three valves 442, 444, and 446, but the configuration of the second circuit switching unit 44 is not limited to this, and for example, a multi-port valve that performs at least two functions from among the three valves 442, 444, and 446 may be used.

[0067] Furthermore, the injection material supply tank 40 and the separation tank 70 are connected via a valve 45. When the valve 45 is opened, the supercritical fluid remaining in the injection material supply tank 40 is discharged into the separation tank 70.

[0068] 1.5. Extractant supply tank Third branch circuits 52 and 53 branch off from the circulating circuit 20. A third circuit switching unit 54 is also provided on the circulating circuit 20. The third circuit switching unit 54 switches between the circulating circuit 20 and the third branch circuits 52 and 53.

[0069] The extractant supply tank 50 is connected to the third branch circuits 52 and 53. Specifically, the third branch circuit 52 is connected to the inlet of the extractant supply tank 50, and the third branch circuit 53 is connected to the outlet of the extractant supply tank 50. When the path of the supercritical fluid circulating in the circulation circuit 20 is changed by the third circuit switching unit 54, it flows in the order of the third branch circuit 52, the extractant supply tank 50, and the third branch circuit 53, and then returns to the circulation circuit 20 again.

[0070] The extractant supply tank 50 has an extractant supply unit 51 that supplies an extractant to a supercritical fluid in order to extract an extract from the material to be treated 9. The extractant supply unit 51 supplies the extractant to the supercritical fluid by coming into contact with the supercritical fluid. The extractant supply unit 51 is not particularly limited as long as it is a component capable of supplying an extractant.

[0071] The extractant is selected as appropriate depending on the extract. In this specification, the process of contacting the material to be treated 9 with an extractant to extract the extract is referred to as the "extraction process". In particular, the extraction process using a scouring agent as the extractant is also referred to as "scouring", the extraction process using a desizing agent is also referred to as "desizing agent", the extraction process using a dedying agent is also referred to as "dedying", and the extraction process using a cleaning agent is also referred to as "cleaning".

[0072] Scouring is a pre-treatment process for dyeing that extracts impurities such as dirt and deposits from fibers. Examples of scouring agents include bases and surfactants. Desizing agents are pre-treatment processes for dyeing that extract sizing agents from fibers. Note that sizing agents used in aqueous systems may not dissolve in supercritical carbon dioxide and may not be removed, so sizing agents specifically for supercritical carbon dioxide may be prepared. Examples of desizing agents for aqueous systems include agents that esterify or acylate the sizing agent to make it hydrophobic. Examples of de-dyeing agents include supercritical carbon dioxide containing surfactants. In this embodiment, the cleaning agent is supplied in the "washing tank 30," but the cleaning agent may also be supplied in the extractant supply tank 50.

[0073] The third circuit switching unit 54 includes a valve 542 provided on the third branch circuit 52, a valve 544 provided on the third branch circuit 53, and a valve 546 provided on the circulation circuit 20. In this embodiment, the third circuit switching unit 54 has three valves 542, 544, and 546, but the configuration of the third circuit switching unit 54 is not limited to this, and for example, a multi-port valve that performs at least two functions from among the three valves 542, 544, and 546 may be used.

[0074] Furthermore, the extractant supply tank 50 and the separation tank 70 are connected via a valve 55. When the valve 55 is opened, the supercritical fluid remaining in the extractant supply tank 50 is discharged into the separation tank 70.

[0075] The extractant supply tank 50 and its associated circuits may be provided as needed, but may be omitted.

[0076] Furthermore, in the processing apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1, the extractant supply tank 50 is located at the upstream end of the circulation circuit 20, and the washing tank 30 is located at the downstream end. These arrangements are not particularly limited and may differ from those in Figure 1.

[0077] 1.6. Fluid introduction section The fluid introduction section 60 includes a fluid tank 61, a tank-side valve 62, a flow meter 63, a supply pump 64, a preheating heater 65, and a processing tank-side valve 66.

[0078] The fluid tank 61 stores a fluid, such as carbon dioxide, in a liquid state. The tank-side valve 62 adjusts the flow rate of the fluid supplied from the fluid tank 61. The flow meter 63 detects the fluid flow rate. The supply pump 64 supplies fluid from the fluid tank 61 to the supercritical processing tank 10. The preheating heater 65 preheats the fluid supplied to the supercritical processing tank 10. Preheating prevents a rapid drop in temperature inside the supercritical processing tank 10 when fluid is supplied to it, making it easier to maintain the supercritical state. The processing tank-side valve 66 prevents backflow of fluid, such as from the supercritical processing tank 10 towards the fluid tank 61.

[0079] In this embodiment, the fluid introduction unit 60 is configured to introduce fluid into the supercritical treatment tank 10, but it may also be configured to introduce fluid into the circulation circuit 20.

[0080] 1.7. Separation tank The separation tank 70 is connected to the supercritical treatment tank 10 via a discharge valve 72. The separation tank 70 vaporizes the supercritical fluid discharged through the discharge valve 72 and separates it into vaporized fluid and impurities. The vaporized fluid is transported to the fluid tank 61. This allows the fluid to be reused. As a result, the cost of procuring the fluid and the environmental impact can be reduced. Meanwhile, the impurities, along with some of the fluid, are transported to the separated material recovery unit 74 via a valve 73. The separated material recovery unit 74 recovers the impurities. Known extraction techniques are used for this recovery. This allows the treatment agent in the impurities to be reused.

[0081] Furthermore, the processing apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1 includes a pressure relief tank 75 and a pressure relief valve 76. The pressure relief tank 75 releases the supercritical fluid in the supercritical processing tank 10 to the outside via the pressure relief valve 76. This reduces the pressure inside the supercritical processing tank 10.

[0082] 1.8. Control Unit The control unit 80 includes a pressure control unit 82, a temperature control unit 84, a circulation control unit 85, a supercritical condition control unit 86, and a storage unit 88.

[0083] The pressure control unit 82 measures the pressure inside the supercritical treatment tank 10 based on the value detected by the pressure gauge 16. Based on the measured pressure, it controls the operation of the tank-side valve 62 of the fluid introduction section 60 and the supply pump 64. This allows the pressure inside the supercritical treatment tank 10 to be increased. Although not shown in the figures, the pressure control unit 82 may also be configured to control the operation of the valve 73 and the pressure relief valve 76 located between the supercritical treatment tank 10 and the separation tank 70. By controlling these operations, the pressure inside the supercritical treatment tank 10 can be decreased.

[0084] The temperature control unit 84 measures the temperature inside the supercritical processing tank 10 based on the reading from the thermometer 14. Based on the measured temperature, it controls the operation of the heater 12 installed in the supercritical processing tank 10 and the heater 24 installed on the circulation circuit 20. This allows for adjustment of the temperature inside the supercritical processing tank 10 and the temperature inside the circulation circuit 20, respectively. Although not shown in the figures, the temperature control unit 84 may also be configured to control the operation of the preheating heater 65.

[0085] The circulation control unit 85 controls the operation of the circulation pump 22, the first circuit switching unit 34, the second circuit switching unit 44, the third circuit switching unit 54, and the bypass circuit switching unit 28. This allows the supercritical fluid to be circulated in the circulation circuit 20 and the circulation path of the supercritical fluid to be switched. In the figures of this application, these parts are shown to be electrically connected to the circulation control unit 85, and the operation of each part can be controlled from the circulation control unit 85, but the operation of each part may be performed manually.

[0086] The supercritical condition control unit 86 controls the operation of the pressure control unit 82 and the temperature control unit 84. This allows for coordinated control of both the pressure and temperature within the supercritical processing tank 10 and the circulation circuit 20. As a result, the supercritical state can be maintained effectively.

[0087] The memory unit 88 stores multiple processing conditions that combine target pressure and target temperature values. The supercritical condition control unit 86 reads one of the processing conditions stored in the memory unit 88. Based on the read processing condition, the supercritical condition control unit 86 controls the operation of the pressure control unit 82, the temperature control unit 84, and the circulation control unit 85. Criteria for selecting processing conditions include, for example, the purpose and content of each step in the processing conditions described later, as well as the solubility of the processing agent used in the supercritical fluid, the critical point of the supercritical fluid, the characteristics of the adsorbent 31, and the characteristics of the material to be processed 9.

[0088] In other words, the memory unit 88 is equipped with processing conditions corresponding to various processing modes. Examples of processing modes include extraction modes that perform extraction processes such as scouring, desizing, cleaning of materials to be processed, and pipe cleaning, and injection modes that perform injection processes such as dyeing and functional processing. In this specification, "piping" refers to the circulation circuit 20 and circuits connected thereto.

[0089] The supercritical condition control unit 86 is configured to select one of several processing conditions based on pre-entered information or information entered by the user each time. Therefore, the processing unit 1 may be equipped with an input unit (not shown) to receive information from the user. Examples of input units include a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc. The processing unit 1 may also be equipped with a display unit (not shown) to allow the user to see various information. Examples of display units include a liquid crystal display device. The display unit may also display procedures, etc., to inform the user of the operation of valves, equipment, etc., that require manual operation.

[0090] Figure 2 is a table showing examples of processing conditions stored in the memory unit 88 of Figure 1. In Figure 2, "A1-1", "A1-2", etc., represent target values. These target values ​​can be entered by the user in advance. The pressure and temperature of the circulation circuit 20 and the pressure and temperature of the supercritical treatment tank 10 are usually set to the same target values. For example, in the case of dyeing, A4-1 and A4-2 are set to the same value, and B4-1 and B4-2 are set to the same value. However, these may be different. In addition, there are no restrictions between the target values ​​of different processes in the table shown in Figure 2, but as will be explained later, it is preferable that the temperature in the washing of the material to be treated (B2-1, B2-2) be set to a lower value than the temperature in the dyeing (B4-1, B4-2).

[0091] Furthermore, the control unit 80 may have functions other than those described above. For example, the control unit 80 may have a function to continuously execute multiple processing modes while switching between them. This allows the processing apparatus 1 to automatically perform the processing method described later from the time the material to be processed 9 is placed in the supercritical processing tank 10 until it is removed.

[0092] The functions of the control unit 80 are realized, for example, by the processor executing a program in hardware that includes a processor, memory, and an external interface. Examples of processors include CPUs (Central Processing Units). Examples of memory include RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The external interface is a device that connects the processor and memory to various parts of the processing unit 1 and to external devices. Examples of such hardware include personal computers and tablet terminals.

[0093] 2. Processing method Next, a processing method according to the embodiment will be described. In the following description, the case in which scouring, dyeing, and functional processing, all of which are supercritical processes, are performed sequentially will be used as an example, but the present invention also includes cases in which only one of these processes is performed.

[0094] Figure 3 is a process diagram illustrating the processing method according to the embodiment. The processing method shown in Figure 3 includes a receiving step S102, a scouring step S104, a post-scouring washing step S106, a dyeing step S108, a post-dyeing washing step S110, a functional processing step S112, a post-functional processing washing step S114, and an extraction step S116. Each step will be described in order below.

[0095] 2.1. Containment Process In the containment process S102, first, the material to be treated 9, wound on the bobbin 90, is placed in the supercritical treatment tank 10. Next, the dye to be used as an injection agent is loaded onto the injection agent support 41 and placed in the injection agent supply tank 40. Furthermore, the extractant is placed into the extractant supply 51 and placed in the extractant supply tank 50.

[0096] Next, the heater 12 and preheating heater 65 raise the temperature of each part. In addition, liquefied carbon dioxide is introduced into the supercritical treatment tank 10 through the fluid introduction section 60. At this time, the carbon dioxide is pressurized by the supply pump 64 and heated by the preheating heater 65, and introduced in a supercritical state.

[0097] Next, the circulation pump 22 on the circulation circuit 20 circulates the supercritical fluid, and the heater 24 adjusts the temperature. In addition, the bypass circuit switching unit 28 sets the path of the supercritical fluid to pass through the supercritical processing tank 10. As a result, the circulating supercritical fluid flows into the supercritical processing tank 10 from the inlet, flows from the inside to the outside of the bobbin 90, and then flows out from the outlet.

[0098] 2.2.Scouring process In the refining process S104, the control unit 80 maintains the pressure and temperature within the supercritical treatment tank 10 and the circulation circuit 20, respectively, at the levels appropriate for refining.

[0099] Next, the third circuit switching unit 54 switches the path of the supercritical fluid so that it passes through the extractant supply tank 50. Specifically, valve 546 is closed and valves 542 and 544 are opened. As a result, the supercritical fluid passes through the extractant supply tank 50, and the extractant dissolves in the supercritical fluid during this process. The supercritical fluid containing the extractant then circulates through the circulation circuit 20 and the supercritical processing tank 10. As a result, the supercritical fluid containing the extractant acts on the material to be processed 9, enabling scouring. Because the supercritical fluid has excellent solubility and diffusivity, it swells the fibers of the material to be processed 9, allowing for efficient extraction of the extract. This enables scouring with high efficiency.

[0100] After the refining is complete, the third circuit switching unit 54 switches the path of the supercritical fluid so that it does not pass through the extractant supply tank 50.

[0101] 2.3. Post-scouring process In the post-scouring cleaning process S106, the control unit 80 maintains the pressure and temperature corresponding to the cleaning of the material to be processed 9 and the piping. When performing these cleanings, it is preferable to use a supercritical fluid, but a fluid derived from it, that is, a state in which the supercritical state has been relaxed by changing the pressure and temperature (such as a non-supercritical fluid like a subcritical fluid), may also be used. This is also true for other cleaning processes described later. In the following explanation, the case in which a supercritical fluid is used will be used as an example.

[0102] Figure 4 is a process diagram that further explains the post-scouring process S106, the post-dyeing process S110, and the post-functional processing process S114 shown in Figure 3.

[0103] In the post-scouring cleaning process S106, first, as step S202, the path of the supercritical fluid is switched by the first circuit switching unit 34 to pass through the cleaning tank 30. Specifically, valve 346 is closed and valves 342 and 344 are opened. As a result, the supercritical fluid containing extracts (impurities) extracted by scouring circulates through the cleaning tank 30. Consequently, impurities are removed by the adsorbent 31, and the concentration of impurities in the circulating supercritical fluid gradually decreases. By cleaning the material to be processed 9 and the supercritical treatment tank 10 in this manner, it is possible to suppress impurities remaining in the material to be processed 9 and the supercritical treatment tank 10 from causing problems in the next process. If necessary, a cleaning agent may be supplied to the supercritical fluid in the cleaning tank 30.

[0104] Next, in step S204, the bypass circuit switching unit 28 switches the path of the supercritical fluid so that it passes through the bypass circuit 27. Specifically, valves 282 and 284 are closed and valve 286 is opened.

[0105] Next, in step S206, the supercritical fluid is circulated without passing through the supercritical treatment tank 10. That is, the supercritical fluid is circulated so that it passes through the circulation circuit 20, the bypass circuit 27, and the cleaning tank 30. This allows for pipe cleaning. As a result, it is possible to prevent impurities remaining in the pipes from causing problems in the next process. In this way, by cleaning not only the material to be treated 9 but also the pipes, the concentration of impurities can be reliably reduced.

[0106] After the cleaning is complete, the first circuit switching unit 34 switches the path of the supercritical fluid so that it does not pass through the cleaning tank 30. The bypass circuit switching unit 28 also switches the path of the supercritical fluid so that it passes through the supercritical treatment tank 10.

[0107] The scouring process S104 and the post-scouring washing process S106 may be performed as needed and may be omitted.

[0108] 2.4.Dyeing process In the dyeing process S108, the control unit 80 maintains the pressure and temperature within the supercritical treatment tank 10 and the circulation circuit 20, respectively, according to the dyeing conditions. For example, a pressure of 25 MPa and a temperature of 120°C can be used.

[0109] Next, the second circuit switching unit 44 switches the path of the supercritical fluid so that it passes through the injection agent supply tank 40. Specifically, valve 446 is closed and valves 442 and 444 are opened. As a result, the supercritical fluid passes through the injection agent supply tank 40, and the dye dissolves in the supercritical fluid during this process. The supercritical fluid containing the dye then circulates through the circulation circuit 20 and the supercritical treatment tank 10. As a result, the supercritical fluid containing the dye acts on the material to be treated 9, enabling dyeing. Because the supercritical fluid has excellent solubility and diffusivity, it dissolves the dye well and swells the fibers of the material to be treated 9, allowing it to efficiently penetrate into the fibers. As a result, the dye is injected or diffused / adsorbed into the fibers of the material to be treated 9, resulting in dyeing.

[0110] After the staining is complete, the second circuit switching unit 44 switches the path of the supercritical fluid so that it does not pass through the injection agent supply tank 40.

[0111] 2.5. Post-staining washing process In the post-dyeing washing process S110, the control unit 80 maintains the pressure and temperature corresponding to the washing of the material to be treated 9 and the washing of the piping.

[0112] In the post-dyeing washing process S110, first, as step S202, the path of the supercritical fluid is switched by the first circuit switching unit 34 to pass through the washing tank 30. As a result, the supercritical fluid containing impurities such as unfixed dyes that did not contribute to dyeing circulates through the washing tank 30. Consequently, impurities are removed by the adsorbent 31, and the concentration of impurities in the circulating supercritical fluid gradually decreases. By washing the material to be treated 9 and the supercritical treatment tank 10 in this manner, it is possible to suppress impurities remaining in the material to be treated 9 and the supercritical treatment tank 10 from causing problems in the next process. If necessary, a cleaning agent may be supplied to the supercritical fluid in the washing tank 30.

[0113] Furthermore, the adsorbent 31 used in the post-scouring washing step S106 described above may be replaced with a new one before this step. The new adsorbent 31 may be of the same type as the one used in the post-scouring washing step S106, but it is preferable that it be of a type suitable for removing unfixed dyes. This can improve the efficiency of impurity removal.

[0114] Next, in step S204, the bypass circuit switching unit 28 switches the path of the supercritical fluid so that it passes through the bypass circuit 27.

[0115] Next, in step S206, the supercritical fluid is circulated without passing through the supercritical treatment tank 10. This allows for pipe cleaning. As a result, it is possible to prevent impurities remaining in the pipes from causing problems in the next process. In this way, by cleaning not only the material to be treated 9 but also the pipes, the concentration of impurities can be reliably reduced. Furthermore, since switching to the route via the cleaning tank 30 can be easily done by the first circuit switching unit 34, it is also an advantage that the effort required for pipe cleaning is reduced.

[0116] Furthermore, because supercritical fluids or fluids derived therefrom have high dye solubility, they effectively dissolve impurities such as unfixed dyes compared to water or organic solvents. Therefore, in the post-dyeing washing process S110, a high cleaning effect can be achieved while using no water or organic solvents at all, or while reducing their usage. This contributes to reducing the environmental impact.

[0117] Furthermore, in the post-staining washing process S110, a supercritical fluid is circulated through the washing tank 30 to perform washing. Therefore, simply circulating the supercritical fluid gradually reduces the concentration of impurities, enabling highly efficient washing. This eliminates the need to introduce new fluids during washing, thus reducing costs and energy consumption. Additionally, the processing device 1 can perform washing while maintaining a supercritical state or a similar state. This eliminates the need for energy required for pressurization, further contributing to a reduction in environmental impact.

[0118] These effects can also be obtained in the aforementioned post-scouring step S106 and the post-functional processing step S114 described later.

[0119] Furthermore, in the post-dyeing washing step S110, it is preferable to lower the pressure and temperature inside the supercritical treatment tank 10 and the circulation circuit 20 compared to the dyeing step S108. This allows the swollen fibers to shrink, thus suppressing the re-extraction of the dye injected into the material to be treated 9 into the supercritical fluid while washing can be performed. In addition, by setting the processing conditions in this way, impurities such as unfixed dyes dissolved in the supercritical fluid are more likely to precipitate on the adsorbent 31 in the washing tank 30. This improves the efficiency of impurity removal.

[0120] The pressure and temperature inside the supercritical treatment tank 10 and the circulation circuit 20 in this process are set appropriately according to the type of fluid and the type of material to be treated 9, but as an example, the pressure is preferably between the supercritical pressure and 30 MPa, and more preferably between 10 MPa and 30 MPa. This maintains the supercritical state and ensures cleaning efficiency. The temperature is preferably above the supercritical temperature, and more preferably between 50°C and 130°C. This maintains the supercritical state and suppresses the extraction (detachment) of dyes and other injection agents during cleaning.

[0121] The same explanations regarding pressure and temperature apply to the post-scouring step S106 and the post-functional processing step S114 described later.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the process involves sequentially cleaning the material to be treated 9, the supercritical treatment tank 10, and the piping. However, it is not essential to perform both of these steps; either one may be performed. This also applies to other cleaning processes.

[0123] After the cleaning is complete, the first circuit switching unit 34 switches the path of the supercritical fluid so that it does not pass through the cleaning tank 30. The bypass circuit switching unit 28 also switches the path of the supercritical fluid so that it passes through the supercritical treatment tank 10.

[0124] 2.6. Functional processing process In the functional processing step S112, first, the functional processing agent as an injection agent is loaded onto the injection agent carrier 41 and placed in the injection agent supply tank 40.

[0125] Next, the control unit 80 maintains the pressure and temperature inside the supercritical processing tank 10 and the circulation circuit 20, respectively, at levels corresponding to the functional processing.

[0126] Next, the second circuit switching unit 44 switches the path of the supercritical fluid so that it passes through the injection agent supply tank 40. As a result, the supercritical fluid passes through the injection agent supply tank 40, and the functional processing agent dissolves in the supercritical fluid during this process. The supercritical fluid with the dissolved functional processing agent then circulates through the circulation circuit 20 and the supercritical processing tank 10. As a result, the supercritical fluid containing the functional processing agent acts on the material to be processed 9, enabling functional processing. Functional processing refers to processing that imparts various functionalities to the material to be processed 9, such as water repellency, hydrophilicity, flame retardancy, antibacterial properties, antiviral properties, contact cooling properties, moisture absorption and heat generation properties, and stain resistance.

[0127] Because supercritical fluids have excellent solubility and diffusivity, they effectively dissolve functional processing agents and swell the fibers of the material to be treated 9, allowing them to efficiently penetrate the fibers. As a result, the functional processing agent is injected, diffused, or adsorbed into the fibers of the material to be treated 9.

[0128] After the functional processing is complete, the second circuit switching unit 44 switches the path of the supercritical fluid so that it does not pass through the injection material supply tank 40.

[0129] 2.7. Cleaning process after functional processing In the functional processing and cleaning step S114, the control unit 80 maintains the pressure and temperature corresponding to the cleaning of the workpiece 9 and the piping.

[0130] In the post-scouring cleaning process S106, first, as step S202, the path of the supercritical fluid is switched by the first circuit switching unit 34 to pass through the cleaning tank 30. As a result, the supercritical fluid containing impurities such as unadhered processing agents that did not contribute to functional processing circulates through the cleaning tank 30. Consequently, impurities are removed by the adsorbent 31, and the concentration of impurities in the circulating supercritical fluid gradually decreases. By cleaning the workpiece 9 and the supercritical processing tank 10 in this manner, it is possible to suppress impurities remaining in the workpiece 9 and the supercritical processing tank 10 from causing problems in the next process. If necessary, a cleaning agent may be supplied to the supercritical fluid in the cleaning tank 30.

[0131] The adsorbent 31 used in the post-dyeing washing step S110 described above may be replaced with a new one before this step. The new adsorbent 31 may be of the same type as the one used in the post-dyeing washing step S110, but it is preferable that it be of a type suitable for removing unadhered processing agents. This can improve the efficiency of impurity removal.

[0132] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the material to be processed 9 is removed after functional processing, step S202 may be replaced with an operation to lower the pressure in the supercritical treatment tank 10 using the separation tank 70. In other words, the vaporization separation operation in the separation tank 70 may be performed after cleaning the material to be processed 9 and the supercritical treatment tank 10, or only the former or only the latter may be performed.

[0133] In the vaporization separation operation in the separation tank 70, first, the discharge valve 72 is opened to reduce the pressure in the supercritical treatment tank 10. After the pressure has been reduced to a predetermined level, the bypass circuit switching unit 28 disconnects the supercritical treatment tank 10 from the circulation path of the supercritical fluid.

[0134] Next, the supercritical fluid in the supercritical treatment tank 10 is discharged through the discharge valve 72 and vaporized and separated in the separation tank 70. This recovers the carbon dioxide fluid.

[0135] Next, in step S204, the bypass circuit switching unit 28 switches the path of the supercritical fluid so that it passes through the bypass circuit 27.

[0136] Next, in step S206, the supercritical fluid is circulated without passing through the supercritical treatment tank 10. This allows for pipe cleaning. As a result, it is possible to prevent impurities remaining in the pipes from causing problems in the next process. In this way, by cleaning not only the material to be treated 9 but also the pipes, the concentration of impurities can be reliably reduced.

[0137] The functional processing step S112 and the post-functional processing washing step S114 may be performed as needed and may be omitted. In this embodiment, washing is performed after scouring, dyeing, and functional processing, but this is not mandatory, and washing may be performed at least once at any of these timings.

[0138] 2.8. Removal process In the removal process S116, the discharge valve 72 is opened to reduce the pressure inside the supercritical treatment tank 10, and once it has dropped to atmospheric pressure, the discharge valve 72 is closed. Next, the supercritical treatment tank 10 is opened and the material to be treated 9 is removed along with the bobbin 90. After that, the inside of the supercritical treatment tank 10 is wiped clean as needed.

[0139] 3. Variant Next, a modified apparatus according to the above embodiment will be described.

[0140] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the processing apparatus 1A according to the first modified example. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the processing apparatus 1B according to the second modified example. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the processing apparatus 1C according to the third modified example.

[0141] The following describes a modified apparatus, but the explanation below will focus on the differences from the above embodiment, and similar matters will be omitted.

[0142] The processing device 1A shown in Figure 5 is the same as the processing device 1 shown in Figure 1, except that it includes an injection material supply tank 40A separate from the injection material supply tank 40, and also includes associated circuits, etc.

[0143] The fourth branch circuits 42A and 43A branch off from the circulating circuit 20 shown in Figure 5. A fourth circuit switching unit 44A is also provided on the circulating circuit 20. The fourth circuit switching unit 44A switches between the circulating circuit 20 and the fourth branch circuits 42A and 43A.

[0144] The injection material supply tank 40A is connected to the fourth branch circuits 42A and 43A. Specifically, the fourth branch circuit 42A is connected to the inlet of the injection material supply tank 40A, and the fourth branch circuit 43A is connected to the outlet of the injection material supply tank 40A. The supercritical fluid circulating in the circulation circuit 20 flows through the fourth circuit switching section 44A in the order of the fourth branch circuit 42A, the injection material supply tank 40A, and the fourth branch circuit 43A, and then returns to the circulation circuit 20 again.

[0145] The injection agent supply tank 40A, like the injection agent supply tank 40 described above, has an injection agent carrier 41A on which the injection agent is carried. By providing the injection agent supply tank 40A in parallel with the injection agent supply tank 40, two types of injection agents can be injected into the supercritical fluid without replacing the injection agent carrier 41. This makes it possible to further increase the processing efficiency of the processing apparatus 1. For example, by carrying a dye on the injection agent carrier 41 and a functional processing agent on the injection agent carrier 41A, the operation of replacing the injection agent carrier 41 that was required in the functional processing step S112 described above can be omitted.

[0146] The fourth circuit switching unit 44A includes a valve 442A provided on the fourth branch circuit 42A, a valve 444A provided on the fourth branch circuit 43A, and a valve 446A provided on the circulation circuit 20. Valves 442A, 444A, and 446A each adjust the flow rate of the supercritical fluid. In this modified example, the fourth circuit switching unit 44A has three valves 442A, 444A, and 446A, but the configuration of the fourth circuit switching unit 44A is not limited to this, and for example, a multi-port valve that performs at least two functions from among the three valves 442A, 444A, and 446A may be used.

[0147] Furthermore, the injection material supply tank 40A and the separation tank 70 are connected via a valve 45A. When valve 45A is opened, the supercritical fluid remaining in the injection material supply tank 40A is discharged into the separation tank 70.

[0148] Furthermore, the processing device 1A may be equipped with three or more injection agent supply tanks. The processing device 1A may also be equipped with two or more washing tanks, two or more extractant supply tanks, and associated circuits, etc. This allows for maintenance of each tank without stopping the operation of the processing device 1A.

[0149] The processing unit 1B shown in Figure 6 is the same as the processing unit 1A shown in Figure 5, except that the configuration of the circulation circuit 20B is different.

[0150] The circulation circuit 20B shown in Figure 6 is divided into an upstream circuit 201B and a downstream circuit 202B. The upstream circuit 201B connects the outlet of the supercritical treatment tank 10 to branch circuits connected to the inlets of the washing tank 30, the injection agent supply tanks 40 and 40A, and the extractant supply tank 50. The downstream circuit 202B connects the inlet of the supercritical treatment tank 10 to branch circuits connected to the outlets of the washing tank 30, the injection agent supply tanks 40 and 40A, and the extractant supply tank 50.

[0151] Specifically, the first branch circuit 32, the second branch circuit 42, the third branch circuit 52, and the fourth branch circuit 42A branch off from the upstream circuit 201B shown in Figure 6. On the other hand, the first branch circuit 33, the second branch circuit 43, the third branch circuit 53, and the fourth branch circuit 43A branch off from the downstream circuit 202B shown in Figure 6.

[0152] Furthermore, valves 446 and 546 are provided on the upstream circuit 201B. On the other hand, valves 448 and 448A are provided on the downstream circuit 202B.

[0153] Furthermore, the first branch circuit 33 is longer than the processing apparatus 1A shown in Figure 5, extending to the connection point between the downstream circuit 202B and the third branch circuit 53. In other words, the first branch circuit 33 is extended so that the supercritical fluid, after impurities have been removed in the washing tank 30, is returned to the starting point of the downstream circuit 202B before joining the circulation circuit 20B.

[0154] The first circuit switching section 34 is formed by valves 342 and 344. The second circuit switching section 44 is formed by valves 442, 444, 446, and 448. Furthermore, the third circuit switching section 54 is formed by valves 542, 544, and 546. Finally, the fourth circuit switching section 44A is formed by valves 442A, 444A, and 448A.

[0155] With the above configuration, the supercritical fluid from which impurities have been removed in the cleaning tank 30 can be flowed along the entire length of the downstream circuit 202B. As a result, even if the extractant supplied in the extractant supply tank 50, the injectant supplied in the injectant supply tanks 40 and 40A, etc., precipitate and become impurities in the downstream circuit 202B, they can be dissolved in the supercritical fluid during cleaning. Consequently, the area of ​​the circuit that is not reached by pipe cleaning can be shortened, and the cleaning effect can be further enhanced.

[0156] For example, when performing cleaning with the processing device 1B, the supercritical fluid should be circulated so that it passes through the upstream circuit 201B, the first branch circuit 32, the cleaning tank 30, the first branch circuit 33, and the downstream circuit 202B in that order.

[0157] Furthermore, for example, when performing staining with the processing device 1B, the supercritical fluid should be circulated so that it passes through the upstream circuit 201B, the second branch circuit 42, the injection agent supply tank 40 that supplies the dye, the second branch circuit 43, and the downstream circuit 202B in this order.

[0158] Furthermore, for example, when refining is performed in the processing apparatus 1B, the supercritical fluid should be circulated so that it passes through the upstream circuit 201B, the third branch circuit 52, the extractant supply tank 50, the third branch circuit 53, and the downstream circuit 202B in this order.

[0159] Furthermore, for example, when performing functional processing in the processing apparatus 1B, the supercritical fluid should be circulated so that it passes through the upstream circuit 201B, the fourth branch circuit 42A, the injection agent supply tank 40A for supplying the functional processing agent, the fourth branch circuit 43A, and the downstream circuit 202B in this order.

[0160] The processing apparatus 1C shown in Figure 7 is the same as the processing apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1, except that the configuration of the cleaning tank 30C is different. Note that some electrical signal paths are omitted in Figure 7.

[0161] The cleaning tank 30C shown in Figure 7 comprises a cleaning agent supply tank 301C, an adsorbent storage tank 302C, a connecting circuit 303C, a short-circuit circuit 304C, a pressure pump 305C, and valves 306C, 307C, 308C, and 309C.

[0162] The detergent supply tank 301C supplies detergent to the supercritical fluid. The inlet of the detergent supply tank 301C is connected to the first branch circuit 32, and the outlet is connected to the connecting circuit 303C.

[0163] The adsorbent storage tank 302C houses the adsorbent 31. The inlet of the adsorbent storage tank 302C is connected to the connecting circuit 303C, and the outlet is connected to the first branch circuit 33.

[0164] The connecting circuit 303C connects the detergent supply tank 301C and the adsorbent storage tank 302C. Valves 306C and 307C are provided on the connecting circuit 303C. A pressurizing pump 305C and valve 308C are provided on the first branch circuit 33.

[0165] The short-circuit circuit 304C connects the first branch circuit 33 and the connecting circuit 303C. A valve 309C is also provided on the short-circuit circuit 304C. By operating valves 306C, 307C, 308C, and 309C, the supercritical fluid flowing out of the detergent supply tank 301C can flow through one of the following paths: a path returning to the circulation circuit 20 via the connecting circuit 303C, the short-circuit circuit 304C, and the first branch circuit 33; a path returning to the circulation circuit 20 via the connecting circuit 303C, the adsorbent storage tank 302C, and the first branch circuit 33; or a path circulating via the short-circuit circuit 304C and the adsorbent storage tank 302C.

[0166] When cleaning the material to be treated 9 or piping with the processing apparatus 1C shown in Figure 7, first, the first circuit switching unit 34 switches the path of the supercritical fluid so that it passes through the cleaning tank 30C. Specifically, valve 346 is closed and valves 342 and 344 are opened. As a result, the supercritical fluid containing impurities flows into the cleaning agent supply tank 301C. This supplies the cleaning agent to the supercritical fluid. Next, valves 307C and 308C are closed and valves 306C and 309C are opened. As a result, the supercritical fluid containing the cleaning agent is returned to the circulation circuit 20 via the short circuit 304C. In other words, the supercritical fluid containing the cleaning agent can be circulated via a path that does not pass through the adsorbent containment tank 302C. This allows for sufficient cleaning with the supercritical fluid containing the cleaning agent while avoiding deterioration (consumption) of the adsorbent 31.

[0167] Subsequently, once the impurities remaining in the material to be treated 9 and the piping have migrated to the supercritical fluid, valve 309C is closed and valves 307C and 308C are opened. This allows the supercritical fluid containing impurities to flow into the adsorbent containment tank 302C. In the adsorbent containment tank 302C, the impurities are removed by the adsorbent 31. As a result, the supercritical fluid containing a high concentration of impurities can be brought into contact with the adsorbent 31, which is in a less degraded state, thus enabling efficient adsorption and removal of impurities.

[0168] Alternatively, at this time, valves 344 and 306C may be closed and the pressurizing pump 305C may be operated. This allows the supercritical fluid containing impurities to be circulated through a short path via the short circuit 304C and the adsorbent containment tank 302C. This improves the efficiency of impurity removal.

[0169] In Figure 7, the washing tank 30C is equipped with one adsorbent storage tank 302C, but it may be equipped with multiple adsorbent storage tanks 302C. In this case, the multiple adsorbent storage tanks 302C may be connected in series or in parallel. In the former case, the efficiency of impurity removal can be particularly increased. In the latter case, the path can be switched to select one of the multiple adsorbent storage tanks 302C. This makes it possible to replace the adsorbent 31 without stopping the circulation of the supercritical fluid.

[0170] Furthermore, the adsorbent containment tank 302C may have a configuration that separates impurities by vaporization separation, in addition to the configuration having the adsorbent 31 described above. In other words, the adsorbent containment tank 302C may have the same configuration as the separation tank 70 described above.

[0171] Furthermore, the tank containing the adsorbent 31 and the tank performing vapor separation may be connected in parallel to each other and applied to the washing tank 30C. In this case, in the initial stage of washing, the supercritical fluid is circulated through the tank performing vapor separation, and then the supercritical fluid is circulated through the tank containing the adsorbent 31. This makes it possible to take advantage of the characteristics of both and particularly improve the efficiency of impurity removal.

[0172] Even in the apparatus according to the above modifications, the same effects as the apparatus according to the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0173] 4. Effects of the Embodiment As described above, the apparatus 1 according to the embodiment is an apparatus that performs processing using a supercritical fluid, and comprises a supercritical processing tank 10, a circulation circuit 20, a circulation pump 22, a first branch circuit 32, a first circuit switching unit 34, and a cleaning tank 30. The supercritical processing tank 10 performs supercritical processing by bringing the supercritical fluid into contact with the material to be processed 9. The circulation circuit 20 circulates the supercritical fluid contained in the supercritical processing tank 10. The circulation pump 22 is provided on the circulation circuit 20. The first branch circuit 32 is a circuit that branches off from the circulation circuit 20. The first circuit switching unit 34 switches between the circulation circuit 20 and the first branch circuit 32. The cleaning tank 30 is connected to the first branch circuit 32 and has an adsorbent 31 (removal material) that adsorbs and removes impurities in the supercritical fluid.

[0174] With this type of processing apparatus 1, a supercritical fluid or a fluid derived therefrom is circulated through the washing tank 30 to perform cleaning, enabling highly efficient cleaning. As a result, the supercritical treatment performed on the material to be treated 9 after cleaning can be carried out well in a clean environment. Consequently, for example, when dyeing is performed as a supercritical treatment, textile products with excellent quality such as colorfastness and uniformly exhibiting the desired color can be reliably obtained.

[0175] Furthermore, supercritical fluids and fluids derived from them have high solubility of substances, allowing them to dissolve impurities more effectively than water or organic solvents. Therefore, in cleaning, a high cleaning effect can be achieved with no water or organic solvents used at all, or with reduced usage. This contributes to reducing the environmental impact.

[0176] Furthermore, since the introduction of new fluids is unnecessary during cleaning, the associated costs and energy can be reduced. In addition, by performing cleaning while maintaining a supercritical state or a similar state, the energy required for pressurization is eliminated, thus contributing to a reduction in environmental impact.

[0177] Furthermore, the processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment includes second branch circuits 42 and 43, a second circuit switching unit 44, and an injection material supply tank 40. The second branch circuits 42 and 43 are circuits that branch off from the circulation circuit 20. The second circuit switching unit 44 switches between the circulation circuit 20 and the second branch circuits 42 and 43. The injection material supply tank 40 is connected to the second branch circuits 42 and 43 and supplies the injection material to the supercritical fluid.

[0178] With this configuration, the injection agent can be supplied from the injection agent supply tank 40 located outside the supercritical treatment tank 10. This makes it easy to perform operations such as replenishing or changing the injection agent. This improves the efficiency of the injection process. Furthermore, since these operations can be performed while maintaining the supercritical state, the energy required for pressurization and the cost of introducing new fluids can be reduced.

[0179] Furthermore, the injection agent supply tank 40, along with the aforementioned cleaning tank 30, is connected to a circuit branched off from the circulation circuit 20. In other words, the injection agent supply tank 40 is connected to the circulation circuit 20 in parallel with the cleaning tank 30. Therefore, after the injection process, the treated material 9 and piping can be cleaned simply by switching the circuit. As a result, the processing device 1 can perform cleaning without requiring a great deal of effort each time a different process is performed.

[0180] Furthermore, it is preferable that the injection agent supplied by the injection agent supply tank 40 is at least one of a dye and a functional processing agent. This allows any residues (impurities) of the dye or functional processing agent that may be generated after injection to be removed by washing. As a result, the impact of these impurities on subsequent processing can be minimized.

[0181] Furthermore, the processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes third branch circuits 52 and 53, a third circuit switching unit 54, and an extractant supply tank 50. The third branch circuits 52 and 53 are circuits that branch off from the circulation circuit 20. The third circuit switching unit 54 switches between the circulation circuit 20 and the third branch circuits 52 and 53. The extractant supply tank 50 is connected to the third branch circuits 52 and 53 and supplies the extractant to the supercritical fluid.

[0182] With this configuration, the extractant can be supplied to the extractant supply tank 50 located outside the supercritical treatment tank 10. This makes it easy to perform operations such as replenishing the extractant or changing the extractant. This increases the efficiency of the extraction process. Furthermore, since these operations can be performed while maintaining the supercritical state, the energy required for pressurization and the cost of introducing new fluids can be reduced.

[0183] Furthermore, the extractant supply tank 50, along with the aforementioned washing tank 30, is connected to a circuit branched off from the circulation circuit 20. In other words, the extractant supply tank 50 is connected to the circulation circuit 20 in parallel with the washing tank 30. Therefore, after the extraction process, the material to be treated 9 and the piping can be cleaned simply by switching the circuit. As a result, the processing device 1 can perform cleaning without requiring a great deal of effort each time a different process is performed.

[0184] Furthermore, the adsorbent 31 (removal material) is a woven or nonwoven fabric that captures impurities. Because such an adsorbent 31 has a large surface area and high uniformity, it can efficiently adsorb and remove impurities.

[0185] Furthermore, the apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a separation tank 70. The separation tank 70 vaporizes the supercritical fluid discharged from the supercritical processing tank 10 and separates the substances contained in the supercritical fluid from the vaporized supercritical fluid.

[0186] By providing such a separation tank 70, the processing device 1 can reuse the fluid, thereby reducing the cost of procuring the fluid and lowering the environmental impact.

[0187] Furthermore, the processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment includes a fluid introduction unit 60, a heater 12 which is a heating unit, a pressure control unit 82, a temperature control unit 84, a supercritical condition control unit 86, and a storage unit 88. The fluid introduction unit 60 introduces fluid into the supercritical processing tank 10. The heater 12 heats the supercritical processing tank 10. The pressure control unit 82 controls the operation of the fluid introduction unit 60 to control the pressure of the supercritical fluid. The temperature control unit 84 controls the operation of the heater 12 to control the temperature of the supercritical fluid. The supercritical condition control unit 86 controls the operation of the pressure control unit 82 and the temperature control unit 84. The storage unit 88 stores multiple processing conditions that combine target pressure values ​​and target temperature values. The supercritical condition control unit 86 then reads one of the multiple processing conditions and operates based on the read processing condition.

[0188] With this configuration, one of the pre-set processing conditions can be selected, and the pressure and temperature of the supercritical fluid can be adjusted. For example, the appropriate pressure and temperature combination can be easily reproduced depending on the processing mode performed in the supercritical processing tank 10. As a result, even users who are not experts can perform various processes under appropriate processing conditions without complex operations.

[0189] Furthermore, the processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a bypass circuit 27, a bypass circuit switching unit 28, and a circulation control unit 85. The bypass circuit 27 is connected to the circulation circuit 20 and bypasses the supercritical processing tank 10. The bypass circuit switching unit 28 switches the path of the supercritical fluid between the supercritical processing tank 10 and the bypass circuit 27. The circulation control unit 85 controls the operation of the circulation pump 22.

[0190] With this type of processing apparatus 1, the supercritical treatment tank 10 can be separated from the supercritical fluid circulation path, allowing the circulation circuit 20 to be cleaned efficiently. As a result, impurities are less likely to remain in the circulation circuit 20, and subsequent processing can be carried out successfully under clean conditions. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent impurities remaining in the circulation circuit 20 from flowing into the supercritical treatment tank 10 and adhering to the material to be treated 9.

[0191] Furthermore, in the apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, it is preferable that the supercritical fluid is supercritical carbon dioxide. Supercritical carbon dioxide is easy to handle because its pressure and temperature critical points are suitable and it can reach a supercritical state relatively easily. In addition, carbon dioxide is useful because it has low procurement costs and high safety.

[0192] Furthermore, the processing method according to the embodiment is a method of performing supercritical processing using a processing apparatus 1 comprising: a supercritical processing tank 10 that performs supercritical processing by bringing a supercritical fluid into contact with a material to be processed 9; a circulation circuit 20 that circulates the supercritical fluid contained in the supercritical processing tank 10; and a washing tank 30 provided on the circulation circuit 20 and having an adsorbent 31 (removal material) that adsorbs and removes impurities in the supercritical fluid. Such a processing method includes a step of performing supercritical processing, such as the dyeing step S108 shown in Figure 3, and a step of performing washing after the supercritical processing, such as the post-dyeing washing step S110. In the post-dyeing washing step S110, the supercritical fluid or a fluid derived therefrom is circulated via the circulation circuit 20 so as to pass through the washing tank 30.

[0193] This processing method allows for highly efficient cleaning by circulating a supercritical fluid or a fluid derived therefrom through the cleaning tank 30. As a result, the subsequent supercritical treatment performed on the material to be treated 9 can be carried out effectively under clean conditions.

[0194] Furthermore, supercritical fluids and fluids derived from them have high solubility of substances, allowing them to dissolve impurities more effectively than water or organic solvents. Therefore, in cleaning, a high cleaning effect can be achieved with no water or organic solvents used at all, or with reduced usage. This contributes to reducing the environmental impact.

[0195] Furthermore, since the introduction of new fluids is unnecessary during cleaning, the associated costs and energy can be reduced. In addition, by performing cleaning while maintaining a supercritical state or a similar state, the energy required for pressurization is eliminated, thus contributing to a reduction in environmental impact.

[0196] Furthermore, in the processing method according to the embodiment, when the supercritical treatment is an extraction process that extracts an extract from the material to be treated 9, as shown in the scouring process S104 in Figure 3, after the extraction process, as shown in the post-scouring washing process S106, the supercritical fluid or a fluid derived therefrom is circulated through the washing tank 30 to perform washing.

[0197] As a result, extracts generated during the extraction process may remain on the treated material 9 or piping and potentially become impurities in subsequent processing. However, these impurities can be removed by washing. Consequently, subsequent processing can be carried out successfully.

[0198] Furthermore, in the processing method according to the embodiment, when the supercritical treatment is an injection process in which an injection agent is injected into the material to be treated 9, as shown in the functional processing step S112 in Figure 3, after the injection process, as shown in the post-functional processing cleaning step S114, a supercritical fluid or a fluid derived therefrom is circulated through the cleaning tank 30 to perform cleaning.

[0199] As a result, excess injection material generated during the injection process may remain on the treated material 9 or piping and potentially become impurities in the next process. However, these impurities can be removed by washing. Consequently, the next process can be carried out successfully.

[0200] Furthermore, the processing apparatus 1 used in the processing method according to this embodiment may be connected to the circulation circuit 20 and may include a bypass circuit 27 that bypasses the supercritical processing tank 10.

[0201] In this case, the cleaning process, such as the post-scouring cleaning process S106, the post-dyeing cleaning process S110, and the post-functional processing cleaning process S114 shown in Figure 3, includes the operation of circulating a supercritical fluid or a fluid derived therefrom through the circulation circuit 20 so as to pass through the cleaning tank 30 and the bypass circuit 27 to perform cleaning.

[0202] This allows for particularly efficient cleaning of the piping. Furthermore, it prevents impurities remaining in the piping from unintentionally flowing into the supercritical treatment tank 10.

[0203] Furthermore, the method for manufacturing a textile product according to the embodiment includes a step of applying dyeing or functional processing as a supercritical treatment to the material to be treated 9, which includes fibers, using the treatment method described above.

[0204] In the processing method described above, the material to be treated 9 and the piping are cleaned each time dyeing or functional processing is performed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the residue of impurities derived from dyes in dyeing and impurities derived from functional processing agents in functional processing on the material to be treated 9 and the piping. As a result, according to the manufacturing method of textile products according to the embodiment, it is possible to manufacture high-quality textile products, such as textile products that have excellent colorfastness and uniformly exhibit the desired color, and textile products in which the functionality imparted by functional processing is maintained over a long period of time.

[0205] The processing apparatus, processing method, and method for manufacturing textile products of the present invention have been described above based on the illustrated embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0206] For example, the processing apparatus of the present invention may be modified so that each part of the above embodiment is replaced with any configuration having a similar function, or any configuration may be added to the above embodiment. Furthermore, the processing method and the method for manufacturing textile products of the present invention may be modified so that any desired process is added to the above embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0207] 1 Processing Unit 1A Processing Unit 1B Processing Unit 1C Processing Unit 9. Material to be treated 10 Supercritical Processing Tank 12 Heater 14 Thermometer 16. Pressure gauge 20 Circulation circuit 20B circulation circuit 22 Circulation pump 24 Heater 27 Bypass Circuit 28 Bypass circuit switching section 30 Washing tanks 30C cleaning tank 31 Adsorbent 32. First Branch Circuit 33. First Branch Circuit 34 First Circuit Switching Section 35 valves 40 Injector supply tank 40A Injector Supply Tank 41 Injectable agent carrier 41A Injectable material carrier 42 Second Branch Circuit 42A Fourth Branch Circuit 43. Second Branch Circuit 43A Fourth Branch Circuit 44 Second Circuit Switching Section 44A Fourth Circuit Switching Section 45 valves 45A valve 50 Extractant supply tank 51 Extractant dispenser 52 Third Branch Circuit 53 Third Branch Circuit 54 Third Circuit Switching Section 55 valves 60 Fluid introduction section 61 Fluid Tank 62 Tank-side valve 63 Flow meter 64 Supply pump 65 Preheating heater 66 Treatment tank side valve 70 Separation tank 72 Exhaust valve 73 Valves 74 Separate material recovery unit 75 Pressure relief tank 76 Pressure relief valve 80 Control Unit 82 Pressure Control Unit 84 Temperature Control Unit 85 Circulation Control Unit 86 Supercritical Condition Control Unit 88 Memory section 90 bobbins 201B Upstream Circuit 202B Downstream circuit 282 Valves 284 valves 286 Valves 301C Detergent supply tank 302C Adsorbent Storage Tank 303C connection circuit 304C short circuit 305C Pressure Pump 306C valve 307C valve 308C valve 309C valve 342 valves 344 valves 346 Valves 442 valves 442A valve 444 valves 444A valve 446 Valve 446A valve 448 valves 448A valve 542 valves 544 valves 546 Valve S102 Accommodation Process S104 Scouring process S106 Post-scouring process S108 Dyeing process S110 Post-staining washing process S112 Functional processing process S114 Cleaning process after functional processing S116 Removal process S202 Step S204 Step S206 Step

Claims

1. A processing apparatus that uses a supercritical fluid to perform processing on a material to be processed, A supercritical treatment tank that performs supercritical treatment by bringing the supercritical fluid into contact with the material to be treated, A circulation circuit for circulating the supercritical fluid contained in the supercritical processing tank, A circulation pump provided on the aforementioned circulation circuit, A first branch circuit that branches off from the aforementioned circular circuit, A first circuit switching unit that switches between the aforementioned circulation circuit and the first branch circuit, A cleaning tank connected to the first branch circuit and having a removal material for removing impurities from the supercritical fluid or fluids derived therefrom, A processing apparatus characterized by comprising:

2. A second branch circuit that branches off from the aforementioned circular circuit, A second circuit switching unit that switches between the aforementioned circulation circuit and the second branch circuit, An injection material supply tank connected to the second branch circuit and supplying an injection material to the supercritical fluid, The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the injection agent is at least one of a dye and a functional processing agent.

4. A third branch circuit that branches off from the aforementioned circular circuit, A third circuit switching unit that switches between the aforementioned circulation circuit and the third branch circuit, An extractant supply tank connected to the third branch circuit and supplying an extractant to the supercritical fluid, The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the removal material is a woven or nonwoven fabric that captures the impurities.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a separation tank for vaporizing the supercritical fluid discharged from the supercritical treatment tank and separating the substances contained in the supercritical fluid from the vaporized supercritical fluid.

7. A fluid introduction section for introducing fluid into the supercritical processing tank, A heating section for heating the supercritical processing tank, A pressure control unit controls the operation of the fluid introduction unit to control the pressure of the supercritical fluid, A temperature control unit controls the operation of the heating unit to control the temperature of the supercritical fluid, A supercritical condition control unit controls the operation of the pressure control unit and the temperature control unit, A storage unit that stores multiple processing conditions combining the target pressure value and the target temperature value, Equipped with, The processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supercritical condition control unit reads one of the plurality of processing conditions and operates based on the read processing condition.

8. A bypass circuit connected to the circulation circuit and bypassing the supercritical treatment tank, Between the supercritical processing tank and the bypass circuit, there is a bypass circuit switching unit that switches the path of the supercritical fluid, A circulation control unit that controls the operation of the circulation pump, The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supercritical fluid is supercritical carbon dioxide.

10. A process of performing supercritical treatment using an apparatus comprising: a supercritical treatment tank for performing supercritical treatment by bringing a supercritical fluid into contact with a material to be treated; a circulation circuit for circulating the supercritical fluid contained in the supercritical treatment tank; and a cleaning tank provided on the circulation circuit and having a removal material for removing impurities from the supercritical fluid; A step is provided after the supercritical treatment, in which the supercritical fluid or a fluid derived therefrom is circulated through the circulation circuit so as to pass through the washing tank, and washing is performed. A processing method characterized by having the following:

11. The supercritical fluid treatment is an extraction process for extracting an extract from the material to be treated. The processing method according to claim 10, wherein, after the extraction process, the supercritical fluid or a fluid derived therefrom is circulated through the circulation circuit so as to pass through the washing tank, and washing is performed.

12. The supercritical treatment is an injection treatment in which an injection agent is injected into the material to be treated. The processing method according to claim 10, wherein, after the injection process, the supercritical fluid or a fluid derived therefrom is circulated through the circulation circuit so as to pass through the washing tank, and washing is performed.

13. The processing apparatus is connected to the circulation circuit and includes a bypass circuit that bypasses the supercritical processing tank, The processing method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the step of performing the cleaning includes circulating the supercritical fluid or a fluid derived therefrom through the circulation circuit so as to pass through the cleaning tank and the bypass circuit, and performing the cleaning.

14. A method for manufacturing a textile product, characterized by comprising the step of applying dyeing or functional processing as the supercritical treatment to the material to be treated, which includes fibers, by the processing method described in any one of claims 10 to 12.

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