Method for cleaning textile absorbers

Abstract

A method and system for cleaning textile absorbers that can be recycled. The system includes the use of a particular cleaning fluid, n-propyl bromide, to clean the textile absorbers for reuse. The system may also include a removal component in which excess extraneous substances are removed from the textile absorbers prior to cleaning the textile absorbers.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0001] Not applicable. REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX [0002] Not Applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning fabrics. [0004] The desorption or removal of extraneous substances from fabrics is a prevalent industrial process. As used herein, the term “extraneous substance” refers to any substance that becomes attached to or is absorbed by a fabric during the use of the fabric. Extraneous substances can include dirt, industrial lubricants such as oils, grease, coolants, water, glycol, and solvents, as well as particulates. As a result, the current art contains a variety of different methods by which these substances are either removed from a fabric so that the fabric can be reused. [0005] The steps that are used to separate extraneous substances from fabrics so that the fabrics can be clean...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] A feature of the present invention is the use of a particular cleaning fluid that is an environmentally sound improvement over common cleaning products, such as chlorinated solvents. The use of n-propyl bromide is an advantageous alternative for chlorinated solvents, such as perchloroethylene. This compound is extremely effective at separating oils and greases from oil-absorbing materials, such as polypropylene. Furthermore, n-propyl bromide leaves these materials with a fresher scent and a softer feel than the chlorinated solvents. Whereas perchloroethylene may be most effective at removing the types of oils found on the human body, n-propyl bromide appears to be more effective at removing the types of oils found in industrial processes. More importantly, n-proply bromide is not considered by federal and state agencies to be a hazardous substance. Accordingly, users of this compound do not require all of the permits typically mandated by local, state, and federal agencies. This result greatly reduces compliance costs. Although n-propyl bromide is on the whole more costly than chlor

Problems solved by technology

Further, the goal of maximum recycle of fabrics and cleanest fabrics is often associated with the generation of harmful wastes to the environment.

Although this process met existing needs, it did not address the growing concern regarding typical dry cleaning fluids, such as perchloroethylene.

Not only is hazardous waste disposal costly, but it imposes significant requirements for careful handling in order to protect the environment.

Perchloroethylene is also considered to be a health hazard to those that may become over exposed to its fume

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