Carboxylic Acid Rinse Treatment to Reduce Textile Drying Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for drying machine-washed textiles are inefficient, requiring extended time and high energy consumption, especially for cotton fabrics which retain moisture, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for reduced residual moisture content.
Innovation Solution
The use of carboxylic acids in the rinsing step of machine washing processes to adjust the pH value of the after-treatment liquor to below pH 7, reducing the residual moisture content and thereby shortening the drying time of textiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional rinsing with water or alkaline solutions is used, then textiles are adequately cleaned and softeners are stable, but residual moisture content remains high and drying time is lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the pH value of the rinse solution from neutral/alkaline to acidic (pH 3-5) through the addition of carboxylic acids. This chemical parameter change fundamentally alters the interaction between the rinse solution and textile fibers, enabling significantly reduced residual moisture content (up to 50% reduction) and consequently shorter drying times while maintaining textile integrity and softness
2Loss of time
If spin speed is increased to reduce residual moisture, then drying time decreases, but not all fabrics can withstand high spin speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces carboxylic acids as an intermediary substance in the rinse solution that acts as a mediator between the washing process and the textile fibers. This intermediary creates a chemical effect on the fiber surface that reduces residual moisture without requiring mechanical stress, thereby protecting fabric durability while achieving faster drying times
3Productivity
If carboxylic acid is added to reduce residual moisture, then drying time is shortened, but pH balance of rinse solution must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using small, controlled amounts of carboxylic acid (0.1-10 g/L) in the rinse solution. This partial addition is sufficient to achieve the desired pH 3-5 range and dramatically reduce residual moisture content, while avoiding excessive acidification that would complicate pH control and potentially harm textiles. The controlled dosage simplifies the overall process
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces the residual moisture in laundry after washing and spinning, leading to faster drying times and lower energy consumption when using tumble dryers, providing both time and financial advantages.
Implementation Method 1
A key feature of the invention is that, during the rinse cycle, preferably the final rinse cycle if there is more than one, the pH value of the aqueous solution in which the textiles are immersed is lowered.
Implementation Method 2
The invention relates to the use of carboxylic acids in the rinsing step of machine washing processes to shorten the drying time of the washed and optionally spun textiles. The reduction in drying time is achieved by decreasing the residual moisture content of the washed textiles.
Implementation Method 3
The final spin cycle in a washing machine serves to dehumidify the laundry in preparation for drying, either on a clothesline or in a tumble dryer. During this process, the laundry is centrifugally drained at spin speeds of 600 to 1600 revolutions per minute.
Data Source
AI summary
The aim of the invention is to reduce the drying time of laundered and optionally spin-dried textiles. This aim is essentially achieved by the use of carboxylic acids in the rinsing step of machine washing processes.