Dry-Cleaning Air Circulation Control for Low Residual Solvent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry-cleaning machines using Methylenebis(oxy)dibutane solvent fail to reduce residual solvent concentrations on garments to acceptable levels, resulting in lingering odors after the cleaning cycle.
Innovation Solution
A dry-cleaning machine and method that incorporate a solvent distillation unit, filtration unit, and a controlled air circulation system with a sensor and control unit to regulate fan speed based on solvent concentration, optimizing solvent evaporation and condensation to minimize residual solvent levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a closed air circulation circuit is used for drying articles, then energy efficiency is improved, but residual solvent concentration cannot be reduced to acceptable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system is divided into multiple zones with different functions: a first circuit for rapid drying with high air flow, and a second circuit for solvent removal with controlled air flow and active solvent capture mechanisms. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize for its specific function rather than trying to achieve all goals in a single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts air circulation parameters including flow rate, temperature, and humidity control based on real-time sensor feedback about solvent concentration and article moisture content. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to transition between different drying phases and maintain optimal conditions for reducing residual solvent.
2Quantity of substance
If high air circulation speed is used to reduce residual solvent, then drying effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation operates in periodic cycles alternating between high-speed phases for rapid solvent removal and lower-speed phases for energy conservation. The system uses sensors to detect when solvent concentration reaches target levels and automatically reduces air circulation intensity, creating a periodic pattern that balances effectiveness with energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor solvent concentration in the air and on articles, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback enables the system to adjust air circulation speed dynamically, increasing speed when solvent concentration is high and reducing speed when target levels are approached, thereby minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
3Quantity of substance
If drying time is extended to reduce residual solvent, then solvent concentration is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously during the drying process: air temperature, air flow rate, humidity levels, and circulation patterns. By coordinating these parameter changes, the system achieves rapid solvent removal in the initial phase while preventing the need for extended drying times, thus maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary high-intensity drying at the start of the cycle to remove the bulk of solvent quickly, before transitioning to a lower-intensity finishing phase. This preliminary action approach achieves most of the solvent removal in a short time, reducing the need for extended drying and maintaining high productivity.
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
Effectively reduces residual solvent concentrations on garments to low levels, minimizing odors and optimizing drying time, while allowing for the reuse and purification of the solvent.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor and control unit to regulate fan speed based on solvent concentration
Implementation Method 2
a device for heating the air
Implementation Method 3
a device for cooling the air
Implementation Method 4
a fan for circulating the air in the closed circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A dry cleaning machine for articles such as garments and the like, comprises: a rotary drum for containing the articles; means for feeding a solvent into the drum; means for draining a solvent out of the drum; a closed circuit for circulating air for drying the articles inside the drum, comprising at least one air movement fan, means for driving the fan, a heating device for heating the air to be fed into the drum, an air cooling device for condensing the solvent contained in the air flowing out of the drum.