Halogen-Free Solvent Dry Cleaning for Composite Textile Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning composite textile articles, such as work gloves with leather or suede parts, are inefficient due to their mixed hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials and the use of perchloroethylene, which is regulated or prohibited in some areas, and require specialized dry cleaning machines that are limited in scope and energy-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A dry degreasing process using a solvent mixture of halogen-free alkanes combined with an additive of aliphatic hydrocarbons and non-ionic or cationic surfactants, followed by mechanical action and distillation, allowing for the reuse of the solvent and separation of aqueous and organic phases, which can be implemented in standard cleaning devices and is energy-efficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If perchloroethylene is used for dry cleaning composite textile articles, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but environmental harm and regulatory restrictions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the cleaning solvent by using halogen-free alkanes instead of perchloroethylene, and adjusts the boiling point parameter through additive selection to achieve both effective cleaning and environmental compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces surfactant additives as intermediary substances that enhance the cleaning mechanism by reducing surface tension and improving grease emulsification, allowing halogen-free solvents to achieve cleaning effectiveness previously only attainable with perchloroethylene
2Reliability
If specialized dry cleaning machines are used, then cleaning performance is improved, but device complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes standard cleaning devices capable of performing specialized dry cleaning functions by using universally compatible halogen-free solvents that can be processed in existing equipment, eliminating the need for specialized machine infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the need for complex specialized mechanical dry cleaning systems with a simplified chemical solution using halogen-free solvents and surfactants that can be effectively applied in standard cleaning devices
3Reliability
If specialized dry cleaning machines are used, then cleaning performance is improved, but energy consumption worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the boiling point parameter of the cleaning solvent through selective additive composition, enabling distillation and solvent recovery at lower temperatures, thereby reducing the energy input required for the cleaning cycle
4Quantity of substance
If mechanical action is improved for grease removal, then solvent requirements are reduced, but cleaning effectiveness on composite materials worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite cleaning formulation combining halogen-free alkanes with surfactant additives, creating a synergistic system that enhances mechanical grease removal effectiveness while maintaining compatibility with composite textile structures including leather and hydrophobic materials
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 method effectively degreases composite textile articles without perchloroethylene, is environmentally friendly, and can be applied to articles with leather or suede parts, using standard equipment, while being cost-effective and energy-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
said articles are soaked with a first solvent comprising/consisting of a mixture of halogen-free alkanes
Implementation Method 2
an additive comprising or consisting of a mixture of aliphatic hydrocarbons free of halogen and/or at least one non-ionic and/or cationic surfactant
Implementation Method 3
the liquid mixture resulting from the spinning is distilled so as to separate said first solvent or at least said mixture of halogen-free alkanes which it contains
Implementation Method 4
the distillate is condensed with water at a temperature lower than the temperature of the distillate leaving the distillation
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dry degreasing process, particularly for composite textile articles, especially work gloves, partially coated with mineral grease.According to this process, said articles are soaked with a first solvent comprising/consisting of a mixture of halogen-free alkanes, then optionally sprayed onto said soaked articles an additive comprising or consisting of a mixture of halogen-free aliphatic hydrocarbons and/or at least one non-ionic and/or cationic surfactant and having a boiling point higher than that of said solvent, a mechanical action is exerted on said articles, in particular by agitating said articles, then wringing said articles, distilling the liquid mixture resulting from wringing so as to separate said first solvent or at least said mixture of halogen-free alkanes which it contains, and optionally reusing the distillate to degrease textile articles.