Textile Cleaning Solvent Composition for Oil-Water Stain Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning methods for textiles and clothes face limitations in removing both water-based and oil-based contaminants, with traditional solvents causing damage to fabrics, being harmful to humans and the environment, and requiring expensive and complex equipment for dry-cleaning. Existing solvents either damage delicate fabrics or are ineffective in removing water-based contaminants, and those that are environmentally friendly often have high volatilization temperatures or poor affinity with water.
Innovation Solution
A solvent with the formula (I) is developed, which has a strong affinity with water, allowing it to effectively remove both water-based and oil-based contaminants, is non-harmful to humans and the environment, and can be used in both water-cleaning and dry-cleaning processes without the need for closed systems, featuring a hydrophilic property that enables easy drying and flexibility for fabrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chlorinated solvents are used for dry-cleaning, then oil-based contaminant removal is improved, but environmental harm and health risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using hydrocarbon solvents (petroleum-based) with specific carbon chain lengths (C6-C12) instead of chlorinated solvents. This parameter change maintains effective oil-based contaminant removal through hydrophobic interactions while eliminating the harmful chlorine-containing compounds that cause environmental pollution and health risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of petroleum-based solvents (which can be harmful if not properly selected) into benefit by carefully selecting specific hydrocarbon ranges and adding surfactants. The surfactant addition transforms the system into one that effectively removes both oil-based and water-based contaminants while maintaining environmental safety, thus converting potential harm into beneficial multi-functional cleaning capability.
2Reliability
If water-cleaning process is used, then water-based contaminant removal is improved, but fabric damage and distortion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal cleaning system that combines the benefits of both water-cleaning and dry-cleaning. The solvent composition can remove oil-based contaminants through hydrophobic interactions and water-based contaminants through surfactant action, all while maintaining fabric integrity by avoiding the extreme alkaline conditions of traditional water-cleaning processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces surfactants as intermediary substances that bridge the gap between water and oil-based contaminants. These surfactants have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions, allowing them to interact with and remove water-based contaminants while the hydrocarbon solvent handles oil-based contaminants, all without damaging fabric fibers.
3Strength
If neutral liquid detergents are used, then fabric damage from alkaline conditions is reduced, but water-based contaminant removal remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite cleaning system by combining hydrocarbon solvents with surfactants in specific proportions. This composite formulation achieves both fabric protection (like neutral detergents) and effective water-based contaminant removal (through surfactant action), overcoming the limitations of neutral liquid detergents alone.
4Reliability
If dry-cleaning with chemical solvents is used, then oil-based contaminant removal is improved, but equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a solvent composition that can be used in simpler, less expensive equipment compared to traditional dry-cleaning systems. The formulation allows for effective cleaning without requiring complex closed-loop systems with expensive recovery and filtration equipment, making the process more accessible and easier to maintain.
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
The solvent effectively removes both types of contaminants, prevents fabric distortion, and allows for easy drying under conventional conditions, providing superior cleaning performance while ensuring safety and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
The solvent effectively removes both types of contaminants
Implementation Method 2
allows for easy drying under conventional conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a solvent for cleaning textiles or clothes. The present invention provides a solvent for cleaning which has a specified formula that is safe on the human body and environment, as well as good cleaning ability against oil-based and water-based contaminants and can be quickly dried. The solvent of the present invention and a composition comprising the same can be effectively used to water clean or dry clean textiles or clothes at home.