DE60030305T2 - CLEANING SYSTEM WITH AN ORGANIC AND UNDER PRESSURE LIQUID SOLVENT - Google Patents

Abstract

A cleaning system that utilizes an organic cleaning solvent and pressurized fluid solvent is disclosed. The system has no conventional evaporative hot air drying cycle. Instead, the system utilizes the solubility of the organic solvent in pressurized fluid solvent as well as the physical properties of pressurized fluid solvent. After an organic solvent cleaning cycle, the solvent is extracted from the textiles at high speed in a rotating drum in the same way conventional solvents are extracted from textiles in conventional evaporative hot air dry cleaning machines. Instead of proceeding to a conventional drying cycle, the extracted textiles are then immersed in pressurized fluid solvent to extract the residual organic solvent from the textiles. This is possible because the organic solvent is soluble in pressurized fluid solvent. After the textiles are immersed in pressurized fluid solvent, pressurized fluid solvent is pumped from the drum. Finally, the drum is de-pressurized to atmospheric pressure to evaporate any remaining pressurized fluid solvent, yielding clean, solvent free textiles. The organic solvent is preferably dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether or tripropylene glycol methyl ether, a mixture thereof, or a similar solvent and the pressurized fluid solvent is preferably densified carbon dioxide.

Description

Field of the invention

The The present invention relates generally to cleaning systems and more specifically to substrate cleaning systems, such as dry cleaning systems using an organic cleaning solvent and an under Pressurized, fluid solvent.

State of the art

A Variety of methods and systems are for cleaning substrates, such as textiles, as well as others more flexible, finer, more sensitive or porous Structures are known that are sensitive to soluble and insoluble Impurities are. Use these known methods and systems for cleaning of the substrate typically water, perchlorethylene, gasoline and other solvents, at or substantially near atmospheric pressure and at room temperature liquid are.

such conventional Methods and systems have generally been found to be satisfactory for their intended purpose. Recently, however, was next to other things due to environmental, hygiene, work hazards and Waste disposal concerns questioned whether it was desirable is, these conventional To use processes and systems. For example, perchlorethylene often as a solvent for cleaning sensitive substrates, such as textiles, in one Method used, which is referred to as "dry cleaning". Some municipalities require that the use and disposal of this solvent regulated by environmental agencies, even if only small quantities this solvent into the waste streams reach.

There are also There are considerable legal regulations, the solvents such as perchlorethylene by authorities, such as EPA, OSHA and DOT. Such provisions result in increased costs for the user, which in turn passed on to the end user become. For example, must Filters in conventional Perchlorethylene dry cleaning systems were used, according to regulations in terms of hazardous waste or other environmental regulations. Certain others solvents used in dry cleaning, such as hydrocarbon solvents, are extremely flammable, resulting in greater workmanship for the user and increased Cost in controlling their use results.

In addition will be Textiles using conventional cleaning methods be cleaned, typically by circulating warm air through the Textiles dried when tumbled in a drum. The solvent must have a relatively high vapor pressure and a relatively low boiling point have to be effective in a system using hot air drying to be used. Heat used in drying can permanently stain some on the textiles. In addition, the drying cycle extends the total processing time significantly. During the conventional dry process For example, moisture adsorbed to the textile fibers often coalesces removed with the solvent. This often results in the development of undesirable static electricity and a running in of the garments. In addition, the textiles due to the need the textiles in warm air for a relative long time to tumble (tumble) subjected to greater wear. Conventional dry processes are inefficient and often leave excessive solvent residue in textiles, especially in heavy textiles, in several Tissue layers constructed components and in structural components the garments, like shoulder pads. This can result in unpleasant odors, and can in extreme cases a skin irritation of the wearer cause. additionally time consumption and limited effectiveness results in conventional Dry in a significant loss of cleaning solvent in the form of volatile Solvent vapor. After all is conventional Hot air drying is an energy-intensive process that takes place in relatively high Operating costs and accelerated wear of the equipment results.

Conventional cleaning systems may use distillation along with filtration and adsorption to remove contaminants dissolved and suspended in the cleaning agent. The filters and adsorptive materials become saturated with the solvent and therefore the disposal of some filter waste is regulated by state or federal laws. The evaporation of solvent, especially during the drying cycle, is one of the major sources of solvent loss in conventional systems. A reduction in solvent loss improves the environmental and economical aspects of cleaning substrates using cleaning solvents. It is therefore advantageous It is desirable to provide a method and system for the cleaning of substrates that uses a solvent with less adverse properties than those of the solvents currently used and that reduces solvent losses.

When an alternative for conventional Detergents were pressurized fluid solvents or compressed fluid solvents for the Purification of various substrates used, being widely understood is that compressed fluids include gases that are either under subcritical or supercritical conditions put under pressure be a liquid or a supercritical fluid having a density close to that of a liquid to obtain. In particular, some patents have the use of a Solvent, such as carbon dioxide, which is in a liquid state or either is kept in a subcritical or supercritical state, for the Cleaning of such substrates, such as textiles, as well as other flexible, fine, delicate or porous Structures that are sensitive to soluble and insoluble Impurities are.

For example, US Pat. No. 5,279,615 discloses a process for cleaning textiles using densified carbon dioxide in combination with a nonpolar cleaning additive. The preferred additives are paraffin oils, such as mineral oil or Vaseline. These substances are a mixture of alkanes containing one part, C ₁₆ or higher hydrocarbons. The method uses a heterogeneous cleaning system formed by the combination of the additive added to the textile before or substantially at the same time as the compressed fluid. According to the data disclosed in Patent No. 5,279,615, the cleaning additive is not as effective in removing soil from fabric as conventional cleaning solvents or as the solvents disclosed below that are described for use in the present invention.

The US Pat. No. 5,316,591 discloses a process for purification of substrates using liquid carbon dioxide or others gases liquefied below their critical temperature. The main point this patent is based on the use of a number of devices, to cause ultrasonic cavitation to improve the cleaning performance of the liquid Increase carbon dioxide. In all disclosed embodiments compressed carbon dioxide is the cleaning medium. This patent does not describe the use of a solvent other than the liquefied one Gas for the cleaning of substrates. While The combination of ultrasonic cavitation and liquid carbon dioxide is good for the treatment complex objects and substrates containing extremely hazardous contaminants, is this procedure for the regular cleaning of textile substrates too expensive. In addition, the use of Ultrasonic cavitation less effective for contaminant removal of textiles, as it is for the removal of impurities from hard surfaces is.

The US Pat. No. 5,377,705 discloses a process for purification of precision parts using a liquefied, pressurized gas in the supercritical state and one environmentally acceptable co-solvent (co-solvent). While This process will be the parts to be cleaned with the diluent pretreated and then placed in the cleaning vessel. After that, the impurities and the cosolvent from the parts by circulating a pressurized gas in its supercritical state removed the vessel. The redeposition of the cosolvent and impurities is controlled by the amount of pressurized gas, that pumped through the vessel becomes. For the use with the cleaning solvent specified extender Aliphatics, terpenes, acetone, laminins, isopropyl alcohol, Axarel (DuPont), Petroferm (Petroferm, Inc.), kerosene and Isopar-m (Exxon). During the Cleaning process flows the cleaning solvent (supercritical carbon dioxide) through a vessel containing the ones to be treated Contains parts, through one or more filters and directly to a separator, in which the solvent is evaporated and recondensed. The disclosed cosolvents for the Use in this patent have high evaporation rates and low flash points. The use of such diluents results in high solvent losses and in a high fire danger. Besides, many of the cosolvents are not with conventional dyes and fibers used in textile manufacture. Furthermore The use of supercritical carbon dioxide requires its use a more expensive equipment.

US Pat. No. 5,417,768 discloses a method for cleaning precision parts using a two-solvent system. A solvent may be liquid at room temperature and pressure while the second solvent may be supercritical carbon dioxide. The objects of this invention include the use of two or more solvents with minimal solvent mixing and the use of ultrasonic cavitation in such a manner as to avoid the ultrasonic transducers coming into contact with the former solvent. A device will be which consists of an upwardly open vessel in a covered pressurized vessel. The primary fluid is pumped into the upwardly open vessel. After cleaning with the primary fluid, it is pumped out of the upwardly open vessel. Then, pressurized carbon dioxide is pumped into the upwardly open vessel and flowed through the vessel until the level of contaminants within the vessel is reduced to a desired level. The co-solvents disclosed in this patent are the same solvents set forth in US Pat. No. 5,377,705. The use of these solvents would result in a high risk of fire, high levels of solvent loss and possible damage to a wide range of textiles.

The US Pat. No. 5,888,250 discloses the use of a binary azeotrope with propylene glycol tertiary butyl ether and water as an environmentally attractive replacement for perchlorethylene in dry cleaning and degreasing processes. While the use of Propylenglycoltertiärbutylether of attractive from an environmental regulatory point of view is its use in a conventional art disclosed in this invention Dry cleaning process using a conventional Dry cleaning equipment and a conventional evaporating warm air drying cycle. As a result, it has many of the same disadvantages previously described like traditional ones Dry cleaning process.

Various Purification process with pressurized fluid solvent, which are described in the preceding patents, can a re-contamination of the substrate and the deterioration lead to the cleaning effect, because the polluted solvent not continuously cleaned or removed from the system. Furthermore is a pressurized fluid solvent alone in the Removing some types of dirt is not as effective as it is conventional Cleaning agents are. As a consequence, purification processes require with pressurized fluid solvent the single treatment from stains and heavily soiled surfaces of textiles, causing a labor-intensive process is. There are also systems under Pressurized fluid solvents use for cleaning, more expensive and more difficult to manufacture and the maintenance than conventional Cleaning systems. After all can few, if any, the conventional one surfactants Substances effective in pressurized fluid solvents be used. Those in the cleaning systems under pressure standing fluid solvents usable surface active Substances and additives are more expensive than those in conventional ones Cleaning systems used.

It therefore gives a need for an efficient and economical Procedure and a system for the cleaning of substrates, taking advantage of the previous one Contains systems and minimized with each associated difficulty. It exists also a need for a method and system in which the warm air drying time eliminated or at least reduced, whereby the wear of the substrate is reduced and avoiding permanent staining of the substrate becomes.

SUMMARY

In In the present invention, certain types of organic solvents such as glycol ethers and specifically polyglycol ethers including dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, Tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether or tripropylene glycol methyl ether or similar solvent or mixtures of such solvents used. Any kind of organic solvent that is among the Hereinafter disclosed chemical formula may be used. However, unlike conventional cleaning systems in In the present invention, a conventional drying cycle is not necessary. Instead, the system uses the solubility of the organic solvent in pressurized fluid solvents, as well as the physical properties of pressurized fluid solvents, to dry the substrate to be cleaned.

As As used herein, the term "pressurized fluid solvent" refers to both Pressurized liquid Solvent, as well as to compressed fluid solvents. As used herein the term "under Pressurized fluid Solvent "on solvent, preferably between about 4.14 MPa and 7.24 MPa (600 and 1050 Pounds per square inch) and are liquid between about 5 and 30 degrees Celsius, but at atmospheric Pressure and room temperature gaseous are. As used herein, the term "compressed fluid Solvent "on a gas or a gas mixture that is either subcritical or supercritical conditions are compressed to either a liquid or a supercritical liquid to achieve a density close to that of a liquid. Prefers is the pressurized one used in the present invention liquid solvent an inorganic substance such as carbon dioxide, xenon, nitrogen oxide or sulfur hexafluoride. Most preferably, this is under pressure standing fluid solvents compressed carbon dioxide.

The Substrates are in a perforated or perforated drum inside a vessel in one Cleaning cycle using an organic solvent cleaned. A perforated drum is preferred to the free one Exchange of solvents between the drum and the vessel as well to allow the transport of dirt from the substrate to the filter. After the substrates in the perforated drum have been cleaned, becomes the organic solvent from the substrates by turning the cleaning drum at a high speed extracted within the cleaning vessel, in the same way as conventional ones Solvent from the substrates in conventional Cleaning machines are extracted. However, instead of becoming one usual The steaming hot air drying cycle will continue Substrate immersed in the pressurized fluid solvent to the remaining organic solvent extract from the substrates. This is possible because the organic solvent is soluble in the pressurized fluid solvent. After the substrates in the pressurized fluid solvent are also immersed as a cleaning solvent can serve, becomes the pressurized fluid solvent from the drum guided. Finally will from the vessel the pressure until he is atmospheric Pressure reaches drained to any remaining pressurized fluid solvents to evaporate, using clean, solvent-free Substrates are obtained.

The glycol ethers used in the present invention Polyglycol ethers tend to be in pressurized solvents, how to be soluble in supercritical or subcritical carbon dioxide, so that a conventional Warm air drying cycle is not necessary. The in the conventional Purification systems used types of polyglycol ethers need a have remarkably high vapor pressure and low boiling point, because they are from the substrates by evaporation in a stream of warm air be removed. However, solvents have especially non-halogenated solvents that have a high vapor pressure and have a low boiling point, generally also one low flashpoint. From a safety standpoint, organic Solvent, which are used in the cleaning of substrates, a flash point have that as high as possible is, or preferably they should have no flashpoint. By removing of the conventional evaporating hot air drying process can be a wide range of solvents used in the present invention, much lower Evaporation rates, higher Boiling points and higher Flash points have the same as those in conventional cleaning systems.

On in this way, the cleaning systems described herein utilize solvents, which are less regulated and less flammable and effective remove various types of soiling that typically occur Textiles are deposited through normal use. The cleaning system reduces solvent consumption and waste generation compared to conventional dry cleaning systems. The machine and operating costs are compared with previously reduced pressure fluid systems used, and conventional Additives can be used in the cleaning system.

In addition, will one of the main sources of solvent loss from conventional Dry cleaning systems, which in the evaporating hot air drying step occurs, entirely eliminated. Because the conventional evaporating hot air drying process is eliminated, there is none on the substrate by heat stained spots, the risk of fire and / or explosions is reduced, the overall cycle time is reduced and the residual solvent in the substrates is substantially reduced or eliminated. The Substrates are subject to less wear, less static electricity is built and less shrinkage occurs because there is no need for the substrates to throw in a stream of warm air to dry it.

While the Systems according to the present invention Invention using a pressurized fluid solvent for removal of organic solvents as complete new systems can be set up, can also existing conventional Solvent systems be rebuilt to use the present invention. An existing one conventional Solvent system Can be used to substrates with organic solvent to clean, and an extra pressurized chamber for drying the substrates with pressurized fluid solvent can be added to the existing system.

Therefore, according to the present invention, textiles are cleaned by arranging the fabrics to be cleaned in a cleaning drum inside a cleaning vessel, adding an organic solvent to the cleaning vessel, cleaning the textiles with the organic solvent, removing a part of the organic solvent from the cleaning vessel, rotating the cleaning drum , around extracting a portion of the organic solvent from the fabrics, placing the fabrics in a cleaning drum within a drying vessel that can be pressurized, adding a pressurized fluid solvent to the drying vessel, removing a portion of the pressurized fluid solvent from the drying vessel Drying vessel, rotating the drying drum to extract a portion of the pressurized fluid solvent from the textiles, releasing the pressure from the drying vessel to remove the remaining remainder of the pressurized fluid solvent by evaporation, and removing the textiles from the non more pressurized vessel.

These and other features and advantages of the invention are taken into consideration the following detailed Description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention taken together with the claims and attached Drawings are obvious as well as by the practice of the invention will be learned.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 is a block diagram of a cleaning system using separate vessels for cleaning and drying.

2 Figure 11 is a block diagram of a cleaning system utilizing a single vessel for cleaning and drying.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will now be detailed on embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings be illustrated. The steps of every procedure for cleaning and The drying of a substrate will be in connection with the detailed Description of the system will be described.

The methods and systems presented herein are used for cleaning a textile. The term "textile" includes, but is not limited to, woven or non-woven materials, as well as articles thereof. Fabrics include, but are not limited to, fabrics, garments, protective covers, carpets, upholstery fabrics, furniture, and window decorations. For purposes of illustration and illustration, and not limitation, the appended claims 1 and 2 Embodiments of a system for the cleaning of textiles according to the invention are shown.

As previously stated, that is used in the present invention pressurized fluid solvents either a pressurized liquid solvent or a compressed one fluid solvent. Although a variety of solvents can be used it is preferred that an inorganic substance, such as carbon dioxide, Xenon, nitric oxide or sulfur hexafluoride, when under pressure standing solution medium is used. For cost and environmental reasons, is liquid, supercritical or subcritical carbon dioxide is the preferred pressurized fluid Solvent.

In addition, in order to maintain the pressurized fluid solvent in the proper fluid state, the internal temperature and pressure of the system must be adequately controlled relative to the critical temperature and pressure of the pressurized fluid solvent. For example, the critical temperature and pressure of carbon dioxide are about 31 degrees Celsius and about 73 atmospheres, respectively. The temperature may be adjusted and regulated in a conventional manner, such as by using a heat exchanger in combination with a thermal coupler or similar temperature control device. Similarly, pressurizing the system may be accomplished using a pressure regulating device and a pump and / or a compressor in combination with a pressure valve. These ingredients are conventional and will not be in the 1 and 2 because the arrangements and operation of these components are well known in the art.

The temperature and pressure of the system may be either manually or by conventional automated control devices (eg containing a suitably programmed computer or microchip) receiving signals from the thermal coupler and the pressure valve, and then sending appropriate signals to the heat exchanger or heat exchanger. the pump and / or compressor are sent, monitored and controlled. Unless otherwise stated, the temperature and pressure are suitably obtained throughout the system during operation. As such, the Ele ments contained in the system are sufficiently large and constructed of sufficient material to withstand the temperature, pressure, and flow parameters required for operation, and may be selected from, or designed using any type of high pressure equipment currently available.

In the present invention, the preferred organic solvent should have a flash point of greater than 93.3 ° C (220 ° F) to allow for increased safety and less stringent regulatory requirements should have a low evaporation rate to minimize fugitive emissions. it should be able to remove contaminants consisting of insoluble particulate soils and solvent soluble oils and fats, and should reduce the redeposition of soils on the cleaned fabrics. Preferably, the organic solvent in the present invention is a glycol ether and specifically a polyglycol ether such as dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether or tripropylene glycol methyl ether, or any combination of two or more of them. A description of the chemical formulas of the organic solvents that can be used in the purification process of the present invention follows. As used herein, the elemental designations are the same as those used by one skilled in the art. As used herein, for example, H represents hydrogen, O denotes oxygen, C denotes carbon, S denotes sulfur, Si denotes silicon, CH ₃ denotes methyl, CH ₂ CH ₃ denotes ethyl and R denotes a variable denoting a chemical structure, as further described herein.

In an embodiment In the invention, the organic solvent of the invention becomes partial of a glycol ether having a structure as defined in claim 1 built up.

A Group of organic solvent compositions, which can be used in the purification processes of the invention Solvent, that can be described that they have the chemical structure:

General chemical structure B

The subscripts "x", "y", and "z" can each be either zero or one and each of their values is independent of the value of the other two subscripts. That is, the subscripts may have a different value. However, at least one of "x", "y" or "z" is one. The group R "has a structure of benzyl, phenyl, their fluorinated and partially fluorinated analogs, C _j H _{2j + 1} or C _j H _a F _b . The subscript index value "j" is an integer in the range of one and the value of the difference calculated by 13 - 3 (x + y + z). The subscript index values "a" and "b" range from zero to 2j + 1; and a + b = 2j + 1. Since at least one of "x", "y" and "z" must always be 1, "j" has a value in the range of 4 to 10. The group R 'can be a of O, S, carbonyl or ester groups. As the last R _1-12 a general formula of C _m H _n F _p and C _d H _e F _g. The subscripts "m", "n" and "p" have the values as described below: "m is an integer in the range of zero to two," n "and" p "are integers in the range of zero to five, and n + p = 2m + 1. The subscripts "d", "e" and "g" have the values as described below: "d" is an integer in the range of zero to two; " e "and" g "are integers ranging from zero to five, and e + g = 2d + 1. The types of glycol ether compounds that are encompassed by this chemical structure include, but are not limited to, aromatic, aliphatic and fluorinated and partially fluorinated, aliphatic and aromatic mono- and polyglycol ethers and thioethers and carbonyl and ester derivatives thereof.

The previously described general chemical structure B can also into further different subgroups, as in the following table 1, broken down.

In each of the groups previously described in Table 1, for ease of description, R _{1-12 are} grouped together as R _1-3 , R _4-6 , R _7-9 and R _10-12 . Where the individual constituents of a group can be different elements, the elements in the column are described in the alternative. For example, R _1-3 may be described as "H or F". In a dispensed solvent compound having this description, each of R ₁ , R ₂ and R _{3 may be} H or each of R ₁ , R ₂ or R ₃ may be F. Alternatively, R ₁ and R _{2 may be} H, while R _{3 is} F, etc. with the various combinations of "H" and "F". This remains the same throughout the tables in this specification.

Another group of organic solvent compositions that can be used in the purification processes of the invention include solvents that can be described. that they have the chemical structure:

General chemical structure C

In the general chemical structure C, the subscripts "x", "y" and "z" each have a value of either zero or one, but at least one of "x", "y" and "z" has a value of one. The group R "has a structure of C _j H _{2j + 1} or C _j H _u F _v and the group R ^IV has a structure of C _k H _{2k + 1} or C _k H _r F _s . The values of the subscripts "j" and "k" are integers in the range of one and the value of 13 - 3 (x + y + z). Therefore, the values of the subscripts "j" and "k" can be integers in the range of one and a maximum of 10 (if two of "x,""y," and "z" are zero). In addition, the sum of j + k is an integer in the range of two to the value of 13 - 3 (x + y + z). The subscripts "u" and "v" are integers ranging from zero to 2j + 1; and u + v = 2j + 1. The subscripts "r" and "s" are integers ranging from zero to 2k + 1; and r + s = 2k + 1.

In the further definition of the general chemical structure C, the groups R _1-3 and R _10-12 are hydrogen ( "H") can, fluorine ( "F"), methyl ( "CH _3"), ethyl ( "CH ₂ CH ₃ ") or partially or fully fluorinated methyl or ethyl groups. Each of R _1-3 and R _10-12 is independently selected to achieve various combinations of the foregoing encompassed by the invention. In general, R _{1-3 has} the formula C _m H _n F _p . The subscripts "m", "n" and "p" have the same values as previously described: "m" is an integer from zero to two; "n" and "p" are integers ranging from zero to five; and n + p = 2m + 1. In addition, the groups R _{4-9 may} each be hydrogen, fluorine or methyl groups. As with the other groups, the identity of each of R _{4-9 is} chosen independently of the identity of the other groups. Finally, the identity of the group R 'in the general chemical structure C is either O, S, a carbonyl group or an ester group. Each of the solvent compounds characterized by the general chemical structure C is suitable for use as an organic solvent in the purification processes of the invention. The types of glycol ether compounds encompassed by this chemical structure include, but are not limited to, aliphatic and fluorinated and partially fluorinated aliphatic mono- and polyglycol diethers, and ether thioethers and carbonyl and ester derivatives thereof.

The previously described general chemical structure C can in further Subgroups are broken down, as in the following table 2 shown.

In each of the groups previously described in Table 2, one or more of R _1-12 are described together. For example, R _1-3 may be described as "independently H or CH ₃ ". In a solvent compound indicated by this description, each of R ₁ , R ₂ and R _{3 may be} H or each of R ₁ , R ₂ and R ₃ may be CH ₃ . Alternatively, R ₁ and R _{2 may be} H, while R _{3 is} CH ₃ , etc., with various combinations of "H" and "CH ₃ ".

Well, with reference to the 1 a block diagram of a cleaning system with separate vessels for the cleaning and drying of textiles shown. The cleaning system 100 generally includes a cleaning machine 102 with a cleaning vessel 110 operated by a plurality of motorized shafts (not shown) with a perforated rotary cleaning drum or a wheel 112 inside the cleaning vessel 110 with an inlet 114 of the cleaning vessel 110 and an outlet 116 from the cleaning vessel, through which the cleaning fluids can pass, is connected. A drying machine 104 has a drying vessel 120 that can be put under pressure. This pressurizable drying vessel 120 is in operation via one or more motorized shafts (not shown) with a perforated rotary drying drum or a wheel 122 inside the drying vessel 120 with an inlet 124 of the drying vessel 120 and an outlet 126 from the drying vessel 120 connected, through which the pressurized fluid solvent can pass. The cleaning vessel 110 and the drying vessel 120 can either be parts of the same machine or they can include separate machines. In addition, the two cleaning and drying steps of this invention may be carried out in the same vessel as described with reference to FIGS 2 is described below.

An organic solvent container 130 contains a suitable organic solvent, as previously described, in the cleaning vessel 110 through the inlet 114 is to bring. A container for un pressurized fluid solvent 132 , a pressurized fluid solvent is added to the pressurized drying vessel 120 through the inlet 124 is to be supplied. The filtration arrangement 140 Contains one or more filters that continuously contaminate the organic solvent from the cleaning vessel 110 removed when performing the cleaning.

The components of the cleaning system 100 be with the wires 150 - 156 which transport organic solvents and vaporized and pressurized fluid solvents between the components of the system. As used herein, the term "conduit" is to be understood to refer to a piping network or similar compounds capable of carrying fluids and capable of being pressurized for particular purposes. The transport of the organic solvents and the vaporized and pressurized fluid solvents through the lines 150 - 156 is through the valves 170 - 176 and the pumps 190 - 193 controlled. While the pumps 190 - 193 In the described embodiment, any method may be used for transporting liquids and / or vapor between components, such as applying pressure to the component using a compressor to deliver the liquid and / or vapor from the component float.

The fabrics are cleaned with an organic solvent such as those previously described or mixtures thereof. The fabrics may also be cleaned with a combination of an organic solvent and a pressurized fluid solvent, and this combination may be used in varying proportions of about 50% to 100% by weight of the organic solvent and 0% to about 50% by weight of the pressurized fluid solvent. In the cleaning process, the textiles are first sorted as necessary to divide the textiles into groups which are suitably cleaned with each other. The fabrics may then be stained, if necessary, to remove any stains that can not be removed during the cleaning process. The textiles are then in cleaning drum 112 of the cleaning system 100 given. It is preferred that the cleaning drum 112 is perforated to allow both a free exchange of solvent between the cleaning drum 112 and the cleaning vessel 110 as well as the transport of dirt from the textiles to the filtration assembly 140 to enable.

After the textiles in the cleaning drum 112 are arranged, an organic solvent that is in an organic solvent container 130 is included, to the cleaning vessel 110 over a line 152 by opening the valve 171 , Closing the valves 170 . 172 . 173 and 174 and in operation of the pump 190 given to the organic solvent through the inlet 114 of the cleaning vessel 110 to pump. The organic solvent may contain one or more diluents, water, detergents or other additives to improve the cleaning ability of the cleaning system 100 to increase.

Alternatively, one or more additives may be added directly to the cleaning vessel 110 are given. The pressurized fluid solvent may also enter the purge vessel 110 be added together with the organic solvent to improve the purification. The pressurized fluid solvent may be added to the purge vessel 110 over the line 154 by opening the valve 174 , Closing the valves 170 . 171 . 172 . 173 and 175 and in operation of the pump 192 be added to the pressurized fluid solvent through the inlet 114 of the cleaning vessel 110 to pump. Of course, as discussed below, when the pressurized fluid solvent is included in the purge cycle, it becomes necessary to clean the purge vessel 110 in the same way as the drying vessel 120 to put pressure on.

When a sufficient amount of the organic solvent, or a combination of the organic solvent and the pressurized fluid solvent to the cleaning vessel 110 is added, the motor (not shown) is put into operation and the perforated cleaning drum 112 in the cleaning vessel 110 is shaken and / or rotated. During this phase, the organic solvent is continuously passed through the filtration assembly 140 by opening the valves 170 and 172 , and closing the valves 171 . 173 and 174 and in operation of the pump 191 circulated. The filtration arrangement 140 may include one or more fine mesh filters to remove particulate contaminants from the organic solvent passed therethrough, and may alternatively or additionally contain one or more absorptive or adsorptive filters to remove water, dyes, and other organic solvent solubles to remove. Exemplary configurations of filter assemblies that can be used to remove contaminants from either the organic solvent or the pressurized fluid solvent are fully described in US Application Serial No. 08 / 994,583. As a result, the organic solvent is passed through the outlet 116 , the valve 172 , The administration 151 , the filter arrangement 140 , The administration 150 , the valve 170 pumped and enters the cleaning vessel again 110 over the inlet 114 , This recirculation advantageously removes contaminants, including particulate soils and / or soluble contaminants from the organic solvent, and returns the filtered organic solvent to the purge vessel 110 and the shaking or rotating cleaning drum 112 , This process removes soiling from the fabrics. Of course, in the event that the cleaning vessel 110 Under pressure, this recirculation system is at the same pressure / temperature level as the purge vessel 110 held.

After a sufficient time has elapsed so that the desired level of soiling is removed from the fabrics and the organic solvent, the organic solvent is removed from the cleaning drum 112 and the cleaning vessel 110 by opening the valve 173 , Closing the valves 170 . 171 . 172 and 174 and in operation of the pump 191 removed the organic solvent through the outlet 116 over the line 153 to pump. The cleaning drum 112 is then rotated at a high speed, such as 150-800 rpm, to additionally remove organic solvents from the fabrics. The cleaning drum 112 is preferably pierced, so when the textiles in the cleaning drum 112 at a high speed, such as 150-800rpm, the organic solvent from the cleaning drum 112 can be dissipated. Each from the textiles by rotating the cleaning drum 112 Organic solvent removed at high speed is also removed from the cleaning drum 112 removed in the manner previously described. After the organic solvent from the cleaning drum 112 may be either discarded or recovered and decontaminated using a prior art solvent recovery system for reuse. In addition, if desired, multiple cleaning cycles may be used because each cleaning cycle uses the same organic solvent or different organic solvents. If multiple cleaning cycles are used, each cleaning cycle can be performed in the same cleaning vessel, or a separate cleaning vessel can be used for each cleaning cycle.

After the desired amount of organic solvent from the textiles by turning the cleaning drum 112 At high speed, the textiles are removed from the cleaning drum 112 to the drying drum 122 in the drying vessel 120 Moved in the same way as the textiles are moved between machines in conventional cleaning systems. In an alternative embodiment, a single drum may be used in both the cleaning cycle and the drying cycle, such that instead of transferring the textiles between the cleaning drum 112 and the drying drum 122 a single drum containing the textiles, between the cleaning vessel 110 in the drying vessel 120 is transported. If the cleaning vessel 110 During the cleaning cycle, the pressure must be released before the textiles are removed. If once the textiles in the drying drum 122 are disposed, a pressurized fluid solvent, such as in the carbon dioxide container 132 contained, to the drying vessel 120 over the wires 154 and 155 by opening the valve 175 , Closing the valves 174 and 176 and in operation of the pump 192 given to the pressurized fluid solvent through the inlet 124 of the drying vessel 120 over the wires 154 and 155 to pump. When the pressurized fluid solvent to the drying vessel 120 is added, the organic solvent remaining in the fabrics dissolves in the pressurized fluid solvent.

After a sufficient amount of the pressurized fluid solvent is added to dissolve the desired level of organic solvent, the combination of the pressurized fluid solvent and the organic solvent is removed from the drying vessel 120 removed, and thus also from the drying drum 122 , by opening the valve 176 , Closing the valve 175 and in operation of the pump 193 to the combination of the pressurized fluid solvent and the organic solvent through the outlet 126 over the line 156 to pump. If desired, this process can be repeated to additionally remove organic solvent. The drying drum 122 is then rotated at high speed, such as 150-800 rpm, to remove the combination of the pressurized fluid solvent and organic solvent from the fabrics. The drying drum 122 is preferably perforated, so that when the textiles in the drying drum 122 are rotated at a high speed, the combination of the pressurized fluid solvent and the organic solvent from the drying drum 122 can be dissipated. Any combination of pressurized fluid solvent and organic solvent that is removed from the fabrics by spinning the drying drum 122 is removed at high speed is also removed from the drying vessel 120 in the manner previously described and Pumped way. After the combination of the pressurized fluid solvent and the organic solvent from the drying vessel 120 can be either discarded or separated and recovered for reuse with a solvent recovery system known in the art. It should be noted that while it is preferred, it is not necessary to include a high speed spinner cycle to remove the pressurized fluid solvent from the fabrics.

After a desired amount of the pressurized fluid solvent from the textiles by rotating the drying drum 122 is removed, the pressure from the drying vessel 120 drained over a period of about 5-15 minutes. The pressure release of the drying vessel 120 Evaporates any remaining pressurized fluid solvent leaving dry, solvent-free textiles in the drying drum 122 back. The pressurized fluid solvent that has been evaporated is then removed from the drying vessel 120 by opening the valve 176 , Closing the valve 175 and in operation of the pump 193 away. As a result, the vaporized pressurized fluid solvent passes through the outlet 126 , The administration 156 and the valve 176 pumped into the atmosphere, where it can be either released into the atmosphere or recovered for reuse and compressed again.

While the cleaning system 100 has been described as a complete system, an existing conventional dry cleaning system may be converted for use in accordance with the present invention. To rebuild a conventional dry cleaning system, the previously described organic solvent is used for the cleaning of textiles in the conventional system. A separate pressurized vessel is added to the conventional system for drying the textiles with a pressurized fluid solvent. In this way, the conventional system is rebuilt for use with a pressurized fluid solvent. For example, the system in the 1 represent such a rebuilt system, the components of the cleaning machine 102 Conventional, and the container for the pressurized fluid solvent 132 not with the cleaning vessel 100 connected is. In such a situation, the drying machine is 104 the added part of the conventional cleaning machine.

Moreover, while that might be in the 1 As shown in the system comprising a single cleaning vessel, several cleaning vessels are used so that the textiles undergo several purification steps, each cleaning step being conducted in a different cleaning vessel using the same or different organic solvents in each step. The description of the individual cleaning vessel is for the purpose of description only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

Now, referring to the 2 Figure 4 shows a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a single chamber cleaning system for cleaning and drying the fabrics. The cleaning system 200 generally comprises a cleaning machine with a pressurizable vessel 210 , The container 210 is in operation via one or more motorized shafts (not shown) with a perforated rotatable drum or a wheel 212 in the vessel 210 with an opening 214 to the vessel 210 and an outlet 216 from the vessel 210 connected, through which the fluids for dry cleaning can occur.

A container for an organic solvent 220 picks up a suitable organic solvent, such as those previously described, in the jar 210 through the inlet 214 are to bring. A container for a pressurized fluid solvent 222 absorbs a pressurized fluid solvent that goes to the vessel 210 through the inlet 214 is to admit. The filtration arrangement 224 Contains one or more filters that continuously remove contaminants from the organic solvent from the vessel 210 and the drum 212 removed when performing the cleaning.

The components of the cleaning system 200 be with the wires 230 - 234 connected, transport the organic solvents and the vaporized and pressurized fluid solvent between the state parts of the system. As used herein, the term "conduit" is to be understood to refer to a piping network or similar compounds capable of carrying fluids and pressurizing them for particular purposes. The transport of the organic solvents and the vaporized and pressurized fluid solvent through the lines 230 - 234 is through the valves 250 - 254 and the pumps 240 - 242 controlled. While in the described embodiment pumps 240 - 242 For example, any method of transporting liquids and / or vapor between components, such as applying pressure to the component, may be used a compressor to drive the liquid and / or vapor from the components.

The textiles are cleaned with an organic solvent such as those previously described. The fabrics can also be cleaned with a combination of an organic solvent and a pressurized fluid solvent, and this combination can be used in varying proportions of 50-100% by weight of organic solvent and 0-50% by weight of pressurized fluid solvent be. In the cleaning process, the textiles are first sorted as necessary to place the textiles in groups which are suitably cleaned with each other. The fabrics may then be stained, if necessary, to remove any stains that can not be removed during the cleaning process. The textiles are then in the drum 212 in the vessel 210 of the cleaning system 200 given. It is preferable that the drum 212 is perforated to allow both a free exchange of solvent between the drum 212 and the vessel 210 as well as the transport of contaminants from the textiles to the filtration assembly 224 to enable.

After the textiles in the drum 212 are disposed in the organic solvent tank 220 contained organic solvent to the vessel 210 over a line 231 by opening the valve 251 , Closing the valves 250 . 252 . 253 and 254 and in operation of the pump 242 given to the organic solvent through the inlet 214 into the vessel 210 to pump. The organic solvent may contain one or more cosolvents, detergents, water or other additives to enhance the cleaning ability of the cleaning system 200 to increase. Alternatively, one or more additives may be added directly to the vessel. In addition, pressurized fluid may enter the vessel 210 be added together with the organic solvent to improve the purification. The pressurized fluid solvent enters the vessel 210 over the line 230 by opening the valve 250 , Closing the valves 251 . 252 . 253 and 254 and in operation of the pump 240 given to the pressurized fluid solvent through the inlet 214 of the vessel 210 to pump.

As the desired amount of the organic solvent or a combination of the organic solvent and the pressurized fluid solvent, as previously described, to the vessel 210 is given, the motor (not shown) is put into operation and the drum 212 is shaken and / or rotated.

During this phase, both the organic solvent and the pressurized fluid solvent, when used in combination, continuously pass through the filtration assembly 224 by opening the valves 252 and 253 and closing the valves 250 . 251 and 254 and in operation of the pump 241 circulated. The filtration arrangement 224 may include one or more fine mesh filters to remove particulate contaminants from the organic solvent and the pressurized fluid solvent passing therethrough, and may alternatively or additionally contain one or more absorptive or adsorptive filters to remove water, dyes, and to remove other impurities from the organic solvent. Exemplary configurations for filter assemblies that can be used to remove contaminants from either the organic solvent or the pressurized fluid solvent are fully described in US Application Serial No. 08 / 994,583. As a result, the organic solvent passes through the outlet 216 , the valve 253 , The administration 233 , the filter arrangement 224 , The administration 232 , the valve 252 pumped and enters the inlet 214 back into the vessel 210 one. This agitation advantageously removes contaminants including particulate impurities and / or soluble impurities from the organic solvent and the pressurized fluid solvent and reintroduces the filtered solvent into the vessel 210 , This process removes impurities from the fabrics.

After sufficient time has elapsed so that the desired level of contaminants is removed from the fabrics and solvents, the organic solvent is removed from the vessel 210 and the drum mel 212 by opening the valve 254 , Closing the valves 250 . 251 . 252 and 253 and in operation of the pump 241 removed the organic solvent through the outlet 216 and the line 234 to pump. When the pressurized fluid solvent is used in combination with the organic solvent, it may be necessary to first separate the pressurized fluid solvent from the organic solvent. The organic solvent may either be discarded or, preferably, impurities may be removed from the organic solvent and the organic solvent recovered for further use. Impurities can be removed from the organic solvents with solvent recovery systems known in the art. The drum is then rotated at a high speed, such as 150-800 rpm, to further remove organic solvent from the fabrics. The drum 212 is be preferably perforated, so that when the textiles in the drum 212 be rotated at a high speed, the organic solvent from the cleaning drum 212 can be performed. Each from the textiles by turning the drum 212 organic solvents removed at high speed can either be discarded or recovered for further use.

After a desired amount of the organic solvent from the textiles by turning the drum 212 is removed, the pressurized fluid contained in the pressurized fluid container becomes the vessel 210 by opening the valve 250 , Closing the valves 251 . 252 . 253 and 254 and in operation of the pump 240 given to the pressurized fluid solvent through the inlet 214 of the pressurizable vessel 210 about the line 230 to pump. When the pressurized fluid solvent to the vessel 210 is given, the organic solvent remaining on the fabrics dissolves in the pressurized fluid solvent.

After a sufficient amount of pressurized fluid solvent is added to dissolve the desired level of organic solvents, the combination of pressurized fluid solvent and organic solvent is removed from the vessel 210 by opening the valve 254 , Closing the valves 250 . 251 . 252 and 253 and in operation of the pump 251 removed to the combination of the pressurized fluid solvent and the organic solvent through the outlet 216 and the line 234 to pump. It should be noted that the pump 241 may actually require two pumps, one for pumping the organic solvent at low pressure in the cleaning cycle and one for pumping the pressurized fluid solvent in the drying cycle.

The combination of the pressurized fluid solvent and the organic solvent may then either be discarded or the combination may be separated and the organic solvent and pressurized fluid solvent separately recovered for further use. The drum 210 is then rotated at a high speed, such as 150-800 rpm, to further remove the combination of the pressurized fluid solvent and the organic solvent from the fabrics. Any combination of the pressurized fluid solvent and the organic solvent removed from the fabrics by spinning the drum 212 Removed at high speed can also either discarded or retained the further use. It should be noted that while it is preferred, it is not necessary to include a high speed spinning cycle to remove the pressurized fluid solvent from the fabrics.

After a desired amount of the pressurized fluid solvent is removed from the fabrics by rotating the drum, the vessel becomes 210 the pressure is drained over a period of about 5-15 minutes. The pressure release of the vessel 210 The pressurized fluid solvent evaporates leaving dry, solvent-free textiles in the drum 212 back. The pressurized fluid solvent which has been evaporated is then removed from the vessel 210 by opening the valve 254 , Closing the valves 250 . 251 . 252 and 253 and in operation of the pump 241 removed the vaporized pressurized fluid solvent through the outlet 216 and the line 234 to pump. It should be noted that although a single pump than the pump 241 shown, separate pumps may be necessary to pump the organic solvent, the pressurized fluid solvent and the vapors of the pressurized fluid solvent. The remaining vaporized pressurized fluid solvent may then either be vented to the atmosphere or re-compressed into the pressurized fluid solvent for further use.

As previously discussed are dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether and tripropylene glycol methyl ether are the preferred organic solvents for the Use in the present invention as in the following test results shown. Table 3 shows the results of the detergent test for each a number of solvents, the for the use in the present invention are suitable. The Table 4 shows the results of the drying and extraction of solvents using compressed carbon dioxide.

Detergency tests were conducted using a number of different solvents without detergents, diluents or other additives. The solvents selected for the study include organic solvents and liquid carbon dioxide. Two aspects of detergency were investigated, soil removal and soil redeposition. The former refers to the ability of a solvent to remove dirt from a substrate while the latter refers to the ability of a solvent to prevent dirt from being re-deposited on a substrate during the cleaning process. The fabric samples soiled according to the standard of the laundry research institute Krefeld Germany ("WFK"), which were selected from a range of insoluble materials and WFK white cotton fabric samples, both obtained from TESTFABRICS, Inc., were used to evaluate soil removal and soil redeposition, respectively.

soil removal and redepositing each solvent was using the Delta Whiteness Index quantified. This method involves the measurement of the whiteness index each swatch before and after the treatment. The delta whiteness index is replaced by Subtraction of the Whiteness Index the swatch prior to treatment from the whiteness index of the swatch calculated after treatment. The whiteness index is a function the light reflection of the swatch and is in this application a Indicate the amount of dirt on the cloth. More dirt results in a lower light reflection and a lower whiteness index for the Swatch. The whiteness grade indexes were using a reflectometer made by the Hunter Laboratories, measured.

The Examination of the organic solvent was conducted in a Launder-Ometer while the investigation of the compressed carbon dioxide was carried out in a Parr bomb. After measuring their whiteness indexes were two WFK standard contaminants and two WFK white cotton samples in a Launder-Ometer bowl with 25 stainless steel ball bearings and 150 ml of the interesting one solvent given. The dish was then sealed, into the Launder-Ometer given and for shaken for a set time. Thereafter, the swatches were removed and placed in a mesh basket Equipped Parr bomb given. About 1.5 liters of liquid carbon dioxide between 5 ° C and 25 ° C and 3.93 MPa and 5.72 MPa (5709 psig and 830 psig) were added to the Parr Bomb transported. After several minutes, the Parr bomb was vented and the dry swatches removed and brought to room temperature. The investigation of the compressed carbon dioxide was by arrangement the fabric samples in a Parr bomb, transportable carbon dioxide at 20 ° C and 5.72 MPa (830 psig) carried into the Parr bomb. The swatches were mounted on a wire frame resting on a rotatable shaft was attached to the shaking to allow the substance samples while she in the liquid Carbon dioxide are immersed. The whiteness index of the treated Swatches were determined using the reflectometer. Two delta whiteness indices, the for each pair of swatches were averaged. The Results are shown in Table 3.

There the Delta Whiteness Index by subtracting the whiteness index of a towel before treatment from the whiteness index value When the treatment is calculated, a positive delta whiteness index indicates that it is there is an increase in the whiteness index as a result the treatment gave. In practical terms, this means that dirt while the treatment was removed. In fact, the higher the Delta Whiteness value the more dirt was removed from the cloth during the treatment. Each organic solvent studied showed significant soil removal. On the other hand pointed condensed carbon dioxide alone no dirt removal on. The WFK white Cotton fabric samples showed a decrease in delta whiteness indices on, indicating that the dirt on the swatches during the Cleaning process was deposited. Therefore, sets a "less negative" delta whiteness index suggest that less dirt has been deposited. It should be noticed that the excellent, for condensed carbon dioxide obtained result is an anomaly and resulting from the fact that there is essentially no dirt removal occurred and therefore essentially no dirt in the solvent was present, which could be deposited on the cloth. On On the other hand, the organic solvents have good results at the dirt re-deposition on.

Around the ability of compressed carbon dioxide, organic solvents From a substrate to extract, were white WFK-cotton samples used. A cotton fabric sample was weighed dry and then in a sample of the organic solvent immersed. Excess solvent was made from cloth swatch using an atlas Electric Devices Company, manufactured wringing machine removed. The wet swatch was weighed again to retain those retained in the tissue Amount of solvent to determine. After placing the wet swatch in a Parr Bomb was fed compressed carbon dioxide into the Parr bomb. The Temperature and pressure of compressed carbon dioxide for all these Experiments ranged from 5 ° C up to 20 ° C and 3.93 MPa-5.72 MPa (570 psig-830 psig). After five Minutes the Parr bomb was aired and the swatch removed. The fabric sample was next one Soxhlet extraction using methylene chloride for a minimum of subjected for two hours. This device allows continuous Extraction of the swatch to extract the organic solvent from the cloth remove. After determination of the concentration of the organic solvent Using gas chromatography, the amount of gas was increased the cloth remaining solvent after exposure to compressed carbon dioxide by multiplication the concentration of the organic solvent in the extract calculated with the volume of the extract. It was for every investigation used a different fabric sample. The results of this Investigations are included in Table 4. Like the results is the extraction method using compressed Carbon dioxide extremely effective.

It will be understood that a wide range of changes and modifications to the previously described embodiments are obviously foreseen for the subject lamp. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and, it is to be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims (61)

A method of cleaning a textile, the method comprising the steps of: cleaning the textile in the presence of at least one organic solvent and in the absence of a pressurized fluid solvent; Removing a portion of the organic solvent from the presence of the textile; and thereafter removing a remaining portion of the organic solvent from the presence of the textile using at least one pressurized fluid solvent, the organic solvent having the structural formula:

where x, y and z are each zero or one; at least one of x, y and z is one; R '' is C _j H _{2j + 1} or C _j H _u F _v and R ^IV is C _k H _{2k + 1} or C _k H _r F _s , where j and k are each integers between one and (13 - 3 (x + y + z)), and j + k is an integer between and including two and (13 - 3 (x + y + z)), and u and v are each an integer between zero and 2j + 1, and u + v = 2j + 1, r and s are each integers between zero and 2k + 1, and r + s = 2k + 1, and if k is zero then s is zero; R _1-3 and R _10-12 are independently C _m H _n F _p , where m is an integer between zero and two inclusive, n and p are integers between zero and five inclusive, and n + p = 2m + 1 ; R _4-9 are independently H, F, CH ₃ , CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF ₃ ; and R 'is O, S, carbonyl or ester, and when R' O or S and j is zero then v is zero. The method of claim 1, wherein the textile is made of Group consisting of a fabric, a clothing article, a Protective cover, a carpet, a furniture upholstery fabric and a window decoration selected becomes. The method of claim 1, wherein: (a) the step the cleaning of the textile in the presence of at least one organic solvent and in the absence of a pressurized fluid solvent, the arrangement of the textile and the organic solvent in a perforated, rotatable drum and rotating the drum, wherein the Drum is placed inside a vessel under that Pressure can be set; (b) the step of removing a Part of the organic solvent from the presence of the textile, turning the drum and extracting of the part of the organic solvent from the vessel; and (C) the step of removing a remaining portion of the organic solvent from the presence of the textile using at least one pressurized fluid solvent, the pressurization of the vessel and the addition of the pressurized fluid solvent thereto, the agitation of the Textiles in the presence of the pressurized fluid solvent and removing the pressurized fluid solvent from the vessel. The method of claim 1, wherein: R 'is O; R "is C _j H _{2j + 1} ; R ^IV is C _k H _{2k + 1} ; R _1-3 are independently H or CH ₃ ; and R _4-12 are each H. The process of claim 1 wherein: R 'is S, carbonyl or ester; R "is C _j H _{2j + 1} ; R ^IV is C _k H _{2k + 1} ; R _1-3 are independently H or CH ₃ ; and R _4-12 are each H. The method of claim 1, wherein: R 'is O; R "is C _j H _{2j + 1} ; R ^IV is C _k H _{2k + 1} ; R _1-3 are independently H, CH ₃ or C ₂ H ₅ ; at least one of R _1-3 is CH ₂ CH ₃ ; and R _4-12 are each H. The process of claim 1 wherein: R 'is S, carbonyl or ester; R "is C _j H _{2j + 1} ; R is C _k H _{2k + 1} ; R _1-3 are independently H, CH ₃ or C ₂ H ₅ ; at least one of R _1-3 is CH ₂ CH ₃ ; and R _4-12 are each H. The method of claim 1, wherein: R 'is O; R "is C _j H _{2j + 1} ; R ^IV is C _k H _{2k + 1} ; R _1-9 are each H; R _10-12 are independently H or CH ₃ ; and at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₃ . The process of claim 1 wherein: R 'is S, carbonyl or ester; R "is C _j H _{2j + 1} ; R ^IV is C _k H _{2k + 1} ; R _1-9 are each H; R _10-12 are independently H or CH ₃ ; and at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₃ . The method of claim 1, wherein: R 'is O; R "is C _j H _{2j + 1} ; R ^IV is C _k H _{2k + 1} ; R _1-9 are each H; R _10-12 are independently H, CH ₃ or C ₂ H ₅ ; and at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₂ CH ₃ . The process of claim 1 wherein: R 'is S, carbonyl or ester; R "is C _j H _{2j + 1} ; R ^IV is C _k H _{2k + 1} ; R _1-9 are each H; R _10-12 are independently H, CH ₃ or C ₂ H ₅ ; and at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₂ CH ₃ . The method of claim 1, wherein: R _1-3 are independently H, F, CH ₃ , CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF ₃ ; R _4-12 are independently H or F; and R 'is O. The method of claim 1, wherein: R _1-3 are independently H, F, CH ₃ , CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF ₃ ; R _4-12 are independently H or F; and R 'is S, carbonyl or ester. The method of claim 1, wherein: at least one of R _1-3 is C ₂ H _n F _p ; R _4-12 are each independently H or F; and R 'is O. The method of claim 1, wherein: at least one of R _1-3 is C ₂ H _n F _p ; R _4-12 are independently H or F; and R 'is S, carbonyl or ester. The method of claim 1, wherein: R _1-9 are independently H or F; R _10-12 are independently H, F, CH _3, CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF _3; at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₃ , CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF ₃ ; and R 'is O. The method of claim 1, wherein: R _1-9 are independently H or F; R _10-12 are independently H, F, CH _3, CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF _3; at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₃ , CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF ₃ ; and R 'is S, carbonyl or ester. The method of claim 1, wherein: R _1-9 are independently H, F, CH ₃ , CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF ₃ ; at least one of R _10-12 is C ₂ H _n F _p ; and R 'is O. The method of claim 1, wherein: R _1-9 are independently H, F, CH ₃ , CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF ₃ ; at least one of R _10-12 is C ₂ H _n F _p ; and R 'is S, carbonyl or ester. The method of claim 1, wherein: R ^IV is H; x, y and z are each zero or one; at least one of x, y and z is one; R '' is benzyl, phenyl, partially or fully fluorinated benzyl or phenyl, C _j H _{2j + 1} or C _j H _a F _b , where j is an integer between one inclusive and (13 - 3 (x + y + z) ), a and b are each independently an integer between zero and 2j + 1 inclusive, and a + b = 2j + 1; R _1-12 are independently C _m H _n F _p or C _d H _e F _g , where m is an integer between zero and two inclusive, n and p are integers between zero and five inclusive, and n + p = 2m + 1, d is an integer between zero and two inclusive, e and g are integers between zero and five inclusive, and e + g = 2d + 1; and R 'is O, S, carbonyl or ester. The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is O; R "is C _j H _{2j + 1} ; R _1-3 are independently H or CH ₃ ; and R _4-12 is H. The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is S, carbonyl or ester; R "is C _j H _{2j + 1} ; R _1-3 are independently H or CH ₃ ; and R _4-12 is H. The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is O; R "is C _j H _{2j + 1} ; R _1-3 are independently H, CH ₃ or C ₂ H ₅ ; and at least one of R _1-3 is CH ₂ CH ₃ ; and R _4-12 are each H. The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is S, carbonyl or ester; R "is C _j H _{2j + 1} ; R _1-3 are independently H, CH ₃ or C ₂ H ₅ ; and at least one of R _1-3 is CH ₂ CH ₃ ; and R _4-12 are each H. The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is O; R "is C _j H _{2j + 1} ; R _1-9 are each H; R _10-12 are independently H or CH ₃ ; and at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₃ . The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is S, carbonyl or ester; R "is C _j H _{2j + 1} ; R _1-9 are each H; R _10-12 are independently H or CH ₃ ; and at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₃ . The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is O; R "is C _j H _{2j + 1} ; R _1-9 are each H; R _10-12 are independently H, CH ₃ or C ₂ H ₅ ; and at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₂ CH ₃ . The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is S, carbonyl or ester; R "is C _j H _{2j + 1} ; R _1-9 are each H; R _10-12 are independently H, CH ₃ or C ₂ H ₅ ; and at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₂ CH ₃ . The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is O; R "is C _j H _a F _b ; R _1-3 are independently H, F, CH ₃ , CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF ₃ ; and at least one is CH ₃ , CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF ₃ ; and R _4-12 are independently H or F. The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is S, carbonyl or ester; R "is C _j H _a F _b ; R _1-3 are independently H, F, CH ₃ , CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF ₃ ; and at least one is CH ₃ , CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF ₃ ; and R _4-12 are independently H or F. The method of claim 20, wherein: R _1-3 are independently C _m H _n F _p ; at least one of R _1-3 is C ₂ H _n F _p ; R _4-12 are independently H or F; R 'is O; and R "is C _j H _a F _b . The method of claim 20, wherein: R _1-3 are independently C _m H _n F _p ; at least one of R _1-3 is C ₂ H _n F _p ; R _4-12 are independently H or F; R 'is S, carbonyl or ester; and R "is C _j H _a F _b . The method of claim 20, wherein: R _1-9 are independently H or F; R _10-12 are independently H, F, CH _3, CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF _3; at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₃ , CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF ₃ ; R 'is O; and R "is C _j H _a F _b . The method of claim 20, wherein: R _1-9 are independently H or F; R _10-12 are independently H, F, CH _3, CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF _3; at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₃ , CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF ₃ ; R 'is S, carbonyl or ester; and R "is C _j H _a F _b . The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is O; R "is C _j H _a F _b ; R _1-3 are independently C _m H _n F _p ; R _4-9 are independently H or F; and R _10-12 are independently C _d H _e F _g . The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is S, carbonyl or ester; R "is C _j H _a F _b ; R _1-3 are independently C _m H _n F _p ; R _4-9 are independently H or F; and R _10-12 are independently C _d H _e F _g . The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is O; R "is benzyl or phenyl; R _1-3 are independently H, CH ₃ or C ₂ H ₅ ; at least one of R _1-3 is CH ₂ CH ₃ ; and R _4-12 are each H. The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is S, carbonyl or ester; R "is benzyl or phenyl; R _1-3 are independently H, CH ₃ or C ₂ H ₅ ; at least one of R _1-3 is CH ₂ CH ₃ ; and R _4-12 are each H. The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is O; R "is benzyl or phenyl; R _1-9 are each H; R _10-12 are independently H or CH ₃ ; and at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₃ . The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is S, carbonyl or ester; R "is benzyl or phenyl; R _1-9 are each H; R _10-12 are independently H or CH ₃ ; and at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₃ . The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is O; R "is benzyl or phenyl; R _1-9 are each H; R _10-12 are independently H, CH ₃ or C ₂ H ₅ ; and at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₂ CH ₃ . The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is S, carbonyl or ester; R "is benzyl or phenyl; R _1-9 are each H; R _10-12 are independently H, CH ₃ or C ₂ H ₅ ; and at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₂ CH ₃ . The process of claim 20, wherein: R "is benzyl, phenyl or partially or fully fluorinated benzyl or phenyl; R _1-3 are independently C _m H _n F _p ; at least one of R _1-3 is C ₂ H _n F _p ; R _4-12 are independently H or F; and R 'is O. The process of claim 20, wherein: R "is benzyl, phenyl or partially or fully fluorinated benzyl or phenyl; R _1-3 are independently C _m H _n F _p ; at least one of R _1-3 is C ₂ H _n F _p ; R _4-12 are independently H or F; and R 'is S, carbonyl or ester. The process of claim 20, wherein: R "is benzyl, phenyl or partially or fully fluorinated benzyl or phenyl; R _1-9 are independently H or F; R _10-12 are independently H, F, CH _3, CH ₂ F, CH ₂ F or CF _3; at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₃ , CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF ₃ ; and R 'is O. The process of claim 20, wherein: R "is benzyl, phenyl or partially or fully fluorinated benzyl or phenyl; R _1-9 are independently H or F; R _10-12 are independently H, F, CH _3, CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF _3; at least one of R _10-12 is CH ₃ , CH ₂ F, CHF ₂ or CF ₃ ; and R 'is S, carbonyl or ester. The process of claim 20, wherein: R "is benzyl, phenyl or partially or fully fluorinated benzyl or phenyl; R _1-9 are independently H or F; R _10-12 are independently C _m H _n F _p ; at least one of R _10-12 is C ₂ H _n F _p ; and R 'is O. The process of claim 20, wherein: R "is benzyl, phenyl or partially or fully fluorinated benzyl or phenyl; R _1-9 are independently H or F; R _10-12 are independently C _m H _n F _p ; at least one of R _10-12 is C ₂ H _n F _p ; and R 'is S, carbonyl or ester. The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is O; R '' is benzyl, phenyl or partially or fully fluorinated benzyl or phenyl; R _1-3 are independently C _m H _n F _p ; R _4-9 are independently H or F; and R _10-12 are independently C _d H _e F _g . The method of claim 20, wherein: R 'is S, carbonyl or ester; R '' is benzyl, phenyl or partially or fully fluorinated benzyl or phenyl; R _1-3 are independently C _m H _n F _p ; R _4-9 are independently H or F; and R _10-12 are independently C _d H _e F _g . The method of claim 20, wherein: R _4-12 are independently H; R 'is O; R '' is C _j H _{2j + 1} , where j is an integer between one and (13 - 3 (x + y + z)); and R _1-3 are independently H or CH ₃ . The method of claim 1, wherein the organic solvent from the group consisting of propylene glycol t-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, Tripropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether and tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether is selected. The method of claim 1, wherein the organic solvent furthermore one or more diluents, detergents or additives includes to the cleaning ability to improve. The method of claim 1, wherein the under pressure standing, fluid solvents between about 5 ° C to about 30 ° C is. The method of claim 1, wherein the under pressure standing, fluid solvents liquid Includes carbon dioxide. The method of claim 1, wherein the under pressure standing, fluid solvents under a pressure of about 600 pounds per square inch to about 1050 Pounds per square inch. The method of claim 1, wherein the under pressure standing, fluid solvents under a pressure of about 570 pounds per square inch to about 830 Pounds per square inch. The method of claim 1, wherein the under pressure standing, fluid solvents Xenon, nitric oxide or sulfur hexafluoride. The method of claim 58, wherein the under pressure standing, fluid solvents is compressed to a subcritical condition. The method of claim 59, wherein the under pressure standing, fluid solvents a liquid is. The method of claim 58, wherein the under pressure standing, fluid solvents to a supercritical Condition is compressed.