GB352503A - Improvements in apparatus and process for removing the grease from and cleaning garments and textiles - Google Patents

Abstract

A dry-cleaning apparatus, for use with a non-combustible solvent, comprises a vacuum chamber rotatable at low or high speed and connected through a 3-way cock to the reservoir of a condenser, and to a pump, by which solvent is drawn into the chamber and after use is evacuated therefrom into the still. A perforated drum 1, is mounted within a casing 12, on a shaft 3 which is rotated either by a pulley wheel 4 and reduction gearing 6, or by a pulley 7 engaged by a clutch 9. The chamber 1 may be divided into compartments by perforated plates mounted on the shaft 3. In operation, solvent such as trichlorethylene, passes from the reservoir 22 through a pipe 19 and 3-way cock 17 to the slowly rotating extractor 1 containing the clothes to be treated. Extraction is effected without the aid of heat. When extraction is complete, the pump 27 <PICT:0352503/III/1> forces the used solvent from the extractor 1 and through a pipe 18 to a still 40, heated by a burner 21. The solvent vapours are condensed in tubes 23 and pass downwards to the reservoir 22. The clothes in the extractor may be submitted to further extraction if necessary, and after removal of the solvent, the extractor is rotated at high speed. Finally the chamber is heated by the burners 14 and the chamber is rotated at low speed. In the case of thick fabrics, warm air at 35-40 DEG C. may be injected at the drying stage. The process may be applied to the degreasing of animal hair such as wool, hides or feathers.