GB671114A - A method of, and apparatus for cleaning garments or fabrics - Google Patents

Abstract

In the dry cleaning of garments and fabrics in the usual washing machines wherein the washing solvent is continuously renewed by pumping it through a filter before returning it to the washing machine, a similar and separate system is used for rinsing solvent, each stream of washing solvent and rinsing solvent being diverted through the washing machine as required. An effective soap concentration can then be used in the washing solvent, since the rinsing is performed by an independent rinsing solvent; furthermore, each solvent is renewed by the best means in each case, such as by using different filter aids. The plant may be arranged for a single washing machine or for a number thereof, preferably two. In the plant <PICT:0671114/III/1> shown, a single washing machine 34 is used, a second washing machine 58 with its attendant valves 59, 64, 67, 65, 63 only being incorporated in the plant if desired. The washing machine 34 is of the usual type of rotating perforated work-holding cage in an outer casing with a button trap 39 and is arranged in a circuit comprising a washing solvent reservoir 2, pump 6, filter 10, pipes 14 and 37, drain pipe 40, overflow pipe 38 and return pipe 41 with control valves 35 and 36. A byepass pipe 15 with control valve 8 is provided through which the used washing solvent is circulated around through the filter 10 until required in the washing machine. Filter aid from a tank 4 is injected into this circuit by a diaphragm pump 23. After the renewed washing solvent has been used to treat a charge in the washing machine, the solvent is drained into the reservoir 2 and the cage rotated to remove further solvent from the charge therein, which is then ready for rinsing. The washing machine is similarly arranged in the rinsing circuit which comprises a rinsing solvent reservoir 1, pump 7, filter 11, pipe 18, and as before, drain pipe 40, overflow pipe 38, with the return pipes 56, 57 and control valves 54, 55. After the rinsing step and drainage of rinsing solvent into the reservoir 1, the used rinsing solvent is circulated around through the filter 11 and a byepass pipe 19 with control valve 9, filter aid from a tank 5 being injected into this circuit by a diaphragm pump 30. After "whizzing" of the charge in the washing machine, the charge is removed and the machine ready for reloading. When the second washing machine 58 with its set of valves is included in the plant, its operation is similar to that of the first washing machine. Preferably, when one machine is on the washing stage, the other is on the rinsing stage. The level A in the tanks 1 and 2 is the minimum level of the solvents, automatically controlled by a pipe 46, when the washing machine and the filter are both filled; level B is the level when the pumps and filters are in operation and the washer is empty; level A is the level when the pumps are stopped and the washing machine and filters are drained. The minimum level C is maintained by the air pressure in the control pipe 46 operating through a bellows 42 an electric switch 43 which opens or closes a valve 44 in the washing solvent supply pipe 45 leading from the make up tank 3. A similar system and make up tank 48 are provided on the rinsing side, both tanks 3 and 48 being fed from a feed tank 49. A petroleum solvent may be used with a concentration of soap or other detergent in the washing liquor. The filter aid in the washing circuit may comprise diatomaceous earth and in the rinsing circuit, activated clay. The valves in the plant may be operated by an automatic control system.