GB893662A - Improvements in textile treating apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for treating textiles comprises a chamber containing a plurality of forms and having a sealable door, a spray device and well within the chamber, means for continuously circulating a treating liquid from the well to the spray device for a predetermined period of time, means for introducing steam into the chamber and maintaining the steam within predetermined temperature limits dueing the predetermined period of time, means for conducting rinse liquid from a supply to the spray device following the end of the predetermined period of time and means for evacuating the treating and rinse liquids from the chamber. As shown in Fig. 1, chamber 1 contains a plurality of forms F adapted for the treatment of ladies' hosiery, the chamber having a retractable door hung from suspension trolleys 3 which are constrained to travel upon track bar 4. A reversible electric motor 8 operates the opening and shutting of the door through rack and pinion means 7 (Fig. 2). Forms F are mounted on collapsible trolleys 12, 13, themselves adapted to be conveyed within and without the chamber <PICT:0893662/IV (c)/1> <PICT:0893662/IV (c)/2> <PICT:0893662/IV (c)/3> <PICT:0893662/IV (c)/4> <PICT:0893662/IV (c)/5> <PICT:0893662/IV (c)/6> <PICT:0893662/IV (c)/7> <PICT:0893662/IV (c)/8> along tracks 10, 11 and 15 as described in Specification 709,494. A tank 30 (Fig. 8) is divided into compartments 31, 32, 33 respectively for a concentrated dye solution, a dye diluent (e.g. water) and a wash or rinse liquid (which may also be water). The dye solution preferably includes detergent, a wax and a finishing agent in addition to a dyestuff. Entry of dye diluent into compartment 32 is made through pipe 34 controlled by solenoid valve 35. Similarly rinse liquid enters compartment 33 via pipe 38 and valves 39, 40. Flow of compressed air into the top of compartment 33 by way of a branch pipe 41 is controlled by an electrical system (not shown) comprising a relay-transformer, a probe, a pressure switch and a solenoid valve. Compressed air is introduced into compartment 33 for the purpose of shutting off flow of rinse liquid from pipe 38 and also to facilitate the flow of rinse liquid from compartment 33 through a branch pipe 47 a valve 49, pipes 45, 100, 102 and pump 105 to nozzles 86, 89 (Figs. 10, 16 and 18) whence it is sprayed on textiles on the forms F. Dye solution is drawn from compartment 31 by a pump 59 and discharged into the top of a measuring vessel 50. At predetermined intervals during the operation of the apparatus dye solution is diverted through a solenoid valve 61 and pipe 62 and returned to compartment 31. In operation the compartment 32 and vessel 50 are filled, valves 35, 55, 61 and 121 are closed and valves 48, 52 and 119 are opened, whereby dye solution and diluent are mixed and enter well 1a at the bottom of chamber 1. Simultaneously valves 113, 114, 115, 174 in steam supply lines 112, 111 and 173 (Figs. 4 and 6) are opened, permitting steam to pass through a heat exchanger jacket 110, a pair of radiators 165, 170 and tubes 157 at a thermostatically controlled temperature. After the mixture of dye solution and diluent has been delivered to well 1a, valves 48 and 52 are closed and pump 105 is started, causing circulation of dye and diluent to nozzles 85, 89 via their respective supporting tubes and spray manifolds. Subsequently valve 121 is opened and spent dye and diluent are carried off through pipe 120. Thereafter valve 121 is closed and valve 49 opened to permit entry of rinse liquid into the well 1a from compartment 33 via pump 105. Circulation of rinse liquid in chamber 1 is similar to circulation of dyeing liquid. Following the rinsing of the textile articles heated air is caused to pass through chamber 1 from blower 150 via poppet valves 127, 128 and slit 153. Specification 568,946 also is referred to.