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WO1996013630A1 - Systeme d'isolement et de recuperation des vapeurs residuelles dans le nettoyage a sec - Google Patents

Systeme d'isolement et de recuperation des vapeurs residuelles dans le nettoyage a sec Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1996013630A1
WO1996013630A1 PCT/US1995/013901 US9513901W WO9613630A1 WO 1996013630 A1 WO1996013630 A1 WO 1996013630A1 US 9513901 W US9513901 W US 9513901W WO 9613630 A1 WO9613630 A1 WO 9613630A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
chamber
drycleaning
cleaning solvent
machine
door
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US1995/013901
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gary S. EARNEST
Phillip A. Froehlich
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU38973/95A priority Critical patent/AU3897395A/en
Publication of WO1996013630A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996013630A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F43/00—Dry-cleaning apparatus or methods using volatile solvents

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to drycleaning equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to drycleaning machines which have solvent vapor removal systems that reduce environmental emissions and operator exposure.
  • drycleaning solvents such as perchloroethylene are known to can cause liver and kidney damage.
  • drycleaning solvents such as perchloroethylene are hazardous air pollutants (HAP) which contribute to ozone depletion and global warming.
  • the most desirable drycleaning equipment is that which has the ability to reduce occupational exposure and environmental emissions.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a means for reducing the emission of cleaning solvents during a drycleaning process.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a drycleaning machine which includes means to isolate and remove residual solvent vapors before the machine chamber is opened.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a drycleaning machine which includes a ventilation system which effectively contains and removes residual solvent vapors.
  • a still further object of the present invention is to provide a method for reducing the emission of cleaning solvents during a drycleaning process.
  • a still further object of the present invention is to provide a method for isolating and removing residual solvent vapors from a drycleaning machine after the drying cycle is complete.
  • the present invention provides for a drycleaning apparatus which includes: a chamber for receiving and containing cleaning solvents, a cage for receiving articles to be cleaned positioned in said chamber, at least one cleaning solvent supply line, at least one cleaning solvent removal line, actuator valves positioned between said chamber and each of said at least one cleaning solvent supply line and said at least one cleaning solvent removal line for isolating said chamber from said at least one cleaning solvent supply line and said at least one cleaning solvent removal line.
  • the present invention further provides a method of controlling, containing and removing residual cleaning solvent vapors from a drycleaning machine after a drying cycle which involves the following sequence of method steps: activating actuator valves which isolate a drycleaning machine chamber from lines which supply and remove cleaning fluid to and from said machine chamber; and drawing an exhaust air flow through said machine chamber as a door of said machine chamber is opened to remove residual cleaning solvent vapors, wherein said actuator valves are connected between said machine chamber and said lines which supply and remove cleaning fluid to and from said machine chamber.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view of a drycleaning machine.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic view of the machine cylinder of Fig. 1 and solvent supply and removal lines and drying air and vapor removal lines.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic view of the machine cylinder of Fig. 1 and the vapor exhaust system.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic view of the machine cylinder of Fig. 1 and a control system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the present invention is directed to a system which reduces the residual concentration of cleaning solvent vapors in drycleaning equipment. More particularly, the present invention is directed a reducing the residual concentration of cleaning solvent vapors when drycleaning equipment is opened for loading and unloading articles to be cleaned.
  • residual cleaning solvent vapors are vented from drycleaning equipment as the equipment is opened.
  • the present invention accomplishes a high degree of residual solvent vapor containment by using a combination of isolation and removal .
  • Isolation according to the present invention is accomplished by closing all solvent lines which connect to the machine cylinder of a drycleaning machine. Isolation is achieved by providing actuator valves, e.g. solenoid valves, within each of the solvent feed and solvent removal lines. Preferably, the actuator valves are positioned in the solvent lines as close to the machine cylinder as possible to provide thorough, instantaneous isolation of the machine cylinder when the valves are actuated to close.
  • actuator valves e.g. solenoid valves
  • the actuator valves are positioned in the solvent lines as close to the machine cylinder as possible to provide thorough, instantaneous isolation of the machine cylinder when the valves are actuated to close.
  • One of the goals in positioning the actuator valves as near the machine cylinder as possible is to reduce dead space within the solvent lines which is difficult to vent. It is most preferred for provide the actuator valves between the machine cylinder and each of the solvent feed and solvent removal lines.
  • dampers or actuator valves e.g. solenoid valves
  • dampers or actuator valves e.g. solenoid valves
  • the dampers or actuator valves in the drying air and vapor removal lines as close to the machine cylinder as possible to minimize dead space. It is most preferred for provide the-dampers or actuator valves between the machine cylinder and each of the drying air supply and vapor removal lines.
  • residue solvent vapor removal is accomplished by applying an exhaust suction to the machine cylinder.
  • the suction is applied as the machine door is opened. This can be achieved by the use of an interlock or switch on the machine door which activates the exhaust system only when the machine door is opened. An interlock could also function to prevent the machine door from being open until after the drying cycle is finished.
  • the exhaust suction used to remove residual solvent vapor can be provided by either connecting the machine cylinder to a constant suction, i.e. an exhaust fan system connected to one or more drycleaning machines, or by activating an exhaust fan connected to a particular drycleaning machine or bank of machines.
  • the exhaust fan(s) can be designed to pass residual solvent vapors outside a building housing the drycleaning machine (s) . More preferably, the exhaust fan(s) can be connected to a solvent vapor containment/collection or recovery system. For example, the exhaust fan(s) can deliver removed solvent vapor to a bed of a suitable adsorbent such as activate carbon.
  • the actuator valves in the solvent lines, the dampers (or actuator valves) in the drying air and vapor removal lines, the exhaust suction means (exhaust fan(s) ) , and the machine door interlock can be completely automated and controlled by a simple processor which can also control the solvent feed cycles.
  • the actuator valves, dampers, suction means, and door interlock can be sequentially activated by a three- position manual switch or by operating a bank of switches manually.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective diagram of a drycleaning machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the drycleaning machine of Fig. 1 includes a housing 1 in which is located within machine cylinder 2.
  • the machine cylinder 2 contains a machine cage 3.
  • the machine cylinder 2 and machine cage 3 are of conventional design.
  • the machine cylinder 2 receives and contains cleaning solvents which are fed therein and removed therefrom by supply and removal lines discussed below.
  • the machine cage 2 is rotatable within the machine cylinder 2 according to known means. In use, articles to be drycleaned are loaded within machine cage
  • a door 4 is provided on one side of the drycleaning machine.
  • the door 4 opens and closes by pivoting about a hinge member 5. When closed, the door
  • the door 4 provides a sealing relationship with machine cylinder 2 so that cleaning solvents do not leak out of the door 4.
  • the door 4 also includes a latch which is not shown and/or an interlock which is discussed below.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic view of the machine cylinder 2 of Fig. 1 and solvent supply and removal lines, drying air supply and vapor removal lines.
  • one or more cleaning solvent feed lines 6 one shown
  • one or more cleaning solvent removal lines 7 connect between a conventional solvent supply/recovery unit (not shown) and the machine cylinder 2.
  • cleaning solvents are supplied to the machine cylinder 2 through the solvent feed lines 6 prior to and/or during the cleaning process.
  • the machine cage 3 rotates within machine cylinder 2 to provide a mechanical action on the articles to be cleaned. After the cleaning process, cleaning solvents
  • each of the solvent feed lines 6, solvent removal lines 7, drying air supply lines 8 and solvent vapor removal lines 9 includes an actuator valve (or damper) lOa-lOd which can be activated to be open or closed. In the open position the respective lines are in fluid communication with the interior of the machine cylinder 2. In the closed position the respective lines are isolated from the interior of the machine cylinder 2.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic view of the machine cylinder of Fig. 1 and the vapor exhaust system.
  • an exhaust conduit 11 is in fluid communication with the interior of the machine cylinder 2.
  • the exhaust conduit 11 is connected to a suitable exhaust suction means such as exhaust fan 12.
  • a suitable exhaust suction means such as exhaust fan 12.
  • the exhaust suction means or exhaust fan should draw a ventilation air flow of approximately 100 feet per minute or more through the machine door 4 when the door is in the open position.
  • This ventilation flow rate is based upon a machine cylinder having an internal volume of approximately 17 cubic feet.
  • the ventilation air flow should be appropriately adjusted for the size of the machine cylinder, based upon this rate which is applicable to most commercial machines.
  • the exhaust suction used to remove residual solvent vapor can be provided by either connecting the machine cylinder 2 to a constant suction, i.e. an exhaust fan system connected to one or more drycleaning machines, or by activating an exhaust fan connected to a particular drycleaning machine or bank of machines.
  • the exhaust fan(s) can be designed to pass residual solvent vapors outside a building housing the drycleaning machine (s). More preferably, the exhaust fan(s) is connected to a solvent vapor containment/collection or recovery system.
  • the exhaust fan(s) can deliver removed solvent vapor to a bed of a suitable adsorbent such as activate carbon.
  • a suitable adsorbent such as activate carbon.
  • a switch 13 is depicted as being position in near the opening 14 of the machine cylinder 2 at a position wherein it can be activated when the machine door 4 is opened and closed.
  • the exhaust suction means e.g. exhaust fan 12
  • switch 13 is activated when the machine door 4 is opened and switch 13 is activated.
  • Switch 13 can also include an interlock mechanism which prevents the machine door 4 from being opened when the drycleaning machine is cycling through the cleaning and drying cycles.
  • FIG 4 is a schematic view of the machine cylinder of Fig. 1 and a control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Drycleaning machines are generally equipped with control processors which control the cleaning/drying cycles and fluid
  • the present invention is applicable to a variety of conventional drycleaning machines, including closed circuit machines and exhausting machines, single and multiple bath processing machines. These and other types of machines can either be designed with the actuator valves, dampers, suction means, and control of the present invention. It is noted that although the preferred position of the actuator valves and dampers is immediately adjacent the machine cylinder the actuator valves and dampers can also be conveniently supported anywhere within the machine housing. It is also possible to have a control means for the isolation and residual solvent vapor removal elements of the present invention which is separate from the main control system of the drycleaning machine. Such a control means could be activated by the operator after the drycleaning process is finished.
  • isolation of the machine cylinder is achieved by closing the actuator valves and dampers in the solvent supply and removal lines and in the drying air and solvent vapor removal lines. Once isolation is achieved, the machine door is opened and simultaneously, the suction means creates a ventilation flow to exhaust residue solvent vapors.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système destiné à contrôler, à retenir et à évacuer les vapeurs résiduelles de solvants de nettoyage qui se sont dégagées dans une machine de nettoyage à sec. Ce système comprend des soupapes à actionneurs (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) placées dans chacune des conduites (6, 7) d'alimentation et d'évacuation véhiculant le solvant de nettoyage et dans chacune des conduites (8, 9) d'arrivée d'air de séchage et d'évacuation des vapeurs de solvant. Les soupapes à actionneurs sont placées aussi près que possible du tambour (2) de la machine afin d'éliminer l'espace inutile dans les conduites correspondantes. L'isolement des vapeurs résiduelles s'obtient en fermant toutes les soupapes à actionneurs. Après cela, un système d'échappement (12) est mis en ÷uvre, lorsqu'on ouvre la porte (4) de la machine, pour évacuer les vapeurs résiduelles de solvant de nettoyage.
PCT/US1995/013901 1994-10-27 1995-10-26 Systeme d'isolement et de recuperation des vapeurs residuelles dans le nettoyage a sec Ceased WO1996013630A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU38973/95A AU3897395A (en) 1994-10-27 1995-10-26 Drycleaning secondary vapor isolation and recovery system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US32992094A 1994-10-27 1994-10-27
US08/329,920 1994-10-27

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996013630A1 true WO1996013630A1 (fr) 1996-05-09

Family

ID=23287584

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1995/013901 Ceased WO1996013630A1 (fr) 1994-10-27 1995-10-26 Systeme d'isolement et de recuperation des vapeurs residuelles dans le nettoyage a sec

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3897395A (fr)
WO (1) WO1996013630A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6647997B2 (en) * 2001-05-16 2003-11-18 Merrill K. Mohn Paint gun washer

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1137608A (fr) * 1954-10-08 1957-05-31 Italia Off Machine à laver combinée pouvant fonctionner arbitrairement avec du trichloréthylène ou analogue ou avec de l'eau
US3190011A (en) * 1960-12-05 1965-06-22 Noubar S Abdalian Clothes drier with vapor removal
US3610002A (en) * 1969-02-13 1971-10-05 Poerio Carpigiani Wearing apparels dry cleaning machine
US3978694A (en) * 1974-02-25 1976-09-07 White-Westinghouse Corporation Vapor saving ambient air intake system for a dry cleaner
EP0103228A2 (fr) * 1982-09-14 1984-03-21 Multimatic Maschinen GmbH. & Co. Dispositif pour réduire la concentration de solvant dans la cuve d'une machine de nettoyage à sec après l'opération de lavage
EP0262584A2 (fr) * 1986-09-30 1988-04-06 SODIBO S.p.A. Panneau de commande et de programmation pour machines de nettoyage à sec

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1137608A (fr) * 1954-10-08 1957-05-31 Italia Off Machine à laver combinée pouvant fonctionner arbitrairement avec du trichloréthylène ou analogue ou avec de l'eau
US3190011A (en) * 1960-12-05 1965-06-22 Noubar S Abdalian Clothes drier with vapor removal
US3610002A (en) * 1969-02-13 1971-10-05 Poerio Carpigiani Wearing apparels dry cleaning machine
US3978694A (en) * 1974-02-25 1976-09-07 White-Westinghouse Corporation Vapor saving ambient air intake system for a dry cleaner
EP0103228A2 (fr) * 1982-09-14 1984-03-21 Multimatic Maschinen GmbH. & Co. Dispositif pour réduire la concentration de solvant dans la cuve d'une machine de nettoyage à sec après l'opération de lavage
EP0262584A2 (fr) * 1986-09-30 1988-04-06 SODIBO S.p.A. Panneau de commande et de programmation pour machines de nettoyage à sec

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6647997B2 (en) * 2001-05-16 2003-11-18 Merrill K. Mohn Paint gun washer

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3897395A (en) 1996-05-23

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