Patent ID: 6269507
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: B08B,D06B,D06F

Abstract:
A method for the controlled addition of a low-water content detergent formulation to a carbon dioxide dry cleaning system, said method comprising:providing a carbon dioxide cleaning apparatus comprising a wash vessel and a separate auxiliary vessel;(a) reducing the pressure in said wash vessel and said auxiliary vessel; then(b) adding a detergent formulation to said auxiliary vessel, said detergent formulation comprising (i) at least 30 percent organic co-solvent, (ii) at least 1 percent surfactant; and (ii) not more than 10 percent water; then(c) increasing the pressure in said wash vessel so that liquid carbon dioxide can be pumped therethrough to clean articles in said wash vessel; and then(d) transferring said detergent formulation from said auxiliary vessel to said wash vessel to facilitate the cleaning of articles therein.