Solvent recycling system

A distillation solvent recycling system is provided which is characterized by improved safety features, modular construction, a double insulated solvent reservoir, electronic control and display of system parameters, and self diagnosis of system malfunctions. The components of the system are assembled into a compact unitized structure so as to maximize safety, efficiency, portability, convenience and ease of operation and maintenance. An outer insulative and protective safety casing shields the operator from process hazards while the system is in operation. An inner lid is provided with improved sealing mechanisms for preventing the escape of toxic solvent vapors. An outer safety lid shields the operator from heat and trace vapors in the vicinity of the solvent reservoir.

TECHNICAL FIELD 
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for 
purifying solvents, and more specifically, to compact integral devices 
having improved safety features for recycling organic solvents. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The use of organic solvents, thinners and cleaners is important to many 
industrial and commercial processes. One example is the use of organic 
solvents to clean and degrease metal components such as engine and other 
motor vehicle parts. Another example is dry cleaning processes in which 
fabrics are cleaned by applying synthetic and petroleum solvents to remove 
greasy soils. In each of these processes, the components or fabrics to be 
cleaned are subjected to the action of one or more solvents to remove 
grease, oil, and the like. Since the grease and oil are dissolved into the 
solvent, the solvent that remains is contaminated. Many such solvents are 
classified as hazardous waste. Consequently they cannot be disposed of 
through conventional means. Commercial solvents themselves are relatively 
expensive. Added to this expense are increasingly strict management 
requirements and regulations. 
The economics and benefits of in-house solvent recycling systems are 
becoming increasingly apparent. As a result, a variety of systems for 
on-site solvent purification and recovery have been developed. 
While the systems of the prior art have been effective in recovering 
solvent, some problems associated with solvent recovery processes have yet 
to be overcome. These problems stem from the toxic nature of the solvents 
being processed and the high temperatures required to heat the 
contaminated solvents to their boiling points. In particular the surfaces 
surrounding the heating and boiling elements of such systems become 
extremely hot and pose dangers to an operator. Additionally, noxious fumes 
emitted during the process can escape into the atmosphere presenting 
further operator and environmental hazards. Of further concern to the 
operator is the amount of system information readily available to her 
during system operation and the ease with which the operator can determine 
the status of the system. 
Representative U.S. Pat. No. 4,929,312 to Westcott discloses a solvent 
recovery apparatus and method comprising an evaporator unit having a heat 
source for vaporizing solvent from a contaminated body of such solvent. 
This earlier device lacks desired features for preventing organic solvent 
from escaping into the atmosphere. 
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved, highly automated, plug-in 
ready to use system for purifying organic solvents for recycling and reuse 
while providing important operational safety features, and which is 
unitized into an integral, highly compact device especially useful for 
shops and plants having limited floor space. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, it is a principle object of this invention to provide for an 
improved solvent recycling system, especially one in which the components 
of the system are assembled so as to maximize safety, efficiency, ease of 
operation and maintenance, portability and convenience. Generally, the 
device of the invention is characterized by functionally grouped 
components assembled into a compact unitized structure and surrounded by 
an outer insulative and protective safety casing. The components are 
easily removable for cleaning, servicing, or inspection. At the same time, 
the operator is shielded by the outer safety casing from process hazards 
such as hot solvent, solvent vapor, clean solvent liquid, hot components 
and the like. 
Such a device comprises a contaminated solvent reservoir means having 
liquid solvent inlet means and solvent vapor outlet means, an inner 
closure means for the solvent reservoir means engaging with the liquid 
solvent inlet means, means for heating liquid solvent in the contaminated 
solvent reservoir means, means for receiving and condensing solvent vapor 
discharged through the solvent vapor outlet means, cooling means for the 
means for receiving and condensing solvent vapor, means for collecting 
purified solvent condensate from the means for receiving and condensing 
solvent vapor, and electronic means for controlling operation of the 
solvent recycling system. The contaminated solvent reservoir means, inner 
closure means, means for heating liquid solvent, means for receiving and 
condensing solvent vapor, cooling means for the means for receiving and 
condensing solvent vapor, means for collecting purified solvent condensate 
and electronic means for controlling operation of the solvent recycling 
system are combined into an integral unitized structure and provided with 
an outer insulative and protective safety casing. 
It is a further object of the invention to provide for solvent recycling 
systems having advanced safety features comprising: contaminated solvent 
reservoir means having liquid solvent inlet means and solvent vapor outlet 
means; inner closure means for the solvent reservoir means engaging with 
the liquid solvent inlet means; outer closure means for the solvent 
reservoir means, the outer closure means having an open and closed 
position and being superimposed over the inner closure means to prevent 
noxious fumes in the region between the inner and outer closure means from 
escaping into the atmosphere; means for removing noxious fumes from the 
region of the inner and outer closure means; means for heating liquid 
solvent in the contaminated solvent reservoir means; means for receiving 
and condensing solvent vapor discharged through the solvent vapor outlet 
means; cooling means for the means for receiving and condensing solvent 
vapor; electronic means for controlling operation of the recycling system, 
and means for collecting purified solvent condensate from the means for 
receiving and condensing solvent vapor. 
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide for automatic 
solvent recycling systems that minimize the need for operator intervention 
in the solvent recycling process. The solvent recycling system of the 
invention comprises electronic means for controlling system operation. 
Devices of the invention have at least one temperature sensor for sensing 
the temperature in the reservoir in which the contaminated solvent is 
boiled. The invention further provides means for generating a temperature 
control signal in response to the sensed temperature. When the sensed 
temperature meets or exceeds a pre-selected temperature set point, the 
application of heat to the solvent vapor reservoir is discontinued. 
It is a further object of the invention to provide for a solvent recycling 
system having a centralized information panel allowing an operator to 
gather system status information and to control the recycling process 
while the operator is insulated from the process components. As a result, 
operator exposure to heat and toxic fumes is minimized. System status 
information includes information as to whether a recovery cycle is in 
progress, has been interrupted or is completed; information about system 
malfunctions; temperature information; and information as to whether power 
is being supplied to critical components of the system. The information 
panel is provided on the outer insulative and protective safety casing and 
comprises a computer keypad for information entry and display means for 
displaying system information. 
It is a further object of the invention to provide for a solvent recycling 
system having means for displaying system malfunction information. 
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide for a solvent 
recycling system having improved means for responding to smoke and fire 
within the system thereby further reducing the hazards associated with the 
solvent recycling process. In one embodiment of the invention a smoke 
detector means is disposed within the outer insulative and protective 
safety casing for sensing fire within the safety casing and disconnecting 
power to the unit in the event of a fire. 
It is a still further object of the invention to provide for a solvent 
recycling system for even further reducing the hazards associated with the 
solvent recycling process. One embodiment of the invention provides a 
solvent recycling system having a fire extinguisher means disposed within 
the outer insulative and protective safety casing for sensing the presence 
of fire and extinguishing the fire. 
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide for a method of 
controlling the boiling phase of a solvent recycling system comprising the 
steps of: sensing the temperature in the contaminated solvent boiling 
reservoir; comparing the rate of rise of the sensed temperature with a 
predetermined rate of rise limit; discontinuing the application of heat to 
the boiling reservoir when the rate of rise of the sensed temperature 
exceeds the predetermined rate of rise limit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Turning to FIG. 1 there is shown a view of solvent recycling system 100. 
Solvent recycling system 100 includes an outer insulative and protective 
safety casing 110. Safety casing 110 is a steel outer shell which shields 
the operator from contacting hot components and vapors during operation of 
the solvent recycling system 100. A double layer of insulating material 39 
is provided within safety casing 110 providing thermal isolation of safety 
casing 110 from hot components within solvent recycling system 100. 
Safety lid 11, which is closed during system operation, prevents trace 
solvent vapor fumes from escaping into the atmosphere and provides further 
protection for an operator from the high temperatures within solvent 
recycling system 100 during system operation. 
A clean solvent compartment 42 for housing a collection vessel 46 for 
receiving and holding purified solvent is disposed within solvent 
recycling system 100. Collection vessel 46 may consist of any chemically 
inert vessel suitable for storing purified solvent for re-use. Collection 
vessel 46 preferably consists of an inner primary collection vessel 48, 
and an outer secondary collection vessel 47. The primary collection vessel 
48 normally will have a larger capacity than secondary collection vessel 
47. Primary collection vessel 48 is positioned inside secondary collection 
vessel 47. 
Primary collection vessel 48 provides a convenient means for an operator to 
remove the clean liquid solvent end product of the solvent recovery 
process. Should primary collection vessel 48 overflow with clean liquid 
solvent, secondary collection vessel 47 serves to collect the overflow and 
protect the inside of clean solvent compartment 42 from spills. 
A clean solvent door 41 is provided for clean solvent compartment 42 
allowing easy access to collection vessel 46 and removal of clean liquid 
solvent. 
Condenser access panel 3 allows convenient access to the condenser unit 31 
(shown in FIG. 5). Air vents 2 are incorporated into condenser access 
panel 3 to provide for the flow of cooling air through solvent recycling 
system 100. 
A display panel 21 is located on the outer front area of top panel lid 13. 
Display panel 21 generally displays system parameters and other essential 
information related to the solvent recycling process. For the purposes of 
this invention the term `system parameters` is intended to include those 
process measurements, such as pre-selected temperature set point and 
actual temperature, which characterize the distillation recovery process. 
FIG. 2 is a view of solvent recycling system 100 with safety lid 11 in an 
open position and inner lid 7 in a closed position. While solvent 
recycling system 100 is operating, both safety lid 11 and inner lid 7 are 
closed. This double lid arrangement provides added protection for an 
operator from heat and fumes generated within reservoir body 5 during the 
recycling process by retaining any escaping fumes in the region between 
the outer safety lid and the inner lid preventing their release into the 
atmosphere. 
Safety lid 11 is provided with lid supports 4 for supporting safety lid 11 
when safety lid 11 is in an open position. 
Inner lid 7 is shown locked into place over reservoir body 5 by two lid 
lock assemblies 8 and two lid hinge assemblies 6. Lid lock assemblies 8 
and lid hinge assemblies 6 can be independently adjusted if required to 
compensate for wear, settling, heat deformation and the like. 
An electronic control module 12 is located beneath top panel lid 13 and 
behind display panel 21. Electronic control module 12 receives information 
from display panel 21 and other components (described hereinafter) in 
solvent recycling system 100, controls the operation of solvent recycling 
system 100 based on that information, and displays information to the 
operator on display panel 21. 
FIG. 3 shows the construction of inner lid 7. An outer cover plate 50 is 
superimposed over a heat resistant rubber seal gasket 52 for engaging with 
the upper edge 55 of reservoir body 5. Seal gasket 52 runs along the outer 
peripheral edge of inner lid 7. One of two lid lock assemblies 8 is shown. 
Each lid lock assembly 8 includes a disc type spring 54. Likewise, one of 
two lid hinge assemblies 6 is shown. Each lid hinge assembly 6 includes a 
disc type spring 56. The force exerted by springs 54 and 56 maintain 
pressure on outer cover plate 50 and seal gasket 52 to insure that vapors 
do not escape from reservoir body 5 when inner lid 7 is closed. 
As the thickness of seal gasket 52 decreases due to wear, deformation by 
heat, settling down and the like, springs 54 and 56 extend, automatically 
compensating for the reduction in the height of seal gasket 52. 
Lid lock adjuster nut 58 and lid hinge adjuster bolt 60 enable further 
adjustment of each lid lock assembly 8 and lid hinge assembly 6 as 
required. 
Should the pressure inside reservoir body 5 exceed the pressure exerted on 
seal gasket 52 by springs 54 and 56, inner lid 7 will lift, relieving 
pressure from within reservoir body 5. In the preferred embodiment 
pressure relief occurs at about 2.5 psi. Thus lid lock assemblies 8, lid 
hinge assemblies 6, and outer cover plate 50 function as a pressure relief 
mechanism thereby further improving the safety of solvent recycling system 
100. Thus, inner lid 7 preferably includes a safety release for 
automatically relieving pressure in the reservoir body which is greater 
than a predetermined pressure threshold. 
FIG. 3a shows a detail section view of inner lid 7. Seal gasket 52 is 
provided with a flexible cover 62 of Teflon.RTM. or other fluorinated 
polymeric material. A polymeric adherent backing is disposed upon the 
inner surface of flexible cover 62 to provide resiliency. The interior of 
outer cover plate 50 is provided with heat insulating material 51. 
FIG. 4 illustrates display panel 21 in greater detail. In the preferred 
embodiment light emitting diode (L.E.D.), and liquid crystal diode (L.C.D) 
displays are utilized for displaying the output of electronic control 
module 12. However, it is understood that other display means apparent to 
persons skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the 
invention. 
Likewise, the preferred embodiment utilizes standard push button switches. 
However, any switch technology, such as capacitive, resistive, flat panel, 
or other is encompassed by the present invention. 
The display panel 21 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention 
includes the following discrete controls and indicators: power indicator 
120, heat indicator 122, set point indicator 124, temperature indicator 
126, and switches 128, 130, 132, 134, and 136. In addition display panel 
21 includes an alphanumeric display 118 for displaying alphanumeric 
information. 
When illuminated, power indicator 120 indicates the presence of supply 
power to the electronic control module 12. Heat indicator 122 is 
illuminated when the signal to activate the heater element 15 (shown in 
FIG. 5) is present. Set point indicator 124 is illuminated when 
alphanumeric display 118 is displaying set point temperature. Set point 
indicator 124 is off when alphanumeric display 118 is displaying actual 
temperature. Temperature indicator 126 is illuminated when alphanumeric 
display 118 is displaying actual temperature, and off when alphanumeric 
display 118 is displaying the pre-selected set point temperature. 
Start-stop switch 128 acts as a toggle switch. If solvent recycling system 
100 is stopped, it will be started when start-stop switch 128 is 
depressed. If solvent recycling system 100 is in the process of recycling, 
it will be stopped when start-stop switch 128 is depressed. 
Set-up switch 130 causes solvent recycling system 100 to enter the set-up 
mode. When set-up switch 130 is depressed alphanumeric display 118 
displays the message `SET-UP`. At this point increment switch 132 and 
decrement switch 134 are enabled. Depressing either increment switch 132 
or decrement switch 134 will cause the alphanumeric display 118 to display 
the pre-selected temperature set point temperature. Also, set point 
indicator 124 will illuminate. Further depressions of increment switch 132 
will cause the pre-selected temperature set point to increment by 
1.degree. Celsius. Further depressions of decrement switch 134 will cause 
the pre-selected temperature set point to decrement by 1.degree. Celsius. 
When the desired pre-selected temperature set point is displayed, 
depressing `OK` switch 136 will cause the displayed set point to be used 
during the next recycling process. 
Alphanumeric display 118 provides the sensed temperature in either degrees 
Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit. Alphanumeric display 118 also displays 
recycler status information and error codes associated with system 
malfunctions. 
Recycler status information is understood to mean information relating to 
the current operating state of solvent recycling system 100. For example, 
in the preferred embodiment of the present invention alphanumeric display 
118 displays the message "ON" when the system is started, "OFF" when the 
system is stopped, and "SD-BY" when the solvent recovery cycle has been 
completed. 
In addition, alphanumeric display 118 displays error code information 
associated with system malfunctions, whereby an operator is directed to 
check the system components most likely to be the cause of the 
malfunction. 
Table 1 shows the error codes provided by the preferred embodiment of the 
present invention. 
TABLE 1 
______________________________________ 
ERROR CODES 
CODE PROBLEM CAUSE CHECK 
______________________________________ 
1 Heater The Heater power 
element microprocessor is 
Fuses 
supplying the 
Heater 
signal to turn 
element 
the heater on, 
but does not 
sense an increase 
in temperature. 
2 Erroneous Thermocouple Thermocouple 
temperature 
readings. 
3 Power Damage to power 
Power Control 
control circuitry 
Board 
______________________________________ 
It is understood that other arrangements of displays and indicators are 
possible and would remain within the scope of the present invention. 
Turning to FIG. 5 there is also shown a view of solvent recycling system 
100. The interior surface 16 of reservoir body 5 is coated with 
Teflon.RTM. or an equivalent material to prevent contaminants from 
sticking to reservoir body 5 and to allow easy cleaning of reservoir body 
5. Below reservoir body 5 is an insulated heater module 14 in which heater 
element 15 is located. A thermocouple 17, is located on the outside bottom 
of reservoir body 5 and is shown in FIG. 6. Thermocouple 17 senses the 
temperature inside reservoir body 5 and provides sensed temperature 
information to electronic control module 12. 
To provide further protection from high temperature conditions, a 
temperature limit switch 18, shown in FIG. 6, is located adjacent to 
thermocouple 17. If the temperature in reservoir body 5 exceeds about 
200.degree. C., temperature limit switch 18 is activated, disconnecting 
power to heater module 14. 
In the preferred embodiment full power is applied to heater element 15 when 
power is initially supplied to solvent recycling system 100. As a result 
the temperature in reservoir body 5 rises rapidly until the boiling point 
of the solvent being processed is reached. When the boiling point of the 
solvent is reached, most of the heat energy translates into vapor 
generation and the rate of temperature rise in reservoir body 5 decreases 
significantly. 
As solvent recycling system 100 continues to operate, waste oil and 
contaminants are collected at the bottom of reservoir body 5 as solvent 
vapor collects at the top of reservoir body 5. When there is no more 
solvent evaporation, the temperature begins to increase rapidly again 
until either a pre-selected temperature set point is reached, or until the 
rapid rate of temperature increase is sensed by thermocouple 17, whichever 
occurs first. 
The pre-selected temperature set point is determined by the operator and is 
based on the boiling temperature of the solvent being processed. To 
prevent contaminants from sticking at the bottom of reservoir body 5 the 
set point must be adjusted to a value slightly higher than the boiling 
point of the contaminated solvent in use. The operator determines the 
desired pre-selected set point and provides the set point information to 
electronic control module 12 via display panel 21. 
Electronic control module 12 compares the temperature provided by 
thermocouple 17 to the pre-selected set point using microprocessing 
techniques well known in the art. When the pre-selected set point is 
reached, electronic control module 12 removes power from heater element 15 
and activates fan motor 24. Fan 23 circulates air for cooling solvent 
recycling system 100. In the system of the preferred embodiment fan motor 
24 remains activated for about 30 minutes after the set-point is reached. 
If the set point chosen for a given contaminated solvent is set too high, 
i.e., higher than the temperature achieved at the end of the boiling 
cycle, heater element 15 will continue to heat reservoir body 5. As a 
result, the temperature in reservoir body 5 will increase rapidly. This 
rapid increase in temperature occurs because there is no liquid in 
reservoir body 5 to be converted into vapor. 
In this case electronic control module 12 will sense the rapidly increasing 
temperature information provided by thermocouple 17. When electronic 
control module 12 senses a rate of rise of temperature exceeding a 
pre-determined rate, electronic control module 12 will disconnect power to 
heater element 15 and energize fan motor 24. It has been found that the 
pre-determined rate will be in the range of about 2.degree. C. per minute 
to about 10.degree. C. per minute, depending on the solvent in use and its 
contaminants. 
Thus, solvent recycling system 100 is further protected from damage or fire 
due to over-temperature conditions and contaminants are prevented from 
burning and sticking to the bottom of reservoir body 5. 
A reservoir outlet 25 is located near the top of reservoir body 5. Solvent 
vapor generated by the boiling process is conducted through reservoir 
outlet 25. Reservoir outlet 25 communicates with a reservoir outlet tube 
27. Reservoir outlet tube 27 is connected to a condenser unit 31 having a 
condenser unit inlet 33. Thus solvent vapors are passed into condenser 
unit 31 where the vapors are cooled by air from fan 23. Air from fan 23 is 
circulated from air intake 44 through condenser unit 31, and exhausted 
through air vents 2. 
The embodiment illustrates a motorized fan means for circulating air 
through the solvent recycling system to cool the solvent vapor. However, 
it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that alternative means for 
cooling can be utilized, such as compressed air, refrigeration coils and 
the like. 
As the vapor cools it condenses. Condensate is collected in condenser 
bottom plate 35 of condenser unit 31. Condenser bottom plate 35 is 
provided with a condenser outlet tube 37 through which the clean 
condensate passes and is discharged into collection vessel 46 (not shown). 
The collection vessel is accessed by opening clean solvent door 41. 
Front cabinet panel 43 and rear cabinet panel 45 enclose contaminated 
solvent reservoir body 5, condenser unit 31, heater module 14, fan 23, and 
clean solvent compartment 42. 
Top panel lid 13 contains electronic control module 12. Top panel lid 13 is 
superimposed over condenser unit 31 so as to provide an outer insulative 
and protective cover for condenser unit 31 and a protective covering for 
electronic control module 12. 
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of electronic control module 12. Display 
panel 21 communicates with pins 3 through 7 of microprocessor 158 through 
connector 156. Thermocouple 17 provides sensed temperature information to 
pin 16 of microprocessor 158 through amplifier-scaler 160. Microprocessor 
158 is a standard Motorola 6805 microprocessor programmed using 
conventional programming methods and techniques which are well known in 
the art. The instructions are stored in Programmable Read Only Memory 
(PROM) 154. 
When the start-stop switch 128 is depressed microprocessor 158 provides a 
signal that causes power to be applied to heater element 15. As the system 
operates, microprocessor 158 compares the pre-selected set point 
temperature set by the operator, with the sensed temperature information 
provided by thermocouple 17. When the sensed temperature reaches the set 
point temperature, microprocessor 158 removes the signal to heater element 
15 causing power to be removed from heater element 15. At the same time 
microprocessor 150 provides a signal to energize fan motor 24. 
Microprocessor 158 also monitors the sensed temperature information from 
thermocouple 17 to detect a rapid increase in temperature indicating 
completion of the boiling phase of the recycling process. If the rate of 
rise of sensed temperature exceeds a predetermined limit, microprocessor 
158 removes the signal to heater element 15 causing power to be removed 
from heater element 15. Also, microprocessor 158 provides the signal to 
energize fan motor 24. In one embodiment of the invention fan motor 24 
remains energized for about 30 minutes after an over-temperature condition 
is sensed. 
When the +5 Volt supply is present on electronic control module 12, power 
indicator 120 is illuminated. Heat indicator 122 is illuminated when the 
signal to activate heater element 15 is present on pin 23 of 
microprocessor 158. Set point indicator 124 is illuminated when 
alphanumeric display 118 is displaying set point temperature. Set point 
indicator 124 is off when alphanumeric display 118 is displaying actual 
temperature. Temperature indicator 126 is illuminated when alphanumeric 
display 118 is displaying actual temperature, and off when alphanumeric 
display 118 is displaying set point temperature. 
FIG. 8 depicts another embodiment of the present invention. A cut-away view 
from the back of solvent recycling system 200 is shown. Inner lid 201 and 
safety lid 203 are shown in the open position. A fume extractor means is 
provided comprising venturi vacuum generator 202 disposed within safety 
lid 203, fume exhaust conduit 204 vented to an outer wall, compressed air 
inlet 206, compressed air inlet conduit 208, fume extractor valve 210, air 
outlet hose 212, and fume extraction inlet 214. 
When safety lid 203 is opened, actuator 216 on fume extractor valve 210 is 
automatically released to its normally open position. This allows 
compressed air entering compressed air inlet 206 to flow through 
compressed air inlet conduit 208, fume extractor valve 210, and through 
air outlet hose 212 to the input of venturi vacuum generator 202. 
Compressed air at the input of venturi vacuum generator 202 activates 
venturi vacuum generator 202 and causes fumes in the vicinity of safety 
lid 203 to be drawn into fume extraction inlet 214 and finally exhausted 
through fume exhaust conduit 204. 
Solvent reservoir 287 holds contaminated liquid solvent as it boils, 
vaporizing the solvent. Reservoir outlet tube 234 conducts solvent vapor 
to condenser unit 283 where the vapor is cooled. The clean solvent 
condensate resulting from the cooling process is drained through condenser 
outlet tube 288 and collected in collection vessel 222. Collection vessel 
222 includes primary collection vessel 220 for collecting the condensate, 
and secondary collection vessel 224 for receiving any overflow of clean 
solvent from primary collection vessel 222. 
Also shown is a double layer of insulating material 284 surrounding solvent 
reservoir 287 and heater module 232. Insulating material 284 can be 
fiberglass or other suitable material for providing maximum heat 
efficiency and thermal isolation. 
Also shown in FIG. 8 is smoke detector 280. The output of smoke detector 
280 is connected to an electronic control module (not shown). When smoke 
detector 280 senses smoke or extreme heat within solvent recycling system 
200, smoke detector 280 sends a signal to the electronic control module 
(shown previously) thereby causing the system to shut down. In response, 
the electronic control module removes power from solvent recycling system 
200. 
Further shown in FIG. 8 is fire extinguisher 281. Fire extinguisher 281 
senses the presence of extreme heat or flames within solvent recycling 
system 200 and dispenses a flame retardant into the interior of solvent 
recycling system 200 in response. 
FIG. 8 also shows fan 282 and an explosion-proof housing 270 containing a 
non-explosion-proof fan motor (not shown). Power module 274 is also 
located within explosion-proof housing 270. Power module 274 is provided 
with line voltage via power plug 290 and power cord 277. Power module 274 
communicates with the electronic control module through conductor means 
236. Conductor means 236 carries +5 Volt supply power to the electronic 
control module described previously and receives control signals from the 
electronic control module. A second conductor means 230 is connected to 
heater module 232 for providing power to heater module 232 and controlling 
temperature in response to signals from the electronic control module. 
FIG. 9 shows a close up of fan 282 connected to explosion-proof housing 
270. FIG. 9a shows a side cut away view of explosion-proof housing 270. A 
standard non-explosion-proof fan motor 272 is placed within 
explosion-proof housing 270. Power module 274 provides power to heater 
module 232, the electronic control module, and non-explosion-proof fan 
motor 272. An intrinsically safe barrier 276 is connected between power 
module 274 and the electronic control module to prevent the supply voltage 
at the input of the electronic control module from rising to an unsafe 
value in the event of a fault voltage being generated within power module 
274. 
While the invention has been described in conjunction with various 
embodiments, they are illustrative only. Accordingly, many alternatives, 
modifications and variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the 
art in light of the foregoing detailed description, and it is therefore 
intended to embrace all such alternatives and variations as to fall within 
the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.