GB457384A - Improvements in and relating to dry cleaning and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0457384/III/1> In dry-cleaning and other extraction apparatus wherein a volatile liquid is employed and which is adapted to be sealed from the atmosphere the supply of cooling medium to a cooling device in heat exchange relationship with the fluid in the apparatus is regulated by means responsive to pressure conditions within the apparatus so as to maintain the pressure within predetermined limits. The invention is shown applied to dry - cleaning apparatus comprising a treating unit 1, still 3, condenser 4, cooler 37 and storage vessel 2 interconnected to form a closed system. The unit 1 comprises a perforated drum 7 housed in a chamber 21 provided with a door 6. Above the chamber 21 is a delinting chamber 14, furnished with screens 15. Below the chamber 21 are a condenser 11 and heating chamber 9 and a sump 13 connected through a pump 27 and pipe 28 to the still 3. For working, liquid is supplied from the vessel 2 to the chamber 21 through a valved pipe 21a and, after washing, is discharged to the sump 13 through a pipe 23 controlled by a valve 24. For drying, air is circulated by a fan 16 through the drum 7, chamber 21, 14, condenser 11 and heater 9, condensed liquid passing to the sump 13 through openings 52. After drying, valves 55, 18 are operated to close the chamber 14 and open atmospheric vents 54, 18 for deodorizing the fabric. Solvent liquid passing from the sump 13 is evaporated in chamber 29 of the still 3 and the vapours are condensed in the condenser 4, the condensed liquid passing through the cooler 37 to storage vessel 2. The condenser 4, cooler 37, vessel 2 and chamber 21 communicate through pipes 44, 45, 46. The condenser 11, cooler 37 and condenser 4 are furnished with cooling coils 12, 38, 35 through which water passes in turn. A diaphragm valve 58, influenced by the pressure within the chamber 14, actuates a valve 43 controlling the water supply.