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US 4,444,625 AGranted
Method and apparatus for reclaiming drycleaning fluid
AssigneeKleen-Rite, Inc.
InventorRobert G. Smith
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Drycleaning fluid is recovered from spent drycleaning fluid filter elements by passing steam through the elements to form a steam/drycleaning-fluid vapor mixture. The mixture is condensed into liquid state and the two constitutents are separated. The apparatus includes a condensing chamber and a separating chamber with a novel valve for ensuring that drycleaning-fluid vapors do not escape into the work area.
Claims2
A method of reclaiming residual drycleaning fluid from spent filter elements positioned in filter tanks comprising the steps of:
- draining excess drycleaning fluid from the filter elements while the filter elements remain in the filter tanks;
- injecting steam through the filter elements in such tanks so as to vaporize residual drycleaning fluid to form a steam/drycleaning fluid mixture;
- removing said fluid mixture from such tanks to a condenser through a closed system;
- condensing said mixture in a condenser to form liquid water and liquid drycleaning fluid;
- and
- separating said water from said drycleaning fluid;
- said separating being performed without permitting drycleaning fluid vapors to escape into the environment.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.