Low temperature textile dyeing method using high temperature dye compositions

A continuous unidirectional method for dyeing textile at atmospheric pressure using a polyhydric alcohol based dye composition in which steam fixation of the dye composition on the textile is unnecessary, comprising the steps of:

• a. dyeing the textile in a dye tank for containing or receiving said dye composition, said dye tank comprising a plurality of thread rollers and a plurality of spray jet applicators which apply said dye composition;
• b. heating said dye composition to a temperature between approximately 70.degree. C. and 120.degree. C.;
• c. maintaining a selected dye temperature between about 70.degree. C. and about 120.degree. C. throughout said dyeing steps;
• and
• d. subjecting the textile to a selected amount of said heated dye composition for a selected time by variable threading of the textile through the dye tank about said plurality of thread rollers;
• said dye composition comprising from 20-60% by volume of a polyhydric alcohol selected from the group consisting of trihydric alcohols, from 80-40% by volume water, from 0.25 to 12.00 g/l of an acid selected from the group consisting of Group IVA, VA and VIA acids or an alkali selected from the group consisting of Group IA and IIA hydroxides, from 0.50 to 6.00 g/l of a wetting agent selected from the group consisting of alcohols, soap and surfactants, and from 0.50 to 6.00 g/l of a dyestuff selected from the group consisting of acid, disperse, vat direct, basic, pigment, and fiber reactive dyestuffs.