How it works: Cleaning

A CO2 cleaning machine consists of the following main components: washing chamber, storage tank, distilling unit, compressor, refrigeration unit and - depending on the machine design - a pump and a filter.

Follow a load of laundry through the liquid CO2 cleaning cycle.

1. The laundry is placed in the washing chamber of the machine. The chamber is emptied of air.

2. The pressure in the washing chamber is raised by injecting gaseous CO2. Then, liquid CO2 is pumped into the washing chamber.

3. Agitation is achieved by jet streams and/or by a rotating basket. The cleaning cycle lasts about 5 to 15 minutes and the whole process takes place at ambient temperature.

4. The liquid CO2 goes easily into the fibers of the clothes and dissolves dirt, fats, and oils. During the washing cycle a filter cleans particles from the liquid.

5. At the end of the cleaning process, the liquid CO2 is pumped back into the storage tank.

6. With the compressor, the remaining gaseous CO2 is pumped back into the storage tank lowering the pressure in the cleaning chamber. On its way to the storage vessel the gas is chilled and once again condensed into its liquid form.

7. When the pressure is low enough, the remaining CO2 is vented to the atmosphere and the door can be opened.

8. The clean garments are completely dry and at room temperature. They can be taken immediately for finishing work.

9. The CO2 is regularly cleaned by distillation.

The End