Carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced by photosynthesis and
constitutes .04% of the air we breathe. A gas under atmospheric conditions, once liquefied it represents an ideal solvent
with characteristics that cannot be matched by any other solvent, conventional or otherwise. It is non-toxic, non-flammable,
non-hazardous waste-producing, non-ozone-depleting, odorless, and cannot spill into the soil or groundwater since it becomes
a gas if it escapes from the system. And since the CO2 that is used in this process is already in the air and is recaptured
for reuse in the machines, no new CO2 is produced or added to the atmosphere over the life of the system. Commercially CO2
is used for, among many other things, carbonating beverages, decaffeinating coffee beans, and preserving foods.
From a performance standpoint,
DryWash Fluid has distinct advantages as well. Its viscosity (the ability to flow) and surface tension (wetting capability)
are orders of magnitude better than any other solvent, thus enabling the penetration of smaller fibers and the removal of
finer particles of dirt. Since it is relatively gentle, it also allows the safe cleaning of fabrics like furs, leathers, sequins,
and other fine garments. The color fastness and garment life is considerably improved, and the risk for dye transfer and shrinkage
is considerably less than for a conventional system. Finally, the cycle times of 30 minutes or less are twice as fast as those
of conventional processes.
How it works: Advantages
While being environmentally neutral, liquid carbon dioxide
(CO2) has excellent cleaning properties. It dissolves dirt, fats and oils on all materials currently dry-cleaned. Thanks to
its low surface tension and viscosity it easily penetrates garment fibers. In all other respects, it works like any traditional
dry-cleaning solvent.
Better yet, CO2 is easy to handle. It is non-toxic (unless inhaled in large concentrations), non-flammable
and odorless. It produces no hazardous waste or emissions that require special disposal.
CO2 comes from natural sources
and is also a by-product of existing industrial processes, for example from fermentation in distilleries. The CO2 cleaning
technology only "borrows" existing CO2 on its way to the atmosphere.
Spin-off from aerospace technology
Some years
ago, the American aerospace industry developed a supercritical fluid technology to clean high-tech metals and composite materials.
This method was then adapted to become the DryWash® technology, offering an amazing ability to clean fabrics.
Safe
to handle
CO2 does not show the toxic or flammable properties associated with
traditional dry-cleaning solvents.
Risks connected with CO2 vary with the different states of the compound. Gaseous CO2
may cause suffocation when found in large concentrations in closed areas. Solid or liquid CO2, or cold CO2 gas, may cause
frost burns if unprotected skin is exposed to the CO2 or the cooled equipment.
The equipment used in the CO2 cleaning
process is designed to handle and abolish any such danger. It works as a closed system where the used liquid CO2 is filtered,
distilled and recycled. Sensors linked to alarms monitor the site and warn the user in the unlikely event any leakage should
occur.
Dry-cleaning
for tomorrow
The CO2
cleaning process offers a more sophisticated way to dry-clean than any existing technology. It will change the world of dry-cleaning.
