New Dry Cleaning MethodsDry cleaners are switching to new dry cleaning methods that are more environmentally friendly. Many dry cleaners use chlorinated hydrocarbons as dry-cleaning solvents, such as the chemical Perchloroethleyne, or Perc.
These chlorinated hydrocarbons are probable human carcinogens, so the search is on for replacements. Plus many government air quality agencies are trying to phase out Perc because of concerns to the environment. But, it may a long time to legally ban Perc.
There are three new dry cleaning methods:
1. "GreenEarth" uses a silicone-based solvent as an alternative to Perc.
2. Liquid carbon dioxide in high-pressure equipment.
Environmentally friendly weapons cleaning technology developed by Raytheon uses a liquid carbon dioxide-based solvent is being applied commercially to clean garments under the commercial name, The “DryWash Cleaning Process”.
Carbon dioxide does not exist in liquid form at atmospheric pressure at any temperature. The high pressures needed for liquid CO2 require specialized washing machines. Like chlorinated hydrocarbons, liquid carbon dioxide is an effective solvent for grease and oils.
Liquid CO2 has some advantages over chlorinated hydrocarbons--items that cannot be dry cleaned with chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as leather, fur, and some synthetics, can be safely cleaned with liquid carbon dioxide.
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.
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. 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....
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