Dry Cleaning Systems

Traditional dry cleaning methods are not sustainable. Using water as a cleaning solvent depletes vital potable water resources. PERC (perchloroethylene), currently used by most dry cleaners, is toxic to those exposed to it and to the environment.. FeyeCon has developed an innovative textile cleaning process using carbon dioxide as a cleaning solvent.

PROCESS
Under mild temperature and pressure conditions, CO₂ can be used as a cleaning solvent to successfully remove soils and stains from textiles, with final results matching or exceeding those of cleaning with conventional solvents. The addition of a co-solvent can further enhance the cleaning capabilities of CO₂. Water and PERC based dry cleaning require an additional drying step to get the textiles dry. CO₂ dry cleaning gets clothes clean and dry in one step, thereby completely removing the need for extra drying. Clothes cleaned in CO₂ have less dimensional changes, less color loss and less fiber wear, leading to a longer garment lifetime.

EQUIPMENT
FeyeCon has developed cutting edge CO₂ dry cleaning technology, including a pilot facility and IP related to design, process know how, materials and surfactant chemistry.

Commercial equipment is currently being developed and sold by CO2Nexus, Inc, a joint venture between FeyeCon and American partners.

APPLICATIONS
Since CO₂ based textile cleaning in significantly less abrasive on fabrics, it is particularly suited for the cleaning of sensitive and delicate clothing. The technology has also been shown to remove both particulates and stains from natural and synthetic fabrics. Our technology requires minimal to no water and substantially less energy than traditional methods, thereby making it ideal for use in areas where water and energy scarcity are fundamental issues.