Some answers to questions we are frequently asked:
Q How long is a normal cleaning cycle?
A A typical cycle with a 10 minute wash program will be 35 minutes.
Q CO2 operates under pressure. Is this safe?
A To keep CO2 in a liquid form it needs to be under pressure. Each component that is subject to this pressure is designed and built to the most stringent safety codes. Many common items that we deal with daily use similar or greater pressures such as fire extinguishers and scuba tanks. Soda dispensers used by most restaurants use CO2 under pressure.
Q How much CO2 is used per load?
A Field use on the CO2 machine has shown that approximately 18lbs of CO2 is used on each load. In addition, a small amount of CO2 will be lost when filling the bulk storage tank.
Q Can standard detergents and spotting chemicals be used in the CO2 process?
A No, as in the case of other solvents such as water, perc. and hydrocarbon, special detergents are required for use with CO2.
Q What is the flash point of CO2?
A CO2 is completely non-flammable with no flash point.
Q Does the drum rotate during the cleaning cycle?
A Yes, the drum utilizes the same design as used in traditional solvent machines to give the best mechanical action and soil removal.
Q Does the CO2 cleaning process cause shrinkage?
A Generally speaking, it does not since there is no heat applied as in traditional “wash and dry” methods – the solvent merely evaporates – and high pressure has no effect upon dimensional stability. However, any garment that is sensitive to mechanical action could be affected as it would with any other solvent.
Q Is pre-spotting required for CO2 cleaning?
A Pre-spotters that are compatible with CO2 have been developed. It has been found that because of the lower operating temperatures of the CO2 process (no drying cycle) stains are not set into the fabric as is the case in traditional solvent machines. Stains that are not removed during the cleaning cycle can be taken out by post spotting.
Q Does the CO2 process cause dye bleeding?
A As with all solvents there can be some dye loss with certain fabrics during the CO2 process. This is considerably less than conventional processes due to lower process temperatures.
Q How does the cleaning power of CO2 compare with that of traditional solvents?
A CO2’s cleaning power is similar to that of hydrocarbon solvent.
Q Can leather and fur be cleaned in CO2?
A The CO2 process is excellent for cleaning fur and leather garments.
Q Can garments with sequins and beads be cleaned in CO2?
A The CO2 process is excellent for cleaning garments with these items attached.
Q Is the waste from distillation considered to be hazardous?
A Providing no hazardous materials are on the garments being cleaned and that spotting chemicals and detergents used are those environmentally friendly formulations designed for use with CO2 then waste is not hazardous. We would recommend, however, that all waste be disposed of through an approved environmentally safe process.
Q Does CO2 contribute to the greenhouse effect?
A No, CO2 exists naturally in the atmosphere. CO2 is environmentally neutral and is obtained from natural sources or as a byproduct of various existing industrial processes.
Q How does water affect the process?
A Any water that is introduced into the machine will be removed from the CO2 and garments during the distillation cycle along with dirt, oil and detergents.
Q&A - Frequently Asked Questions
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