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Title: Optimization of Ultrasonic Fabric Cleaning

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/16606· OSTI ID:16606

The fundamental purpose of this project was to research and develop a process that would reduce the cost and improve the environmental efficiency of the present dry-cleaning industry. This second phase of research (see report KCP-94-1006 for information gathered during the first phase) was intended to allow the optimal integration of all factors of ultrasonic fabric cleaning. For this phase, Garment Care performed an extensive literature search and gathered data from other researchers worldwide. The Garment Care-AlliedSignal team developed the requirements for a prototype cleaning tank for studies and acquired that tank and the additional equipment required to use it properly. Garment Care and AlliedSignal acquired the transducers and generators from Surftran Martin-Walter in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Amway's Kelly Haley developed the test protocol, supplied hundreds of test swatches, gathered the data on the swatches before and after the tests, assisted with the cleaning tests, and prepared the final analysis of the results. AlliedSignal personnel, in conjunction with Amway and Garment Care staff, performed all the tests. Additional planning is under way for future testing by outside research facilities. The final results indicated repeatable performance and good results for single layered fabric swatches. Swatches that were cleaned as a ''sandwich,'' that is, three or more layers.

Research Organization:
Kansas City Plant, Kansas City, MO (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00613
OSTI ID:
16606
Report Number(s):
KCP-613-6078; ON: DE98053027; BR: DP; CRN: C/ASKC-96-KCP-1044; ON: DE98053027; BR: DP; CRN: C/ASKC-96-KCP-1044; TRN: AH200126%%206
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Supercedes report DE98053027; PBD: 13 May 1998
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English