Ozone process for color removal and drain system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to methods and systems for bleaching textiles using ozone gas. Embodiments also incorporate a color removal step. In one example, there is provided a hybrid machine that incorporates certain features of a washer, but that also includes an integrated blower for gas distribution inside the machine. There is also provided an ozone dosing control system that allows for maintenance of a constant concentration of ozone in the machine. In one embodiment, the ozone output measured in grams/hour at this constant concentration in conjunction with the weight of product measured being treated may be referred to as the “bleaching factor.” There is further provided a drain sump design that helps minimize water volume in the presence of fabric lint, various added materials, and other processing chemicals.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An ozone bleaching system, comprising:
 an ozone generator;   a textile ozone treatment component fluidly coupled to the ozone generator, the textile ozone treatment component comprising a barrel for containing textiles to be treated;   an ozone destruct valve fluidly coupled to an ozone destruct unit;   a fluid recirculating pump and a drain for use during a wet bleaching process; and   a drain sump at the base of the barrel comprising a drain collector pipe, the drain collector pipe configured to be fluidly coupled to the pump.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a water inlet for injecting water for a pre-rinse procedure, for a wet bleaching process, or both. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the water inlet comprises a venturi injector for injecting ozonated water into the barrel. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the drain collector pipe replaces the need for use of a filter or screen between the textile ozone treatment component and the fluid recirculating pump. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein water injected into the textile ozone treatment component is re-circulated by the fluid recirculating pump. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the drain collector pipe functions as a suction pipe. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the drain sump comprises a drain sump trough and wherein the drain collector pipe comprises about a 4 inch pipe positioned in the trough. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the drain collector pipe has one end capped, and wherein the other end is connected to a washer outlet that is connected to a pump inlet. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the drain collector pipe comprises holes distributed over at least a portion of the length of the pipe. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the holes are located at approximately 5:00 and 7:00 on the pipe. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the drain collector pipe allows one or more of the following to occur:
 low water ratio in textile washer;   high water velocity/fast wash liquor turnover;   high dose rate of ozone gas;   pumice stone, sand, other abrasion materials, and fabric lint in the process water;   foam generating/sudsing chemicals in the process water; or   any combination thereof.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the pump can move stones, sand, lint, or other particulates at required head pressures. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , further comprising an injector that can pass the stones, sand, lint, or other particulates while injecting gas. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an adjustable direction spray bar.