Apparatus and method for increasing colourfastness

Abstract

A method for improving the colourfastness of a dyed textile is provided. The method comprises the steps of: conveying a dyed textile along a processing line in a first direction; flowing a fluid from a reservoir through the dyed textile on the processing line in a second directly substantially opposite to the first direction; subsequently removing at least 50% of the applied fluid from the dyed textile; removing contaminants from the fluid; and returning the fluid to the reservoir.

1 . A method for improving the colourfastness of a dyed textile, the method comprising:
 conveying a dyed textile along a processing line in a first direction;   flowing a fluid from a reservoir through the dyed textile on the processing line in a second directly substantially opposite to the first direction;   subsequently removing at least 50% of the applied fluid from the dyed textile;   removing contaminants from the fluid; and   returning the fluid to the reservoir.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising: mechanically agitating the textile. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  any preceding claim , wherein the total mass of fluid applied to the dyed textile is up to 500% of the mass of the dyed textile. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  any preceding claim , wherein the fluid applied to the dyed textile is applied at 1-50 litres per minute. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  any preceding claim , further comprising: heating the fluid to above 40° C. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  any preceding claim , further comprising: heating the fluid to above 50° C. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  any preceding claim , further comprising: heating the fluid to above 60° C. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  any preceding claim , further comprising: heating the fluid to above 70° C. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to any one of  claims 1 to 5 , further comprising: heating the fluid to 40-80° C. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to any one of  claims 1 to 6 , further comprising: heating the fluid to 50-70° C. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  any preceding claim , further comprising:
 determining a range of acceptable flow rates for the fluid being applied;   monitoring the flow rate of the fluid being applied; and   adjusting the flow rate of the fluid being applied if the flow rate of fluid being applied is outside of the range of acceptable flow rates.   
     
     
         12 . The method according to  any preceding claim , wherein the fluid is sprayed onto the dyed textile. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  any preceding claim , wherein the fluid comprises an additive configured to improve the colourfastness of the textile. 
     
     
         14 . Apparatus for improving the colourfastness of a dyed textile, the apparatus comprising:
 a processing line for conveying a textile in a first direction;   a reverse osmosis unit including a fluid reservoir for retaining a fluid and a filtration unit for removing contaminants from the fluid;   a fluid applicator configured to apply the fluid to the textile in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction;   a fluid removal device configured to remove the fluid from the textile and return it to the reverse osmosis unit.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the fluid applicator comprises a spray nozzle. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus according to  claim 14 or claim 15 , wherein the fluid removal device is configured to generate a partial vacuum, in use. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus according to any of  claims 14 to 16 , further comprising a mechanical agitator. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the mechanical agitator comprises at least one axis relative to which it may move. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus according to  claim 16 or claim 17 , wherein the mechanical agitator is configured to agitate the textile between the application and the removal of the fluid. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus according to any of  claims 17 to 19 , wherein the mechanical agitator is a roller. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus according to any of  claims 17 to 20 , wherein the mechanical agitator is a pair of rollers. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus according to any of  claims 17 to 21 , wherein the roller has a textured surface. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus according to  claim 22 , wherein the textured surface is knurled. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus according to any of  claims 14-19 , wherein the textured surface has a spiral pattern.