The invention is related to the cleaning system of dyeing machines.

Particularly, it is related to an air-assisted cleaning and recovery method that is used for recovery of dye in dyeing machines and also increases the consistency and quality of the reusable dye by making sure that the machine is washed and cleaned thoroughly and cleared of dye completely.

CURRENTLY USED TECHNIQUE

In the current technique, the washing handle used to wash the machine with water is operated manually. When this handle is not turned completely, pipes cannot be cleared of dye and waste materials, as there is no pressure in the recovery line.

In the current technique, the recovery process is aborted by turning off the valve before the water circulation is completed so that the dye and water are mixed. Thus, the dye left in the system is sent to the drain, which leads to both environmental pollution and economic loss.

In the cleaning systems where the current technique is used, the water pressure must be high during washing. The dyeing pressure must be 1.5 bars and the washing pressure 4 bars so that the dye left in the pipes can be cleaned. When this level of pressure is not created, dye particles are left in the pipes from previous processes, which results in undesired changes in colour in the new dyeing process.

In the cleaning systems where the current technique is used, the washing process must continue after the washing valve is turned on and the dye is recovered. However, the personnel turn off the valve and terminate the washing process once the dye is recovered. This results in a clogged spray and dye particles left in the pipes. In the cleaning systems where the current technique is used, the operator tries to clear the system of the dye by supplying the whole system with water following the dyeing process. As there is no pressure in the hosepipes, they cannot be cleaned even if the spray is cleaned. Then, washing recovery systems were developed to overcome this problem, but the necessary level of cleaning cannot be achieved since the amount of water used for this purpose is not sufficient.

In the current technique, 10 litres of dye in average remains in the machine after the washing process. As approximately half of this dye is mixed with water, it cannot be recovered and is discarded into the drain. This leads to serious economic losses.

In conclusion, an improvement was necessary in the technical field because of the abovementioned problems and the insufficiency of the current solutions.

ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

The most significant aspect of the invention is the use of air instead of water to recover the dye in the system. Therefore, the problem of dye mixed with water is eliminated. Thus, all dye can be recovered from the machine, which results in a considerable amount of financial saving.

Another aspect of the invention is that dye can be recovered up to 4 times faster through the hosepipes thanks to the use of air instead of water to propel the dye, and even the tiniest bits of particles can be recovered. Thus, the cleaning process is completed in a shorter period of time, and the dye leaves the hosepipes owing to a sudden propulsion before it dries, as the cleaning time is shortened.

Another aspect of the invention is that it speeds up the discharge through propulsion of water and solvent materials with air, and moves on to the next process expeditiously.

Yet another aspect of the invention is that after the process of cleaning with air the system automatically raises the pump pressure to 4-5 bars and washes the system again with water. If desired, better cleaning is possible without operator's initiative by fully turning on the sprays and bypassing in the washing process just like in the pumping process while the dye regulators are being operated by use of air at 0.1-0.5 bar. Thus, the operator initiative is eliminated.

Among the other aspects of the invention are that all valves are operated automatically and it eliminates the human factor, that the pressure is higher and the cleaning is easier, that the washing time is determined by the system, and that the system can be cleaned before the dye dries and holds on to the inner surface of pipes owing to the fact that the air accelerates abruptly and at an extreme speed.

Structural and characteristic features and all advantages of the invention can be understood more clearly, thanks to the figures given below and the detailed explanations referring to those figures. Hence, the evaluation should be made taking into account the figures and the detailed explanations.

FIGURES HELPING UNDERSTAND THE INVENTION

FIGURE-1: Appearance of the invented dyeing machine during the dyeing process.

FIGURE-2: I ntegrated compressed air system used to recover dye following the dyeing process in the invented dyeing machine.

FIGURE-3: Collection of dye from the pipes into the reservoir through the use of compressed air for recovery of dye following the dyeing process in the invented dyeing machine.

FIGURE-4: Supply of pipes with water and drainage in the reservoir during the washing process following the recovery of the dye while the air pressure is off in the invented dyeing machine.

FIGURE-5: How the water gets our of the reservoir and the system is cleared of dye after the pipes are washed and the water circulates through the entire system during the washing process in the invented dyeing machine.

FIGURE-6: How the water in the pipes is dried to prevent impairment of dyeing efficiency in the next uses of the machine by supplying the whole system with compressed air again following the washing process in the invented dyeing machine. REFERENCE NUMBERS

10. Area Containing Dye

20. Compressed Air

30. Drainage Area 40. Water

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is related to a washing and recovery method that is used for recovery of dye in dyeing machines and also increases the consistency and quality of the reusable dye by making sure that the machine is washed and cleaned thoroughly and cleared of dye completely.

Figure 1 shows the appearance of the invented dyeing machine while the spray is on and active during the dyeing process. Figure 2 displays how the compressed air circulates through the pipes for recovery of dye following the completion of the dyeing process in the invented dyeing machine. Figure 3 is a depiction of how all of the dye in the pipes is collected into the reservoir through the use of compressed air following the dyeing process in the invented dyeing machine. Figure 4 shows how the pipes are supplied with water for washing and the reservoir is drained to wash the pipes while the air pressure is off following the completion of the recovery process in the invented dyeing machine. Figure 5 demonstrates how the water gets out of the reservoir and the system is cleared of dye after the pipes are washed and the water circulates through the entire system during the washing process in the invented dyeing machine. Figure 6 shows how the water in the pipes is dried to prevent impairment of dyeing efficiency in the next uses of the invented machine by supplying the whole system with compressed air again following the washing process in the machine. The recovery and washing method employed in the invention is as follows:

• The areas containing dye (10) are supplied with compressed air (20) following the completion of the dyeing process;

• The dye left in the areas containing dye (10) is collected into the reservoir;

• Once the dye is collected into the reservoir and thus recovered, the system is supplied with water (40);

• When the system is supplied with water (40), the mixture of dye and water is drained (30) into another reservoir;

• The circulation of water (40) continues until water (40) with no dye in it is observed in the reservoir;

• When the water (40) with no dye in it is obtained, the water (40) circulation is terminated;

• The system is dried using compressed air (20) so that no water is left in it for the next dyeing process.