METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SOLVENT VAPOR CONCENTRATION IN A GAS LOCK OF AN APPARATUS

摘要

The solvent vapor concentration in a gas lock of an apparatus containing a treating chamber 1 and the gas lock 2 which solvent vapor is mixed with air and is obtained in the treatment of articles in the treating chamber is controlled by a method comprising the following steps: a) passing the gaseous solvent vapor/air mixture from the gas lock 2 at least once through an adsorber 3 containing an adsorbent for the organic solvent and recycling the outlet gas stream from the adsorber to the gas lock; b) after completion of the adsorption, removing treated articles from the gas lock 2 and/or loading the gas lock with articles to be treated; and c) heating the adsorbent and passing a gas stream from the treating chamber 1 or from the gas lock 39,337-F 2 at least once through the adsorber 3 and recycling the outlet stream from the adsorber directly to the gas lock. The gas lock 2 is provided with two opening/closing means 10; 11, with an outlet conduit 5 and an inlet conduit 6. The gas stream is circulated by means of a ventilator 4 and can be cooled by means of a cooler 7 and/or heated by means of a heater 8. 39,337-F