Drying method

Abstract

The invention provides a method for the drying of a wet substrate, the method comprising treating the substrate with a solid particulate material at ambient or elevated temperature, the treatment being carried out in an apparatus comprising a drum comprising perforated side walls, wherein the drum comprising perforated side walls is rotated so as to facilitate increased mechanical action between the substrate and the particulate material. Preferably, the drum comprising perforated side walls has a capacity of between 5 and 50 liters for each kg of fabric in the load and is rotated at a speed which generates G forces in the range of from 0.05 to 0.99 G, and the method is carried out at a temperature of between 5° and 120° C. Preferably, the solid particulate material comprises a multiplicity of particles at a particle to fabric addition level of 0.1:1-10:1 by mass, wherein the particles comprise polymeric particles, non-polymeric particles, or mixtures of polymeric and non-polymeric particles. All particles may be solid or hollow in their structure, have smooth or irregular surface features, and are of such a shape and size as to allow for good flowability and intimate contact with the wet substrate. The invention provides optimum drying performance as a result of improved mechanical interaction between substrate and particulate media and is preferably used for the drying of textile fabrics. The method allows for significant reduction in the consumption of energy when compared with the conventional tumble drying of textile fabrics, and also facilitates reduced textile fabric damage.