Supercritical Fluid Slashing System

Supercritical Fluid Slashing System Description: Textile mills have relied on current technology for over 100 years, but supercritical sizing may tempt the industry to try a better -- cheaper, faster, smaller and cleaner -- method. The size is transported in a very high pressure "supercritical fluid" that has both liquid and gas properties. The mixture is forced into threads as they pass through pressure gradient tubes. As the pressure drops, the supercritical fluid turns back into gas, and the sizing is left behind. The technology was developed under a joint DOE-industry initiative to reduce energy use in the textile industry. Before threads can be woven into fabric, they must be "sized," a process that adds a strengthening and smoothing coating to the thread. The Idaho National Laboratory has devised a cheaper, faster, smaller, and more environmentally correct method for coating threads with size, one that replaces centuries-old technology. Interested parties should submit an expression of interest by e-mail to the business contact listed below within 30 days of this notice. Point of Contact: Business / David Anderson / 208-526-0837 / David.Anderson@inl.gov Technical / Mark Argyle / 208-533-0853 / Mark.Argyle@icp.doe.gov