Environment: Regulations

Permissions and safety restrictions
To operate a dry-cleaning shop, several regulations need to be met. Regulations differ depending on the solvent used, and they differ from country to country. However, carbon dioxide generally requires less regulation than other solvents.
CO2 is used at thousands of different sites and in numerous applications worldwide. However, using CO2 within the dry-cleaning industry is a novelty, and to facilitate installation and operation of CO2 dry-cleaning, we have collected some useful information below.
With time, Washpoint will contain more information on local conditions.

Fits into a normal dry-cleaning shop
A liquid CO2 machine is typically the same size as a perc or petroleum machine. This makes retrofits easy in most dry-cleaning shops.

Average footprint:2 x 2.5 m
Height:2-2.5 m
Total weight:3-5 tons
CO2 storage capacity*):500-1000 liters
Pressure in machine during operation:50-60 bars
Pressure in low-pressure tank:20 bars
Fluid consumption/year and machine**):3-10 tons

*) Including the low-pressure storage tank outside the machine. The machine itself contains 300-500 liters.
**) Depending on how much fluid is circulated. Used CO2 is vented outside the building.

Permissions and safety restrictions
The permissions required to install and operate CO2 dry-cleaning equipment can be divided into several major areas:

  • Building permission - from local building authorities
  • Trade permission - from a trade association. Necessary in certain countries
  • CO2 storage permission - storing gas requires a permit in some countries
  • Environmental permission - in a few countries, using CO2 for dry-cleaning requires a permit

Regulations regarding equipment and CO2
Equipment suppliers are responsible for seeing that the machines and CO2 storage vessels are manufactured in accordance with national and international safety standards.
In most countries, safety regulations restrict the maximum content of CO2 in the air. CO2 alarms are included in the DryWash® equipment, and all vented gas must be emitted outside the building.
More on regulations and permissions

For further information on local regulations please use the contact form. We will answer your questions as soon as we can.