A New System of Continuous Flash Dyeing

This paper describes work carried out during the development of a new ‘flash’ continuous-dyeing system for cellulose-based fabrics. The new system was aimed primarily at the successful application of vat dyes, which worldwide still account for very substantial yardages and form a high proportion of fabric which is continuously dyed. The new process is a simple pad system with an ‘all-in’ dyebath. Deep dyeings of normal fastness can be readily achieved. Recipe formulations for production can be predetermined in the laboratory. The time for a complete change of colour varies from 1 minute for pale-medium dyeings to 5 minutes for deep dyeings. Dye yield is excellent. Space requirements are halved and energy (motive power and steam) demand is cut by two-thirds