LG Electronics Gears Up to Develop Commercial ‘Waterless’ Washing MachinePosted on December 31, 2021 by Korea Bizwire in Consumer Electronic...
Published on by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network
Posted on December 31, 2021 by Korea Bizwire in Consumer Electronics, Home Appliances, Technology, Top News with 1 Comment
This file photo, provided by LG Electronics Inc. shows an LG worker checking washing machines at the company's factory in Changwon, South Korea.
This file photo, provided by LG Electronics Inc. shows an LG worker checking washing machines at the company’s factory in Changwon, South Korea.
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean electronics giant LG Electronics Inc. has launched a drive to develop a commercial washing machine that can wash clothes using carbon dioxide instead of water.
The commercialization of this technology has been virtually impossible in the country due to strict safety regulations.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, however, allowed the trial operation of the carbon dioxide washing machine through the regulatory sandbox program on Thursday, paving the way for faster development of this technology.
The ‘waterless’ washing machine turns carbon dioxide from a gas state to a liquid state by refrigerating and compressing it and then using it instead of water.
After completing washing, the washing machine turns the liquefied carbon dioxide back to a gas and uses it for the next washing.
Without using water, detergent or oil, it can remove pollutants simply by using the viscosity and surface tension of carbon dioxide.
Unlike existing commercial washing machines and dry cleaning products using oil, the carbon dioxide washing machine discharges no water and gas, thereby drawing attention as an example of eco-friendly technology.
After developing the waterless washing machine, LG plans to install it at its research lab and operate it for two years on a trial basis.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
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