of the dry cleaning solvent will cause some vaporization of the dry cleaning solvent meaning that there will be some gaseous expansion within the system therefore simultaneously with the actuation of pump 14 solenoid valve 92 opens this allows air and dry cleaning solvent vapor to flow through conduit 87 and into carbon column 88 where the solvent vapor and any trace quantities of chemical agent are adsorbed by the activated carbon the high efficiency particulate air filter 90 prevents the escape of particulate contaminants to the atmosphere filter 90 is designed to remove 99 7 of all particles greater than 0 3 microns in size therefore what actually escapes to the atmosphere through solenoid valve 92 is the air that was originally contained within the system and most if not all of the air is expelled during the brief time approximately 15 seconds that solenoid valve 92 remains open when condenser 46 begins condensing solvent vapor received from still tank 36 a partial vacuum within the system is created and from that point on the entire process is operated under a partial vacuum operating under a partial vacuum yields a number of advantages to the invention first the rate of distillation in still tank 36 is enhanced second the time required for the drying cycle is shortened third should the apparatus develop any leaks those leaks will cause atmosphere to flow into the apparatus rather than contaminants to flow into the atmosphere.