AQUATHERM
The Benefits
With Aquatherm, most of the energy used for washing is recycled, so it is possible to raise wash temperatures to 85 Degrees or higher without the consequent energy bills. If low temperature chemistry proves to be too expensive, or resultant rinse temperatures are too low, another possibility is to use recovered heat costing a fraction of what it did before.
Energy Saving and ROI
With the combination of energy savings the Aquatherm unit's repay the initial investment in as little as 6 – 18 months.
Hot Rinsing, Reduced Drying Times and Reduction in Steam Consumption
Reduced moisture retention cuts drying times by 20-30% – a massive saving in cost and productivity. In many laundries this eliminates a bottleneck to production. In others, the need for additional dryers or more steam raising plant disappears. Running Ironers and Dryers at lower pressure reduces steam cost and condensate problems. Use heat from flash and condense to ‘top up’ the preheated fresh water temperature if needed.
Productivity Improved
Preheating the cold water supply can save as much as 10 minutes in a 60 minute washer extractor cycle. Where drying is the bottleneck to CBW output, wash cycle times can be shortened. Cutting the cycle time from 120 seconds to 110 seconds is equal to an extra month’s output each year.
Electricity Saving
With shorter cycle times, electricity use is reduced, and machine life prolonged.
Water Saving
Every kilogram of steam used for washing starts as is a litre of fresh treated boiler water . Use less steam and you need less treated water .
Better Environment
Burning fossil fuel, creating more CO2 than necessary and then throwing away the results is bad environmentally and financially.
Effluent Charges Reduced
Many Authorities now impose penalties if trade effluent exceeds a set temperature . With Aquatherm installed the temperature of the waste water going to drain will be just a few degrees above that of the incoming cold water.
Quality Improved
Hot water improves rinsing, and allows reduced dip levels or even elimination of one rinse stage. Starch dispersion is improved and results in a better feel to the linen.
Boiler Loading Reduced
Aquatherm reduces overall plant steam consumption by 20-30% and flattens demand. Reduced boiler loading may stave off the need for replacement, and provides scope for increased turnover using existing plant.
Cut Process Times - or Chemicals
Change any of the 4 ingredients needed for washing and one or more of the others must change to accommodate. Increasing wash temperature makes it possible to cut process time or chemicals—or both.