Compare & Contrast

1 June 1999



Choosing a drycleaning machine for your business can be a problematic decision. Marc Sansom provides a quick-to-compare guide to the latest models on the market.


In future times drycleaners around the globe may look back on the late twentieth century as heralding the start of a new era—where more traditional drycleaning solvents are displaced by new cleaning technologies such as hydrocarbon and CO2.

Few can accurately foresee, however, what changes lay ahead for the industry and what new developments are waiting around the corner. And so the argument continues to rage.........hydrocarbon is a more environmentally-friendly product but perc is a more effective degreaser and still dominant in most countries around the world. Other new technologies, such as CO2 are still in the very early stages of development, although some exciting progress is being made.

Manufacturers of drycleaning machines all have their own opinions, but all seem to concede that with increasing environmental legislation, new technologies need to be researched and invested in, although perc will almost certainly continue to have an important role to play.

Opinions

Mr Scorzoni, marketing director, Donini, says: “In recent years the industry has been subject to some confusion due to environmental legislation in some countries requiring drycleaners to find an alternative to perc.” Commenting on which technologies he believed were commercially viable and effective alternatives, he said: “CO2 is a super-advanced and appealing technology, but is in the initial stages of development. Wetcleaning has proved to be innovative and excellent in its role as a complementary solution to perc, but not as an alternative.” Mr Scorzoni believes that presently the only real alternative is hydrocarbon. “Hydrocarbon has a low volatility rate, is biodegradable, has negligible toxicity and low emmission rates.

“It also has a low greying effect with minimum discolouration to garments. Furthermore the cleaned garments have a soft and smooth handle, wrinkling is low and the absence of unpleasant odours is appreciated by the customer.

“The lower solvency (degreasing) action compared with perc can be overcome with the use of additives specially conceived for the hydrocarbon solvents allowing a more acceptable dirt removal.” Donini are, however, focusing on developing both its hydrocarbon and perc range of machines. Commenting on the bad publicity given to perc in recent times, Mr Scorzoni says: “Perc is still an excellent solvent and is successfully used by drycleaners all over the world. Frankly, I think that its negative features have been overestimated and overemphasised.” Ian Hearle, director, Böwe, agrees that perc will continue to have a very useful life for some time to come. He says: “Hydrocarbon will continue to grow slowly in the UK. Drycleaning machine technology using CO2 will evolve slowly as its size and cost implications mean it is not yet commercially viable.” Jonathan Grey, technical consultant, CPT, has had a large number of hydrocarbon machines installed but believes that its progress throughout the UK will continue to be slow. “Perc has been here for many years and at the end of the day is a very good degreaser. CO2 is currently far too expensive, especially for the high street drycleaner.” Peter Crane, managing director, Duvals, is in agreement: “Perc has a very secure and long term future. Modern equipment is extremely safe for the environment and the operator.” Of alternative cleaning technologies, says Mr Crane, only hydrocarbon is viable. “Modern hydrocarbon machines are becoming comparable in terms of price and performance. Technologies such as aqueous processing are currently less popular as there are limits to its use—only certain types of garments can be processed safely.

  “CO2 is available and is proven to work. However, like all new technology the inital investment cost is considerably higher than exisiting technology.” Jason Alexander, director, Renzacci, believes that hydrocarbon will gain much ground in the next five years, but that there will always be a place for perc and that it will continue to outsell hydrocarbon by a large margin.

Paul Higgs, proprietor, Dane Realstar, argues that all processes have a place in garment care, but that perc is still the solvent of the future. He points out that more important for the industry are machine developments such as modern diagnostic computers, invertor-controlled motors and solvent chillers to ensure better quality and more efficient processing.

  The consensus seems to be that hydrocarbon will continue to evolve and make greater inroads into the UK market but that perc will in many cases, due to its more effective degreasing action, continue to be the more popular selection.

The choice does not end there, however, as the decision also has to be made as to which manufacturer to choose. This in itself can be problematic. This feature provides a quick-to-compare guide to help make that difficult decision.

Renzacci Serena 380DC Class

Introduced: 1998 Numbers sold: Over 400 worldwide UK supplier: Renzacci UK Solvent: Perchloroethylene Control: Computer-controlled with additional manual controls as standard. Load capacity: 17 kg Cycle time: 38-44 minutes. Nb. Cycle time comparisons can only be made on a like for like cycle-figures provided are for general textiles (suits, trousers, etc) and for a two bath wash. Number of tanks: two Filtration system: Powderless filter with a surface area of 3.95m2 and one colour bleed filter. Dosing system: Computer-controlled automatic soap dosing pump with manual dosing; computer- controlled Spraymatic system. Carbon recovery system: a Multisorb carbon recovery system is available with integral regeneration boiler-the computer also reminds the operator to run the automatic regeneration programme after a preset number of cycles have been reached. Features as standard: Computerised control with manual override; built in diagnostics system; memory card facility; drum inverter which controls the drum rotation and leads to 10% energy savings; Speedy Dry automatic drying sensor; scroll type silent refrigeration compressor; refrigeration heat pump; ecofilter-powderless filtration system; colour bleed filter; double thermostatic water saving valves; computerised automatic soap dosing system with manual control; two air filters to reduce linting; button trap drying; door safety switches; digital temperature control for drying; built-in air compressor; transparent air filter and button trap covers allowing operator to view filters without opening access doors; overload protection; distillation waste drying system; heavy duty solvent containment tray; stainless steel distillation unit, recovery and drying head, loading door, drum, button trap and water separator; base tank inserts; powderless filter housing; decolourant filter housing; distillation overfill preventer. Machine weight: 1200 kg Machine height/width/depth (in mm): 1980 x 1130 x 1920 Delivery times: immediate from stock Optional features: Machines can be made to client specifications.


ILSA BW Perc

Introduced: November 1998 Number sold: 25 UK supplier: Multimatic UK Solvent: Perc Control: Computer-controlled Cage volume: 240-640 litres Load capacity: 12-32 kg Cycle time: 2 bath -30 mins Number of tanks: three Filtration system: Powderless spin filter for filtration of solid soils in the solvent circuit; carbon cartridge filter; double air filter and button trap for filtration of lint in the air circuit Distillation system: Distillation at atmospheric pressure Dosing system: Soap funnel and/or dosing system with pump to apply additives on the garments directly from an agent tank. Carbon recovery system: Closed circulation until solvent concentration goes below prescribed limit values (ie 2 g/m3 inside the drum for Germany and Austria) Features as standard: Self cleaning tanks; rotary nylon filter; button trap drying; separator tank; soap funnel; safety on all machine doors; automatic drying control device; adjustable drum levels check; work tank cooling; solvent filling by pump; solvent spillage tank. Machine weight: 1500 - 2280 kg (Models 240 - 640) Machine height/width/depth (in mm): Model 240 = 2240 x 1790 x 2000 (the smallest); Model 640 2590 x 2800 x 2200 (the biggest) Delivery times: 30 days Optional features: Analyser for perc concentration; distiller cleaning device; solvent chiller; inverter on main motor.


Bowe K16

Introduced: 1997 Number sold: Hundreds worldwide UK supplier: Bowe Garment Care Systems (UK) Solvent: Hydrocarbon Control: Real time computer- controlled Cage volume: 348 litres Load capacity: 17 kg Cycle time: 45 minutes Number of tanks: two Filtration system: ECO rotating powderless discs and inline adsorption filter Distillation system: High output vacuum still-will take 60 litre dip. Can be used as a standard two- bath system Dosing system: Auto dosing pump Features as standard: Millennium compliant- freely programmable; CS 3000 computer-control with integral PC; RWP filter; vacuum still; steam heated recovery; auto doser; multiple safety features; two tanks variable speed drive; auto still emptying; advanced drying system; integral screen filter in recovery head. Machine weight: 1430 kg Machine height/width/depth (in mm): 2275 x 1260 x 2275 Delivery times: ex-stock Optional features: Spray system-ACS filter system; self cleaning button trap


Firbimatic Ecopro 925 hydrocarbon

When was the machine introduced: 1996 Number sold: Many machines sold. UK supplier: CPT (UK) Solvent: Hydrocarbon Control: Computer - control Cage volume: 500 litres Load capacity: 25 kg Cycle time: 2 bath -50 minutes Number of tanks: three Filtration system: Nylon ecological filters (totally self cleaning) Distillation system: Distillation carried out under vacuum Dosing system: automatic soap dosers fitted as standard with pneumatic pistons. Features as standard: Complete model supplied. Machine weight: 2110 kg Machine height/width/depth (in mm): 2250 x 2080 x 1750 Delivery times: 6-8 weeks Optional features: Spraymatic system available.


Dane Realstar 'K' Series Hydrocarbon

Introduced: 1998 Number sold: Large numbers sold worldwide UK supplier: Dane Realstar Solvent: Hydrocarbon Control: Pulsar computer- controlled Cage volume: 280 - 645 litres Load capacity: 14 - 32 kg Cycle time: Variable according to process Number of tanks: Three Filtration system: Nylon ecological filter Distillation system: Distillation under vacuum Dosing system: Two soap pumps are fitted as standard. Features as standard: Solvent refrigeration system; invertor control of main motor and fan; still washing; electronic drying control; CE marking; water economising valve. Machine weight: 8-32 kg Machine height/width/depth (in mm): Various according to machine specification Delivery times: 4-6 weeks Optional features: Self cleaning filter


Dane Realstar T' Series

Introduced: 1998 Number sold: Large numbers sold worldwide UK supplier: Dane Realstar Solvent: Perchloroethylene Control: Pulsar computer-controlled Cage volume: 160 - 340 litres Load capacity: 18 kg Cycle time: Variable according to program Number of tanks: two Filtration system: Ecological rotary filter or advanced filter system Distillation system: Continuous distillation Dosing system: Calibrated soap pump also available auto mixing spray system Carbon recovery system: Integral air clean carbon recovery or stand alone airclean unit Features as standard: Self cleaning tanks, heat pump, soap pump, drying control, fast drying system; continuous distillation; still washing; CE marking. Machine weight: 8 - 32 kg Machine height/width/depth (in mm): Various according to machine specification Delivery times: 4-5 weeks Optional features: Refrigerated solvent chiller; still pump out system; carbon recovery.


Donini SWING T 400

Introduced: 1999 Number sold: 18 UK supplier: Atlantic Laundry Equipment Solvent: Perchloroethylene Control: Equipped with Donini's latest Computest computer-control Cage volume: 400 litres Load capacity: 20 kg 96 lbs Cycle time: 40 minutes Number of tanks: Three Filtration system: Ecological nylon filters without powder with 30 disks; KleenRite cartridge filters (3 cartridges / 75 litres of volume); Deco Filter (1 cartridge / 20 litres of volume). Distillation system: The still has 180 litres of capacity and is available in both electric (with integral boiler) and steam versions. Dosing system: Yes Features as standard: Computest Donini computer system Machine weight: 1950 kg Machine height/width/depth (in mm)? 2450 x 2245 x 1600 Delivery time: 40 working days Optional features: Solvent cooling through refrigerating unit; air operated doors locks; air compressor; electronic selection of cleaning levels in the cage; solvent pre-heating to the still; cleaning of dry tunnel and cage.


Bowe P300

Introduced: 1992 Number sold: Thousands worldwide UK supplier: Bowe Garment Care Systems (UK) Solvent: Perchloroethylene Control: Real time computer-control. Cage volume: 300 litres Load capacity: 15 kg Cycle time: Variable from 28 minutes Number of tanks: two Filtration system: Eco rotating powderless discs @ 2.4 m2 / 4000 l/hr Distillation system: Round still-steam jacket high output: 120l/hr-low energy consumption-6kg steam Dosing system: Automatic dosing pump-variable settings Carbon recovery system: Böwe's Slimsorba system, to reduce PPM to below required levels. Features as standard: Millennium compliant-freely programmable CS3000 computer-control with integral PC; upgradable software; stainless steel recovery head; button trap filter housing cage; still; water separators; still condenser; all solvent lines; doser; drystat drying controller; overfill preventer for still; loading door venting; eco filter; combined button trap lint filter; safety trough; still light; interlocks; 2 x water modulating valves; still wall spray flush. Machine weight: 1020 kg Machine height/width/depth (in mm): 2000 x 935 x 2200 Delivery times: ex stock


MITO 45

Introduced: September 1998 Number sold: 82 UK supplier: Duvals Solvent: Perchloroethylene Control: Computer-controlled Cage volume: 400 litres Load capacity: 20 kg Cycle time: 30-40 minutes Number of tanks: 2 or 3 Filtration system: Powderless Eco filter Distillation system: Continuous distillation fitted Dosing system: Either one or two dosers can be fitted, each fully adjustable in volume. Number of shots and various spraying options are available. Carbon recovery system: Available but not usually fitted for operation in Eco mode-when readings of less than 290 PPM in the drum are achieved. Features as standard: Stainless steel soap doser, heat pump, double air filter; 200 litre still; eco drying system; high volume solvent catching tray. Machine weight: 1260 kg Machine height/width/depth (in mm): 1540 x 2263 x 2000 Delivery times: 4-6 weeks; if not ex-stock Optional features: Refrigerated solvent cooling; 2nd soap doser; various spray options; drum backplate washing; self clean button trap.


Renzacci KWL 18HS

Introduced: The KWL Series was introduced in 1993 and the latest generation KWL Hydrosolver machine introduced in 1998. Number sold: Over 700 worldwide UK supplier: Renzacci UK. Solvent: Hydrocarbon Control: Computer-control with additional manual controls as standard. Load capacity: 18 kg Cycle time: 45 minutes. Fast cycle times are achieved through quicker drying times. Nb. Cycle time comparisons can only be made on a like for like cycle- figures provided are for general textiles and for a two bath wash. Number of tanks: Four, comprising three solvent storage tanks and one distillation decanting tank. Filtration system: Powderless filter and colour bleed filter. No requirement for powder or clay. Machines also come with a distillation unit as standard ensuring that the solvent remains pure and without bacteria or dirt contamination. Dosing system: Automatic soap dosing pump; Spraymatic system. Features as standard: Computerised control with manual override; built-in diagnostics system; memory card facilities; drum inverter which controls the drum rotation and leads to 10% energy savings; built-in high powered vacuum unit; scroll type silent refrigeration compressor; refrigeration heat pump; ecofilter-powderless filtration system; colour bleed filter; double thermostatic water saving valves; computerised automatic dosing system with manual control; two air filters to reduce linting; button trap drying; double vacuum system for drying and distillation; digital temperature control ; built- in air compressor; four tanks-3 solvent storage tanks and one pre-distillation decanting tank; overload protection; distillation waste drying system; heavy duty solvent containment tray; stainless steel distillation unit; recovery and drying head; loading door; drum; button trap; water separator; base tank inserts; powderless filter housing; decolourant filter housing; post drying decanting tank; distillation overfill prevention system; distillation waste pump-out system; in-line solvent cooling system; automatic base tank cooling system; continuous distillation. Machine weight: 2000 kg Machine height/width/depth (in mm): 2060 x 2210 x 2000 Delivery times: usually from stock, dependent upon prior sales Optional features: Machines can be made to client specifications.


Donini HC 400

Introduced: 1994 Number sold: 54 UK supplier: Atlantic Laundry Equipment Solvent: Hydrocarbon Control: Machine is equipped with COMPUTEST 95 computer-control Cage volume: 400 litres Load capacity: 20 kg 44 lbs Cycle time: 45 minutes Number of tanks: Three automatic self-cleaning tanks Filtration system: Ecological nylon filters without powder with 21 disks Distillation system: The still works in fully automatic mode under vacuum-control. Features as standard: Computest '95 computer system; electronic analyser of solvent concentration; high speed extraction (800 rpm); basket suspended on shock absorbers and springs; inverter on cleaning and extraction motor; vacuum distillation; self-cleaning button trap; carbon filter for tank cleaning; programmable continuous distillation; water saving device; solvent spillage containment tray; automatic still sludge drying; automatic additives dosing pump; solvent cooling in circulation; Spraymatic; microswitches on all doors. Machine weight: 1950 kg Machine height/width/depth (in mm): 2450 x 2245 x 1600 Delivery times: 40 working days Optional features: Solvent cooling through refrigerating unit; air operated door locks; air compressor; electronic selection of cleaning levels in the cage; solvent pre-heating to the still; cleaning of air tunnel and cage.


Multitex Maschinenbau

Introduced: 1997 Number sold: 110 UK supplier: Duvals Solvent: KWL Hydrocarbon Control: Computer-controlled Cage volume: 300 / 600 litres Load capacity: 15 / 30 kg Cycle time: 35 - 45 minutes Number of tanks: one Filtration system: Centrifugal filter with combined filter powder Distillation system: Two stage distillation Dosing system: High pressure pump Features as standard: Complete machine supplied without distillation Machine weight: 1650 kg and 2200 Machine height/width/depth (in mm)? 1650 x 1300 x 1900 / 2010 x 1800 x 2520 Delivery times: 1-2 months Optional features: distillation spray unit.


Firbimatic 915L perc

Introduced: 1996 Number sold: Many machines have been sold. UK supplier: CPT (UK) Solvent: Perchloroethylene Control: Computer-controlled Cage volume: 285 litres Load capacity: 15 kg Cycle time: 2 bath-40 minutes Number of tanks: three Filtration system: Nylon ecological filters (totally self cleaning) Distillation system: Normal distillation method Dosing system: Automatic soap dosers fitted as standard with pneumatic pistons Carbon recovery system: Either free-standing unit or built-in-30 kg carbon pod Features as standard: Colour filter, air compressor (built in); soap doser; spray system in still for cleaning; internal rake in still. Machine weight: 1240 kg Machine height/width/depth (in mm): 2000 x 1650 x 1450 Delivery times: 6-8 weeks Optional features: "Clean Still" auto removal of residues from still carbon recovery unit; spraymatic system for reproofing.




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