Dryers cost an awful lot of money to run. And fuel/waste heat emissions are anathema both to sustainability and the bottom line. Fact. If you can find equipment that minimises these aspects you are well on the way to saving bundles of cash and helping with the sustainability of the planet.
Of course, in large commercial laundries huge tunnel washers with their ground shaking presses and powerful washer extractors with incredible vortex-inducing spins can reduce water retention to such an extent that sheets can by-pass the drying process feeding straight into the ironers and end up dried and folded automatically ready for dispatch. This technology, unfortunately, is not available – yet – for your average OPL. However, dryer manufacturers have taken these issues on board and different brands have developed different ways to make things better.
Onnera’s contribution to the OPL drying genre is to this year introduce some new models and features on its wide range of Domus tumble dryers, all mainly focused on efficiency and connectivity, see image above. Gemma Colomer explains: “We added the 14kg model to our line of single drum dryers which is now 11, 14, 18, 23, 28, 36, 45, 60 and 80kg. This new model is ideal for restaurants, campsites, hotels and hairdressers…It has the same technical, industrial and energy efficient characteristics as the superior models, but at a really competitive price. We also presented a double drum gas heated dryer model that, unlike previous models, has a turbo mode. The turbo mode halves the time of each cycle, while achieving the same quality results.
“Finally, if you are looking for the most efficient dryers on the market, it is important that you take a few minutes to look at all the features of our eco-energy range or heat pump dryers. These dryers have been exclusively designed to obtain the highest energy efficiency levels, while always achieving high productivity and the best possible quality with each dry.
“You can download our new efficiency catalogue, with calculations and detailed description of the most efficient features on Domus equipment, at www. domuslaundry.com.”
Something for every one
Industrial Laundry Equipment Ltd has a selection of dryers to suit all needs and requirements, says managing director Richard Bown. With two different ranges that now come as standard with highly efficient infrared radiant burners, you have the choice of 13kg, 15kg, 25kg, 35kg, 50kg, 100kg and 125kg capacities.
“The larger machines in the GZZ range come with a 7 inch colour touchscreen and two inverters to drive the fan motors and drum. This means added efficiency and exceptional control levels as you can completely control the speed of the drum down to as low as one revolution per minute if required,” explains Brown.
ILE dryers come with stainless steel drums and smart drying with humidity censors to ensure optimum efficiency.
Sonja Wood of Ecosan Services has been using a GZZ-100kg for processing workwear and also a high volume of floor mats. She says: “This machine (pictured above) is fantastic! It allows us to control the process in great detail, so we can use it for anything and everything. The flexibility ensures we do not damage mats and as it is also a very robust machine, we can produce high numbers without worrying about the machine being damaged.”
The smart range come with most of the features of the GZZ and utilises the same burners for efficiency, but they do not come with the inverter drive or touchscreens as standard, to help keep the costs down. “All of which means that whatever your requirements/budget there is an ILE dryer for you,” says Brown.
More in less time
Over at Elexctrolux Professional, Mick Christian, regional training and demonstration manager for laundry, comments: “From cleaning garments safely in care homes, to making sure bed linen and upholstery are hygienic in hotels, the modern-day laundry requires commercial tumble dryers that guarantee operators complete peace of mind with every use. With an ability to dry more laundry in less time, the Electrolux Professional Line 6000 dryers, pictured below, right, are a real game-changer that will provide maximum productivity, outstanding drying speed, and exceptional savings.”
The company’s newest commercial dryer features the latest extension to Electrolux Professional’s Compass Pro control, which offers a large interactive digital display to select the desired settings and programs. The control also features ‘Quick Select’ buttons for fast access to frequently used programs for normal / low temperature cycles and delicate materials.
Electrolux’s latest dryer with built-in heat pump offers energy savings of up to 60% compared to traditional tumble dryers, claims Christian. The use of a heat pump also eliminates the need for exhaust, ventilation and water cooling systems.
This significantly reduces floor space requirements, which makes it a great choice for on-premises laundry services as they may be limited on space.
Moreover, the dryer boasts what Electrolx Proessional says is the shortest drying time on the market and the larger model can easily process 16kg of laundry in just 42 minutes no matter what type of fabric is being dried, making it a great option for laundry professionals looking for an efficient dryer that helps keep the service profitable. The Line 6000 does not require any ducting, which further reduces the cost as operators do not have to spend time maintaining and cleaning the ducting.
Efficiency and control
Girbau’s ED range of premium performance dryers (see box, right) features six models with capacities ranging from 14.5kg up to 62.5kg and gas, electric or steam heating options. The smaller ED260 and ED340 models are the most popular in OPL laundries.
ED series dryers ensure all items including delicates are dried safely, uniformly, efficiently and cost-effectively. Designed to be more energy efficient than any other conventional dryer, ED dryers feature Girbau’s Transflow technology. This is a combination of both radial and axial airflow for maximum efficiency, reduced cycle times and lower energy costs. Cabinet insulation and a double-glazed door further optimise energy efficiency and prevent the wasteful escape of heat to the laundry.
The stainless steel ‘Care Touch’ drum features recessed vents with no sharp edges and a highly polished surface, which protects and preserves delicate fabrics.
The built-in Humidity Control system automatically senses when clothes are dry and activates the cool down process maximising energy efficiency and assuring the best textile care. Girbau’s Speed Control function can be used to manually or automatically optimise drum speed to suit residual moisture content.
The wide opening door makes loading and unloading quick and easy. A large capacity lint filter helps to make everyday maintenance simple, quick and easy.
ED dryers are Wet Cleaning Ready and perfect for delicate fabrics, says Girbau. Versatile controls allow drying cycle parameters to be adapted precisely to wetcleaning processes. Users can set and adjust temperature variations for a defined period of time and even include different spin speeds in the same program.
Features exclusively available on the larger high-productivity ED900 and ED1250 dryers include modulation of the gas heating as standard. Different burners can be activated separately for higher efficiency and improved energy management for all kinds of linen.
SAVINGS AT SANDFORD
Sandford Station retirement village has reaped the benefits of increased productivity in less time when Electrolux Professional’s Line 6000 dryers were installed. In particular, it noted an approximate 25% reduction in cycle times using the dryer. Where previously staff had to do 60-70 loads per week, the Line 6000’s larger capacity and quick drying time has meant staff saved time due to its better efficiency and better ability to maintain heat.
Ergonomics have also been factored into the design, having an easy to maintain laundry operation reduces the stress from their daily volume of laundry. For the care staff at Sandford, the new digital display from Electrolux Professional’s Compass Pro control has helped with service by offering more specialised and intuitive programs to suit all needs. The ‘wool program’ for instance, has helped prevent shrinkage of woollen garments, and the ‘airing program’ ensures washing goes back to the residents perfectly dried. The control also features ‘Quick select’ buttons for fast access to frequently used programs for normal/low temperature cycles.
What’s more, to prevent garments from over-drying, a Moisture Balance feature measures the exact level of moisture throughout the drying process so that the cycle will automatically stop when garments are dry. This not only prevents damage to delicate materials, but saves on costly energy bills.
Electrolux’s Line 6000 dryers have been designed to improve productivity, efficiency and performance, and in particular, ease the burden of a heavy workload in the colder months.
FLEXIBILITY BUILT-IN
For Girbau, the rise in the popularity of wetcleaning has driven products that are flexible in application, so the obvious way to go was to offer dual-purpose machines that are equally happy as traditional washers and as wetcleaning units.
Craig Jones of Cheshire-based Hartford Dry Cleaners recently installed an HS- 6017 washer and ED 460 dryer from Girbau UK as the business introduced a wet cleaning service. The new equipment has helped Hartford to move through work more quickly and efficiently, with very positive feedback from customers on the quality, feel and freshness of their wet-cleaned garments.
“I am delighted with the switch from drycleaning to wetcleaning,” says Craig. “All items are cleaned, dried and need very little finishing, they also smell and feel fantastic. I just wish I had made the move to wet cleaning sooner. I’m looking forward to a cleaner future for my business.”
