Saving resources

What concerns us is that energy is used and not wasted, but the business goal of saving energy must not be at the expense of the quality in an operation. In order to maintain competitiveness, efficient processes that have been optimized for the operational workflows are a key factor for corporate success. Most businesses have unused potential for saving a great deal of energy through optimization of the existing processes. This potential must be used first since these savings can often be achieved without investments or with little expenditure. Only then should operational processes, procedures and workflows be further optimized through investments in technical installations. A cost-benefit analysis gives the operator clarity and safety about the profitability of his investment.

Despite all similarities of the types of laundry and washing technology, the degree of the individual operating conditions in laundry operations is rather high. When it comes to a really effective optimization, the consideration of the circumstances is of particular important in the individual case. For this reason, we offer, as part of our Technical Service, expert advice on energy management that takes account of the complete operation and coordinates all measures reasonably with one another.

Step 1

First we evaluate the extent to which performance can be increased and expenditure can be reduced by improving the processes and workflows.

Step 2

This step comprises the optimization of the washing processes in consideration of the items and the machine utilization in the washhouse and finishing stage.

Simple measures for saving energy

Before considering equipment for recovering the heat from liquor and waste water, it should first be ensured that the following simple energy management measures have been implemented in the operation.

• Steam lines, condensate lines and machines must be insulated.
• The washing temperature must not exceed 65 °C.
• Similar laundry items must be collected on certain machines where possible to avoid changes.
• Washing machines must always be fully loaded.
• The machine utilization must be scheduled under the aspect of an even utilization of subsequent finishing devices.
• Turn the heating of unused finishing devices off and avoid repeated start-up of finishing devices during the day.

Step 3

Then the usable waste heat contents and watercourses are examined by location, type, quantity and occurrence to determine the possibilities for their adequate reuse and for the supply to the relevant locations.
If this data is available, we can determine the expenditure required for the further use of waste heat and reuse of waste water and how much can be saved this way. An investment in equipment for water and heat recovery as well as their installation and integration into the operational workflows pays off, if the savings ensure an amortization of the expenditure within three to four years.

There is no simple patent solution, and it is important to consider the complete operational workflow. The individual measures must interact and be closely coordinated with one another. It doesn’t make sense to recover energy with high technical effort if this energy can then not be used efficiently. The washing process consumes only approx. 1/3 of the energy, whereas approx. 2/3 of the energy are required for drying and finishing.

In order to use the comprehensive know-how competently and effectively for the benefit of the customer, we offer, jointly with our reliable and powerful cooperation partners, individual solutions that perfectly match the requirements of the individual operation.

For Larosé in Nonnweiler, we implemented, in cooperation with the customer and Kannegießer, a new energy concept that reduced the water consumption in the entire plant from 11 l/kg to 6.5 l/kg and the energy consumption from an already low level of 1.3 kWh to an average of 0.8 kWh/kg textiles – record figures even for a large-scale laundry enterprise.

Interested laundry operators can also contact us either through our field staff or directly to visit laundry operations of our customers upon consultation or to arrange a washing demonstration in their own operation.
Please challenge us, we are looking forward to welcoming you as another satisfied customer!