Executive Housekeeping Today - April 2008 - (Page 24)

Green launDry (continued from page 13) Get Into the “O-Zone” by Jack J. Reiff not around them. The greatest catalyst to reduced drying times and ultimately a higher level of energy efficiency remains a feature of washer-extractors—G-force. Super-high extract speeds of 300 G-force and higher remove significantly more water from loads than an 86 Gforce machine. The end result translates into greater reductions in drying times, as much as 30 percent less. Managers should note that while the difference between 86 and 300 G-force is great, water removal gains from 300 to 400 Gforce are minimal. Let’s be honest, while Green initiatives are the right things to do for the planet and make us feel good, most facilities implement programs because there are financial benefits. These benefits, however, require an investment. Managers must view purchases as long-term solutions and laundry equipment is no different. A prudent Green approach weighs not only the up-front cost of laundry equipment, but its payback in greater energy and water efficiency over its lifespan. Green doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of a focused approach that benefits not only the property being served, but the world as a whole. That’s a Green picture the whole world can appreciate. Commercial laundries typically consume large volumes of energy, water, and chemicals that are mainly disposed of through publicly-owned wastewater treatment systems (POTWs). Finding new ways to reduce each of these components not only serves the laundries, but it also helps to protect the environment. Across a variety of commercial and industrial processes, ozone technology is quickly gaining interest among environmentally-friendly industries worldwide. An ozone system has four main components: • Air delivery: An oil-free air compressor with an air dryer that delivers clean, dry air is essential in ensuring that no contaminants are delivered to the ozone generators. • Ozone generators: Four separate ozone generators pass low-pressure air through a high-voltage electrical field to create ozone from the oxygen in the air. The four separate generators supply ozone to four washing machines, with a control panel that allows the machines to be isolated for operation and maintenance. • Controls: The controls are integrated with the existing washing machine controls to ensure that ozone is delivered at the correct time and in the correct amount. There are four separate sets of controls to allow easy isolation, so that there’s no downtime for the laundry in the event of a failure. • Ozone injection: Ozone is delivered to the washing process via direct injection. There are various methods of ozone injection, depending on the washing machine type and size. For installation, select a closed-loop pumping system, whereby the water from the machine will be drawn out through the loop via an inline strainer to remove lint. The ozone is injected directly into the discharge side of the pump and returned back into the washing machine. Ozone has a very short life-cycle, so the on-demand, continuous-feed system is considered the safest and most effective method of delivery. The benefits are real and the time is now to protect the environment as well as your cash flow. best possible (and most efficient) formulas. However, some products on the market present far greater options. Having the ability to fine tune water levels can have a large impact on water efficiency, saving larger operations perhaps tens of thousands of gallons annually. Again, factoring in a portion of those savings such as hot water, laundries can save energy as well heating less water. A wider variety of water levels does not automatically translate into huge savings. Though some manufacturers may tout 50 percent or more in water savings, the reality is those savings are difficult to achieve while still maintaining excellent wash quality. Energy Efficiency Water savings is only part of the picture of a Green laundry. Energy savings make up the rest of the image. We’ve already discussed the importance of conserving energy through using less hot water (meaning less energy is needed to make hot water). These savings certainly help, but the greatest strides toward a Greener, energyefficient laundry will be made in the drying area. Drying accounts for roughly 70 percent of all energy consumption in the laundry. Obviously, highly-efficient drying tumblers are key pieces to reducing energy usage. Again, managers must be informed buyers in comparing tumblers. Some manufacturers will push heavy Btu input as the only answer to fast drying. Reality, however, is dryers that strike a balance between heat, airflow, and tumble action will record the fastest drying times and most energy-efficient operation. It’s important for the heated air to contact linens as they fall toward the bottom of the drying cylinder. Equally crucial is that the air is blowing through the linens, W Kim Shady, Vice President of Distributor Sales for UniMac, has worked in the commercial laundry industry for more than 19 years. Owned by Alliance Laundry Systems, UniMac offers an industrial line of on-premises laundry equipment designed for efficiency and durability. For more information, visit www.unimac.com. W Log on! www.ieha.org Jack J. Reiff is president of Wet-Tech, The Ozone People, Worcester, MA. He is a consultant for the laundry and wastewater industry, offering contract service. Contact him at (508) 831-4229 or Jackreiff@wet-tech.com. 24 Executive Housekeeping Today/April 2008 http://www.unimac.com http://www.ieha.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Executive Housekeeping Today - April 2008

Executive Housekeeping Today - April 2008 Contents Executive Corner Green Certification Issues The Green Benefit from the Roof Down Frugal Housekeeper LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Greening with Mats A Greener Approach to Laundry Feature Article 2008 Candidate Information The Green Scene 2008 Convention Information Get Into the "O-Zone" Product Highlights CEH/REH Members New Members Joint IEHA/ISSA Members Advertisers' Index Calendar of Events Inside I.E.H.A. What I.E.H.A. Has Done For Me

Executive Housekeeping Today - April 2008

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