A range of significant technological developments for the textile care sector was presented at the huge Clean ‘99 show held in Orlando, Florida, US, in June.
For launderers, some of the focus was on larger continuous washer batch sizes—these being seen as moving up productivity a notch in larger plants.
Along with this was emphasis on further automation with flatwork handling. Equipment companies were promoting machines that reduce manual effort and risks of worker injuries—which can result in compensation claims.
Thread laser scanning technology was being presented as a boon for flatwork identification, and the use of laser scanning of special paint as highly efficient for garment identification.
Drycleaners were able to collect information on the latest perc and hydrocarbon machines, wetcleaning processing, and how CO2 machines continue to be developed. The commercialisation of CO2 technology is complicated and time consuming, but more operational machines are appearing in use in the industry.
A company called GreenEarth Cleaning unveiled a silicone-based solvent. With this, it was stated, different garment types may be cleaned together, allowing for optimum machine efficiency. Fewer cycles need to be run during the day, saving utilities and labour. Also, garments taken from the drum at the end of the cycle are said to be free of static and lint—and there is minimal wrinkling, reducing finishing time.
Hydrocarbon drycleaning equipment can be straightforwardly modified to work with the GreenEarth solvent, it is maintained.
Shown was drycleaning machine technology designated for another alternative solvent, Rynex. This has a stainless steel solvent tank management system which facilitates efficient solvent settling. Perc and hydrocarbon machines can be converted to use Rynex, it is stated.
• Exhibiting companies at Clean ‘99 totalled 621, and the event attracted 24 933 visitors.
