WASHER EXTRACTOR OR BATCH WASHER?
“Tunnel washers are only for big laundries!” – This misconception still persists with many textile service providers. For small batch sizes and a large variety of articles, washer extractors are supposed to be the best choice. Flesch Laundry Services from Eisenberg in Eastern Germany however is proving everyone wrong. The old washer extractors were replaced by a new PowerTransVario JET with an integrated centrifuge. And the result is remarkable: The well-established textile service was able to increase its performance by 30%. At the same time, washing results improved while resource consumption and personnel requirements were reduced. The new washing system has also saved the laundry a lot of space and significantly improved ergonomics at workplaces.
THE TASK
The company‘s old washer extractors had become obsolete and had to be replaced. When purchasing new equipment, Managing Partner Jörg Bornschein wanted to keep the flexibility of washer extractors. After all, the laundry processes a vast variety of articles for a wide range of customers. In addition to flatwork and drywork from hotels und guesthouses, the laundry also processes work wear for a various companies and all kinds of residential linen from nursing homes. Therefore, a tunnel washer initially appeared to be unsuitable. “But then I was convinced”, the experienced manager concluded..
THE SOLUTION: POWERTRANS VARIO JET-CENTRIFUGE
After comprehensive consulting by Kannegiesser and specialist advice on energy efficiency by an independent agency, Flesch Laundry Services decided to invest in a PowerTransVario JET with an integrated PowerSpin centrifuge. The compact batch washer is loaded automatically by a monorail bag system.
Since its installation in October 2019, the new fully automatic washing and extraction system has already achieved great success.
THE SUCCESS
- Mastering diversity
The PowerTrans’ true bath separation allows for flexible loading. “We do not have to run empty baths to avoid discoloration”, Jörg Bornschein explains. Linen of different categories and colors can be loaded into the PowerTrans directly in sequence without empty empty compartments.
- Increasing performance
With 400 kg/h, the performance of the PowerTrans JET centrifuge is 33% higher compared to the previous washing system consisting of 6 washer extractors.
- Improving wash quality
The ActiveDrop mechanical wash action works deep into the fibers, allowing wash performance, textile care, and a guarantee of hygiene as never before seen or felt. In difference to conventional batch washers and washer extractors, the PowerTrans‘ large drum diameter and high lifters allow perfect throwing and compressing of the batch. Flesch CEO Jörg Bornschein confirms: “We managed to cut our re-wash volume in half".
- Saving resources
The innovative JET rinsing process produces excellent results with the lowest possible use of fresh water. In addition, a large part of the chemical and thermal energy is recycled. With the new washing system, Flesch Laundry Services saves 27% electrical energy, 2-3 liters of water per kg of laundry and 75% steam.
Automatic loading and unloading saves the laundry about ¾ of an employee. Enormous savings of space also open up possibilities to expand the operation.
- Easing the workload
The staff at Flesch Laundry Services also benefits greatly from the new washing system. Thanks to the PowerTrans‘ automatic loading and unloading exhausting operations are eliminated. “Employees are rare”, Jörg Bornschein emphasizes. For that reason it is important to eliminate hard work and thus make the workplace more attractive.
Photo: Managing partner Jörg Bornschein and his team of Flesch Laundry Services
