CLEANING CHEMICALS & EQUIPMENT
The ozone factor
Justin Kerslake, Operations Director of Christeyns UK, discusses the increasing use of Ozone and how it is helping laundries improve their efficiency and wash outcomes.
Ozone is proving an effective option for laundries dealing with a high volume of hygiene linen, where washing with cold water leads to lower utility costs and increased washing capacity.
Inorganic molecule O3
that consists of three oxygen atoms. The extra atom makes it a less stable gas than the diatomic O2
, known as trioxygen or ozone, is a gas (dioxygen/oxygen), but
provides benefits during the wash process. When in contact with water, soap products and soiled textiles, the extra atom separates from its original molecule and is free to combine with other chemical compounds such as bleach or soil.
Ozone gas benefits the wash process as it replaces the use of heat, speeds up the destruction of soil and accelerates the work of the water and chemicals. A low concentration of ozone is forced into the wash water, opening up the fibre structure of the linens to make them softer and fluffier, whilst minimising residual moisture and reducing drying times. Ozone then naturally reverts to oxygen.
Specialist laundry chemical manufacturer Christeyns has combined the advantages of ozone properties with the requirements of a commercial wash process, and has recently launched an upgraded ozone system, Rapid-O.
Using specialised laundry products in combination with ozone is unique in the market. Together with a compact and efficient ozone generator, the concept enables low temperature wash and shorter cycles. This increases washing capacity, extends textile lifetime, and results in excellent softness and whiteness.
The Rapid-O generator is a compact, wall-mounted system that generates ozonated air which flows to two independent wash extractors via regulated outlets with a combined maximum capacity of 80kg.
The system doses a very low quantity of ozone – 0.2-0.4ppm (parts per million) – and is injected continuously into the operating washer extractor. There is no batch system or separate tank. This low, continuous flow of ozone ensures optimal system safety and a guaranteed stable quality.
The use of a softener isn’t required in an ozonated wash process, as the ozone already ensures a softening effect. Ozone also neutralises all bad odours to leave a freshness, rather than a scent. Softener could be added for its perfume.
One of ozone’s key benefits is washing at low temperatures (20-30°C), saving on energy costs and shortening the washing cycle duration. Shorter wash cycles mean increased capacity in the wash extractors, boosting laundry productivity.
44 | TOMORROW'S CLEANING
The added ozone improves stain removal and bleaching capacity in the Rapid-O wash processes. The combination of ozone and peracetic acid works well: it opens up the textile fibres, releasing and breaking down embedded mineral particles and chemical deposits, and boosts bleaching power for white linen. With the right chemicals, it also works on heavily soiled textiles.
Cold washing means gentler wash cycles for garments so they last longer. Together with excellent whiteness, the ozone also causes ultimate softness because textile fibres are fully opened.
Lastly, operations and handling times can be significantly improved. Rapid-O only requires sorting between white and coloured textiles, saving staff time, and rewash is minimised due to the excellent stain removal.
In the lab, we compared an average standard wash process to the Rapid-O process. Almost 50% more wash capacity is created, water and energy costs are reduced due to washing at lower temperatures, shorter wash cycles and less rinse cycles.
During a test case with an Italian client specialising in mop cleaning, the tests showed that mop lifetime is significantly increased when washing with the Rapid-O process and Rapid-O products – mop lifespan was almost tripled. Even after 1080 wash cycles, the textile fibres weren’t affected and stains could effectively be removed.
For soft, fluffy, white linen that’s hygienically clean, ozone provides a great value for money solution and has an overall positive impact on the laundry task in general. It can help laundries stay one step ahead and on a competitive footing, providing both laundry and customer with significant benefits.
www.christeyns.com
twitter.com/TomoCleaning
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