CASE STUDIES

Company

Colorado company that launders and dry cleans leathers, suede, and textile garmets

 Waste Stream Targeted

 Perchloroethylene (Perc) Emissions

 
Original System

Dry-to-Dry, Dry Cleaning System using perchloroethylene (perc). (Western Automation Vibramatic 150 with distillation unit and sniffer). Perc is a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) and potential human carcinogen. Waste such as filters must be disposed of as hazardous waste. Perc dissolves grease and oil from clothing without wetting the fiber (without using water). In the old system perc was used for 98% of their cleaning (leathers, suede, textiles, etc.).

Initial Equipment Cost

Aqua Clean System (Wascomat wet cleaning washer/dryer) - $39,000. Veit 8315 Pressing Machine - $16,000. Total Cost: $54,000.

 Material Costs

 80% less perc is used under the new system, at a cost savings of $5,500/yr. Costs of the chemicals designed for wet cleaning and spotting have not yet been quantified. Water usage/costs have increased, but have not been quantified. Energy requirements have not changed significantly.

 Waste Disposal Cost Savings

 Waste disposable costs associated with Perc, including filters, have decreased by ~80%; however, actual cost savings have not been quantified.

Major Benefits

Reduced Perchloroethylene (HAPs) emissions by 80%.
Reduced hazardous waste disposal by 80%.
Positive Business Image.
Improved worker health and safety and reduced liability.
Reduced potential for spills and leaks of perc and the associated liability.
Wet cleaning is superior to dry cleaning in quality and performance.
Colors won't fade with wet cleaning and there is no "chemical smell."

Obstacles

Successful wet cleaning takes skill and experience, and a learning curve is involved in the process change.
Special finishing (pressing) equipment is required (wet cleaned garments are more difficult/time consuming to press without special equipment).
Some garments will still need solvent-cleaning. Company will maintain the Perc Dry-to-Dry machine for these garments. Their goal is to eventually do wet cleaning on 60% - 80% of textile garments.

Source/Supplier

Aqua Clean Systems, Inc., 469 Doughty Blvd.,P.O. Box 960338, Inwood, NY 11096-0338
Phone: (516) 371-4513 or (800) 645-2204

Time Since Implementation

3 years - wet cleaning with leathers/suedes. 6 months - wet cleaning textiles. (12/28/95)

Main Reason Implemented

Improved quality and performance of professional wet cleaning.
Reduce costs and liability associated with use of perchloroethylene.

Key to Success in Making this P2 Modification

Management support/commitment to quality products and pollution prevention.