National Clothesline

HOUSTON, TX — Lyondell Chemical Co. has introduced Impress drycleaning solvent, a new non-perchloroethylene alternative that avoids regulatory and other issues associated with perc.

Lyondell said that Impress, a propylene glycol ether-based solution that is compatible with hydrocarbon machines and is readily biodegradable, effectively cleans and brightens a wide assortment of fabrics but is gentle enough for the delicate clothing, including wedding dresses, sequined gowns and fine beaded clothing. Impress solvent also can reduce pre-spotting and post-spotting treatments.

Impress is not listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or as a hazardous waste material by the Environmental Protection Agency, minimizing reporting, recording and paperwork. OSHA has not established a permissible exposure level (PEL) for the solvent.

There are no affiliation fees required for using Impress solvent, which is available from Lyondell’s distributor, Caled Chemical, or through local drycleaning distributors.

Technical data from the company’s web site, www.impress-lyondell.com, indicates the solvent is listed as a Class IIIA combustible liquid, has a flash point of 190° F and a boiling point of 410°F. It weighs 7.7 pound per gallons and has a specific gravity of .93

Lyondell, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a producer of propylene oxide (PO); PO derivatives, including propylene glycol (PG), butanediol (BDO) and propylene glycol ethers (PGE); and styrene monomer and MTBE as co-products of PO production.

Through its current 70.5 percent interest in Equistar Chemicals, LP, Lyondell is one of the larger producers of ethylene, propylene and polyethylene in North America and a leading producer of ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, high value-added specialty polymers and polymeric powder. Through its 58.75 percent interest in Lyondell-Citgo Refining LP, Lyondell is one of the largest refiners in the United States processing extra heavy Venezuelan crude oil to produce gasoline, low sulfur diesel and jet fuel.

COLVILLE, WA — Management people in a production environment using the Colmac’s AccuCounter system for counting soiled linens now have two enhancements to the software control program for increasing operator productivity.

A color-coded item selection screen lets the operator of the AccuCounter soil count station enter a customer’s account. When a screen listing the numerous, sometimes lengthy choices of items to count is shown, the operator may hastily make the wrong choice by not being familiar with the item or because of language barriers.

With the color enhancement option, various colors can be assigned to the background text of each item in the list. A choice of 13 colors can be assigned to one item or a group of items that has a certain meaning or category that the item falls into. The operator can identify the type of item quicker and more accurately.

Informative attention messages display a flashing, attention-getting message to the operator for each customer account that is displayed on the screen. The message text can be anything that could alert the operator to any additional information about the account. The color-coded items and the informative message text assigned to a customer account are easily maintained in the set-up screen in the AccuCounter host program.

COLD SPRING, KY — Stamford, a division of Fabritec International, has introduced OdexPlus, a new addition to its line of cleaning products.

A smoke and odor neutralizer for perchloroethylene, hydrocarbon solvents or water, Odex Plus neutralizes odors in garments and eliminates the need for ozone treatment of most smoke-damaged articles.

The company said that drycleaners in Vermont and Maine tested Odex after they were ready to add the “We’ve done everything we can” tag to the smoke and cat urine items. After trying Odex Plus, they were able to send the items back clean and odor-free.

Odex Plus is available for sale from local Stamford distributors.

GIG HARBOR, WA — Methods For Management offers a work flow analysis and plant layout program designed to help business owners meet challenges faced by a growing business.

With 50 years of plant layout design services, the company works with owners to get a clear grasp of each operation’s specific requirements, including company-specific issues reflecting individual cultures, philosophies and methodologies.

MFM believes all companies should conduct a review of their plant design at least every five years to take into account subtle changes that take place over time. Small, but continuous changes in fashion, textiles, packaging, equipment, processing times and consumer preferences have a cumulative effect on overall plant efficiency and can result in inefficiencies and lost profit.

MFM’s staff uses its knowledge and understanding of processing and trends within the industry to develop efficient plant flow layouts and handling systems that maximize profits and minimize costs.

MFM’s work flow analysis and plant layout services provide professional layout by independent engineers that emphasizes the most efficient use of space to minimize labor, operations and rent costs and to exceed expected quality standards, addressing employees’ convenience, safety and comfort issues and Incorporating room for growth.

Services offered include new plant planning, workflow design, plant expansion plans to accommodate long term growth with a minimum of layout changes over time, interfacing with architect and equipment suppliers, building selection criteria and recommendations.

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Kaeser Compressors has revised its Sigma Frequency Control brochure for the SFC series 18 to 110S. The four-color, eight-page brochure gives details on the Sigma screw compressor, variable speed drive technology and the optional integrated dryer package.

SFC compressor packages are now available form 18-90kw (25-125hp) with flows of 22 to 633 cfm and pressures from 80 to 217 psig. The variable speed drive compressors are designed for maximum efficiency over a wide flow range. The direct coupled airend/motor combination provides good efficiency across its entire speed range and the design allows operation from 100 percent down to 20 percent load.

All SFC compressors include standard features such as sound-dampening enclosures, EPAct compliant motors and a built-in Eco-Drain for condensate removal.

TULSA, OK — Royaltone Co.’s Ink Magic is a spot and stain remover that can be used in drycleaning, wetcleaning and laundry. It is thick, concentrated and clings to ink spots to prevent wicking and spreading.

Ink Magic removes all types of inks from all fabrics natural and synthetic, including ball point ink, stamp pad ink, writing ink, marking ink, felt tip ink, duplicating ink and colored ink on clothing, household items, upholstery and carpets. It is safe on cloth and leather and won’t harden rayon fabrics.

Ink Magic is packaged in specially designed 12-oz. leak proof bottles.