Having moved from a facility that was too small and would have been uneconomical to upgrade, Elis’ overriding requirements for its new, state-of-the-art Southampton-based site were to increase and future-proof throughput by increasing capacity as and when required. Protecting its investment was also paramount, so manufacturer-backed aftercare solutions were key to the long-term plan.
The existing laundry used indirect steam from a horizontal steam boiler and steam-heated ironers and dryers during the process. But with the new multi-service flat linen plant came a new approach for Elis and it instead opted for a heat transfer system that would pre-heat water for the washing machines to a minimum of 72°C by directly injecting steam into the water supply.
Elis ordered a Fulton 2 x VSRT-60 steam boiler solution, which was skid-mounted with automatic blowdown, water treatment and a TDS energy recovery system.
Commenting for Elis, Slawomir Barczewski says: “The old facility was capable of processing 60,000 to 70,000 items a day but, with Fulton’s VSRT solution and the new line in place, we are currently processing 90,000 items with the ability to double throughput.”
To protect its investment and ensure the installation continues to operate efficiently, Elis also opted for a number of Fulton’s aftercare solutions, including service contract, water treatment package and boiler operator training.
Commenting, Fulton’s Jeff Byrne says: “Considerable investment has gone into this laundry and Elis is keen to ensure that its return on investment is improved as much as possible, hence supporting service contracts and training.”
The contract consists of two service visits per boiler per year, with one visit coinciding with the annual insurance inspection. It also provides discounts on spares and chemicals orders, ensures 24h phone-based technical assistance and a 48h call-out response. The water treatment package consists of monthly feedwater quality inspections and an annual system inspection and report.
Further information: www.fulton.co.uk