In dry cleaning, the solvent is a central element of the entire process. Its management affects not only the quality of the final result, but also consumption, operating costs and the environmental impact of the laundry.

For this reason, modern dry-cleaning technologies do not focus exclusively on cleaning effectiveness, but also aim to optimise solvent use throughout every stage of the cycle. Recovering, filtering and distilling the solvent efficiently means making the most of a key resource in the production process and reducing waste.

Firbimatic has been developing technologies focused on precisely this objective for many years, combining operational efficiency, washing quality and a commitment to sustainability.

Why solvent recovery is important in dry cleaning

During the washing process, the solvent comes into contact with fabrics, dirt and impurities. In order to be effectively reused, it must therefore be treated through specific filtration and distillation systems.

Solvent recovery makes it possible to reintroduce the solvent into the washing cycle after an appropriate treatment process, reducing the need to continuously use new solvent.

The objective is not merely economic. Efficient solvent management also helps make the washing process more controlled and sustainable, reducing waste and optimising the resources used by the laundry.

In modern dry-cleaning machines, moreover, solvent management is increasingly integrated with other aspects of the process, such as energy recovery, emission reduction and the optimisation of drying stages.

The principle of the closed-loop system

One of the key elements of modern solvent management is the closed-loop system.

As explained by Firbimatic for its perchloroethylene dry-cleaning systems, the solvent is kept inside the machine and continuously recycled, filtered and distilled. This process makes it possible to separate impurities and grease from the clean solvent, which can then be reused in the washing cycle.

The closed-loop system is therefore an important element both from an operational and an environmental perspective. Controlled solvent management makes it possible to limit its release into the environment and use it more efficiently throughout the washing process.

Solvent distillation: a fundamental stage of the process

Distillation plays a central role in solvent recovery. Through this process, it is possible to separate the solvent from the impurities collected during washing and restore the characteristics required for its reuse.

The efficiency of this stage can directly affect laundry consumption. Reducing the quantity of solvent to be treated and optimising the distillation process means operating with more efficient cycles and limiting the energy consumption required for recovery.

In the Energy Saving Series, for example, Firbimatic uses a spray washing system that makes it possible to reduce the quantity of solvent used. A lower quantity of solvent also results in a shorter and more efficient distillation process, contributing to a reduction in overall energy consumption.

The F AS Series is also equipped with a low-consumption distillation system, designed to make the operating cycle more energy efficient.

Hydro-Vac™: fractional distillation for solvent management

Among the technologies developed by Firbimatic for alternative solvent machines is the Hydro-Vac™ system, used, among others, in the Ecogreen and F AS series.

It is a two-stage fractional distillation system. The first condensate is conveyed into a primary water separator, while specific probes automatically manage any water that may form during the distillation process.

Another interesting aspect concerns the possibility, through specific solutions available on Firbimatic machines, of using a quantity of solvent mixed with water during the pre-wash phase of the subsequent cycle. This helps improve the removal of water-soluble stains and achieve a more effective cleaning result.

In this case, solvent management is therefore not a separate stage from washing, but becomes an integral part of the optimisation of the entire process.

Recovering energy to make the process more efficient

Efficiency in solvent management is also closely linked to energy management.

Firbimatic has developed, for example, the Energy Still system, available for the F Series, which enables heat recovery to help reduce energy consumption.

Energy recovery is also used in Energy Saving technology to optimise different stages of the cycle. The solvent used in the first wash bath is slightly preheated by taking advantage of the heat generated by the heat pump condenser. This makes it possible to optimise energy use while simultaneously reducing solvent consumption.

This demonstrates how improved efficiency does not depend on a single technology, but on the integration of different systems capable of optimising the process as a whole.

Efficiency and sustainability: two increasingly connected aspects

In the professional laundry sector, sustainability and operational efficiency are no longer two separate objectives.

Reducing solvent waste, limiting energy consumption and cutting emissions means, on the one hand, reducing the environmental impact of the process and, on the other, working to optimise laundry operating costs.

Over time, Firbimatic has developed various solutions aimed at achieving these objectives. For example, the F Series can be equipped with systems such as Eco System, dedicated to the decontamination of distillation sludge, and integrated Coalperc, designed to help reduce perchloroethylene emissions at the end of the cycle.

The management of residues and emissions is another important element to consider when discussing the sustainability of the washing process. Recovering solvent efficiently also means managing the subsequent stages of the process in a more controlled manner.

Firbimatic's experience for more efficient solvent management

Solvent management is an aspect that requires specific expertise and careful design of the entire washing process. The quantity of solvent used, filtration and distillation systems, energy recovery and residue management are all closely interconnected elements that can affect the overall efficiency of the machine.

Firbimatic has been designing and manufacturing dry-cleaning machines since 1971, developing technologies over time for both perchloroethylene cleaning and the use of alternative solvents. Solutions such as the Hydro-Vac™ system, Energy Still and technologies dedicated to residue and emission management stem directly from the experience gained through the evolution of professional cleaning processes.

The objective is to offer laundries technological solutions capable of meeting different operational requirements, helping to optimise resource use and make the washing process increasingly efficient.

Would you like to find out which Firbimatic solution is best suited to the needs of your laundry? Contact our team for more information about our technologies and dry-cleaning machines.