In this new regular feature for launderers and drycleaners we’ll be turning to industry specialist Andy Marsh for some expert guidance and sound, practical advice to help you to get the most out of your equipment and processes. If you have a question for Andy then please get in touch at editor@laundryandcleaningtoday.co.uk.

Andy Marsh is an industry is an industry consultant with 25 years of experience across the sector. He has worked in most types of laundries and has designed and built some of the UK’s finest operations. He started Marsh Project Solutions four years ago when he recognised that there was a need for independent advice in the industry. He has assisted clients with needs as diverse as machinery choice and supply, to energy saving equipment and water recycling systems. When it comes to laundry, he can pretty much assist wherever there is a need. Over to Andy…

Question… I need to increase my ironer capacity and would like to know if I should choose gas or steam as the heating source. Can you help?

Andy says…

Hello, the answer to this is relatively simple, but with some key things to evaluate. If you already have a steam boiler then you are probably best to stick to steam as your heating source. The installation of a steam boiler system would most likely be cost prohibitive.

Before completely deciding on this course make an assessment of the capacity of your steam boiler. If it is already struggling with your demand, then adding an extra requirement does not make sense. If the steam boiler has plenty of capacity then steam is the answer.

Ask your steam boiler technician to help you decide this and machinery suppliers for steam consumption figures for a new ironer.

If you do not have a steam boiler, or your current setup is at capacity, then a gas ironer could work. Before spending any money on a gas ironer YOU MUST find out the following. (a) what capacity your current gas supply has (pressure and volume) and (b) what requirement a gas ironer needs (pressure and volume). If your current supply has capacity then a gas ironer is for you, but assess the costs of running it. These will come in the form of gas burner checks/ maintenance and thermal oil changes. In a nutshell look at the running costs of a gas ironer and factor them in to your thinking.

Lastly be aware that in general gas ironers run at hotter temperatures than steam ironers. If you are doing linen with a high polyester content, ensure that you control what temperature you iron at. For 100 per cent cotton linen a hotter temperature is great as you can run the ironer faster.

Look at all the options, look at your current setup and linens to process. Talk to your suppliers and explain your needs. The answer for you will become clear. Good Luck.

If you have a question for Andy then please get in touch at editor@laundryandcleaningtoday.co.uk.