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SAFE-TAINER™

Over many years perchloroethylene has proven its value as a high quality dry cleaning solvent. The Dow Chemical Company and its subsidiary SAFECHEM Europe GmbH will continue to be committed to perchloroethylene solvents and promote the safe use and handling in close loop delivery systems.

SAFECHEM is working in conjunction with Alex Reid Ltd. to introduce the SAFE-TAINER™ system into the UK’s dry cleaning market. Starting September 01, 2010 Alex Reid supplied SAFE-TAINER™ system to major dry cleaning stores in the UK to test the system on site.

One of those dry cleaners was Andy Knowles of Ann Murray Dry Cleaners, Rugley Staffordshire.
Here is what he thinks:

“The first time I saw the SAFE-TAINER™ was some years ago in Germany, when I was working as Technical Consultant for a German based manufacturer of dry cleaning machines. At that time I considered it to be the best method of delivering dry cleaning solvents.” states Andy Knowles

Andy´s main reasons for purchasing DOWPER™ Pure Power in the SAFE-TAINER™ system are:

The solid construction of the container dramatically reduces the risk of container damage and thus spillages during transit and storage.
The handling of perchloroethylene in the SAFE-TAINER™ system reduces solvent emissions to the atmosphere to virtually zero by:
- Special accessories, like self sealing coupling systems, simplify the solvent transfer
- The solvent is pumped directly from the SAFE-TAINER™ system to the base tank of the machine
- The SAFE-TAINER™ system will not be opened prior to pouring the solvent into the machine
- It does not have to be lifted (which carries high spillage risks) to pour the solvent into the open dry cleaning machine, everything is closed, easy and safe

The following benefits towards the environment, health and safety are also very important to Andy:

Less Solvent Evaporation: In comparison to bottle type containers the solvent is not added to an open machine especially as it could still be warm from the last load processed.
Vapour-Return Mechanism: Vapour-return hoses enable an enclosed circulation of the air from the machine to replace the solvent in the container.
Safe Storage: Containers are never really empty. They always contain a small amount of solvent, therefore should be disposed of as hazardous waste (unless the lid has been left off to allow the remaining solvent to evaporate to atmosphere!). The SAFE-TAINER™ system thus makes the storage safer.
Returnable Containment: The SAFE-TAINER™ systems are reusable containers and are taken back when used.

“I was delighted to learn that Alex Reid is now taking charge of this novel method of solvent storage and transfer by introducing the SAFE-TAINER™ system to the UK’s dry cleaning industry. Their established infrastructure and transport system puts them in prime position to fully implement this in UK.” - Andy Knowles

Alex Reid and SAFECHEM are working together to make the SAFE-TAINER™ system for DOWPER™ Pure Power available nationwide and will contribute towards the safe, compliant and sustainable long-term

use of perchloroethylene solvents in dry cleaning applications.

™Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow

Click here for more information


1: The SAFE-TAINER™ system for DOWPER™ Pure Power	2: Easy to use coupling adapter for fresh solvents

Kreussler Solvon K4

Everybody would like to have a patented recipe for a successful future. With the new SYSTEMK4 cleaning system Kreussler’s innovative, and highly efficient cleaning procedure for our commercial textile care that is unparalleled.

SYSTEMK4 is an environmentally friendly and absolutely safe cleaning process. The basic component of SYSTEMK4 is a halogen-free solvent. It is designed in such a way that, when properly used, it does not pose a risk to air, water, human beings and soil. And here lies the huge innovative potential of SYSTEMK4: The cleaning effect of the solvent SOLVONK4 is the same as perchlorethylene, and sometimes even better. At the same time, SOLVONK4 is not classified in Europe as either a hazardous material or a hazardous substance! More over, SOLVONK4 is biodegradable and has been tested dermatologically with the results ‘Very Good’

Alex Reid is trailing this new innovation at Johnson’s CPU unit in Rugby whereby our chemicals expert Steve Tolley, says the following:

Having been in the industry for over 35 years now, and seen the alternative solvents offered in the past that have come and gone. I was a little sceptical to say the least.

The alternative solvents we are used to seeing have a very low KB value, and more pre-treatment is needed before cleaning, but because K4 has a KB value nearer to perc and able to dissolve and absorb lipophilic soil ( fats greases and oil ) and also hydrophilic soiling ( water soluble soil ) this is of a great benefit to the dry cleaner.

Having only spent a short time working with the System K4, I soon realised that this was a kind of solvent we had not seen before with multiple benefits to the dry cleaner.

The wash times are equal to per and overall process time more closer to perc, so therefore less fibre abrashion. The garments have a very good feel and drape with less creasing

To complement the Solvonk4, Kreussler have developed along side this for optimal results the machine detergent ClipK4, a detergent concentrate PrenettK4, and a water and stain repellent VinoyK4.

Although it is early days yet my initial feelings are that this could be a solvent we can work with in the future, these are just a few of the benefits, not to mention the energy costs due to less effort in distillation and drying.

Royal Shakespeare Theatre Refurbuishment

As part of the major refurbishment of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford upon Avon a new laundry has been installed, part of the installation included an Elozo ozone cabinet, supplied installed and commissioned by the Alex Reid Company. Kaiko a member of the wardrobe Team is shown loading the cabinet. The Elozo ozone cabinet removes odours and kills bacteria in garments, shoes, gloves and helmets this is especially useful when actors are working in extreme temperatures and tense moments during a performance.

The ozone cabinet was used by the RSC Costume Hire department last year for a two week period on a trial basis, prior to the order being placed with Alex Reid.