A new energy-saving feature for high volume dishwasher systems promises big kitchens huge savings in running costs. Winterhalter‘s Fresh Air Drying Zone takes a whole new approach to the issue of drying plates as they come out of the dishwasher – and results in a significant reduction in the system’s connected load, which cuts total operating costs by at least 33%.
As well as reducing energy consumption, the Fresh Air Drying Zone improves drying results, makes clean dishes easier to handle straight from the system and enhances the air quality in the wash area.
Big kitchens need big dishwasher systems and Winterhalter’s MT Series of rack and flight conveyor systems, which are capable of processing thousands of items per hour, already offer several resource-saving technologies including heat exchangers and features to reduce water and detergent consumption.
WHAT’S NEW?
Standard drying zones in high volume dishwasher systems use air from within the machine to dry dishes – but although the air is warm, it also tends to be saturated, so drying is compromised. The MT’s new Fresh Air Drying Zone draws in air from outside the machine, warming it gently and then using it to dry the washed items. It then vents the air straight into the site’s ventilation system.
THE RESULTS?
Energy consumption is reduced because the fresh air only needs gentle warming, so the system’s total connected load is cut by as much as 2kW or 4kW, depending on the model chosen.
Drying is improved, because the fresh air is less humid than the air within the machine. Typically the air in the new drying zone is 10% less humid than with traditional systems.
Handling is easier, because the dishes are dryer – so there’s no need for extra manual drying – and they are cooler, so they are easier (and safer) to deal with straight away.
Air quality in the wash area is significantly improved because the new zone reduces the amount of heat and vapour radiating from the machine’s out feed.
The new Fresh Air Drying Zone is part of Winterhalter’s suite of energy efficient, environmentally-aware products, launched under the umbrella title of ‘Intelligent Resource Technology’ (IRT). All are designed to deliver significant reductions in energy, water and chemical usage.
Winterhalter glass and dishwashers are available with preferential discount from the OGC under contract number A126449A; the Seg numbers are 99/6; 99/8; and 99/1.
Winterhalter provides a total solution for warewashing, from pre-sales advice to after-sales service, training and maintenance, as well as a budget-friendly rental scheme. Alongside its market-leading dish and glasswashers, the company’s range includes utensil washers, advanced water treatment machines, cleaning chemicals and detergents. For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000, see www.winterhalter.co.uk, or email info@winterhalter.co.uk.
Winterhalter’s MT Series of high volume conveyor dishwashers can cope with huge volumes every day, delivering the most hygienic results possible. What makes the MT Series even more suited for the MOD is that Winterhalter designed them to deliver huge cost savings, not only in energy, water and detergent use but with labour and servicing too.
The MT Series dishwashers are ‘multi-tank’ conveyor systems capable of continuous washing – 24 hours a day if necessary. Each system can be tailored to the site, using a selection of modular sections. These include the loading zone, pre-wash, main wash, main wash with lateral wash arms, triple rinse and drying zones, and the outlet/unloading zone. Both rack and flight models are available.
The MT will also appeal to sites whose kitchen porters are unskilled or have limited English language skills. Winterhalter says this is because, despite its sophisticated technology, the system is so easy to use that operator mistakes “simply cannot happen”. In addition, the MT has dozens of languages programmed into its control panel, including all EU languages and many others.