DrySolv, has been the topic of a lot of conversation lately. Everyone that has heard about it either has questions or has been told stories about it. My hope is to provide some information to the membership so that you can search out more knowledge and make a decision. I have done my research and may come across supportive of the product in this article. That is not my intent. As they say, “just the facts.”
Currently, I am the only mechanic in Canada to be directly involved in DrySolv and have learned a lot since I started to work with it. The first plant in Canada was in Winnipeg and the owner liked it so much that he became the Canadian distributor. The second plant in Canada, I did. Marathon Cleaners is a family owned plant in Toronto. They purchased a new Renzacci dry cleaning machine last December and made the decision to run it on DrySolv. It has been performing perfectly since that time. I have converted four other plants as of this writing.
DrySolv (also known as NPB, n-Propyl bromide and 1-bromo-Propane) is a dry cleaning solvent that is creating a buzz in the industry. Some of the rumors out there are true but most of them are not. It isn’t flammable or corrosive to your dry cleaning machine and plant. It does break down with water and heat, unless stabilized, and creates acids that will damage equipment. It isn’t a simple conversion (i.e. drop in replacement for perc) as some might believe. It is still a chemical and has certain handling requirements and protocols.
It is imperative that you either use DrySolv D (their soap) or DrySolv stabilizer. Otherwise the chemical WILL break down and create acids.
In order to run DrySolv in a machine (perc or hydrocarbon) you have to do a thorough clean up and conversion. Most of the gaskets in your machine will not survive being exposed to DrySolv. Some can be replaced and some will need a custom solution. You will have to remove all the perc or hydrocarbon from the machine and disconnect the filters.
Perc machines will have to be tweaked and adjusted and hydrocarbon machines will need some parts changed out. Both will need to be reprogrammed.
I have been in contact with Environment Canada and their statement is “Currently, Environment Canada does not have any regulations affecting the use of DrySolv in Canada for dry cleaning.” What does this mean? Basically, DrySolv is built out of chemicals that are all on Environment Canada’s DSL (Domestic Substance List). This is a list of known chemicals in Canada and each one has a profile. All chemicals are subject to further testing and none are guaranteed safe forever. Even coffee isn’t safe these days.
Day-to-day operation is fairly simple but a bit different. Since the solvent is expensive and leaks have a potential to do damage if they create acids (such as on a hot press head), a daily inspection is important. A simple leak detector can be purchased from suppliers such as Cleaner’s Supply that will help to keep the machine tight.
The solvent uses a single bath, no filtration, continuous distillation process (the DrySolv stabilizer carries over during distillation). The total cycle time is about 28 minutes and the cleaning is better than anything you have ever seen. When the clothes come out, there are very few wrinkles and there is no residual odour. The whites are bright and the colours full. The lint can be discarded and the still water and sludge are not regulated. Since the machine previously ran perc (even new machines are tested at the factory using perc) it is advised that you continue to have the sludge hauled away.
Is it for you? I can’t answer this question. The overall operating cost is about the same due to there being no filters to dispose of and the shorter cycle time (less electricity, steam, water, etc.) as well as the potential for a smaller machine. This is not a solvent for someone that wants a care-free system that they can abandon. You have to be in control. Leaks have to be monitored and repaired promptly, stills have to be cleaned per schedule using a slightly unique process, garments have to be sorted properly and beads and buttons checked (similar to perc). You have to keep a diligent eye on the consumption as well or you will go broke using it.
All the plants that I have done are happy with the results. The short cycle time has provided them with increased capacity and their pressers feel that the garments are easier to press and take less time. Where some would launder clothes after dry cleaning to bring the softness and whiteness back, they no longer have to. The stills stay clean and the base tank is crystal clear. If you still have an interest in running DrySolv do your homework.
