Efficient Technologies

Textiles

Processing of raw materials

Predrying and drying

Electrotechnologies	Benefits
Heat pump (Sheet materials)	Highly efficient: Coefficient of performance (COP) ranging from 3 and 5: 1 kWh of electricity can produce the equivalent of 3 to 5 kWh of thermal energy. Inherent thermal storage capability
Mid or shortwave infrared (IR) (Tenter frames, hotflues and drum dryers)	Suitable for preheating fabrics (in order to increase the production rate) and thermosetting ink onto fabrics Enhanced dye setting on fibres No overheating (low risk of surface discoloration) Very good energy efficiency rating Fabrics dry quickly and evenly Easily adapted to work with existing equipment
High frequency (HF) (Bulk materials (e.g., spools and skeins) and sheets of uniform shape)	No dye migration Product dries quickly and evenly High energy efficiency
Induction (Cylinder dryers)	Precise temperature control Very low thermal inertia High energy efficiency Easily adapted to work with existing dryers No over heating
Cold plasma (atmospheric or low-pressure)	Day process that imparts special surface properties to fabrics such as geotextiles and filtration membranes: greater water repellence and stain resistance greater resistance to abrasion, fire and chemicals germicidal properties

Textile finishing

Heating

Electrotechnologies	Benefits
Encased resistance heaters (Coating and sizing baths)	Simple heating system that's economical to buy and operate Precise temperature control Pollution-free; no combustion gases Sturdy construction

Drying coated or sized fabrics

Electrotechnologies	Benefits
Electric resistance	Simple heating system that's economical to buy and operate Precise temperature control Pollution-free; no combustion gases Sturdy construction
Electron beam (EB) High frequency (HF) Infrared (IR) Microwave (MW) Ultraviolet (UV)	Very good energy efficiency rating High speed Easily adapted to work with existing equipment Suitable for focalized heat treatment High precision - suitable for both thick and thin coatings Suitable for graft copolymerization applications designed to adapt fibres to specific uses (e.g., grafting acrylic acid onto polyester or polypropylene) impart new properties (e.g., flame or stain resistance) to basic textiles Can be used to rapidly thermoset dyes onto fibres (HF)

Curing

Electrotechnologies	Benefits
Microwave (MW) High frequency (HF) (Polymers and glues)	Relatively short curing times Precise temperature control Good quality (no surface overheating) High energy efficiency Compact, modular equipment

Heat treatment

Electrotechnologies	Benefits
Infrared (IR)	Suitable for the following applications: Polymerizing resins Thermosetting synthetic fabrics and bulk fibres as well as reactive or disperse dyes onto polyester fibres Gelling various coatings Low specific consumption Superior surface finish Easily adapted to work with existing equipment Short treatment times Good energy efficiency rating Can be used for focalized treatment

Sterilization

Electrotechnologies	Benefits
Ultraviolet (UV)	Low specific consumption Easily adapted to work with existing equipment Short treatment times

Cutting

Electrotechnologies	Benefits
Laser	Increased productivity (higher speed, great precision, suitable for automated operation)