Goss has launched a thermal energy recovery system for its heatset dryers, which it says will extend the environmental advantages by enabling printing facilities to reduce energy consumption significantly.
The Goss Ecobox heats water circulating through the system with exhaust air from the dryer. The heated water can then be used directly or converted to replace or supplement the energy required for heating, air conditioning and other systems within the facility.Graham Trevett, Goss International sales vice president says, “The Ecobox enhancement is simple to install and delivers immediate environmental and economic benefits.”
He continues, “Printers that install the device can cut energy requirements considerably, reducing their costs and their carbon footprint at the same time.”
Trevett adds that on average, energy generated offsets the cost of an Ecobox system installation in 18 months in typical heatset web printing operations. The return on investment is even faster with larger dryers.
The Ecobox enhancement is compatible with dryers equipped with integrated afterburners, including Goss Ecocool T and Ecotherm models. The compact device mounts on the dryer requiring no additional floor space, and press downtime for installation is minimal, according to Goss.
The company adds that the default temperature of the heated water exiting the system is 95 degrees Celsius and can be adjusted. Excess or unneeded heat from the dryer can be exhausted directly through a bypass valve.
Trevett says that a number of Ecobox systems have been installed throughout Europe, with printers using the recovered energy for heating, air conditioning as well as hot water for the building's plumbing system. Some have also sold the energy to nearby facilities.
