Norchem’s innovative solutions help meet environmental regulations, reduce operating costs, increase productivity, improve linen longevity and quality, and raise margins of profitability. Thus, Norchem Corporation is recognized for its complete chemical program for the Healthcare, Linen and Industrial Laundry Industries.

NORBRITE ®

NORBRITE delivers a brilliant combination of economy and performance across a wide variety of applications.
Click here to learn more about Norbrite

Learn more about NPE at www.sierraclub.org/toxics/laundry

-MAXIMIZE is a leading-edge combination of three highly concentrated liquid products working synergistically to remove both stains and soil without the use of chlorine bleach. No chlorine means color-safe, gentle fabric treatment with less lint and lower linen replacement costs. No chlorine also means no antichlor, shorter wash times, lower water consumption and energy costs.

Norchem’s innovative solutions help meet environmental regulations, reduce operating costs, increase productivity, improve linen longevity and quality, and raise margins of profitability. Thus, Norchem Corporation is recognized for its complete chemical program for the Healthcare, Linen and Industrial Laundry Industries.

NORBRITE ®

NORBRITE delivers a brilliant combination of economy and performance across a wide variety of applications. Chemically free of chelating agents and phosphates, NORBRITE is engineered without the harmful agent Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPE), NORBRITE is the perfect detergent for the healthcare, linen and industrial laundry industries. This highly concentrated item allows customers to use less product while achieving outstanding washroom quality.

Learn more about NPE at www.sierraclub.org/toxics/laundry

-MAXIMIZE is a leading-edge combination of three highly concentrated liquid products working synergistically to remove both stains and soil without the use of chlorine bleach. No chlorine means color-safe, gentle fabric treatment with less lint and lower linen replacement costs. No chlorine also means no antichlor, shorter wash times, lower water consumption and energy costs.

“Waste not, want not. The less we waste, the less we lack in the future.”  18^th Century Proverb

That proverb has been true for three centuries and it is particularly true today when it comes to water.  Water reuse and recycling are not uncommon globally – with parts of Australia, South Africa and the Middle East embracing the practice.  In Europe, it is estimated that 75-80% of water is reused.  However, because fresh water is plentiful in most parts of the United States, few industrial consumers of water have yet to take the plunge to recycling and reusing contaminated water supplies.   At least, not yet.

According to one drought index, 38% of the U.S. was experiencing moderate to severe levels of drought in April 2009.  By 2013, the same index estimates at least 36 states will face water shortages.  Conservation is being mandated in many areas and the permitting process for industrial water users looking to expand or update facilities is becoming more stringent.

Finding the recycling system that is right for a given laundry plant can be tricky because there is no single technology that works for every application.  When looking for a recycling water system, keep in mind that the treatment system will vary depending on the product mix and the stream of wastewater that is being reclaimed for recycling.  Many people think of wastewater recycling as just taking all the wastewater at the back end of a facility, cleaning it up and trying to reuse it somewhere in the wash process.  That does work but often it is the most difficult way to proceed and can produce sub-optimal savings.  For each particular facility, each system must be designed based on the quality of the waste stream that is being recovered and the quality requirements of the recycled water that is being returned to the process.

There are several mature wastewater recycling technologies available today for consideration if you are ready to start reclaiming and recycling your wastewater.  Several membrane-related methods such as membrane bioreactors and reverse osmosis are in use in many industries.  However, these and some of the early ultra-filtration (UF) systems that used membrane technology have not always withstood the rigors of laundry wastewater treatment.  Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) and various large particle filters have been used in laundries with some success and there is even some micro filtration (MF) being used today.  It is ultra-filtration, using ceramic filters that has had the most success in the laundry industry.

Using a ceramic ultra-filtration (CUF) system to clean and recycle the wash process water gives the greenest possible return on technology investments.  CUF delivers positive results to three bottom lines – economic, environmental, and social responsibility:  the economic bottom line through cost reduction, the environmental bottom line by reducing the use of precious resources, and the social responsibility bottom line by demonstrating to our customers and community that we are willing to do our part for the environment by investing in conservation technology.

What is CUF and how does it work?

The CUF process uses pressure to push process water through the pores of extremely small openings in the filter elements.  The process removes the smallest levels of suspended solids as well as the majority or organic solids in the water.  The final “permeate” water is considered recyclable water quality.

Today’s ceramic ultra-filters are capable of removing contaminants in wastewater smaller than 0.02 microns (20 nanometers).  When fresh water is filtered to this level, it can become potable drinking water.  Laundry wastewater filtered to this level still contains some chemistry and other residuals from the wash process so, while it is not drinkable, it is certainly very usable back in the wash process.

The quality of the ceramic membranes used in CUF system is of high importance.  The even distribution of the pores in higher quality ceramics provides better throughput than the randomly distributed pores often found in lower quality ceramic membranes.  In general, the ceramic membranes are very rugged and will filter wash water streams with a pH from 0 to 14 and temperatures of 300 degree F and higher.  However, the quality of the ceramics is also directly related to the life span of the filter – higher quality ceramics equals a longer life span.  I have seen several stacks of rejected ceramics at the Norchem facility in Los Angeles: they are broken, cracked, and/or clogged and did not pass the quality testing for use in Norchem’s Ultrapure CUF system.

I first became aware of the benefits of ceramic ultra-filtration in 1996 when we (I was working for a national healthcare textile services provider at the time) installed a Norchem Ultrapure in one of the company’s Southern California facilities. We debated several options about how best to use the reclaimed wastewater and settled on putting it back into the tempered water tank.  The system worked great!  The City of Los Angeles commended the plant for reclaiming and recycling 50,000 to 60,000 gallons per day.  It was nice to be recognized by the City but the savings were the best part.  In 2008, the value of the water and heat in that reclaimed and recycled wastewater was approximately $254,000 and only 33% of the waste stream available was being recycled.

And it is not just healthcare laundries that are successfully recycling water.  Morgan Services provides top quality hospitality linens and uniforms, and they too received recognition from the City of Los Angeles for their water conservation efforts in 2008. Angel Garcia, Operations Manager talks about the ceramic ultra filtration system they installed:  “We have had the Norchem Ultrapure System in our plant for over 7 years now. From the beginning our facility has not only achieved considerable cost savings in water, but in natural gas and sewer charges as well.  The system is allowing us to recycle approximately 40% of the fresh water brought in daily. And since we are filtering our dirtiest water (Break, Suds, Carry Over) we are returning a large amount of energy as well. The difference is well over 30 degrees (Tempered water temperature vs. Recycled water temperature). This is a considerable amount when taking into account the cost of natural gas and what it takes to heat water just one degree. And lastly, to be quite honest a reduction in the contaminants in our effluent was not something we had thought much about during the preplanning process. However, almost immediately we saw drastic reductions in BOD, SS and Oil/Greases. The effect, of course, was a substantial reduction in the amount we paid each quarter in terms of surcharges.  In closing, we are very pleased with our decision to purchase this equipment. We recommend it to those who wish to improve their bottom line by lowering their overall operating costs.”

“Laundry Operates Without Water!” might have been the headline had a local newspaper picked up this story told to me by Bob Samble from the Belmont Laundry in Springfield, MA.  “We installed the Ultrapure System in order to comply with our POTW’s local limits. Belmont is a mixed plant and it is difficult to deal with all the types of wastewater. Norchem offered a complete system, from the beginning to the end. We are very happy with our choice.  Since the installation of the Ultrapure system, we have complied with the local limits, and have been able to recycle over 80 percent of our water. There is a tremendous savings in natural gas too.

I received a call from our engineer at 6:00 am on March 18, 2009. He said that there had been a major 24 inch water main break in the city and there was no city water pressure anywhere in the city, surrounding towns, and the plant. He asked what I would like him to do.  I thought for a moment and said “Start up the plant as usual.” Thanks to the Norchem Ultrapure System, we were able to operate as usual for hours without missing a beat. This system works!”

Ceramic Ultra-filtration works with Heavy Soil

Commercial laundries serving uniforms and industrial products are also benefitting from using recycled water from ceramic ultra-filtration.   In many cases the CUF system is replacing older dissolved air flotation (DAF) systems that have been in use to meet sewer discharge limits for oil and grease.  The CUF systems not only provide sewer dischargeable quality water, they provide hot clean recycled water usable almost anywhere in the wash process.  Replacing two-thirds of the wash process water with recycled water, these industrial launderers are saving up $100,000 and more annually from reduced water, sewer, and energy costs.

Compared to other options, using CUF provides the highest percentage of recyclable water at an economically viable cost.  The rugged ceramic filter withstands the high temperature and pH of laundry wash water and is thus able to provide the added benefit of energy and chemical conservation to its water conservation abilities.

Like all pieces of equipment, CUF systems require some maintenance; there are pumps, valves, and controls.  Daily cleaning of the tank used to capture the concentrate is necessary and can be accomplished automatically with the press of a button at start-up or shut-down.  The usable life of the ceramic filter unit varies according to the type and amount of contaminants and the hours of operation but 10- 15 years under normal operating conditions can be expected with high quality ceramics.

Specific benefits provided by CUF:

• Recycled water can cut your water consumption by 50% or more
• Recycled HOT water will:
  • Reduce your therm consumption for hot water by 50% or more
  • Reduced your Carbon Footprint
• Sewer compliance and savings
• Economic ROI – typically a 1-3 year payback on your investment (varies by system).
• Competitive Advantage – the cost savings from using recycled water just might help win (or keep) that important customer contract the next time it goes out for bid.
• Environmental Stewardship

The current drought will end some day and water availability may return to more normal conditions.  Maybe the cost of water will drop (natural gas prices did temporarily).  But it is not likely anyone will see a decrease in sewer discharge costs.  The POTWs will have to modernize their facilities and/or build new treatment works to comply with the ever increasing environmental requirements and they will pass that cost on to the end-user, us.  Investing today in any form of water recycling will pay dividends far into the future.  Remember, “Waste Not, Want Not.  The less we waste, the less we lack in the future”.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act awarded $4 Billion to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund in the stimulus package and it carries a 20% mandatory set-aside for green infrastructure and water efficiency projects.  It is up to the individual states to decide how to spend the money but some money may be available in the form of rebates to industrial water users who want to install water recycling systems.  The natural gas utility companies in California are offering cash rebates of $0.80 – $1.60 per annual therm saved and some California water districts provide rebates of $3 per 1000 gallons saved for water conservation projects.  Check with your local utilities and your state government for information about rebates and incentives in your area – they could make a pretty good deal even better.

Norchem’s ULTRAPURE® proprietary ceramic based, chemical free wastewater treatment and water recycling system is the only proven water treatment product on the market! Meeting and exceeding the most stringent sewer discharge regulations, ULTRAPURE enormously reduces potable water demand, substantially decreases sewer discharge and expenditures, recovers heat from wastewater and much more; potential reductions include:

All system are custom and can be manufactured to fit in the tightest of spaces.

Our sincere goals are to help your organization increase profits and decrease operating coast. Our consulting staff is available at anytime to answer questions and/or schedule meeting to discuss business opportunities.

We have had the Norchem Ultrapure System in our plant for over 7 years now. From the beginning our facility has not only achieved considerable cost savings in water, but in natural gas and sewer charges as well. The system is allowing us to reuse approximately 40% of the fresh water brought in daily. And since we are filtering our dirtiest water (Break, Suds, Carry Over) we are returning a large amount of energy as well. The difference is well over 30 degrees (Tempered water temperature vs. Reuse water temperature). This is considerable amount when taking into account the cost of natural gas and what it takes to heat water just one degree. And lastly, to be quite honest a reduction in our affluent was not something we had thought much about during the preplanning process. However, almost immediately we saw drastic reductions in BOD, SSD and Oil/Greases. The effect of course was a substantial reduction in the amount we paid each quarter in terms of surcharges. In closing, we are very pleased with our decision to purchase this equipment. We recommend it to those who wish to improve their bottom line by lowering their overall operating costs

Product Information Sheets

Norchem_CLEARSTARCH.pdf

Norchem_FABRICATION.pdf

Norchem_NORBLEND.pdf

Norchem_NORBRITE.pdf

Norchem_NORFLOWWIN.pdf

Norchem_NORQUEST.pdf

Norchem_ULTRAPURE.pdf

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency applauds Norchem Corporation for your excellent environmental leadership in developing your “NUpHASE” and “MAXIMIZE” detergents in partnership with EPA’s Design for the Environment (”DfE”) initiative. DfE seeks to promote the use of chemical formulations with improved environmental and human health characteristics. Your NUpHASE and MAXIMIZE products achieve that objective in the industrial and institutional laundry sectors.

The key purpose of the DfE-Norchem Corporation partnership is to recognize and encourage the environmentally preferable chemistry and technology of NUpHASE and MAXIMIZE. EPA is enthusiastic about Norchem’s successful efforts to reformulate these detergents. Norchem’s use of more biodegradable and less toxic surfactants, bleaches, and solvents illustrates your active environmental stewardship and dedication to continuous improvement. The significant water, energy and fabric savings of NUpHASE and MAXIMIZE offer important environmental advances as well.

Industrial laundries as well as hotels, nursing homes, and other institutional laundries using products recognized by the DfE program will be participants in this important national effort to protect our country’s aquatic environment and at the same time improve the working conditions within the laundry. Again, I commend Norchem Corporation for your commitment to improving the performance and environmental profile of your products.

Sincerely,

Bill Hanson, Chief
Design for the Environment Program

We installed the Ultrapure System in order to comply with our POTW’s local limits. Belmont is a mixed plant and it is difficult to deal with all the types of wastewater. Norchem offered a complete system, from the beginning to the end. We are very happy with our choice. Since the installation of the Ultrapure system, we have complied with the local limits, and have been able to recycle over 80 percent of our water. There is a tremendous savings in natural gas too.
I received a call from our engineer at 6:00 am on March 18, 2009. He said that there had been a major 24 inch water main break in the city and there was no water pressure anywhere in the city, surrounding towns, and the plant. He asked what I would like him to do? I thought for a moment and said “Start up the plant as usual.” Thanks to the Norchem Ultrapure System, we were able to operate as usual for hours without missing a beat this because we had 4,000.
This system works!