KEY FEATURES:
- lower water and chemical consumption and time loss of the ozonation process than conventional wet processes.
- No need to store chemicals compared to the other conventional methods.
- No dangerous waste because of the decomposition of ozone into oxygen.
- No halogenated organic compounds (AOX) in wastewater.
Ozone in the Textile Industry
Textiles utilize several wet and dry processing techniques to achieve desired effects. The techniques include pumice stone washing, enzyme washing, bleaching, and mixed washing. The textile dyeing and finishing industry consumes the most energy and water. The production of jeans consumes approximately 350 million m3 of water every year. Also, the industry generates a large amount of wastewater and solid waste. Chemical-free and dry-bleaching technologies, such as ozonation, are, therefore, the best economic and environmental solutions. Ozone washing is particularly beneficial in disinfecting laundry in correctional facilities, saving energy and water and avoiding untruthful claims made by other systems.
Ozonation is a simple and “green” process because it does not require steam and water. Therefore, it greatly reduces process time, energy consumption, and the amount of water and wastewater. Ozone decomposes indigo and other dyes because of high oxidation potential. Ozone water in laundry systems can clean clothes using cold water and little to no detergent, disinfecting better than bleach, saving time and money, and being environmentally friendly. In addition to denim washing, it generally applies to treating textiles. Absolute Ozone – ozone generators can commercially provide a bleaching effect. It is like a washing machine without water for fading of colour.
Ozone is one of the potent oxidant agents. But with the advantage of being environmentally friendly. After ozonation, loss of fabric strength is not a problem because ozone is unstable, and it decomposes indigo primarily.
Advantages of ozone laundry system in the textile industry
Ozone treatment proposed an economical solution to environmental pollution from textile processes.
- Environmental sustainability: Ozone offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wet processes, reducing water and chemical consumption and eliminating hazardous waste. It decomposes into oxygen, leaving no harmful residues.
- Energy efficiency: Ozone requires less energy than conventional methods, contributing to overall energy savings in textile production.
- Colour removal and oxidation: Ozone’s high oxidation potential effectively decomposes indigo and other dyes, leading to enhanced colour removal and oxidation of contaminants in textile processes.
- Versatility: Ozone is not limited to denim washing and can be applied to a wide range of textile applications, improving dyeability and achieving various fading effects.
- Process control: Ozone dosage can be precisely controlled, ensuring consistent and optimal treatment results.
- Reduced water usage: Ozone significantly reduces water consumption in textile processes, addressing the industry’s water-intensive nature.
Using ozone provides economic and environmental benefits. With its ability to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance overall sustainability, ozone treatment is becoming increasingly relevant in textile dyeing and finishing processes.
