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In thermal nonwovens processes, most medium- and long-term costs are not caused by machinery purchases, but by the thermal energy generated. The most important measures are initial moisture reduction, exhaust-air flow optimization and heat utilization, and a highly efficient dryer. The Eco-Heat heat-recovery and Eco-Air exhaust-air cleaning systems from Bruckner Trockentechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Germany, allow considerable cost cutting and are compatible with all dryer makes. The nonwovens process comprises mainly three steps: First, a web is formed from individual fibres. This web, still sensitive to pressure and traction, eventually is treated using bonding processes to get the required dimensional stability. In the last step, the nonwovens are finished using different methods to give the requested end-product characteristics. The complete process requires a corresponding amount of energy, mainly electrical or thermal. Apart from thermal energy, it also is possible to save electrokinetic energy. Electrical energy needs are determined by motor size and efficiency, a drive system that is optimally designed and fine-tuned for the complete line, and the consequent use of highly efficient gears and motors, which offers a big savings potential. Bruckner has calculated possible annual savings in a five-digit-euro range for production lines. In addition, the use of suitable raw materials and high-capacity materials and thus achievable weight savings also contributes to cost savings. In nonwovens production, thermal energy is required almost solely for bonding and finishing. Heat transfer from machine components onto the nonwovens is made by heated roller contact, infrared radiation or convection. However, there is a difference between direct and indirect heating: With direct heating, the heat generated by the energy carrier comes directly in contact with the substrate. Some years ago, Bruckner completed a study regarding life cycle costs, focusing on how a machine's operating and energy consumption costs are distributed over time for a convective heat transfer process. The decisive saving potential is in the energy required for water evaporation, exhaust air flow and fresh air heating. The first step is to provide for the best mechanical dewatering of the web, as lower initial moisture leads to lower energy consumption. The second step is to reduce exhaust-air volume. Drying requires air that is able to absorb moisture. Bruckner provides two systems for exhaust-heat recovery: air-to-air; and air-to-water. Both can be combined and varied and adapted to any convection machine or to customer specifications. Also, when combined with an electrostatic precipitator, this efficient method of economic energy utilization can be enlarged to be used as a high-capacity exhaust-air purification system. This heat-recovery system can be used with a range of dryers, ovens and heat-treatment chambers.