YAKIMA BUSINESS WARMS UP TO ENVIRONENTALLY
FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGY
KENT, Wash. - For Yakima businesses, chilly winter months typically mean higher heating costs. But for one area automotive lube and car wash station, cost-efficient, environmentally friendly technology is helping to turn back the cold and add up the savings.
Rainford’s Lube and Car Wash at 3310 W. Nob Hill recently installed a Shenandoah/Columbia WL60 Boiler distributed by Northwest Industrial Equipment of Kent, Wash. The unique boiler allows station operators to burn used motor oil and transmission fluids collected from auto lube changes to generate hot water for the restroom and car wash and provide radiant floor heat for the facility and waiting room. The boiler also heats frost pads located in front of the Lube and Car Wash’s bay doors to keep cars from sliding into the building when the ground freezes.
Scott Rainford, general manager at Rainford’s Lube and Car Wash, said the waste-oil boiler was installed to lower heating bills and protect the environment. Compared to natural gas, which is used at Rainford’s two other Yakima area lube stations, he estimates the boiler will reduce heating expenses by $500 - $600 per month during the peak season. Rainford said the boiler also eliminates any environmental concerns regarding the disposal of used motor oil.
"The heat the boiler generates is incredible," said Rainford. "The technicians working in the service pit are still wearing T-shirts."
According to Howard Levens, CEO of Northwest Industrial Equipment, the Shenandoah/Columbia boiler installed at the site produces 140,000 BTU’s of energy for every gallon of used oil burned, and generates up to 500,000 BTU’s per hour, along with 13 gallons per minute of 100 degree rise water to wash cars.
"Washington businesses are becoming more environmentally conscious," said Levens. "Used oil heaters and boilers provide these companies with an efficient way to recycle motor oil on site and cut operating costs."
According to Levens, each waste-oil burner meets on-site used oil recycling guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency and the State Department of Ecology.
Northwest Industrial Equipment is the exclusive distributor of Shenandoah/Columbia heaters and boilers. For more information, contact Levens at (253) 872-6060. |
