ILSA Machines Corp., Manufacturer of the Columbia dry cleaning machine, received New York State Department of Environmental Conservation certification. Columbia's models Pronto, MEC 2F, TD MACH 1, and TD MACH 2 have all passed testing and are now certified under 6NYCRR Part 232.13 Certified Perchloroethlyne Drycleaning Equipment.

When asked why certification did not happen sooner, Mr. Langiulli, president of Columbia Drycleaning Machines stated, "We were confident that our products would meet the certification protocol, so it was just a matter of time before all of the data could be evaluated and approved. It really was not a matter of our ability to pass the test; rather it was primarily delayed on verifying the accuract of all data submitted to the department. Our experience in Germany is vast, and the history of reduction in perc emissions is proven over the past 15 years by the German rule. Complying with the equipment rule in New York State did not add to the degree of difficulty." The difference between Germany and New York is the analyzation equipment. Every machine in Germany must be a 4th generation amchine; additionally it is required to have an analyzer attached to it.  Langiulli explains that the analyzer is exclusive to perc and has the ability to confirm the ppm comventration at the loading door, the activated carbon adsorption bed, and within the work place. The analyzer prints time and date of each cycle processed within
the machine. When the machine is in standby, the analyzer will read the room concentration and post the value every 15 minutes. "It's like having an inspector at the machine all the time." claims Langiulli.

"New York State drycleaners have been struggling with the requirements of a rule put in effect back in May of 1997. Machine certification was just one of its requirements. New York's certification relied on the test report of the machines' performance in accordance with the rules set forth in 6NYCRR Part 232.13. A certified laboratory has to actually test this aspect, and then prove the equipment is in compliance.

"Now that Columbia is certified, drycleaners have one less obstacle in the way of full compliance," Langiulli adds.

In accordance with the rule, only certified machines will be allowed to be installed within the state after June 26, 2003.  

Columbia is the first machine to be certified in the state of New York.