In the past, this process was a discontinuous process:

The yarn was wound to threads and then thermally treated an autoclave. This heatsetting method was very time-consuming and labor-intensive. In the 1970s two methods using the continuous process came on the market, mostly replacing the heatsetting in autoclaves. For 35 years, the two systems have not changed significantly, except increasing the capacity and making the machines bigger (nowadays up to 40 meters long), thus consuming a lot of energy and space. [more]

The company Power-Heat-Set presented at the ITMA 2007 in Munich a completely new heat set process for the carpet industry, which is unparalleled with respect to many aspects of the state of the art. Characteristics of the compact heatset process are minimal energy consumption, space-saving design, clearly more cost-effectiveness and protection of environmental resources. Furthermore, operability and maintenance of compact heatsetting are made easier. Patent applications are pending.

Profile compact Heatsetting

• Materials: PA6, PA6.6, PP, acrylic, PES, wool
• Number of ends: 24
• Throughput: up to 250 kg/h (550 lbs/h)
• Yarn input speed: up to 700 m/min
• Saturated steam process: up to 140°C
• Integrated yarn cooling
• Vertical material throughput with minimal points of contact (yarn contact points)
• Controlled yarn take-up and take-off
• Possibility of varying the bulk
• Controlled yarn tension during winding up
• Constant winding up speed
• Quickstop after yarn breaks
• No heating, no water consumption
• Steam consumption between 30 and 40 kg/h (66 and 88 lbs/h)
• Power consumption up to 7 kWh
• Air consumption up to 15 m³/h (9 cu.ft./min)
• Required space (creel, compact heatsetting, winding machine): a total of: 14 x 5 m (46 x 16 ft)