If you're considering purchasing commercial washers, then you'll likely come across two main types – tunnel washers and washer-extractors. While they are both able to process high volumes of laundry, there are some key differences in how they work. As such, today we'll take an in-depth look into the differences between tunnel washers and washer extractors. And, if you're searching for Continental Girbau or Speed Queen dealers in North Carolina, that you can trust, call T & L today. You'll love our prices.
Differences Between Tunnel and Extracting Commercial Washers
Washer Extractor Machine
A washer extractor machine operates much like a top-loading machine you’d find in your home but can be up to 30 times larger than a residential machine. It uses a spin cycle to get the water out of the load of laundry, but it does so at much higher speeds. They are used in small to medium laundry facilities.
Using centrifugal force, like the gravity ride you’d find at an amusement park, the drum spins and pushes the articles back against the inside of the drum to extract the water and detergent. Some models are so large a person can stand inside the drum.
A washer extractor machine is efficient but it is measured differently than the efficiency of a residential machine. A typical washer extractor uses 3-4 gallons of water per pound of fabric. In the most efficient of the machines, only 2.5 gallons of water is needed per pound of fabric.
Some washer-extractors have recycling features built in that allow the water to be reused. There are auxiliary systems available for units that do not have them built in already. Space can be an issue if one is added on.
Washer extractors are a better choice for facilities that process 800 pounds per hour or less. They have less of a learning curve than tunnel washers because they operate like a residential machine that needs to be loaded and unloaded manually.
Tunnel Washer
This type of washer is also known as a continuous batch washer. They are one of the most expensive types of washers on the market and are generally only used in industries that have extremely high volumes of laundry to process.
They are built differently than a standard washer as well. They have long chambers with a series of compartments called pockets. An internal auger, which looks like a large corkscrew, turns and pulls the laundry through the different pockets. The first pockets contain detergent and any chemicals used (bleach, sanitizers, etc.) that is mixed with the water and soaked in the fabric. This is the wash cycle. Once completed the augers move the fabric to the rest of the pockets, which rinse the fabric. Once it’s rinsed, the fabric is sent to the end of the tunnel where it is wrapped in a bundle and compressed before it’s sent to a dryer.
Tunnel washers use about two-thirds less water than washer extractors. However, they are generally only used in facilities with much higher volumes of laundry to process. Not only can they help cut back on energy and water costs, but they require fewer people to operate them (although the people who do will need to be trained on how to use the units because they are different from standard washers).
Continental Girbau or Speed Queen dealers in North Carolina | T & L Laundry Equipment
If you have questions about washer extractors and tunnel washers, call T & L Laundry Equipment. With over 40 years of experience in commercial washer equipment, we’re the expert Continental Girbau and Speed Queen dealers in North Carolina. You can count on us to provide your business with accurate and throughout information.
Making a purchase like this is a major investment, so make sure you’re choosing the right equipment for your facility. We have helped people in various industries, including healthcare, hospitality, corrections, food service and more.
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