Fluid Exchange
Continuous open-width washing ranges rely on high-velocity water movement to dislodge and carry away unfixed chemicals from fabric surfaces. Optimization of wash box hydrodynamics maximizes the transfer of dissolved dye or salt from the moving web into the surrounding wash water. This action occurs as the fabric travels through a series of spray nozzles and guide rollers.
Turbulence Control
Generating turbulence in the boundary layer of the liquid close to the fabric surface increases the rate of chemical removal. Roller designs that feature ribbed or non-circular shapes are used to agitate the water bath and create localized shearing forces. This mechanical agitation reduces the water consumption needed to achieve a clean fabric.
Liquid Carryover
As the fabric moves at high speeds, it drags a boundary layer of water with it, which can cause dirty wash water to be carried into the next compartment. Controlling this carryover is done by using squeeze rolls or vacuum extractors between the wash boxes. This prevents the back-contamination of cleaner wash steps.
Continuous Performance
Modern laundry systems monitor the water pressure, temperature and flow rates in each compartment to ensure consistent chemical extraction. This continuous monitoring helps operators adjust the fresh water intake based on the fabric weight and processing speed.