Abstract: The present invention discloses a tunnel washer apparatus. The apparatus provides a plurality of modules that include an intake module, a discharge module, and one or more modules in between the intake module and the discharge module. Multiple modules have a cylinder. Each cylinder has first and second cylinder ends. A scoop enables transfer of fabric articles to be washed from one cylinder to another cylinder. A first plate is connected to the scoop, wherein the first plate has a concave edge portion and a convex edge portion. The first plate preferably is welded to the first cylinder end with a first weld that extends along the convex edge portion. A second plate is connected to the scoop. The second plate has first and second convex edge portions. The second plate preferably is welded to the second cylinder end with a second weld that extends along one of the second plate convex edge portions. There is a first stress relieving gap in between the first cylinder end and the first weld.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a continuous batch tunnel washer, comprises providing a continuous batch tunnel washer having an interior, an intake, a discharge, and a plurality of modules that segment the interior. Fabric articles are moved from the intake to the discharge and through the modules in sequence. One or more modules define a wash zone for washing the fabric articles. One or more of the modules are rinse modules that have a perforated scoop. Some of the modules do not have a perforated scoop. After washing fabric articles, the fabric articles can be rinsed by counter flowing liquid in the washer interior at spaced apart modules and along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles from the intake to the discharge. Velocity rinsing can also replace a continuous counter flow. To improve rinsing and washing, one or more modules may be dilution zone modules, which receives a flow stream from the rinsing modules via a booster pump.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. Liquid can be counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. In the wash zone, there is a pre-rinse and/or a rinse. The fabric articles are transferred to a water extraction device that enables removal of excess water. A sour solution can be added to the fabric articles while extracting excess water.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer that includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer and through multiple modules or sectors. Liquid can be counter flowed in the washer interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. A dual use zone includes multiple of the modules or sectors. In a dual use zone, a module or modules can be used to both wash and thereafter rinse the fabric articles. While counterflow rinsing, the flow rate can be maintained at a selected flow rate or flow pressure head. One or more booster pumps can optionally be employed to maintain constant counterflow rinsing flow rate or constant counterflow rinsing pressure head. During rinsing, extracted water or reuse water is first used to rinse followed by a clean water rinse.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer that includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer and through multiple modules or sectors. Liquid can be counter flowed in the washer interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. A dual use zone includes multiple of the modules or sectors. In a dual use zone, a module or modules can be used to both wash and thereafter rinse the fabric articles. While counterflow rinsing, the flow rate can be maintained at a selected flow rate or flow pressure head. One or more booster pumps can optionally be employed to maintain constant counterflow rinsing flow rate or constant counterflow rinsing pressure head.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a commercial or industrial laundry wastewater stream. The method and apparatus treats a commercial laundry waste stream from a commercial washing machine or machines wherein the waste includes total suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, turbidity, and bacteria. The waste stream is transmitted to a first treatment unit that has a membrane filter that filters particles of between about 6 and 40 nanometers. At the first treatment unit, the waste stream is separated into a permeate stream and a retentate component. The retentate component is transmitted to a second treatment unit that filters particles of between about 3 and 10 nanometers. The permeate stream is then transmitted to a permeate holding vessel after treatment in the second treatment unit. The retentate component is placed in a mixing vessel where it is mixed with a polymer to form a solid waste.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer that includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer and through multiple modules or sectors. Liquid can be counter flowed in the washer interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. A dual use zone includes multiple of the modules or sectors. In a dual use zone, a module or modules can be used to both wash and thereafter rinse the fabric articles. While counterflow rinsing, the flow rate can be maintained at a selected flow rate or flow pressure head. One or more booster pumps can optionally be employed to maintain constant counterflow rinsing flow rate or constant counterflow rinsing pressure head. During rinsing, extracted water or reuse water is first used to rinse followed by a clean water rinse.

Abstract: A press for pressing batches of fabric articles to remove excess fluid therefrom utilizes a specially configured frame having upper and lower plates. The frame supports a vessel having an interior that receives a batch of fabric articles therein. A press having a ram and a disk is supported at the lower end portion of the ram. The disk engages an upper surface portion of the batch of articles. The ram and disk move between upper and lower positions, the lower position being a pressing position that engages the disk with the fabric articles. The frame includes a plurality of rods that connect to the upper and lower plates, spacing the plates apart. The rods each have upper and lower end portions, each with a diameter that is larger than the diameter of a central portion of said rod that is positioned in between the upper and lower plates.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer that includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer and through multiple modules or sectors. Liquid can be counter flowed in the washer interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. A dual use zone includes multiple of the modules or sectors. In a dual use zone, a module or modules can be used to both wash and thereafter rinse the fabric articles. While counterflow rinsing, the flow rate can be maintained at a selected flow rate or flow pressure head. One or more booster pumps can optionally be employed to maintain constant counterflow rinsing flow rate or constant counterflow rinsing pressure head. During rinsing, extracted water or reuse water is first used to rinse followed by a clean water rinse.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a continuous batch tunnel washer, comprises providing a continuous batch tunnel washer having an interior, an intake, a discharge, and a plurality of modules that segment the interior. Fabric articles are moved from the intake to the discharge and through the modules in sequence. One or more modules define a wash zone for washing the fabric articles. One or more of the modules are rinse modules that have a perforated scoop. Some of the modules do not have a perforated scoop. After washing fabric articles, the fabric articles can be rinsed by counter flowing liquid in the washer interior at spaced apart modules and along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles from the intake to the discharge. Velocity rinsing can also replace a continuous counter flow. To improve rinsing and washing, one or more modules may be dilution zone modules, which receives a flow stream from the rinsing modules via a booster pump.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer that includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer and through multiple modules or sectors. Liquid can be counter flowed in the washer interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles in order to rinse the fabric articles. While counterflow rinsing, the flow rate can be maintained at a selected flow rate or flow pressure head. One or more booster pumps can optionally be employed to maintain constant counterflow rinsing flow rate or constant counterflow rinsing pressure head. A source of fresh, make-up water can be provided to adjust conductivity. Conductivity is monitored in at least one of the modules. Conductivity of fluid in the discharged fabric articles is monitored. Make up water is added to one or more modules before if the conductivity of water in the discharged fabric articles exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. Liquid can be counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. In the wash zone, there is a pre-rinse and/or a rinse. The fabric articles are transferred to a water extraction device that enables removal of excess water. A sour solution can be added to the fabric articles while extracting excess water.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. Liquid can be counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. In the wash zone, there is a pre-rinse and/or a rinse. The fabric articles are transferred to a water extraction device that enables removal of excess water. A sour solution can be added to the fabric articles while extracting excess water.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer that includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer and through multiple modules or sectors. Liquid can be counter flowed in the washer interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles in order to rinse the fabric articles. While counterflow rinsing, the flow rate can be maintained at a selected flow rate or flow pressure head. One or more booster pumps can optionally be employed to maintain constant counterflow rinsing flow rate or constant counterflow rinsing pressure head. A source of fresh, make-up water can be provided to adjust conductivity. Conductivity is monitored in at least one of the modules. Conductivity of fluid in the discharged fabric articles is monitored. Make up water is added to one or more modules before if the conductivity of water in the discharged fabric articles exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing fluid from laundry articles employs a receiving vessel that holds a batch of articles that are wetted with fluid. Fabric articles are compressed with a press to discharge fluid from the articles. The press includes a diaphragm that can be pressured with fluid. The diaphragm flexibly conforms to an upper surface portion of the batch of fabric articles. After the fabric articles are pressed of fluid, the diaphragm elevates with the press and is rotated. A specially configured linkage rotates the diaphragm and the press as the diaphragm moves from a lower position to an upper position.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer that includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer and through multiple modules or sectors. Liquid can be counter flowed in the washer interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. A dual use zone includes multiple of the modules or sectors. In a dual use zone, a module or modules can be used to both wash and thereafter rinse the fabric articles. While counterflow rinsing, the flow rate can be maintained at a selected flow rate or flow pressure head. One or more booster pumps can optionally be employed to maintain constant counterflow rinsing flow rate or constant counterflow rinsing pressure head. During rinsing, extracted water or reuse water is first used to rinse followed by a clean water rinse.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer that includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer and through multiple modules or sectors. Liquid can be counter flowed in the washer interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles in order to rinse the fabric articles. While counterflow rinsing, the flow rate can be maintained at a selected flow rate or flow pressure head. One or more booster pumps can optionally be employed to maintain constant counterflow rinsing flow rate or constant counterflow rinsing pressure head. A source of fresh, make-up water can be provided to adjust conductivity. Conductivity is monitored in at least one of the modules. Conductivity of fluid in the discharged fabric articles is monitored. Make up water is added to one or more modules before if the conductivity of water in the discharged fabric articles exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. Liquid can be counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. In the wash zone, there is a pre-rinse and/or a rinse. The fabric articles are transferred to a water extraction device that enables removal of excess water. A sour solution can be added to the fabric articles while extracting excess water.

Abstract: A method of washing particulate laden material in a washer includes moving the particulate laden material from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer and through multiple modules or sectors. Liquid can be counter flowed in the washer interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the particulate laden material. A specially configured recirculation/filtration arrangement removes a majority of particulate and organic matter from the washing fluid.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer that includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer and through multiple modules or sectors. Liquid can be counter flowed in the washer interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles in order to rinse the fabric articles. While counterflow rinsing, the flow rate can be maintained at a selected flow rate or flow pressure head. One or more booster pumps can optionally be employed to maintain constant counterflow rinsing flow rate or constant counterflow rinsing pressure head. A source of fresh, make-up water can be provided to adjust conductivity. Conductivity is monitored in at least one of the modules. Conductivity of fluid in the discharged fabric articles is monitored. Make up water is added to one or more modules before if the conductivity of water in the discharged fabric articles exceeds a threshold value.