Integral water and heat reclaim system for a washing machine

Abstract

An industrial laundry washer/extractor unit is provided with an integral water and heat reclaim system which includes a pair of water reclaim tanks supported in an elevated position on the unit's body section above the washing drum. A single pipe water transfer system is connected between the elevated tanks and the drum and has a pump operatively installed therein at or somewhat below the water operating level of the drum. The transfer system is controlled by a microprocessor to transfer used rinse water at different temperatures from the drum to the tanks and then re-transfer tank water to the drum for re-use as wash water in subsequent wash cycles of the unit. The temperatures of the reclaimed rinse water in the tanks closely match the wash temperatures in subsequent wash cycles so that a significant water heating cost savings is achieved together with reduced water and cleaning agent usage. Because the reclaim system is an integral part of the unit, and the tanks are supported in an elevated position, no additional floor space is required beyond that needed for the unit without the reclaim system.