US Patent 7621285 Tunnel washer system with improved cleaning efficiency

A tunnel washer that includes fluid exhaust paths that are optimized to minimize fluid transfer between chambers of the washer and minimize heat loss from each chamber of the washer. The fluid exhaust paths also facilitate uniform vapor evacuation from each chamber of the washer. The tunnel washer also includes spaced-apart double wall curtains for isolating chambers of the tunnel washer to prevent fluid and heat transfer therebetween, and to the exterior of the tunnel washer. The double wall curtains include surfaces that inhibit the curtains from sticking together during operation of the tunnel washer. The tunnel washer also includes an air manifold that provides uniform drying efficiency for articles of varying dimensions.