ISO 9398-2:2003

Overview

ISO 9398-2:2003 specifies definitions and standard test methods for batch drying tumblers used in industrial laundry. It defines how to measure machine capacity, energy consumption and productivity for tumblers with a net usable cage volume greater than 160 dm³ (litres). The standard is intended as a reference for procurement and performance comparison and does not cover safety requirements (see ISO 10472-4).

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability
  • Applies to batch drying tumblers (net cage volume > 160 dm³).
  • Reference for drafting purchasing specifications.
• Reference standards
  • Uses terminology and definitions from ISO 9398-1 and refers to safety standards in ISO 10472 series.
• Test loads and conditioning
  • Test load = nominal capacity of the machine (given on rating plate).
  • Test textile: decatized cotton towels, mass per unit area (420 ± 25) g/m², dimensions (90 ± 10) cm × (60 ± 10) cm.
  • Conditioning moisture before drying: residual moisture (55 ± 1) % after rinsing/extraction.
• General test conditions
  • Ambient: (24 ± 6) °C, relative humidity (50 ± 10) %.
  • Rinse water temperature before extraction: (17 ± 3) °C (or (25 ± 5) °C for tropical countries).
  • Energy supply as specified by manufacturer: steam, gas, electricity or heat-transfer fluid.
• Residual moisture and drying time determination
  • Perform specified cycles and measure residual moisture after 0.85t and 1.15t (t = drying duration determined graphically for 8% residual moisture).
• Energy consumption
  • Report energy required (kJ or kWh) to dry 1 kg of test load from ~55% to 8% residual moisture.
  • Separate mechanical energy (motor(s) for drum and fan) and thermal energy; present total energy as their sum.
• Hourly productivity
  • Defined as kilograms of the specified towels dried per hour (excluding loading/unloading time).
  • Also expressed as mass of water evaporated per hour.
• Machine information required
  • Identification and specs: cage diameter/length, net usable volume, speed, reversing, airflow at outlet, nominal steam pressure, machine mass, heating type and consumptions, and maximum electric power.

Applications and users

• Useful for: procurement managers, facility engineers, OEMs, test labs, and standards/quality teams in commercial and industrial laundry operations.
• Practical uses: supplier selection, performance benchmarking, energy-efficiency assessments, lifecycle cost comparison and contract specifications for industrial dryers and laundry plants.

Related standards

• ISO 9398 series (Part 1: flatwork ironing, Part 3: washing tunnels, Part 4: washer-extractors).
• ISO 10472 series for safety requirements (see Part 4 for air dryers).