Overview
ISO 9398-4:2003 specifies definitions and standardized test methods for washer-extractors used in industrial laundry applications. It defines how to measure machine capacity, energy and water consumption, residual moisture after extraction, and hourly productivity. The standard is intended as a reference for purchasing and specification of washer-extractors with a net usable cage volume > 60 dm³ (litres). It does not address safety requirements (see ISO 10472-2).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Nominal capacity: maximum load (kg) of decatized cotton articles under specified test conditions; value appears on the machine rating plate.
- Cage (basket) volume: net usable volume in litres (inside volume minus inward projections except baffles).
- Load ratio: nominal capacity (kg) divided by cage volume (dm³); optimum ~ 1:10.
- Standard test conditions: defined load composition (decatized white cotton sheets ~140±20 g/m², specified dimensions), two identical loads used for tests, ambient and water temperatures (feed water 17±3 °C; tropical allowance 25±5 °C), ambient air 24±6 °C and 50±10 % RH.
- Test cycles: three representative cycles (A, B, C) with prescribed wash, rinse, bleaching and spin stages; water levels defined as low = 2.5 L/kg and high = 5 L/kg.
- Residual moisture: determined by performing three rinse–spin operations (5 min rinse + 10 min spin) and reporting the mean residual moisture content.
- Energy measurement: energy per cycle reported in kJ or kWh per kg; mechanical drive energy and thermal (heating) energy reported separately. Electrical/gas heating use energy meters; steam heating requires measurement of water to be heated and temperatures before/after steam injection.
- Water consumption: litres per cycle and litres per kg, averaged over three cycles.
- Hourly productivity: kg of laundry processed per hour (excluding loading/unloading) using the specified test cycle; report residual moisture obtained.
- Machine information: manufacturers must provide identification and key specifications (nominal capacity, cage volume, dimensions, max cage speed/g factor, heating type and energy requirements, pipe diameters, etc.).
Applications and users
ISO 9398-4:2003 is useful for:
- Procurement teams drafting specifications and purchase orders for industrial washer-extractors.
- Manufacturers and test labs validating declared performance (capacity, consumption, productivity).
- Facility managers (hotels, hospitals, laundries) comparing machines on energy efficiency, water use, and throughput.
- Designers and OEMs of industrial laundry equipment for consistent performance claims.
Related standards
- ISO 9398 parts 1–3 (other industrial laundry machines)
- ISO 7772 series (effect on textiles)
- ISO 10472 series (safety requirements for industrial laundry machinery)
- IEC 60335-2-7 (washing machine test detergent references)
Keywords: ISO 9398-4:2003, washer-extractors, industrial laundry machines, energy consumption, water consumption, hourly productivity, nominal capacity, cage volume, residual moisture, test methods.
Open preview (PDF)Specifications for industrial laundry machines — Definitions and testing of capacity and consumption characteristics — Part 4: Washer-extractors