Sanyo Electric Sells Washer/Dryer with Ozone-Disinfection Function

On March 11, 2006, Sanyo Electric Co., a major Japanese consumer electronics manufacturer, conducted the market launch of the world's first drum-type washer/dryer that comes with features that eliminate bacteria and odors from clothing, using ozone produced from the air. Besides this "Air-Wash" function, the "Aqua" machine also has an "Aqua Loop" function, capable of purifying the rinse-cycle water with ozone, making this appliance the most water-efficient in the industry, at about 50 liters per load.

The Air-Wash function incorporated into this new unit for home use has until now been used only for industrial purposes. Oxygen in the air is converted into ozone in an ozone generator, and then injected towards clothes in the drum for about 30 minutes, which has a disinfecting and deodorizing effect. Ozone has a strong oxidation effect that decomposes bacteria, odors and dirt, and it subsequently reverts back into oxygen. The unit is also effective at deodorizing and disinfecting without using water and can be used for items that are not water-washable. It is also effective in minimizing pollen and pet odors.

The Aqua Loop function stores the final rinse water in a storage tank and injects it with micro-bubble ozone, which disinfects and purifies the water. The water can be reused for the next wash cycle, or for dehumidification when the drum is used as a dryer. The drying efficiency is significantly improved because the machine can circulate and use a large volume of purified water in the tank.


Posted: 2006/05/14 09:45:19 PM
Japanese version