Process for smoothing and drying washed shaped articles of mixed fabric

摘要

A process and apparatus are provided for smoothing and drying shaped articles having different fibrous components. In accordance with the disclosed process, the articles, after washing, are hung in the moist state and are heated for a relatively long period while the humidity is carefully regulated to a desired constant level. Subsequently, the articles are mechanically smoothed over a short period of duration by continuously blowing hot air against them uniformly and evenly over the surfaces thereof. The apparatus comprises a steaming chamber and a drying chamber, which are serially arranged and connected by a conveyor or the like to provide transport for the hanging articles. Orifices for introducing steam and nozzles for introducing hot air are provided in the walls of the steaming chamber, and nozzles are provided in the walls of the drying chamber for blowing hot air on the articles. A heat exchanger and a closed hot air circulation system are provided causing hot air passage in counter-current fashion through the individual sections of the drying chamber, then through the steaming chamber and finally through the heat exchanger wherein condensate is removed.