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Clothes dryer - Definition and Overview |
| Related Words: Apparel, Array, Attire, Bedding, Blanket, Case, Clothing, Costume, Cover, Drapery, Dress, Dressing |
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An electric clothes dryer A clothes dryer or tumble dryer (also spelt with an i: drier) is a major household appliance that is used to remove the residual moisture (http://wiktionary.org/wiki/moisture) from clothing or fabrics, generally shortly after being cleaned in a washing or washing/drying machine.
Most dryers consist of a rotating drum through which high-temperature air is circulated. The hot air removes the moisture from the fabric through evaporation. The drum is rotated relatively slowly in order to create a tumbling effect. In most cases, the drum is belt-driven by an induction motor.
There are generally two classes of dryer: electric and gas. Both of these refer to the method used to elevate the temperature of the air flowing through the drum.
Electric Dryers
The electric dryer generally uses a coiled wire that is heated by using electric current. The amount of electric current is varied to adjust the air temperature.
Gas Dryers
The gas dryer employs a gas burner that burns natural gas, propane or butane to form a jet of hot gases that are directed into a venturi chamber that uses the bernoulli effect to pull in ambient air so as to raise its temperature. The air temperature can be adjusted by adjusting the size of the gas flame.
Condenser Dryers
Condenser Dryers are ventless and can be either electric or gas. There are two types: Water cooled and air cooled. Condenser dryers generally have smaller capacity and longer dryer times than vented dryers. Models exist which combine a washing machine and a dryer.
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