Hand dryer changes washroom hygiene

Published:  06 June, 2007

A new hand dryer that has changed washroom hygiene throughout Japan and Asia is now available in Europe, through inventors Mitsubishi Electric.

Rather than trying to evaporate moisture, Jet Towel blasts water from hands with two high speed wafer thin airflows that atomises the water and collects, drying the hands in only 10 seconds. This compares to the 20-30 seconds of a conventional dryer, and is more energy efficient and hygienic too.

Mitsubishi's first Jet Towel was launched in 1993 and the version now being made available in Europe is the seventh generation development.

Its environmental credentials are high because Jet Towel avoids the use of paper towels and its power consumption is a fraction of alternative dryers.

In use, just washed hands are placed into a slot on the Jet Towel"s upper side and sensors automatically start the 180mph airflow. This is heated to a pleasant 35°C using a low power storage heating system for instant warmth. Moisture is blown downwards on both sides of the hands to the drain, and when the dried hands are retracted airflow stops. This completely non-contact operation saves energy as the airflow does not continue after the user has departed and avoids any bacterial transfer.

The dryer is made from anti-microbial materials, providing enhanced hygiene throughout Jet Towel’s working life. Test data shows that rapid multiplication of airborne bacteria is not encouraged by Jet Towel, unlike some conventional hot air dryers.

At the heart of Jet Towel are advanced brushless motor and fan technologies, designed for seven years of service at 1000 uses per day. Power consumption of the motor is a tiny 650W, a fraction of that of a traditional dryer and barely half that of similar systems. It is also a quiet running machine.

For further information please visit: http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/handdryer