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MAINTENANCE

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Let's be very clear - I'm not a dryer maintenance expert.  This portion of the site has very general information regarding dryer safety, general maintenance scheduling and a few areas of specific concern. 
                                                                                                                       
This information should in no way be used to replace or override the requirements and recommendations from your equipment supplier.  In fact, it should not be used as a tool to perform any operations on your equipment.  This information is to be used as a reminder of services and inspections that may be needed.  Please refer to the operation and service manuals provided by your equipment supplier before attempting any inspections or service work.

 

SAFTEY IS VITAL TO ALL DRYER OPERATIONS AND FOR SERVICING! 

Obviously, we all want our workers to be safe and to treat our equipment properly.  Here are a few bullet points that may be of interest.
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-  Lock-out / Tag-out Procedures Should be Strictly Enfored, Period "."!!!
-  Never modify or Disconnnect Safety Devices.  When Replacing, be Sure that
    ALL Utilities are Disconnected or Locked Out.
-  Working on the Under Side of a Tilting Machine May Require the use of
    Manufacturer-Provided Supports - Use Them!!!!
-  Never Enter into Basket, Burner or Blower Areas of the Dryer Without First
    Disconnection or Locking Out All Utilities.
-  To Prevent Damage Never Over Lubricate and Always Use the Lubricantes
    Recommended by the Manufacturer.
-  Clean - Clean - Clean!!!  Lint and Debris are the Enemy and WILL Damage
    Your Equipment and Even Cause Fires.
-  Use a Vaccum - Don't Just Blow Lint and Debris from One Place to Another.
-  Inspect Fire Safety Functions - Often.  If a Problem is Detected, Shutdown
    the Dryer Until it is Resolved.
-  If Checking for Gas Leaks, Always use Soapy Water and Inspect for Bubbles. 
    Never Use a Flame.
-  NEVER Rely on Hearsay or "What You Think You Remember".  Always Double
    Check the Equipment Manual Before Servicing.

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Lint is the resident evil of laundry facilities.  It should be removed at all costs.  Use a vacuum, don't blow it from one place to another.  Lint causes fires and component failures.  Check for leaks in ductwork, lint collectors and on the dryer.  Clean around and inside the dryer in accordance with your maintenance manual - the more often the better.  (see "Links" page for vacuums & duct cleaning sites)

   

LINK - DRYER FIRES ARE COMMMON

 

LINK - LINT SUCKS!!

   

STANDARD INDUSTRIAL DRYER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Daily Maintenance

 

Clean vents/screens- ie. Comb. Blower Filter

   

Clean exhaust blower area

   

Clean-off temperature and/or humidity probes

   

Vacuum debri from under and around dryer

   

Check air line regulator and lubricator for proper factory set-up

Weekly Maintenance

 

Check safety devices for proper operation

   

Inspect lint system for proper operation

   

Inspect dryer basket perforations and clear any blockage

   

Inspect basket drive system for belt or roller wear

   

Vacuum debris from interior areas of dryer

   

Check door and tilt speeds

Monthly to Bi-Monthly Maintenance

 

Check basket drive belt tention

   

Inspect all major seals and/or wipers - adjust or replace as needed

   

Lubricate at recommended locations using recommended lubricants

   

Inspect and tighten all support bearing mounting bolts

   

Check dyer door/s to ensure proper operation and alignment

   

Grease dryer tilt hinges

   

For Steam Heat-inspect for steam leakes and for steam value & cooldown damper function

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OTHER AREAS OF CONCERN MAY BE AS FOLLOWS:

GAS SYSTEM

-Set-up for proper pressures required by the manufacturer

-Use a liquid or digital manameter to inspect and adjust pressures

PNEUMATIC VALVES

- Inspect for proper voltage to coil

- Be sure the manual override is locked

- Inspect for correct pressure at valve

PNEUMATIC CYLINDERS

- Look for continued leakage from valve exhaust

- Look for tube scores that may be caused by debris

- Inspect for soft seals from incompatible fluids

- Chattering may be caused by excess friction at gland or by piston load misalignment, or if cylinder is sized improperly for the load

NOTE:  Synthetic oils are not appropriate for Buna materials

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FIRE!!!     Do you know what to do?  Some dryers are equipt with a water spray system that turns on when an over temperature condition is found.  These are great systems and normally address the problem.

However, other factors should be understood.  What do you do if the power goes out... will the spray feature continue to operatate?  Should you kill the power to the dryer in order to turn off the burner?  Do you need to open a manual valve to keep the water spray going in case of power failure? 

Since each dryer design may be different, you and your operators must know how to react in each situation and for each dryer in your facility.

HEAT BALANCE

- If required by the manufacturer, check every 6-months

- Perform temperature tests at predetermined locations on the dryer

- Adjust heat baffles or burner positioning, as recommended

EXHAUST BACK PRESSURE

- Use a manameter to determine exhaust pressure

- If high, look for problems with ducting or in the lint system