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)
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LINK - DRYER FIRES ARE COMMMON
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL DRYER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
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Daily Maintenance
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Clean vents/screens- ie. Comb. Blower Filter
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Clean exhaust blower area
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Clean-off temperature and/or humidity probes
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Vacuum debri from under and around dryer
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Check air line regulator and lubricator for proper factory set-up
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Weekly Maintenance
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Check safety devices for proper operation
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Inspect
lint system for proper operation
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Inspect dryer basket perforations and clear any blockage
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Inspect basket drive system for belt or roller wear
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Vacuum debris from interior areas of dryer
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Check door and tilt speeds
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Monthly to Bi-Monthly Maintenance
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Check basket drive belt tention
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Inspect all major seals and/or wipers - adjust or replace as
needed
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Lubricate at recommended locations using recommended lubricants
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Inspect and tighten all support bearing mounting bolts
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Check dyer door/s to ensure proper operation and alignment
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Grease dryer tilt hinges
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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.
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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
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