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You small dryer users don't have much issue, here. However, as the dryer capacity begins to grow,
load handling issues quickly rise. Please keep in
mind that load handling issues increase by 50% when comparing washer loading to dryer loading. For example, a 125-lb.
capacity washer load becomes nearly 185-lbs. with the addition of absorbed rinse water. Larger linen, healthcare and industrial laundries operating 450-lb. or 550-lb. washers are dealing with
700-lb. to 850-lb. dryer loads. Load handling is done by use of large laundry bags that are lifted by a chain hoist
at the dryer or as part of a sling rail system. The bags are opened into the tilted dryer for loading. |
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More advanced handling systems make use of an operator-driven or automated shuttle conveyor. The washer/extractor
tilts forward to unload directly onto the shuttle conveyor, which then moves (or is moved) to a dryer for loading. Manual shuttles are fairly inexpensive and easy to operate, but manpower
is required to ride with or walk with the shuttle, to operate the washer controls for unloading and to operate the dryer controls
for dryer loading. Fully automated shuttles are
used in both open-pocket and tunnel wash isles. With proper set-up, these shuttles help to replace manpower and to limit processing
errors.
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More advanced handling systems make use of
an operator-driven or automated shuttle conveyor. The washer/extractor tilts forward to unload directly onto the shuttle
conveyor, which then moves (or is moved) to a dryer for loading. Manual shuttles are fairly inexpensive and easy to operate, but manpower is required to ride with or walk with the
shuttle, to operate the washer controls for unloading and to operate the dryer controls for dryer loading. Fully automated shuttles are used in both open-pocket and tunnel wash
isles. With proper set-up, these shuttles help to replace manpower and to limit processing errors.
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Great care should be taken before deciding on full automation. Ask yourself... Can your staff handle the programming and maintenance requirements to operate such a system? What happens
when the automation fails? Can you afford to "put all of your eggs into one basket"? In the case of a tunnel system, can you afford to move away from the very
flexible open-pocket operation to a tunnel washer that requires large volumes of similar products in order to perform effectively? Are you prepared to purchase, install and strickly maintain the safety
features needed to protect your employees from the harmful situations that are only found in an automated environment?
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Provide the best ergonomic solutions for your
employees who deal with heavy wet dryer loads. If you're using larger open-pocket washer/extractors, consider a
manual shuttle system. Manual shuttles do not demand the technical skills needed to operate and maintain automation.
They are simple to use and offer a safer work environment for your employees when compared to fully automatic systems. |
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