Content about Washer

Pellerin Milnor Corp. will present a Service Seminar for Washer-Extractors on April 2-5 in New Orleans, La.

The seminar is condensed into four days, with courses covering a broad range of Milnor washer-extractors. The courses are designed to train personnel in the rapid and accurate diagnosis and repair of field problems. Also, attendees gain an overall understanding of how the equipment operates.

The seminar addresses Milnor washer-extractors ranging in capacity from 20 pounds to 750 pounds, including divided-cylinder and open-pocket designs with microprocessor controls.

Enrollment is limited and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Ensure seminar space availability before booking hotel and plane reservations.

For more information, contact:

Nelida Harris, Training

Phone 504-712-7716

Fax 504-712-3716

E-mail service@milnor.com

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — As word continues to spread about the various benefits of using less energy and water in daily tasks, much of the hospitality industry is now working to make its on-premise laundry (OPL) facilities more energy- and water-efficient. As a result, many hotel owners are finding that the conservation of natural resources is not only good for the environment, but also for business. It can lead to lower utility bills and increased productivity, as well as an improved image in the eyes of hotel guests.

Though it may be tempting to jump right in and start buying new equipment, it’s important for hotel owners to first take a close look at the many options available to them, leading to a more informed decision.

There are a variety of things to do and consider as they begin their research on improvements, which can ultimately lead to higher energy and water efficiency, as well as a higher return on investment (ROI).

FIRST, FIND A DISTRIBUTOR

Whether looking to buy laundry equipment for a new hotel or upgrading an existing operation, hotel owners would be wise to first begin a relationship with an established distributor for product guidance and future maintenance. Look for laundry distributors who have a long history in the business and a well-known reputation for good customer service, both before and after the sale.

It also is a good idea to choose a distributor that offers solid warranty and service agreements, factory-trained service technicians and a full parts inventory, so replacement parts can be obtained with minimal downtime. It is crucial that the distributor send a service technician out promptly with the replacement parts needed for repairs so the laundry facility can keep up with guests’ needs.

ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY

Though the costs of operating an OPL are considerably lower than sending laundry to an outside business, selecting the right equipment for the job can reduce costs even further. Hotel owners can significantly cut utility costs by investing in the latest energy-efficient commercial laundry equipment, including multi-load high-speed washer extractors.

High-Speed Multi-Load Washer-Extractors — The best way to improve overall OPL efficiency is by incorporating multi-load, high-speed washer-extractors. Extracting water in the washer instead of the dryer through higher spin speeds means linens will dry more quickly and gently, and less energy will be consumed.

For the highest level of performance, hotel owners should look for soft-mount washer-extractors with a G-force (G), or spin speed, of at least 300, though certain soft-mount washer-extractors can feature high-speed extraction of up to 350 G.

Higher G-force simply means more water is removed. For example, a 55-pound washer operating at 100 G will leave about 50 pounds of water to be extracted in the dryer, which will take 45 minutes to dry. A 350-G washer, however, will only leave 33 pounds of water, which will reduce drying time to 31 minutes and save linens from additional wear.

When compared to laundries operating with 100-G washers, those operating with 350-G washers can save substantial labor dollars. A laundry operating with 350-G washers can process 10 loads in approximately 2½ hours less time than the laundry operating the 100-G washers. At $10 an hour, increasing washer speed to 350 Gs has the potential to save more than $8,000 a year in labor. Plus, shorter drying time at 170 F will cause less linen wear and tear.

High-speed washer-extractors are an ideal option for OPL operators, as they drastically reduce labor and other operational costs. Of course, to complete the efficiency upgrade package, OPL facilities also need an energy-efficient multi-load dryer.

Multi-Load Dryers — Like multi-load washer-extractors, today’s multi-load dryers can hold larger loads of laundry, reducing the number of loads that need to be dried. These highly efficient dryers come in varying sizes, with the largest ones being able to accommodate loads of more than 150 pounds.

For the highest energy efficiency, hotel owners should look for large dryers with high-performance airflow distribution systems that dry clothes faster using less energy, and sufficient insulation and sealing to prevent the leakage of heated air. This allows the machine to dry clothes faster using less energy.

Washer-Extractors for Smaller Facilities — In addition to the individual size and performance of machines, the size of the OPL facility is an important factor to consider. Though multi-load equipment is ideal for larger facilities, it might not be as good of a fit for some smaller OPLs. Fortunately, there are also equipment options for laundry facilities in smaller hotels.

Owners of smaller OPLs stand to reap the most substantial benefits from an equipment upgrade, usually from a traditional top-loading washer to a front-loading high-speed washer-extractor. When comparing on-premise high-speed washer-extractors with traditional top-loaders, the front-loaders are generally recognized as the more energy-efficient option, and they also use water more efficiently.

For example, a top-loading machine needs enough water to cover all of the fabrics in its drum, while a front-loading machine only requires one-third of that amount of water. The drum in front-loading washer-extractors is horizontally set, so as it turns, it uses gravity to drop the fabrics back into the water. This allows front-loading washer-extractors to use several gallons of water a year less than traditional top-loading machines.

Another front-load washer-extractor advantage is that these machines have no agitator in the middle of the drum, allowing them to hold larger loads, which also saves time and energy. Additionally, agitators inflict gradual wear and tear on fabrics over time, so fabrics washed in a front-load machine should last longer.

ELEMENTS OF PROPER OPL DESIGN

For hotel OPL facilities to operate efficiently, it is also important for owners to properly design the facility, ensuring that all OPL components are positioned in the most beneficial way for hotel staff members.

First, OPL facilities must have a wide swinging door that will easily accommodate in-and-out foot traffic. Then, there’s the placement of the different areas used for separating soiled laundry prior to washing and folding clean laundry after it’s processed. Placing folding stations near washers and dryers helps staff members to be more efficient, as they only have a minimal distance to carry laundry, and also helps keep clean laundry from potentially being dragged on the floor.

Washers and dryers should be in close proximity, while allowing for staff members to easily maneuver laundry carts within the space. Store clean linens near the entrance/exit door for easy access to both housekeeping and other hotel staff members.

Most distributors will have someone on staff who specializes in laundry facility design, or will be able to recommend an outside interior designer or architect who can assist the hotel owner with producing a more efficient laundry room layout.

IN SUMMARY

Under the guidance of a reputable, well-established commercial laundry distributor, hotel owners can make huge improvements to the energy- and water- efficiency of their OPL and significantly reduce operational costs.

High-speed washer-extractors and multi-load dryers are a wise investment for all OPL facility owners, as they help achieve all of these goals and allow staff to spend less time handling laundry and more time on other important duties.

In addition, due to the ROI of the equipment, hotel owners can expect to recoup the price difference between this equipment and traditional less-efficient OPL equipment in utility savings over just a few years.

High-speed multi-load washer-extractors and multi-load dryers also help decrease a hotel’s impact on the environment. So, by making informed energy- and water-efficient decisions for their OPL facilities, hotel owners are not only making a smart move for their bottom line, but are also doing their part to preserve the environment of future generations.

EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING: KIM SHADY, LAUNDRYLUX CORP, NEW YORK, N.Y.

Loading capacity of washers and dryers is quite ambiguous. I was recently in a laboratory with multiple brands of washer-extractors. One of my objectives was to determine load size vs. rated capacity and the effects of under-loading.

The first laboratory result proved that based upon weight, you cannot load a washer beyond the rated capacity of the machine. In fact, it is difficult to place 50 pounds of dry terry cotton towels in a 60-pound washer. In nearly every machine tested, based upon weight, a machine will accept only 85% of the rated capacity. On some washers, because of the shape of the drum, only 75% is achievable. If you test poly/cotton sheets, the weight of the load is even less, as the polyester material has less weight for the amount of volume or space it takes in the wash wheel.

The lesson learned: Don’t expect the actual weight of a load to be equal to the rated capacity of the front-load washer-extractors.

The second laboratory test was to determine what happens when a small load (50% of capacity) is run in a washer. The results demonstrated the water used per actual pound of linen increased. Hence, it is more costly per pound to process. Also, the chemical dispenser did not know the load was smaller, again causing the cost per actual pound processed to increase.

Third result in the test was the washer’s ability to balance the load and advance the cycle to extraction. In some washers, there were multiple attempts to balance the load prior to extraction. This wasted time and water. In some cases, the washers never reached an acceptable balance level and the extraction speed was reduced, hence more residual moisture and longer drying times. As you can see, under-loading is expensive. And more loads per day must be processed, adding even more water, energy and labor costs.

We also tested load sizes in dryers. The objective was to determine drying time and energy cost for terry towels in a fully loaded, 60-pound-rated capacity washer in two different-sized dryers (capacities of 67 pounds and 83 pounds). The test results proved the larger dryer was faster and used less energy to dry the identical load.

At the end of the day, washers can’t be overloaded, while under-loading will significantly raise the cost per pound processed. Dryers can be overloaded, having the same effect on higher costs as under-loading washers.

At the end of the day, supervision and processes are critical. Unless, of course, the washers are smart enough to override human error!

HEALTHCARE LAUNDRY: SCOTT BEATON, KAISER PERMANENTE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

One of the most important variables affecting wash quality results is mechanical action. Much of the mechanical action controlled by the laundry is affected by loading practices within a given size and type of washer.

Washer loading is expressed as pounds of fabric per cubic foot of cylinder volume. Loading varies with fabric type and with machine type. Overloading and under-loading can affect soil removal and fabric strength and create excessive wrinkling. It can also influence the costs for labor, chemicals, water and energy.

In order to provide consistent standards, load factors are normally based on the weight of clean, dry fabric processed.

Overloading is not conducive to good laundry performance. Supplies cannot be distributed properly throughout the load, and the tightly packed condition of the textiles impedes dilution, lowers soil removal, and results in poor mechanical action.

Additional water levels per operation and longer rinses may be required to remove loose soil and chemical supplies remaining in the load. If these additional steps are not employed, loads may require rewashing.

Overloading of continuous batch tunnel washers may result in jamming up the machine and halting production. Under-loading also can result in poor performance due to less mechanical action and can lead to excessive costs.

Some fabrics must be under-loaded because of their bulk as compared to their weight. Garments containing polyester blends typically are loaded at 3.5 to 4.5 pounds per cubic foot to minimize wrinkling and provide for easier finishing.

All in all, load weights should be determined for each individual plant per machine by weighing soiled loads and comparing the soiled weight to the clean weight for the same load after processing. If proper soil sorting is being practiced, the ratio (soil weight/clean weight) should be consistent by classification/machine and need only be recalculated periodically.

CHEMICALS SUPPLY: MARLENE WILLIAMS, ANDERSON CHEMICAL CO., LITCHFIELD, MINN.

Machine load sizes are designed to optimize machine performance, chemical use, fabric wear, and performance outcomes. There are prices to be paid for load sizes that vary widely from recommended protocols.

Under-loading of machines is largely a matter of wasted resources rather than performance outcomes. Running less-than-capacity loads results in additional loads needing to be run to accommodate total laundry weights. Waste in water (and expensive heated water), chemicals, and labor raise the cost per pound significantly when loads are not full.

Performance is typically not a problem when under-loading unless chemical use results in high foam generation during light loads. Extra foam can result in poor mechanical action with subsequent poor results. In front loaders, high foam levels can result in foam being forced into machine areas that are not typically rinsed. This foam residue, if not cleaned during special cleaning cycles, can provide food for bacteria and accompanying malodors.

Under-loading dryers can result in poor drying or no drying if dryer sensors do not recognize moisture amounts from small loads.

Overloading, on the other hand, is a self-defeating process. A myriad of problems results from overloading, including higher number of rejects, more rewash, lesser quality (lesser soil removal), and setting of stains.

Negative selection, i.e. removal of some stains while leaving other stains to be set in the dryer, is a function of overloading. Lack of mechanical action results in soils not being put into solution and carried away from fabric, excessive fabric wear in some areas of the machine as fabric does not move, and problems with inadequate dilution of chemical resulting in over/under-dosing of chemistry depending on overload dynamics.

Add more labor, chemical, water and time to rewash problem fabric and it becomes clear that running standard load sizes optimizes the laundry process.

Click here for Part 1!

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — When striving toward a properly equipped hotel laundry facility, owners and operators have a number of factors to consider, including the right equipment mix, new technologies, types of machines and unique industry challenges.

The proper selection of commercial laundry equipment can have a significant impact on several key operational factors—namely time, money and utilities.

Hard-Mount vs. Soft-Mount Washer-Extractors

There are generally two types of washer-extractors: hard- or rigid-mount and soft-mount. Hard-mount machines cost less, but the installation can be expensive. Soft-mount machines may cost more initially, but are easier to install.

Soft-mount washer-extractors generally don’t need concrete supports, and the suspension system eliminates the need for machine bolt-down. Therefore, upgrading to high-speed washer-extractors can be accomplished without having to replace the existing floor, saving a day or two during the installation process.

Additionally, soft-mount washers can extract much more water than hard-mount washers. Certain soft-mount washer-extractors feature high-speed extraction of up to 350 G’s (G-force) to help cut energy usage and drying time.

An Additional Challenge

Unlike a long-term-care facility or athletic club, the linens and towels make up much of the hotel guest’s experience. If a hotel has scratchy, dirty or uncomfortable bed linens or towels, odds are the guest won’t be a repeat customer. For hotels, every time a guest checks in, the linens need to be in top shape to help ensure repeat customers.

Manufacturers realize this and are doing their part to develop chemical injection systems that take the guesswork out of laundry. By working closely with a local chemical supplier, hotel owners and operators can determine the appropriate type and amount of detergent needed to clean the laundry and meet resident or guest expectations. Incorporating a chemical injection system into the machine will help dispense the precise amount of detergent needed, which ensures the correct amount of chemicals are added to the water and helps guarantee clean laundry.

Check-Out Time

Maximizing the effectiveness of hotel laundry operations requires a good distributor partner, the proper mix and types of equipment and a solid understanding of industry challenges. An efficient laundry room can save a hotel money, time and utilities, positively affecting its bottom line.

Click here for Part 1.

Is my washer-extractor’s loading capacity set in stone? I mean, can I fudge a little and load heavier to get more work through when we’re under the gun? What’ll happen to my wash quality if I overload (or underload) a machine? Is overloading worse than underloading, or vice versa?

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. – It was a little like speed dating, only with laundry equipment.

Attendees at this spring’s Textile Rental Services Association’s (TRSA) Tech/Plant Summit had the opportunity to listen to five of the industry’s top equipment manufacturers – Ellis Corp., G.A. Braun, Jensen USA, Kannegiesser USA and Pellerin Milnor Corp. – compare and contrast their washer-extractors and tunnel washers.

“I’m looking at implementing some sort of system to track the hourly production of my washroom and finishing department. What can you suggest? Does your operation use such a system? What kind of reaction can I expect from my production employees when I put one in?”

Equipment Distribution