Experts' Corner

A guide to restarting laundry equipment

Before anything else…
Uncover machines that have been protected by plastic. Clean all metal surfaces protected by anti-corrosion and remove all dust. We also recommend closing all air reservoirs. 

Futurail 

The first step is to turn on the Futurail database server PC. This will allow for the database and software system to reboot and connect. 

Next, switch on the 3-phase incoming power to all Futurail control panels. After power is flowing, check and reset all emergency stops that were activated. These emergency stops could be located at MLA’s, belts, and control panels. If required, switch on any additional Futurail operator computer stations (additional PC’s or HMI’s) and any display screens that are located at sorting stations or discharge positions. 

Washroom section

Before turning on power and other utilities, we recommend performing proper maintenance on all equipment in the washroom section. More information can be found in the manual. 

Tunnel Washer

• Check air and steam supply for condensate and drain if necessary
• Fill tanks and double drum sections with water, then steam up 
• Run tunnel with program 0 – empty pockets for ten minutes and verify level switches/sensors, water flow etc. 

 
Water extraction press

• Check press cushion for damage and proper diameter 
• If damaged, replace - for correct diameter see manual 
• Check oil reservoir and hydraulic oil for contamination  
• Operate press in manual function - lift ram – basket - run belt motor 
• Run empty cycles via manual operation 

 
Shuttle/Conveyors (via compound control)

• Turn on power to compound control - make sure all external disconnects are turned on 
• Operate equipment in manual operation 
• Check belts for proper tracking - shuttle stop proximity switches for proper function 
• Check photocells for functionality 

Dryers (part of compound)

• Operate dryers in manual operation 
• Run a short dry cycle with an “empty program” – five minutes min/max dry time: Inlet 150° C (300° F) / outlet 65° C (150 F)
  • Note: P values 4 for inlet - 2 for outlet   

Finishing section

When time has come to switch on the gas, air and electrical supply, you may consider asking a local gas specialist for support, especially to re-adjust the burner. 

Feeders

• Bring all moveable conveyors, feed-stations etc. back to normal position.

Ironers

• Make sure all previous opened condensate connections are closed.
• When electrical and air supply is on, the transport brackets or safety-bolts that secure the rolls can be removed.
• Chests and gap-pieces protected by liquid wax should be heated slowly and the wax cleaned off with rags. After cleaning, the machine needs to be waxed as normal before production. Ironers that only were waxed as protection are to be heated, cleaned as normal with cleaning mats and rags. After this, it should be waxed as normal before production.

Folder and stackers

• Any pneumatic moveable parts lowered are brought back to normal position.

Garment folders

• Any pneumatic moveable parts lowered are brought back to normal position.

Garment finishers

• Make sure all previous opened condensate connections are closed.

Garment section 

Make sure that the system is correctly isolated from electrical power and compressed air before performing maintenance.

• Clean all slick rails and glide areas by wiping away any dust or dirt particles with a dry cloth in accordance with the Maintenance Manual.
• Use a paper towel or similar material to wipe up any oil that may have dropped from the chains.
• All the chains should be inspected. Should you find that they are dry or showing signs of rust, then lubricate them with the recommended oil, Fuchs S.K.D 16N. Special attention should be paid to the Metristore lines which may require slight lubrication.
• Turn on the air pressure.
• Check the system for any air leaks. Leaks can be audibly detected.
• Use a dry cloth to wipe clean all photocells and scanner lenses.
• Turn on the power switches at the PC-pulpit to power up all PC´s.
• Turn on the power switch at the main cabinet. This supplies power to motors, I/O modules, scanners etc.
• The production mode of the MCPC starts automatically. If not, then click “Production” to start the Metricon software, wait until the program is running.
• Start terminals (from MCPC): 
  • Press Network → Start Terminals.
• When all terminals have started, the result can be viewed in the bottom of the screen on the MFS (Connected or Waiting for connection).
• Start all conveyors and chains by following the below three steps on the main cabinet:
  • Clear emergency alarm (Blue light button)
  • Press start button (Green light button)
  • Press reset button (Blue button)

Laundries need to restart operation with care and caution to reduce risk of damages or malfunctions. Following these guidelines will ensure a smooth, safe and simple restart. 

We wish you all the best for the next weeks and months to come, and please remember that we are here to help: Please contact your local JENSEN Service Team should you require any assistance.