August 14, 1997

FACTS ABOUT OPEN POCKET MACHINES & POOR DISTRIBUTION OF GOODS

It has long been said that "if you underload an open pocket machine, then poor distribution of goods will result." The result of the poor distribution is of course a problem when the machine is attempting to extract. In foundationless machines (those mounted on springs, hydro-cushions or isolators), the success rate at entering and maintaining extract speed will be diminished.

A "fully loaded" open pocket machine works best to distribute goods in the basket and likewise to successfully extract without "recycling" through a distribution sequence. We have long been asked to define a load which is "too small". Frankly, it is impossible to make such a definition. Many variables exist, for example goods class, water level, lubrication of goods (softener), bath temperature, to list a few.

If a machine is loaded to 50% of the full load capacity, it would not be surprising to see machines which required multiple attempts to attain full extract speed. In some cases, the distribution would be so poor that the machine would automatically "recycle" through distribution speed at on-set of low extract. In other cases, time may be spent trying to balance the load (in the case of automatic balancing washer/extractors) only to find that the out-of-balance is too big to be balanced by the water injected in the ribs.

Obviously, the best process would require fully loading open pocket washer/extractors so that good wash quality and good distribution would result. In cases where the machine is under loaded, it is only each individual customer who can dictate how small is "too small".

Please be assured that "small loads" cause significant stress on the mechanical portions of the machine as goods are attempted to be accelerated into extract speed.

We recommend that due diligence be done with regard to inspection and adjustment of balancing nozzles, valves and hoses on self balancing machines along with the balance sensing unit and/or accelerometer on these same units. Mis-adjusted components could also lead to excessive out-of-balance conditions resulting in poor extraction efficiency, due to multiple recycles, and may result in mechanical damage to the machine.

Gary Lazarre

GLL/das

LJT -- 5/25/01


(Submitted by Ed Hoffman on 08/28/97)