In the linen laundry industry, the water extraction press is the key equipment in the tunnel washer system. The bladder is the key component in the water extraction press. However, the problem of bladder surface peeling or becoming sticky has become increasingly prominent, especially when washing light-colored linen. This not only affects the cleanliness of the linen but may also cause secondary pollution.
Reason Analysis
❑ Bladder size
When installing the water bladder, if the diameter of the water bladder doesn’t meet the requirements of the press supplier, then a series of problems will appear.
If the bladder is larger than the basket after being filled with water, the bladder will continuously rub against the basket, thereby accelerating the wear of the bladder. Conversely, if the gap between the bladder and the inner wall of the press is too large, the moisture in the linen will be squeezed out through the gap during the pressing process, causing the moisture content of the linen cake to rise, thereby increasing the drying time and energy consumption.
❑ Deformed basket
The basket of the water extraction press may slightly deform over time. This deformity may not be noticed by the eyes easily. However, when the water extraction press is in operation, the internal pressure is extremely high, usually reaching hundreds of tons. Deformation of the basket may cause the pressure head and the water bag to deviate from the center and tilt to one side, thereby causing severe wear on one side of the water bag.
Deformation of the basket may cause the pressure head and water bladder to deviate from the center and tilt to one side, thereby resulting in severe wear on one side of the water bladder.
❑ Detergent corrosion
If the detergents used in the laundry process (washing liquid, bleaching powder, oxalic acid, acetic acid) are not used properly, it may cause corrosion to the water bladder. The detergents with strong acidity or strong alkalinity may corrode the surface layer of the water bladder, causing it to fall off or become sticky. In addition, if the quantity of the used detergents is improper, the residual acidic or alkaline substances will contact the bladder when pressing, and strengthen the corrosion problem.
❑ Dirt Accumulation on the Surface
After the water bladder is used for a long time, black attachments may accumulate on the surface of the water bladder. These attachments are usually formed due to the linen or the chemical cleaning agent in the press not being thoroughly rinsed off.
This dirt not only affects the performance of the bladder but also may enter the inner part of the bladder, causing the bladder surface to fall off.
Suggestions for Solving Problems
❑ Precise calibration and regular size check
● Dimensional calibration during installation
When installing the water bladder, its diameter must meet the water extraction press suppliers’ requirements. Usually, there should be a gap of 1-2mm between the water bladder and the inner wall of the press. If the water bladder with water inside is much bigger than the basket, people should change to a more proper water bladder.
● Regular inspection and maintenance
The water bladder should be regularly checked to see whether its diameter is within the regulated range of the equipment supplier. It is recommended to at least change the water in the water bladder once a week and calibrate the diameter of the water bladder. In the normal condition, when the water bladder reaches the required diameter, the exact center position should present an upward protruding shape.
❑ Check the basket
● Avoid deformation
The basket of the water extraction press may deform over time, so it is recommended to regularly check the shape and structure of the basket. If the basket is deformed, people should fix or replace it in time to ensure the normal operation of the water extraction press.
● Adjust the Press Parameter
When the water extraction press operates, make sure that the center positions of the pressure head and the water bladder are accurately aligned to avoid severe wear on one side of the water bladder due to equipment failure.
❑ Optimize the detergent usage and management
● Strictly control the dosage
The detergents used in the laundry process (washing liquid, bleaching powder, oxalic acid, acetic acid) must be matched strictly in accordance with the product instructions. Avoid using excessive acidic or alkaline detergents. Regularly check the tunnel washer’s pH value and press’s pH value to make sure they’re in the safe range. (5-7)
● Neutralization
In the laundry process, if alkaline detergents are used, proper acidic substances should be added to neutralize so as to avoid the linen turning stiff or corroding the water bladder. It is recommended to use mild detergents so as to avoid secondary harm to the water bladder and linen.
❑ Water bladder surface
● Regular surface clean
The dirt on the surface of the bladder should be cleaned in a timely manner to prevent it from entering the internal bladder and causing the surface to fall off. It is recommended to clean the surface once a week.
● Suitable cleaning agent
Using a specialized cleaning agent can avoid the corrosion caused by improper use of the cleaning agent. The cleaning agent has mild chemical properties and can effectively remove the dirt without damaging the surface.
Preventive Measures and Long-term Management
❑ Standard operation process
● Detailed operation standard
Make and follow the standard operation process, including the installation, use, maintenance, and cleanliness of the water bladder. Ensure that every operator is familiar with and strictly adheres to the operational norms.
● Training and test
Regularly train the operators to let them know the correct usage methods and maintenance points. Ensure every operator is familiar with the skills by a test.
❑ Equipment maintenance and management
● Regularly maintain the press
The press is the core equipment that uses water bladders. Regularly inspect and maintain all components of the press to ensure its normal operation. In particular, the inspection of the basket and the pressure head should be regarded as key maintenance contents.
● Equipment upgrade and optimization
Based on the actual usage conditions, consider upgrading or optimizing the press to enhance its performance and service life. For instance, install an automatic monitoring system to monitor the diameter of the water bladder and the operating status of the press in real time.
❑ Optimize the washing process
● Adjust the washing parameters
Adjust the washing time and temperature according to the type of linen and the degree of contamination. For light-colored linen, the washing temperature should be appropriately reduced, and the amount of chemicals used should be decreased to prevent damage to the linen or corrosion of the water bladder.
● Increase the number of rinses
During the washing process, increase the number of rinses to ensure that the chemical residue in the linen is thoroughly washed away. This not only reduces the corrosion of the water bladder but also improves the cleanliness of the linen.
Post time: Aug-01-2025