MAY/JUNE 2018 17 FE ATURE IN A BYGONE ERA OF CHEAP SOLVENT, TRANSFER MACHINERY, AND PER COMBO FILTERS AND COOKER STILLS, A DRIP WAS GENERALLY NO BIG DEAL. The increasing costs of solvent and energy, however, coupled with environmental regulations, should markedly sharpen our maintenance and housekeeping practices. In the following few articles I’ll highlight some easily- accomplished checks and procedures to identify and rectify common problems. GASKETS Stills have them, drycleaning machines have them, dryers have them, pumps have them, everywhere you look in a drycleaning plant you find them. They’re everywhere. GASKETS, that’s what I’m talking about! With this in mind, I’m dedicating the next few articles to selecting, maintaining, and replacing the ubiquitous device we often taken for granted - the lowly gasket. Beginning with the drycleaning machine, we find what are probably the four most recognizable gaskets dealt with on a daily basis: the loading door, button trap door, lint trap door, and still door. (On many drycleaning machines, the lint and button trap are enclosed in the same housing.) and still door. These doors are opened and closed on a regular basis, causing wear and failure of the gaskets designed to seal them shut. DETECTING LEAKS Even the most unaware operator cannot long ignore a solvent leak at the loading door. However, you’d be surprised at how few operators take the time to go behind the machine with a good flashlight and observe the still door during heavy distillation. In many cases a grungy still waste container sits under the still door and the surrounding area is often caked with old still residue. Because of this, even large leaks can go undetected if the timing and lighting are not opportune (the price of solvent being what it is, these liquid type leaks cost big money). Also, because of the heat and chemistry, sight glasses in stills have a high rate of failure and when faulty can leak prodigious quantities of solvent. Lint and button trap leaks are usually of the vapor variety and harder to locate. Now that you are aware of the problem areas let’s explore them one by one and see how you can isolate the leaking area and stop the fluid loss. When you notice a solvent leak at a door it will almost always appear that the bottom area of the door gasket is at fault. That’s because, gravity being what it is, the liquid StopThatExpensiveLeak! By Bruce Grossman, EZ Timers Manufacturing continued on page 18