Building bigger tunnels

1 March 2005



Milnor has increased capacities in its CBW systems to match laundry outputs


Large commercial laundries now handle ever growing production volumes and Pellerin Milnor has responded by designing larger capacity automated CBW systems.

“In an effort to become more efficient many businesses with on-premises laundries are outsourcing their goods,” says Rick Kelly, the company’s vice president of marketing and sales administration.

“This means that large laundries are getting even larger in order to respond to increased demand.”

Pellerin Milnor has introduced the largest capacity tunnel washer in the world. With a rated batch size of 115kg (250lb), this washer is ideal for laundries with high production requirements and limited floor space.

This latest tunnel washer maintains the same basic principles that distinguish the Milnor CBW batch washer from any competitive tunnel washer on the market.

The 92048 CBW washer from Milnor features all of the design criteria that makes it a total top transfer machine:

? Top-transfer design – a scoop that lifts each batch out of the water and transfers it to the next chamber

? Perforated transfer scoop – to allow almost all of the “free water” (the water not trapped in the goods) to flow back into the original module, so that it is not carried forward with the load

? Completely separate baths – solid, fixed partitions keep all baths completely separate. There are no seals beneath the water line to wear and leak and no perforations in the partitions, so bath integrity is maintained at all times.

? External water flow – all water flow between modules should be external over weirs with full control available to use.

This CBW can be designed to suit a variety of washroom applications. The Milnor CBW washer is not restricted to processing sheets and towels but can be used for heavily-soiled goods such as bar mops, floor mats, industrial uniforms, shop towels and kitchen linen.

The washer can handle different soil types in the same machine without sacrificing quality.

Built-in advantages

Tunnel washers are inherently labour saving automated machines, but they also have features that make them the logical choice for high volume production.

Utility savings are built into the design. The water used per batch is routinely less than a third of that used by other machines. This reduced water use also results in savings in the fuel needed to heat the water and in the chemicals used for cleaning.

Controlling the water flow

Because each Milnor double-drum module represents a separate bath, internal water flow patterns can be changed by computer control. This allows a short tunnel to act as if it has more modules and some modules to take on multiple jobs.

Control features: Computer controls make it easy to switch from one type of goods to another. For example, compatibility programs let you change parameters when one goods classification follows another.

Future growth: A modular tunnel offers another big advantage as its capacity can be increased later simply by adding more modules.

Milnor manufactures tunnels in 50kg, 68kg and 115kg (110lb, 150lb and 250lb) batch capacities. These CBW washers use either streamlined, multi-module sections or individual modules linked together to create a continuous batch washer.

In the centralised control system, input/output board optimisation allows for fewer boards. The system has only as many boards as are required for its inputs and outputs. The controls have also been moved to locations that are easily accessible for servicing. Service and maintenance points are also concentrated in easy-to-reach locations.

Extraction options

To match the larger tunnel washer, Milnor has also introduced a single-stage press and a centrifugal extractor, each capable of handling 115kg (250lb) batches.

The Milnor MP1A03 single-stage press can process 100% polyester, blends, and all-cotton effectively. Several features ensure goods are treated carefully while at the same time the pressure exerted is appropriate. To remove water pockets and avoid hydroburst, goods can be tamped by the membrane before final pressure. Ram movement and pressure (up to 50bar) are programmable.

The 48040M7V centrifugal extractor is an excellent choice for garments, dustmats, 100% polyester textiles (including barrier cloth items), plus cottons and blends. It extracts moisture efficiently from even the most delicate and difficult-to-handle fabrics.

Milnor shuttles are a vital part of washroom automation. They provide reliable transfer of goods between washers, extractors and dryers and help to control the flow of goods through the laundry.

Conveyor systems can streamline washroom production by automatically transporting goods from one station to the next. They can be built to a variety of dimensions and specifications and can interface with a variety of control systems.

Drying large batches

In continuous washing applications, automating the drying process becomes more important. The dryers must be capable of an output that will improve the production flow. Automatic dryer systems send specific drying cycle information to the appropriate dryer, based on the class of goods and/or the size of the load.

Milnor’s 72072 pass through dryer has a basket volume of 4,800litres (170 ft3). The dryer has the same efficiency features as other proven Milnor dryers – fixed tilt, unique airflow, and low-friction circumferential seal.

It can be ordered with large washer-extractors or with tunnel washing systems.

Dryer controls may be programmed to optimise drying times and provide cooldown, and have self-diagnostics. They can also be programmed to provide information such as time in process, inlet and outlet temperatures, the program being used, number of loads processed by their drying code, and cumulative average drying time for each program.

Dryer controls can also be linked to a computer management system for central programming, system monitoring and production reporting.

Lint filter systems can be set to self-clean when back- pressure reaches a desired set point. The controls on these systems can also sense the change in pressure as dryers cycle on and off. This automatically initiates another cleaning cycle. Automatic lint filter systems clean the screen only when it is needed, optimising dryer performance.

Central lint collectors also provide a convenient single lint bag for multiple dryers, reducing operator responsibilities.


Putting on the pressure Putting on the pressure
Milnor Milnor
Fast worker Fast worker


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