Evaluating the Stability of Tunnel Washer Systems: the Main Frame Structure Design of Water Extraction Press

Impact of Main Frame Structure Design on Stability

The water extraction press is the core component of tunnel washer systems. If the press fails, the entire system halts, making its role in the tunnel washer system crucial with high technical requirements. The stability of the press can be assessed from several aspects: 1) main frame structure design; 2) hydraulic system; 3) cylinder quality; 4) pressing basket and bladder technology and quality.

Main Frame Structure Design of the Water Extraction Press

Today let's talk about the main frame structure design of the press. Currently, there are two main types of water extraction presses on the market: heavy-duty and lightweight. These types differ significantly in structure and performance.

Lightweight Structure Press

The lightweight press is characterized by its support from four cylindrical steel rods, each made from 80-mm-diameter steel and connected with nuts and bottom plates. This design presents several issues:

1. There are high requirements for assembly precision.

2. The 80-mm steel may reduce to 60-mm after machining, making it susceptible to cracks and fractures over time under intense use.

3. Replacement of a broken pillar is complex, requiring full disassembly and reassembly, which can lead to extended downtime for the laundry facility. Cases in China have shown that repairs can take several days to a month, and these presses typically have a lifespan of 8–10 years.

Heavy-Duty Structure Press

The heavy-duty press features a robust frame made from 200-mm-thick special steel plates hollowed out to form a 200-mm*200-mm frame. This design offers several advantages:

1. resists deformation and fractures under long-term, high-intensity use.
2. The lifespan can reach 20 years or more.
3. Maintenance is simpler.
4. Compared to lightweight presses, heavy-duty presses generally offer higher dewatering efficiency. For example, CLM's heavy-duty press has a design pressure of 63 bar, with actual usage around 48 bar, achieving about 50% water content in towels. In contrast, lightweight presses are designed for pressures under 40 bar and often operate below 36 bar, which can lead to higher drying costs for laundry facilities using washing machines.

Conclusion

Choosing the right water extraction press is crucial for the success of tunnel washer systems. Understanding the differences between heavy-duty and lightweight presses can help facilities make informed decisions impacting operational efficiency, maintenance requirements, and long-term costs. By investing in robust equipment and paying attention to design details, facilities can ensure stable and efficient operations, minimizing downtime and maximizing performance.