Like most problems in life, the cure will be obvious once we know the cause. Since we have the problem we can further deduce that the cause is not obvious; therefore let’s look at some not-so-obvious possible causes. Is the problem sporadic? The answer is obviously yes; otherwise, every item would be dropping. There are three “systems” incorporated in folders that could cause sporadic problems:
Mechanical, Electrical & Pneumatic.
Of these three, the least obvious cause is the Pneumatic systems. Check your air pressure. Install a large, four-inch, or larger, diameter pressure gauge at the folder. Watch the pressure closely; are there drops in pressure while the folder is off? If so, what is causing the drop? Look for the non-obvious possible causes. If the drop in pressure is slow to recover, we know two things: 1) the cause uses a lot of air. 2) The cause is for a long duration.
Areas to check:
A) Compressor capacity, is your compressor performing to its rating?
B) Air blow-down by maintenance or custodial departments.
C) Large air-driven pumps or motors, are frequently found in wastewater treatment systems.
If the drop in pressure quickly recovers we know two things: 1) The cause uses a lot of air. 2) The cause is for a short duration.
Areas to check:
A) Large diameter air cylinders, frequently found in rail lifts.
B) Solenoids installed on airlines for automatic blow-down; lint collectors are a good example. If you find this to be the problem, reduce the pipe size after the solenoid to ¼” soft copper and pinch the copper closed until it takes more than 3 minutes to fill the air receiver tank on the dryer. Air will not be needed until the next blow-down cycle, 15 minutes or more after the first cycle. Remember, if it was easy it would have been obvious and anyone could have solved it!
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