Cause Comments Recommendations
Filter restrictions Inadequate separation of pleated filter paper caused by poor quality control or damaged cartridge Inspect cartridge and replace as needed
Overrated solvent pump A higher than recommended flow rate compressed lint and soil Use solvent pump recommended by manufacturer
Partially open or unopened valve or restriction in lines down stream of filter Creates a higher than normal base pressure Keep valve open Clean lines as needed
Broken lint basket, basket not in place, or gasket seal under basket broken or not in place Restriction of solvent flow occurs when an accumulation of lint is compressed on filter paper and in holes of outer shell Inspect and repair or replace as needed
Accumulation of silt on bottom of base tank and/or cartridge canister Silt is composed of insoluble and partially soluble soils. Dispersed in the solvent, they can plug filter paper. Clean out base tank
Excess water in solvent Moisture swells filter paper, decreasing its porosity. Check for source of water. See Excess Water
Solvent temperature is too low or too high Cold temperatures slightly increase viscosity of matured solvent and decrease solubility of contaminants. High solvent temperatures increase. Maintain solvent temperature between 75° and 80°F
Excessive use of some spotting agents Prespotters contribute to the total nonvolatile content in the solvent Glycerin, occasionally used as a lubricant, will shorten filter life. Prespot sparingly and only when necessary
Excessively soiled garments Occurs mainly during winter months. A 25 - 30% reduction in cartridge life can be expected. Cartridge life is in part dependent on the volume of soil contacting the filter paper
Overloading the unit with a large volume of deep piled fabrics, blankets, coat linings etc. Lint will act as a soil if allowed to accumulate and become compressed on filter elements The size of a wash load should be based on the number and type of garments, not merely on their combined weight
Fabric containing a partially soluble finishing agent or plasticizer Some coat linings, buttons, ornaments, etc., contain sizings and plasticizers that are partially soluble in solvent Prior to processing, "spot test" with solvent all suspicious-looking fabrics and their accessories
Defective set of cartridges Inadequate separation of pleated filter paper will decrease normal filter area Replace defective cartridge
Failure to purge air from cartridge canister when filling with solvent An air space at the top of the cartridge canister will reduce filter paper surface area which can be exposed to the solvent Bleed cartridge canister when filling with solvent
Waterproofing materials Most waterproofing materials contain waxes which can shorten cartridge life Do not extract recently waterproofed garments
Draining of cartridge housings Periodic cartridge housing drainage may cause a coating of fine soil to accumulate on filter paper, thus shortening cartridge life If possible, keep filter housings full of solvent at all times
Continuous operation of solvent circulating pump Lint and soil are compressed against the filter paper Turn off the circulating pump between loads. This will keep the debris from compressing against the filter paper.

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