Problem Cause Comments Recommendations Location
Chemical Excess prespotting or additives. Garment finishing agents will also contribute Excess usage Distill 1/3 of solvent inventory Rinse solvent
Fish Breakdown of nitrogen bearing compounds present in some spotting solutions and/or rainwear If nitrogen bearing compounds are exposed to sufficient heat, breakdown of these materials may cause a fish-like odor Distill total solvent inventory Wash solvent
Foreign or Burnt Operating muck cooker or still above recommended steam pressures, or prolonging operation to obtain last traces of solvent from muck or residue Higher boiling materials and/or residual components may become volatile and odorous, which can then enter reclaimed solvent Operate still as recommended by manufacturer. Distill total solvent inventory. Reclaimed solvent
Metallic, Rancid Contaminated storage tank After a period of time excessive moisture, insoluble particles and slime-like sediment from improper reclamation procedures or metal salts, can collect at the bottom of the container and impart an undesirable odor to the solvent inventory Clean and flush tanks. A badly contaminated and rusted storage tank may require replacement Storage tank
Rancid Possible detergent breakdown of silt accumulation at bottom of base tank Detergent stability varies with products. Silt consists of filter additives, metal salts and insoluble and partially soluble contaminants that can cause undesirable odor in the solvent inventory. Distill and recharge with detergent. Drain solvent from base tank and remove silt accumulation or precoat filter with twice the normal amount of filter powder. Disperse silt in solvent by agitating bottom of base tank while circulating pump is on. Backwash filter powder and apply a new precoat to filter elements. Rinse solvent
Residual or Oily Excess nonvolatile material and/or poor extraction efficiency Garments retain more nonvolatile material than normal Check for faulty clutch or slipping belt preventing proper drum rotation during extraction. Also distill on the basis of 4-6 gals/100 lbs clothes. Rinse solvent
Solvent Incomplete drying High nonvolatile content and/or poor extraction efficiency will contribute Check for improper circulating fan speed, faulty thermostats, faulty exhaust blower fan, loss of refrigerant and clogged lint screen. Check temperature of drying tumbler. Be sure condensing and heating coils are not insulated with lint. Rinse solvent
Sulfur Elastomer connections and/or gasket materials not resistant to solvent If elastomers or equipment require replacement, use only those recommended by manufacturer of the unit Distill total solvent inventory

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