Operation

The purpose of this laundry unit is to wash, extract water, and dry clothes and other suitable materials. The washing process is a series of baths during which soil is loosened from the materials, suspended in the water, and finally rinsed away. Several baths are usually necessary to remove the soil completely.

Operation is controlled by a timer and removable FORMULA CHART located in the washer, which regulates water temperature, wash rinse cycle, and adding of supplies. The chart carries the unit through a complete cycle according to the formula cut into the chart (up to 88 minutes). This chart can be changed at the discretion of the operator. The washer has an automatic supply injector unit that consists of five compartments that facilitates addition of starch, dry soap, and bleach before and during the washing cycle.

The extractor is simple in operation and is controlled by a moisture programmer located inside the control panel. The programmer is adjustable with a l-minute to lo-minute time range. Once set, the extractor will run at the set time each time the start button is depressed.

The dryer, or tumbler, is operated by three different controls that are manually set by the operator. These controls are as follows:

Temperature regulating thermostat sets the basket outlet temperature as determined by the material being dried.

The drying timer sets the time duration for drying. It can be set from 0 minutes to a maximum of 60 minutes.

The cool-down timer controls the allowed cool- down time for materials being dried. This control can be set from 0 to 15 minutes.

More specific operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting information is contained in the Utilitiesman Basic, Volume 2, Chapter 7, Laundry Equipment, NAVEDTRA 11020.

Securing the Unit

Before transporting or relocating the unit, you must secure it properly to prevent damage and extend the operational life of the unit. As each unit may be somewhat different, general securing procedures are as follows:

Turn the unit OFF and empty all components.

Switch all breakers to OFF.

Open the drain valve on the pump assembly, and open the pressure-relief valve on the water heater.

Replace the rib holder assembly in the dryer drum.

Close the water and fuel valves. Disconnect the fuel and water sources.

Disconnect and store the following components:

a. Dryer'flex hose; store it in the tumbler.

b. Power line; store it in the washer.

c. Drain hose; store it in the washer.

Remove the drain plug on the pump and let the water out. After draining is complete, replace the plug.

When all the water has drained from the system, close the drain and pressure-relief valves.

WATER PURIFICATION UNITS

The remainder of this topic concerns the NCF water purification equipment. One of the most important jobs as a Utilitiesman is the purification of water.

Insufficient quantity or quality of water is not only debilitating to the individual but has a significant impact on unit readiness. Water that is not properly treated and disinfected can spread bacterial diseases, such as cholera, shigellosis, typhoid, and paratyphoid fever. Untreated water can also transmit viral hepatitis, gastroenteritis, and parasitic diseases, such as amoebic dysentery, giardiasis, and schistosomiasis.

The treatment process includes one or more of the following processes: coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.

The medical department advises the commanding officer on water quality issues. This entails assisting the Utilitiesman in selecting water sources, surveying the potable water system, conducting routine bacteriological examination of the potable water supplies, and testing the water for halogen levels. The medical representative also informs the Utilitiesman of water quality and type of treatment required, if any.