Why have I developed a film or slime at the bottom of my GS4800 Respirator Washer?

The GS4800 Respirator Washer utilizes three chemistries to clean, disinfect, and rinse equipment during the cycle.  One or more of the following factors typically causes chemical deposits that develop in the washer:

1. You have a soft water supply.  In soft water areas, excess foam will be generated inside of the wash tank.

1. Solution:  Turn down the chemical pumps for the FK260 Heavy-Duty Detergent and Rinse Agent (Reduce the run time by 50%).  Newer menu driven models can be turned down in the program mode (call for assistance).  Do not change the amount of disinfect (FK300 or FG350)

                                                              i.      If after adjusting the chemical pumps the problem persists, remove the Rinse Agent probe from the gallon container.  Then run the machine thru several cycles empty to remove any excess Rinse Agent chemistry in the pump line.

                                                             ii.      If the problem continues, repeat these steps with the Heavy-Duty Detergent.  By this process of elimination, we can find out what is causing the filming and replace or eliminate the cause.

2. You are using the incorrect cycle settings.  Setting the washer to “Full” or “Half” soak will allow for the tank to be filled halfway or all of the way with water.  This cycle setting is only useful for soaking very heavily soiled masks.
   1. Solution:  Set the washer to “NONE” which means spray only.  Also, set the “RINSE” cycle to “MEDIUM” or “LONG”.  This will add an additional fresh-water rinse and will help to flush out any excess chemistry.
3. You have a hard water supply.  Scale, rust and lime deposits can be caused by hard water.  These deposits may form in the bottom of your washer over time.
   1. Solution:  To eliminate deposits use a good commercial de-liming chemistry.  (Part number FK285 “BRAWN”).

                                                              i.      Turn off the chemistry pumps, pour ¼ of a gallon directly into the wash tank, Run a cycle, inspect the washer.  Repeat if necessary.  Run additional one or two cycles prior to washing masks.

4. Your washer tank is dirty and has never been cleaned.  Water, debris from masks, and the washer’s chemistry can all combine to form deposits (especially at the bottom of the tank).
   1. Solution:  Clean the tank (see number 3).
5. You have a mechanical problem.  It is possible that something is preventing the pump from spraying and or draining properly.
   1. Solution:  Check to make sure that the washer is spraying and draining by examining the pump and motor.  Make sure that the “Wash” valve is opening to allow water to the spray nozzles.  Check the “Strainer Element” and make sure that the element is clean.  Check the water pressure coming into the machine (minimum required is 40 psi).
6. Your water temperature is too low.  Low water temperature can lead to excess foaming in the wash tank and poor cleaning results.
   1. Solution:  Make sure the wash temperature is between 100 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit.