ADC ML-96, ML-122 User Manual

ML-96 / ML-122

Service Manual

American Dryer Corporation

88 Currant Road

Fall River MA 02720-4781 USA

T elephone: [phone] / Fax: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

www.amdry.com

ADC Part No. 450412- 4

Retain This Manual In A Safe Place For Future Reference

American Dryer Corporation products embody advanced concepts in engineering, design, and safety. If this

product is properly maintained, it will provide many years of safe, efficient, and trouble free operation.
ONL Y qualified technicians should service this equipment.
OBSERVE ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS displayed on the equipment or specified in the installation manual included

with the dryer.
The following “FOR YOUR SAFETY” caution must be posted near the dryer in a prominent location.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Do not store or use gasoline or
other flammable vapors and
liquids in the vicinity of this or
any other appliance.

We have tried to make this manual as complete as possible and hope you will find it useful. ADC reserves the right to
make changes from time to time, without notice or obligation, in prices, specifications, colors, and material, and to
change or discontinue models.

Ne pas entreposer ni utiliser d’essence
ni d’autres vapeurs ou liquides
inflammables à proximité de cet appareil
ou de tout autre appareil.

POUR VOTRE SÉCURITÉ

Important

For your convenience, log the following information:

DATE OF PURCHASE _________________________________________________ MODEL NO. _________________

RESELLER’S NAME _________________________________________________________________________________

Serial Number(s) ____________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Replacement parts can be obtained from your reseller or the ADC factory . When ordering replacement parts from the
factory , you can FAX your order to ADC at [phone] or telephone your order directly to the ADC Parts Department
at [phone]. Please specify the dryer model number and serial number in addition to the description and part
number, so that your order is processed accurately and promptly.

The illustrations on the following pages may not depict your particular dryer exactly . The illustrations are a composite
of the various dryer models. Be sure to check the descriptions of the parts thoroughly before ordering.

“IMPORTANT NOTE TO PURCHASER”

Information must be obtained from your local gas supplier on the
instructions to be followed if the user smells gas. These
instructions must be posted in a prominent location near the dryer.

2 American Dryer Corporation 450412- 4

IMPORTANT

You must disconnect and lockout the electric
supply and the gas supply or the steam supply
before any covers or guards are removed from
the machine to allow access for cleaning,
adjusting, installation, or testing of any
equipment per OSHA standards.

“Caution: Label all wires prior to disconnection
when servicing controls. Wiring errors can
cause improper operation.”

«Attention: Lor des opérations d’entretien des
commandes étiqueter tous fils avant de les
déconnecter. T oute erreur de câblage peut étre
une source de danger et de panne.»

CAUTION

Dryers should never be left unattended while in
operation.

T able of Contents _______

Important Information ............................................ 4

Safety Precautions .............................................. 4

Routine Maintenance............................................. 4

Cleaning............................................................... 4

Adjustments ........................................................ 5

Lubrication ........................................................... 5

Installation Requirements ..................................... 5

Enclosure, Air Supply,

and Exhaust Requirements.................................. 5

Electrical and Gas Requirements ........................ 6

Operational Service Check Procedure.................. 6

Description of Parts ................................................ 6

Servicing................................................................. 9

Troubleshooting.................................................... 18

WARNING

Children should not be allowed to play on or near
the dryer(s). Children should be supervised if
near dryers in operation.

FOR Y OUR SAFETY

Do not dry mop heads in the dryer . Do not use
dryer in the presence of dry cleaning fumes.

WARNING

Under no circumstances should the door switch
or the heat circuit devices ever be disabled.

The dryer must never be operated with any of
the back guards, outer tops, or service panels
removed. Personal injury or fire could result.

Dryer must never be operated without the lint
filter/screen in place, even if an external lint
collection system is used.

IMPORTANT

Please observe all safety precautions displayed
on the equipment and/or specified in the
installation and operator's manual included with
the dryer.

Dryers must not be installed or stored in an area
where it will be exposed to water or weather.

The wiring diagram for the dryer is located in
the front electrical control box area.

Phase 6 OPL System Diagnostics ....................... 19

Diagnostic (L.E.D. Display) Failure Codes......... 19

L.E.D. Display Indicators ................................... 20

Phase 6 OPL Microprocessor Controller

(Computer) Relay Output L.E.D. Indicators........ 21

Phase 7 OPL System Diagnostics ....................... 22

Diagnostic (L.E.D. Display) Fault Messages ..... 2 2

Input/Output Board L.E.D. Indicators ................. 23

Data Label ............................................................ 23

List of Acronyms _____________________

HSI Hot Surface Ignition
HV High Voltage
in wc Inches of Water Column
L.E.D. Light Emitting Diode
L.P. Liquid Propane
OPL On-Premise Laundry (Non-Coin)
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
S.A.F.E. Sensor Activated Fire Extinguishing
T.E.F.C. Totally Enclosed, Fan-Cooled

450412-4 www.amdry.com 3

Important Information _______________

Safety Precautions

WARNING: For your safety , the information in
this manual must be followed to minimize the

!

risk of fire or explosion or to prevent property

damage, personal injury, or loss of life .
The dryer must never be operated with any of the back

guards, outer tops, or service panels removed.
Personal injury or fire could result.

Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors
and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.

Purchaser/user should consult the local gas supplier for
proper instructions to be followed in the event the user
smells gas. The instructions should be posted in a
prominent location.

What To Do If Y ou Smell Gas...

• Do not try to light any appliance.

• Do not touch any electrical switch.

• Do not use any phone in your building.

• Clear the room, building, or area of all occupants.

• Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s
phone. Follow the gas supplier’s instructions.

• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire
department.

• Installation and service must be performed by a
qualified installer, service agency, or gas supplier.

• Dryer(s) must be exhausted to the outdoors.

• Although ADC produces a very versatile machine, there
are some articles that, due to fabric composition or
cleaning method, should not be dried in it.

For personal safety , the dryer must be electrically grounded
in accordance with local codes and/or the National Electrical
Code ANSI/NFPA NO. 70-LATEST EDITION or in Canada,
the Canadian Electrical Codes Parts 1 & 2 CSA C22.1­1990 or LA TEST EDITION.

NOTE: Failure to do so will void the warranty.

Under no circumstances should the dryer door switches,
lint door switch, heat safety circuit ever be disabled.

WARNING: Personal injury or fire could result.

!

This dryer is not to be used in the presence of dry cleaning
solvents or fumes.

Remove articles from the dryer as soon as the drying cycle
has been completed.

WARNING: Articles left in the dryer af ter the
drying and cooling cycles have been

!

completed can create a fire hazard.

Do not operate steam dryers with more than 125 PSI (8.61
bar) steam pressure. Excessive steam pressure can
damage steam coil and/or harm personnel.

Replace leaking flexible hoses or other steam fixtures
immediately. Do not operate the dryer with leaking flexible
hoses. Personal injury may result.

Read and follow all caution and direction labels attached
to the dryer.

WARNING: Y ou must disconnect and lockout
the electric supply and the gas supply or the

!

steam supply before any covers or guards are
removed from the machine to allow access for
cleaning, adjusting, installation, or testing of any
equipment per OSHA standards.

WARNING: Dry only water-washed fabrics. Do
not dry articles spotted or washed in dry

!

cleaning solvents, a combustible detergent, or

“all purpose” cleaner. Explosion could result.
Do not dry rags or articles coated or contaminated

with gasoline, kerosene, oil, paint, wax. Explosion
could result.

Do not dry mop heads. Contamination by wax or
flammable solvents will create a fire hazard.

Do not use heat for drying articles that contain plastic,
foam, sponge rubber, or similarly textured rubber
materials. Drying in a heated tumbler may damage
plastics or rubber and also may be a fire hazard.

A program should be established for the inspection and
cleaning of lint in the heating unit area, exhaust ductwork,
and inside the dryer. The frequency of inspection and
cleaning can best be determined from experience at each
location.

WARNING: The collection of lint in the burner
area and exhaust ductwork can create a

!

potential fire hazard.

Routine Maintenance ________________

Cleaning

A program and schedule should be established for periodic
inspection, cleaning, and removal of lint from various areas
of the dryer, as well as throughout the ductwork system.
The frequency of cleaning can best be determined from
experience at each location. Maximum operating efficiency
is dependent upon proper air circulation. The accumulation
of lint can restrict this airflow. If the guidelines in this section
are met, an ADC dryer will provide many years of efficient,
trouble free, and – most importantly – safe operation.

WARNING: Lint from most fabrics is highly

combustible. The accumulation of lint can

!

create a potential fire hazard.
Keep dryer area clear and free from combustible

materials, gasoline and other flammable vapors and
liquids.

NOTE: Suggested time intervals shown for average
usage, which is considered 6 to 8 operational (running)
hours per day.

Clean lint drawer and screen every third load.

4 American Dryer Corporation 450412- 4

NOTE: Frequency can best be determined at each
location.

Daily

(Beginning) of each work shift.
Clean lint from the drawer and screen. Inspect lint screen

and replace if torn.

Weekly

Clean lint accumulation from lint chamber, thermostat, and
microprocessor temperature sensor (sensor bracket) area.

Lubrication

The drive shaft bearings and idler shaft bearings should

be lubricated every 3 months. Use a #3 grease or

equivalent. Lubrication is necessary.

The motor bearings and under normal/most conditions

the tumbler bearing are permanently lubricated. It is

physically possible to re-lubricate the tumbler bearing if

you choose even though this practice may not be necessary.

Use Industrial Chevron ball or roller bearing SRI grease

NLGI2 or its equivalent, which has a broad operating

temperature range of 22º F (-6º C) to 350º F (177º C).

WARNING: T o avoid the hazard of electrical

!

shock, discontinue electrical supply to dryer.

90 Days

Remove lint from tumbler, drive motors, and surrounding
areas. Remove lint from gas valve burner area with a
dusting brush or vacuum cleaner attachment.

NOTE: To prevent damage, avoid cleaning, or touching
ignitor and flame-probe assembly.

Remove lint accumulation from inside control box and at
rear area behind control box.

Every 6 Months

Inspect and remove lint accumulation in customer
furnished exhaust ductwork system and from dryer’s
internal exhaust ducting.

WARNING: The accumulation of lint in the
exhaust ductwork can create a potential fire

!

hazard.

Do not obstruct the flow of combustion and ventilation
air. Check customer furnished back draft damper in
exhaust ductwork. Inspect and remove any lint
accumulation, which can cause damper to bind or
stick.

NOTE: A back draft damper that is sticking partially
closed can result in slow drying and shutdown of the heat
circuits safety switches or thermostats.

When cleaning dryer cabinets, avoid using harsh
abrasives. A product intended for cleaning appliances is
recommended.

Adjustments
7 Days After Installation

and Every 6 Months Thereafter

Inspect bolts, nuts, screws, (bearing setscrews),
nonpermanent gas connections (unions, shutoff valves,
orifices, and grounding connections). Motor and drive belts
should be examined. Cracked or seriously frayed belts
should be replaced. Tighten loose V-belts when necessary.
Complete operational check of controls and valves.
Complete operational check of all safety devices (door
switch, lint drawer switch, sail switch, burner and hi-limit
thermostats).

Installation Requirements ___________

Installation should be performed by competent technicians

in accordance with local and state codes. In the absence

of these codes, the installation must conform to applicable

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS: National Fuel Gas

Code ANSI.Z223.1-LATEST EDITION or National Electrical

Code ANSI/NFPA No. 70-LATEST EDITION, or in Canada,

the installation must conform to applicable Canadian

Standards: CAN/CGA-B149.1-M91 (Natural Gas) or CAN/

CGA-B149.2-M91 (L.P. Gas) or LATEST EDITION (for

General Installation and Gas Plumbing) or Canadian

Electrical Codes Parts 1 & 2 CSA C22.1-1990 or LATEST

EDITION (for Electrical Connections).

Enclosure, Air Supply ,

and Exhaust Requirements

NOTE: The following information is very brief and

general. For detailed description, refer to the installation

manual supplied with dryer.

Bulkheads and partitions around the dryer should be made

of noncombustible materials. Allowances should be made

for the opening and closing of the control door and lint

door. (Refer to appropriate installation manual for

recommended distances and minimum allowances

required.)

When the dryer is operating, it draws in room air, heats it,

passes this air through the tumbler, and exhausts it out of

the building. Therefore, the room air must be continually

replenished from the outdoors. If the make-up air is

inadequate, drying time and drying efficiency will be

adversely affected. Ignition problems and sail switch

“fluttering” problems on gas dryers may result, and you

also could have premature motor failure from overheating.

The air supply must be given careful consideration to insure

proper performance of each dryer.

IMPORTANT: Make-up air must be provided from a

source free of dry cleaning fumes. Make-up air that is

contaminated by dry cleaning fumes will result in

irreparable damage to motors and other dryer

components.

Exhaust ductwork should be designed and installed by a

competent technician. Improperly sized ductwork will

create excessive back pressure, which will result in slow

drying, increased use of energy, and shut down of the burner

by the airflow (sail) switch, burner hi-limit or lint chamber

hi-heat protector thermostat. (Refer to appropriate

installation manual for more details.)

450412-4 www.amdry.com 5

CAUTION: Improperly sized or installed
exhaust ductwork can create a potential fire

!

hazard.

Electrical and Gas Requirements

It is your responsibility to have all electrical connections
made by a properly licensed and competent electrician to
assure the electrical installation is adequate and conforms
with local and state regulations or codes. In the absence
of such codes, all electrical connections, material, and
workmanship must conform to the applicable requirements
of the National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA No. 70-LATEST
EDITION, or in Canada, the Canadian Electrical Codes
Parts 1 & 2 CSA C22.1-1990 or LATEST EDITION (for
Electrical Connections).

IMPORTANT: Failure to comply with these codes or
ordinances and the requirements stipulated in this
manual can result in personal injury or component
failure.

The dryer installation must meet the American National
Standard, National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1-LATEST
EDITION, or in Canada, the Canadian Electrical Codes
Parts 1 & 2 CSA C22.1-1990 or LATEST EDITION (for
Electrical Connections) as well as, local codes and
ordinances, and must be done by a qualified technician.

Make a complete operational check of all the operating
controls to assure that the timing is correct, temperature
selection switches are functioning, etc.

Make a complete operational check of all safety-halted
circuits: door switches, hi-limit thermostat, sail switch,
cycling thermostats, etc.

For gas dryers a gas pressure test should be taken at the
gas valve pressure tap of each dryer to assure that the
water column pressure is correct and consistent.

NOTE: Water column pressure requirements (measured
at the pressure tap on the gas valve body):

Natural Gas ______ 3.5 in wc (8.7 mb).
L.P. Gas__________ 10.5 in wc (26.1 mb).

If computer program changes are required, refer to the
operator’s manual, which was supplied with the dryer.

The dryer should be operated through one complete cycle
to assure that no further adjustments are necessary and
that all components are functioning properly.

Check the electric service phase sequence. While the dryer
is operating, check to see if the tumbler is rotating in the
proper direction. Looking from the front, the tumbler should
spin in the clockwise direction. If so, the phasing is correct.
If the phasing is incorrect, reverse 2 leads at connections
L1, L2, or L3 of power supply to the dryer.

NOTE: Undersized gas piping will result in ignition
problems and slow drying and can create a safety
hazard.

The dryer must be connected to the type of gas (natural or
L.P.) indicated on the dryer data label. If this information
does not agree with the type of gas available, contact the
reseller who sold the dryer or contact the factory.

The gas input ratings shown on the dryer data label are for
elevations up to 2,000 feet (610 meters), unless elevation
requirements of over 2,000 feet (610 meters) were
specified at the time the dryer order was placed with the
factory . The adjustment for dryers in the field for elevations
over 2,000 feet (610 meters) are made by changing the
burner orifices. If this adjustment is necessary, contact the
reseller who sold the dryer or contact the factory.

NOTE: Any burner changes must be made by a qualified
technician.

Operational Service Check Procedure

Turn on electric power to the dryer.
To start dryer:
Display will read “READY.”
Press “E” on the keypad of microprocessor controller

(computer).
The dryer will start to run.

Description of Parts _________________

Control Panel (Microprocessor)

Lifting the control door will reveal the control panel
assembly. Opening the control panel will allow access to
the major components, which include the microprocessor
computer board and the keypad.

NOTE: Pressing keypad selections “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or
“F” will also start the dryer. Six preprogrammed drying
cycles (A through F) have been stored in the computer’s
memory. (Refer to the computer operator’s manual for
details.)

6 American Dryer Corporation 450412- 4

Reversing Relay Panel

Lifting the control door will reveal the reversing relay box.
Located on the back of the relay box is the reversing relay
panel. Included on this panel is a 4-position terminal block,
blower overload, blower contactor, reversing contactor, 24
VAC transformer, fuse or circuit breaker, ground lug, and
possibly an arc suppressor board.

NOTE: With the dryer off or no air supply to the damper

piston, the damper is in the cool down mode.

Steam Coil pH Level

NOTE: The normal pH level for copper type steam coils

must be maintained between a value of 8.5 to 9.5. For

steel type steam coils the pH level must be maintained

between a value of 9.5 to 10.5. These limits are set to

limit the acid attack of the steam coils.

Gas Burner Assembly

Gas heated dryers are equipped with a gas burner assembly
consisting of 3 burner tubes, a gas valve, an ignitor, a flame
sensor, a sail switch, a hi-limit thermostat, and an ignition
control module. The inlet piping enters through the rear of
the dryer on the left-hand side (viewing from the front) and
runs to the front of the dryer where the gas valve is located.

IMPORTANT: Coil failure due to improper pH level will

void the warranty.

Steam Damper Actuator System

The steam damper actuator system consists of a hinged

damper plate, pneumatic piston, and a 24 volt solenoid

valve with a needle valve to control the speed of the piston

actuation.

Drive Motor

The T.E.F.C. drive motor is located in the rear right corner

(viewing from front) behind the front panel of the dryer. It

sits on an adjustable base so the motor can be easily

adjusted to the left or right, up or down, forward or backward.

Steam Coil and Damper System

The steam coil is constantly charged, thereby eliminating
repeated expansion and contraction and also provide
instant heating to start the drying process. The steam
damper, located on top of the steam coil, is the only
temperature controlling device in this system. When the
steam damper is open, ambient air is drawn through the
coil providing heat to the dryer. When the steam damper is
closed, ambient air is drawn directly into the tumbler,
bypassing the coil, allowing a rapid cool down.

450412-4 www.amdry.com 7

Drive Shaft Assembly

(Viewing from the front of the dryer)
Behind front panel on the right side of the dryer, you can

view the drive shaft assembly, which consists of a 9-inch
(22.86 cm) drive pulley, two 6-inch (15.24 cm) wheels, and
two 1-inch (2.54 cm) pillow block bearings.

Idler Shaft Assembly

(Viewing from the front of the dryer)
Behind the front panel on the left side of the dryer you will

view the idler shaft assembly, which consists of one 6-inch
(15.24 cm) wheel, and two 1-inch (2.54 cm) pillow block
bearings.

Main Door Switch

The main door switch is mounted to the front panel behind
the main door. When the main door opens, the switch will
also open, preventing the dryer from operating. The main
door switch is a safety device and should never be disabled.

Tumbler

The tumbler consists of a tumbler, which has 4 ribs and 4
removable perforated panels, which are mounted to the rib
sections of the tumbler with 1/4-20 x 1/4” socket button
head screws.

Sail Switch (Gas Models Only)

The sail switch is located on the front of the burner box. A
sail switch consists of a round damper plate on a lever
arm, which is in contact with an electric switch. When the
fan/blower comes on, it draws air through the gas burner.
This creates a negative pressure inside the burner box,
and this negative pressure pulls in the round damper and
activates the sail switch.

Burner Hi-Limit
(Gas Models Only)

The hi-limit thermostat is
a disc-type thermostat
set at 330º F (166º C) and
located near the burner.
If the burner flame gets
too hot, this thermostat
will shut off the burner.
This is generally caused
by low airflow through the
dryer.

8 American Dryer Corporation 450412- 4