Converting to Kg/Hr

In order to estimate the size of the equipment and the area it requires together with the ancillary spaces, an estimate has to be made of the hourly peak load of articles to be processed at the laundry expressed in kilograms per hour. Tables 3 and 4 are typical forms to assist planners in determining the hourly peak load at a laundry.

Table 3 provides a form for calculating the peak load where the total dry weight of soiled articles per year is known. If the loads are known over a period of time this information should be put in graph form to show the increase or decrease over the years to enable the planner to project this data into the future and to take it into account when planning the laundry.

Table 3: Form for determining the existing and projected hourly peak-load of articles at laundry using actual data (kilograms per year)

NOTE:  Decisions regarding line 2 and 4 will have a considerable effect upon the peak load per hour, number of staff employed and productivity. * The additional 15% can often be off-set by an increase in operating time. The peak factor of 1,15 is shown as a guideline only. A peak factor derived from actual workload data should be used when available

Table 4 provides a methodology where actual data is not available and acceptable norms are used. Where possible the norms suggested in this report should be checked out with laundry consultants and managers of existing laundries in order to arrive at an applicable norm.