Ryko Bi-Fold Doors - Pneumatic Issues

[Bubbles Galore]

Hey guys, I've finally thawed myself out enough to make a post. I have been having numerous issues with my pneumatic bi-fold doors from Ryko since these sub-zero temperatures have shown up. I think the majority of issues are stemming from the compressed air being in a climate controlled environment and then kicked out to the bay which is exposed to the elements.

For those of you with pneumatic doors, what are some of the best practices you've used to help combat issues with your doors during these cold spells? Any help is appreciated since I would like to have my doors back up and running so that I can have my auto open seeing as how you would have to be crazy to self serve wash in -25 degree wind chill (yes, I know there are a few, but not enough to pay the mortgage).

 

[DiamondWash]

I too have Ryko Bi-Fold doors, you say numerous issues with the doors please describe the issues?

 

[Ric]

When I had my tunnel wash I had an air operated door. Moisture in the air lines caused problems in cold temps. I installed a refrigerated air dryer to solve the problem. My flojet pumps also lasted longer with the dryer air. It was a good investment.

 

[Reds]

I installed an I.R. D41NC refrigerated dryer and it made an incredible difference. I also put tees with a drain valve in all of the push pull fittings attached to the air lines on the bottom of my air cylinders. So I can purge any water that may accumulate in the lines. The dryer helps, but can't get 100% of the water. Since I installed the dryer my door problems have gone away, other than broken belts occasionally. The dryer was expensive, but worth it.

 

[Bubbles Galore]

At this point, the doors are non-functional. My first plan of attack to combat this will be to move the control box out of the automatic bay and put it inside my climate controlled dog wash to try and keep the feed air line at the same temperature. That will be a project in and of itself today. I was thinking about building an "insulated box" around everything out in the bay, but I think it makes more sense to just get it in climate controlled environment versus having to insulate and heat everything out in the bay.

If there are additional problems, I will have to tackle them after I'm done re-routing everything...

 

[DiamondWash]

I like your idea and have considered it myself if you do this make sure to take plenty of pictures, but as I look at some pictures of your wash you don't think customers will mess with the controls in the dog wash?

 

[Bubbles Galore]

I like your idea and have considered it myself if you do this make sure to take plenty of pictures, but as I look at some pictures of your wash you don't think customers will mess with the controls in the dog wash?

It's not convenient as far as instant access, but I placed it fairly high up on the wall where it can't be reached. Only solution I could come up with in the short term.

 

[Bubbles Galore]

I give up...I can't seem to get anywhere with a these doors. I've called RykoPro to see when I can get a tech to come out.

There is no denying that having it in our dog wash will help tremendously, but it wasn't the issue that was causing my doors to stay open. When I cover one of the exhaust ports, the doors will close 1 out of 3 times on average...I swapped out the 4-way valve with a spare I had and the problem persisted.

Let's hope RykoPro calls me soon and we can get something scheduled before this weekend.

 

[Ryko CS]

If you haven't heard from them already, they will be happy to dispatch a technician to the location to get this resolved for you. In Michigan, the Ryko Dispatch phone number is 1-866-841-3110.