Lint Trap Sizing Guide
How To Use This Guide
These are starting recommendations based on typical commercial washer drainage. Use them to narrow down a model, then confirm the selection with the Viking technical team. For precise sizing we need the machine specifications, the total drain flow rate in litres per second, and any site constraints.
Exact per-model discharge volumes and lint loads are not standardised in published specifications, because they vary significantly with:
- the specific machine model and cylinder size;
- the wash formula or program — number of rinses and water levels;
- load type and size, cotton versus synthetics;
- water-saving options fitted to the machine;
- final extract efficiency — high-G machines leave less residual moisture.
Please consult your machine manufacturer’s data for your specific equipment.
Sizing Table
| Specification | 1–3 machines | Mid-range 3–5 machines |
Heavy duty 5+ machines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model / part no. | NP44AG | Multiple NP44AG or NP46AG | NP46AG |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 700 x 700 x 650 mm | As selected | 1000 x 300 x 400 mm |
| Weight | 21 kg | As selected | 26 kg |
| Inlet / outlet | NB 100 pipe | NB 100 pipe | NB 100 pipe, dual manifold available |
| Lint filter / collection | Removable basket and fixed basket | As selected | Horizontal removable stainless steel screen and fixed vertical screen |
| Maximum machine capacity | 1–3 units | 3+ units | 3–5+ units; increase the quantity of NP46AG units for more machines |
| Maintenance interval | Weekly check; empty two to three times a week or when full | Weekly check; empty two to three times a week or when full | Per conditions and load profile; weekly check recommended |
| Running temperature | Typically 38–45°C | Mid to max range, 46–70°C | 71–85°C for disinfection |
| Discharge temperature (Sydney Water limit 38°C) |
Typically 38–45°C | Consider a cooling pit for discharge over 38°C | Consider a cooling pit for discharge over 38°C |
| Notes / customisation | Easy access required for install | Site-specific; design can be made available | Viking technical engineering support |
Where more than one trap is indicated, consider multiple units to ease water flow from machine groups rather than running every machine back to a single trap.
Tank capacity in litres is not stated because capacity alone does not determine the appropriate lint trap. Selection should account for the expected peak discharge flow, lint-screen or filter capacity, and the applicable water authority’s sizing and approval requirements.
Lint And Temperature Loads
Commercial laundry effluent typically discharges at 38–45°C. Industrial laundries often run hotter internal washes, up to 71–85°C for disinfection, but final rinses or mixing usually bring the discharge temperature down. Many Australian trade waste rules limit discharge to around 38–40°C at the treatment plant inlet, or cap it at 60–65°C to protect the sewer. Cooling, or a cold final rinse, is common.
Lint and microfibre content is highly load dependent. Studies of laundry wastewater commonly report in the order of 5,000–11,000+ particles per litre, dominated by fibres in the 5–100 µm range, with larger lint also present. Synthetics release considerably more than cotton. No machine manufacturer publishes a fixed figure, because this is a characteristic of the effluent rather than a machine specification.
Dryers — tumble, steam, gas and electric — produce negligible or zero water discharge in standard vented or steam-heated industrial models, since moisture evaporates into the exhaust air. Dry lint is captured in the dryer’s own traps and filters. All dryer types are suitable for use alongside Viking lint traps.
Drainage Limiting Factors
The lint trap has a 100 mm (DN 100) inlet connection. This specifies the pipe connection size; it does not establish the trap’s rated flow capacity. The inlet pipe grade and expected peak discharge must be assessed for the installation, and the lint trap selected to suit the discharge and the relevant water authority’s requirements.
Accessories And Custom Work
- Custom manifolds for connecting multiple lint trap units.
- Custom-sized Paneltim® plinths for machine elevation, to create fall and leave space for electrical and piping.
- Averaging and cooling pits, and straining tanks.
- Trafficable and light-duty covers and risers for below-ground installations.
- Job-specific customisations to ensure water authority compliance are available on request.
Ready To Specify or Quote
Send us your machine count and models, your total drain flow rate, and your site constraints, and the Viking technical team will confirm a selection.
Ask for technical drawings, custom sizing calculations, a site measure, or authority liaison support.
Request a quote or call Viking Plastics on 1800 143 143. Technical support is available across VIC, NSW and WA, with distribution centres in NSW and VIC.
Download the technical drawings from the spec sheets page.