Abstract:
A nozzle for a powder spray gun optionally includes an internal filter that allows air to be added to the powder flow within the nozzle shell. The nozzle may optionally include an off-axis outlet slot relative to a main flow axis of the powder into the nozzle shell so that powder encounters an obstruction before exiting through the outlet slot.
Abstract:
A color changer has a common feed passage that is connected to two or more inlet passages. The common feed passage can be reverse purged in a direction that is opposite a direction of powder flow through the common feed passage. A valve element seals a supply port that connects the inlet passage to the common feed passage to eliminate dead space and form a near bore line seal. The valve element is an elastic material that expands in response to applied compressed air inside the valve element.
Abstract:
A quick color change powder coating system has a powder supply, a powder pump that receives powder from the powder supply through a suction pick-up tube, a spray gun and a powder hose that connects the pump to the gun. The apparatus includes a purge air switch assembly and a first air source that provides air at purge pressure to a first inlet of the purge air switch assembly. A second air source provides flow rate air to a first pump inlet and atomizing air to a second inlet of the pump via a purge air switch assembly. Powder is drawn up the tube and into the pump by suction produced by flow rate air into the pump. A purge inlet is associated with the powder inlet to the pump. The purge air switch assembly operates in response to a purge control signal to connect purge air to the atomizing inlet at the pump and to the pump's purge inlet; whereby the pump, hose and gun can be purged at the same time. Purge air may also be provided between the pump and hose and between the hose and the gun to further increase purging efficiency. A powder hose cleaning device is also provided which includes a wiper device such as an annular seal that closely fits about the tube exterior. As the tube is withdrawn, the wiper device knocks powder off the tube exterior back into the hopper to reduce clean up time and waste of powder.
Abstract:
A pneumatic powder collector for determining the transfer efficiency of a powder spray system comprises a funnel for directing powder into a sealed collection chamber. A vacuum is drawn on this chamber by an air flow amplifier having an air flow inlet open to the chamber and an exhaust open to atmosphere. Contained within the chamber there is an air permeable powder collection bag having an inlet open to the funnel so that air entrained powder drawn into the funnel is collected in the bag. The amount of vacuum drawn on the chamber is controlled by a pressure regulator through which high pressure air is supplied to the air flow amplifier so that the vacuum is just sufficient to pull all powder sprayed by a spray gun of the spray system into the chamber without increasing the flow of powder from the gun.
Abstract:
A nozzle assembly for a material application device includes an expansion chamber for slowing down the velocity of powder fed to the nozzle from a dense phase pump. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle insert that forms the expansion chamber and provides air assist function. The nozzle includes an integral deflector, and further includes a passageway for a charging electrode so that the electrical path is routed away from the powder path, while permitting the electrode tip to be centered in the powder spray pattern from the nozzle. The nozzle also includes air wash for the electrode. The nozzle outlet orifice has a cross-sectional area that is equal to or greater than the inlet cross-sectional area so that a slow moving dense phase powder cloud is produced by the nozzle.
Abstract:
A pump for particulate material includes a pump chamber wherein material flows into the pump chamber under negative pressure and flows out of the pump chamber under positive pressure. A plurality of pinch valves are provided to control flow of material into and out of the pump chamber. The pinch valves are operated independent of each other and of the pump cycle rate. A modular design of the pump is provided. A pump control feature is provided for air flow rate control during positive and negative pressure conditions.
Abstract:
A dense phase pump for particulate material includes a pump chamber wherein material flows into the pump chamber under negative pressure and flows out of the pump chamber under positive pressure. A plurality of pinch valves are provided to control flow of material into and out of the pump chamber. The pinch valves are operated independent of each other and of the pump cycle rate. A modular design of the pump is provided.
Abstract:
A color changer has a common feed passage that is connected to two or more inlet passages. The common feed passage can be reverse purged in a direction that is opposite a direction of powder flow through the common feed passage. A valve element seals a supply port that connects the inlet passage to the common feed passage to eliminate dead space and form a near bore line seal. The valve element is an elastic material that expands in response to applied compressed air inside the valve element.