EP1320285B1 - Method and apparatus for neutralizing electrostatic charges from an electrostatically charged element - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for neutralizing electrostatic charges from an electrostatically charged element Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1320285B1 EP1320285B1 EP01830755A EP01830755A EP1320285B1 EP 1320285 B1 EP1320285 B1 EP 1320285B1 EP 01830755 A EP01830755 A EP 01830755A EP 01830755 A EP01830755 A EP 01830755A EP 1320285 B1 EP1320285 B1 EP 1320285B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- gaseous fluid
- composition
- salt
- treatment
- weight
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05F—STATIC ELECTRICITY; NATURALLY-OCCURRING ELECTRICITY
- H05F3/00—Carrying-off electrostatic charges
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
- B05B7/24—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device
- B05B7/2489—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device an atomising fluid, e.g. a gas, being supplied to the discharge device
- B05B7/2491—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device an atomising fluid, e.g. a gas, being supplied to the discharge device characterised by the means for producing or supplying the atomising fluid, e.g. air hoses, air pumps, gas containers, compressors, fans, ventilators, their drives
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method of neutralizing electrostatic charges from an electrostatically-charged element, comprising the features set out in the preamble of claim 1, and to an apparatus to be used for putting said method into practice.
- the invention as described is particularly conceived for utilization within a spray-painting process.
- the invention also proposes a composition to be used in the method and apparatus referred to above.
- a method presently used for the purpose involves directing a jet of compressed air against the surfaces of the workpiece, which air has been previously submitted to ionization by passage through a series of devices for dispersion of electrostatic charges powered by high-voltage alternating current, in the order of 7 kV for example.
- the charge-dispersing devices cyclically generate in the air passing close thereto, positive and negative ions each of which neutralizes a charge opposite in sign possibly present in the workpiece.
- the opposite-in-sign ions that are in excess in the air neutralize each other, whereas the remaining excess ions of same sign are dispersed in the air stream, a certain distance away from the workpiece.
- US 4,314,308 which is herein referred as the most relevant prior art, discloses a process for neutralizing a static electric charge on a surface consisting essentially of contacting an atmosphere with at least one aqueous static charge composition by spraying an effective amount of the composition into the atmosphere, and then contacting the resulting treated atmosphere with a surface having static electric charge thereon to thereby neutralize at least a portion of the charge.
- the static charge composition is prepared from substantially deionized water and at least one quaternary ammonium compound, such as tetrabutyl ammonium bromide.
- Apparatus presently used for spray painting with liquid paints in an atomized form generally comprise a housing holding the liquid paint which is provided with an admission valve, usually of the Venturi effect type, associated with a compressed-air gun for paint delivery.
- the forced passage of the air flow through the admission valve regulated to a given flow rate, causes suction of the liquid paint, in a controlled flow rate, and formation of an air-paint mixture.
- the air-paint mixture is ejected from the delivery nozzle of the gun, atomized in the form of very fine liquid droplets dispersed in the gaseous fluid that will adhere to the workpiece surface.
- the working environment where painting is carried out is usually enclosed in appropriate spray booths, with which suitable suction and filtering systems are associated.
- the whole painting plant is to be periodically stopped for some hours, in order to carry out cleaning of the inner walls of the booths, to avoid too many paint amounts accumulating on said walls and the consequent risk that paint dripping may fall down on the workpiece, which will impair the painting result.
- FIG. 1 generally denoted at 1 is an apparatus for treatment of a gaseous fluid in a method of neutralizing electrostatic charges from an electrostatically-charged element in accordance with the present invention.
- apparatus 1 is associated with a spray-painting plant 2, of the type comprising at least one spray gun 3 connected via a supply duct 4 to a source 5 of a gaseous fluid under pressure 6, typically air.
- the spray gun 3 substantially of known type, defines a channel 7 for passage of the gaseous fluid under pressure 6 between an inlet 7a connected to the supply duct 4, and an atomizing outlet nozzle 7b, through a Venturi-effect valve element 8.
- the spray gun 3 is further provided with a holding tank 9 for the paint in the liquid state 10 which is connected to a narrow portion 8a of the valve element 8. Due to the negative pressure of the air in the narrow portion 8a of the valve element 8, a measured admission of paint 10 into the air flow 6 is caused as well as subsequent ejection of the paint itself from nozzle 7b, in the form of an atomized jet.
- Apparatus 1 is operatively interposed between a first length 4a of the supply duct 4, terminating at the source of air under pressure 5, and a second length 4b or end length, of the supply duct itself connecting apparatus 1 with gun 3.
- Apparatus 1 comprises a closed vessel 11 mainly extending along a vertical-extension direction X and preferably having a cylindrical conformation of circular cross-section.
- Vessel 11 is provided with an inlet valve union 11a communicating with the first length 4a of the supply duct 4, and an outlet valve union 11b communicating with the end length 4b of duct 4.
- the inlet valve union 11a is connected to an upper or first end 12a of an admission pipe 12 extending within the vessel itself, between an upper portion 13 and a lower portion 14 of the latter.
- the opposite or second end 12b of the admission pipe 12 is open at the bottom 15 of vessel 11.
- vessel 11 is provided at the upper portion 13 thereof, with a holed flange 16 with which a closing lid 17 is associated which is secured thereto by conventional fastening means 18 such as screws and bolts.
- the inlet valve union 11a and outlet valve union 11b are disposed on lid 17 and the admission pipe 12 extends from lid 17 to bottom 15.
- the admission pipe 12 has, from top to bottom, a first portion 19 of smaller inner diameter d1, and a second portion 20 of greater inner diameter d2.
- a tubular wall 21 coaxial with, and external to, the first portion 19 itself is associated with pipe 12, to form a hollow space of annular cross section 22 in which heating means 23 is disposed.
- the heating means 23 consists of a resistor 24 connected to a thermostat 25 capable of keeping the temperature of the duct walls within a predetermined range.
- Vessel 11 further holds a treatment composition 26 preferably in a liquid state, which is the object of the present invention too.
- the level of the treatment composition 26 is as low as to take up only a small portion of vessel 11, sufficient to ensure that the lower end 12b of the admission pipe 12 is plunged in the composition itself.
- the flow of compressed air 6 enters the admission pipe 12 through the inlet valve union 12a and passes close to the hollow space 22 where, if required, is heated to an optimal temperature for use of the treatment composition 26, corresponding to at least 20°C. More particularly, calibration of thermostat 25 is capable of heating air to a temperature preferably included between 30°C and 40°C. Subsequently, the air flow 6 comes out of the opening of the second end 12b of pipe 12 and bubbles through the treatment composition 26.
- the admission pipe 12 therefore embodies a mixing means adapted to bring the air introduced through the inlet valve union 11a, into contact with the treatment composition 26.
- device 1 further comprises an auxiliary tube 27 dipping from the bottom 15 of vessel 11 itself.
- the auxiliary tube 27 has a first end 27a plunged in the treatment composition 26 and a second end 27b emerging in cantilevered fashion from a side wall of vessel 11, on which wall a tap 28 is further arranged.
- first separation diaphragm 29a Placed on the free surface 26a of the treatment composition 26 is a first separation diaphragm 29a of metal material, preferably aluminium, diametrically extending in vessel 11 which is passed through by the admission pipe 12 and auxiliary tube 27.
- the peripheral edges 32 of the first separation diaphragm 29a are spaced apart from the inner wall of vessel 11 to define passage ports 33 for the bubbled air flow 6.
- the first diaphragm 29a in vessel 11 delimits a lower treatment region 34 occupied by the treatment composition 26 and a dehumidification region 35 vertically extending over the first diaphragm and containing appropriate dehumidificating means preferably comprising a filtering unit 36 described in more detail below.
- the presence of further separation diaphragms 29b, 29c may be also provided to prevent the treatment composition 26 from sprinkling and directly reaching the dehumidification region 35.
- apparatus 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment also comprises a second 29b and third 29c diaphragms disposed above the first diaphragm 29a along the vertical extension X of vessel 11.
- the three diaphragms 29a, 29b, 29c are mutually spaced apart along the vertical extension X to define a first gap 37a and a second gap 37b.
- the first gap 37a is in fluid communication with the duct of the admission pipe 12 through a plurality of openings 38 formed in the admission pipe portion 12 crossing the gap itself.
- the third diaphragm 29c further has a plurality of through holes 39 to facilitate passage of the air flow 6 to the dehumidification region 35.
- an active-carbon filter bed 40 is installed which is operatively associated with a filter bed made of expanded clay.
- the active-carbon filter bed 40 takes the form of a layer of reduced thickness that can be directly lain down on the third diaphragm 29c even if the presence of at least one rigid synthetic filter 42a is preferably provided which is fastened on top of the third diaphragm 29c to supply a further mechanical support.
- FIG. 1 further shows a second synthetic filter 42b and a filter of ceramic material 43 that are disposed between the rigid synthetic filter 42a and the active-carbon filter bed 40.
- the filtering function is mainly performed by the expanded-clay filter bed 41 which extends vertically over the active-carbon filter bed 40, on a height included just as an indication between 400 and 800 mm and preferably corresponding to about half the overall vertical extension of the treatment region 34 and the dehumidification region 35.
- a further upper synthetic filter 42c is provided to close the filter pack 40, 41, 42a, 42b, 43, said filter being maintained pack-wise against the top of the clay filter bed 41 by a locking ring 44 made of PVC.
- the dampened air flow 6 subsequently passes through the gaps of the filter pack 40, 41, 42a, 42b, 42c, 43 that will absorb most of the humidity typical of the atmospheric compressed air and the humidity gathered during passage in composition 26.
- Filtering carried out in the described manner therefore enables the bubbled air to dry thereby conveniently reducing the aqueous component thereof.
- the outgoing air would have an aqueous component with a high salt content, in the presence of which there would be a risk of impairing a correct painting of the workpiece.
- the active-carbon filter 40 is adapted to quickly absorb big humidity amounts but, used alone, could have an unsatisfactory result because it would tend to absorb humidity to saturation, consequently losing its efficiency.
- the expanded clay 41 on the contrary does not become saturated and keeps its efficiency in time.
- the clay filter bed 41 therefore lends itself to "stabilize” the properties of the outgoing air, i.e. to ensure that the outgoing air has a controlled and constant residual humidity value independently of possible oscillations in the humidity value of the incoming flow.
- the forced air passage in gun 3 causes suction of the liquid paint and formation of the air-paint mixture, in an adjustable flow rate, in the delivery nozzle 7b.
- the liquid paint therefore comes out through the delivery nozzle 7b in an atomized state in the form of very fine droplets dispersed in the gaseous fluid, to be thus sprayed against the workpiece.
- polymerization cross-linking
- the treatment composition 26 is a solution comprising distilled water as the solvent and a solute comprising at least one salt of a divalent cation.
- said salt is present in a percentage by weight included between 20 and 60% relative to the water weight; more preferably in a percentage included between 30 and 50%.
- this percentage may be in the range of 38 to 42% relative to the water weight.
- salt is selected from the group consisting of magnesium chloride, magnesium sulphate, manganese chloride and manganese sulphate.
- salt is magnesium chloride or mixtures of soluble salts containing magnesium salts.
- the treatment composition may further comprise at least one carbohydrate compound preferably in a percentage by weight included between 10 and 50% relative to the salt weight.
- carbohydrate compound When composition 26 is in the form of a solution, the carbohydrate compound is present just as an indication in a percentage by weight included between 2 and 30% relative to the water weight, preferably included between 2.5 and 15%.
- the percentage by weight of the carbohydrate compound may be in the range of 3 to 10% relative to the water weight.
- the carbohydrate compound includes a monosaccharide sugar selected from the group comprising glucose and fructose and/or a disaccharide sugar selected from the group comprising sucrose and lactose sugar.
- the carbohydrate compound is in the form of a mixture comprising monosaccharide and disaccharide sugars, in varying proportions with respect to each other.
- sucrose sugar is a sugar extracted from sugar beet or sugarcanes which is usually employed as a food.
- the above specified sugar is formed of glucose and fructose.
- the proportion by weight between glucose and sucrose may be included between 1:5 and 5:1, and is preferably included between 1:3 and 3:1.
- the solute being part of the treatment composition 26 further comprises at least one surface-active compound.
- a surface-active compound consists of a lipophilic part and a hydrophilic part.
- a surface-active compound in the form of a salt has the hydrophilic part salified with a metal cation such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium for example.
- the hydrophilic part may be represented by a carboxyl group, a sulphate group or a sulphonic group. The difference consists in that the sulphate and sulphonic groups give the anion (hydrophilic head) higher hydrophilic properties than the carboxyl group.
- sulphates and sulphonates form soluble salts with calcium and magnesium ions.
- the surface-active compound is selected from alkyl sulphates, alkyl sulphonates, alkylaryl sulphates and alkylaryl sulphonates.
- the surface-active compound is selected from sodium and/or potassium alkylaryl sulphonate soaps.
- the surface-active compound is advantageously present in a percentage by weight included between 0.005 and 0.5%, relative to the water weight; preferably in a percentage included between 0.008 and 0.4% and more specifically in the range of 0.01 to 0.3%, relative to the water weight.
- the solute and solvent should form a saturated solution at the preset use temperature that, as previously stated, can be conveniently selected in the range of 20 to 40°C.
- the treatment composition 26 can be advantageously prepared by a method involving mixing of at least one carbohydrate compound and at least one surface-active compound in a given distilled water amount at room temperature.
- the aqueous composition is maintained under stirring over a period of time included between 10 and 30 minutes for the purpose of completely solubilizing all components.
- magnesium chloride or other water-soluble salt of a divalent cation is gradually added to the thus obtained composition under continuous stirring.
- the composition is maintained under stirring for a period of time included between 10 and 30 minutes in order to obtain a clear composition without traces of precipitates.
- a preferential example of preparing the treatment composition provides for 100 g of distilled water at room temperature to be disposed in a proper container equipped with a magnetic stirrer. 30 g of glucose, 50 g of sucrose and 2 g of sodium alkylaryl sulphonate are then added to the aqueous composition under stirring. The composition is maintained under stirring for 20 minutes to complete solubilization of the added compounds and avoid formation of insoluble precipitates. 400 g of magnesium chloride are added to the treatment composition thus obtained and the same is maintained under stirring for 20 minutes until a clear composition is obtained.
- the treatment composition thus prepared is ready to be introduced into vessel 11 through the auxiliary tube 27 to carry out treatment of air or other gaseous fluid as above described.
- the present invention achieves important advantages.
- the air or other gaseous fluid treated as above described in fact acquire the property of neutralizing the electrostatic charges possibly present in any element with which the fluid is brought into contact.
- the air treated in accordance with the invention enables the electrostatic charges that are created on the finely divided particles of the liquid paint coming out of the gun nozzle to be neutralized, due to said particles rubbing against each other and against the surfaces of the nozzle itself, as well as the charges created on the possible particles impinging on and rebounding against the workpiece without adhering thereto.
- the electrostatically charged paint particles with a residual charge of same sign would repel each other and would consequently tend to spread in the environment surrounding the workpiece. Consequently, many paint particles would not reach the workpiece and/or would tend to rebound thereon, also because they are electrostatically repelled by the particles already adhered thereto, and would therefore float in the environment until they meet the closest surface on which they can lay down and discharge the acquired electrostatic charge.
- Paint carried out in accordance with the present invention has proved to be very advantageous because, by neutralizing the effect of the electrostatic charge induced on the atomized-paint particles, it greatly inhibits tendency of said particles to spread in the environment surrounding the work region and to remain suspended in the air migrating towards grounded surfaces or surfaces electrostatically charged with an opposite sign with respect to the particles themselves.
- the invention makes a greater amount of atomized paint to adhere to the workpiece and causes the reduced paint percentage not adhering to the workpiece to immediately fall to the ground, without spreading in the surrounding atmosphere.
Landscapes
- Application Of Or Painting With Fluid Materials (AREA)
- Elimination Of Static Electricity (AREA)
- Printing Plates And Materials Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a method of neutralizing electrostatic charges from an electrostatically-charged element, comprising the features set out in the preamble of claim 1, and to an apparatus to be used for putting said method into practice.
- In more detail, the invention as described is particularly conceived for utilization within a spray-painting process.
- The invention also proposes a composition to be used in the method and apparatus referred to above.
- It is known that in different industrial processes, in the manufacture of ribbons or laminates of plastic material for example, there is a need for removing electrostatic charges from the workpieces. A method presently used for the purpose involves directing a jet of compressed air against the surfaces of the workpiece, which air has been previously submitted to ionization by passage through a series of devices for dispersion of electrostatic charges powered by high-voltage alternating current, in the order of 7 kV for example. The charge-dispersing devices cyclically generate in the air passing close thereto, positive and negative ions each of which neutralizes a charge opposite in sign possibly present in the workpiece. The opposite-in-sign ions that are in excess in the air neutralize each other, whereas the remaining excess ions of same sign are dispersed in the air stream, a certain distance away from the workpiece.
- US 4,314,308, which is herein referred as the most relevant prior art, discloses a process for neutralizing a static electric charge on a surface consisting essentially of contacting an atmosphere with at least one aqueous static charge composition by spraying an effective amount of the composition into the atmosphere, and then contacting the resulting treated atmosphere with a surface having static electric charge thereon to thereby neutralize at least a portion of the charge. The static charge composition is prepared from substantially deionized water and at least one quaternary ammonium compound, such as tetrabutyl ammonium bromide.
- It is an aim of the present invention to propose a new method of neutralizing electrostatic charges which proves to be better than known methods, in terms of efficiency, safety, simplicity and reduced costs.
- It is also a particular aim of the invention to propose a method susceptible of being put into practice in the field of spray painting; referring to spray painting the Applicant has actually perceived that elimination of electrostatic charges from paint can give surprising advantages in terms of painting yield and quality.
- Apparatus presently used for spray painting with liquid paints in an atomized form generally comprise a housing holding the liquid paint which is provided with an admission valve, usually of the Venturi effect type, associated with a compressed-air gun for paint delivery. The forced passage of the air flow through the admission valve, regulated to a given flow rate, causes suction of the liquid paint, in a controlled flow rate, and formation of an air-paint mixture. The air-paint mixture is ejected from the delivery nozzle of the gun, atomized in the form of very fine liquid droplets dispersed in the gaseous fluid that will adhere to the workpiece surface.
- It has been found however, that at the present state of the art an important percentage of the paint delivered in an atomized form, that just as an indication can be estimated between 10 and 30%, is dispersed in the surrounding atmosphere in the workplace instead of laying down on the workpiece.
- Therefore, the working environment where painting is carried out is usually enclosed in appropriate spray booths, with which suitable suction and filtering systems are associated. In addition, the whole painting plant is to be periodically stopped for some hours, in order to carry out cleaning of the inner walls of the booths, to avoid too many paint amounts accumulating on said walls and the consequent risk that paint dripping may fall down on the workpiece, which will impair the painting result.
- In accordance with the present invention the Applicant has perceived that all drawbacks present in the known art can be mostly ascribed to formation of electrostatic charges in the atomized paint particles. In fact it was found that it is surprising possible to overcome the above described drawbacks by submitting the air stream to be sent to the supply duct of the gun to a treatment adapted to neutralize the electrostatic charges generated in the atomized paint particles.
- In more detail, it is an aim of the invention to provide a method of neutralizing electrostatic charges in a paint or other electrostatically-charged element, comprising the features set out in the characterizing portion of claim 1.
- The above mentioned method can be put into practice with the aid of an apparatus for treatment of a gaseous fluid as defined in
claim 12. - It is a further aim of the invention to provide a composition for treatment of a gaseous fluid in a process for neutralizing electrostatic charges in an electrostatically-charged element, as defined in
claim 18. - Further features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a method and an apparatus for neutralizing electrostatic charges from an electrostatically-charged element, and a treatment composition for carrying out said method. This description will be set out hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- Fig. 1 diagrammatically shows, in diametrical section, an apparatus for treatment of a gaseous fluid in accordance with the present invention;
- Fig. 2 is a fragmentary diagrammatic view of the apparatus in Fig. 1 associated with a spray-painting plant.
- With reference to the drawings, generally denoted at 1 is an apparatus for treatment of a gaseous fluid in a method of neutralizing electrostatic charges from an electrostatically-charged element in accordance with the present invention.
- In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, apparatus 1 is associated with a spray-
painting plant 2, of the type comprising at least onespray gun 3 connected via asupply duct 4 to asource 5 of a gaseous fluid underpressure 6, typically air. - The
spray gun 3, substantially of known type, defines achannel 7 for passage of the gaseous fluid underpressure 6 between aninlet 7a connected to thesupply duct 4, and an atomizingoutlet nozzle 7b, through a Venturi-effect valve element 8. - The
spray gun 3 is further provided with aholding tank 9 for the paint in theliquid state 10 which is connected to anarrow portion 8a of the valve element 8. Due to the negative pressure of the air in thenarrow portion 8a of the valve element 8, a measured admission ofpaint 10 into theair flow 6 is caused as well as subsequent ejection of the paint itself fromnozzle 7b, in the form of an atomized jet. - Apparatus 1 is operatively interposed between a
first length 4a of thesupply duct 4, terminating at the source of air underpressure 5, and asecond length 4b or end length, of the supply duct itself connecting apparatus 1 withgun 3. - Apparatus 1 comprises a closed
vessel 11 mainly extending along a vertical-extension direction X and preferably having a cylindrical conformation of circular cross-section. - Vessel 11 is provided with an
inlet valve union 11a communicating with thefirst length 4a of thesupply duct 4, and anoutlet valve union 11b communicating with theend length 4b ofduct 4. - More specifically, the
inlet valve union 11a is connected to an upper orfirst end 12a of anadmission pipe 12 extending within the vessel itself, between anupper portion 13 and alower portion 14 of the latter. The opposite orsecond end 12b of theadmission pipe 12 is open at thebottom 15 ofvessel 11. - In the embodiment shown in the drawings,
vessel 11 is provided at theupper portion 13 thereof, with aholed flange 16 with which aclosing lid 17 is associated which is secured thereto by conventional fastening means 18 such as screws and bolts. Theinlet valve union 11a andoutlet valve union 11b are disposed onlid 17 and theadmission pipe 12 extends fromlid 17 tobottom 15. - The
admission pipe 12 has, from top to bottom, afirst portion 19 of smaller inner diameter d1, and asecond portion 20 of greater inner diameter d2. - At the
first portion 19, atubular wall 21 coaxial with, and external to, thefirst portion 19 itself is associated withpipe 12, to form a hollow space ofannular cross section 22 in which heating means 23 is disposed. Advantageously, the heating means 23 consists of aresistor 24 connected to athermostat 25 capable of keeping the temperature of the duct walls within a predetermined range. - Vessel 11 further holds a
treatment composition 26 preferably in a liquid state, which is the object of the present invention too. The level of thetreatment composition 26 is as low as to take up only a small portion ofvessel 11, sufficient to ensure that thelower end 12b of theadmission pipe 12 is plunged in the composition itself. - During its flowing from
source 5 to thedelivery nozzle 7b ofgun 3, the flow ofcompressed air 6 enters theadmission pipe 12 through theinlet valve union 12a and passes close to thehollow space 22 where, if required, is heated to an optimal temperature for use of thetreatment composition 26, corresponding to at least 20°C. More particularly, calibration ofthermostat 25 is capable of heating air to a temperature preferably included between 30°C and 40°C. Subsequently, theair flow 6 comes out of the opening of thesecond end 12b ofpipe 12 and bubbles through thetreatment composition 26. - The
admission pipe 12 therefore embodies a mixing means adapted to bring the air introduced through theinlet valve union 11a, into contact with thetreatment composition 26. - To facilitate replacement, topping up or merely control of the
treatment composition 26, device 1 further comprises anauxiliary tube 27 dipping from thebottom 15 ofvessel 11 itself. In the embodiment shown, theauxiliary tube 27 has afirst end 27a plunged in thetreatment composition 26 and asecond end 27b emerging in cantilevered fashion from a side wall ofvessel 11, on which wall atap 28 is further arranged. - Placed on the
free surface 26a of thetreatment composition 26 is afirst separation diaphragm 29a of metal material, preferably aluminium, diametrically extending invessel 11 which is passed through by theadmission pipe 12 andauxiliary tube 27. Theperipheral edges 32 of thefirst separation diaphragm 29a are spaced apart from the inner wall ofvessel 11 to definepassage ports 33 for thebubbled air flow 6. - The
first diaphragm 29a invessel 11 delimits alower treatment region 34 occupied by thetreatment composition 26 and adehumidification region 35 vertically extending over the first diaphragm and containing appropriate dehumidificating means preferably comprising afiltering unit 36 described in more detail below. - Advantageously, the presence of
further separation diaphragms treatment composition 26 from sprinkling and directly reaching thedehumidification region 35. - In particular, as clearly shown in Fig. 2, apparatus 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment also comprises a second 29b and third 29c diaphragms disposed above the
first diaphragm 29a along the vertical extension X ofvessel 11. The threediaphragms first gap 37a and asecond gap 37b. Thefirst gap 37a is in fluid communication with the duct of theadmission pipe 12 through a plurality ofopenings 38 formed in theadmission pipe portion 12 crossing the gap itself. - The
third diaphragm 29c further has a plurality of throughholes 39 to facilitate passage of theair flow 6 to thedehumidification region 35. - Placed on top of the
last diaphragm 29c in thedehumidification region 35, an active-carbon filter bed 40 is installed which is operatively associated with a filter bed made of expanded clay. In particular, the active-carbon filter bed 40 takes the form of a layer of reduced thickness that can be directly lain down on thethird diaphragm 29c even if the presence of at least one rigidsynthetic filter 42a is preferably provided which is fastened on top of thethird diaphragm 29c to supply a further mechanical support. - The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 further shows a second
synthetic filter 42b and a filter ofceramic material 43 that are disposed between the rigidsynthetic filter 42a and the active-carbon filter bed 40. - The filtering function is mainly performed by the expanded-
clay filter bed 41 which extends vertically over the active-carbon filter bed 40, on a height included just as an indication between 400 and 800 mm and preferably corresponding to about half the overall vertical extension of thetreatment region 34 and thedehumidification region 35. - Finally, a further upper synthetic filter 42c is provided to close the
filter pack clay filter bed 41 by alocking ring 44 made of PVC. - The
air flow 6, after bubbling in thecomposition 26, rises, pressure-pushed, to theupper portion 13 ofvessel 11 passing first through theperipheral passage ports 33 of the first 29a and second 29b diaphragms and subsequently also throughholes 39 present in thethird diaphragm 29c. Thedampened air flow 6 subsequently passes through the gaps of thefilter pack composition 26. - Filtering carried out in the described manner therefore enables the bubbled air to dry thereby conveniently reducing the aqueous component thereof. In fact, if filtering should not be appropriately carried out, the outgoing air would have an aqueous component with a high salt content, in the presence of which there would be a risk of impairing a correct painting of the workpiece.
- The active-
carbon filter 40 is adapted to quickly absorb big humidity amounts but, used alone, could have an unsatisfactory result because it would tend to absorb humidity to saturation, consequently losing its efficiency. - The expanded
clay 41 on the contrary does not become saturated and keeps its efficiency in time. - The
clay filter bed 41 therefore lends itself to "stabilize" the properties of the outgoing air, i.e. to ensure that the outgoing air has a controlled and constant residual humidity value independently of possible oscillations in the humidity value of the incoming flow. - Once the
air flow 6 has passed through thefilter pack outlet valve union 11b and is conveyed togun 3. - The forced air passage in
gun 3 causes suction of the liquid paint and formation of the air-paint mixture, in an adjustable flow rate, in thedelivery nozzle 7b. The liquid paint therefore comes out through thedelivery nozzle 7b in an atomized state in the form of very fine droplets dispersed in the gaseous fluid, to be thus sprayed against the workpiece. By a possible baking, polymerization (cross-linking) of the liquid paint layer applied and steady adhesion of same to the workpiece will be achieved. - Preferably, the
treatment composition 26 is a solution comprising distilled water as the solvent and a solute comprising at least one salt of a divalent cation. - Preferably said salt is present in a percentage by weight included between 20 and 60% relative to the water weight; more preferably in a percentage included between 30 and 50%. Advantageously, this percentage may be in the range of 38 to 42% relative to the water weight.
- Preferably, salt is selected from the group consisting of magnesium chloride, magnesium sulphate, manganese chloride and manganese sulphate. Advantageously, salt is magnesium chloride or mixtures of soluble salts containing magnesium salts.
- The treatment composition may further comprise at least one carbohydrate compound preferably in a percentage by weight included between 10 and 50% relative to the salt weight. When
composition 26 is in the form of a solution, the carbohydrate compound is present just as an indication in a percentage by weight included between 2 and 30% relative to the water weight, preferably included between 2.5 and 15%. Advantageously, the percentage by weight of the carbohydrate compound may be in the range of 3 to 10% relative to the water weight. - Preferably, the carbohydrate compound includes a monosaccharide sugar selected from the group comprising glucose and fructose and/or a disaccharide sugar selected from the group comprising sucrose and lactose sugar.
- Advantageously, the carbohydrate compound is in the form of a mixture comprising monosaccharide and disaccharide sugars, in varying proportions with respect to each other.
- In particular, advantageous results are obtained when the carbohydrate compound is a mixture comprising sucrose and glucose. In the context of the present invention sucrose sugar (common sugar) is a sugar extracted from sugar beet or sugarcanes which is usually employed as a food. The above specified sugar is formed of glucose and fructose.
- The proportion by weight between glucose and sucrose may be included between 1:5 and 5:1, and is preferably included between 1:3 and 3:1.
- Preferably the solute being part of the
treatment composition 26 further comprises at least one surface-active compound. Generally, a surface-active compound consists of a lipophilic part and a hydrophilic part. A surface-active compound in the form of a salt has the hydrophilic part salified with a metal cation such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium for example. In the case of an anionic surface-active compound which is preferred to the aims of the invention, the hydrophilic part may be represented by a carboxyl group, a sulphate group or a sulphonic group. The difference consists in that the sulphate and sulphonic groups give the anion (hydrophilic head) higher hydrophilic properties than the carboxyl group. In addition, sulphates and sulphonates form soluble salts with calcium and magnesium ions. - Advantageously, the surface-active compound is selected from alkyl sulphates, alkyl sulphonates, alkylaryl sulphates and alkylaryl sulphonates. In more detail, the surface-active compound is selected from sodium and/or potassium alkylaryl sulphonate soaps. The surface-active compound is advantageously present in a percentage by weight included between 0.005 and 0.5%, relative to the water weight; preferably in a percentage included between 0.008 and 0.4% and more specifically in the range of 0.01 to 0.3%, relative to the water weight.
- It is also preferably provided that in the
treatment composition 26 the solute and solvent should form a saturated solution at the preset use temperature that, as previously stated, can be conveniently selected in the range of 20 to 40°C. - The
treatment composition 26 can be advantageously prepared by a method involving mixing of at least one carbohydrate compound and at least one surface-active compound in a given distilled water amount at room temperature. The aqueous composition is maintained under stirring over a period of time included between 10 and 30 minutes for the purpose of completely solubilizing all components. Subsequently, magnesium chloride or other water-soluble salt of a divalent cation is gradually added to the thus obtained composition under continuous stirring. At the end of the salt addition, the composition is maintained under stirring for a period of time included between 10 and 30 minutes in order to obtain a clear composition without traces of precipitates. - A preferential example of preparing the treatment composition provides for 100 g of distilled water at room temperature to be disposed in a proper container equipped with a magnetic stirrer. 30 g of glucose, 50 g of sucrose and 2 g of sodium alkylaryl sulphonate are then added to the aqueous composition under stirring. The composition is maintained under stirring for 20 minutes to complete solubilization of the added compounds and avoid formation of insoluble precipitates. 400 g of magnesium chloride are added to the treatment composition thus obtained and the same is maintained under stirring for 20 minutes until a clear composition is obtained.
- The treatment composition thus prepared is ready to be introduced into
vessel 11 through theauxiliary tube 27 to carry out treatment of air or other gaseous fluid as above described. - The present invention achieves important advantages.
- The air or other gaseous fluid treated as above described in fact acquire the property of neutralizing the electrostatic charges possibly present in any element with which the fluid is brought into contact. Referring particularly to spray painting, the air treated in accordance with the invention enables the electrostatic charges that are created on the finely divided particles of the liquid paint coming out of the gun nozzle to be neutralized, due to said particles rubbing against each other and against the surfaces of the nozzle itself, as well as the charges created on the possible particles impinging on and rebounding against the workpiece without adhering thereto.
- In the absence of a treatment carried out in accordance with the present invention, the electrostatically charged paint particles with a residual charge of same sign would repel each other and would consequently tend to spread in the environment surrounding the workpiece. Consequently, many paint particles would not reach the workpiece and/or would tend to rebound thereon, also because they are electrostatically repelled by the particles already adhered thereto, and would therefore float in the environment until they meet the closest surface on which they can lay down and discharge the acquired electrostatic charge.
- Painting carried out in accordance with the present invention has proved to be very advantageous because, by neutralizing the effect of the electrostatic charge induced on the atomized-paint particles, it greatly inhibits tendency of said particles to spread in the environment surrounding the work region and to remain suspended in the air migrating towards grounded surfaces or surfaces electrostatically charged with an opposite sign with respect to the particles themselves.
- In addition, the absence of an electrostatic charge in the particles avoids the latter being repelled by the paint already laid down on the workpiece, thereby improving the painting yield, paint waste being greatly reduced.
- Actually, the invention makes a greater amount of atomized paint to adhere to the workpiece and causes the reduced paint percentage not adhering to the workpiece to immediately fall to the ground, without spreading in the surrounding atmosphere.
- Obviously, while the invention is described referring particularly to painting, it is advantageously usable in any other circumstance in which the electrostatic charges present in an element are wished to be neutralized; for instance, air or other gaseous fluid treated in accordance with the invention can be employed to neutralize the static electricity present on articles of manufacture in making sheets or ribbons of plastic or paper material and in weaving processes, as well as for carrying out dusting processes on the surfaces of these articles of manufacture or articles of manufacture of other types.
Claims (26)
- A method of neutralizing electrostatic charges from an electrostatically-charged element, comprising the step of bringing a gaseous fluid (6) previously submitted to a treatment, into contact with said electrostatically-charged element to neutralize the electrostatic charges from said at least one element, wherein said treatment comprises the step of bringing at least part of the gaseous fluid (6) into contact with a treatment composition (26), characterized in that said treatment composition includes at least one salt of a divalent cation.
- A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the treatment composition comprises a solvent and a solute including said salt dissolved in the solvent, preferably in a percentage by weight included between 20 and 60%, relative to the solvent weight.
- A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the treatment composition further comprises at least one carbohydrate compound, preferably in a percentage by weight included between 10% and 50% relative to the salt weight.
- A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of magnesium chloride, magnesium sulphate, manganese chloride and manganese sulphate.
- A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the carbohydrate compound comprises at least one sugar selected from the group consisting of glucose, fructose, lactose and sucrose.
- A method as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the solvent and solute form a saturated solution to a predetermined use temperature in the range of 20 to 40°C.
- A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the gaseous fluid is brought into contact with the treatment composition (26) by bubbling of the latter.
- A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a step of dehumidifying the treated gaseous fluid, preferably by filtering through at least one filter bed of expanded clay (41).
- A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a step of filtering the treated gaseous fluid.
- A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein before the treatment step, a step of heating the gaseous fluid is carried out to bring said fluid to a temperature of use of the treatment composition, which is higher than 20°C and preferably included between 30°C and 40°C.
- A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electrostatically-charged element comprises an atomized paint in a spray painting process comprising the further steps of:conveying the treated gaseous fluid (6) to a delivery nozzle (7b);atomizing a liquid paint (10) constituting said electrostatically-charged element in the gaseous fluid (6) ;projecting the atomized paint against a workpiece, concurrently with delivery of the treated gaseous fluid (6) through the delivery nozzle (7b).
- An apparatus for treatment of a gaseous fluid in a method of neutralizing electrostatic charges in an electrostatically-charged element, comprisingat least one vessel (11) containing a liquid composition (26) for treatment of the gaseous fluid;an inlet valve union (11a) to be connected to a first length (4a) of a duct (4) for supply of said gaseous fluid;an outlet valve union (11b) to be connected to a second length (4b) of the supply duct (4) to bring the gaseous fluid into contact with the electrostatically-charged element;mixing means (12) terminating at the inlet valve union (11a) and operating within the vessel (11) to bring the gaseous fluid admitted through the inlet valve union (11a) into contact with the treatment composition (26), wherein said mixing means comprises an admission pipe (12) having a first end (12a) connected to the inlet valve union (11a) characterized in that said admission pipe (12) comprises a second end (12b) plunged in the treatment composition (26) including at least one salt of a divalent cation, so that the gaseous fluid from the supply duct (4) is submitted to bubbling in the composition itself.
- An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, further comprising dehumidification means (36) for the treated gaseous fluid, operating in said vessel (11).
- An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a filtering unit (36) for the treated gaseous fluid, operating in said vessel (11).
- An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said filtering unit (36) comprises a filter bed (41) of expanded clay.
- An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said filtering unit (36) further comprises at least one filter bed of active carbon (40) disposed upstream of the filter bed of expanded clay (41).
- An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, further comprising heating means (23) for the gaseous fluid (6) operating at the inlet valve union (11a) to heat the fluid admitted to the vessel to a temperature at least as high as 20°C.
- A composition for the treatment of a gaseous fluid in a process for neutralizing electrostatic charges in an electrostatically-charged element, comprising:at least one salt soluble in a solvent, characterized in that said salt is a salt of a divalent cation, said treatment composition further comprising at least one carbohydrate compound, preferably in a percentage by weight included between 10% and 50% relative to the salt weight.
- A composition as claimed in claim 18, wherein the salt and the carbohydrate compound form a solute dissolved in a solvent, preferably water.
- A composition as claimed in claim 19, wherein the salt is present in a percentage by weight included between 20% and 60% relative to the solvent weight, and the carbohydrate compound is present in a percentage by weight included between 2% and 30% relative to the solvent weight.
- A composition as claimed in claim 19, wherein the solute further comprises at least one surface-active compound, preferably in a percentage by weight in the range of 0.005% to 0.5% relative to the solvent weight.
- A composition as claimed in claim 18, wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of magnesium chloride, magnesium sulphate, manganese chloride and manganese sulphate.
- A composition as claimed in claim 18, wherein the carbohydrate compound comprises at least one sugar selected from the group consisting of glucose, fructose, lactose and sucrose.
- A composition as claimed in claim 18, wherein the carbohydrate compound is a mixture comprising glucose and sucrose sugar.
- A composition as claimed in claim 21, wherein the surface-active compound is of the anionic type, preferably selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulphates, alkyl sulphonates, alkylaryl sulphates and alkylaryl sulphonates.
- A composition as claimed in claim 19, wherein the solute and solvent form a saturated solution to a use temperature included between 20°C and 40°C.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE60109308T DE60109308T2 (en) | 2001-12-11 | 2001-12-11 | Method and apparatus for neutralizing electrostatic charges on charged parts |
AT01830755T ATE290765T1 (en) | 2001-12-11 | 2001-12-11 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR NEUTRALIZING ELECTROSTATIC CHARGES ON CHARGED PARTS |
EP01830755A EP1320285B1 (en) | 2001-12-11 | 2001-12-11 | Method and apparatus for neutralizing electrostatic charges from an electrostatically charged element |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP01830755A EP1320285B1 (en) | 2001-12-11 | 2001-12-11 | Method and apparatus for neutralizing electrostatic charges from an electrostatically charged element |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1320285A1 EP1320285A1 (en) | 2003-06-18 |
EP1320285B1 true EP1320285B1 (en) | 2005-03-09 |
Family
ID=8184806
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01830755A Expired - Lifetime EP1320285B1 (en) | 2001-12-11 | 2001-12-11 | Method and apparatus for neutralizing electrostatic charges from an electrostatically charged element |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1320285B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE290765T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60109308T2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102009042099A1 (en) * | 2009-09-21 | 2011-03-24 | Thomas Mayer | Device for discharging electronic charges |
DE102017209353A1 (en) * | 2017-06-01 | 2018-12-06 | Lufthansa Technik Ag | Apparatus and method for repairing surfaces in the aircraft cabin |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3123640A (en) * | 1964-03-03 | Cation-active surface active aryldi- | ||
GB311978A (en) * | 1928-07-05 | 1929-05-23 | Frederick Johns | Compressing air for spraying devices |
FR683906A (en) * | 1929-10-23 | 1930-06-19 | Deselectrification arrangement of textile fibers at the places of their great friction in the drawing mechanisms | |
US4169279A (en) * | 1978-09-25 | 1979-09-25 | Lester Laboratories, Inc. | Method for neutralizing static electricity with mixed atmospheres |
US4314308A (en) * | 1980-10-06 | 1982-02-02 | Lester Laboratories, Inc. | Increasing the rate of neutralization of static electricity |
JP2001079465A (en) * | 1999-09-17 | 2001-03-27 | Koichi Takeda | Coating apparatus and coating method |
-
2001
- 2001-12-11 EP EP01830755A patent/EP1320285B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-12-11 AT AT01830755T patent/ATE290765T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-12-11 DE DE60109308T patent/DE60109308T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ATE290765T1 (en) | 2005-03-15 |
EP1320285A1 (en) | 2003-06-18 |
DE60109308D1 (en) | 2005-04-14 |
DE60109308T2 (en) | 2006-04-13 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US3750955A (en) | Spray coating apparatus | |
US4219864A (en) | Device and method for moistening and/or discharging electrically insulating objects and materials | |
US4440554A (en) | Gas scrubbing device | |
US3382845A (en) | Separating liquid droplets in spray coating operation | |
CA1105881A (en) | Electrodeposition coating apparatus | |
EP1320285B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for neutralizing electrostatic charges from an electrostatically charged element | |
CN108607703A (en) | A kind of electrostatic spraying apparatus for spraying equipment | |
US5628463A (en) | Vapor ionizing discharger apparatus | |
JP3238413B2 (en) | Spray coating equipment | |
US4608942A (en) | Method of continuously spraying liquids onto lengthy bodies moving at high speed | |
US2770210A (en) | Apparatus for coating | |
JPH10255954A (en) | Dc ion generating device, and film forming method using this device | |
JPH1138419A (en) | Spacer spreader | |
US4498631A (en) | Electrogasdynamic coating system | |
JP4588910B2 (en) | Water-soluble paint booth with exhaust circuit | |
US4520755A (en) | Spray type coating apparatus | |
CN109571727B (en) | Ceramic tile glazing device | |
US1223809A (en) | Method of affording protection to workmen during the operation of spraying ceramic and other articles. | |
JPS61501251A (en) | Device for removing coating material from coating material-containing air in a spray booth | |
CN210279639U (en) | Ultrasonic electrostatic field spraying device | |
JP2009113019A (en) | Rotary spray coating method and apparatus for liquid | |
US4919159A (en) | Method and apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of buildings, and especially ceilings of office buildings | |
CA1306665C (en) | Method and apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of buildings | |
CN219653309U (en) | Shaping equipment for braid processing | |
RU2406572C2 (en) | Aerosolisation installation |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20031217 |
|
AKX | Designation fees paid |
Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20040204 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20050309 Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20050309 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20050309 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20050309 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20050309 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20050309 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20050309 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20050309 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 60109308 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 20050414 Kind code of ref document: P |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20050609 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20050609 |
|
NLV1 | Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act | ||
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20050907 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20051211 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20051212 |
|
ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20051231 Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20051231 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20051212 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20050609 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 15 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20151230 Year of fee payment: 15 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 16 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20161211 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20161211 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 17 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20181231 Year of fee payment: 18 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20191217 Year of fee payment: 19 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20191230 Year of fee payment: 19 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20191231 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R119 Ref document number: 60109308 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201211 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210701 |