FI20185008A1 - Method and device for treating an object, and object in a traffic environment - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating an object (4) comprising concrete, asphalt and / or porous metal, such as galvanized iron. The method comprises at least the following steps: - the object (4) is subjected to vacuum and thus water and other substances are removed from the pores, cracks and / or other openings in the object; a primer is applied to the pores, cracks and / or other openings in the object (4), thereby reducing the porosity of the object to be treated. The invention is suitable, for example, for surface treatment of traffic objects, such as curbs in concrete (4) and road surfaces.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for treating an object comprising concrete, asphalt and / or porous metal, such as galvanized iron, and a vehicle in the transport environment, as disclosed in the preamble of the independent claims below. The invention relates, for example, to a new way of surface treatment of a concrete curb, a road surface permanent coating or a metal fastening plate and bolt for a road rail.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Areas of the transport environment are exposed to high levels of climate, traffic consumption and mechanical cleaning. For example, concrete is a partially porous material and contains many types of cells, cracks and capillaries.

The pores, cracks and other openings impair the mechanical strength of the material. The porous material absorbs water in humid conditions. In the transport environment, temperatures typically fluctuate, which causes weathering as the humidity in the pores expands and shrinks when frozen.

Traffic and sanitation consume objects in the traffic environment mechanically and chemically. Mechanical wear is caused, for example, by car tires, snow and ice and snow blades. For example, road defrosting chemicals and traffic emissions cause chemical consumption.

Objects in the traffic environment are usually coated with different paints to protect or increase their visibility. For example, there is a limited number of paints suitable for concrete or asphalt. To increase visibility, paints with a light reflective additive or pigment with a luminescence effect are often used. For example, in a concrete street curb, paint stays on or near the surface of the object and does not provide good adhesion deeper than the concrete surface.

Temperature variation combined with moisture stress decreases adhesion between porous material such as concrete and the surface painted on it. Particularly in damp areas, the paint coating is released quickly. Emerging under the paint

20185008 prh 04-01-2018 Surface, such as gray concrete, is difficult to detect in the rain and in the dark. This increases the risk of traffic damage. The unpainted surface will wear out and deteriorate more rapidly. The need for maintenance painting is considerable.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to reduce or even eliminate the above-mentioned problems in the prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a way of protecting objects in the traffic environment from the effects of the climate and from mechanical and chemical wear.

One object of the present invention is to provide a new and more efficient way of surface treatment of a porous object such as concrete, asphalt and / or galvanized iron 15.

It is an object of the present invention to improve the durability of the concrete, asphalt and other porous materials used in the traffic environment while improving their visibility.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a coating method which enables and facilitates the widespread use of reflective material, luminescent effect material and various contrast colors in traffic environments.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a concrete street curb, a concrete curb road support system, a road site concrete element, a road surface durable pavement, a road metal guardrail, a road rail metal bolt, a road rail bolt metal fastening plate, a metal light pole .

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Among other things, to accomplish the aforementioned purposes, the method, apparatus and traffic environment object of the invention, as well as other objects of the invention, are characterized in what is disclosed in the appended independent claims.

The application examples and advantages mentioned in this text apply, mutatis mutandis, to the method, apparatus and subject matter of the invention, although not always specifically mentioned.

The method of the invention relates to an object comprising concrete, asphalt and / or porous metal such as galvanized iron. The method comprises at least the following steps:

exposing the subject to vacuum and thereby removing air, water and other matter from the pores, crevices and / or other openings of the subject;

applying primer to pores, cracks and / or other openings in the subject, thereby reducing the porosity of the subject to be treated.

The device according to the invention is intended to handle an object comprising 20 concrete, asphalt and / or porous metal such as galvanized iron. The device comprises:

- a vacuum chamber for exposing the subject via a vacuum device to the vacuum, for removing air, water and other substances from the pores, cracks and / or other openings of the object;

a primer applicator for applying primer to pores, crevices and / or other openings in the subject.

The object to be treated may be only a part of an object or object, for example a part of concrete or a part of a road surface where road markings are painted.

Vacuum generation, vacuum chambers, and other devices and structures required therein are known in the art and are therefore not discussed further herein. The vacuum device may be, for example, a displacement pump.

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The porous metal may be, for example, iron, galvanized iron, aluminum or bronze. Under pressure, pores, cracks, and openings, depending on the situation, will remove various amounts of different substances, such as water, air, and other gases.

The primer is selected to suit each situation. The product type may be, for example, water or solvent-borne epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, vinyl ester, elastomer and polyurea, or any combination of these binders.

Thus, it has now been found that an object made of concrete, asphalt or porous metal can be more effectively coated by subjecting the object to vacuum before coating with primer. The idea is to prevent water from penetrating the pores, cells, and cracks of the target by filling them with primer or sealer paint suitable for concrete, asphalt or porous metal or the like.

In one embodiment of the invention, a porous object such as a concrete body is vacuumed to a pressure below normal atmospheric pressure (101 kPa). For example, the vacuum may be less than 50 kPa, less than 25 kPa, less than 10 kPa, less than 5 kPa or less than 3 kPa. Thus, undesirable substances in the pores and cracks, such as water, are gasified and removed from the pores at least to some extent.

The vacuum can be maintained for a time appropriate to each situation, for example, more than 10 seconds, more than one minute, 1-10 minutes, or more than 5 minutes.

As the primer fills the pores, cracks, and other openings in the target, the porosity of the target is reduced. The ability of water to infiltrate the object in its later stages is significantly slowed down or completely prevented, thereby also reducing the weathering of the object. For example, the concrete has antifreeze and corrosion resistance of reinforcement. Primer penetrated into concrete or other porous material also acts as a binder within the porous material, thereby improving the mechanical wear resistance and strength of the object.

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A particular advantage is achieved by the fact that the surface formed by the primer serves as a good substrate for the subsequent coating treatment. Adhesion is good because the surface of an object such as concrete or asphalt no longer has water or easily peelable material such as concrete glue.

The coating of concrete and other porous materials, such as galvanized iron, can be done already at the manufacturing stage of the objects at the factory. Products made in this way are already ready to be installed in the transport environment, for example, when leaving the factory, and after installing the curb stones, for example, 10 separate paintings are not required. Coating during the production phase can easily be done across the site. Thus, for example, concrete curbstones can be easily painted at least in part, for example, underground or in other parts intended for hiding. This further enhances product durability.

The quality of the coating according to the invention is better than usual. This brings economic benefits by reducing the need for post-painting and long-term maintenance painting.

Because coating, such as paint, stays better on the subject, the invention 20 improves, for example, the visibility of objects in the traffic environment and the colors used in them, even under poor driving conditions. This increases security.

In one embodiment of the invention, the subject of the traffic environment is discussed. The target of the traffic environment may be, for example, a concrete pavement curb, a concrete 25 sidewalk support system, a concrete site element on a road site, a road surface permanent pavement, a road metal railing, a metal railing bolt, a metal railing bolt, a traffic light. The advantages of the invention are particularly emphasized in the traffic environment. For example, bolts used in road rails and bolt or bolt plates are generally made of galvanized iron, which is susceptible to corrosion.

By means of the invention, the bolt heads or their bases or fastening plates can be permanently painted with a paint having a reflective additive and / or a luminescence effect.

20185008 prh 04-01-2018 with pigment. This will allow road users to see the road in poor conditions.

In one embodiment of the invention, the subject is dried with a dryer such as an infrared and / or air dryer before being subjected to vacuum. The infrared dryer is well suited for drying porous materials. Here, the thermal power is distributed evenly over a wide surface, speeding up the drying process. The dehumidifier effectively removes at least some of the water contained in the pores of the subject prior to vacuum treatment.

In one embodiment of the invention, the application of the primer is performed by immersing the subject in the primer. The device of the invention may have a pool for the priming agent. The device may also comprise means for immersing the object in the primer pool and removing the object from the pool. Such means may be, for example, an elevator device, such as an electric crane or a lever-operated lever solution from the outside of the device. By immersing the subject in the primer, the primer is confidently and to a large extent in contact with the subject being treated.

In one embodiment of the invention, the primer application device may be, for example, a device for applying primer, spraying or spraying small drops.

In one embodiment of the invention, penetration of the primer into pores, crevices and / or other openings of the target is enhanced by increasing ambient pressure when the primer is applied to the target. In this way, the pressure pushes the primer deep into the pores, cracks and / or other openings. The pressure can be raised to normal atmospheric pressure of 1 bar or about 101 kPa. The pressure can also be raised by means of a pressurizing device, for example up to 5 bar, or up to 10 bar. For example, if the object is embedded in the liquid primer 30 when pressure is increased, the pressure exerts a hydrostatic pressure on the coating material, thereby effectively filling the pores and cracks in the object. It is possible that the pores and cracks will even fill or close completely

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In one embodiment of the invention, the object treated with the primer is treated with another surface treatment. In a second surface treatment, a second surface treatment agent may be applied to the primer comprising, for example, one of the following:

polyurethane, light reflective additive, luminescent pigment, reflective fabric or reflective thermoplastic. Other coatings and paint types other than those suitable for the surface of the object to be treated may be used as a second coating treatment since the coatings are not in direct contact with the subject. For example, acrylates are well suited for surface treatment of concrete but tend to chalk, thus losing reflectivity and visibility. Polyurethanes, for example, which have better weathering and shade resistance than acrylates alone, can now be used as another coating treatment agent for concrete. In another coating treatment, the primer may be coated with a substance comprising a light reflecting additive and / or a pigment having a luminescence effect. This gives, for example, a more durable coating and better visibility of tinted concrete structures in the traffic environment.

In one embodiment, a reflective fabric or a reflective thermoplastic plastic is affixed to the surface or a portion of the surface of the porous object. The fabric or plastic 20 may be colored or it may be colored with an approved security or reflective color. Under the effect of the vacuum of the invention, it is possible to cause the fabric or plastic to adhere firmly to the material to be coated. The entire porous object and / or said fabric or plastic may be surface-treated, for example with a durable varnish. The surface treatment can be done, for example, with polyurethane varnish.

In one embodiment of the invention, a subject treated with a primer and a second surface treatment is treated with a third surface treatment. For example, in the third surface treatment, at least a portion of the second surface treatment agent may be applied with a high gloss lacquer. This provides a paint coating protected by a durable high gloss lacquer 30. A third surface treatment, particularly with a high-gloss lacquer, provides, for example, a water and dirt-repellent coating for the traffic environment. This way, for example, the tire does not leave any rubber marks on the target

20185008 prh 04-01-2018 as easy as with current coatings. The third surface treatment can be done, for example, with a polyurethane varnish.

The processing device and method of the invention can be used for many different purposes. The invention is suitable, for example, for outdoor or otherwise challenging conditions, such as surface treatment of well tires, swimming pools, dock basins and road painting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing in which

Figure 1 shows the device according to the invention in three different situations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows the device 1 according to the invention in three different stages of the method according to the invention. The lower part 2 of the device forms a basin, which in the situation of the pictures is filled with a primer, so called. a primer coating. The upper part 3 of the device is empty space. The upper and lower parts together form a tight pressure vessel. Figure 1 does not show pressure control means such as pumps and valves.

Figure 1 schematically shows the movement of the curb with the white arrows, the black arrows showing the transfer of gases between the device and its surroundings, and the black arrows showing the change of process steps.

In the left view of Fig. 1, a concrete street curb 4 is brought to the top of the device from a hatch or the like. The figure does not show the hatch or the elevator mechanism provided with the device, which supports the curb. Air is now drawn off from the device and vacuum is applied to the device. This removes air and other gases from the pores of the curb 4. Water in the pores and possible other substances gasify. Gaseous substances are removed from the device by pressure control means.

In the situation of the middle view of Fig. 1, the vacuum treatment has been carried out for the desired time, and the curb 4 is lowered into the basin 2 by the elevator device. After the desired time has elapsed, the pressure within the apparatus begins to be increased by venting air to the upper portion 3. The pressure 5 is allowed to return to normal atmospheric pressure or may even be raised to a significantly high excess pressure. The pressure effectively pushes the primer into the pores of the curb 4, at least partially filling them. The curb is held in the primer and device 1 maintains the desired pressure for the desired time.

In the situation to the right of Fig. 1, the curb 4 is raised by the elevator device back to the upper portion 2 of the device, away from the primer pool. Any overpressure in the unit is lowered to normal atmospheric pressure and the treated curb 4 is removed from unit 1.

After drying, the curb stone 4 may be treated, for example, with a yellow or white paint comprising a light-reflecting additive. The painted curb can still be varnished.

The invention is not intended to be limited to the examples provided, but the scope of protection 20 is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims disclose some advantageous embodiments of the invention.

Claims (15)

A method for treating an object (4) comprising concrete, asphalt and / or porous metal such as galvanized iron, characterized in that the method comprises: 5 at least the following steps: subjecting the subject (4) to reduced pressure and thereby removing water and other substances from the pores, cracks and / or other openings of the subject; - applying a priming agent to the pores, cracks and / or other openings of the subject (4), thereby reducing the porosity of the subject to be treated. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the object (4) of the traffic environment is treated. 3. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one is treated 15 of the following: concrete street curb ( 4), concrete sidewalk support system, roadway concrete element, road surface durable pavement, road metal railing, road rail metal bolt, road rail bolt metal mounting plate, metal light pole, road sign. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the object (4) is dried on a drier before being subjected to vacuum. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when applied, the object (4) is immersed in the primer. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the penetration of the priming agent into the pores, crevices and / or other openings of the object (4) is increased by increasing the pressure of the object around. 30 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the object (4) treated with the priming agent is subjected to a second surface treatment. 20185008 prh 04-01-2018 The method of claim 7, wherein the second surface treatment comprises applying to the primer another surface treatment agent comprising at least one of polyurethane, a reflective additive, a pigment having a luminescence effect, a reflective fabric or a reflective coating. 5 thermoplastic plastic. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that the object (4) treated with the primer and the second surface treatment is treated with a third surface treatment. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the third surface treatment is applied to at least part of the second surface treatment with a high gloss lacquer. 15 Device (1) for treating an object (4) comprising concrete, asphalt and / or porous metal such as galvanized iron, characterized in that the device comprises: - a vacuum chamber (3) for exposing the object (4) to the vacuum by means of the vacuum device, for removing water and other substances from the pores, cracks and / or other openings of the object (4); 20 - a primer applicator (2) for applying primer to pores, crevices and / or other openings in the subject (4). Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the primer applicator comprises a primer vessel (2) and means for immersing the object. 25 primer basin. Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that it comprises a dryer for drying the object before being subjected to vacuum. 30 Transport object (4) wherein a primer is provided in pores, cracks and / or other openings in concrete, asphalt and / or metal such as galvanized iron, characterized in that the primer is provided with a second surface treatment agent comprising at least one of polyurethane, light reflective additive, pigment with luminescence effect. The object of claim 14, characterized in that it is one of the following: 5 Concrete street curb (4), Concrete edge curb system for roadways, Concrete element for road site, Surface pavement for road, Metal railing for rail, Metal bolt for road rail, Metal rail for road rail bolt, road sign or road sign.