GB790297A - Apparatus for applying lacquer or like protective coatings to articles - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0790297/III/1> <PICT:0790297/III/2> An apparatus for applying lacquer or like protective coatings to articles comprises a compressed air vessel containing the lacquer &c. in combination with a lacquer coating tank adapted to receive the article(s) to be coated and supported at a higher level than the said container, the base of the tank being in communication with the container and the tank having, or being supported on, a pyramidal or conical funnel in the apex of which is disposed the inlet for the lacquer or the like. As shown, the tank 1, mounted on a stand 2, has a lid 14 with an inspection door 15, and its base 4, comprising a pyramidal control funnel which communicates with a graduated sight-glass 10, terminals in a T connection 5 surmounted by a domed lacquer deflector 9. The lid 16 of the pressure container 3, which is secured by clamps 17 and carries a compressed air supply pipe 24, having a valve 30, a regulator 25 and a safety valve 26, also carries a filler cap 23, a pressure gauge 28, an air release cock 27, and is joined to the T connection 5 by a "flow" pipe 6 and a "return" flow pipe 7, both of which carry filters 18, 20 and valves 19 and 21 respectively. The pipe 7 also carries an adjustable flow restrictor 22. The article to be coated is placed in the tank 1 on supporting bars 8, the air inlet valve 30 is opened to pressurize the container 3, and the valve 19 is opened to admit lacquer to the tank at a rate controlled by the regulator 25. When a pre-set pointer 12 on the sight glass indicates that the article is immersed, the valves 19 and 30 are closed, the valve 21 and the air vent cock 27 are opened, and the lacquer is allowed to drain back to the container through the pre-set flow restrictor 22. When the inside of a cylindrical vessel is to be coated, the vessel itself is clamped on top of a conical funnel, using an intermediate washer, and a cover having an inspector door is provided. The lacquer is introduced into the vessel, and its level is raised, as before, until the whole of the surface to be coated is covered; dust &c. which floats to the top of the lacquer may be removed when the top level is reached. Means for treating simultaneously a plurality of such vessels are described. To prevent the compressed air from contaminating the lacquer an air bag or the like may be placed in the container 3 over the air inlet pipe, or activated carbon filters may be provided.