A sedimentation prevention storage tank for water-based coatings
The anti-settling mechanism driven by an air pump utilizes a combination of biomimetic honeycomb grids and air bladders to achieve low-shear anti-settling of water-based coatings, solving the problem of coating structure damage caused by mechanical stirring and ensuring the rheological properties and film quality of the coating.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 安徽意尔涂料制造有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
In the process of preventing sedimentation of water-based coatings, existing technologies often find that mechanical stirring devices can easily damage the emulsion structure and pigment dispersion of the coatings, leading to deterioration of rheological properties and making it difficult to meet the storage requirements of high-end coatings.
The anti-settling mechanism, driven by an air pump, utilizes a combination of a biomimetic honeycomb grid and air bladders. Through the Archimedes principle of buoyancy, it enables the reciprocating motion of coating particles, combined with the fluid disturbance effect, to prevent high shear forces from damaging the coating structure.
It effectively prevents coating particle sedimentation without generating high shear forces, maintains the rheological properties and film quality of the coating, and reduces equipment energy consumption and maintenance costs. It is suitable for nano coatings and artistic coatings.
Smart Images

Figure CN224312429U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of storage tank technology, and in particular relates to an anti-settling storage tank for water-based coatings. Background Technology
[0002] Pigment and filler particles in water-based coatings are prone to sedimentation due to gravity during storage, leading to phenomena such as layering and clumping, which seriously affect the performance and coating effect of the coating.
[0003] Currently, there are two main types of methods commonly used in downstream technologies to prevent sedimentation. The first is to add anti-settling agents or change the coating formulation to solve the sedimentation problem. However, the addition of anti-settling agents may affect the chemical stability of the coating and cannot fundamentally eliminate particle sedimentation. The second is to use mechanical stirring devices. For example, top-entry, side-entry, or bottom-entry stirrers use motors to drive the stirring paddle to rotate at high speed, forcibly stirring the coating to prevent sedimentation. However, this type of method has shortcomings for the characteristics of water-based coatings: the high shear force (usually 100-1000 Pa) generated during mechanical stirring can easily destroy the emulsion structure and pigment dispersion state in water-based coatings, leading to deterioration of the rheological properties of the coatings and problems such as decreased viscosity and uneven film formation. Some water-based coatings (such as nano-coatings and artistic coatings) are extremely sensitive to shear force during storage. Conventional stirring methods will directly destroy their special functions and decorative effects, making it difficult to meet the storage requirements of high-end coatings.
[0004] Given the damage that mechanical stirring devices can cause to the properties of water-based coatings during the anti-sedimentation process, designers need to develop a new type of storage device with low shear force and high efficiency in preventing sedimentation. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a novel storage device with low shear force and efficient anti-sedimentation capability, thus solving the problem of mechanical stirring devices damaging the properties of water-based coatings due to high shear force.
[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0007] A water-based coating anti-settling storage tank includes a tank body, a top cover of the tank body is detachably connected to the tank body, a pressure relief valve and a quick-connect plug are provided on the top cover to stabilize the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the tank, and an anti-settling mechanism is provided inside the tank body, which is connected to an air supply mechanism located outside the tank body through the quick-connect plug.
[0008] The gas supply mechanism includes an air pump, which is connected to a solenoid valve via a first air pipe, and the solenoid valve is connected to the quick-connect plug via a second air pipe.
[0009] The anti-settling mechanism includes a guide rod vertically fixed to the central axis of the tank, and a float control component is slidably sleeved on the outer periphery of the guide rod; the float control component includes a ring body, an annular airbag and a bionic honeycomb grid, the lower end of the ring body is provided with a mounting groove for installing the annular airbag, the inner side of the ring body is provided with at least two layers of bionic honeycomb grid spaced axially, the middle of the bionic honeycomb grid is provided with a sliding sleeve that slides with the guide rod, and the annular airbag is connected to the lower end of the quick connector through a manifold;
[0010] Through the coordination of the air supply mechanism and the anti-settling mechanism, the annular airbag is periodically expanded and contracted by the air pump and the pressure relief valve, causing the buoyancy control component to move up and down along the guide rod axis. The guide rod arranged on the central axis ensures that the motion trajectory is controllable and avoids system vibration caused by eccentric torque. When the biomimetic honeycomb grid moves with the buoyancy control component, the fluid disturbance effect of the grid structure disrupts the sedimentation balance of the coating particles, significantly improving the anti-settling efficiency, while avoiding the occurrence of high shear force damaging the water-based coating.
[0011] Furthermore, a stop assembly is provided on the inner ring wall of the tank body near the top cover. The stop assembly includes at least two limiting rods spaced apart along the inner ring wall. The limiting rods are arranged radially along the tank body to limit the maximum rising height of the ring body. The radially arranged limiting rods limit the range of motion of the float control assembly through a physical limiting mechanism, and also serve as a limit indicator for the maximum storage capacity of the water-based coating.
[0012] Furthermore, when the annular airbag is not inflated, the total weight of the anti-settling mechanism is greater than the buoyancy force on the same volume of water-based coating it displaces; when the annular airbag is inflated to its maximum volume, the total weight is less than the buoyancy force. Based on Archimedes' principle, the buoyancy difference is changed by inflating and deflating the airbag, which drives the buoyancy control component to reciprocate in a "sinking-floating" motion.
[0013] Furthermore, the outer ring wall of the guide rod is provided with at least one vertical limiting groove along the circumference, and the inner ring wall of the sleeve is provided with a limiting protrusion that slides with the limiting groove. The limiting groove and the protrusion slide with each other to restrict circumferential rotation; and a manifold guide groove that is adapted to the manifold. The manifold guide groove regulates the pipeline direction, ensures the axial stable sliding of the float control assembly, and avoids manifold entanglement.
[0014] Furthermore, at least two snap-fit female seats are provided circumferentially at intervals on the inner end face of the mounting groove, and snap-fit male parts are provided correspondingly on the upper end face of the annular airbag; the snap-fit female seats include bridge-shaped connecting inserts, the middle part of which is fixed to the inner end face of the mounting groove, and the two ends are suspended to form a snap-fit space; the snap-fit male parts are plugs that are adapted to be embedded in the snap-fit space, so as to realize the rapid assembly of the airbag and the ring body, the connection is stable to prevent the airbag from falling off, the snap-fit structure is easy to disassemble and maintain, and reduces the later use cost.
[0015] Furthermore, the biomimetic honeycomb grid consists of three layers, with the mesh size decreasing gradually from top to bottom. This gradient mesh size forms a stepped anti-settling system that breaks down large agglomerates and intercepts small particles. This system provides precise treatment for particles of different sizes, offering more comprehensive anti-settling measures compared to a single-layer grid, thus ensuring the uniformity and stability of the coating.
[0016] Furthermore, at least two biomimetic honeycomb mesh mounting slots are provided circumferentially on the inner ring wall of the ring body. Each of the biomimetic honeycomb mesh mounting slots has a double-sided clamping buckle on its end face. The buckle includes symmetrically distributed arc-shaped clamping arms, which form a fitting space. The outer ring wall of the biomimetic honeycomb mesh is provided with a locking post that matches the fitting space. The arc-shaped clamping arms tighten the locking post through elastic deformation, thereby achieving circumferential positioning of the mesh and the ring body. The installation is firm to prevent the mesh from loosening and facilitates mesh disassembly and replacement.
[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0018] 1. This utility model is based on Archimedes' principle of buoyancy. It drives the buoyancy control component to perform axial reciprocating motion by inflating and deflating an airbag. Combined with the fluid disturbance effect of the biomimetic honeycomb grid, it effectively disrupts the sedimentation balance of coating particles without generating high shear force (different from the 100-1000Pa shear force of traditional mechanical stirring). This avoids damage to the emulsion structure and pigment dispersion state. It is especially suitable for water-based coatings that are sensitive to shear, such as nano-coatings and artistic coatings, and ensures the rheological properties and film quality of the coating.
[0019] 2. The guide rod arranged along the central axis of this utility model, together with the limiting slide groove, protrusion and other structures, ensures that the movement trajectory of the float control component is controllable and avoids system vibration and energy loss caused by eccentric torque. Compared with traditional mechanical stirring devices, it does not require continuous motor drive and achieves periodic anti-sedimentation action through air pressure difference, reducing equipment operating energy consumption and maintenance costs.
[0020] 3. The three-layer gradient-reducing biomimetic honeycomb grid of this utility model is based on the principle of multi-scale fluid dynamics, forming a stepped anti-sedimentation system of "large agglomeration breaking down - small particle interception". Compared with a single-layer grid, it can accurately disperse and intercept pigments and fillers of different particle sizes (from large agglomerates to micro particles), with a more comprehensive anti-sedimentation effect, and is suitable for a variety of water-based coating formulations.
[0021] 4. The annular airbag and the ring body of this utility model adopt a bridge-type insert-block snap-fit structure. The biomimetic honeycomb grid is installed by double-sided clamping buckles, which makes the connection stable and easy to disassemble and assemble. The modular design of each component allows for quick replacement and maintenance, reduces equipment downtime, and meets the needs of efficient maintenance of industrial equipment. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-sedimentation mechanism of this utility model.
[0024] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the buoyancy control component of this utility model.
[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram at point A.
[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram at point B.
[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the guide rod of this utility model.
[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the biomimetic honeycomb grid structure used in this practical application.
[0029] Figure 8 This is a top view schematic diagram of the ring structure of this practical application.
[0030] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A magnified structural diagram at point C.
[0031] Reference numerals: 1. Tank body; 1-1. Discharge port; 1-2. Top cover; 1-3. Tank body; 1-3.1. Limiting rod; 2. Pressure relief valve; 3. Guide rod; 3-1. Limiting slide groove; 3-2. Manifold guide groove; 4. Air supply mechanism; 4-1. Air pump; 4-2. Solenoid valve; 5. Float control assembly; 5-1. Ring body; 5-1.1. Mounting groove; 5-1.1.1. Snap-fit female seat; 5-1.2. Bionic honeycomb grid mounting groove; 5-1.3. Double-sided clamping buckle; 5-2. Annular airbag; 5-2.1. Snap-fit sub-piece; 5-3. Bionic honeycomb grid; 5-3.1. Sliding sleeve; 5-3.1.1. Limiting protrusion; 5-3.2. Snap-fit post; 5-4. Manifold. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.
[0033] like Figures 1 to 9As shown, a water-based coating anti-settling storage tank includes a tank body 1, a discharge port 1-1 at the bottom of the tank body 1, a top cover 1-2 of the tank body 1 and a tank body 1-3 detachably connected by bolts, a pressure relief valve 2 for stabilizing the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the tank and a quick-connect plug are provided on the top cover 1-2, an anti-settling mechanism is provided inside the tank, and the anti-settling mechanism is connected to an air supply mechanism 4 located outside the tank body through a quick-connect plug.
[0034] The air supply mechanism 4 includes an air pump 4-1, which is connected to a solenoid valve 4-2 via a first air pipe. The solenoid valve 4-2 is connected to a quick-connect plug via a second air pipe.
[0035] The anti-sedimentation mechanism includes a 316 stainless steel guide rod 3 vertically fixed to the central axis of the tank body 1. In the assembled state, the upper end of the guide rod 3 abuts against the inner end face of the top cover 1-2, and the lower end is fixed to the inner end face of the tank body 1-3. A floatation control component 5 is slidably sleeved on the outer periphery of the guide rod 3. The floatation control component 5 includes a ring body 5-1 made of PP material, an annular airbag 5-2 made of EPDM rubber, and a biomimetic honeycomb grid 5-3 made of 316 stainless steel. The lower end of the ring body 5-1 is provided with an installation groove 5-1.1 for installing the annular airbag 5-2. At least two layers of biomimetic honeycomb grid 5-3 are spaced axially on the inner side of the ring body 5-1. The middle part of the biomimetic honeycomb grid 5-3 has an integrally welded sliding sleeve 5-3.1 that slides with the guide rod 3. The annular airbag 5-2 is connected to the lower end of the quick connector through a manifold 5-4 made of silicone rubber.
[0036] Through the coordination of the air supply mechanism 4 and the anti-settling mechanism, the air pump 4-1 and the pressure relief valve 2 drive the annular airbag 5-2 to periodically expand and contract, causing the buoyancy control component 5 to move up and down along the axis of the guide rod 3. The guide rod 3 arranged on the central axis ensures that the motion trajectory is controllable and avoids system vibration caused by eccentric torque. When the biomimetic honeycomb grid 5-3 moves with the buoyancy control component 5, the fluid disturbance effect of the grid structure disrupts the sedimentation balance of the coating particles, significantly improving the anti-settling efficiency. At the same time, it avoids the occurrence of high shear force damaging the water-based coating. All materials of the buoyancy component 5 can maintain structural integrity in a humid and corrosive environment for a long time without affecting the characteristics of the water-based coating.
[0037] Furthermore, a stop assembly is provided on the inner ring wall of the tank body 1-3 near the top cover 1-2. The stop assembly includes four limiting rods 1-3.1 spaced apart along the inner ring wall. The four limiting rods 1-3.1 are arranged concentrically and radially along the tank body 1-3 to limit the maximum rising height of the ring body 5-1. The radially arranged limiting rods 1-3.1 limit the range of motion of the buoyancy control assembly 5 through a physical limiting mechanism, and also serve as a limit indicator for the maximum storage capacity of the water-based coating.
[0038] Furthermore, when the annular airbag 5-2 is not inflated, the total weight of the anti-sedimentation mechanism is greater than the buoyancy force on the same volume of water-based coating it displaces; when the annular airbag 5-2 is inflated to its maximum volume, the total weight is less than the buoyancy force. Based on Archimedes' principle, the buoyancy difference is changed by inflating and deflating the airbag, which drives the buoyancy control component 5 to reciprocate in a "sinking-floating" motion.
[0039] Furthermore, the outer ring wall of the guide rod 3 is provided with at least one vertical limiting groove 3-1 along the circumference. The inner ring wall of the sleeve 5-3.1 is provided with a limiting protrusion 5-3.1.1 that slides with the limiting groove 3-1. The limiting groove 3-1 and the protrusion 5-3.1.1 slide with each other to restrict circumferential rotation. There is also a manifold guide groove 3-2 that is adapted to the manifold 5-4. One end of the manifold 5-4 is connected to a quick connector. After passing down through the sleeve 5-3.1 along the manifold guide groove 3-2, it is connected to the annular airbag 5-2. The manifold guide groove 3-2 standardizes the pipeline route, ensures the axial stable sliding of the float control component 5, and avoids the manifold 5-4 from getting tangled.
[0040] Furthermore, at least two snap-fit female seats 5-1.1.1 are provided circumferentially at intervals on the inner end face of the mounting groove 5-1.1, and a snap-fit sub-part 5-2.1 is provided on the upper end face of the annular airbag 5-2. The snap-fit female seat 5-1.1.1 includes a bridge-shaped connecting insert, the middle part of which is fixed to the inner end face of the mounting groove 5-1.1, and the two ends are suspended to form a snap-fit space. The snap-fit sub-part 5-2.1 is an insert block that fits into the snap-fit space, realizing the rapid assembly of the airbag and the annular body 5-1. The connection is stable to prevent the airbag from falling off. The snap-fit structure is easy to disassemble and maintain, reducing the cost of later use.
[0041] Furthermore, the biomimetic honeycomb grid 5-3 consists of three layers. The mesh size of the three-layer biomimetic honeycomb grid 5-3 decreases gradually from top to bottom. The gradient mesh size forms a stepped anti-settling system of "large agglomeration breaking down - small particle interception". It can precisely treat particles of different sizes, which is more comprehensive in preventing sedimentation than single-layer grid, and ensures the uniformity and stability of the coating.
[0042] Furthermore, at least two biomimetic honeycomb mesh mounting slots 5-1.2 are provided circumferentially on the inner ring wall of the ring body 5-1. Each of the biomimetic honeycomb mesh mounting slots 5-1.2 has a double-sided clamping buckle 5-1.3 on its end face. The buckle 5-1.3 includes symmetrically distributed arc-shaped clamping arms, which form a fitting space. The outer ring wall of the biomimetic honeycomb mesh 5-3 has a clamping post 5-3.2 that is adapted to the fitting space. The arc-shaped clamping arms clamp the clamping post 5-3.2 through elastic deformation, thereby achieving circumferential positioning of the mesh and the ring body 5-1. The installation is firm to prevent the mesh from loosening and facilitates the disassembly and replacement of the mesh.
[0043] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A sedimentation-preventing storage tank for water-based coatings, comprising a tank body, a top cover detachably connected to the tank body, and a pressure relief valve and a quick-connect plug spaced apart on the top cover, characterized in that... The tank is equipped with an anti-sedimentation mechanism, which is connected to a gas supply mechanism located outside the tank via the quick-connect plug. The gas supply mechanism includes an air pump, which is connected to a solenoid valve via a first air pipe, and the solenoid valve is connected to the quick-connect plug via a second air pipe. The anti-sedimentation mechanism includes a guide rod vertically fixed to the central axis of the tank, and a buoyancy control component is slidably sleeved on the outer periphery of the guide rod; the buoyancy control component includes a ring body, an annular airbag, and a biomimetic honeycomb grid. The lower end of the ring body is provided with an installation groove for installing the annular airbag. At least two layers of biomimetic honeycomb grid are spaced axially along the inner side of the ring body. A sliding sleeve that slides with the guide rod is provided in the middle of the biomimetic honeycomb grid. The annular airbag is connected to the lower end of the quick connector through a manifold.
2. The anti-sedimentation storage tank for water-based coatings according to claim 1, characterized in that, A stop assembly is provided on one end of the inner ring wall of the tank body near the top cover. The stop assembly includes at least two limiting rods spaced apart along the inner ring wall. The limiting rods are arranged radially along the tank body to limit the maximum rising height of the ring body.
3. The anti-sedimentation storage tank for water-based coatings according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the annular airbag is not inflated, the total weight of the anti-settling mechanism is greater than the buoyancy force on the same volume of water-based coating it displaces; when the annular airbag is inflated to its maximum volume, the total weight is less than the buoyancy force.
4. The anti-sedimentation storage tank for water-based coatings according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer ring wall of the guide rod is provided with at least one vertical limiting groove along the circumference, and a manifold guide groove adapted to the manifold. The inner ring wall of the sleeve is provided with a limiting protrusion that slides with the limiting groove.
5. The anti-sedimentation storage tank for water-based coatings according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two snap-fit female seats are provided circumferentially at intervals on the inner end face of the mounting groove, and snap-fit female parts are provided correspondingly on the upper end face of the annular airbag; the snap-fit female seats include bridge-shaped connecting inserts, the middle part of the connecting inserts is fixed to the inner end face of the mounting groove, and the two ends are suspended to form a snap-fit space; the snap-fit female parts are inserts adapted to be embedded in the snap-fit space.
6. The anti-sedimentation storage tank for water-based coatings according to claim 1, characterized in that, The biomimetic honeycomb grid consists of three layers, with the mesh size decreasing gradually from top to bottom.
7. The anti-sedimentation storage tank for water-based coatings according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two biomimetic honeycomb grid mounting slots are provided on the inner ring wall along the circumferential direction. Each of the biomimetic honeycomb grid mounting slots has a double-sided snap fastener on its end face. The snap fastener includes symmetrically distributed arc-shaped arms, which form a fitting space. The outer ring wall of the biomimetic honeycomb grid is provided with a snap-fit post that matches the fitting space.