Surface Treatment Equipment

Abstract

A surface treatment apparatus (1) for removing a coating (28) or contaminants from the surface of a coated structure (27) includes a housing (2) forming an incineration chamber (3) and an energy supply (8) configured to direct an energy beam toward a working point on the surface within the incineration chamber (3). The energy supply is configured to raise the surface temperature above an incineration temperature, thereby releasing excess material from the surface and combusting organic matter within the excess material. A ventilation passage (20) having an inlet (21) within the incineration chamber (3) is also included. The ventilation passage is configured to extract smoke and excess material from the incineration chamber (3). To purify the excess material, the apparatus further includes an air supply (22) configured to inject oxygen-containing air into the incineration chamber (3).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a surface treatment device for cleaning surfaces, for example, to remove coatings and contaminants from the surfaces of structures, such as bridges, ships, wind turbines, buildings, etc. The surface treatment device may be used in conjunction with maintenance operations, such as the application of a new coating layer. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems are known that use laser irradiation to remove coatings from the surfaces of structures, including bridges, buildings, ships, and pipelines, and recover the removed material. Some of these systems include a laser irradiation device that uses a laser gun to remove the coating.

[0003] During maintenance of large structures such as ships and bridges, coatings are commonly removed by abrasive processes, specifically blast cleaning using abrasives and / or water. This process is usually carried out in uncontrolled environments and is often highly polluting. Removal operations generate large amounts of dust and / or waste, and / or contaminated water containing organic and inorganic flakes.

[0004] Workers can be exposed to dust during abrasive blast cleaning and coating removal operations. These operations are typically performed outdoors, but workers are usually required to wear face masks and respirators, and the operations are not carried out in enclosed spaces. This allows dust from the removed material and the abrasive materials to be dispersed into the environment.

[0005] For environmental and safety reasons, coating removal is usually carried out carefully. Chips, flakes, and dust generated by the paint and abrasives can contaminate the environment. Excess abrasive and removed paint materials are sometimes salvaged, but are rarely cleaned or reused.

[0006] There are also methods for removing paint by heat treatment, which involves softening the paint by heating. However, due to the known risk of inhaling the fumes generated during heating, it is traditionally desirable to perform the process at the lowest possible temperature. Known methods only raise the temperature to a level that softens the paint enough to remove it from the surface, and do not involve incineration. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention aims to facilitate coating removal and dust disposal, as well as facilitate purification of the removed excess material, and also aims to improve safety, protect the environment, and reduce the cost and complexity associated with handling excess material associated with coating removal and other cleaning processes.

[0008] To achieve these and other objectives, the present disclosure provides, in a first aspect, a surface treatment apparatus for removing coatings or contaminants from a surface.

[0009] This device is a housing forming an incineration chamber; an energy supply configured to direct an energy beam at a working point on a surface within the incineration chamber, the energy supply configured to generate a temperature high enough to dislodge coatings, rust or other contaminants and to combust organic matter. - a ventilation channel having an inlet within the incineration chamber and configured to exhaust air and dust from the incineration chamber; - an air supply configured to inject gas into the incineration chamber; Equipped with.

[0010] The following terms apply: As used herein, the term "surface treatment device" refers to a device suitable for cleaning a surface to remove contaminants and / or removing coatings and / or rust from a surface. The surface treatment device may be movable over the surface by hand or by a moving structure equipped with wheels, belts, or other similar structures. For example, the surface treatment device may be combined with an electrically powered drive mechanism (e.g., a servo motor system driving the wheels or belts of the surface treatment device) for moving the surface treatment device over the surface.

[0011] The housing forms an incineration chamber, which is a chamber capable of containing the combustion process on the surface of the object to be cleaned. The incineration chamber generates a temperature high enough for such a combustion process and makes it possible to shield this process from the outside space. The housing may have any shape and size suitable for the purpose, with the incineration chamber being formed primarily between a cavity in the housing and the surface to be cleaned. The housing may be small, for example handheld and manually movable, or it may be a larger housing for movement by the moving structure.

[0012] "Incineration" means a treatment process involving the combustion of materials. It is a thermal process that requires oxygen and high temperatures. Waste is converted into ash, flue gases, and heat. The ash is formed primarily by the inorganic components of the waste and may be in the form of a solid mass or particulates carried by flue gases. The flue gases are typically produced by the combustion of organic matter.

[0013] The term "energy supply" should be understood as one or more energy sources capable of supplying one or more energy beams. That is, it is configured to direct one or more energy beams toward a working point on the surface. In particular, the energy supply is of a type that increases the temperature of the surface while removing excess material. The increased surface temperature allows organic matter to burn and simultaneously detaches excess material from the surface. This means that the energy supply is configured to increase the temperature at the working point or impact point. In particular, the energy supply can increase the temperature to a point at which the organic matter of the removed coating can burn. The energy beam may, for example, increase the temperature to above 200°C or even above 1000°C. The thermal or energy impact detaches the coating from the surface and at least part of the organic matter burns. This is, for example, in a process in which most of the organic matter vaporizes and inorganic matter is released as dust. This process therefore allows the decomposition of organic particles detached from the surface by the impact of the energy beam. This decomposition utilizes the combustion process to remove inorganic material from the combustion zone, allowing it to be safely recovered. The amount of solid rejects to be processed is reduced, and the remaining solids are primarily inorganic. Thus, this process provides purification of the surplus material.

[0014] "Air supply" as used herein means a means for supplying air, i.e., any gas mixture containing oxygen. To improve incineration, the air supply maintains sufficient oxygen concentration and flow across the surface, and the ventilation channel exhausts gases from the incineration chamber, thereby further promoting air flow across the surface, continued combustion, and removal of smoke and excess material.

[0015] The energy supply may be configured to supply a plurality of energy beams to the surface, the energy beams may have overlapping or non-overlapping impact points on the surface.

[0016] The energy supply may be constituted by one or more lasers, and thus the energy beam may be constituted by one or more laser beams, for example, each having a focal point on or near the surface, the focal points of which may fully or partially overlap one another, or may not overlap one another.

[0017] "Excess material," as used herein, refers to the solids removed, i.e., typically chips, flakes, and dust of rust, coatings, or contaminants. Excess material typically includes organic and inorganic matter. The organic and inorganic matter are typically combusted at different temperatures, and purification is achieved by combusting the organic matter and not the inorganic matter. "Purified excess material," as used herein, refers to excess material that has a lower organic content than unpurified excess material. Preferably, the excess material is organic-free. Optionally, the excess material is subjected to further purification steps, such as calcination.

[0018] "Fumes" as used herein refers to the gases of burned materials, ie, the smoke of burned organic matter in particular.

[0019] The ventilation channel exhausts air and dust from the incineration chamber and potentially separates the dust therefrom. The air supply injects gas into the incineration chamber. The injected gas may be ambient air or a specific gas mixture that includes oxygen.

[0020] The ventilation passage may include a blower or fan of the type known for exhaust air removal and may be controllable so that the suction at the inlet and / or the pressure inside the incineration chamber is controllable. Alternatively, the ventilation passage may be connectable to an electrically operated ventilation system which is capable of generating an underpressure and thus a suction at the inlet inside the incineration chamber.

[0021] The air supply may be a source of pressurized gas containing oxygen. The air supply may include a compressor and / or a pressurized cylinder, or may simply be a blower that supplies a flow of ambient air into the incineration chamber. The blower may be controllable to regulate the pressure and flow rate of the gas added to the chamber. The added gas may be oxygen-enriched, and thus may contain an average of more than 21% oxygen (contained in ambient air).

[0022] In contrast to conventional methods, the present disclosure combines a thermal shock with an air supply configured to inject gas into the incineration chamber. This promotes combustion, particularly of organic matter, potentially increasing heat and smoke production. However, it also allows for the separation of combustible material, i.e., typically organic matter, from non-combustible material, i.e., typically inorganic matter, thereby purifying the surplus material. The smoke generated by the burned material is removed along with the non-combustible material through a ventilation channel, and the amount of dust is reduced to that comprised of non-combustible material. In practice, by precisely controlling the air supply, ventilation, and / or energy supply, the amount of surplus material is reduced, and the organic matter is burned within the incineration chamber, resulting in a reduced organic content of the surplus material.

[0023] The gas may be preheated to avoid cooling of the coating, which improves the coating's ability to burn in the incineration chamber and avoids excessive temperature drops in the chamber when gas is added by the air supply.

[0024] The air supply may be arranged to supply gas in a flow that is in thermal convective contact with the ventilation channel. The apparatus may define a countercurrent heat exchanger in which the extracted gas is cooled using injected compressed air, which in turn is heated before being injected into the incineration chamber.

[0025] The surface treatment device may include a mobile structure capable of moving the housing over the surface and may be configured to move the housing over surfaces and locations not normally readily accessible to human operators. The mobile structure may include magnetic attraction means, for example, for holding the housing on a vertical or overhead surface, and may include powered drive means, for example, including a servo system, for moving the housing. The mobile structure may be remotely controlled and / or may be preprogrammed to define predefined movement patterns. Furthermore, the mobile structure may include a logic controller, for example, artificial intelligence configured to define movement patterns for autonomous operation of the surface treatment device. This may include, for example, the use of a visual sensor to detect the cleanliness of the surface.

[0026] If the energy supply is a laser, it may be configured to generate a plume from the excess material by the energy of the laser beam. The plume may be a plasma plume containing smoke and contaminants emanating from the surface of the coated structure. When undisturbed, the plume typically rises vertically, substantially directly above the working point where the laser heats the surface. By disturbing the plume and deflecting it from its substantially vertical, undisturbed orientation, particularly good combustion can be produced.

[0027] The plume may be disturbed and thus deflected by utilizing an air supply, by utilizing suction in the ventilation path, or by utilizing both the air supply and suction in the ventilation path.

[0028] In order for the airflow from the air supply to deflect the plume, this air must create an airflow in the incineration chamber. On the other hand, such an airflow can affect the temperature, and a high temperature is desirable to ensure good combustion. For this reason, it can be advantageous to apply the air from the air supply in a manner that reduces its effect on the temperature. This can prevent the cooling of the surface of the coated structure due to the injection of air, improving combustion. It has been found that this can be achieved in various ways, as shown below as a), b), c) and d). These ways of reducing the effect of air on the temperature can be implemented individually or in combination.

[0029] a) The air supply may be configured to direct an air flow from the air injection point toward the plume. For example, the air supply may include one or more nozzles that deliver an air flow directed toward the plume. This air flow is not directed at the surface, i.e., typically directed above the surface of the coated structure at a short distance, e.g., about 1 cm or 5-15 mm from the surface. This distance is particularly suitable for use in combination with a primarily laminar airflow. Because the air is injected into the incineration chamber at a distance from the surface and not directly toward the surface, its impact on the surface temperature is reduced.

[0030] b) The air supply may be configured to generate an air flow that is predominantly laminar along a line between the nozzle and the plume. In this way, heat exchange between said surface of the coated structure and the air in the air flow is reduced, and cooling of said surface by the air flow injected by the air supply is prevented or reduced. By "predominantly laminar," it is meant that more than 50% of the air injected from the nozzle is laminar, for example 60%, 70% or 80% of the flow may be laminar.

[0031] c) Furthermore, to reduce thermal convection between the airflow and the surface of the coated structure, the air supply may be arranged to generate an airflow substantially parallel to the surface of the coated structure. The air supply may be arranged to generate an airflow such that the centerline of the airflow is displaced relative to the surface of the coated structure. In one embodiment, the air supply includes a nozzle positioned less than 5 cm from the working point, the nozzle being directed toward a point 1-2 cm above the working point and positioned at a similar distance from the surface of the coated structure, and therefore directed in a direction parallel to the surface.

[0032] d) The device may include a heating structure configured to heat the airflow before it reaches the plume, thereby further preventing unintended cooling of the surface due to thermal convection with the injected air. The heating structure may include a heat exchanger for thermal energy convection with the smoke and excess material extracted from the incineration chamber, thereby reducing energy consumption. In this way, the smoke and excess material transfer heat to the injected air. The heat exchanger may, for example, be a counterflow heat exchanger, in which the injected air flows coaxially inside or outside the pipe that conducts the extracted smoke and excess material.

[0033] When the apparatus is configured to move in a working direction, the working point may be perpendicular to the working direction and in a vertical plane separating the air injection point and the inlet. In this way, the ventilation inlet may be on one side of the plume and the air injection point on the other side of the plume, and both the ventilation and air supply may promote plume displacement and improve combustion.

[0034] The air supply may be configured to displace the plume towards the inlet of the ventilation channel, the displacement being caused by injected air and / or suction within the ventilation channel.

[0035] The plume sensor may determine a plume direction signal representative of the direction of the plume. In this embodiment, the air supply and / or suction in the ventilation passage may be controlled based on the plume direction signal.

[0036] The plume sensor may include a vision system including a camera and software configured to recognize the plume and its orientation, which may include an artificial intelligence network trained based on multiple plume orientations and corresponding measurements indicative of soot content.

[0037] To detect plume orientation and plume displacement, the incineration chamber may be equipped with a light source and a camera positioned on opposite sides of the working point to capture a backlit image of the plume.

[0038] The surface treatment device may include at least one sensor configured to provide measurements of process parameters in the incineration chamber, and a controller configured to provide control settings for the energy supply, ventilation, and / or air supply based on the measurements.

[0039] The measured values ​​may indicate, for example, one or more of the organic compound content in the surplus material, the temperature in the incineration chamber or ventilation channel, or the oxygen, carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide content in the smoke or in the incineration chamber. Such values ​​can be measured, for example, using standard sensors known in combustion engines, such as lambda probes. Such sensors may be located inside the incineration chamber, for example near the surface, or in the ventilation channel.

[0040] The controller may be configured to provide control operations to control the air supply, ventilation channels, energy supply, or optionally other controllable functions such as servo drives to move the housing over the surface.

[0041] For example, the controller may increase the air flow from the air supply, thereby increasing the amount of oxygen injected into the incineration chamber, if the carbon monoxide measurement exceeds a threshold or is outside a predetermined range. In this case, the control action relates to controlling the air supply and may include blower settings, throttle valve settings, etc.

[0042] The control can be, for example, v=-xβ This is based on the following:

[0043] where v is the air flow rate from the air supply, -x is a constant, and β is the percentage of CO2 measured in the incineration chamber.

[0044] The controller may, for example, change the power of the energy supply if the measured temperature in the incineration chamber is outside a predetermined range. In this case, the control action relates to the control of the energy supply and, if the energy supply is a laser, may include setting electrical signals that control the laser power, focal spot diameter, or other parameters that determine the power, such as the scanning width or speed of the laser spot.

[0045] The controller may, for example, change the pressure at the inlet or in the incineration chamber by controlling a blower in the ventilation channel if the measured temperature in the chamber is outside a predetermined range or if the content of excess material is outside a predetermined range, in which case the control action may involve controlling a blower connected to the ventilation channel or a throttle valve at the inlet of the ventilation channel, etc.

[0046] The controller may include a CPU and a data store, and the data store may include process data sets for at least one coating or contaminant to be removed from the surface and corresponding reference parameters to which the measurements can be compared. The controller may be configured to provide control settings based on the comparison of the reference parameters to the measurements. Thus, the data store may include different data sets, with one data set relating to a coating or group of coating types, such as a particular epoxy-containing coating or a composite system including multiple different binder types. Each data set may define ranges or thresholds for comparison with the measurements, and corresponding control actions.

[0047] The reference parameters may include, for example, a desired temperature range and corresponding control settings for at least one of the energy supply, the ventilation channel, and the air supply, and the CPU may be configured to use the control settings as a control action or to use them to define a control action.

[0048] As an example, one data set might specify an epoxy-type paint, a coating thickness, and a temperature range of 700-800°C. Control settings might be, for example, a specific power level for the energy supply, a specific air flow in the ventilation duct, and even a specific air flow provided by the air supply. The CPU might translate these control settings into control actions, such as specific control commands for the energy supply, air supply, and ventilation duct, i.e., a specific voltage for controlling a throttle valve or a specific voltage for setting the power of the energy supply.

[0049] The controller may be configured to perform a repetitive operating cycle comprising a plurality of cycles, each cycle comprising: - transmitting control settings to at least one of the energy supply, the ventilation channel, and the air supply; - Taking measurements from sensors, - correcting the control settings based on a comparison of the measurements with reference parameters; - Preparing a control action based on the corrected control settings; and - executing said control action by sending the corrected control settings to, for example, at least one of the energy supply, the ventilation channel and the air supply; Includes:

[0050] The sensor - a vision system configured to detect a deviation between the image and a reference image; - Oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxide sensor probes, and - Temperature sensor probe It may include at least one of the following.

[0051] These sensors may be placed at different locations in the incineration chamber, in the ventilation duct or on the surface of the object to be cleaned.

[0052] The sensor may be configured to determine organic compounds based on the color of the dust, for example, soot based on gray scale.

[0053] The apparatus may include an outlet sensor configured to analyze the exhausted air and detect organic matter potentially present in the air.

[0054] If the energy supply is a laser, the laser energy supply may be configured with a laser input for receiving laser energy from a laser source located outside the incineration chamber, thereby saving space and reducing the weight of the housing, for example by locating the laser source remotely from the housing.

[0055] The air supply may include a blower arranged to blow air from the ambient space into the incineration chamber, i.e., the gas mixture may be essentially consistent with atmospheric air and may include approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and the remaining 1% other substances.

[0056] The air supply may include a nozzle arranged to direct an air flow directly at the point of application and may further be arranged to generate an air flow directed towards the inlet of the ventilation passage.

[0057] The controller may include a data set indicating a particular coating and / or layer thickness and corresponding control settings for at least one of the energy supply, the ventilation passage, and the air supply. In this embodiment, a user may select a particular type of coating and / or layer thickness at the machine interface, and the controller may initiate a process with the corresponding control settings in response to the selection.

[0058] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for purifying minerals from a cleaned surface, for example, by using the surface treatment device. The method includes: - directing an energy beam at said surface until excess material is heated and released; - directing a controlled gas mixture at said surface or said energy beam while the excess material is heated until at least a portion of the organic matter in the excess material is combusted; - removing potential residues of said inorganic and organic matter by suction; This includes:

[0059] In particular, the controlled gas mixture may be ambient air containing at least 21% oxygen, and optionally the oxygen level may be increased beyond 21%.

[0060] Also provided is a method of making a coating composition, the method comprising: a) recycling inorganic materials from old coating compositions, and b) dispersing the collected inorganic material in a binder matrix to form the coating composition. This includes:

[0061] In this way, effective reuse and recycling of inorganic materials from old (used) coating compositions can be recycled into new coating compositions.

[0062] The recycling step may suitably include carrying out the second curve method described herein and collecting the inorganic material therefrom.

[0063] Suitably, the collected mineral is subjected to a filtering, grinding, heat treatment or washing step either at the time of collection or at a later stage before being dispersed in the binder matrix, allowing for adjustment of mineral size and shape as required in new coating formulations as part of general quality control procedures.

[0064] In particular aspects, the collected inorganic material is subjected to one of the aforementioned processes before being dispersed in the binder matrix. As shown in the examples below, calcination of the inorganic material (i.e., heat treatment, preferably heating to a temperature above 100°C) removes unwanted coloring from the inorganic material. For example, removal of residual carbon black from the inorganic material removes unwanted coloring.

[0065] The binder matrix may be a physically drying binder system. In this case, the binder components in the dry coating are already present in the wet coating composition in the same form. There is no change in the binder composition or the molecular structure or size of the binder components. The coating is completely formed by evaporation of the solvent alone, leaving the binder molecules in the coating as curled, intertwined chains.

[0066] The binder matrix may also be a chemically cured binder system, characterized in that the final binder molecules in the dried / cured coating are not present in the wet coating. In this case, relatively small binder component molecules (e.g., monomers) participate in chemical reactions to form larger molecules, e.g., chain extension and possibly cross-linking of the binder components.

[0067] Examples of suitable binder systems include epoxy, polyurethane, polysiloxane, vinyl, acrylic, alkyd, silicone, silicate, silyl acrylate, metal acrylate, polyoxalate, polyester, rosin, non-water-dispersible binders, styrene copolymers, polyamide resins, linseed oil, castor oil, soybean oil and derivatives thereof, as well as hybrids and combinations of these materials.

[0068] The binder matrix may comprise a curable polymer selected from the group consisting of epoxy, polyurethane, polysiloxane, vinyl, acrylic, alkyd, and silicone polymers, or mixtures or blends thereof. In one aspect, the binder matrix comprises an epoxy-based binder system, which comprises: one or more epoxy resins selected from bisphenol A, bisphenol F and novolac; one or more curing agents selected from Mannich bases, polyamidoamines, polyoxyalkyleneamines, alkyleneamines, aralkylamines, polyamines, and adducts or derivatives thereof; Includes:

[0069] In this method, the inorganic material may be present in an amount of up to 90% by dry weight of the total coating composition, for example, up to 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, or 10% by dry weight of the total coating composition.

[0070] The inorganic substance includes oxides and silicates of elements selected from Groups 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the periodic table according to the new IUPAC nomenclature, as well as elements from Periods 4 and 5. In particular, oxides and silicates of elements selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, titanium, zirconium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, aluminum, and silicon are preferred. More preferred are oxides and silicates of elements selected from sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, titanium, zirconium, iron, aluminum, and silicon.

[0071] The inorganic material typically comprises a material selected from the group consisting of magnesium silicate, aluminum silicate, potassium silicate, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide, or a mixture thereof. Depending on the technique used to obtain the inorganic material, the inorganic material may comprise or consist of inorganic particles, preferably aluminum silicate or magnesium silicate inorganic particles. These inorganic particles have a substantially spherical shape. In one aspect, the inorganic particles have an average particle size of less than 40 μm.

[0072] The present technology also provides coating compositions obtained or obtainable by the methods described herein.

[0073] The present technology also provides a coating composition comprising a binder matrix and an inorganic material, wherein the inorganic material comprises or consists of inorganic particles, preferably aluminum silicate or magnesium silicate inorganic particles having a substantially spherical shape.

[0074] In this coating composition, the binder matrix may be as defined above and / or the inorganic material may be as defined above, and further, in this coating composition, the inorganic material may be present in an amount of up to 90% by dry weight of the total coating composition. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0075] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a surface treatment device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the surface treatment device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the control of the incineration process. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the control of the incineration process. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows the surface treatment device applied to removing a coating from a surface of a ship. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the surface treatment apparatus, wherein the air supply forms a nozzle toward the entrance of the ventilation channel. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a view showing another embodiment of the surface treatment device. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates a laser beam directed at a surface and the resulting plume. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates a vision system for determining the plume displaced by injected air. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the surface treatment device. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing microscope or SEM photographs in the analysis of inorganic substances. [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing microscope or SEM photographs in the analysis of inorganic substances. [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing microscope or SEM photographs in the analysis of inorganic substances. [Figure 14] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing microscope or SEM photographs in the analysis of inorganic substances. [Figure 15] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing microscope or SEM photographs in the analysis of inorganic substances. [Figure 16] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing microscope or SEM photographs in the analysis of inorganic substances. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0076] 1 discloses a surface treatment apparatus 1 for removing coatings or contaminants from a surface. The apparatus 1 comprises a housing 2 forming an interior incineration chamber 3 (i.e., an area defined by a cavity and surrounded by an opening rim 4).

[0077] Cleaning occurs at the surface to be cleaned when an energy beam from the energy supply 5 is directed at the surface, which may be a laser beam, which ablates the coating, causing it to break away from the surface as hot excess material, typically in the form of flakes and dust.

[0078] Belts 6 are provided on both sides of the surface treatment device, allowing it to be moved over the surface. The belts thus form a moving structure in the context of the present disclosure. Alternative moving structures could include, for example, any type of rollers or wheels suitable for moving the device over the surface.

[0079] The disclosed belt 6, or alternatively a wheel or similar drive structure, has a magnetic force that allows the device to crawl vertically or upside down with the top surface 7 facing downwards.

[0080] An energy supply 5 (e.g. a laser) is arranged to direct a power beam towards a working point on a surface inside the incineration chamber. The exit of the emitted material is indicated by arrow 9.

[0081] Figure 2 shows the internal components of the device in cross section. A ventilation channel 20 forms an inlet 21 into the incineration chamber and exhausts air from the chamber during operation of the energy supply 5. The air carries dust and other residues from the coating removal process, and the removed material is collected via outlet 9. The collected material may be transported to a location where the dust is broken down into inorganic and potentially organic matter and, optionally, recycled for use in, for example, coating production. A blower 22 supplies fresh air to the incineration chamber through intake 23, thus forming an air supply 22 configured to inject gas through nozzle 24.

[0082] The energy supply 5 operates through an opening 25 in the housing around which a skirt 26 extends, extending the incineration chamber to include the area between the surface of the coating 28 and the opening 25.

[0083] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the surface treatment device is designed to move over the surface of a structure, i.e., over the area where the coating has been removed. The device moves in the direction indicated by arrow 32. In use, the device crawls over the coated structure 27. An energy supply 5 (in this case, a laser) is directed at the coating 28, which is removed by a thermal process. An air supply 22 supplies oxygen to the point where the coating is heated, while chips, flakes, dust, and other emissions are removed by ventilation 20. This results in the incineration of organic matter, which is removed as smoke by ventilation 20. The resulting material at outlet 9 is therefore a substantially organic-free inorganic solid dust and a smoke of combusted organic matter. With precise control of the incineration process, the smoke can contain primarily combusted organic matter. In this specification, we use the term "performance" to refer to the ability to separate organic matter as smoke and inorganic matter as solid dust. High performance means a low organic content at outlet 9.

[0084] To improve the incineration process, the apparatus includes a controller 29. This controller may be implemented using standard hardware circuitry, software programs and data in combination with a suitably programmed digital microprocessor or general-purpose computer, or cloud computing, application-specific integrated circuits, or one or more digital signal processors. The software program instructions and data may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or in the cloud, and when the instructions are executed by a computer or other suitable processor controlled by the computer or processor, the computer or processor performs the functions associated with the instructions. Thus, the present disclosure encompasses software readable by computer means for implementing a method, thereby providing a system for sensing the condition of a component.

[0085] The disclosed controller 29 communicates with the ventilation channel 20, the energy supply 5 and the air supply 22. The controller may further communicate with a drive controller that controls the mobile structure 6. The controller may further communicate with a sensor 30 and optionally with a sensor 31. The sensors 30, 31 measure different values ​​of process parameters within the incineration chamber.

[0086] Based on these measurements, the controller calculates control settings for the energy supply, ventilation passages, and / or air supply.

[0087] As an example, measurements by the sensor 30 indicate organic compounds in the dust. The sensor may include, for example, an optical sensor that determines the organic content based on, for example, the color of the dust. Based on this content, the controller may instruct the air supply to increase or decrease the airflow from the air supply, or increase or decrease the output strength of the energy supply, and / or increase or decrease the suction provided by the ventilation passage.

[0088] As another example, measurements by sensor 30 indicate the NOx or oxygen content in the gas removed by the ventilation path. The sensor may include, for example, a NOx or oxygen probe, a lambda probe, or a similar probe capable of measuring the percentage of oxygen (O2) in the gas.

[0089] The sensor 31 may be a temperature sensor, in which case it provides additional input to the calculation of the increase or decrease in air flow from the air supply, the output strength of the energy supply 5, and / or the increase or decrease in suction power provided by the ventilation path 20.

[0090] The controller may operate according to different principles, referred to herein as empirical principles, where control settings are derived from observation and experience rather than theory. Alternatively, the controller may operate according to theoretical observations, or a combination of empirical and theoretical considerations.

[0091] As an example of empirical control, thresholds are defined for one or more measured process parameters. When a threshold is exceeded, a control setting or set of control settings is increased or decreased by a predetermined increment. While this is a very simple method of controlling incineration, it does not necessarily lead to the best performance, i.e., the best separation of organic matter as smoke and inorganic matter as solid dust. As another example of empirical control, a table of empirical operating process parameters and corresponding control settings is created and used by the controller.

[0092] As an example of theoretical control, a mathematical transfer function is developed and implemented in a control system, for example, a proportional, differential, or integral (P, PI, PD, or PID) controller. One or more process parameters are then inserted as variables in the function, resulting in one or more control settings. This may be a more complex way to control incineration, but it may also lead to higher performance.

[0093] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functions of the surface treatment device.

[0094] In this block diagram, each block represents the following functions: Block A: Indicates that excess material is being burned. Block B: In Block B, the quality of the combustion is evaluated. If the combustion process is acceptable, the sensor output is recorded in Block C. If the combustion process is not acceptable, the sensor settings are read in Block D. Block C: represents the recording of the sensor output, which is stored in database E. Block D: In block D, values ​​are acquired by sensors S1 to S8. Block F: In Block F, the values ​​from the sensors are analyzed to determine potential problems. Block G: In Block G, the control settings for influencing the combustion process are determined. After Block G.

[0095] The sensors are as follows: S1: Combustion temperature measured at the working point on the surface to be cleaned. S2: A camera positioned to determine the color of the excess material and / or surface. S3: Measurement of intake airflow. This airflow is generated by the air supply. S4: Intake air temperature, i.e., the temperature of the air coming from the air supply. S5: Exhaust airflow, i.e., the airflow generated by the ventilation channel. S6: Discharge air temperature, i.e. the temperature measured in the ventilation channel. S7: Energy power, i.e. the amount of energy supplied by the energy supply. S8: Energy duty cycle, ie the duty cycle at which energy is supplied by the energy supply.

[0096] The blocks represent a control procedure that determines the control settings to provide good performance, i.e., low residual organic matter in the surplus material. To ensure good performance, not all oxygen in the incineration chamber is burned. Therefore, the residual gas partial pressure (p-residual) remaining in the incineration chamber is composed of air and gas resulting from the complete combustion of the organic matter. This gas can be called an inert gas, since it is usually unable to react further with oxygen.

[0097] 4 shows a block diagram in which processes G and B are defined in more detail, particularly for control based on temperature measurements. In this diagram, block F (i.e., where values ​​from the sensors are analyzed to determine potential problems) depends on seven events listed below: 1. The combustion temperature must be at a certain level, for example 500°C. 2. The intake air flow from the air supply 22 is at a certain level, e.g., 10 m 3 / min. 3. The intake air temperature from the air supply 22 is at a certain level, for example 500°C. 4. The exhaust airflow provided by the ventilation channel must be at a certain level, e.g., 10 m 3 / min. 5. The exhaust temperature in the ventilation duct must be at a certain level, e.g. 200°C. 6. The energy level of the energy supply is at a specific level, for example 10% of maximum power. 7. The energy duty cycle is at a certain level, say 200.

[0098] Block H shows the process of checking if the combustion temperature is within the desired range. This is triggered by Block F for events 1, 3, and 6. If the combustion temperature is within the desired range, function block I is triggered. If the combustion temperature is not within the desired range, function block J is triggered.

[0099] Block I shows the process of checking if the temperature is below a lower threshold. This function is executed for all cases determined in Block H (Block H determines that the combustion temperature is within a desired range). In addition, this function is triggered by Block F for Event 5. If Block I determines that the temperature is not too low, Block H is repeatedly triggered. If Block I determines that the temperature is too low, Block J is triggered.

[0100] Block J is a process in which the energy level of the energy supply is compared with a threshold, for example 90% of the maximum power. This threshold can be arbitrarily programmed. If the energy level of the energy supply exceeds the threshold, block K is triggered; if the energy level does not exceed the threshold, block L is triggered.

[0101] Block K is the process of increasing the gas flow rate from the air supply 22 .

[0102] Block L is the process of increasing the power level of the energy supply.

[0103] Block M indicates an internal process that runs within the CPU and defines when blocks H and I are executed.

[0104] FIG. 5 shows the device 1 inserted to clean paint from the exterior surface of a vessel 40. The device shown moves over the surface in a predetermined pattern. The pattern 41 can be defined in a controller 29, so the cleaning process can be fully automatic. The separator can be transported, for example, by a ground vehicle, in which case the magnetically attached housing contains only the energy supply 5, ventilation channel 20, air supply 22, controller 29, and other features such as sensors 30 and 31. In this embodiment, the energy supply can be an emitter configured to emit a laser beam generated by a laser source. The laser source, like the separator, can be transported by a ground vehicle 42. This reduces the weight of the housing and allows for safer and faster operation on vertical and overhead surfaces.

[0105] Example 1

[0106] The device is moved along the surface of a steel piece that has been coated with an industrial coating system (2-3 layers of varying thickness, total dry film thickness ranging from 700-800 micrometers), which can include various types of binders such as epoxy, alkyd, silicone, polyurethane, etc.

[0107] One or more lasers are operated at a power of 1500-20,000 watts, with the working distance set to the optimal focal length, through an optimized focusing lens to ensure uniform beam size. Before "hitting" the lens, the laser passes through a galvo scanner matched to the optics, which oscillates in a desired pattern to disperse the energy and prevent damage to the substrate. The total working area of ​​the laser system ranges from 20-100 centimeters. The laser's oscillating motion effectively removes the coating from the substrate, leaving the bare steel or aluminum in a clean state with its original roughness / surface topography, allowing for the application of a new coating to the "prepared" surface.

[0108] The laser process at the surface is optimized by effectively evacuating the ablated material and adding an air / oxygen gas mixture to the plasma to obtain the cleanest and most optimal combustion of the organic material, which constitutes approximately 50% of the coating mass. The temperature / energy intensity is controlled to incinerate only the majority (99%) of the organic matter, leaving behind the inorganic abatement, which is removed by vacuum as part of the evacuation process and further filtered and collected.

[0109] The solid material contains, depending on the type of coating to be removed, oxides and silicates selected from elements in groups 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the Periodic Table, as well as elements in periods 4 and 5. In this case, the new IUPAC nomenclature is followed. In particular, the solid material contains oxides and silicates selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, titanium, zirconium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, aluminum, and silicon. More preferably, the inorganic material contains oxides and silicates selected from sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, titanium, zirconium, iron, aluminum, and silicon.

[0110] 6 shows an embodiment of the surface treatment device in which the air supply 22 defines a nozzle 24 directed toward the inlet 21 of the ventilation channel 20. In this embodiment, the energy supply 5 is a laser that directs a laser beam 62 toward a work point 63. The laser includes laser optics 64, which in this particular embodiment is protected by a protective air flow in a surrounding air passage 65. This protective air flow prevents excess material from splashing back into the optics 64.

[0111] In one embodiment, the protective air stream forms part of the air supply 22. In this case, the air from the protective air stream contains oxygen, which is used to combust organic matter in the excess material. The protective air stream may be combined with the air stream from the nozzle 24.

[0112] The nozzle 24 is directed towards the surface at an angle indicated by β in Figure 6, which is in the range of 10 to 60 degrees, and said surface reflects the air flow towards the inlet 21. Correspondingly, the inlet 21 of the ventilation channel 20 is directed towards said surface at an angle indicated by Y in Figure 6, which angle is also in the range of 10 to 60 degrees and may in particular be equal to β.

[0113] Figure 7 shows in cross section another embodiment of the surface treatment device. Compared to the device shown in Figure 2, this embodiment is designed to move over the coating in the direction indicated by arrow 71.

[0114] The ventilation channel 20 defines an inlet 21 behind the working point in the direction of travel. A blower 22 is configured to supply fresh air to the incineration chamber through an inlet 23, thereby forming an air supply 22, and to inject a gas mixture, such as atmospheric air, through a nozzle 24.

[0115] 8 shows a plume 80 extending from the working point 63 where the laser beam 62 strikes the surface 27 or coating 28. The plume is displaced away from the nozzle 24 of the air supply 22. This displacement is due to the air flow from the nozzle. This displacement brings the plume closer to the inlet 21.

[0116] A plane 81 is shown vertically through the working point 63 between the air supply nozzle 24 and the ventilation passage inlet 21. This plane shows displacement away from the air supply nozzle 24 and towards the ventilation passage inlet 21. More than 50% of the plume is located to the left of plane 81, i.e., approximately 55-65% of the plume.

[0117] Nozzle 24 is designed to provide a primarily laminar airflow, indicated by dotted line 82. This nozzle is positioned to pass laser beam 62 before reaching plume 80. Nozzle 24 is oriented toward the plume at an angle indicated by β in FIG. 6. In FIG. 8, this angle is 0 degrees, i.e., the airflow is parallel to surface 27 and coating 28. Inlet 21 of ventilation channel 20 is oriented toward the surface at an angle indicated by Y in FIG. 6. To support the plume deflection shown in FIG. 8, this angle is in the range of 10 to 60 degrees, for example, between 50 and 60 degrees.

[0118] 9 shows a plume sensor comprising a camera 90 and a CPU 91. The CPU receives images from the camera, which captures backlit images of the plume 80. The CPU operates an artificial intelligence network trained on multiple plume orientations and corresponding measurements to output signals indicative of deviations from a desired plume orientation, and optionally to output control signals to at least one of the air supply and ventilation passageway to control airflow from the air supply nozzle 24 across the plume to the ventilation passageway inlet 21.

[0119] FIG. 10 discloses a surface treatment device with a belt 6 configured to crawl over a bare steel surface that has already been cleaned.

[0120] The energy supply 5, e.g., a laser, is arranged to direct a power beam at a working point located between the air supply 22 and the inlet 21 of the ventilation channel 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet 21 is located in front of the air supply 22 in the direction of travel indicated by arrow 32. Air injected by the air supply is directed towards the inlet of the ventilation channel in said direction of travel.

[0121] (Analysis of laser ablated materials)

[0122] A sample of the material obtained from the laser ablation process was subjected to analysis.

[0123] The samples were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF). Additionally, the samples were examined by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS).

[0124] The results of the analysis are shown in the following table. Color: Black Content w / w THF soluble portion Epoxy binder derived fragments 1.9% Soot 3.7% Inorganic pigment magnesium silicate 94.3% Aluminum silicate Titanium dioxide iron oxide Total 100%

[0125] Microscopic and SEM observations of the inorganic material showed various particles with diameters up to approximately 130 μm (see Figures 11-16). Under a conventional microscope, the particles were black, gray, and white in color. The black particles were somewhat heterogeneous, likely due to incomplete combustion.

[0126] Microscopic observations (both optical and SEM) showed the presence of small spherical particles consisting of aluminum or magnesium silicates. The spherical shape (<40 μm) was most likely due to the very high localized temperatures generated by the laser.

[0127] Figure 11 shows a micrograph of the inorganic material observed at 200x magnification. The diameter of the residues varies from 5 to 130 μm. The particle colors are gray, white, and black. The spherical particles have a lighter color compared to the non-uniform black particles.

[0128] Figure 12 shows another micrograph of the inorganic material at 200x magnification. The diameter of the residues varies from 5 to 130 μm. The particle colors are gray, white, and black. The spherical particles are lighter in color than the non-uniform black particles.

[0129] Figure 13 is a backscattered electron SEM photograph of the inorganic material. Both spherical and non-uniform particles are observed. The magnification is 200x.

[0130] Figure 14 is a backscattered electron SEM photograph of the inorganic material. Both spherical and non-uniform particles are observed. The magnification is 500x. The spherical particles are aluminum silicate and magnesium silicate. The non-uniform particles are the dark ones seen in Figure 12 and are mainly composed of magnesium silicate.

[0131] Figure 15 is a backscattered electron SEM photograph of the inorganic material at a magnification of 1000x. The small spherical particles that are slightly brighter than the others are titanium dioxide.

[0132] FIG. 16 is an SEM photograph of secondary electrons (particle surface) of an inorganic material.

[0133] Calcination of inorganic materials showed that the black color was due to soot resulting from incomplete combustion, as the inorganic materials disappeared after calcination. After calcination at 500°C, a light gray color was obtained.

[0134] (Preparation of Paint Composition)

[0135] The paints may be prepared by any suitable technique commonly used in the field of paint manufacturing. Thus, the various components may be mixed using high-speed dispersers, ball mills, pearl mills, three-roll mills, etc. The paints according to the invention may be filtered using bag filters, Patron filters, wire gap filters, wedge wire filters, metal edge filters, EGLM Turn Clean filters (e.g., Cuno), DELTA strain filters (e.g., Cuno), and Jenag strainer filters, or by vibration filtration.

[0136] Typically, the solid components of the coating composition are mixed and ground, and thus the calcined inorganic material was ground before being added to the coating composition.

[0137] The coating composition can be prepared as a one-component coating, or by mixing two or more components, such as two premixes, where one premix contains one or more binder components and one premix contains one or more curing agents, or as a three-component system, where one premix contains one or more binder components, one premix contains one or more curing agents, and a third carrier contains a calcined inorganic material.

[0138] (Example)

[0139] (Preparation of steel plate)

[0140] The steel plates to be tested were coated with 1 × 70 μm of paint. The steel plates (10 cm × 15 cm × 1.6 mm) were cold-rolled mild steel and abrasive-blasted to Sa3 (ISO 8501-1), corresponding to a surface roughness of BN9 (Rugotest No. 3).

[0141] (Blister box test, continuous condensation test according to ISO 6270-1)

[0142] This method is used to evaluate the water resistance of coating systems using controlled condensation. The surface of the steel plate bearing the coating system is exposed to saturated steam at 38±2°C at an angle of 15° to the horizontal. The back side of the steel plate is exposed to room temperature. During and at specified intervals after the exposure, the plate is evaluated for blistering and rust according to ISO 4628-2 and ISO 4628-3.

[0143] (Salt spray test, compliant with ISO 9227 / ASTM B117)

[0144] This method is carried out to evaluate the corrosion resistance of metallic materials that have been treated with permanent or temporary corrosion protection.

[0145] The neutral salt spray test is applied to organic coatings on metallic materials. The operating conditions for the salt spray test were a continuous spray of a 5% NaCl solution at 35°C. The scribe was prepared according to ISO 17872, cutting down to the substrate.

[0146] At predetermined inspection intervals during and after the exposure, blistering and rusting were assessed on the panel and around the scribe (in mm from the center) according to ISO 4628-2 and ISO 4628-3.

[0147] (Gradation ballast tank test, in accordance with ISO 4628-2)

[0148] The painted panels are mounted in special panel holders designed to allow direct contact between the back and front of the panel with water. After mounting, the back of the panel is exposed to water cooled to 20°C, the lower front of the panel is immersed in artificial seawater at 35°C, and the upper front of the panel is exposed to humid air at 35°C and 100% relative humidity.

[0149] At regular intervals and / or at the end of the exposure, the panels are evaluated for signs of blistering according to ISO 4628-2. If other signs of membrane degradation are present, they are also evaluated according to the relevant standards.

[0150] (Preparation of test formulations)

[0151] In the commercially available epoxy primer "Hempadur Quattro 17634," 33.3% by weight of the filler was replaced with the calcined inorganic material of the present invention.

[0152] The dry weight percentage of filler in Hempadur Quattro is 59.9%, so the mineral content of the present invention is 20.0% by dry weight.

[0153] The coatings were applied to steel panels and subjected to the blister box test and salt spray test described above.

[0154] TIFF2026507140000002.tif42170

[0155] In a blister box test, a 33.3% weight replacement of filler in a commercial epoxy primer product resulted in no blistering after a 6-month test.

[0156] In the gradient ballast tank test, no blisters were observed after two months of testing.

[0157] Salt spray testing showed that a 33.3% weight replacement of filler in a commercial epoxy primer product resulted in maximum and average rust creep values ​​within acceptable limits for use of the epoxy primer in marine, inland, or coastal applications.

Claims

1. 1. A surface treatment apparatus (1) for removing a coating (28) or contaminants from the surface of a coated structure (27), comprising: a housing (2) forming an incineration chamber (3); an energy supply (5) configured to irradiate at least one energy beam toward a working point on the surface in the incineration chamber (3), to heat the surface to an incineration temperature or higher, thereby detaching excess material from the surface and combusting organic matter in the excess material; a ventilation channel (20) having an inlet (21) within the incineration chamber (3) and configured to exhaust smoke and excess material from the incineration chamber (3); an air supply unit (22) configured to supply oxygen-containing air into the incineration chamber (3); A surface treatment device comprising:

2. The surface treatment device according to claim 1, The energy supply is a laser configured to generate a plume from the excess material by energy of a laser beam. A surface treatment device characterized by:

3. The surface treatment device according to claim 2, The air supply is configured to direct an air flow from an air injection point towards the plume. A surface treatment device characterized by:

4. The surface treatment device according to claim 3, The air supply is configured to generate the air flow such that the air flow is primarily laminar along a line between a nozzle and the plume. A surface treatment device characterized by:

5. 5. The surface treatment device according to claim 3, The air supply is configured to generate the air flow substantially parallel to the surface of the coated structure. A surface treatment device characterized by:

6. 6. The surface treatment device according to claim 3, The air supply is configured to generate the air flow such that the centerline of the air flow is displaced relative to the surface of the coated structure. A surface treatment device characterized by:

7. 7. The surface treatment device according to claim 3, a heating structure configured to heat the airflow before it reaches the plume; A surface treatment device characterized by:

8. 8. The surface treatment device according to claim 3, The surface treatment device is configured to be movable in a working direction, The working point is in a vertical plane perpendicular to the working direction and separates the air injection point from the inlet (21). A surface treatment device characterized by:

9. 9. The surface treatment device according to claim 3, The air supply is configured to displace the plume towards the inlet (21) by injected air. A surface treatment device characterized by:

10. 10. The surface treatment device according to claim 2, a plume sensor configured to determine a plume orientation signal indicative of an orientation of the plume; The air supply is controlled based on the plume direction signal. A surface treatment device characterized by:

11. The surface treatment device according to claim 10, The plume sensor includes a vision system having a camera and software configured to recognize the orientation of the plume. A surface treatment device characterized by:

12. The surface treatment device according to claim 11, the software includes an artificial intelligence network trained based on a plurality of plume orientations and measurements corresponding to those orientations; The measured value indicates the soot content. A surface treatment device characterized by:

13. 13. The surface treatment device according to claim 1, at least one sensor (30, 31) configured to provide a measurement of a process parameter in said incineration chamber (3); a controller (29) configured to provide control settings for at least one of the energy supply, the ventilation channel, and the air supply based on the measurements; A surface treatment device comprising:

14. The surface treatment device according to claim 13, the excess material includes organic matter that burns at a lower temperature and inorganic matter that burns at a higher temperature; the controller is configured to provide control settings for at least one of the energy supply, the ventilation channel, and the air supply to obtain a temperature between the lower temperature and the higher temperature. A surface treatment device characterized by:

15. 15. The surface treatment device according to claim 13 or 14, The measurements indicate the temperature or the content of organic compounds in the surplus material, or the content of oxygen, carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide in the smoke or in the incineration chamber. A surface treatment device characterized by:

16. The surface treatment device according to claim 13, The controller is configured to control the air supply to increase the amount of oxygen injected into the incineration chamber when the measured values ​​indicate a content of the organic compounds above a first threshold or an oxygen content below a second threshold. A surface treatment device characterized by:

17. 17. The surface treatment device according to claim 13, the controller includes a CPU and a data storage unit; the data store includes at least one process data set; each process data set including at least one coating or contaminant to be removed from said surface and corresponding reference parameters, said reference parameters being comparable to said measurements; The controller is configured to provide the control setting based on a comparison of the reference parameter and the measurement. A surface treatment device characterized by:

18. 18. The surface treatment device according to claim 17, The reference parameters include a desired temperature range and corresponding control settings for at least one of the energy supply, the ventilation channel, and the air supply. A surface treatment device characterized by:

19. 19. The surface treatment device according to claim 17 or 18, The controller is configured to perform a repetitive operating cycle including a plurality of cycles, each cycle comprising: sending control settings to at least one of the energy supply, the ventilation channel and the air supply; - obtaining measurements from said sensors; - correcting said control settings based on a comparison of said measurements with reference parameters; - controlling at least one of the energy supply, the ventilation channel and the air supply based on the control settings. A surface treatment device comprising:

20. 20. The surface treatment device according to claim 13, The sensor a vision system configured to detect deviations between the image and a reference image; - oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxide sensor probes, and - Temperature sensor probe Equipped with at least one of A surface treatment device characterized by:

21. 21. The surface treatment device according to claim 13, The sensor is configured to determine the organic compounds based on the color of the dust. A surface treatment device characterized by:

22. 22. The surface treatment device according to claim 1, an outlet sensor configured to analyze the exhausted air and detect organic matter potentially present in the exhausted air; A surface treatment device comprising:

23. 23. The surface treatment device according to claim 2, The laser energy supply includes a laser input for receiving laser energy from a laser source located outside the incineration chamber. A surface treatment device characterized by:

24. 24. The surface treatment device according to claim 23, a support module disposed outside the incineration chamber and movable as an independent unit; The support module includes the laser light source. A surface treatment device characterized by:

25. 25. The surface treatment device according to claim 1, The air supply unit is equipped with a blower that blows air from the surrounding space into the incineration chamber. A surface treatment device characterized by:

26. 26. The surface treatment device according to claim 1, a moving structure (6) configured to move the housing (2) along a moving direction on the surface of the coated structure (27); A surface treatment device comprising:

27. 27. The surface treatment device according to claim 26, The moving structure is configured to move over the surface after the surface has been cleaned. A surface treatment device characterized by:

28. 28. The surface treatment device according to claim 26 or 27, The air supply is arranged behind the inlet to the ventilation channel in the direction of movement. A surface treatment device characterized by:

29. 29. The surface treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 28, The energy supply is configured to irradiate the energy beam onto the surface such that the working point is located between the air supply and the entrance to the ventilation channel. A surface treatment device characterized by:

30. 1. A method for purifying excess material from a surface to be cleaned, comprising: directing a laser at the surface until the excess material is heated and leaves the surface as a plume; directing a stream of oxygen-containing air at the plume until at least a portion of the organic matter in the excess material is combusted; The method includes:

31. 31. The method of claim 30 further comprising: At least the inorganic matter is removed by suction. The method of claim 1, comprising:

32. 32. The method of claim 30 or 31, The airflow can displace the plume. A method characterized by:

33. 33. The method of any one of claims 30 to 32, Air and excess material are removed at the suction point; The air flow is directed towards the suction point A method characterized by:

34. 34. The method of any one of claims 30 to 33, The airflow is primarily laminar A method characterized by:

35. 35. The method of any one of claims 30 to 34, The airflow is preheated before reaching the plume A method characterized by:

36. 36. The method of any one of claims 30 to 35, further comprising: The temperature of the heated excess material is controlled within a range between a low temperature at which organic matter in the excess material burns and a high temperature at which inorganic matter in the excess material burns. The method of claim 1, comprising:

37. 37. The method of any one of claims 30 to 36, the laser is moved over the surface along a moving direction; The air flow is directed along the direction of movement. A method characterized by:

38. 38. The method of claims 30 and 37, The inorganic matter is removed along the moving direction. A method characterized by:

39. 1. A method of making a coating composition, comprising: a) collecting recycled inorganic matter from a coating composition; b) dispersing the collected inorganic material in a binder matrix to form the coating composition. The method includes:

40. 40. The method of claim 39, The regeneration is carried out by a method according to any one of claims 30 to 38. A method characterized by:

41. 41. The method of claim 39 or 40, The collected inorganic materials may be subjected to filtering, grinding, heat treatment or washing either at the time of collection or at a later stage before being dispersed in the binder matrix. A method characterized by:

42. 42. The method of any one of claims 39 to 41, The binder matrix comprises a curable polymer selected from the group consisting of epoxy, polyurethane, polysiloxane, vinyl, acrylic, alkyd, and silicone polymers, or mixtures or blends thereof. A method characterized by:

43. 43. The method of any one of claims 39 to 42, the binder matrix comprises an epoxy-based binder system; The epoxy-based binder system one or more epoxy resins selected from bisphenol A, bisphenol F and novolac; one or more curing agents selected from Mannich bases, polyamidoamines, polyoxyalkyleneamines, alkyleneamines, aralkylamines, polyamines, and adducts or derivatives thereof; A method comprising:

44. 44. The method of any one of claims 39 to 43, The inorganic material is present in an amount of up to 90% by dry weight of the total coating composition, such as up to 80%, up to 70%, up to 60%, up to 50%, up to 40%, up to 30%, up to 20%, or up to 10% by dry weight of the total coating composition. A method characterized by:

45. 45. The method of any one of claims 39 to 44, The inorganic material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of magnesium silicate, aluminum silicate, potassium silicate, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide, or a mixture of the materials. A method characterized by:

46. 46. ​​The method of any one of claims 39 to 45, The inorganic material comprises or consists of inorganic particles, preferably inorganic particles of aluminum silicate or magnesium silicate, having a substantially spherical shape. A method characterized by:

47. 47. The method of claim 46, The inorganic particles have an average diameter of less than 40 μm A method characterized by:

48. 48. A coating composition obtainable by the method of any one of claims 39 to 47.

49. A coating composition comprising a binder matrix and an inorganic substance, The inorganic material comprises or consists of inorganic particles, preferably inorganic particles of aluminum silicate or magnesium silicate, having a substantially spherical shape; A coating composition characterized by:

50. 50. The coating composition of claim 48 or 49, The binder matrix is ​​a binder matrix as defined in claim 42 or 43, and / or the inorganic substance is an inorganic substance as defined in any one of claims 45 to 47. A coating composition characterized by:

51. 51. The coating composition of any one of claims 48 to 50, The inorganic material may be present in an amount of up to 90% by dry weight of the total coating composition. A coating composition characterized by:

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