Venturi Pump Non-Return Valve for Powder Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Venturi pumps used in the electrostatic application of powdered paint coatings face issues with powder returns during transitional and cleaning phases, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs due to the sensitivity of the dilution air circuit, which often requires protective barriers like porous media or non-return valves that become clogged and need replacement.
Innovation Solution
A Venturi pump design incorporating a non-return valve radially surrounding the nozzle within the dilution air circuit, which allows air to pass while preventing powder infiltration, eliminating the need for replacement and reducing maintenance costs by acting as a self-cleaning, non-wearing part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a porous medium is used as a protection barrier in the dilution air circuit, then powder returns are effectively blocked, but the pores become clogged over time requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a porous ceramic plate as the protection barrier in the dilution air circuit. The porous structure allows air to pass through while blocking powder particles, providing effective protection. The ceramic material is chosen specifically for its durability and resistance to clogging compared to traditional porous media.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection barrier is constructed using composite ceramic materials that combine porosity for filtration with high mechanical strength and chemical stability. This composite approach allows the barrier to maintain its protective function while resisting degradation and clogging over extended periods.
2Reliability
If a non-return valve is used to protect pneumatic members, then powder infiltration is prevented, but the connection becomes expensive and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the non-return valve function from a separate bulky component and integrates it directly into the dilution air supply connection structure. The valve is built into the connection itself, eliminating the need for additional external protection devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection barrier and dilution air supply connection are merged into a single integrated component. The porous ceramic plate is incorporated directly into the connection structure, combining the functions of air supply and powder protection in one element, thereby simplifying the overall system.
3Productivity
If the dilution air circuit is kept at zero pressure during pumping, then powder conveyance is efficient, but powder rises reach the pneumatic members causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air supply system into two independent circuits: an injection air circuit for powder conveyance and a dilution air circuit for protection. The dilution air circuit operates independently at a different pressure level, creating a protective barrier that prevents powder contamination while allowing the injection circuit to maintain optimal zero pressure for efficient conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The dilution air circuit acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the powder conveyance system and the pneumatic members. By maintaining positive pressure in this intermediate circuit, it prevents powder from reaching sensitive components while allowing the main conveyance circuit to operate at zero pressure for maximum efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively protects the pneumatic air supply members from powder returns without increasing costs or complexity, ensuring continuous and efficient powder conveyance without the need for frequent replacement of protective components, thus enhancing the operational lifespan and reducing maintenance expenses.
Implementation Method 1
based on the Venturi effect, which consists of creating a vacuum by injecting high-speed air in order to suction powder from a reservoir
Implementation Method 2
air is injected inside the reservoir to fluidize the powder
Implementation Method 3
at least one non-return valve, arranged inside the dilution air circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A Venturi pump used for sucking powder from a supply, diluting the same, then feeding it to a gun via a conveyor pipe. The pump comprises an outer body, at least one powder suction duct, at least two air connections, of which a first air connection is capable of supplying an injector to create a vacuum inside the suction duct and a second air connection is capable of supplying a dilution air circuit separate from the powder flow. The pump including at least one powder outlet nozzle centered on an axis of diffusion, the inlet of which is located downstream from the first air connection and the suction duct. At least one protection barrier contains a non-return valve disposed inside the dilution air circuit and at least one outlet tip of the dilution circuit disposed around the nozzle and also connected to the conveyor pipe.