Water-Based Spray Gun Cleaning Agent Formulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning water-based spray guns are labor-intensive and generate significant solvent waste, and existing automatic systems are limited in their ability to effectively dissolve and remove water-based paints without using harsh, environmentally unfriendly solvents.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning agent comprising n-butanol or n-propanol, ethoxylated nonylphenol, and water, used under specific pH conditions, with optional emulsifiers or foam suppressors, is employed in conjunction with an automatic washing device to efficiently clean water-based spray guns, utilizing a system with smooth surfaces and fluid recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solvents are used to clean water-based paints, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning system by formulating a water-based cleaning agent with specific pH ranges (7-11) and controlled solvent concentrations (5-50%). This allows effective removal of water-based paints while avoiding harsh organic solvents, resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and environmental friendliness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite cleaning formulation combining water, mild solvents (n-butanol or n-propanol), surfactants (ethoxylated nonylphenol), and optional emulsifiers. This composite approach achieves effective paint removal through synergistic action of multiple gentle components, eliminating the need for harsh solvents while maintaining cleaning performance
2Ease of operation
If manual cleaning methods are used, then flexibility is maintained, but labor intensity increases and solvent waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic washing system where the spray gun cleans itself by circulating the water-based cleaning agent through its internal passages. The system automatically recovers and recycles the cleaning agent, eliminating manual disassembly and cleaning operations while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates a recovery system that captures used cleaning agent, filters it, and recycles it back into the washing system. This closed-loop approach dramatically reduces solvent waste and eliminates the need for continuous fresh solvent supply, addressing both labor intensity and waste generation issues
3Reliability
If high-pressure friction is applied to remove dried water-based paint, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but mechanical damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cleaning mechanism from mechanical friction to chemical dissolution by using a water-based cleaning agent with optimized pH (7-11) and solvent content. This chemical approach softens and dissolves dried water-based paints without requiring high-pressure mechanical action, protecting spray gun surfaces from damage while achieving effective cleaning
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 reduces solvent waste, enhances cleaning efficiency, and provides an environmentally friendly method for dissolving and removing water-based paints, while maintaining the integrity of the spray gun surfaces and minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a novel cleaning agent comprising a solvent such as n-butanol or n-propanol
Implementation Method 2
a surfactant such as ethoxylated nonylphenol
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to a cleaning agent for a spray gun and a method and apparatus for cleaning the spray gun, and more specifically, to the agent and method of use thereof for cleaning a water-based spray gun using a novel cleaning agent comprising a solvent of n-butanol, a solvent of n-propanol, a surfactant of ethoxylated nonylphenol, and water. The cleaning agent may also be used under specific pH conditions and an emulsifier or a foam suppressor may be used. What is also contemplated is the use of a spray gun having smooth interior and exterior surfaces. The method contemplates the contacting of the cleaning agent with the spray gun, the recovering of the cleaning agent, the separating of the cleaning agent and the reuse of the cleaning agent. What is also contemplated is the use of the cleaning agent in an automatic washing apparatus and the use of the cleaning agent as part of a fluid supply to an automated spray gun to clean the spray gun access.