Preparation and supply of compressed air: what is needed
Compressed air is required to apply powder paint to the product. Moreover, it is necessary at all stages of painting: from powder spraying to curing. And this air is not just compressed, but also purified, to meet specific requirements. Therefore, we decided to devote this article to the compressed air supply system and talk about all the devices that are necessary for production.
How air is compressed
First, let’s explain the term. Compressed air is not unusual, it is ordinary air that has been compressed under pressure and then released to do a specific job.
Air is compressed by the compressor. At the inlet to the device, the air pressure is at the level of 1 atm, because this is the atmospheric pressure at sea level. Next, the compressor compresses it to the desired parameters.
Compressor performance is affected by humidity and air temperature. The standard for calculating the device performance is a temperature of 20 degrees, a pressure of 1 atm., and a relative humidity of 36%.
The compressor should be located near windows or in a cool place with good air circulation.
The device heats the air up to 65-260 degrees in order to compress it. This figure depends on the type of equipment and the height of the working pressure. And then it cools down.
This requires an air cooler.
The compressor sends the compressed air to special equipment for the required work.
Compressed air supply
Compressed air can be supplied through small portable units or large installations. In order to perform this operation, it is necessary to have a compressor, an electric motor or a gas-driven unit, a control unit, filters for air, silencers, a receiver, a pipeline and a distribution system.
The compressor can work without interruption and perform the function of constant maintenance of the set pressure. There are regulators that have pulse switches. They are designed for use with stationary compressors. Such regulators set the lower point of pressure and are turned on when the pressure drops to this indicator, raise it to the set value and turn off. There are also devices that combine the characteristics of both types of compressors.
Compressed air installation produces compulsory filtration. It removes dust and sand particles from it. Filters indicate a mesh of felt.
It is also better that the production has equipment that cools the air before it enters the receiver.
Compressor and receiver must be connected by piping. These can be copper pipes or galvanized steel pipes. The first option is more durable and of higher quality.
The main function of the distribution system is to connect the receiver and work areas where this compressed air is used.
Now directly on the compressed air compressors for powder coating. Rotary models are the most popular, easy to install and less expensive than other ones. Working with them, it is important the grease does not get into the system.
Reciprocating models are also popular. They can be single-stage, two-stage, or multi-stage.
These devices are great for compressing air in powder coating applications. But they must be selected based on the quality of production.
You also need measuring equipment to control and adjust all processes.
The use of compressed air is quite wide. Powder paint cannot be applied without it. Therefore, any production must have equipment for air compression. Only specialists can establish such equipment.
