METHODS FOR COATING CONDUIT INTERIOR SURFACES UTILIZING A THERMAL SPRAY GUN WITH EXTENSION ARM
First Claim
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1. A method of coating a pipeline interior surface, comprising:
- inserting a thermal spray gun disposed on an extension arm into an interior area of a pipe;
thermally spraying matter from the thermal spray gun towards an interior surface of the pipe to form a coating thereon;
directing cooling air out from the extension arm through at least one outlet in the extension arm directly into a region within the interior area of the pipe and outside the extension arm;
independently cooling the thermal spray gun and the extension arm; and
removing air from the interior area of the pipe through a collection line at least partially extending into the interior area of the pipe to draw overspray of the matter from the interior area of the pipe.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for applying a coating to an interior surface of a conduit. In one embodiment, a spray gun configured to apply a coating is attached to an extension arm which may be inserted into the bore of a pipe. The spray gun may be a thermal spray gun adapted to apply a powder coating. An evacuation system may be used to provide a volume area of reduced air pressure for drawing overspray out of the pipe interior during coating. The extension arm as well as the spray gun may be cooled to maintain a consistent temperature in the system, allowing for more consistent coating.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of coating a pipeline interior surface, comprising:
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inserting a thermal spray gun disposed on an extension arm into an interior area of a pipe;
thermally spraying matter from the thermal spray gun towards an interior surface of the pipe to form a coating thereon;
directing cooling air out from the extension arm through at least one outlet in the extension arm directly into a region within the interior area of the pipe and outside the extension arm;
independently cooling the thermal spray gun and the extension arm; and
removing air from the interior area of the pipe through a collection line at least partially extending into the interior area of the pipe to draw overspray of the matter from the interior area of the pipe. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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13. A method of coating a pipeline interior surface, comprising:
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inserting a spray gun disposed on an extension arm into an interior area of a pipe;
spraying matter from the spray gun towards an interior surface of the pipe to form a coating thereon;
directing cooling air out from the extension arm through at least one outlet in the extension arm directly into a region within the interior area of the pipe and outside the extension arm; and
removing air from the interior area of the pipe through a collection line at least partially extending into the interior area of the pipe to draw overspray of the matter from the interior area of the pipe.
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14. (canceled)
Specification