Multiple component in-line paint mixing system
First Claim
1. A method of mixing paint from multiple paint fluid subcomponents, the method comprising:
- (a) forming a line of unmixed subcomponent slugs by providing a reducing manifold having multiple input passages that converge to form a single output passage, providing a flow meter in communication with the single manifold output passage, and inputting a particular quantity of subcomponent into the manifold input passages by metering the amount of fluid passing through the output passage; and
(b) thoroughly mixing the slugwise subcomponents using an integrator and a static mixer.
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Abstract
An in-line mixing system and method for mixing one or more paint fluid subcomponents. The system includes subcomponent input lines (20) connected to a reducing manifold (22). An on/off solenoid valve (28) in each line is arranged to allow or prohibit fluid from entering the reducing manifold. The reducing manifold includes multiple input passages that converge to form a single output passage. A flow meter (26) is in communication with the manifold output passage to measure the flow of subcomponent fluid through the manifold. Using the flow meter, a control system (30) causes the input line solenoid valves to open and close to create a slugwise line of subcomponent fluids passing from the manifold output passage. From the reducing manifold, the slugwise line enters an integrator (32) where the subcomponents are partially mixed. A static mixer (34) connects to the output of the integrator to thoroughly mix the fluids. Preferred embodiments of a mixing system, an integrator, and an control instruction system are provided.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of mixing paint from multiple paint fluid subcomponents, the method comprising:
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(a) forming a line of unmixed subcomponent slugs by providing a reducing manifold having multiple input passages that converge to form a single output passage, providing a flow meter in communication with the single manifold output passage, and inputting a particular quantity of subcomponent into the manifold input passages by metering the amount of fluid passing through the output passage; and (b) thoroughly mixing the slugwise subcomponents using an integrator and a static mixer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of mixing paint from multiple paint fluid subcomponents, the method comprising:
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(a) forming a line of unmixed subcomponent slugs of base, cure, and flow, wherein a flow slug is inserted between base and cure slugs to separate the base and cure slugs; and (b) thoroughly mixing the slugwise subcomponents. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification