AN APPARATUS AND A METHOD FOR TEMPERING A SURFACE TREATMENT AGENT, AS WELL AS USE OF THE APPARATUS

Description

[0001] The present invention concerns an apparatus and a method for tempering a liquid surface treatment agent, as well as use of the apparatus. More particularly, the invention concerns an apparatus and a method for tempering a liquid surface treatment agent which, prior to the application thereof onto a surface, is located in a receptacle, and wherein the tempering is effected by means of at least one pressurized air element.

[0002] The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for tempering a fluid, in which the apparatus is simple, technical speaking, and may be carried by only one person, and which only requires pressurized air for the operation thereof.

[0003] In this document, the term pressurized air element implies a device known per se arranged to be able to provide a temperature change in a fluid, for example air, flowing through the device, in which the temperature change is provided as a result of the flow conditions in the device. The pressurized air element may be of the type sold under the trade mark "VORTEX-EV", and which is produced by E. Virta & Co. Oy, Turku, Finland.

[0004] The term surface treatment agent implies a fluid arranged in a manner allowing it to be applied to a surface of an object in order to provide some form of protection of the surface and/or the object. The surface treatment agent may also be applied for visual reasons. Examples of surface treatment agents are paint, fire-protective coatings, insulation coatings, all of which are subject to at least a certain curing process subsequent to the agent being applied to a surface. In the following, and for the sake of simplicity, the term "paint" is used to a great extent, although it is apparent that the surface treatment agent also may comprise other agents, as mentioned above.

[0005] A fluid, for example paint, becomes difficult to apply to a surface when the temperature of the paint falls below a certain temperature. This temperature depends on the viscosity of the fluid. It becomes particularly difficult to apply paint by means of e.g. a spray gun, which is run on pressurized air, when the temperature is too low / the viscosity is too high.

[0006] When paint or some other surface treatment agent is to be used in cold environments, it is therefore common to supply heat to the paint by placing the paint receptacle in a heated environment, whereby the paint obtains the desired viscosity. Then, the heated paint is transported to the user place for application onto a surface.

[0007] A number of apparatuses are known from the patent literature, the apparatuses of which are arranged to be able to increase the temperature of an object, such as a fluid. The American patent publications US 5,808,276; US 3,710,978; US 2,527,101; US 2,551,651; and US 2,142,599, as well as the German utility design DE 296 21 918, all disclose devices that could be used, at least theoretically, to warm an object, for example a receptacle containing paint. All of the above-mentioned publications concern devices requiring electric current for providing the heating.

[0008] Apparatuses arranged for application of marking stripes onto roads and pavements, in which quick-drying paint is required, are known from American patent publications US 6,183,161 and US 4,190,205. Prior to applying the paint onto the road via a high-pressure nozzle, it is warmed up by flowing through a pipe system affected by the warm exhaust from a combustion engine.

[0009] An apparatus for application of paint, in which the paint is pumped through a pipe system in a heat exchanger, is known from PCT-application with publication number WO 2004/108300. Warmed up and pressurized air, which discharges from an application device together with the paint heated by the warmed up and pressurized air, is put through the heat exchanger.

[0010] Several disadvantages are related to the above-mentioned, prior art.

[0011] Several of the devices require electric current in order to function. Thus, the apparatuses would have to undergo extensive modifications prior to possibly becoming authorized for use in hazardous, explosive areas.

[0012] The apparatuses disclosed in US 4,190,205 and US 6,183,161 are of a size and complexity rendering them unsuitable for being carried. Moreover, the warming up of the paint is based on exhaust from a combustion engine, which makes the apparatus unsuitable for use in a so-called EX-area.

[0013] WO 2004/108300 describes an apparatus capable of pumping paint out of a paint receptacle and through a heat exchanger, thereby being warmed up immediately prior to applying the paint onto a surface. The apparatus is relatively complex and does not offer the possibility of warming up the paint when located in the receptacle. Furthermore, the apparatus requires the paint to be applied by means of e.g. a paint spray gun. Documents DE 20 2004 010 834; and DE 103 48 263 teach devices for tempering products located within receptacles.

[0014] None of the disclosed publications describe or in any way suggest an apparatus capable of also providing, in a simple manner, cooling instead of warming up of the surface treatment agent prior to being applied onto a surface.

[0015] The object of the invention is to remedy or reduce at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0016] The object is achieved by means of the features disclosed in the following description and in the subsequent claims.

[0017] A first aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus according to claim 1.

[0018] Further advantages of the invention are provided in the dependent claims.

[0019] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for warming up or cooling down by means of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, a liquid surface treatment agent, such as paint, located in a receptacle or pail, wherein the method includes affecting the surface treatment agent by means of the temperature of air discharging from at least one pressurized air element having air supplied thereto from a pressurized air source.

[0020] In the following, an example of a preferred embodiment is described and depicted on the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1

shows a perspective front elevation, as viewed aslant from above, of a pressurized air element disclosed but not claimed, placed in fluid communication with a chamber defined by a box of rectangular shape, in which the box encloses a portion of a pail of paint; and

Fig. 2

shows, in larger scale, an embodiment of the present invention, in which tempered air discharges from a pressurized air element and through a heat exchange element in the form of a helical pipe conducted through paint located within a pail.

[0021] In the figures, reference numeral 1 denotes an apparatus disclosed but not claimed in the present invention, in which a pressurized air element 3 is connected to source of pressurized air (not shown) by means of a conduit 5. For example, the source of pressurized air may be a compressor for providing so-called work air intended for supplying air-operated hand tools. The pressurized air element 3 is provided with two outlet portions 7, 7' for air being warmer and colder, respectively, than the air supplied from the source of pressurized air. As mentioned hereinbefore, a type of pressurized air element 3 that has proven suitable for the purpose is a pressurized air element sold under the trade mark "VORTEX-EV", and which is produced by E. Virta & Co. Oy, Turku, Finland. "VORTEX-EV" has been developed for use together with pressurized air breathing apparatuses for providing warming up or cooling of the breathing air.

[0022] Figure 1 shows a principle sketch of an apparatus disclosed but not claimed in the present invention. The apparatus 1 is comprised of a rectangular box 9 provided with a removable top portion 11. The top portion 11 is provided with two cut-outs 13, each of which is arranged for receiving e.g. a pail 15 of paint. In the embodiment shown, a paint pail 15 is placed in only one of two cut-outs 13 of the top portion 11. The cut-out 13 not used is provided with a substantially sealing lid 13'.

[0023] One of the advantages of a removable top portion 11 is that it is possible to provide one box 9 with top portions 11 adapted to the dimensions of those receptacles or paint pails 15 to be tempered in the apparatus 1.

[0024] It is apparent that the top portion 11 and the lid 13' also may be provided with one, two or several cut-outs 13. The cut-outs 13 in the top portion 11 may have a similar or dissimilar size or shape.

[0025] Preferably, the top portion 11 and the lid 13' are attached to the box 9, for example by means of quick release locks known per se (not shown).

[0026] In an alternative disclosed but not claimed embodiment (not shown), it is also apparent that one or several receptacles are fixedly attached to the box 9.

[0027] A pressurized air element 3 is placed in fluid communication with the chamber 9' defined by the box 9, by the paint pail 15 and by the lid 13'.

[0028] Pressurized air PA (indicated with an arrow), which is supplied to the pressurized air element 3 from a compressor (not shown), experiences a temperature change, whereby warmed up air WA (indicated with an arrow) discharges from the pressurized air element 3 through a warm air outlet 7, and cold air CA (indicated with an arrow) through a cold air outlet 7'. In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the warm air outlet 7 is conducted into the chamber 9', whereas the cold air outlet 7' discharges into to the open air outside the apparatus 1.

[0029] In order to reduce the noise to the environment, the cold air outlet 7' (possibly the warm air outlet 7 when discharging directly to the open air) is provided with a noise reduction device (not shown).

[0030] In the disclosed but not claimed embodiment shown, the pressurized air element 3 is protected in an additional chamber 9".

[0031] The tempering (warming up or cooling down) of the paint receptacle or -pail 15 is provided by supplying tempered air to the chamber 9'. It is therefore of advantage for the chamber 9' not to be completely sealed, whereby sufficient air also is evacuated from the chamber 9'. Venting may be achieved e.g. by providing a clearance between the cut-out 13 and the paint pail 15 and/or by means of suitable cut-outs (not shown) in the box 9 or in the top portion 11.

[0032] For safety reasons, it is of advantage for the chamber to be provided with a pressure relief valve 17.

[0033] The pressurized air element 3 is provided with a governor 4, which is arranged to be able to adjust the amount of warm and cold air discharging from the pressurized air element 3. In order to bring about a simple control of the governor 4, an adjustment handle 4', which protrudes through an upper portion of the additional chamber 9", is provided.

[0034] For allowing the user to gain information about the temperature in the chamber 9', the top portion 11 is provided with a thermometer 18 extending into the chamber 9'.

[0035] Advantageously, in order to be able to handle the apparatus 1 in a simple manner, the apparatus is provided with a carrying handle of a type known per se (not shown). In order to further facilitate the movement of the apparatus 1, it is in one embodiment provided with at least one pair of wheels (not shown).

[0036] Advantageously, the materials enclosing the chamber 9' are suitable for use in so-called EX-areas. Among other things, this implies that the materials will not be able to produce static electricity.

[0037] Yet further, it is of advantage for the insides of the box 9 and the top portion 11 to be provided with a temperature insulation material (not shown), whereby the temperature exchange to the surroundings of the apparatus 1 becomes as small as possible. The additional chamber 9" may be uninsulated, or portions of the additional chamber 9" may be insulated. For example, the additional chamber 9" may be divided into two compartments (not shown), of which one compartment may be insulated and one compartment may be uninsulated. Such a compartmentalisation may be able to increase the efficiency of the temperature element.

[0038] Although the pressurized air element 3 is shown in a horizontal position, it is apparent that the pressurized air element 3 may be placed in any position.

[0039] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention.

[0040] A pressurized air element 3, which substantially corresponds to the pressurized air element 3 shown in figure 1, is connected to a pressurized air installation by means of a conduit 5. Warm air WA, which discharges through the warm air outlet 7 of the pressurized air element 3, is connected to a heat exchange element 21 in the form of a pipe conducted down into a receptacle 15 containing a surface treatment agent, for example paint.

[0041] The pressurized air element 3 is placed at an edge portion of the receptacle 15 by means of an attachment device 27 of a type known per se.

[0042] The indicated heat exchange element 21 is comprised of a pipe conduit 21 winding in a helical pattern through the paint and terminating in an outlet portion 23 placed so as to conduct the air to the open air outside the receptacle 15. When air is conducted through the heat exchange element 21, some of the thermal energy will be transferred to the surface treatment agent located in the receptacle 15. The heat exchange element 21 is made from a material with good thermal conductivity, such as metal.

[0043] In the event that air is desired or required in the paint, the outlet portion 23 may be placed at a bottom portion of the receptacle 15. This will also effect a certain stirring action in the paint.

[0044] A person skilled in the art will be able to provide a number of alternative embodiments of the heat exchange element 21 having the same function as the indicated pipe conduit 21. A skilled person having the knowledge of the present invention will also be able to provide a heat exchange element in combination with e.g. a stirrer.

[0045] The cold air CA of the pressurized air element 3 is conducted to the open air through a cold air outlet 7'. It is apparent, however, that in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the heat exchange element 21 may be connected to the cold air CA of the pressurized air element 3 via the cold air outlet 7', whereby the apparatus 1 cools the fluid located in the receptacle 15. When configured in this manner, the warm air WA formed in the pressurized air element 3 is conducted to the open air outside the receptacle 15.

[0046] In order to achieve a minimum of heat exchange between the receptacle 15 and the surroundings, a portion of the receptacle 15 is provided with an external insulation mantel 25 made from a suitable material. Preferable, the insulation mantel 25 is easy to assemble around and disassemble from the receptacle 15.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a heat exchange element of a type corresponding e.g. to the heat exchange element 21 described above is placed, e.g. in a helical manner, around an external portion of the receptacle 15. It is of advantage if an insulation mantel 25 is placed on the outside of the heat exchange element 21, whereby the heat exchange element 21 is located between the outside of the receptacle 15 and the insulation mantel.

[0048] Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus suitable for allowing tempering of a surface treatment agent, such as paint, located in a receptacle 15, whereby the surface treatment agent obtains a temperature for providing desirable application properties. The apparatus is particularly suitable for use in hazardous, explosive areas, so-called EX-areas. This is because the apparatus only requires work air and no electric current. In processing plants both onshore and offshore, for example production units for production of petroleum products, or on ships, work air is generally easily accessible. Thus, it is normally possible to transport the apparatus according to the invention to an area close to the area at which the surface treatment agent is to be applied. This implies that the invention saves on resources in the form of personnel, which otherwise would have to be employed to transport the tempered surface treatment agent from a tempering area, which in a safe or unclassified area, to the area at which it is to be used. This is particularly important in connection with work taking place at offshore installations where the overnight accommodation capacity may be very limited.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for warming up or cooling down a liquid surface treatment agent, such as paint, located in a pail (15), wherein the apparatus comprises at least one pressurized air element (3) provided with an inlet portion arranged for connection to pressurized air, and also provided with a warm air outlet portion (7) and a cold air outlet portion (7') wherein the air is warmer and colder, respectively, than the air supplied through the inlet portion, wherein air from one of the warm air outlet portion (7) and the cold air outlet portion (7') is communicated into a pipe (21) configured for providing heat exchange with the liquid surface treatment agent while air from the pressurized air element (3) flows through the pipe (21), wherein the pipe (21) is either

a) conducted down into the pail (15), or

b) placed around an external portion of the pail (15), and

wherein the pressurized air element (3) is attached to an edge portion of the pail (15) by means of an attachment device (27).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pipe (21), when conducted down into the pail (15), is wound in a helical pattern through the surface treatment agent and terminating in an outlet portion (23) placed so as to conduct the air to the open air outside the pail (15).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pipe (21), when conducted down into the pail (15), is wound in a helical pattern through the surface treatment agent and terminating in an outlet portion (23) placed at a bottom portion of the pail (15) so that the air flowing out of the outlet portion (23) provides a stirring action in the surface treatment agent.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of the pail (15) is provided with an external insulation mantel (25).

5. A method for warming up or cooling down by means of the apparatus according to claim 1, a liquid surface treatment agent, such as paint, located in a pail (15), wherein the method includes affecting the surface treatment agent by means of the temperature of air (WA, CA) discharging from at least one pressurized air element (3) having air (PA) supplied thereto from a source of pressurized air.

Ansprüche

1. Vorrichtung (1) zum Erwärmen oder Abkühlen eines flüssigen Oberflächenbehandlungsmittels, wie beispielsweise Farbe, welches sich in einem Eimer (15) befindet, wobei die Vorrichtung mindestens ein Druckluftelement (3) aufweist, welches einen Einlassabschnitt aufweist, welcher zur Verbindung mit Druckluft ausgestattet ist, und auch einen Warmluft-Ablassabschnitt (7) aufweist und einen Kaltluft-Ablassabschnitt (7') aufweist, wobei die Luft wärmer bzw. kälter ist als die Luft, welche durch den Einlassabschnitt eingespeist wird, wobei Luft aus entwederdem Warmluft-Ablassabschnitt (7) oderdem Kaltluft-Ablassabschnitt (7') in ein Rohr (21) überführt wird, welches ausgestattet ist, um Wärmeaustausch mit dem Oberflächenbehandlungsmittel zu ermöglichen, während Luft vom Druckluftelement (3) durch das Rohr (21) strömt, wobei das Rohr (21) entweder

a.) abwärts in den Eimer (15) geführt wird, oder

b.) um einen Aussenabschnitt des Eimers (15) herumgeleitet wird, und wobei das Druckluftelement (3) mittels einer Befestigungsvorrichtung (27) an einem Randabschnitt des Eimers (15) befestigt ist.

2. Vorrichtung gemäss Anspruch 1, wobei das Rohr (21), wenn es abwärts in den Eimer (15) geführt wird, in einem spiralförmigen Muster durch das Oberflächenbehandlungsmittel gewunden wird und in einem Ablassabschnitt (23) endet, welcher derart platziert ist, dass er die Luft an die frische Luft ausserhalb des Eimers (15) führt.

3. Vorrichtung gemäss Anspruch 1, wobei das Rohr (21), wenn es abwärts in den Eimer (15) geführt wird, in einem spiralförmigen Muster durch das Oberflächenbehandlungsmittel gewunden wird und in einem Ablassabschnitt (23) endet, welcher an einem Bodenabschnitt des Eimers (15) platziert ist, sodass die Luft, welche aus dem Ablassabschnitt (23) abströmt, eine Rührbewegung im Oberflächenbehandlungsmittel bewirkt.

4. Vorrichtung gemäss einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei ein Abschnitt des Eimers (15) einen äusseren Isolationsmantel (25) aufweist.

5. Verfahren zum Erwärmen oder Abkühlen eines Oberflächenbehandlungsmittels, wie beispielsweise Farbe, welches sich in einem Eimer (15) befindet, mittels einer Vorrichtung gemäss Anspruch 1, wobei das Verfahren beinhaltet, dass das Oberflächenbehandlungsmittel beeinflusst wird durch die Temperatur der Luft (WA, CA), welche aus dem mindestens einen Druckluftelement (3) ausströmt, welchem Luft (PA) aus einer Druckluftquelle zugeführt wird.

Revendications

1. Un appareil (1) pour chauffer ou refroidir un agent de traitement de surface liquide, comme de la peinture, situé dans un réceptacle (15), dans lequel l'appareil comprend au moins un élément d'air sous pression (3) pourvu d'une partie d'entrée agencée pour une connexion à de l'air sous pression, et également pourvu d'une partie de sortie d'air chaud (7) et d'une partie de sortie d'air froid (7') où l'air est plus chaud et plus froid, respectivement, que l'air fourni à travers la partie d'entrée, dans lequel l'air d'une de la partie de sortie d'air chaud (7) ou de la partie de sortie d'air froid (7') est communiqué dans un conduit (21), agencé pour un échange de chaleur avec l'agent de traitement de surface liquide, pendant que de l'air de l'élément d'air sous pression (3) s'écoule à travers le conduit (21), dans lequel le conduit (21) est soit

a) conduit vers le bas dans le récipient (15), soit

b) placé autour d'une partie externe du récipient (15), et dans lequel l'élément d'air sous pression (3) est fixé à une partie de bord du récipient (15) au moyen d'un dispositif de fixation (27).

2. L'appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le conduit (21), lorsqu'il est conduit vers le bas dans le récipient (15), est enroulé dans un motif hélicoïdal à travers l'agent de traitement de surface liquide et terminant dans une partie de sortie (23) placée de sorte à conduire l'air à l'air libre en dehors du récipient (15).

3. L'appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le conduit (21), lorsqu'il est conduit vers le bas dans le récipient (15), est enroulé dans un motif hélicoïdal à travers l'agent de traitement de surface liquide et terminant dans une partie de sortie (23) placée au niveau d'une partie de fond du récipient (15) de sorte que l'air s'échappant de la partie de sortie (23) fournisse une action d'agitation dans l'agent de traitement de surface liquide.

4. L'appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel une partie du récipient (15) est pourvue d'un manteau d'isolation externe (25).

5. Un procédé pour chauffer ou refroidir, au moyen d'un appareil selon la revendication 1, un agent de traitement de surface liquide, comme de la peinture, dans lequel le procédé inclut affecter l'agent de traitement de surface liquide au moyen de la température d'air (WA, CA) distribuée à partir d'au moins un élément d'air sous pression (3) étant alimenté en air (PA) à partir d'une source d'air sous pression.

Drawing