Paint loss throttle LVD

For each color change, the paint lines must first be filled. This means that the lines must be completely filled with paint up to the atomizer or color changer block so that air-free paint is available when the atomizer is started.

This necessary process, however, causes losses due to filling, as paint is displaced from the lines along with air or cleaning fluid. In many paint shops, these losses quickly add up to several thousand euros per year.

Die LacTec Paint loss throttle (LVD) significantly reduces these losses and at the same time ensures a more reliable filling.

The current state of technology

Manual Filling

I

In simple systems, paint lines are often filled manually. The operator starts the filling process using a pump or container and waits until all air or cleaning agent has been completely expelled from the line and only paint is flowing.

This process is time-consuming and inevitably leads to material loss.

Time-controlled filling programs

In automated systems with frequent color changes, filling processes are usually implemented via time-controlled programs.

A time period is defined within which the pipe must be completely filled with paint. This time is stored in so-called track program.

However, for this method to work reliably, several conditions must remain constant:

• Same paint viscosity
• Identical pressure conditions in the lines
• Stable supply from the paint mixing room

In practice, however, this is rarely the case. Different paints have different properties, and parallel color changes in the system can cause pressure fluctuations.

To compensate for these uncertainties, the pressing process is often carried out for longer than necessary.

The result: unnecessary paint loss.

Sensor-based solutions

Some systems use optical or flow sensors to detect the arrival of paint.

The sensor reports the color detection to the controller, which processes the signal and then closes the pressure valve.

However, additional losses occur here as well, since there is a time delay between color detection and valve closure.

With many daily color changes, this loss can quickly add up to considerable amounts.