New paint supply system
The new “EcoSupply P Core” is a modular paint supply system with pigging technology. This type of coating supply has already proven itself in automotive coating and be presented for other industrial painters at PaintExpo 2024.
Dürr has now further developed the applications for use in other branches of industry. The coating supply system can be used wherever different colours are applied in small quantities, for example in the construction and wood industries or by automotive suppliers. Unused coating can be almost completely recovered. In addition, the consumption of rinsing agent is minimised, and colour changes can be accelerated.
The variety of colours has increased in many industry branches. Customers like to use their colour preferences as a distinguishing and individualisation feature. In addition, companies are using special colours as a unique selling point for themselves and their products. Manufacturers, for example in the construction or plastics industry, must therefore have a correspondingly large number of colours available and use them to fulfil their customers’ wishes.
Paint supply with less paint waste
In the coating process, however, every colour change in the supply line results in a loss of paint and rinsing agent, which causes disproportionately high costs, especially for very small quantities. These costs mostly result since standard supply systems clean the hoses with solvent and compressed air, removing all coating and rinsing residue before the next colour pass can be prepared. This is a complex and time-consuming process. Furthermore, the longer and thicker the used hoses are, the more coating is lost.
In pigging technology, Dürr uses a pig that is precisely matched to the inner diameter of the hose to make the process more efficient and reduce the consumption of coating and rinsing agent. The paint flowing through the pig hose pushes the pig from the source module to the target module. This removes detergent residues in the hose.
Distribution stations, of which up to four can be integrated into one pigging line, ensure the connection to the application technology. After coating, compressed air blows the pig back towards the source module. The coating remaining in the hose is transported back into the coating container. Rinsing agent then flows through the pig hose towards the target module. After cleaning, the process starts all over again.
Two types of paint supply system
“EcoSupply P Core” is available in a single-pass and a circulating version. It is suitable for the application of both water-based and solvent-based coatings. In both cases, the reduced effort required enables significantly faster colour changes. The modular design also makes maintenance easier. The individual components can be arranged flexibly, adapted to the specific requirements of the user and integrated into an existing system. The new product can also be combined with other systems such as the “EcoSupply2 Core” coating supply station.
The starter kit from Dürr contains all the important components. It consists of a source and target module, a distribution station for connecting to the application technology, the hoses, which are available in lengths of up to 100 metres, and the pig itself. The starter kit also includes sensors for monitoring the pig position, tools for maintenance and commissioning and the “EcoDoku”, a digital technical documentation with system examples.
With the new system, Dürr has developed a cost-effective and easy-to-use coating supply solution for smaller quantities and applications in the low-pressure range for the processing industry, according to the manufacturer. The new system incorporates 25 years of experience in pigging technology. The sales launch of the “EcoSupply P Core” is planned for early summer.
Further information:
Hall 3, Stand 3320