Top 5 Line Maintenance Tips - Do you do these?
Posted by on 15 May 2020
Line maintenance is important. It might not be the most exciting thing to discuss when you're talking about powder application, but it sure as heck reaps big rewards if some simple steps are followed regularly!
Check out the top 5 areas to watch out for, straight from Datapaq Dave's mouth!
1. Check pump inserts
Inside of most venturi pumps there is a plastic insert. The insert is a wear part that should be checked daily and replaced if badly worn. If this insert is not replaced the wear and tear on the part will lead to issues with the powder gun and it can surge and spit causing application issues.
2. Check gun electrodes
The powder gun electrode should also be checked for signs of wear or damage. A damaged electrode can hinder the charging capability of the powder gun and reduce first pass transfer efficiency to the parts. The powder gun needs good charge to work as efficiently as possible, and you want your first pass transfer efficiency to be as high as possible - more powder on the part and less waste! That keeps your costs down!
3. Check cartridge and final filter vacuum pressures
Powder booths contain the over sprayed powder in a clean, controlled environment.
This is done with the help of cartridge and final filters. If the filter becomes plugged it will allow powder to escape from the booth. In the case of a cyclonic recovery system, plug filters can reduce the efficiency of the system by allowing more useable powder to go to the waste side of the system. A magnehelic gauge should be built into an automatic system. This magnehelic gauge will indicate how blocked the filters are getting. You can always refer to the operation manual for when filters should be changed.
4. Check part grounding
Poor grounding dramatically reduces first pass transfer efficiency and can also cause all sorts of application and appearance issues. Of the utmost concern is the fact that poor grounding is the number one cause of fires in finishing rooms. NFPA Bulletin #33 definition of a proper ground is one megohm or less using at least a 500 voltmeter. To properly measure ground use a megohm meter. Ensure a metal on metal connection through the grounding rod, so make sure you do not have a build-up of powder etc. on the hook.
5. For automatic lines - check fire detection systems
Fire detection systems will shut down the automatic guns in a fraction of a second, when a fire is detected. The systems should be checked daily and any faults showing up on the screen should be reported to management immediately.
Powder typically does not support a flame, however when atomized it can and will burn so a fire protection system should always be working with an automatic powder system.
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