There is a strong desire and need to apply powder coatings in situ to eliminate VOCs, provide for superior coatings, eliminate fumes, provide thick film build in one application, and shorten cure times. The proposed Xiom research will be directed towards the development of a portable system capable of applying in-situ powder coatings to vessels, vehicles, equipment, structures and components for the United States and commercial shipyards. The system will have broad application for other military branches, US Government and commercial sectors. The proposed research will explore the ability to apply in situ powder coatings that do not require pre-heating or post heating cure of the substrate to be coated. Also it shall be light weight, compact and rely on compressed air and propane as an input. The system envisioned will incorporate a unique approach of using a planar venturi to combine the propane and air chemistry for combustion. The external geometry will incorporate a provision for shaped and directed air flow to an apex to propagate a compression wave, which will transfer heat to the coating material efficiently and deposit it upon a substrate.
Benefit: The proposed Xiom research will result in many benefits among which are: (1) the ability to apply powder coatings in-situ; (2) easy to operate and simple to repair; (3) light weight and portable with the ability to be used in confined spaces; (4) low capital cost; (5) limited facility requirements and inputs; (6) elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs); (7) the deposition of thick film powder coatings in one application; instant cure
Keywords: in situ, in situ, Energy Efficient, powder coating, Portable, Low Cost
