Graco Inc.

Peter J Bankert

Mark D Perry

Richard Grady

Lawrence A Gawne

A system for cleaning of piping system using turbulent flow is provided by providing an input of a fixed flow rate of compressed air and a fixed flow rate of cleaning fluid. The fixed fluid flow is provided by either using an electric pump which may be controlled to do so or by restricting the air outlet of an air operated pump such that only a given amount of fluid will be delivered regardless of the pressure of the system into which the fluid is being delivered.

Turbulent flow conduit cleaning apparatus

A paint circulation system for supplying paint to a plurality of distributors utilizing a circulating pump to circulate paint to the distributors and an injection pump operated by a closely controlled electric motor for injecting paint into the circulation network from a paint supply reservoir to maintain a predetermined pressure within the circulation network. A 'leakage' passage having a predetermined restriction permits paint to leave the circulation network when the valved paint distributors are closed, and the use of an automatic timing valve within the leakage bypass permits flow rates within the circulation network to be varied. The components permit paint viscosity and volumes to be determined, settling of the paint particles within the circulation network and degradation of the circulating paint is minimized, and circulating motor wear may be determined. Further, the invention contemplates producing an oscillating flow within dead-end drops in a paint circulation system to prevent settling in inactive conduits.

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Birmingham, MI, United States of America

Peter J Bankert