Abstract: An electrostatic spray drying system includes an electrostatic spray nozzle having a spray tip assembly arranged to discharge a supply of fluid into a drying chamber. The electrostatic spray nozzle is responsive to a duty cycle signal that determines periods at which the electrostatic spray nozzle is open to inject the fluid. A controller is programmed to activate a pulse width modulation (PWM) mode of operation for the electrostatic spray assembly, initiate a first timer, provide a first duty cycle signal to the electrostatic spray nozzle at a first PWM activation frequency while the first timer has not reached a first pulse duration, initiate a second timer when the first timer has reached the first pulse duration, and provide a second duty cycle signal to the electrostatic spray nozzle at a second PWM activation frequency while the second timer has not reached a second pulse duration.

Abstract: A system and method for shaping and/or directing a spray stream includes electrostatically charging a spray stream by exposing fluid to be sprayed to an electrical field within a fluid sprayer to create an electrostatically charged spray stream, and then creating an electrical field between secondary electrodes externally to the fluid sprayer such that the electrostatically spray stream is shaped and/or redirected as it passes through the electrical field.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray dryer for drying liquid into powder including an elongated body defining a drying chamber, a spray nozzle assembly at one end of the drying chamber and a filter element housing and powder collection chamber at an opposite end. A non-structural non-metallic liner is disposed within the elongated body in spaced relation to an inner wall surface for defining an internal drying zone. The liner is releasably supported within the body for enabling selective removal and replacement following a particular usage. The illustrated elongated body has a modular construction comprising a plurality of modules, with at least one being selectively removable and replacement for altering the length of the drying chamber for a particular spray application. The liner also is replaceable with a liner of a length corresponding to the altered length of the drying chamber or with a different diameter for a particular usage.

Abstract: A steam atomizing liquid spraying system which in the preferred embodiment includes a spray nozzle assembly having a central liquid passageway for coupling to a liquid supply and a plurality of spray nozzles each removably mounted in the nozzle body and having a respective central steam passage communicating with a steam supply. The spray nozzles each further have a plurality of circumferentially spaced liquid accelerating passages that communicate with a respective angled passage of the nozzle body which in turn communicates with the central liquid supply passageway for directing liquid into the central steam passage of the spray nozzle for interaction with steam directed through the central steam passage and atomization of liquid discharging from the spray nozzle. In an alternative embodiment, a single spray nozzle insert is utilized.

Abstract: A spray dryer for drying liquid into powder including an elongated drying chamber, a spray nozzle assembly at an upper end of the drying chamber and a filter element housing and powder collection chamber at a lower end of the drying chamber. The filter element housing comprises a plurality of cylindrical filter elements supported from a wall of an exhaust chamber that communicates with an exhaust gas outlet of the filter element housing. In one embodiment, the filter element housing includes an inner downwardly opening cylindrical shroud surrounding the filter elements which defines an outer annular powder and drying gas passageway communicating with the powder collection chamber, and the exhaust chamber is defined by a downwardly opening conical plenum having an outer conical surface for directing drying gas and powder about the shroud into the powder collection chamber. Filter elements each have a respective reverse gas pulse cleaning device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an atomizer nozzle (10) with a liquid channel (19) which communicates downstream with an annular mixing chamber (26). A liquid (F) is supplied to the liquid channel (19) via a liquid connection (12). The atomizer nozzle (10) additionally has a gas connection (13) which is connected to a gas line system (28). Pressurized gas (L) is conducted to an outer injection channel (29) and an inner injection channel (34) via the gas line system. Each of the two injection channels (29, 34) opens into the annular mixing chamber (26) at a respective injection point (30, 35). The outer injection point (30) is provided on a radially outer mixing chamber wall, and the inner injection point (35) is provided on a radially inner mixing chamber wall. The inflowing liquid can thus be finely atomized using little pressurized gas (L) in the annular mixing chamber (26) and dispensed downstream of the annular mixing chamber via at least one outlet opening (40) in the form of a spray jet (S).

Abstract: A gas assisted liquid spray nozzle assembly having a nozzle body that defines a mixing zone, a liquid inlet communicating with the mixing zone from an end, and a pressurized gas inlet communicating with the mixing chamber from an upstream side. The liquid inlet includes a liquid injector extending into the nozzle body having a liquid inlet extension passage and a plurality of discharge orifices adjacent a closed downstream end which define an impingement surface for directing liquid into the mixing zone in transverse relation to a central axis of the mixing zone. The nozzle body and liquid injector define a plurality of concentrating gas discharge passages at respective locations of the injector liquid discharge orifices for causing individual pressurized gas to directly interact with transversely directed liquid into the mixing zone for enhanced atomization and ultimate discharge from a downstream spray tip.

Abstract: A gas assisted liquid spray nozzle assembly having a nozzle body that defines a mixing zone, a liquid inlet communicating with the mixing zone from a side thereof, and a pressurized gas inlet communicating with the mixing chamber from an upstream end. The liquid inlet includes a liquid inlet extension and diffuser post extending transversely into the mixing zone having a liquid extension passageway and a closed downstream end that defines an internal impingement surface disposed on a central axis of the mixing zone against which liquid impinges and is transversely directed into the mixing zone for atomization by pressurized gas directed centrally through the mixing zone from the gas inlet. The spray nozzle assembly includes a barrel extension zone downstream of said mixing zone with a spray tip for directing the atomized liquid in a predetermined spray pattern.

Abstract: A rotary tank cleaning spray nozzle assembly which includes a stationary housing, a rotary housing for rotation about a central axis of the stationary housing, and a nozzle carrying hub supported by the rotary housing for rotation about an axis transverse to the axis of the stationary housing. A support rod extends through the rotary housing and into the stationary housing with a lower end supporting the underside of the rotary housing and the upper end being secured by a retainer. The retainer is releasable to permit removal of the rotary housing and nozzle hub from an underside of the stationary housing. A fluid driven drive for the rotary housing and nozzle hub includes a pair of removably mounted bevel gear rings. In one embodiment, liquid lubricating, frustoconical, high load carrying bearings support rotatably.

Abstract: A gas assisted spray nozzle assembly having a nozzle body in the form of a one piece hollow tubular member, such as a single cylindrical pipe section, which defines a mixing zone and a downstream barrel extension zone. A liquid inlet and an impingement pin are supported by said tubular member in opposed relation to each other at the mixing zone, and pressurized gas inlet is provided at an upstream end of the tubular member. The impingement pin in this case has an impingement surface radially offset from a central axis of the mixing zone on a side opposite the liquid inlet for receiving pressurized liquid and redirecting the liquid toward the central axis for enhanced intermixing with and atomization by the pressurized gas stream.

Abstract: A fluidized bed coating apparatus for coating liquid onto the surfaces of particles directed into a coating chamber. A liquid spray nozzle assembly disposed below a hollow separator within the coating chamber includes an ultrasonic atomizer for atomizing coating liquid into a fine liquid particle cloud and a pressurized air directing air cap for forming the ultrasonically atomized fine liquid particle cloud into a cone shaped spray pattern and propelling the liquid particles through the separator into an upbed region of the coating chamber for recirculation in an outbed region, and through the separator. A cooling air passageway system is provided within the spray nozzle assembly for cooing the ultrasonic atomizer during operation.

Abstract: A spraying apparatus comprising a plurality of spray nozzle assemblies mounted along a liquid supply boom. The spray nozzle assemblies each include a one piece spray nozzle and retention cap (20) having an upstream cap section (21) and a downstream nozzle section (22) integral with the cap section. The cap section (21) is formed with internal camming and locking grooves (25) for drawing the cap section into mounted position on a liquid inlet stem (12) as an incident to rotation of the cap, and the nozzle section (22) has a liquid inlet passage (41) communicating with the inlet stem (12) for directing a discharging liquid spray. A pre-orifice insert (60) is mounted within the spray nozzle and retention cap (20) which has a smaller diameter nozzling passage section, and an intermediate section (24) of the one piece spray nozzle and retention cap (20) is formed with air passageways communicating between the pre-orifice liquid flow passage and outside ambient air.

Abstract: An air assisted electrostatic liquid spray nozzle assembly having a relatively long elongated nozzle body with a spray tip and surrounding air cap disposed at a downstream end of the nozzle body. The spray nozzle assembly includes an upstream electrode for connection to a high voltage electric source, an elongated feed tube, an electrically enhancing stinger, and the spray tip which are secured and retained by the air cap in electrically conductive relation to each other such that liquid passing through liquid passages of the electrode, feed tube, stinger, and spray tip is discharged in an electrostatically charged pattern of liquid particles. The air cap is removable to permit easy removal and replacement of the spray tip, stinger, and liquid feed tube.

Abstract: A gas assisted spray nozzle assembly having a nozzle body in the form of a hollow tubular member, such as a single cylindrical pipe section, which defines a mixing zone and a downstream barrel extension zone. A liquid inlet and an impingement pin are supported by the tubular member in opposed relation to each other at the mixing zone, and a pressurized gas inlet is provided at an upstream end of the tubular member. An annular dispersion ring is fixedly supported within the tubular member downstream of the impingement pin for defining an annular ledge for directing a peripheral portion of pressurized gas stream and liquid atomized in the mixing zone radially inwardly for facilitating continued intermixing of the liquid and pressurized gas stream as they proceed through the barrel zone for discharge from the spray nozzle.

Abstract: Low form factor mobile electrostatic spray units and methods of using same are disclosed.

Abstract: A modular spray gun manifold having a plurality of spray gun modules arranged in a lateral array each separated by an adjacent support assembly. Each spray gun module has a central liquid passage communicating with a spray nozzle and a transversely oriented liquid inlet port communicating through an outer side of the spray gun module for connection with an independently controllable liquid supply. The spray gun modules further include a recirculation port communicating between the central passageway and a recirculation conduit in an adjacent support assembly. A control valve of each module is operable when in open spraying position for blocking communication of liquid from the central passageway to the circulation port and when in a valve closing position blocking the liquid flow to the spray nozzle while redirecting liquid from the liquid inlet to the recirculation port for recirculation through the manifold array.

Abstract: A spray cleaning device for cleaning the interior of a vessel or the like through an access opening in an underside thereof. The cleaning device includes a wheeled carriage positionable in selected relation to a vessel to be cleaned, an elongated frame having a central drive shaft extending along its length, and a rotatable spray head supported in an upstanding relation to a downstream end of said elongated housing for rotation about multiple axes. The elongated frame is pivotably supported by said wheeled carriage for selective positioning of the spray head within the vessel to be cleaned, and the spray head has a liquid supply which communicates with a liquid inlet to an upstanding support thereof downstream of the central drive shaft so said liquid is not transmitted along the drive shaft.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method for operating a flow-control valve that includes comparing a desired flow with an actual flow through the valve and re-calibrating a valve iso-curve at periodic intervals when the actual flow falls outside of a predetermined threshold relative to the desired flow. When operating in a nested control loop based on a control parameter, a flow setpoint is selected based on the control parameter and maintained independently of pressure across the flow-control valve.

Abstract: A lubricant dispensing system having particular utility for applying a tightly controlled thin line of lubricant about the perimeter of cans as they are processed. The lubricant dispensing system includes an electrostatic spray head having a nozzle body that defines a lubricant receiving chamber for electrically charging lubricant therein and a capillary tube supported by the nozzle body having an inlet end communicating with the lubricant receiving chamber and an outlet that defines a discharge orifice of the electrostatic spray head. The capillary tube has a diameter between about 0.2 and 0.3 inches for directing electrostatically charged lubricant onto an item to be lubricated in a controlled thin line having a width no greater than 0.125 inches. The electrode is adjustably positionable relative to the capillary tube for selectively controlling the rate of discharging lubricant, and the electrode is configured for enhancing electrostatic charging of lubricant through the capillary tube.

Abstract: A liquid spray boom having a plurality of spray nozzles and a flow monitoring system for monitoring the liquid flow to each of the spray nozzles. The spray nozzles each have a respective flow metering passage through which liquid to the nozzle passes a magnetic turbine in the metering passage rotatable as an incident to and in relation to liquid directed through the flow metering passage for generating changing magnetic fields, a hall effect sensor associated with each magnetic turbine for sensing the changing magnetic fields, and a control module for receiving signals from the sensor for monitoring the liquid flow to each spray nozzle and providing an alert indication in the event that the flow fails to meet predetermined requirements.