Abstract: A system for extruding or spraying high molecular weight thermal-cure thixotropic material, such as structural epoxy, includes apparatus for supplying the material at constant flow rate and heating the material to elevated temperature above ambient. An extrusion nozzle has an inlet manifold in which flow of heated material is divided into a least two parallel flow paths. An extrusion head includes a cavity having a dimension perpendicular to the paths and into which the flow paths open at one longitudinal edge of the cavity. Side and end walls of the cavity taper narrowingly in the opposite direction to a rectangular orifice extending along the inlet-remote edge of the cavity. A spray nozzle includes a inlet manifold having a ball-type valve at its outlet for imparting shear stresses to thixotropes in the material exiting the manifold outlet, and thereby reducing material viscosity during passage through a transition chamber which extends from the valve to a spray tip.
Abstract: A system for applying one-part thermal-cure material, such as structural epoxy, includes apparatus for heating or cooling the epoxy to a temperature above or below ambient. A spirally coiled tube is suspended within a hollow enclosure by tube end fittings extending from axially opposed ends of the tube. An electrical heater and temperature sensor extend from opposed enclosure ends into the tube coils approximately centrally of the enclosure. The enclosure is filled with a heat transfer fluid that surrounds the coiled tubing. The fluid is connected through an inlet and outlet in the enclosure endwalls for circulation externally of the enclosure through a fluid chiller. A microprocessor-based controller receives input signals from the temperature sensor and a temperature adjustment mechanism, and provides outputs to the heater, chiller and heater-exchange fluid pump and circulation valve, and to alarm mechanisms for indicating a high-temperature or low-temperature alarm condition.
Abstract: A system for applying one-part thermal-cure material, such as structural epoxy, includes apparatus for heating or cooling the epoxy to a temperature above or below ambient. A spirally coiled tube is suspended within a hollow enclosure by tube end fittings extending from axially opposed ends of the tube. An electrical heater and temperature sensor extend from opposed enclosure ends into the tube coils approximately centrally of the enclosure. The enclosure is filled with a heat transfer fluid that surrounds the coiled tubing. The fluid is connected through an inlet and outlet in the enclosure endwalls for circulation externally of the enclosure through a fluid chiller. A microprocessor-based controller receives input signals from the temperature sensor and a temperature adjustment mechanism, and provides outputs to the heater, chiller and heater-exchange fluid pump and circulation valve, and to alarm mechanisms for indicating a high-temperature or low-temperature alarm condition.