Color code identification of powder filters

Abstract

Filters used in powder overspray recovery unit include a color code to visually convey information about the filter to an operator. Such information can include filter size, media and mounting arrangement for example. In one embodiment the color code is realized as a band or strap associated with the filter.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/529,125 filed on Dec. 12, 2003 for COLOR CODE IDENTIFICATION OF POWDER FILTERS, the entire disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Powder filter cartridges are common in powder application systems. The filters are typically used as part of a powder overspray recovery system. Such systems commonly use a large air flow or containment air to draw powder overspray into the recovery system. The filters are used to separate the powder from the containment air. The powder may be returned to the supply or otherwise dispositioned. Once laden with powder it is often difficult for an operator to know what type of filter is needed for replacement, and it can also be difficult to identify filters from the original manufacturer. Other types of filters are used in recovery systems, such as after filters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention contemplates ways to identify filters so as to make their replacement much easier and less time consuming. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a filter is provided with a visually perceptible indicia or coding that readily identifies one or more characteristics of the filter, without interfering with the operation of the filter. In one embodiment, the visually perceptible indicia is realized in the form of a color code.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a visual indicator is provided with a filter to convey information to an operator with the information relating to one or more characteristics of the filter, wherein the indicator need not be removed from the filter during its use. In one embodiment, a color band or other color coding is provided with the filter.

These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be understood and apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments in view of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration partially exploded of a powder recovery system using one or more filters in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 2 is an isometric of a filter in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIG. 1, a typical powder spray system 10 is partially shown and includes a powder containment spray booth 12 having a plurality of walls 14, a ceiling 15 and a floor 17. Although there are many different types of powder overspray recovery systems, in the example of FIG. 1 there is a recovery system 16 in the form of a bank of filters 18 that are exposed to the interior volume of the booth 12. The number of filters 18 used in a particular system (six are illustrated in FIG. 1 hereof, namely 18a-18f) will depend on the amount of powder overspray generated among other factors. A blower or other air mover (not visible in the drawings) is used to pull air from the spray booth through the filters 18. Powder laden air passes into the filters and the powder is separated from the air. Secondary or after filters 20 are typically provided to further separate powder from the air before the air is exhausted to atmosphere. Air is drawn through the filters 18 through opening 19 that communicate with the after filters and blower. Operation of such a recovery system is well known and taught, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,514,305 issued to Stephens, et al., the entire disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein by reference. The application system 10 also would include one or more spray guns (not shown).

Various aspects of the invention are described herein and are illustrated as embodied in various combinations in the exemplary embodiments. These various aspects however may be realized in alternative embodiments either alone or in various other combinations thereof. Some of these alternative embodiments may be described herein but such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the aspects of the invention into additional embodiments within the scope of the present invention even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features and aspects and combinations thereof may be described herein as having a preferred form, function, arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such preferred description is required or necessary unless so expressly stated. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate additional and alternative form, function, arrangement or methods that are either known or later developed as substitute or alternatives for the embodiments described herein.

As would be appreciated from FIG. 1, when the filters 18 are installed in the recovery system 16 they are only partially visible and once they are laden with powder their characteristics may be difficult to discern. Therefore, it may be difficult for an operator to know the size, mounting arrangement, media and other filter specific information that is needed in order to replace one or more of the filters once they are no longer useable.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention as incorporated into one or more of the filters 18. In this example, the filter unit 50 includes a filter media portion 52 that is porous to air but that separates out a large portion of the powder. The filter media will separate powder particles that are larger than the porous openings in the media, as is known. It is therefore important for a replacement filter to have the correct media characteristics, dimensions, size and mounting arrangement. Prior to the present invention, the dirty filter would have to be partially or fully removed and visually inspected in order to ascertain some of these characteristics. The filter shown in FIG. 2 is a pleated filter media such as with pleats 52a although other media configurations may be used.

Typical filters also include end caps 54 that are used to position and stabilize the filter within the recovery system. The end caps may optionally have gaskets 56 to provide air tight seals to prevent powder from entering the after filter or blower arrangements.

In accordance with the invention, the filter 50 is provided with a color code 58 that can be used to visually convey to an operator the information needed about the filter in order to select an appropriate replacement or original installation. In this example the color code is realized in the form of a color band 60 that is placed about the periphery or outer surface of the media. The band can be made of an appropriate size that it is easily viewable yet does not interfere with the function of the media. There can be many different embodiments of a band, including a band that is only partially about the filter and that is located other than in the middle of the filter structure. The color code concept can be realized in many other different ways. For example but not by way of limitation, a color stripe may be applied to the media external surface or the media itself colored. Multiple colors may be used to convey additional information, or specific color patterns may be used. Moreover, especially for use when new, the gaskets or end caps may include coloration.

The information conveyed by the color code can be any number of characteristics of the filter, including but not limited to: size or other dimensions, mounting arrangement, media porosity, media material, pleat count and so on. The color code concept can improve efficiency not only of identifying filter characteristics of spent filters but also can make new filter installation and inventory control more accurate.

The invention also contemplates a powder application system that incorporates a filter having a color code. The invention also contemplates a method for making a filter that includes the step of incorporating a color code with the filter to convey visually information about the filter.

Although the exemplary embodiment illustrates the invention in use with cartridge filters that typically are readily viewable by an operator, the invention may also find application with other filters, such as for example the after filters 20. These filters typically can be viewed upon moving one or more access panels, but the filters may also be color coded to provide information to the operator as in the case with the cartridge filters. In most cases they can be viewed without removing access panels.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A powder filter, comprising:

a filter media adapted to be installable in a powder recovery apparatus, said filter media having an exterior surface that is at least partially visible when installed, a color code associated with the filter that corresponds to one or more characteristics of the filter.

2. The filter of claim 1 wherein said characteristics include one or more of the following: pleat count, size, dimension, media, mount style.

3. The filter of claim 1 wherein said color code comprises a colored band or strap around a portion of said exterior surface.

4. The filter of claim 1 wherein said color code comprises coloration of a portion of said exterior surface.

5. The filter of claim 1 wherein said color code comprises a plurality of colors.

6. The filter of claim 1 comprising one or more end caps that support the filter when installed, said color code being associated with one or both of said end caps.

7. The filter of claim 6 wherein said color code comprises coloration of a portion of said end caps.

8. The filter of claim 6 wherein said color code comprises a plurality of colors.

9. The filter of claim 1 comprising a gasket associated with the filter, said color code being associated with said gasket.

10. A method of fabricating a powder filter comprising:

forming a media into a shape of the filter for installation into a powder recovery system, and applying a color code to the filter that corresponds to one or more characteristics of the filter.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein said characteristics include one or more of the following: pleat count, size, dimension, media, mount style.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein said color code comprises a colored band or strap around a portion of an exterior surface of the filter media.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein said color code comprises coloration of a portion of said exterior surface.

14. The method of claim 10 wherein said color code comprises a plurality of colors.

15. The method of claim 10 comprising one or more end caps that support the filter when installed, said color code being associated with one or both of said end caps.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein said color code comprises coloration of a portion of said end caps.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein said color code comprises a plurality of colors.

18. The method of claim 15 comprising a gasket associated with the filter, said color code being associated with said gasket.

19. A powder application system, comprising:

a powder overspray recovery unit comprising a source of air flow to draw powder overspray entrained air and a filter arrangement for separating powder from the air flow, a filter media in the recovery unit, said filter media having an exterior surface that is at least partially visible when installed, a color code associated with the filter that corresponds to one or more characteristics of the filter.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein said characteristics include one or more of the following: pleat count, size, dimension, media, mount style.

21. The system of claim 19 wherein said color code comprises a colored band or strap around a portion of said exterior surface.

22. The system of claim 19 wherein said color code comprises coloration of a portion of said exterior surface.

23. The system filter of claim 19 wherein said color code comprises a plurality of colors.

24. The system of claim 19 comprising one or more end caps that support the filter when installed, said color code being associated with one or both of said end caps.

25. The system of claim 24 wherein said color code comprises coloration of a portion of said end caps.

26. The system of claim 19 wherein said color code comprises a plurality of colors.

27. The system of claim 19 comprising a gasket associated with the filter, said color code being associated with said gasket.

28. The system of claim 19 comprising a spray booth, at least one spray gun disposed in the spray booth and an after filter system for drawing air from the spray booth into the filter arrangement.

29. The filter of claim 1 wherein the filter is a cartridge filter or an after filter in a powder spray system.