Area of Invention
Materials technology and manufacturing processes

Description of Invention
A method and device for applying liquid coatings to a substrate in an effective and efficient manner.

Technology Synopsis
A method and apparatus for efficiently applying liquid coatings to a workpiece. The apparatus is a compressed air-spray system tailored to achieve a desired transfer efficiency (TE) by controlling atomization. Liquid and pressurized air are supplied to a spray applicator. The atomized spray is applied to the workpiece. Atomization and TE, as well as associated fluid flow parameters, are measured at various gas pressures while maintaining a constant liquid flow rate. A graphical representation of the relationship between atomization and TE is produced. An optimized atomization corresponding to a desired TE is determined from the graphical representation of atomization and TE. The fluid flow parameters corresponding to the optimized atomization are set and regulated to produce the optimized atomization, thereby optimizing transfer efficiency.

Patent Protection
U.S. Patent 6,045,056, Optimized Spray Device (OSD) Apparatus and Method

Potential Commercial Applications
Provides basis for optimizing processes in which a liquid is atomized for coating. Optimization can reduce costs and reduce environmental impact by increasing transfer efficiency.

Status of Invention
Technology has been demonstrated at CTC. Licensee would have access to the technical capabilities of CTC, on a fee basis, including processing, process modeling, and process design expertise.