The EcoSupply P Core system developed by Dürr minimises paint and rinsing agent losses.
The German engineering company Dürr
has recently announced that it has enhanced its EcoSupply P Core modular paint supply system based on pigging technology, a solution that efficiently recovers unused paint, minimises rinsing agent consumptions and speeds up colour changes – which has already proved beneficial for automotive coating processes. The system is now adaptable wherever different paint colours are applied in small quantities, such as in the construction, plastics and woodworking industries.
The desire for a comprehensive colour palette extends beyond the automotive industry, with customers using their colour preferences as unique identifiers in other sectors as well, whereas companies leverage distinctive colours as a unique selling point
for themselves and their products. Manufacturers from the construction and plastic industries, for example, require a multitude of available shades to cater to the needs of the clients.
However, each colour change in the supply line results in paint and rinsing agent waste during the coating process, involving disproportionately high costs, particularly with very small quantities, if paint supply systems clean the hoses using solvent and compressed air to remove residues.
The pigging technology from Dürr reduces paint consumption
Dürr has then developed a fitting body tailored to the internal diameter of the hoses – the so-called pig – to make the process more efficient and reduce paint and rinsing agent consumption. The paint, flowing through the pigging hose, pushes the pig from the source to the target module, removing any rinsing agent residue in the hose. After the paint application, compressed air blows the pig back towards the source module. In the process, the paint left in the hose is transported back into the container. The rinsing agent then flows through the pigging hose towards the destination module.
A detail of the EcoSupply P Core paint supply station developed by Dürr.The EcoSupply P Core supply system is available in single-pass and circulating versions and it is suitable for applying both water and solvent-based paints. In both instances, the reduced effort ensures faster colour changes. Additionally, the modular design simplifies maintenance, allowing flexible configuration of individual components to adapt to user requirements and integrate into existing systems.
The enhanced technology is provided with a source and destination module, a distributor station for connecting to the application technology, hoses (which come in lengths of up to 100 meters) and the pig itself. The starter kit also includes sensors for monitoring the pig position, maintenance and commissioning tools and EcoDocu-technical documentation in digital format, complete with system examples.
Dürr will demonstrate the features of the EcoSupply P Core paint supply system at PaintExpo
2024, the international trade fair dedicated to paints and coatings that will take place from 9th to 12th April at the exhibition centre in Karlsruhe (Germany). Hall 3, Booth 3320.