DTI-1362 Dip Tank

CUSTOMER DIRECTIVE

The challenge presented by the customer was to dip a honeycomb composite block weighing as much as 3000 lbs into a tank of resin and then remove any excess resin. Davron met this challenge by designing a two chamber system. In the first chamber the tank is lowered vertically into the tank and lifted back out. An air knife then moves over top of the product to blow off any excess resin. The product is then moved to the second chamber for a secondary blow off process.

DESCRIPTION

The block lift consists of a custom grate that is both strong enough to support the weight of the product and thin enough to allow all honeycomb cells to fill with resin. The depth and speed of lowering and lifting are fully adjustable to produce the desired coating thickness. The resin temperature, level, and viscosity are adjusted and controlled via the HMI and PLC to specific values. This system utilizes a stand-alone heating cooling (electric/refrigeration) unit and heat exchanger to heat or cool the fluid. Resin is circulated within the tank to maintain as homogenous of a mixture as possible. The air knife speed, number of passes and volume in both chambers are also adjustable for optimal results. An exhaust system keeps fumes from escaping into the surrounding area. The biggest challenge of this project was safety with respect to the flammability of the solvents that are present. Pressure venting was incorporated into the external sheeting and electrical components were specified with appropriate class and division ratings based on their location in or on the machine.

ALTERNATIVE CAPABILITIES

Davron Technologies, Inc. designs and manufactures ovens of this type to meet many unique process requirements, including but not limited to, the following:

• Industries Served: Aerospace, transportation, or any industry that requires a dipping process
• Materials Processed: Particularly any honeycomb or cellular type product
• Heating Systems: Electric or thermal oil