Reclaim sealer application apparatus and method

摘要

An apparatus and method for supplying virgin sealer and reclaim sealer to a sealer applicator. A closed loop path including a first fluid flow path is coupled between a source of virgin sealer and the applicator and includes a recirculation path from the applicator back to the source of virgin material. A reclaim sealer supply is coupled to the first fluid flow path. Valves open and close the virgin sealer supply and the reclaim sealer supply to alternately supply virgin sealer or reclaim sealer to the applicator. Whenever the first fluid flow path contains reclaim sealer, a valve blocks flow to the recirculation path to prevent reclaim sealer from being recirculated into the source of virgin sealer.

主权项

1. An apparatus for alternatingly supplying sealing material from two sources to an applicator, the apparatus comprising:
an applicator; a supply line coupled to the applicator; a source of virgin sealer having an inlet and an outlet; a source of reclaim sealer; a first fluid flow path in fluid communication with each of: (1) the source of virgin sealer, (2) the source of reclaim sealer, and (3) the supply line coupled to the applicator, the first fluid flow path configured to alternatingly:
supply virgin sealer from the outlet of the source of virgin sealer to the supply line coupled to the applicator, andsupply reclaim sealer from the source of reclaim sealer to the supply line coupled to the applicator; a recirculation fluid flow path for recirculating excess virgin sealer, the recirculation fluid flow path extending from an end portion of the first fluid flow path to the inlet of the source of virgin sealer; and a two position controllable valve positioned between the end portion of the first fluid flow path and the recirculation fluid flow path, the valve configured for: (1) selectively directing the excess virgin sealer through the recirculation fluid flow path, without passing through the supply line coupled to the applicator, when virgin sealer is flowing through the first fluid flow path; and (2) selectively blocking the recirculation fluid flow path when reclaim sealer is flowing through the first fluid flow path, thereby blocking any recirculation of reclaim sealer to the source of virgin sealer.