Method and apparatus for delivering paint to an applicator and flushing same

摘要

The disclosed apparatus includes a supply line ( 22 ) between a source of liquid paint ( 64 ) and an applicator ( 62 ) having at least two pigs ( 20 A and 20 B) and a source of liquid solvent ( 60 ) which delivers solvent ( 60 ) between the two pigs ( 20 A and 20 B) and the pigs ( 20 A and 20 B) are driven by paint ( 80 ) from adjacent the paint source ( 64 ) to the applicator ( 62 ). The apparatus further includes a second source of liquid solvent ( 60 ) which delivers solvent ( 60 ) between the pigs ( 20 A and 20 B) adjacent the applicator ( 62 ) and the pigs ( 20 A and 20 B) are returned through the supply line ( 22 ), thereby flushing the supply line ( 22 ). In the disclosed embodiment, the source of liquid paint ( 64 ) is a piston dosing device ( 70 ) which receives paint ( 80 ) from a color changer or the like and delivers a predetermined volume of paint ( 80 ) to the applicator ( 62 ). The delivery line ( 22 ) preferably includes a friction resistant inner layer, an intermediate dielectric layer and a protective outer layer.