METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COATING PIPE

摘要

Method and apparatus for coating pipe utilizes a central coating station to coat pipe joints moving on two parallel spaced apart coating lines. Two coating applicators disposed in opposed relationship adjacent the respective coating lines both receive coating material from a single central coating preparation station by a reciprocal conveyor. Coating material is alternately supplied to the opposite applicator as different pipe sections are moved at intervals to first one applicator and then the next. The conveyor is moved by a reversible prime mover. A brake is automatically activated to slow the conveyor whenever a reversing switch is thrown. This assures that the coating operation at the opposite applicator will begin in a minimal amount of time. A holding hopper is also provided for receiving prepared coating prior to deposit on the reciprocal conveyor. The holding hopper has a capacity adequate to allow to to continue receiving coating material for a period of time during reversal of the conveyor thus eliminating the need to stop the coating preparation apparatus.