All safety features and ergonomic principles have been considered in the design and manufacturing of the systems to keep the operator comfortable and safe as well as the coating environment.
General: It is a completely safe process when performed by a capable operator with proper understanding of flame spraying practices, knowledge of the equipment, care in operation, and one who follows the recommended precautionary measures. The possibility of hazards can be isolated by proper handing of high pressurized fuel gases and hose connections.
Thermal Spray equipment has been expressly designed for HVOF spraying. Not intended for any other purpose such as welding, soldering, brazing and their likes.
Reduction of fire & explosion hazards: The stream of sprayed metal is hot. Always point the lighted gun towards the job. Carelessness in pointing the gun at paper or oily rags can result in fire. Special care should be taken to protect the hoses from spray stream.
Gases: A regular inspection is required for all gas equipment such as Fuel gas, Oxygen and airlines, compressors, regulators, etc. for leaks and loose connections. The backfire of the spray gun can be prevented by using pure gases and regular checking of nozzles and air caps.
Equipment maintenance: Total maintenance schedule and procedure has been described in the Operation Manuals and we recommend them strongly for safe and long serviceability of the system.
Metal dusts: The greatest care should be used in handling to minimize the danger of the dust explosion resulting from flame spraying, adequate ventilation must be provided for spray booths and other confined spaces, to prevent the accumulation of fumes and dust. Good housekeeping in the work area is essential. Inspect and clean regularly to assure that there is no potentially dangerous accumulation of dust. All types of dust having considerable calorific value can be explosive. This dust includes flour, starch, hard rubber dust, wool flour, aluminum dust and the dust of other metals. Aluminum and magnesium dusts are particularly hazardous. The dust must be wetted down and remain immersed in water. Accumulation of dry or partially wet dust should not be permitted. A MEC-SPRAY BOOTH is recommended to fulfill the requirements of the dust collection of system. All closed collectors should be provided with blow out holes or relief panels. All fans, pipes, dust arrestors motors should be electrically grounded.
Gas cylinder precautions: Charged gas cylinders are potentially dangerous. Never put a gas cylinder in hazardous position. Keep cylinders away from heat and moisture. Always chain them to keep fro toppling. Put the valve caps on the cylinders when they are not connected for use. Do not hang a flame spray gun or its hoses on regulators or cylinder valves as a fire or explosion may result.
Flashback ArrestorsA flashback occurs when a mixture of fuel gas and oxygen combine and burn within the hose. The resulting flame travels towards the gas source at a very high speed and can result in a fire or explosion in either or both the oxygen or fuel gas cylinders. Flashback arrestors should be fitted to the regulators on both gas cylinders. The common reasons for a flashback are:
- Incorrect purging of the hose and torch prior to use
- Incorrect gas pressure
- Incorrect nozzle
Leak ChecksLeak checks should be made during the initial system pressurization and regularly thereafter. Be sure to remove leaky or defective equipment immediately from service.
