Flame Spray Technologies, Netherlands, introduces its ethanol-fuel-based eGun System with UHP/HVOF eGun liquid fuel torch. Compared with kerosene, ethanol is said to provide a larger operating window, allowing for the development of unique parameters, and has lower emissions. Ethanol allows the system to operate in a neutral, oxygen-rich, or fuel-rich combustion mode. In effect, the eGun enables better control over the balance between the kinetic and thermal energy.
The system reportedly reduces operating costs while increasing coating quality, by imparting higher particle velocities due to higher combustion chamber pressures of up to 13 bar, which is 3 to 5 bar greater than conventional liquid HVOF systems.
Studies have shown that higher combustion chamber pressure generates higher flame velocity, which in turn generates higher particle velocity and improved coating density. The company reports that numerous spray trials have demonstrated that the eGun delivers coatings with quality equal to or better than conventional HVOF or HP/HVOF torches.
The use of pre-combustion, together with a highly efficient combustion chamber, provides for a powerful and efficient combustion process. Ethanol allows the use of a significantly smaller main combustion chamber, which contributes to the reduction in the overall size and weight of the eGun.
