Advancements in HP/HVOF Torch Technology

HP/HVOF (High-Pressure/High-Velocity-Oxygen/liquid-Fuel) thermal spray torches (i.e., PST/Model5220), with their high-velocity plume generated from axial style fuel stabilization designs, have long provided viable processes used to create high performance coatings for many applications including power generation, petrol-chemical and aerospace. However, because of the historical gun design, coating material size distributions (where typical distributions might be -45µ/+22µ) are generally limited. Given this limitation, some applications requiring low gas permeability at extreme pressures can be challenging to develop adequate spraying parameters. Additionally, there's been limited research into oxygen and fuel economy. PST/TAFA has developed the Model8200 torch to improve upon the above limitations. The Model8200 has overcome the spraying challenges associated for demanding applications using finer materials (down to 5µ) when using an HP/HVOF-gun. The advancements in PST/Model8200 not only allows it to spray finer materials (i.e., -30/+05) required to achieve coatings with close to zero percent porosity but can also generate coatings utilizing the typical sized HP/HVOF powders (i.e., -45/+22). The Model8200s’ advanced combustion stabilization also improves fuel atomization. With its' enhanced mixing of oxygen/fuel, the torch can efficiently operate with just 50% of the oxygen/fuel flow needed in the PST-Model5220, making the PST/Model8200, a “Greener” gun to apply coatings with.