The California Air Tools 5 Gallon Pressure Pot with HVLP Spray Gun and Hose (Model No. 365) is a robust and versatile system designed for applying various materials, particularly paint, with precision and efficiency. This equipment is suitable for both professional and DIY applications, offering features that ensure consistent material delivery and ease of use.
Function Description:
The core function of this device is to store and deliver material (such as paint) under controlled air pressure to an HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) spray gun. The pressure pot acts as a reservoir, maintaining the material's uniformity through an agitator, which is particularly useful for materials that tend to settle. The system includes an air regulator, pressure gauge, and safety valve to ensure safe and precise operation. The HVLP spray gun, connected via a hose, atomizes the material for a smooth and even application. This setup allows for continuous spraying without frequent refills, enhancing productivity for larger projects. The system is designed to handle materials up to a maximum of 60 PSI, making it adaptable for various viscosities.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model Number: 365
- Tank Capacity: 20 liters (5.28 gallons)
- Type of Feed: Pressure feed
- Maximum Pressure in the Tank: 0.413 MPa (60 PSI)
- Working Pressure in the Tank: 0.034-0.172 MPa (5-25 PSI)
- Working Pressure in the Pistol: 0.0241-0.310 MPa (35-45 PSI)
- Air Consumption: 240.69 l/min (8.5 CFM)
- Nozzle Size: 1.4 mm (0.05 inches)
- Hose Length: 4.5 meters (14.76 feet)
- Air Compressor Requirement: Capable of producing at least 90 PSI.
Usage Features:
The pressure pot system is designed for user-friendly operation with several key features:
- Agitator: Helps maintain the uniformity of the material, preventing settling, especially for paints or other materials that tend to separate. This ensures a consistent finish throughout the application.
- Air Regulator and Pressure Gauge: Allow for precise control over the pressure delivered to both the tank and the spray gun. The regulator knob can be turned clockwise to increase pressure and counter-clockwise to decrease it.
- Safety Valve: An essential safety feature that releases excess pressure from the tank, preventing over-pressurization.
- Material Compatibility: While primarily designed for paint, the tank can be used with other materials, provided they are not too heavy or highly abrasive/corrosive. For abrasive/corrosive materials, frequent cleaning is advised.
- Easy Filling: A one-gallon can of paint can be placed directly inside the tank, or paint can be poured in, after thorough mixing and straining to remove impurities.
- Adjustable Spray Gun: The HVLP spray gun features adjustments for controlling the spray pattern and the amount of material applied, allowing users to achieve desired results for different applications.
- Hose Connections: Clearly defined connections for air supply, atomization air, and material hose ensure correct setup. The air supply hose connects to the air inlet fitting on the tank regulator, the atomization air hose to an air outlet fitting, and the material hose to the fluid outlet adaptor on the tank lid.
- Recommended Pressures: For internal-mix guns, higher tank pressure (up to 50 lbs) is recommended, while external-mix guns require lower tank pressures. Users are advised to start at "zero" and gradually increase pressure until the desired spray pattern is achieved. The maximum tank pressure should not exceed 60 PSI.
- Uniform Application: Users are instructed to maintain a uniform distance (15-30 cm) and parallel motion to the surface for optimal material application.
Maintenance Features:
Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of the California Air Tools pressure pot system.
- Cleaning After Use: It is critical to clean the tank, material hose, and spray gun immediately after each use. This involves:
- Closing the air flow to the equipment.
- Releasing all air pressure from the tank by pulling the safety valve ring.
- Rotating the tank regulator handle counter-clockwise to relieve spring tension.
- Loosening screws and wing nuts to open the lid.
- Loosening the metal rings on the gun nozzle.
- Opening the air supply and triggering the gun (with a cloth over the mouthpiece) to force remaining material back into the tank.
- Emptying and cleaning the tank and parts with a manufacturer-recommended solvent.
- Pouring solvent into the tank, replacing the lid, tightening screws, and triggering the gun until clean solvent emerges.
- Air Compressor Maintenance:
- Ensure the air supply is clean and does not exceed 90 PSI.
- Drain the air compressor air tank daily to prevent water damage to the tool.
- Clean the air inlet air filter weekly.
- Hose Care: Keep the air hose away from heat, oil, and sharp edges. Regularly check for wear and ensure all connections are secure. The hose should not be longer than 50 ft, and the minimum diameter should be 1/4" I.D.
- Part Replacement: If any parts need replacement, it is recommended to use original parts. Repairs should only be carried out by qualified persons or authorized service centers.
- Lubrication: When replacing O-rings or the cylinder, lubricate with air tool oil before assembly.
Safety Guidelines:
The manual emphasizes several safety guidelines:
- DANGER! A hazard that will cause serious injury or loss of life.
- WARNING! Important safety information; a hazard that might cause serious injury or loss of life.
- CAUTION! Information for preventing damage to equipment.
- NOTE! Information requiring special attention.
- Over-pressurization Prevention: Always ensure that any equipment connected to the tank has a higher pressure rating than the regulated air pressure tank to prevent explosions.
- Disconnect Air Line: Always disconnect the air line when performing maintenance.
- Operator Condition: Never operate the equipment under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when experiencing exhaustion.
Troubleshooting:
The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues:
- Air escaping from port on regulator cap: Possible cause is a broken or damaged diaphragm in the regulator; correction is to replace the regulator.
- Pressure dropping slowly on gauge: Possible cause is a dirty or worn valve seat in the regulator; correction is to replace the regulator.
- Fluid or air leak at the lid gasket: Possible causes are a defective lid gasket or loose thumb screws; corrections are to replace the lid gasket or tighten thumb screws.
- Paint in tank tends to settle rapidly: Possible cause is paint not mixed or thinned properly; correction is to mix or thin paint according to instructions.
- Gauge not registering air pressure: Possible cause is a defective air gauge; correction is to replace the air gauge.
- Safety valve popping off: Possible causes are tank pressure too high or a defective valve; corrections are to reduce tank pressure to 20-50 PSI or replace the safety valve.
All repairs should be carried out by a qualified person.
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