| Frequently Asked Questions
General
questions
Product & application questions
Who is AutoJet Technologies? Where did AutoJet
Technologies originate?
AutoJet Technologies is a division of Spraying Systems Co., the world's
leading supplier of quality spray nozzles. AutoJet Technologies was
created to provide a single source for precision-controlled turnkey
spray systems. For more information, see About Us.
How can I contact AutoJet Technologies?
AutoJet Technologies has operations in North America and in Europe.
See the Contact Us page for more details.
Who should I contact for more information
about AutoJet Technologies systems?
Your local contact is a highly trained AutoJet Technologies systems
specialist who has both product and application expertise. Find
your local contact in the Contact Us section.
I live outside the US - can I work with
AutoJet Technologies?
Yes -- AutoJet Technologies has established European operations
in Gent, Belgium and in several sales engineering offices throughout
Europe. More AutoJet Technologies locations are being added around
the world, so check the Contact Us section for the latest details.
Does AutoJet Technologies offer training
for its products?
Yes, customizable training programs are available for customers
in order to ensure that their systems are properly operated and
maintained.
Who can install an AutoJet Technologies
system?
AutoJet Technologies will support your installation based on your
specific needs. If you have staff or another supplier available
to install the system, we will act in an advisory capacity to ensure
that the system operates at peak efficiency. AutoJet Technologies
can also provide installation services upon request.
Why should I use the Model 2250 AutoJet Spray
Controller instead of my PLC?
Powered by SprayLogic™ software*, the Model 2250 controller
accurately monitors and automatically controls variables optimizing
spray such as liquid flow rate, liquid pressure, atomizing air pressure
and fan air pressure. The controller allows precise spray cycle
control and can also monitor external conditions, such as conveyor
speed, temperature and humidity that can critically affect the efficiency
of your spraying system.
How much does an AutoJet Technologies spray
system typically cost?
The AutoJet Modular Spray System provides the power of a fully integrated
system at a very affordable price. Modular spray systems start at
US$12,000. Custom automated spray systems are generally more expensive
and are dependent on functionality included.
I've got more than one production line, but
I don't want to invest in multiple spray systems. Can AutoJet Technologies
help?
Yes. The AutoJet Modular Spray system is available as a cart-mounted
system, which could be moved among multiple locations within a manufacturing
facility.
Are AutoJet Technologies products approved
by any agencies?
Yes, the Model 2250 AutoJet Spray Controller has UL, CSA and CE
approval.
Can AutoJet Technologies offer a solution
to detect clogged spray nozzles?
Yes. Depending on operating parameters such as pressure, flow rate,
type of fluid being sprayed, application accuracy and budget, there
are several methods that could be incorporated into the system.
The most common ways to detect plugged nozzles are:
- A flow meter could be used to monitor the required flow rate.
The Model 2250 AutoJet Spray Controller would be programmed to
shutdown or just send a fault signal that will trigger a beacon
or buzzer once flow rate drops below a preset value.
- A flow switch could be used to send a trigger signal to the
Model 2250 AutoJet Spray Controller to indicate a no-flow condition.
The spray controller would be programmed to interpret this signal
as a shutdown or just a fault signal that will trigger a beacon
or buzzer.
- A pressure sensor could be used to detect the pressure surge
that would be created in the system during a plugged nozzle situation.
The Model 2250 AutoJet Spray Controller would be programmed to
trigger a warning when the pressure exceeds pre-set limits.
How low of a flow rate can a Model 2250 AutoJet
Spray Controller measure?
It depends on the flow rate capabilities of the device used to measure
the flow. Depending on the type of flowmeter used, changes in viscosity,
specific gravity and temperature of the fluid could produce effects
detrimental to flow meter performance. We have successfully used
a line of very sensitive coriolis-type flowmeters which are available
in ranges down to 0.007 GPM.
What is an I/P?
I/P = Current-to-Pressure
An I/P is a pneumatic transducer which provides an air pressure
output tightly controlled by an electric or electronic input. They
are used in process control along with valves to provide flow regulation
in applications such as spray control.
The Model 2250 AutoJet Spray Controller provides a current signal
to the I/P, the I/P converts this signal to a proportional pneumatic
output signal. The pneumatic signal (air pressure) opens or closes
the air pilot operated regulators therefore controlling the fluid
flow rate.
How does the Model 2250 AutoJet Spray
Controller control flow rate?
Flow rate is controlled by means of air or liquid regulators. These
regulators are pilot operated precision regulators that use an air
signal from the I/P's (signal converters). The I/P's allow air to
flow from the main air line to the pilot regulators according to
an electrical signal received from the controller. The regulated
flow rate will be dependent on the current signal sent from the
Model 2250 AutoJet Spray Controller.
How do the regulators measure pressure?
The regulators do not measure pressure! Regulators are valves that
allow or restrict fluid flow. Pressure transducer / transmitters
measure and transmit a signal related to the pressure in the system;
these are usually located between the regulator and the nozzle.
The Model 2250 AutoJet Spray Controller translates this current
signal into pressure.
Can I control flow rate based on the
speed of my conveyor?
Yes - flow rate can be controlled in a variety of ways. One way
is to use the PWM feature, which changes the duty cycle, hence flow
rate of an electric spray gun in direct proportion to the speed
of the conveyor. Another way is to use a tachometer speed signal
to control the liquid pressure. This signal changes the liquid pressure
in direct proportion to the conveyor speed. Since flow rate is not
directly proportional to pressure, using a built-in software feature
of the controller allows this approach to provide the desired flow
rate.
How reliable is the AutoJet Spray Controller?
The model 2250 controller has reliability designed in. Each controller
is automatically tested and burned-in before shipment. All components
are industrial grade and are rated for temperatures to 60°C. The
front panel of the controller is designed and tested IP65/NEMA4.
The controller also carries UL, CSA and CE agency approvals. These
approvals cover RFI/EMI and ESD, which provide additional reliability.
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