Apparatus for applying internal coatings in hot vessels

Abstract

The present apparatus facilitates feeding a particulate vitreous material, such as glass or enamel, into a horizontally rotating tubular article, such as a tank or vessel, heated to the fusion point of the vitreous material, usually temperatures of 1500.degree. F. or above, to coat the article with a fused coating. The present boom is comprised of a rigid elongated outer tube having a downstream end and an upstream end, the downstream end is adapted to be directed into the interior of the article that is to be coated. The elongated outer tube encloses an elongated, rigid feed tube, suitably concentrically positioned therein. The feed tube has a means of receiving and transporting a supply of finely divided vitreous material, e.g., glass frit, therethrough. A distributing means such as a nozzle or spray head, is positioned in the downstream end of the outer tube and internally connected to the feed tube. The apparatus has internal cooling ducts, formed by an elongated, rigid tube positioned intermediate to the feed tube and the outer tube, preferably aligned concentrically with each. The ducts facilitate circulation of a supply of cooling medium, such as air, through the boom. The outer portion of the boom is covered with a layer of low mass insulation. The outside of the insulation may suitably be covered with a reflective surface, such as particulate magnesium oxide.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.