Patent ID: 6537618
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: B05C,B05D,G03C

Abstract:
A method for preparing a coating hopper prior to initiation of coating a liquid coating composition at a predetermined coating flow rate onto a moving substrate, the coating hopper having at least one internal flow path therethrough, the method comprising the steps of:(a) draining the at least one internal flow path; (b) introducing the liquid coating composition into each of the at least one internal flow path(s) at a purge flow rate; (c) filling the at least one internal flow path with the liquid coating composition and discharging the liquid coating composition from the at least one internal flow path through an exit slot, the liquid coating composition flowing over a lip of the coating hopper at the purge rate to a drain; (d) maintaining the flow of the liquid coating composition through the at least one internal flow path at the purge rate until air within the at least one internal flow path has been displaced from the coating hopper; (e) flushing the at least one internal flow path of the coating hopper with water prior to the draining step; (f) interrupting the flushing step; (g) applying a surfactant to the lip of the coating hopper; and (h) resuming the flushing step.