The Parsons plant uses a two-part epoxy coating consisting of a color and a cure agent to paint its steel tanks. Once you combine the color and cure agent, you need to use the paint within a few hours or it will solidify. Beginning in 1998, a team of plant employees, including Plant Manager David Applegate, Operation Manager Jim Lawson and Coatings Specialist Peter Vodak, developed a new paint application system. The redesigned system also eliminated the need to use water to remove excess spray from the booth. The new paint spray guns are easier to clean for color changeovers as well.
Operators clear the paint lines by spraying a small amount of solvent into a container.
The Parsons plant uses approximately 300 colors in its painting operations. Base colors are stored in 55-gallon drums. A. O. Smith Engineered Storage Products Company is a leading manufacturer of bolted and welded tanks for municipal, industrial, and agricultural applications.