Laplacian fields of Bell-type electrostatic painting systems

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Laplacian fields of Bell-type electrostatic painting systems

Elmoursi, A.A.

In the automotive industry, electrostatic painting systems of the bell-type are commonly used. Overall efficiency for such systems is presently on the order of 70 %, whereas 80-90 % should be feasible. It should be possible to improve the efficiency levels by being able to accurately predict the electrical and the aerodynamic charactersitics of such systems. This can be achieved by using numerical models that ultimately lead to a better design of the spray bell and the determination of the most suitable operating conditions such as; bell potential, paint pressure and shaping air pressure. As an initial step towards this goal, a Laplacian model for a bell system has been developed, using the charge simulation technique. The study involved the evaluation of the electric field in the space between the bell and the paint target as well as at their surfaces. An investigation was also conducted to determine the variations that occur to the electrical parameters when: 1) the bell to target spacing is changed and 2) the size of the target is varied. Finally, results are reported for incorporating the charge simulation model in a routine that predicts trajectories of individual paint droplets.