Technology

The melting and delivery of the adhesive

Drum Unloader

A drum unloader is used to melt and deliver adhesive from 200 liter / 55 gallon drums.  A heated, finned platen is fitted into the top of the drum and melts the adhesive.  The molten layer of adhesive is pumped through a port in the platen assembly and delivered through a heated hose to the melt tank or directly to the coating head.  

The temperatures and pump rates are adjustable and can be tied into the system for complete control and accuracy. 

 Melt Tank (buffer)

 A melt tank uses a series of heated grids at the bottom of the reservoir to maintain a consistent temperature during the delivery of the adhesive to the head. 

If using a drum unloader, the tank acts as a buffer when changing out adhesive drums, allowing for the coating line to continue without stoppage.  A series of sensors is used  to communicate with the drum unloader and maintain the correct adhesive levels in the tank and avoid shortage or over-flow.

A melt tank can also be used as the primary method of melting when incoming adhesive is in block, pellet, or pouch format.

Precision pumps

In hot melt applications, gear pumps are commonly used because of their ability to handle higher viscosity fluids, their resistance to higher temperatures and their ability to accurately meter adhesive.

When delivering adhesive at controlled rates, the accuracy of the pump is critical.  A gear pump and increase and decrease proportional to the web speed and required coat weight.