Color code identification of powder filters

Abstract

Filters used in powder overspray recovery unit include a color code to visually convey information about the filter to an operator. Such information can include filter size, media and mounting arrangement for example. In one embodiment the color code is realized as a band or strap associated with the filter.

1 . A powder filter, comprising: 
 a filter media adapted to be installable in a powder recovery apparatus, said filter media having an exterior surface that is at least partially visible when installed, a color code associated with the filter that corresponds to one or more characteristics of the filter.    
   
   
       2 . The filter of  claim 1  wherein said characteristics include one or more of the following: pleat count, size, dimension, media, mount style.  
   
   
       3 . The filter of  claim 1  wherein said color code comprises a colored band or strap around a portion of said exterior surface.  
   
   
       4 . The filter of  claim 1  wherein said color code comprises coloration of a portion of said exterior surface.  
   
   
       5 . The filter of  claim 1  wherein said color code comprises a plurality of colors.  
   
   
       6 . The filter of  claim 1  comprising one or more end caps that support the filter when installed, said color code being associated with one or both of said end caps.  
   
   
       7 . The filter of  claim 6  wherein said color code comprises coloration of a portion of said end caps.  
   
   
       8 . The filter of  claim 6  wherein said color code comprises a plurality of colors.  
   
   
       9 . The filter of  claim 1  comprising a gasket associated with the filter, said color code being associated with said gasket.  
   
   
       10 . A method of fabricating a powder filter comprising: 
 forming a media into a shape of the filter for installation into a powder recovery system, and applying a color code to the filter that corresponds to one or more characteristics of the filter.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein said characteristics include one or more of the following: pleat count, size, dimension, media, mount style.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein said color code comprises a colored band or strap around a portion of an exterior surface of the filter media.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said color code comprises coloration of a portion of said exterior surface.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 10  wherein said color code comprises a plurality of colors.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 10  comprising one or more end caps that support the filter when installed, said color code being associated with one or both of said end caps.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said color code comprises coloration of a portion of said end caps.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said color code comprises a plurality of colors.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15  comprising a gasket associated with the filter, said color code being associated with said gasket.  
   
   
       19 . A powder application system, comprising: 
 a powder overspray recovery unit comprising a source of air flow to draw powder overspray entrained air and a filter arrangement for separating powder from the air flow, a filter media in the recovery unit, said filter media having an exterior surface that is at least partially visible when installed, a color code associated with the filter that corresponds to one or more characteristics of the filter.    
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 19  wherein said characteristics include one or more of the following: pleat count, size, dimension, media, mount style.  
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 19  wherein said color code comprises a colored band or strap around a portion of said exterior surface.  
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 19  wherein said color code comprises coloration of a portion of said exterior surface.  
   
   
       23 . The system filter of  claim 19  wherein said color code comprises a plurality of colors.  
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 19  comprising one or more end caps that support the filter when installed, said color code being associated with one or both of said end caps.  
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 24  wherein said color code comprises coloration of a portion of said end caps.  
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 19  wherein said color code comprises a plurality of colors.  
   
   
       27 . The system of  claim 19  comprising a gasket associated with the filter, said color code being associated with said gasket.  
   
   
       28 . The system of  claim 19  comprising a spray booth, at least one spray gun disposed in the spray booth and an after filter system for drawing air from the spray booth into the filter arrangement.  
   
   
       29 . The filter of  claim 1  wherein the filter is a cartridge filter or an after filter in a powder spray system.