The Paint Dispensers can store single-component or one element of dual-component paints without curing; maintain paint homogeneity via a circulation system; and dispense paint in variable quantities. The Dispensers are made primarily from stainless steel 304 and pneumatically powered by a diaphragm pump. Features include a removable strainer, a paint can stand tray, mounting brackets, and a removable lid. The plumbing system is designed so paint can be circulated and dispensed simultaneously or individually, and incorporates isolation valves for easy disassembly and maintenance. The pump allows for up to four gallons per minute to be dispensed or circulated.

The Paint Dispenser has two major components. The body or tank that holds the paint is made of stainless steel. The second component is an air-operated twin diaphragm, self-priming, chemical-resistant pump with acetal and Teflon internals that serves to circulate and dispense the paint, as well as fill the tank. The components are connected with a series of tubes and valves that give the operator control of the circulation, dispensing, and filling functions.

The following general guidance and recommendations for the use of the Dispensers are provided by the Naval Surface Warfare Center.

• Dispensers work best when filled with ten to 20 gallons of paint. Do not let them run dry or they will be difficult or impossible to make serviceable again.
• Circulate paint stored in the dispensers daily for at least 30 minutes to ensure proper mixing and inhibit skinning. Circulate again for five minutes before issuing.
• Avoid mixing or changing the colors or types of paint used in each dispenser. When filling the dispensers for the first time, choose the colors or types issued in the greatest volume.
• Never combine both parts of two-component paints within the same dispenser or return mixed two-component paints into the dispenser for re-issue. This will ruin the equipment.
• In case of drips from the dispensers’ taps, place a can (or other container) beneath the tap to prevent paint from spilling on the dispenser’s tray or the deck.
• Single component coatings should be thoroughly mixed before pouring into the dispensers and again before being issued. Use the paint mixer provided instead of manually stirring the paint. Once applied, they dry as the solvent component evaporates.
• Issue the amount of paint to the paint requester considering the amount of surface area that needs to be covered and the amount of time the coating will have a practical pot life. For each wet film coat (assume 6 mil wet film thickness (WFT)), the approximate coverage would be:

• Collect unused paint. If single-component paint is returned in usable condition, it can be returned to the Paint Dispenser from which it was issued. This promotes reuse and reduction of paint-related waste.
• Ensure each issue and return is logged into your hazardous materials system.

The Dispenser System was designed by NSWCCD Code 632 to bring order to what is traditionally a shipboard hazardous material dilemma. The system reduces waste due to spillage and over-issuing, while improving paint performance due to mixing and more accurate ratio measuring of dual-component paints.

Paint Dispensing Systems are being procured for U.S. Navy ships via the Pollution Prevention Afloat Program beginning in FY 99. Fleet wide implementation of the System has begun and will continue through FY 05.

The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g. the amount of workload involved.

Navy facilities should refer to Naval Ships Technical Manual, Chapter 631, Volumes 1 and 2, for more complete information about safety precautions relating to paint and painting practices.

Following are some important safety precautions relating to the Paint Dispenser and work performed in the paint locker:

• Never eat or drink in the Paint Locker or Mix Area to avoid ingesting paint debris that may be in the area.
• Do not smoke or do hot work in the Paint Locker or Mix Area as paints stored there may be flammable.
• Always wear the PPE recommended on the Material Safety Data Sheets for the chemicals being used.
• When not filling the dispenser, keep lid closed to keep paint fumes to a minimum.
• Maintain pump grounding and periodically verify continuity of electrical path to ground.

  Consult your local industrial health specialist, your local health and safety personnel, and the appropriate MSDS prior to implementing this technology.

  
  

• Allows dispensing of paint in proportions appropriate for the job, reducing quantities of unused paint normally discarded
• Reduced solid waste disposal
• Reduced residual paint waste on disposed containers
• Reduces waste streams resulting from spilled paint as well as clean-up rags and solvent
• Improves working environment for paint locker personnel
• Achieves significant cost avoidance in procurement of new paint due to paint return and reuse.

• Useful only for commonly used paints.
• Bulk paint must be used prior to expiration of its shelf-life.
• Although bulk paint storage has proved effective in some cases, it poses limitations in the case of aerospace paints. The two component paints used by the Air Force on aircraft and most equipment are not conducive to this storage method at most Air Force bases. At depots, where large volumes of paint are consumed, this system may be incorporated for paint storage of the two component paint materials. Although paints used on facilities and structures are amenable to this form of strategy. According to PRO-ACT, most installations do not use a sufficient volume (30 gallons) of a specific shade of paint before it would exceed its shelf life and have to be disposed. Many bases have adopted paint proportioning systems that offer an excellent solution for addressing the concerns associated with purchasing multiple single gallon, or five gallon, cans of paint.

Costs:

Economic Analysis Summary

* Cost savings due to paint return/reuse (vice procurement of new paint) exceed cost of the new process.

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*There are multiple MSDSs for most NSNs.
The MSDS (if shown above) is only meant to serve as an example.

Mr. Bob Frederickson
Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center, ESC 423
1100 23rd Avenue
Port Hueneme, CA 93043-4370
Phone: (805) 982-4897
DSN: 551-4889
FAX: (805) 982-4832