LIME AND WHITEWASH SPRAYERS.
As explained in previous chapters, this type of machine is of an
entirely different and much simpler construction than those used for
spraying oil paint, varnish, etc. Yet such apparatus is used to a very
considerable extent in factories of all kinds as well as for spraying
insecticides on fruit trees and other purposes of the agriculturist. By
the Factory and Workshop Act of 1901 it is provided that "all walls and
ceilings must be limewashed at least every fourteen months, and painted
and varnished work must be washed with hot water and soap at the same
periods. Special exceptions to this rule may be made by Special Order."
Such an order was made in 1911, which was to the effect that "when
at least two coats of washable water paint or sanitary distemper is
used instead of limewhite the period for renewing with one coat of
such paint shall be three years. The paint, however, must be washed at
least once in every three months. It is provided in this Order that
"If it appears to an inspector that any part of a factory to which
the exception applies is not in a cleanly state, he may, by a written
notice, require the occupier to limewash, wash or paint the same; and
in the event of the occupier failing to comply with such requisition
within two months from the date of the notice, the special exception
shall cease to apply to such part of the factory. In this Order a
washable water paint means a washable paint which, when finished for
use contains:--(i) at least half its weight of solid pigment containing
not less than twenty-five parts by weight of zinc sulphide as zinc
white (lithopone) in each hundred parts by weight of solid pigment and
(ii) at least ten parts by weight of oil and varnish to each hundred
parts by weight of solid pigment."
It should be stated that the type of machine now under consideration
may be used for the application of such paint or distemper provided
that it is rendered sufficiently thin by the addition of water. If very
thick compressed air will be required as in the case of ordinary oil
paint.
An excellent machine for applying limewash, whitewash or distemper is
made by Messrs A. C. Wells and Co., Engineers, London and Manchester.
It is used to a very large extent by engineers and in factories,
breweries, car sheds, cattle docks, etc. Builders, decorators,
corporations, etc. also find it of great service for special work.
The manufacturers state that over 5,000 of these machines have been
sold, and that they are fast taking the place of the old method of
limewashing with the brush. The speed with which lime, whiting or cold
water paint can be applied is from 10 to 20 square yards per minute.
A very distinct advantage of the machine over brushes is that when an
irregular surface, such as a brick wall, the joints of which are not by
any means perfect, is being dealt with, the lime or distemper is forced
in by the spray into the interstices which could not be reached by
the brush. These machines consist essentially of a pump with spraying
nozzle which is made in various forms, the simplest of which is that
shown in Fig. 131.
[Illustration: Fig. 131.]
[Illustration: Fig. 132.]
This machine is designed to stand rough usage. The pump is simple
and easily removable for repairs, and the spraying nozzle, which is
naturally an important feature, can be regulated to any degree of
fineness. A patent filter is provided which prevents clogging. It will
be observed by the illustration that wheels are provided which enable
the machine to be easily removed from one place to another. A 15 ft.
armoured delivery hose and 5 ft. spraying pole for reaching the upper
portion of a surface to be sprayed is provided. The capacity is 8
gallons. The machine shown in Fig. 132 is somewhat smaller and cheaper.
It contains 6 gallons.
[Illustration: Fig. 133.]
[Illustration: Fig. 134.]
Fig. 133 shows a machine with a double spraying nozzle and valve
arrangement. This has several advantages over the single pattern; the
speed is almost double, and one jet can be put out of action if desired
when working in cramped places. It is a powerful machine with 12 gallon
tank and strong lever pump. It is supplied with large wheels and is
easily moved about, and is eminently suitable for anyone having a large
quantity of work to do quickly.
In dealing with very high buildings either the single or double nozzle
is attached to a bamboo pole, as shown in Fig. 134.
[Illustration: Fig. 135.--THE BROWN SPRAYER WITH EXTENSION ROD.]
In Fig. 135 is shown an excellent machine suitable for spraying
whitewash, distempers and disinfectants. It is manufactured by the E.
C. Brown Co., of Rochester, N.Y. The pump is of a simple but effective
character; the valves are located so that they can be opened instantly
and are fitted with springs so that the operator can pump while the
machine is pointed in a downward direction. The strainer has five
inches of screen surface and the screen can be instantly removed and
cleaned. The pump barrel projects beyond the hand and serves as an
extension rod. The nozzle is guaranteed not to clog, and is fitted
with Messrs. Brown's patented screen arrangement. It throws four
different kinds of spray, one a solid stream, the second a broad
carrying spray, the third a long driving spray for ceilings and tops
of walls, and the fourth a fine spray which may occasionally become of
service for spraying work near at hand.
There are several other makes of machines suitable for whitewash
spraying, among them one manufactured by Merryweather and Co.,
Greenwich Road, S.E., The Bean Spray Pump Co., Los Angeles, California,
U.S.A., and the Four Oaks Spraying Machine Co., Sutton Coldfield,
Birmingham. The last named is particularly well adapted for spraying
insecticides upon fruit and other trees.
[Illustration: Fig. 136.--THE MERRYWEATHER LIMEWHITE SPRAYER.]
[Illustration: Fig. 137.--A TUMBLING BARREL.]
[Illustration: Fig. 138.--ANOTHER FORM.]
THE TUMBLING BARREL PROCESS.
This process of japanning small castings is very successful in those
cases where the parts are small and intricate in construction, and,
therefore, cannot either be dipped or sprayed, excepting with some
difficulty. The great advantage of tumbling is that such work is done
better and faster than by dipping. A machine, of which two examples
are shown in Figs. 137 and 138, is used in this process. Inside this
machine are placed a number of shot or steel balls of different sizes.
The articles to be treated are then introduced in the japan and the
machine is started at varying degrees of speed. The shot carries the
japan over the various parts and into the interstices. As different
objects and materials require different speeds, some work will be
started slowly and the speed increased to get the desired finish.
The objects are then dumped out on to wire screens or baskets, and
shaken, when the steel balls and shot fall through the mesh, leaving
the articles that have been japanned behind. The baskets are then hung
in baking ovens, while the balls are washed in gasoline ready for use.
The machines mentioned above are manufactured by the Baird Machine Co.,
Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.A. The English agents are R. Cruickshank,
Ltd., Camden Street, Birmingham.