Fig. 6.—Details of Sub-frame, Shafting and Driving Gear for Tank Designed for Implement Manufacturers.
Whatever the construction of the tank itself may be, and whether or not it is provided with agitating apparatus, it is generally found most convenient to build it with the top nearly level with the floor. It is advisable to provide iron doors or covers to close the tank in when out of use so as to prevent excessive evaporation and also for use in case of fire. These doors or covers should therefore be actuated by levers or other suitable appliance which may be put in motion at a point some distance from the tank itself, for while the paint is not very liable to catch light, an accident may cause it to do so, particularly when electricity is used in the works, and the closing of properly constructed doors will quickly subdue fire as far as the tank itself is concerned by shutting off access of the air. The usual plan followed is to provide wide strips of thick felt attached to the doors in proper position so that when the doors are closed the contact will be thorough and the tank itself be practically sealed.
When agitators form part of the apparatus it is not necessary to buy the paint ready mixed for use, as it may be introduced into the tank in thin paste form; the necessary thinners such as white spirit can be added and the agitating apparatus slowly revolving will quickly mix the parts together and render the paint suitable for use.
It will be understood that the form of tank above described may be very considerably modified according to circumstances. In very simple paint dipping, such as is required for small articles, casements, etc., the agitating apparatus may be wholly dispensed with, while in other cases, the shutter-like arrangement above mentioned may be omitted and the agitator may consist of a worm with a screen above to protect the parts from pieces which may accidentally fall in.
Fig. 7.—General Lay-out of a Three-tank Plant Designed for the Use of an Agricultural Implement Maker, Using Three Colours in this Instance, Red, Green and Blue.
The Rails and Hanging Apparatus.
Fig. 8.—Joist and Wheels Supporting Hanger.