Assembling a powder coating plant for metal follows a precise sequence, because each stage determines the next.

1. Site survey and factory check. Available space, clear heights, floor load capacity and the electrical, gas and compressed air supply points are surveyed to confirm the designed layout.

2. Assembly of the pre-treatment section. The washing booths or tunnels and their tanks are installed, together with the hydraulic connections and the water treatment unit.

3. Assembly of the spray booth. The walls, the extraction and powder recovery system and the electrostatic application units, manual or automatic, are put together.

4. Assembly of the curing oven. Insulated panels, heat generator and air recirculation ducts are positioned, and the thermal seal is checked.

5. Assembly of the conveying line. The overhead conveyor, manual or motorised, is installed. It links every station and sets the production rate of the plant.

6. Electrical assembly and control panels. Loads are wired, panels are installed along with the systems that supervise and control the process parameters.

7. Start-up and testing. No-load and load trials are run, the washing, application and curing parameters are set, and the finish quality is verified on the first parts.

8. Staff training and handover. The customer receives the technical documentation and training on operation and routine maintenance.

Varco International carries out all these stages with its own technicians, on the plants it designs and builds.