GRACO, a world leader in fluid handling systems and components, has launched new sprayers – designated as XM PFP and Xtreme PFP – that are designed to spray coatings that provide passive fire protection (PFP).

Among such passive fire protection coatings are epoxy intumescent systems that are designed to protect steel from critical temperatures when exposed to hydrocarbon and cellulosic fires. “Critical applications such as these require technology that delivers quality results and ratio assurance for applicators, clients, and material suppliers,” says a spokesman for Graco.

The XM PFP sprayers

The Graco XM PFP plural-component sprayer is engineered to boost productivity and improve performance where coating failures are not an option, he says. It offers several features and benefits including live ratio assurance that reduces costly rework and creates confidence that the job was done right; and USB data reporting that improves quality control for applicators, coating suppliers and clients.

It also offers adjustable ratio, which helps eliminate costly changeovers between jobs specified for different coatings. In addition, the XM PFP’s new temperature controls and heating system improves spray performance and boosts productivity, allowing applicators to atomise coatings at the lowest possible pressures, reducing waste and overspray.

The second innovation, the Xtreme PFP sprayer is suitable for intumescent coatings that can be hand-mixed and sprayed through single-leg equipment. Optimised for (but not limited to) epoxy intumescents, the sprayer is for small applications, tie-ins and touch-ups in tight areas where portability is required.

“Trowelling epoxy intumescent coatings is labour-intensive and the Xtreme PFP is the next step to improve productivity for smaller jobs with lower capital investment,” says the spokesman.

The Xtreme PFP sprayers

Xtreme PFP has features that improve uptime during labour-intensive cleaning of epoxy intumescent materials; and has a 70:1 fluid-to-air pressure ratio that maximises power for spraying high-viscosity coatings. The Xtreme PFP comes with a portable cart, which helps reduce the distance between the pump and the substrate for greater productivity. Meanwhile, the intuitive operation gets the job done faster on small projects.

The XM PFP and Xtreme PFP sprayers are supported by new accessories. These include:

• Viscon HF 5400W heater, which boasts 3.25 times the flow of the standard Viscon HP heater;

• Graco XHF high-flow spray gun of 7,250 psi (500 bar) with front entry to handle high-viscosity coatings;

• A new 0.75-inch, 6,500 psi (448 bar) airless hose and dual-heated hose assemblies; and

The XHF high-flow spray gun.

• New 0.75-inch check valves and ball valves for high pressure – 7,250 psi (500 bar) – applications.

Founded in 1926, Graco is a world leader in fluid handling systems and components. Its products move, measure, control, dispense and apply a wide range of fluids and viscous materials used in vehicle lubrication, construction/renovation and industrial/automotive settings.

The company has its corporate headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and European headquarters in Maasmechelen, Belgium, where its main activities include assembly, distribution, customer service, technical assistance, sales and marketing. It employs about 2,800 people worldwide including 250 in Europe.

Graco’s ongoing investment in fluid management and control continues to provide innovative solutions to a diverse global market, says the spokesman.

Certified to ISO 9001 standards in North America and in Europe, the company offers a one-year warranty on its products.