| abstract |
A sol-gel mixer based upon a supply of water or alcohol solvent, a supply of acid, a supply of zirconium alkoxide, and a supply of organosilane, has a series of valves and pumps which provide a first supply of acid and zirconium alkoxide to an agitated pre-mix vessel where the components are allowed to dwell. The solvent and organosilane are then combined with the output from the pre-mix vessel, which is agitated in a final-mix vessel to create a sol-gel. The mixed sol-gel may be aged within the final-mix vessel until ready for use. A series of automated control elements, including valves and pumps, are placed throughout the system to automatically control the volumetric flow of the components through the system in accordance with predetermined parameters. |