Numerical simulation of the electric field distribution in tribo-powder coating of conducting cylindrical objects

The successful implementation of powder coating technology requires detailed investigation of different factors, which can improve, or disturb, the process. The two most important are the air entrainment force and the electric deposition force acting on the powder particles. The authors present a numerical model for predicting the electric field distribution between a tribe gun and a cylindrical object. It is assumed, that the particle distribution is governed primarily by the air flow and that the only source of the electric field is the space charge of the tribocharged particles. Simplified models for the field lines and design configuration have been assumed and the electric field is determined by means of the charge simulation method