Lance-type pneumatic nozzle with protection pipe (“Lance” refers to an integrated supply pipe)

Proposed a spray unit that minimizes nozzle clogging and significantly reduces maintenance frequency.
The new design allows for easy insertion and removal of the nozzle, greatly improving maintainability.

A tire manufacturing plant had been spraying a deodorizing agent inside its exhaust duct using spray nozzles.

Effectively addressing odors specific to tires and rubber requires adequate ventilation through well-installed exhaust ducts and the targeted spraying of a deodorizing liquid.
This approach not only improves the working environment but also helps mitigate concerns about odor complaints from nearby residents.

However, the plant was experiencing frequent nozzle clogging, resulting in a heavy maintenance burden.

At each spraying location, they had connected three to four relatively low-flow nozzles using tubing to apply the deodorizing liquid.
However, exposure to exhaust in the duct caused foreign matter to accumulate on the nozzles, leading to repeated clogging.
In addition, having multiple small nozzles at each location made maintenance and replacement difficult, leaving them virtually abandoned.

IKEUCHI proposed replacing the original setup of three to four small nozzles with a single high-flow nozzle. Increasing the flow rate allows for a wider liquid passage within the nozzle, reducing the chance of foreign matter adhering and thereby helping to prevent clogging.

In addition, IKEUCHI incorporated a design that enclosed the nozzle and lance (combined fluid and air supply pipe) inside a protective pipe with a fastener, and delivered it as a unit that facilitates nozzle insertion and retraction during maintenance tasks.
The protection pipe also helps prevent foreign matter from adhering to the nozzle, contributing to reduced clogging.

The use of the protective pipe and fastener made nozzle insertion and retraction significantly easier, earning positive feedback for dramatically improving maintainability.
The frequency of nozzle clogging was reduced, significantly decreasing the number of maintenance interventions.
As a result, the working environment improved further, and concerns about odor complaints from nearby residents were also alleviated.
The customer has begun introducing this solution at other plants as well.