Fluid handling equipment manufacturer Graco Inc. has introduced its Intelligent Paint Kitchen (IPK) control for pneumatic pumps and agitators, thereby extending remote management to industrial paint supply and circulation systems.

“The Intelligent Paint Kitchen used to be limited to electric pumps,” said Blake Erickson, Graco product marketing manager for the Industrial Products Division. “Layering on intelligent control to pneumatic equipment can be a game changer for established operations that use compressed air.”

According to its developers, the IPK features a series of interconnected sensors, actuators and control modules that work together to optimize factory paint circulation and supply, enabling pump, tank and overall control.

“It’s not either electric or pneumatic; IPK can manage both electric and pneumatic equipment at the same time,” said Erickson.

“Out of any pneumatic paint mix room equipment, agitators usually use the most air and affect material consistency,” said Erickson. “IPK’s ability to remotely monitor and control agitator speed, in addition to pump pressure and flow rates, can help many factories run more efficiently, use less compressed air and cut energy expenses.”

For more information about the IPK, visit the Graco website.