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Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive by Ron Joseph October, 2009 Validation of Paint Ratio Q. We have recently installed a Pro. Mix paint spraying application using water based paint. I'm looking to validate the paint ratio's applied by the automatic unit. Unfortunately the test I've used so far had Pykometer (density) and viscosity have demonstrated measurement error beyond the level of acceptability. Can you suggest a more accurate testing method or to improve the two testing methods I've already used? A. It seems to me that the simplest method for measuring the ratios is to disconnect the two tubes leading to the static mixer. Then fill a measuring cup with each component and check that the volume or weight ratios are correct. Alternatively, if you are pulling paint from 5-gallon pails, you can put an electronic scale under each pail and measure the ratios by weight. If you are willing to spend the money, you can place accurate flow measurement gauges into each line and measure the ratios that way. At least you will have ongoing quality control. Ron Joseph |