Liebherr & Merlin^®

The patented ORBIT WING^® high-pressure atomization system from Merlin Technology delivers outstanding results when painting aircraft and helicopter landing gear

Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH (Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg) is a leading manufacturer of landing gear, actuation, and flight control systems for the aviation industry, committed to quality. As the paint systems used for landing gear require a humidity level of 40–70 % to dry properly, air humidification is essential. "The maintenance of our air washers was becoming increasingly intensive due to cleaning and germ contamination issues. Therefore, a high-pressure humidification system without standing or circulating water was important to us. Merlin was the only supplier with infinitely variable control," explains Sebastian Kapeller, Liebherr-Aerospace's technologist for painting processes and systems.

Patented System (EP, US, CA)
The patented ORBIT WING^® system uses built-in blades in conjunction with the control system to reduce the evaporation distance to around 1.5 meters. "This solution was uncharted territory for us six years ago. After successfully testing a prototype, we retrofitted six more systems," says Kapeller. "After three years, the results are remarkable: flawless operation, annual instead of fortnightly maintenance cycles, halved water consumption, and no need for biocides. Another pleasant side effect is that humidification enables us to lower the supply air temperature when outside air is dry in summer," Kapeller emphasizes.