It is important to understand the role of technology in today’s spray booths. For instance, a truck booth of the semi downdraft variety has some outstanding features of engineering. To begin with, it employs J-beam construction, which is not only lighter but far stronger than the obsolete I-beam construction. Furthermore, owing to CNC equipment, each beam and panel is pre-punched for perfect dovetailing and fitment of each nut and bolt assembly, speeding up erection. This also ensures an excellent fit and aesthetic looks. The intake filters are placed in the front ceiling. The clean filtered air rushes into the unit being painted and is forced out through the exhaust filters at the rear end, along with any excess spray. The use of carbon exhaust cube to reduce the volatile organic compounds is another example of high end technology.
A typical powder booth has a conveyor system through the wash area and the blast area, leading to the work area and the oven, from where the product exits. The steel panels which are used in the booth are of 18 gauge steel, galvanized for protection from corrosion. Steel stiffeners are specially designed to take on the load of the air make up system and daily rough usage. The lighting system for these powder coating booths is designed for economy and minimum shadows.
These spray booths are energy efficient and consume less fuel as they have advanced direct fired heating, where 80% of the preheated air is recirculated. Their filters are monitored electronically and their motor drives use less energy. The booths’ systems automatically shut down when the cooling down cycle ends. A recovery booth collects the excess powder for reuse.
Whereas the environment inside paint booths is composed of dense aerosol, the exhaust is capable of taking care of the pollutants. Controllers must be able to work inside also without be adversely affected by the atmosphere of the paint booth. This necessitates excellent inlet filters to ensure that the quality of the incoming air is free from pollutants. The outlet filters must trap all pollutants and prevent them from being released into the atmosphere. The booth cabin must have a downdraft airflow, which is positive under pressure. At the same time, the exhaust system located in the floor must force excess aerosol from the proximity of the vehicle. This requires an excellent management of airflow and control over particulate matter, temperature, pressure and humidity.