Recirculation
The use of air conditioning in paint booths is becoming commonplace and energy conservation is a serious issue. In many booths it may be cost effective to consider the use of exhaust recirculation in lieu of the more traditional 100% exhaust.
Consideration must be given to fire safety and controls (such as monitors and alarms) must be added to reduce these risks. In addition, personnel health is a major concern and controls (such as high efficiency particle filtration and carbon adsorption, and monitors) must be added to reduce these risks.
It is highly unlikely that operators would paint in these booths without personnel protective equipment with breathable air and hood.
The benefits of this type of operation are immediately apparent since the energy costs are one fourth of the costs for a full exhaust system. In addition, the capital costs are greatly reduced.
GFS has done recirculation systems at several installations and is an industry leader in the technology involved with recirculation. Recirculation rates are typically 80% recirculated and 20% fresh air, but recirculation rates up to 60/40 and as low as 90/10 have been done. Climate conditions have a lot to do with the recirculation rate, as does personnel safety. |
