Spray booths are defined by the direction of airflow through the interior of the unit. Each type of paint booth utilizes filters. Without the proper filtration and containment in place, the release of pollutants can occur causing negative consequences. This is why proper selection based on application is extremely important when choosing the type and quality of a filtration system.

Filtration Strategy

When selecting the best filters for a spray booth you need to consider compliance, improving workplace safety, and profitability. Your business must be in full compliance with a variety of national and local codes. An exhaust filtration system must be installed and maintained on all spray booths.  In order to achieve at least 98% capture efficiency per the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). NESHAP’s goal is to reduce hazardous pollutants (HAPs) which are pollutants that are known to cause serious health effects and adverse environmental effects.

In addition, effective filtration of the fresh air into the booth will also have a significant impact on the profitability and yield of the entire production process. Blocking potential contaminants from entering into the booth environment is crucial for ideal results.

Paint Booth Basics and Types of Filters

Each type of paint booth has specific needs when it comes to the filtration system. Cross draft spray booths draw air through the front of the booth and exhaust from the back, creating horizontal airflow through the enclosure. Downdraft spray booths draw air in through the ceiling of the booth.  This allows air to pass around the product finishing and down, exhausting via a filtered pit system.
Paints booth utilize intake, exhaust, and Makeup Air Unit systems to provide a safe and effective work environment both inside and outside the booth.

Intake Filters

They position Intake filters to cleanse the air that enters the booth. Even the smallest amount of debris can contaminate the spraying process, causing additional time and work.
One of the main features to look for in these filters is the rate in which the air can pass through the material and its ability to reliably filter extremely small particles.

Exhaust Filters

They design exhaust filters to trap paint overspray particles before they exit the working space of a paint booth. This filtration works to eliminate paint overspray both in and around the booth and provide a safer working environment. Paint system filtration in the U.S. is mandated by the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP).   They aim to reduce health risks and adverse environmental effects. They base the design and material composition of exhaust filters on the specific paint that is in use, the application, and the design of your system overall. For example, operators in the aerospace industry often choose a NESHAP-approved three-stage filtration system to capture the more dangerous particulate typically used in this field.

Makeup Air Units (MAUs)

It often pairs paint booths with makeup air units (MAUs) to control the air temperature, velocity, and pressure inside the paint booth. This additional level of environmental control ensures that the conditions inside of the paint booth are ideal for your application to produce a more consistent and higher quality finish. The supply filters in these units are the primary line of defense against air supply contamination in your paint booth. They are often the first filters to require replacement, cleaning, or other maintenance during sustained booth use.

Choosing the Best

A higher quality finish requires a higher quality filtration system. Law requires filtration systems and vary based on the specific minimum requirements of your location and industry. This can make choosing the right filtration for your booth a daunting task. A high-quality filter can last longer, require less maintenance from your employees, and prevent potential non-compliance. Rohner understands this, we will use our knowledge and experience to help you remain in compliance.  While providing a finishing system solution that will meet your operational, financial, and workplace safety goals. Contact us today for the best filtration solution our industry has to offer.