초록 ▼

In the system of the instant invention, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) liberated in the course of solvent-based painting of a workpiece, are recovered. The atmosphere within a closed spray-booth is maintained at a fixed humidity such that vaporized water, supplied in the form of steam or nebulize

In the system of the instant invention, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) liberated in the course of solvent-based painting of a workpiece, are recovered. The atmosphere within a closed spray-booth is maintained at a fixed humidity such that vaporized water, supplied in the form of steam or nebulized water vapor, acts as a carrier for VOCs liberated in the course of spray painting or heat curing of a workpiece. The VOCs may be recovered continuously, including during the spray-painting or heat curing of the workpiece. The VOC laden, humidified air is circulated through a condenser such that VOCs dissolved in the water vapor condense and are directed to a recovery means. The water and solvent are separated, recovered and purified for re-use or placed in an appropriate container for disposal, thereby eliminating the usual practice of expelling VOC laden air into the atmosphere. The system is provided with a flame-free heat source to cure the painted workpiece and to guard against the danger of explosion.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A closed system spray-booth which provides a thermostatically and humidistatically controlled environment for painting a workpiece and which recovers volatile organic solvents released into the air within the spray-booth during spray-painting of a workpiece, comprising a chamber wi

[ We claim:] [1.] A closed system spray-booth which provides a thermostatically and humidistatically controlled environment for painting a workpiece and which recovers volatile organic solvents released into the air within the spray-booth during spray-painting of a workpiece, comprising a chamber within which a workpiece is spray-painted and cured, and at least one housing containing air treatment components, such that air can be constantly recirculated between the chamber and the housing containing air treatment components which maintain the temperature and humidity of the air within the chamber within pre-set limits and which constantly removes volatile organic compounds released into the air during spray-painting and subsequent curing of the painted workpiece, wherein said chamber comprises:(a) a sealable door through which a workpiece to be painted may be conveyed into and out of the chamber, a floor, a roof and walls;(b) at least one sealable door through which a person who will spray-paint the workpiece may enter and leave the chamber;(c) at least one source of supplied air for the person to use while present in the chamber;(d) a means for circulating air within the closed system spray-booth such that the atmosphere within the booth is constantly recirculated between the chamber and the at least one housing containing air treatment components;(e) a means for reducing or eliminating particulate matter from air as it passes from the chamber to the at least one housing containing air treatment components;(f) a humidistat for measuring the level of humidity in the chamber at any given time, wherein the humidistat is operationally linked with a source of water vapor located in the at least one housing containing air treatment components such that when the humidity in the chamber falls below a pre-set limit, additional water vapor is added to the air entering the chamber; and rein said at least one housing containing air treatment components comprises:(g) a solvent recovery unit which comprises a condenser and a means for directing condensate to a means for recovering the condensed solvent;(h) a source of water vapor for maintaining the interior of the chamber in a humidified state;(i) a thermostat regulated flame-free heat source to cure the painted workpiece; provided that only one housing containing all of the air treatment components (g), (h), and (i) need be provided while a second housing may provide all of these components or only component (i) to ensure even heating of the workpiece.