Question:
What sort of system arrangment might we expect to find in an industrial
paint work shop?
Answer:
If properly done, variable speed ( or other variable volume
control ) make-up air, fully conditioned to both temp and humidity,
controlled by building static ( slightly positive - like maybe
As you say, there is really no provision for make up. There was a small fan-heater
combination unit on the other side of the shop, but this is never really run apparently.
The customer this morning says there used to be air flow sufficient that whatever paint
didn't make it to the product surface would be dragged straight out the extract without even
touching the floor. The painter said this is how it works at the other paint shops he's worked
with in the past.
I asked them the question "Is that what you need, do you need sufficient airflow over the
job that whatever paint does not hit the product will be swept along by the air and go straight
out the shop without touching sides ?" They said "Yes, that is how it should be"
Well, there is only this extract trying to pull a vacuum on the shop, I suggested trying some
filtered grill at waste level on the opposite side to the extract.
They have had to remove the filters to help airflow, so I checked the duct to and from the fan
for blockage and checked the fan blades for paint deposit filling in the fan blade profile but
all seems okay. There is of course plenty paint stuck to the walls of the round spiral duct but
this shouldn't give a problematic friction factor surely? I reversed the fan just to make sure,
not the problem though.
