http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 Most Recent Submissions from fochsml on AutoPro Workshop Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:52:56 GMT Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:52:56 GMT mwillins@advanstar.com (AutoBizGuru) mwillins@advanstar.com (AutoBizGuru) KickApps Feed Builder 2011-09-06T18:52:56Z 41 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/searchEverything.kickAction?as=31710&includeVideo=on&includeAudio=on&includePhoto=on&includeBlog=on&sortType=recent 0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Powder-Finishing-System/photo/14940744/31710.html Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:52:56 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Powder-Finishing-System/photo/14940744/31710.html fochsml 2011-09-06T18:52:56Z AutoPro Workshop nonadult false Powder Finishing System photo 1303 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 14940744 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_The-Big-Saw-A-little-thing-that-makes-a-big-difference/blog/5093717/31710.html   Investing in the little things is a smart move that can pay huge dividends. [image] Crating a spray booth for shipment is not an easy process. Since virtually everything in a booth is made out of steel, it's really heavy stuff. In addition, there are many MANY parts. All the panels, ductwork, lights, doors, and all the miscellaneous nuts and bolts need to be packed up safe and secure for their journey out of the plant and to your shops doorstep. This means that a lot of custom-made crating is required, depending on the size of the booth and any additional equipment you purchased. It's something that people don't tend to think about, but crating a product like a spray booth in an effective way is tricky, and if not done properly and with maximum efficiency, can be quite a costly endeavor. It's important to make sure that all the resources (including labor, materials, and equipment) are used to maximum effect in order to provide the most secure packaging for the product without adversely affecting the price of the equipment or the condition in which it arrives at its destination. It is for this reason that GFS decided back in April of 2011 to upgrade our crating area to include a massive 7' chainsaw. This saw, in addition to being simply awesome to see, allows the GFS crating team to slice and dice an entire skid of lumber in mere seconds. This has allowed us to increase the consistency in our crating as well as greatly reduced the amount of time it takes to get a product packaged and ready to ship. [image]It may seem like a small investment, in the grand scheme of things, but the benefits really are far-reaching. For example, since the saw was purchased the crating team now spends far less time cutting lumber and more time crating the actual product, allowing them to improve their crating methods to more effectively protect the product. In addition, the consistency of the crating materials is far better. A half inch might not seem like much on an 11' crate, but that can be the difference between putting four securing staples in to a joint or just three. Finally, since the saw runs for only a fraction of the time that the old saws required for the same number of boards, GFS has reduced the amount of electricity used to accomplish the same job, making crating operations even more energy efficient. As you can see, by looking at the 'small things' in your operation like GFS did, you can easily identify key ways to make a big impact with little investment. Every chance you have to be more efficient, more consistent, and more effective is an opportunity to improve your business for the ultimate benefit of your customers and your employees. Everybody wins!   Investing in the little things is a smart move that can pay huge dividends. [image] Crating a spray booth for shipment is not an easy process. Since virtually everything in a booth is made out of steel, it's really heavy stuff. In addition, there are many MANY parts. All the panels, ductwork, lights, doors, and all the miscellaneous nuts and bolts need to be packed up safe and secure for their journey out of the plant and to your shops doorstep. This means that a lot of custom-made crating is required, depending on the size of the booth and any additional equipment you purchased. It's something that people don't tend to think about, but crating a product like a spray booth in an effective way is tricky, and if not done properly and with maximum efficiency, can be quite a costly endeavor. It's important to make sure that all the resources (including labor, materials, and equipment) are used to maximum effect in order to provide the most secure packaging for the product without adversely affecting the price of the equipment or the condition in which it arrives at its destination. It is for this reason that GFS decided back in April of 2011 to upgrade our crating area to include a massive 7' chainsaw. This saw, in addition to being simply awesome to see, allows the GFS crating team to slice and dice an entire skid of lumber in mere seconds. This has allowed us to increase the consistency in our crating as well as greatly reduced the amount of time it takes to get a product packaged and ready to ship. [image]It may seem like a small investment, in the grand scheme of things, but the benefits really are far-reaching. For example, since the saw was purchased the crating team now spends far less time cutting lumber and more time crating the actual product, allowing them to improve their crating methods to more effectively protect the product. In addition, the consistency of the crating materials is far better. A half inch might not seem like much on an 11' crate, but that can be the difference between putting four securing staples in to a joint or just three. Finally, since the saw runs for only a fraction of the time that the old saws required for the same number of boards, GFS has reduced the amount of electricity used to accomplish the same job, making crating operations even more energy efficient. As you can see, by looking at the 'small things' in your operation like GFS did, you can easily identify key ways to make a big impact with little investment. Every chance you have to be more efficient, more consistent, and more effective is an opportunity to improve your business for the ultimate benefit of your customers and your employees. Everybody wins! Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:59:03 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_The-Big-Saw-A-little-thing-that-makes-a-big-difference/blog/5093717/31710.html fochsml 2011-09-06T14:59:03Z AutoPro Workshop   Investing in the little things is a smart move that can pay huge dividends. [image] Crating a spray booth for shipment is not an easy process. Since virtually everything in a booth is made out of steel, it's really heavy stuff. In addition, there are many MANY parts. All the panels, ductwork, lights, doors, and all the miscellaneous nuts and bolts need to be packed up safe and secure for their journey out of the plant and to your shops doorstep. This means that a lot of custom-made crating is required, depending on the size of the booth and any additional equipment you purchased. It's something that people don't tend to think about, but crating a product like a spray booth in an effective way is tricky, and if not done properly and with maximum efficiency, can be quite a costly endeavor. It's important to make sure that all the resources (including labor, materials, and equipment) are used to maximum effect in order to provide the most secure packaging for the product without adversely affecting the price of the equipment or the condition in which it arrives at its destination. It is for this reason that GFS decided back in April of 2011 to upgrade our crating area to include a massive 7' chainsaw. This saw, in addition to being simply awesome to see, allows the GFS crating team to slice and dice an entire skid of lumber in mere seconds. This has allowed us to increase the consistency in our crating as well as greatly reduced the amount of time it takes to get a product packaged and ready to ship. [image]It may seem like a small investment, in the grand scheme of things, but the benefits really are far-reaching. For example, since the saw was purchased the crating team now spends far less time cutting lumber and more time crating the actual product, allowing them to improve their crating methods to more effectively protect the product. In addition, the consistency of the crating materials is far better. A half inch might not seem like much on an 11' crate, but that can be the difference between putting four securing staples in to a joint or just three. Finally, since the saw runs for only a fraction of the time that the old saws required for the same number of boards, GFS has reduced the amount of electricity used to accomplish the same job, making crating operations even more energy efficient. As you can see, by looking at the 'small things' in your operation like GFS did, you can easily identify key ways to make a big impact with little investment. Every chance you have to be more efficient, more consistent, and more effective is an opportunity to improve your business for the ultimate benefit of your customers and your employees. Everybody wins! investment, manufacturing, productivity, spray booth nonadult false The Big Saw - A little thing that makes a big difference text blog investment,manufacturing,productivity,spray booth 898 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 5093717 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Saw-2/photo/14940772/31710.html Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:58:07 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Saw-2/photo/14940772/31710.html fochsml 2011-09-06T14:58:07Z AutoPro Workshop nonadult false Saw 2 photo 951 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 14940772 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Saw-1/photo/14940761/31710.html Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:56:36 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Saw-1/photo/14940761/31710.html fochsml 2011-09-06T14:56:36Z AutoPro Workshop nonadult false Saw 1 photo 916 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 14940761 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Code-Compliance-for-Spray-Booths-in-Canada-Things-to-Be-Aware-Of-Before-You-Buy/blog/5093713/31710.html   [image]Canadian spray booth owners need to deal with more than just a little more snow in the winter. by Euriah Vold, Canadian Industrial Sales Manager, GFS Code Compliance is an issue that has been talked about quite a bit on the GFS Booth Blog, and for good reason. It's consistently one of the biggest issues in the world of spray booths that receives far too little attention. It's surprising to see so many spray booth owners taking a casual position with matters of code compliance when the reality is that if your booth doesn't meet code, you're not going to be spraying anything until the inspector says so. This could end up costing a business a substantial amount in field modifications to the equipment and lost productivity. The majority of spray booths installed in Canada are sold by US-based manufacturers. Canadian buyers need to ensure that the booth they purchase is from a manufacturer that understands that for customers in Canada, there are specific criteria that must be met that differ slightly from those south of the 49th parallel. Certain codes related to things like electrical requirements or duct work will vary from city to city, but there are some regulations that apply nationwide or province-wide, regardless of the municipal jurisdiction that the booth will be installed in. [image] Here's a list of the key issues that Canadian spray booth owners should be aware of when evaluating equipment suppliers and distributors who install and service the equipment: Gas train components on powder ovens must have CSA labeling to comply.  Other items may be required per municipality, such as TSSA requirements and documentation for FM approval. Control panels must carry a cUL listing. All lighting must be ETLc listed. Air replacement units must have a remote reset on the AMU (many manufacturers provide only an automatic reset which is typically operated through the remote control panel and not on the unit). When providing a recirculating cure system (either a paint/cure, or an oven) you must provide explosion relief per NFPA-86.  New NFPA requirements DO NOT require explosion relief when using a force-dry/variable air volume cure system. Per new ordinances in Ontario, paint mix rooms must be fitted with fire dampers at intake and exhaust locations (1 hour minimum rating). All motors must carry a CSA and/or cUL rating. All air replacement units with a cure cycle (anywhere over ambient) must carry a ANSI Z83.25/CSA 3.19 listing. All other air replacement units that are used for ambient heating only require a ANSI Z83.4/CSA 3.7 listing. All paint booth exhausts must be fitted with an air proving switch to ensure exhaust is operating correctly.  If there is a failure, this will shut down the painting operation. Per new ordinances in Manitoba, you must provide an intake damper on outdoor mounted air replacement units.  This is also becoming a standard in other provinces. Most paint booth applications in Alberta require stamped drawings from a licensed Alberta engineer. All paint booth designs must comply to NFPA-33. As you can see,  there's a lot to be aware of. But taking the time to ask these questions of your equipment supplier BEFORE you buy can save you a great deal of headache when you go to start up your new booth. By ensuring that your suppliers meets all the codes, and that the distributor who installs and services the booth is intimately familiar with all regulations in your area, you can breathe easy. Taking these steps ahead of time means that when the time comes to start putting paint jobs through your booth you can do so safely and without worry.   http://www.gfsboothblog.com/2011/08/code-compliance-for-spray-booths-in.html   [image]Canadian spray booth owners need to deal with more than just a little more snow in the winter. by Euriah Vold, Canadian Industrial Sales Manager, GFS Code Compliance is an issue that has been talked about quite a bit on the GFS Booth Blog, and for good reason. It's consistently one of the biggest issues in the world of spray booths that receives far too little attention. It's surprising to see so many spray booth owners taking a casual position with matters of code compliance when the reality is that if your booth doesn't meet code, you're not going to be spraying anything until the inspector says so. This could end up costing a business a substantial amount in field modifications to the equipment and lost productivity. The majority of spray booths installed in Canada are sold by US-based manufacturers. Canadian buyers need to ensure that the booth they purchase is from a manufacturer that understands that for customers in Canada, there are specific criteria that must be met that differ slightly from those south of the 49th parallel. Certain codes related to things like electrical requirements or duct work will vary from city to city, but there are some regulations that apply nationwide or province-wide, regardless of the municipal jurisdiction that the booth will be installed in. [image] Here's a list of the key issues that Canadian spray booth owners should be aware of when evaluating equipment suppliers and distributors who install and service the equipment: Gas train components on powder ovens must have CSA labeling to comply.  Other items may be required per municipality, such as TSSA requirements and documentation for FM approval. Control panels must carry a cUL listing. All lighting must be ETLc listed. Air replacement units must have a remote reset on the AMU (many manufacturers provide only an automatic reset which is typically operated through the remote control panel and not on the unit). When providing a recirculating cure system (either a paint/cure, or an oven) you must provide explosion relief per NFPA-86.  New NFPA requirements DO NOT require explosion relief when using a force-dry/variable air volume cure system. Per new ordinances in Ontario, paint mix rooms must be fitted with fire dampers at intake and exhaust locations (1 hour minimum rating). All motors must carry a CSA and/or cUL rating. All air replacement units with a cure cycle (anywhere over ambient) must carry a ANSI Z83.25/CSA 3.19 listing. All other air replacement units that are used for ambient heating only require a ANSI Z83.4/CSA 3.7 listing. All paint booth exhausts must be fitted with an air proving switch to ensure exhaust is operating correctly.  If there is a failure, this will shut down the painting operation. Per new ordinances in Manitoba, you must provide an intake damper on outdoor mounted air replacement units.  This is also becoming a standard in other provinces. Most paint booth applications in Alberta require stamped drawings from a licensed Alberta engineer. All paint booth designs must comply to NFPA-33. As you can see,  there's a lot to be aware of. But taking the time to ask these questions of your equipment supplier BEFORE you buy can save you a great deal of headache when you go to start up your new booth. By ensuring that your suppliers meets all the codes, and that the distributor who installs and services the booth is intimately familiar with all regulations in your area, you can breathe easy. Taking these steps ahead of time means that when the time comes to start putting paint jobs through your booth you can do so safely and without worry.   http://www.gfsboothblog.com/2011/08/code-compliance-for-spray-booths-in.html Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:54:33 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Code-Compliance-for-Spray-Booths-in-Canada-Things-to-Be-Aware-Of-Before-You-Buy/blog/5093713/31710.html fochsml 2011-09-06T14:54:33Z AutoPro Workshop   [image]Canadian spray booth owners need to deal with more than just a little more snow in the winter. by Euriah Vold, Canadian Industrial Sales Manager, GFS Code Compliance is an issue that has been talked about quite a bit on the GFS Booth Blog, and for good reason. It's consistently one of the biggest issues in the world of spray booths that receives far too little attention. It's surprising to see so many spray booth owners taking a casual position with matters of code compliance when the reality is that if your booth doesn't meet code, you're not going to be spraying anything until the inspector says so. This could end up costing a business a substantial amount in field modifications to the equipment and lost productivity. The majority of spray booths installed in Canada are sold by US-based manufacturers. Canadian buyers need to ensure that the booth they purchase is from a manufacturer that understands that for customers in Canada, there are specific criteria that must be met that differ slightly from those south of the 49th parallel. Certain codes related to things like electrical requirements or duct work will vary from city to city, but there are some regulations that apply nationwide or province-wide, regardless of the municipal jurisdiction that the booth will be installed in. [image] Here's a list of the key issues that Canadian spray booth owners should be aware of when evaluating equipment suppliers and distributors who install and service the equipment: Gas train components on powder ovens must have CSA labeling to comply.  Other items may be required per municipality, such as TSSA requirements and documentation for FM approval. Control panels must carry a cUL listing. All lighting must be ETLc listed. Air replacement units must have a remote reset on the AMU (many manufacturers provide only an automatic reset which is typically operated through the remote control panel and not on the unit). When providing a recirculating cure system (either a paint/cure, or an oven) you must provide explosion relief per NFPA-86.  New NFPA requirements DO NOT require explosion relief when using a force-dry/variable air volume cure system. Per new ordinances in Ontario, paint mix rooms must be fitted with fire dampers at intake and exhaust locations (1 hour minimum rating). All motors must carry a CSA and/or cUL rating. All air replacement units with a cure cycle (anywhere over ambient) must carry a ANSI Z83.25/CSA 3.19 listing. All other air replacement units that are used for ambient heating only require a ANSI Z83.4/CSA 3.7 listing. All paint booth exhausts must be fitted with an air proving switch to ensure exhaust is operating correctly.  If there is a failure, this will shut down the painting operation. Per new ordinances in Manitoba, you must provide an intake damper on outdoor mounted air replacement units.  This is also becoming a standard in other provinces. Most paint booth applications in Alberta require stamped drawings from a licensed Alberta engineer. All paint booth designs must comply to NFPA-33. As you can see,  there's a lot to be aware of. But taking the time to ask these questions of your equipment supplier BEFORE you buy can save you a great deal of headache when you go to start up your new booth. By ensuring that your suppliers meets all the codes, and that the distributor who installs and services the booth is intimately familiar with all regulations in your area, you can breathe easy. Taking these steps ahead of time means that when the time comes to start putting paint jobs through your booth you can do so safely and without worry.   http://www.gfsboothblog.com/2011/08/code-compliance-for-spray-booths-in.html code compliance, paint booth, paint booths, spray booth, spray booths nonadult false Code Compliance for Spray Booths in Canada - Things to Be Aware Of Before You Buy text blog code compliance,paint booth,paint booths,spray booth,spray booths 1195 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 5093713 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Maple-Leaf/photo/14940740/31710.html Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:51:18 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Maple-Leaf/photo/14940740/31710.html fochsml 2011-09-06T14:51:18Z AutoPro Workshop nonadult false Maple Leaf photo 856 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 14940740 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Paint-Booth-Dictionary-A-Glossary-of-Important-Terms/blog/5007374/31710.html   [image][image]Dual-skin? CFM? Bake Cycle? - There are a lot of different terms thrown around in the world of paint booths. Do you know what they all mean? It's always important to have references that you can use to clear up any confusion or misunderstandings when technical questions arise. They're also great to have on-hand when new painters or technicians are entering the world of paint booths. This is why GFS decided to put together an ever-expanding glossary of the most commonly used terms and acronyms that you can use as a reference any time, or share[image] with anyone who can benefit from a little more insight in to the language of paint booths and finishing systems! Here's Part 1 of the GFS Paint Booth Dictionary: Accelerated Drying Utilizing auxiliary air blowers inside a paint booth to break up the slow-moving boundary layer of air that forms on the painted surface due to laminar air flow. Introducing accelerated air at opposing angles to the laminar air flow results in a rapidly speed up drying process. Air Replacement Air replacement systems replenish equal amounts of fresh air in to an environment for every cubic foot of air exhausted from that environment. Air-make up Supplies conditioned and filtered air to the booth, minimizing temperature variations and removing particulates that compromise finish quality. Airflow Managed airflow enables a painter to get maximum efficiency of the paint sprayed while directing overspray away from the painted finish. In a superior design, air is controlled to flow in unidirectional layers, either in horizontal, semi-downdraft or downdraft flow patterns, while maintaining an even velocity. Airflow Balance Looking at a well-balanced system, the booth is at a negative pressure (relative to the outside) from the time the fresh filtered air enters the booth until it leaves through the exhaust filters. Auxiliary Spray Booth Parts priming and parts jamming operations are performed in open-faced or special cut-in spray booths, leaving the main booth free for assembled parts or vehicles. Baffle Filtration A baffle type redirects airflow with offset holes in the media, which could be paper, metal, or Styrofoam. Heavier overspray cannot change direction quickly enough, resulting in paint collecting on the media. Bake Mode Often used to describe the period of time required for curing the paint applied to the object being painted. Burner Often used interchangeabley with the term 'Heater' Two categories "Direct Fire" and "Indirect Fire". Can also refer to the unit of combustion located inside the heater. CFM The volume of air needed to move through the booth and into the exhaust chamber is measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm).  Area x Velocity = cfm (cubic feet per minute of air) Cool Down The period of time required to cool down the booth and the painted object once curing is completed. This phase starts automatically upon completion of the bake period, and can take as much as 30 minutes for a car. Crossdraft The air flows parallel to the floor, passes through the working chamber and picks up the particulate (overspray). Then the air passes through a filter bank to capture the particulate, and is 100% exhausted through ducting direct into the atmosphere. Curing Curing a finish means to bring it to its intended degree of hardness and luster. dBA Sound is measured in decibels (dB.) A change of one dB is detectable by the human ear. An increase of 10dB is a doubling of the loudness Downdraft The air flow is from overhead and moves down towards the building floor. The building floor normally has a sunken pit to accept either dry filter or water wash exhaust. A bar-type grating is laid over the pit opening. The booth can also be placed on an elevated platform in order to avoid pit construction. Downdraft-Side Exhaust Air is pulled into a downdraft side exhaust configuration through a full-length ceiling plenum. The air passes through the working chamber parallel to the walls and perpendicular to the floor. When the air reaches the floor it is pulled into and through floor level filtered exhaust plenums down each side of the booth and out into the atmosphere through ducting. No pit or elevated platform is required for this booth. Dual Skin Paint booth wall panels that are constructed of two pieces of sheet metal, sandwiching a layer of fiberglass or foam insulation to provide energy savings, sound attenuation, and a cleaner, more aesthetic appearance to the exterior of the paint booth.   [image][image]Dual-skin? CFM? Bake Cycle? - There are a lot of different terms thrown around in the world of paint booths. Do you know what they all mean? It's always important to have references that you can use to clear up any confusion or misunderstandings when technical questions arise. They're also great to have on-hand when new painters or technicians are entering the world of paint booths. This is why GFS decided to put together an ever-expanding glossary of the most commonly used terms and acronyms that you can use as a reference any time, or share[image] with anyone who can benefit from a little more insight in to the language of paint booths and finishing systems! Here's Part 1 of the GFS Paint Booth Dictionary: Accelerated Drying Utilizing auxiliary air blowers inside a paint booth to break up the slow-moving boundary layer of air that forms on the painted surface due to laminar air flow. Introducing accelerated air at opposing angles to the laminar air flow results in a rapidly speed up drying process. Air Replacement Air replacement systems replenish equal amounts of fresh air in to an environment for every cubic foot of air exhausted from that environment. Air-make up Supplies conditioned and filtered air to the booth, minimizing temperature variations and removing particulates that compromise finish quality. Airflow Managed airflow enables a painter to get maximum efficiency of the paint sprayed while directing overspray away from the painted finish. In a superior design, air is controlled to flow in unidirectional layers, either in horizontal, semi-downdraft or downdraft flow patterns, while maintaining an even velocity. Airflow Balance Looking at a well-balanced system, the booth is at a negative pressure (relative to the outside) from the time the fresh filtered air enters the booth until it leaves through the exhaust filters. Auxiliary Spray Booth Parts priming and parts jamming operations are performed in open-faced or special cut-in spray booths, leaving the main booth free for assembled parts or vehicles. Baffle Filtration A baffle type redirects airflow with offset holes in the media, which could be paper, metal, or Styrofoam. Heavier overspray cannot change direction quickly enough, resulting in paint collecting on the media. Bake Mode Often used to describe the period of time required for curing the paint applied to the object being painted. Burner Often used interchangeabley with the term 'Heater' Two categories "Direct Fire" and "Indirect Fire". Can also refer to the unit of combustion located inside the heater. CFM The volume of air needed to move through the booth and into the exhaust chamber is measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm).  Area x Velocity = cfm (cubic feet per minute of air) Cool Down The period of time required to cool down the booth and the painted object once curing is completed. This phase starts automatically upon completion of the bake period, and can take as much as 30 minutes for a car. Crossdraft The air flows parallel to the floor, passes through the working chamber and picks up the particulate (overspray). Then the air passes through a filter bank to capture the particulate, and is 100% exhausted through ducting direct into the atmosphere. Curing Curing a finish means to bring it to its intended degree of hardness and luster. dBA Sound is measured in decibels (dB.) A change of one dB is detectable by the human ear. An increase of 10dB is a doubling of the loudness Downdraft The air flow is from overhead and moves down towards the building floor. The building floor normally has a sunken pit to accept either dry filter or water wash exhaust. A bar-type grating is laid over the pit opening. The booth can also be placed on an elevated platform in order to avoid pit construction. Downdraft-Side Exhaust Air is pulled into a downdraft side exhaust configuration through a full-length ceiling plenum. The air passes through the working chamber parallel to the walls and perpendicular to the floor. When the air reaches the floor it is pulled into and through floor level filtered exhaust plenums down each side of the booth and out into the atmosphere through ducting. No pit or elevated platform is required for this booth. Dual Skin Paint booth wall panels that are constructed of two pieces of sheet metal, sandwiching a layer of fiberglass or foam insulation to provide energy savings, sound attenuation, and a cleaner, more aesthetic appearance to the exterior of the paint booth. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:28:54 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Paint-Booth-Dictionary-A-Glossary-of-Important-Terms/blog/5007374/31710.html fochsml 2011-08-08T23:28:54Z AutoPro Workshop   [image][image]Dual-skin? CFM? Bake Cycle? - There are a lot of different terms thrown around in the world of paint booths. Do you know what they all mean? It's always important to have references that you can use to clear up any confusion or misunderstandings when technical questions arise. They're also great to have on-hand when new painters or technicians are entering the world of paint booths. This is why GFS decided to put together an ever-expanding glossary of the most commonly used terms and acronyms that you can use as a reference any time, or share[image] with anyone who can benefit from a little more insight in to the language of paint booths and finishing systems! Here's Part 1 of the GFS Paint Booth Dictionary: Accelerated Drying Utilizing auxiliary air blowers inside a paint booth to break up the slow-moving boundary layer of air that forms on the painted surface due to laminar air flow. Introducing accelerated air at opposing angles to the laminar air flow results in a rapidly speed up drying process. Air Replacement Air replacement systems replenish equal amounts of fresh air in to an environment for every cubic foot of air exhausted from that environment. Air-make up Supplies conditioned and filtered air to the booth, minimizing temperature variations and removing particulates that compromise finish quality. Airflow Managed airflow enables a painter to get maximum efficiency of the paint sprayed while directing overspray away from the painted finish. In a superior design, air is controlled to flow in unidirectional layers, either in horizontal, semi-downdraft or downdraft flow patterns, while maintaining an even velocity. Airflow Balance Looking at a well-balanced system, the booth is at a negative pressure (relative to the outside) from the time the fresh filtered air enters the booth until it leaves through the exhaust filters. Auxiliary Spray Booth Parts priming and parts jamming operations are performed in open-faced or special cut-in spray booths, leaving the main booth free for assembled parts or vehicles. Baffle Filtration A baffle type redirects airflow with offset holes in the media, which could be paper, metal, or Styrofoam. Heavier overspray cannot change direction quickly enough, resulting in paint collecting on the media. Bake Mode Often used to describe the period of time required for curing the paint applied to the object being painted. Burner Often used interchangeabley with the term 'Heater' Two categories "Direct Fire" and "Indirect Fire". Can also refer to the unit of combustion located inside the heater. CFM The volume of air needed to move through the booth and into the exhaust chamber is measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm).  Area x Velocity = cfm (cubic feet per minute of air) Cool Down The period of time required to cool down the booth and the painted object once curing is completed. This phase starts automatically upon completion of the bake period, and can take as much as 30 minutes for a car. Crossdraft The air flows parallel to the floor, passes through the working chamber and picks up the particulate (overspray). Then the air passes through a filter bank to capture the particulate, and is 100% exhausted through ducting direct into the atmosphere. Curing Curing a finish means to bring it to its intended degree of hardness and luster. dBA Sound is measured in decibels (dB.) A change of one dB is detectable by the human ear. An increase of 10dB is a doubling of the loudness Downdraft The air flow is from overhead and moves down towards the building floor. The building floor normally has a sunken pit to accept either dry filter or water wash exhaust. A bar-type grating is laid over the pit opening. The booth can also be placed on an elevated platform in order to avoid pit construction. Downdraft-Side Exhaust Air is pulled into a downdraft side exhaust configuration through a full-length ceiling plenum. The air passes through the working chamber parallel to the walls and perpendicular to the floor. When the air reaches the floor it is pulled into and through floor level filtered exhaust plenums down each side of the booth and out into the atmosphere through ducting. No pit or elevated platform is required for this booth. Dual Skin Paint booth wall panels that are constructed of two pieces of sheet metal, sandwiching a layer of fiberglass or foam insulation to provide energy savings, sound attenuation, and a cleaner, more aesthetic appearance to the exterior of the paint booth. dictionary, paint booth, paint booths, spray booth, spray booths nonadult false Paint Booth Dictionary - A Glossary of Important Terms text blog dictionary,paint booth,paint booths,spray booth,spray booths 1481 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 5007374 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Pile-of-Books/photo/14707643/31710.html Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:26:53 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Pile-of-Books/photo/14707643/31710.html fochsml 2011-08-08T19:26:53Z AutoPro Workshop nonadult false Pile of Books photo 1283 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 14707643 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Problem-Solved-Energy-efficient-high-production-solution-for-South-Barrie-Collision/blog/4994411/31710.html Providing the perfect solution for a busy shop! Alec Smales of South Barrie Collision of Barrie, ON, Canada knew exactly what he wanted when he began planning his facility: HIGH PRODUCTION and ENERGY EFFICIENCY. In operation since 2006, South Barrie Collision puts through a staggering average of 500 cars per month, and this is made possible by energy-efficient and high-production ECO waterborne-ready paint booths and CTOF prep stations by GFS. This shop features 3 side-by-side 'ECO EXPERT' downdraft paint booths, equipped with AdvanceCure accelerated airflow systems in order to provide the fastest drying times for waterborne paints, which are mandated for use by all body shops in Canada. The shop also has 4 dual-bay CTOF paint booth/prep stations capable of full spray/cure, and two ULTRA paint mix rooms. [image] In addition to being extremely high-production, the shop is also spraying waterborne paints. When coupled with the energy-savings provided by the ECO paint booths, this makes the shop one of the most environmentally-friendly shops in the country. This was one of the driving forces behind Mr. Smales choice of spray booth equipment. "GFS was the only manufacturer that was able to provide us with a spreadsheet document showing the efficiency of their ECO booths when compared with traditional designs." says Smales. [image] Installation of the equipment as well as service and maintenance is provided by Ontario Spray Booth, GFS' official auto refinish distributor in the province of Ontario. Together with Ontario Spray Booth, GFS is excited to have provided such an effective solution for South Barrie Collision, and is proud that our ECO paint booths have allowed South Barrie to become so successful! [image] Providing the perfect solution for a busy shop! Alec Smales of South Barrie Collision of Barrie, ON, Canada knew exactly what he wanted when he began planning his facility: HIGH PRODUCTION and ENERGY EFFICIENCY. In operation since 2006, South Barrie Collision puts through a staggering average of 500 cars per month, and this is made possible by energy-efficient and high-production ECO waterborne-ready paint booths and CTOF prep stations by GFS. This shop features 3 side-by-side 'ECO EXPERT' downdraft paint booths, equipped with AdvanceCure accelerated airflow systems in order to provide the fastest drying times for waterborne paints, which are mandated for use by all body shops in Canada. The shop also has 4 dual-bay CTOF paint booth/prep stations capable of full spray/cure, and two ULTRA paint mix rooms. [image] In addition to being extremely high-production, the shop is also spraying waterborne paints. When coupled with the energy-savings provided by the ECO paint booths, this makes the shop one of the most environmentally-friendly shops in the country. This was one of the driving forces behind Mr. Smales choice of spray booth equipment. "GFS was the only manufacturer that was able to provide us with a spreadsheet document showing the efficiency of their ECO booths when compared with traditional designs." says Smales. [image] Installation of the equipment as well as service and maintenance is provided by Ontario Spray Booth, GFS' official auto refinish distributor in the province of Ontario. Together with Ontario Spray Booth, GFS is excited to have provided such an effective solution for South Barrie Collision, and is proud that our ECO paint booths have allowed South Barrie to become so successful! [image] Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:25:45 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Problem-Solved-Energy-efficient-high-production-solution-for-South-Barrie-Collision/blog/4994411/31710.html fochsml 2011-08-03T20:25:45Z AutoPro Workshop Providing the perfect solution for a busy shop! Alec Smales of South Barrie Collision of Barrie, ON, Canada knew exactly what he wanted when he began planning his facility: HIGH PRODUCTION and ENERGY EFFICIENCY. In operation since 2006, South Barrie Collision puts through a staggering average of 500 cars per month, and this is made possible by energy-efficient and high-production ECO waterborne-ready paint booths and CTOF prep stations by GFS. This shop features 3 side-by-side 'ECO EXPERT' downdraft paint booths, equipped with AdvanceCure accelerated airflow systems in order to provide the fastest drying times for waterborne paints, which are mandated for use by all body shops in Canada. The shop also has 4 dual-bay CTOF paint booth/prep stations capable of full spray/cure, and two ULTRA paint mix rooms. [image] In addition to being extremely high-production, the shop is also spraying waterborne paints. When coupled with the energy-savings provided by the ECO paint booths, this makes the shop one of the most environmentally-friendly shops in the country. This was one of the driving forces behind Mr. Smales choice of spray booth equipment. "GFS was the only manufacturer that was able to provide us with a spreadsheet document showing the efficiency of their ECO booths when compared with traditional designs." says Smales. [image] Installation of the equipment as well as service and maintenance is provided by Ontario Spray Booth, GFS' official auto refinish distributor in the province of Ontario. Together with Ontario Spray Booth, GFS is excited to have provided such an effective solution for South Barrie Collision, and is proud that our ECO paint booths have allowed South Barrie to become so successful! [image] ctof, paint booth, paint booths, spray booth, spray booths nonadult false Problem Solved - Energy-efficient, high-production solution for South Barrie Collision text blog ctof,paint booth,paint booths,spray booth,spray booths 948 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 1 0 4994411 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Dual-CTOFs/photo/14673471/31710.html Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:23:59 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Dual-CTOFs/photo/14673471/31710.html fochsml 2011-08-03T20:23:59Z AutoPro Workshop nonadult false Dual CTOFs photo 1278 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 14673471 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Expert-Booths/photo/14673467/31710.html Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:23:01 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Expert-Booths/photo/14673467/31710.html fochsml 2011-08-03T20:23:01Z AutoPro Workshop nonadult false Expert Booths photo 760 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 14673467 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Fire-Codes-38-Paint-Booth-Safety-Stories-from-the-Field/blog/4994354/31710.html   By Marty Powell, Industrial Territory Manager, Global Finishing Solutions [image]When I was first asked to write an article on Fire Safety Standards for Spray Booths, I thought it was because someone had seen the various presentations at the coatings shows and thought they had discovered a cure for insomnia. I checked with the American Medical Association, and was informed that boring articles had been putting people to sleep since the written word originated. If you have experienced a factory fire, or any disastrous fire, you might not find this so boring, and maybe slightly informative. The goal of this article is not to simply go down the list of requirements in the standards. If you are involved in the finishing industry, you take the time necessary to get informed of the correct standards. These should not be seen as a restriction on your ability to produce, or a way to take your hard earned profits for some arbitrary rules. These standards have been written in response to events that have happened, and to prevent other similar events that we know could occur. As you know, standards are subject to interpretation. Also remember that the local authority having jurisdiction may require further prevention methods. You need to know these codes to understand these interpretations, and to argue your points if necessary. Safety is paramount to human involvement in any dangerous activity. In the finishing industry we deal with areas in factories that spray flammable coatings and produce explosive environments. These are atomized liquids or solvents, high concentrations of powders, or dusts. Should a source of ignition be introduced to this atmosphere, the potential for fire is very high. The governing safety codes and standards are the the International Fire Code (IFC) and NFPA 33 Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials.  These documents refer to other codes and standards such as the International Building Code (IBC), NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and the National Electric Code (NEC).In this article we will review information that is in NFPA 33. To help users understand the reasons for the standard, NFPA 33 contains annex material (see NFPA 33 Annex D Fire Record) Below are direct quotes from this section: Leading Causes of Fire in Conventional Systems (Air Spray, HVLP, Airless,…)  Use a spark producing equipment such as cutting, welding, and grinding near the spray area.  Friction in most cases by overheated bearings on the exhaust fan or by rubbing of exhaust fan blades against the overspray deposits on the wall of the duct.  Arcing electrical equipment Spontaneous combustion Discharge of static electricity Leading Cause of Fires in Electrostatic Spray Operations Ungrounded or improperly grounded objects 
in the spray area Failure to fully discharge equipment before cleaning Pinholes leaks in the paint tubing to the 
spray gun Other causes similar to conventional systems such as smoking and cutting and welding The two lists above are certainly good places to start. The NFPA and OSHA are concerned about safety; you and I need to be concerned also. The quality of the final finish, however, is not their concern. A good finish requires a clean area and higher air velocities than the bare minimums for safety. The velocities used in spray booths today are well above the minimums for fire safety. A good review of this was provided in Metal Finishing Magazine, "Painting Problem Solver", February 2010 issue. Story Time: [image]Fire #1 A business associate was fixing a booth that had only been test sprayed in, but not production painting. The fire watch guy showed up with water buckets and fire extinguishers. “Yeah, Yeah great! Just stand over there. No big deal.”  Ten minutes later they had used everything available to put out the fire, plus running to get more. Things were scorched. But all was ok. It was interesting to hear his story because he was waving his arms and very excited. He didn’t have fun that day, and today, looks at fire safety differently. Fire # 2 There is so much overspray inside the duct as to start and support a fire. Come on. We shouldn’t even have to talk about this one. Change you filters, clean your system. This one comes up all the time, came up during the writing of the article. It was cheaper to replace fan and duct that to clean it. You can’t use explosives to clean the duct, remember #1, explosions produce sparks. Fire # 3 A painter smoking a cigarette and flushing solvent, from an electrostatic gun in to an ungrounded trash container. Boom! Painter only lost the hair on his arm and only almost set the building on fire. The flames reached to the truss at 40 ft in the air. Today I can only hope he is not texting, smoking, flushing solvent, etc… You know, texting will get you in trouble these days. [I was asked by the editor to clarify this one, as I was trying to keep this entertaining I left out some details and standards. First you don’t flush solvent into the trash container (even if it was grounded, this was funny), yes even though the paper, cardboard, and wood help soak up the solvents. Yes, that’s what they told me that day. Reality, By the Standard- Flush only into the proper containers for disposing of solvents and keep all items properly grounded. (The other funny part was texting will get you in trouble. What the funny part was, was texting is nothing compared to burning down the factory. Oh well, let’s move on.) [image]Fire # 4 The next painter involved with solvent, spray guns, and cleaning technique did burn down the factory. The gun was covered in solvent, flushed and atomized into the booth, and to top it off, with the power on. That’s #2 in the list of Electrostatic Systems fire causes. Nothing funny here, it took eight years for this one to work its way through the court system. The electrostatic paint gun manufacturer was found not guilty. No one was hurt but millions of dollars were lost. Fire # 5 And last but not least. The installer of the new sprinkler system dropped a hot bit of metal from the drill bit into the lacquer dust in the dirty, dirty booth. What an exciting day. Those Firefighters really earned their money, and our respect! They were good too. They could not save the finishing shop, but they saved the rest of the building. Those fire trucks have a nice paint job! They are our customer. Very safety conscious. This fire could have been avoided by keeping the area clean  or by at least cleaning before work started. I stress these.  Lets do the math. Flammable materials in the air (explosive) + dirty build up (fuel and impairment to fire extinguishers) + a spark (source if ignition) = Fire. The above stories are true. No one was hurt. That is the only reason we can chuckle a little. But two of those losses were over $1,000,000 each. Powder Coating is typically a safer operation. Please read below: NFPA 33 D.1.3 - Powder Coating Loss experience indicates that where provisions of this standard were followed the typical fire of a powder system was confined to the powder spray pattern of the guns when the powder supplies shut off, burning stops Losses resulting in greater damage have occurred when the powder supply was not immediately shut off Guess what happens when you don’t do these things? Covering up the UV Spark detector isn’t really a good idea. I am going to keep you in suspense. Read NFPA D.1.3.1 and D.1.3.2.  These sections have the words; "Ignition, Fireball, Burning, and Substantial Damage." So understand safety, the correct standards, and the correct procedures also. Understand the reasons why these fires occur. As stated earlier, standards are subject to interpretation. Also remember that the local authority having jurisdiction may require further prevention methods. How strict they are may depend on your past safety record and your safety record will also impact your insurance costs. Visit the websites for the International Code Council (www.iccsafe.org) and the National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org) for more information and access to the standards and codes. Follow the safety list on the equipment you have purchased, train your personnel properly, and don’t let down your guard. Here's wishing you safe finishing! By Marty Powell, Industrial Territory Manager, Global Finishing Solutions   By Marty Powell, Industrial Territory Manager, Global Finishing Solutions [image]When I was first asked to write an article on Fire Safety Standards for Spray Booths, I thought it was because someone had seen the various presentations at the coatings shows and thought they had discovered a cure for insomnia. I checked with the American Medical Association, and was informed that boring articles had been putting people to sleep since the written word originated. If you have experienced a factory fire, or any disastrous fire, you might not find this so boring, and maybe slightly informative. The goal of this article is not to simply go down the list of requirements in the standards. If you are involved in the finishing industry, you take the time necessary to get informed of the correct standards. These should not be seen as a restriction on your ability to produce, or a way to take your hard earned profits for some arbitrary rules. These standards have been written in response to events that have happened, and to prevent other similar events that we know could occur. As you know, standards are subject to interpretation. Also remember that the local authority having jurisdiction may require further prevention methods. You need to know these codes to understand these interpretations, and to argue your points if necessary. Safety is paramount to human involvement in any dangerous activity. In the finishing industry we deal with areas in factories that spray flammable coatings and produce explosive environments. These are atomized liquids or solvents, high concentrations of powders, or dusts. Should a source of ignition be introduced to this atmosphere, the potential for fire is very high. The governing safety codes and standards are the the International Fire Code (IFC) and NFPA 33 Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials.  These documents refer to other codes and standards such as the International Building Code (IBC), NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and the National Electric Code (NEC).In this article we will review information that is in NFPA 33. To help users understand the reasons for the standard, NFPA 33 contains annex material (see NFPA 33 Annex D Fire Record) Below are direct quotes from this section: Leading Causes of Fire in Conventional Systems (Air Spray, HVLP, Airless,…)  Use a spark producing equipment such as cutting, welding, and grinding near the spray area.  Friction in most cases by overheated bearings on the exhaust fan or by rubbing of exhaust fan blades against the overspray deposits on the wall of the duct.  Arcing electrical equipment Spontaneous combustion Discharge of static electricity Leading Cause of Fires in Electrostatic Spray Operations Ungrounded or improperly grounded objects 
in the spray area Failure to fully discharge equipment before cleaning Pinholes leaks in the paint tubing to the 
spray gun Other causes similar to conventional systems such as smoking and cutting and welding The two lists above are certainly good places to start. The NFPA and OSHA are concerned about safety; you and I need to be concerned also. The quality of the final finish, however, is not their concern. A good finish requires a clean area and higher air velocities than the bare minimums for safety. The velocities used in spray booths today are well above the minimums for fire safety. A good review of this was provided in Metal Finishing Magazine, "Painting Problem Solver", February 2010 issue. Story Time: [image]Fire #1 A business associate was fixing a booth that had only been test sprayed in, but not production painting. The fire watch guy showed up with water buckets and fire extinguishers. “Yeah, Yeah great! Just stand over there. No big deal.”  Ten minutes later they had used everything available to put out the fire, plus running to get more. Things were scorched. But all was ok. It was interesting to hear his story because he was waving his arms and very excited. He didn’t have fun that day, and today, looks at fire safety differently. Fire # 2 There is so much overspray inside the duct as to start and support a fire. Come on. We shouldn’t even have to talk about this one. Change you filters, clean your system. This one comes up all the time, came up during the writing of the article. It was cheaper to replace fan and duct that to clean it. You can’t use explosives to clean the duct, remember #1, explosions produce sparks. Fire # 3 A painter smoking a cigarette and flushing solvent, from an electrostatic gun in to an ungrounded trash container. Boom! Painter only lost the hair on his arm and only almost set the building on fire. The flames reached to the truss at 40 ft in the air. Today I can only hope he is not texting, smoking, flushing solvent, etc… You know, texting will get you in trouble these days. [I was asked by the editor to clarify this one, as I was trying to keep this entertaining I left out some details and standards. First you don’t flush solvent into the trash container (even if it was grounded, this was funny), yes even though the paper, cardboard, and wood help soak up the solvents. Yes, that’s what they told me that day. Reality, By the Standard- Flush only into the proper containers for disposing of solvents and keep all items properly grounded. (The other funny part was texting will get you in trouble. What the funny part was, was texting is nothing compared to burning down the factory. Oh well, let’s move on.) [image]Fire # 4 The next painter involved with solvent, spray guns, and cleaning technique did burn down the factory. The gun was covered in solvent, flushed and atomized into the booth, and to top it off, with the power on. That’s #2 in the list of Electrostatic Systems fire causes. Nothing funny here, it took eight years for this one to work its way through the court system. The electrostatic paint gun manufacturer was found not guilty. No one was hurt but millions of dollars were lost. Fire # 5 And last but not least. The installer of the new sprinkler system dropped a hot bit of metal from the drill bit into the lacquer dust in the dirty, dirty booth. What an exciting day. Those Firefighters really earned their money, and our respect! They were good too. They could not save the finishing shop, but they saved the rest of the building. Those fire trucks have a nice paint job! They are our customer. Very safety conscious. This fire could have been avoided by keeping the area clean  or by at least cleaning before work started. I stress these.  Lets do the math. Flammable materials in the air (explosive) + dirty build up (fuel and impairment to fire extinguishers) + a spark (source if ignition) = Fire. The above stories are true. No one was hurt. That is the only reason we can chuckle a little. But two of those losses were over $1,000,000 each. Powder Coating is typically a safer operation. Please read below: NFPA 33 D.1.3 - Powder Coating Loss experience indicates that where provisions of this standard were followed the typical fire of a powder system was confined to the powder spray pattern of the guns when the powder supplies shut off, burning stops Losses resulting in greater damage have occurred when the powder supply was not immediately shut off Guess what happens when you don’t do these things? Covering up the UV Spark detector isn’t really a good idea. I am going to keep you in suspense. Read NFPA D.1.3.1 and D.1.3.2.  These sections have the words; "Ignition, Fireball, Burning, and Substantial Damage." So understand safety, the correct standards, and the correct procedures also. Understand the reasons why these fires occur. As stated earlier, standards are subject to interpretation. Also remember that the local authority having jurisdiction may require further prevention methods. How strict they are may depend on your past safety record and your safety record will also impact your insurance costs. Visit the websites for the International Code Council (www.iccsafe.org) and the National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org) for more information and access to the standards and codes. Follow the safety list on the equipment you have purchased, train your personnel properly, and don’t let down your guard. Here's wishing you safe finishing! By Marty Powell, Industrial Territory Manager, Global Finishing Solutions Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:19:08 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Fire-Codes-38-Paint-Booth-Safety-Stories-from-the-Field/blog/4994354/31710.html fochsml 2011-08-03T20:19:08Z AutoPro Workshop   By Marty Powell, Industrial Territory Manager, Global Finishing Solutions [image]When I was first asked to write an article on Fire Safety Standards for Spray Booths, I thought it was because someone had seen the various presentations at the coatings shows and thought they had discovered a cure for insomnia. I checked with the American Medical Association, and was informed that boring articles had been putting people to sleep since the written word originated. If you have experienced a factory fire, or any disastrous fire, you might not find this so boring, and maybe slightly informative. The goal of this article is not to simply go down the list of requirements in the standards. If you are involved in the finishing industry, you take the time necessary to get informed of the correct standards. These should not be seen as a restriction on your ability to produce, or a way to take your hard earned profits for some arbitrary rules. These standards have been written in response to events that have happened, and to prevent other similar events that we know could occur. As you know, standards are subject to interpretation. Also remember that the local authority having jurisdiction may require further prevention methods. You need to know these codes to understand these interpretations, and to argue your points if necessary. Safety is paramount to human involvement in any dangerous activity. In the finishing industry we deal with areas in factories that spray flammable coatings and produce explosive environments. These are atomized liquids or solvents, high concentrations of powders, or dusts. Should a source of ignition be introduced to this atmosphere, the potential for fire is very high. The governing safety codes and standards are the the International Fire Code (IFC) and NFPA 33 Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials.  These documents refer to other codes and standards such as the International Building Code (IBC), NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and the National Electric Code (NEC).In this article we will review information that is in NFPA 33. To help users understand the reasons for the standard, NFPA 33 contains annex material (see NFPA 33 Annex D Fire Record) Below are direct quotes from this section: Leading Causes of Fire in Conventional Systems (Air Spray, HVLP, Airless,…)  Use a spark producing equipment such as cutting, welding, and grinding near the spray area.  Friction in most cases by overheated bearings on the exhaust fan or by rubbing of exhaust fan blades against the overspray deposits on the wall of the duct.  Arcing electrical equipment Spontaneous combustion Discharge of static electricity Leading Cause of Fires in Electrostatic Spray Operations Ungrounded or improperly grounded objects 
in the spray area Failure to fully discharge equipment before cleaning Pinholes leaks in the paint tubing to the 
spray gun Other causes similar to conventional systems such as smoking and cutting and welding The two lists above are certainly good places to start. The NFPA and OSHA are concerned about safety; you and I need to be concerned also. The quality of the final finish, however, is not their concern. A good finish requires a clean area and higher air velocities than the bare minimums for safety. The velocities used in spray booths today are well above the minimums for fire safety. A good review of this was provided in Metal Finishing Magazine, "Painting Problem Solver", February 2010 issue. Story Time: [image]Fire #1 A business associate was fixing a booth that had only been test sprayed in, but not production painting. The fire watch guy showed up with water buckets and fire extinguishers. “Yeah, Yeah great! Just stand over there. No big deal.”  Ten minutes later they had used everything available to put out the fire, plus running to get more. Things were scorched. But all was ok. It was interesting to hear his story because he was waving his arms and very excited. He didn’t have fun that day, and today, looks at fire safety differently. Fire # 2 There is so much overspray inside the duct as to start and support a fire. Come on. We shouldn’t even have to talk about this one. Change you filters, clean your system. This one comes up all the time, came up during the writing of the article. It was cheaper to replace fan and duct that to clean it. You can’t use explosives to clean the duct, remember #1, explosions produce sparks. Fire # 3 A painter smoking a cigarette and flushing solvent, from an electrostatic gun in to an ungrounded trash container. Boom! Painter only lost the hair on his arm and only almost set the building on fire. The flames reached to the truss at 40 ft in the air. Today I can only hope he is not texting, smoking, flushing solvent, etc… You know, texting will get you in trouble these days. [I was asked by the editor to clarify this one, as I was trying to keep this entertaining I left out some details and standards. First you don’t flush solvent into the trash container (even if it was grounded, this was funny), yes even though the paper, cardboard, and wood help soak up the solvents. Yes, that’s what they told me that day. Reality, By the Standard- Flush only into the proper containers for disposing of solvents and keep all items properly grounded. (The other funny part was texting will get you in trouble. What the funny part was, was texting is nothing compared to burning down the factory. Oh well, let’s move on.) [image]Fire # 4 The next painter involved with solvent, spray guns, and cleaning technique did burn down the factory. The gun was covered in solvent, flushed and atomized into the booth, and to top it off, with the power on. That’s #2 in the list of Electrostatic Systems fire causes. Nothing funny here, it took eight years for this one to work its way through the court system. The electrostatic paint gun manufacturer was found not guilty. No one was hurt but millions of dollars were lost. Fire # 5 And last but not least. The installer of the new sprinkler system dropped a hot bit of metal from the drill bit into the lacquer dust in the dirty, dirty booth. What an exciting day. Those Firefighters really earned their money, and our respect! They were good too. They could not save the finishing shop, but they saved the rest of the building. Those fire trucks have a nice paint job! They are our customer. Very safety conscious. This fire could have been avoided by keeping the area clean  or by at least cleaning before work started. I stress these.  Lets do the math. Flammable materials in the air (explosive) + dirty build up (fuel and impairment to fire extinguishers) + a spark (source if ignition) = Fire. The above stories are true. No one was hurt. That is the only reason we can chuckle a little. But two of those losses were over $1,000,000 each. Powder Coating is typically a safer operation. Please read below: NFPA 33 D.1.3 - Powder Coating Loss experience indicates that where provisions of this standard were followed the typical fire of a powder system was confined to the powder spray pattern of the guns when the powder supplies shut off, burning stops Losses resulting in greater damage have occurred when the powder supply was not immediately shut off Guess what happens when you don’t do these things? Covering up the UV Spark detector isn’t really a good idea. I am going to keep you in suspense. Read NFPA D.1.3.1 and D.1.3.2.  These sections have the words; "Ignition, Fireball, Burning, and Substantial Damage." So understand safety, the correct standards, and the correct procedures also. Understand the reasons why these fires occur. As stated earlier, standards are subject to interpretation. Also remember that the local authority having jurisdiction may require further prevention methods. How strict they are may depend on your past safety record and your safety record will also impact your insurance costs. Visit the websites for the International Code Council (www.iccsafe.org) and the National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org) for more information and access to the standards and codes. Follow the safety list on the equipment you have purchased, train your personnel properly, and don’t let down your guard. Here's wishing you safe finishing! By Marty Powell, Industrial Territory Manager, Global Finishing Solutions fire codes, paint booth, paint booth safety, paint booths, safety nonadult false Fire Codes & Paint Booth Safety - Stories from the Field text blog fire codes,paint booth,paint booth safety,paint booths,safety 1377 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 1 0 4994354 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Firefighter/photo/14673427/31710.html Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:16:45 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Firefighter/photo/14673427/31710.html fochsml 2011-08-03T20:16:45Z AutoPro Workshop nonadult false Firefighter photo 1312 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 14673427 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Stack-of-Books/photo/14673425/31710.html Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:15:33 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Stack-of-Books/photo/14673425/31710.html fochsml 2011-08-03T20:15:33Z AutoPro Workshop nonadult false Stack of Books photo 1258 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 14673425 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Fire-Alarm/photo/14673421/31710.html Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:14:03 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Fire-Alarm/photo/14673421/31710.html fochsml 2011-08-03T20:14:03Z AutoPro Workshop nonadult false Fire Alarm photo 1275 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 14673421 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Wave-splash/photo/14477824/31710.html Tue, 12 Jul 2011 02:24:50 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Wave-splash/photo/14477824/31710.html fochsml 2011-07-12T02:24:50Z AutoPro Workshop nonadult false Wave splash photo 693 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 14477824 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Choosing-a-Cost-Effective-Paint-Booth-Filter/blog/4815327/31710.html   By: Mike Snow Filter Sales Manager at GFS [image]What makes a paint booth filter cost effective? Long life? Efficiency rating? Ease of installation? Low purchase price? Low initial resistance? Compliance compatibility? The answer is “all of the above”. Seems simple enough, but if that’s all it takes, why doesn’t everyone have an effective system? In reality, it’s seldom that easy to achieve “all of the above” with a single pass filtration system. Each application, each type of coating material, and each operator of a system, create changes that affect the performance of filters. The right blend of science and deductive reasoning that encompass the application of a filter technology, in a source capture operation, can be a frustrating endeavor. It is best to evaluate the application parameters and determine a filtration product, or system, that best meets the requirements of “all of the above”?  The first step necessary to accomplish this task is to understand how the filter’s performance is affected by variations in the coating material and the process. Certain filtration products work better on certain coatings, but must remain within the performance envelope of the original equipment with regard to resistance to airflow and efficiency. Aftermarket filter suppliers, typically provide replacement products with the “me too” method. In effect, the equivalent products to those originally equipped with the spray booth, or currently in use, become the replacements. But, if that is correct; how does one determine if a replacement is truly, equivalent?  COATING CHARACTERISTICS The characteristics of the coating material that most affect filter life and performance, also dictate the type of delivery system that is required. Viscosity, solids content, and curing method will be varied, and the type of equipment required to apply the coating must be compatible with the coating material. This creates a multitude of variations that can effect the selection of a source capture, overspray removal system. But let’s not lose sight of the primary purpose of the role a filter plays, and that is to protect the fan and exhaust system from overspray build-up while this equipment performs the task of removing harmful vapors from the coating booth. [image]Identifying the characteristics of the coating material is the logical starting point. Although, there are several aspects of a coating material that directly affect filter performance, viscosity has a large role. Viscosity dictates how a coating is atomized for application.  Atomization consequently, dictates how dense, or open, a filter’s fiber matrix must be to yield maximum performance from the paint arrestor. Too dense, and the efficiency may be acceptable but the service life is unacceptable. Open the fiber matrix to extend the service life, and the diminished efficiency leads to bleed-through that would create excessive fugitive emissions. In turn, that would contaminate the plenum, fan and stack, possibly leading to the discharge of pollutants into the atmosphere. Curing methods also categorize coating materials in the way source capture occurs. Thermo-reactive, or UV-reactive coatings, and air-dry coatings will load differently.  Thermo-reactive and UV-reactive coatings remain uncured, and therefore demonstrate adhesive characteristics when sprayed. When pulled into a filter media, these types of coatings readily adhere to the fiber matrix and once captured, remain so until the combination of over-saturation and pressure causes the coating to pass through the media. Air dry coatings may set up while entrained in the air stream or, after contact with the filter media. If “dry” when reaching the filter media, paint droplets may “bounce” off of the fibers and continue to migrate through the media until impinged, or strained by the fiber matrix. Air dry coatings that reach the filter media, and then dry, tend to load up on the “face” of the filter and will eventually “face-load” the media without any significant penetration through the fiber matrix. In conjunction with curing method, the chemical composition of some air-dry coatings may pose a combustion hazard. Volatile organic compounds, or VOC’s, generally off-gas from liquid coatings in vapor form. When sufficient airflow does not dilute these emissions, heat energy can build up and create combustion of the coating material. Coatings that share this trait pose a consideration in the filter system operation, not only in the type of filtration to employ, but also how often a filter should be changed. Leaving saturated filters in the frames when the exhaust airflow is shut down may cause a fire hazard. Since a potential hazard exists from combustion, how it’s disposed is also a concern. In spray-to-waste powder coating systems, the powder is usually applied electro-statically. The powder coat material that does not adhere and becomes an overspray will behave like an air dry coating. As such, powder coat materials are subject to “particle bounce” as in the case of air dry coatings above, where the paint droplet literally can contact a filter fiber and bounce off, or around the fiber, until it is impinged in the paint arrestor. Typically, tackified filter media is utilized for this type of coating, and also for air dry coatings that may cure while entrained in the air stream. Although powder coatings are typically a large diameter particle, the overspray can contain particles below 5 micrometers. If this type of system discharges back into the general plant atmosphere, HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters would be required as the final filter, and perhaps three stages of filters might be required to remove the overspray in a cost effective manner. REMOVAL EFFICIENCY [image]Coating characteristics have an impact on filter performance, regardless of the operation. The coating material, however, represents only one part of the knowledge required to apply the most effective filter system. The performance efficiency of the filter must be determined for proper selection, especially when a multi-stage filtration system is in use. The most commonly accepted performance evaluation for a paint arrestor is a paint “arrestance test”. In this test, the subject filter, or filter combination, is sprayed with a liquid coating material usually a high-solids, enamel. This coating can be any type supplied for the test, but when not specified, a 62%, high-solids has become the default coating. While this can be used to establish comparative performance for like products, attention must be given to variables that occur between the test coating and the coating material in actual use in a given application. Test coatings seldom simulate the coatings used in actual applications. Therefore, testing the actual coating material is the only accurate way of gauging the true performance of a paint arrestor.  The same can be said for using the efficiency from a test as the expected efficiency from that filter in an actual application. For instance, a filter tested on 62% high solids enamel will have a different efficiency when installed in an application using a coating material reduced to 30% solids. Penetration through the primary filter would be greater, arrestance efficiency would be lower and increased stack contamination and fugitive emissions could be the result. Current regulations dictate that a filter should demonstrate an “Average Arrestance” efficiency of at least 98% using a 62% high solids coating as the test material. Local and regional environmental enforcement agencies typically accept the documented, independent, test reports as legitimate proof of the performance of a given collection media. Efficiency is often misapplied as a measure of filter performance. Efficiency for paint arrestors is usually the “arrestance” efficiency, or the holding capacity of a filter. The recorded weight of all paint sprayed is accumulated as paint held by the filter, paint that may run off the filter on the ductwork and framing, and paint that penetrates the test filter and is held in the final filter. The weight of the coating material retained by the filter is determined simply by weighing the clean filter device, the final filter devices and subtracting that weight from the final loaded weights of the filters. This is the “paint holding capacity” of the test filter. The combined weight gain of those two filters is subtracted from the total weight sprayed to determine the runoff. Arrestance is the value obtained by dividing the weight gain of the test filter by the sum of the test filter and final filter weight gain. This percentage is referred to as “paint arrestance efficiency”.  Efficiency can also be a measure of the ability of a filter to remove paint droplets by average dimensional size. This is the “fractional efficiency” of a paint arrestor, and is of equal or even greater importance, depending upon the application and the type of coating material. According to information from the Research Triangle Institute, penetration size varies with the type of pre-filtration, the type of coating material in use, and the deliver equipment. In their study, the initial downstream particle size distribution values varied from 1.6 – 28 micrometers, in mean average diameter, after passing through various pre-filter mediums. What does all of this information do to assist us determining the most cost effective type of filtration for a coating operation? It means filter suppliers must have a command of performance differences between available filtration products, and the ability to apply these products correctly in a variety of coating applications. It also means that a greater level of awareness is required for the decision makers responsible for managing a coating operation. At GFS we understand coating applications, and the performance of the filtration used in all of our equipment. Our primary goal is to ensure that every GFS spray booth is designed to be compliant with existing regulations, utilize filtration that exceeds industry expectations for performance and is capable of providing cost-effective filtration that protects both the operators of our spray booths and the environment. by: Mike Snow Filter Sales Manager at GFS   By: Mike Snow Filter Sales Manager at GFS [image]What makes a paint booth filter cost effective? Long life? Efficiency rating? Ease of installation? Low purchase price? Low initial resistance? Compliance compatibility? The answer is “all of the above”. Seems simple enough, but if that’s all it takes, why doesn’t everyone have an effective system? In reality, it’s seldom that easy to achieve “all of the above” with a single pass filtration system. Each application, each type of coating material, and each operator of a system, create changes that affect the performance of filters. The right blend of science and deductive reasoning that encompass the application of a filter technology, in a source capture operation, can be a frustrating endeavor. It is best to evaluate the application parameters and determine a filtration product, or system, that best meets the requirements of “all of the above”?  The first step necessary to accomplish this task is to understand how the filter’s performance is affected by variations in the coating material and the process. Certain filtration products work better on certain coatings, but must remain within the performance envelope of the original equipment with regard to resistance to airflow and efficiency. Aftermarket filter suppliers, typically provide replacement products with the “me too” method. In effect, the equivalent products to those originally equipped with the spray booth, or currently in use, become the replacements. But, if that is correct; how does one determine if a replacement is truly, equivalent?  COATING CHARACTERISTICS The characteristics of the coating material that most affect filter life and performance, also dictate the type of delivery system that is required. Viscosity, solids content, and curing method will be varied, and the type of equipment required to apply the coating must be compatible with the coating material. This creates a multitude of variations that can effect the selection of a source capture, overspray removal system. But let’s not lose sight of the primary purpose of the role a filter plays, and that is to protect the fan and exhaust system from overspray build-up while this equipment performs the task of removing harmful vapors from the coating booth. [image]Identifying the characteristics of the coating material is the logical starting point. Although, there are several aspects of a coating material that directly affect filter performance, viscosity has a large role. Viscosity dictates how a coating is atomized for application.  Atomization consequently, dictates how dense, or open, a filter’s fiber matrix must be to yield maximum performance from the paint arrestor. Too dense, and the efficiency may be acceptable but the service life is unacceptable. Open the fiber matrix to extend the service life, and the diminished efficiency leads to bleed-through that would create excessive fugitive emissions. In turn, that would contaminate the plenum, fan and stack, possibly leading to the discharge of pollutants into the atmosphere. Curing methods also categorize coating materials in the way source capture occurs. Thermo-reactive, or UV-reactive coatings, and air-dry coatings will load differently.  Thermo-reactive and UV-reactive coatings remain uncured, and therefore demonstrate adhesive characteristics when sprayed. When pulled into a filter media, these types of coatings readily adhere to the fiber matrix and once captured, remain so until the combination of over-saturation and pressure causes the coating to pass through the media. Air dry coatings may set up while entrained in the air stream or, after contact with the filter media. If “dry” when reaching the filter media, paint droplets may “bounce” off of the fibers and continue to migrate through the media until impinged, or strained by the fiber matrix. Air dry coatings that reach the filter media, and then dry, tend to load up on the “face” of the filter and will eventually “face-load” the media without any significant penetration through the fiber matrix. In conjunction with curing method, the chemical composition of some air-dry coatings may pose a combustion hazard. Volatile organic compounds, or VOC’s, generally off-gas from liquid coatings in vapor form. When sufficient airflow does not dilute these emissions, heat energy can build up and create combustion of the coating material. Coatings that share this trait pose a consideration in the filter system operation, not only in the type of filtration to employ, but also how often a filter should be changed. Leaving saturated filters in the frames when the exhaust airflow is shut down may cause a fire hazard. Since a potential hazard exists from combustion, how it’s disposed is also a concern. In spray-to-waste powder coating systems, the powder is usually applied electro-statically. The powder coat material that does not adhere and becomes an overspray will behave like an air dry coating. As such, powder coat materials are subject to “particle bounce” as in the case of air dry coatings above, where the paint droplet literally can contact a filter fiber and bounce off, or around the fiber, until it is impinged in the paint arrestor. Typically, tackified filter media is utilized for this type of coating, and also for air dry coatings that may cure while entrained in the air stream. Although powder coatings are typically a large diameter particle, the overspray can contain particles below 5 micrometers. If this type of system discharges back into the general plant atmosphere, HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters would be required as the final filter, and perhaps three stages of filters might be required to remove the overspray in a cost effective manner. REMOVAL EFFICIENCY [image]Coating characteristics have an impact on filter performance, regardless of the operation. The coating material, however, represents only one part of the knowledge required to apply the most effective filter system. The performance efficiency of the filter must be determined for proper selection, especially when a multi-stage filtration system is in use. The most commonly accepted performance evaluation for a paint arrestor is a paint “arrestance test”. In this test, the subject filter, or filter combination, is sprayed with a liquid coating material usually a high-solids, enamel. This coating can be any type supplied for the test, but when not specified, a 62%, high-solids has become the default coating. While this can be used to establish comparative performance for like products, attention must be given to variables that occur between the test coating and the coating material in actual use in a given application. Test coatings seldom simulate the coatings used in actual applications. Therefore, testing the actual coating material is the only accurate way of gauging the true performance of a paint arrestor.  The same can be said for using the efficiency from a test as the expected efficiency from that filter in an actual application. For instance, a filter tested on 62% high solids enamel will have a different efficiency when installed in an application using a coating material reduced to 30% solids. Penetration through the primary filter would be greater, arrestance efficiency would be lower and increased stack contamination and fugitive emissions could be the result. Current regulations dictate that a filter should demonstrate an “Average Arrestance” efficiency of at least 98% using a 62% high solids coating as the test material. Local and regional environmental enforcement agencies typically accept the documented, independent, test reports as legitimate proof of the performance of a given collection media. Efficiency is often misapplied as a measure of filter performance. Efficiency for paint arrestors is usually the “arrestance” efficiency, or the holding capacity of a filter. The recorded weight of all paint sprayed is accumulated as paint held by the filter, paint that may run off the filter on the ductwork and framing, and paint that penetrates the test filter and is held in the final filter. The weight of the coating material retained by the filter is determined simply by weighing the clean filter device, the final filter devices and subtracting that weight from the final loaded weights of the filters. This is the “paint holding capacity” of the test filter. The combined weight gain of those two filters is subtracted from the total weight sprayed to determine the runoff. Arrestance is the value obtained by dividing the weight gain of the test filter by the sum of the test filter and final filter weight gain. This percentage is referred to as “paint arrestance efficiency”.  Efficiency can also be a measure of the ability of a filter to remove paint droplets by average dimensional size. This is the “fractional efficiency” of a paint arrestor, and is of equal or even greater importance, depending upon the application and the type of coating material. According to information from the Research Triangle Institute, penetration size varies with the type of pre-filtration, the type of coating material in use, and the deliver equipment. In their study, the initial downstream particle size distribution values varied from 1.6 – 28 micrometers, in mean average diameter, after passing through various pre-filter mediums. What does all of this information do to assist us determining the most cost effective type of filtration for a coating operation? It means filter suppliers must have a command of performance differences between available filtration products, and the ability to apply these products correctly in a variety of coating applications. It also means that a greater level of awareness is required for the decision makers responsible for managing a coating operation. At GFS we understand coating applications, and the performance of the filtration used in all of our equipment. Our primary goal is to ensure that every GFS spray booth is designed to be compliant with existing regulations, utilize filtration that exceeds industry expectations for performance and is capable of providing cost-effective filtration that protects both the operators of our spray booths and the environment. by: Mike Snow Filter Sales Manager at GFS Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:51:30 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Choosing-a-Cost-Effective-Paint-Booth-Filter/blog/4815327/31710.html fochsml 2011-07-11T18:51:30Z AutoPro Workshop   By: Mike Snow Filter Sales Manager at GFS [image]What makes a paint booth filter cost effective? Long life? Efficiency rating? Ease of installation? Low purchase price? Low initial resistance? Compliance compatibility? The answer is “all of the above”. Seems simple enough, but if that’s all it takes, why doesn’t everyone have an effective system? In reality, it’s seldom that easy to achieve “all of the above” with a single pass filtration system. Each application, each type of coating material, and each operator of a system, create changes that affect the performance of filters. The right blend of science and deductive reasoning that encompass the application of a filter technology, in a source capture operation, can be a frustrating endeavor. It is best to evaluate the application parameters and determine a filtration product, or system, that best meets the requirements of “all of the above”?  The first step necessary to accomplish this task is to understand how the filter’s performance is affected by variations in the coating material and the process. Certain filtration products work better on certain coatings, but must remain within the performance envelope of the original equipment with regard to resistance to airflow and efficiency. Aftermarket filter suppliers, typically provide replacement products with the “me too” method. In effect, the equivalent products to those originally equipped with the spray booth, or currently in use, become the replacements. But, if that is correct; how does one determine if a replacement is truly, equivalent?  COATING CHARACTERISTICS The characteristics of the coating material that most affect filter life and performance, also dictate the type of delivery system that is required. Viscosity, solids content, and curing method will be varied, and the type of equipment required to apply the coating must be compatible with the coating material. This creates a multitude of variations that can effect the selection of a source capture, overspray removal system. But let’s not lose sight of the primary purpose of the role a filter plays, and that is to protect the fan and exhaust system from overspray build-up while this equipment performs the task of removing harmful vapors from the coating booth. [image]Identifying the characteristics of the coating material is the logical starting point. Although, there are several aspects of a coating material that directly affect filter performance, viscosity has a large role. Viscosity dictates how a coating is atomized for application.  Atomization consequently, dictates how dense, or open, a filter’s fiber matrix must be to yield maximum performance from the paint arrestor. Too dense, and the efficiency may be acceptable but the service life is unacceptable. Open the fiber matrix to extend the service life, and the diminished efficiency leads to bleed-through that would create excessive fugitive emissions. In turn, that would contaminate the plenum, fan and stack, possibly leading to the discharge of pollutants into the atmosphere. Curing methods also categorize coating materials in the way source capture occurs. Thermo-reactive, or UV-reactive coatings, and air-dry coatings will load differently.  Thermo-reactive and UV-reactive coatings remain uncured, and therefore demonstrate adhesive characteristics when sprayed. When pulled into a filter media, these types of coatings readily adhere to the fiber matrix and once captured, remain so until the combination of over-saturation and pressure causes the coating to pass through the media. Air dry coatings may set up while entrained in the air stream or, after contact with the filter media. If “dry” when reaching the filter media, paint droplets may “bounce” off of the fibers and continue to migrate through the media until impinged, or strained by the fiber matrix. Air dry coatings that reach the filter media, and then dry, tend to load up on the “face” of the filter and will eventually “face-load” the media without any significant penetration through the fiber matrix. In conjunction with curing method, the chemical composition of some air-dry coatings may pose a combustion hazard. Volatile organic compounds, or VOC’s, generally off-gas from liquid coatings in vapor form. When sufficient airflow does not dilute these emissions, heat energy can build up and create combustion of the coating material. Coatings that share this trait pose a consideration in the filter system operation, not only in the type of filtration to employ, but also how often a filter should be changed. Leaving saturated filters in the frames when the exhaust airflow is shut down may cause a fire hazard. Since a potential hazard exists from combustion, how it’s disposed is also a concern. In spray-to-waste powder coating systems, the powder is usually applied electro-statically. The powder coat material that does not adhere and becomes an overspray will behave like an air dry coating. As such, powder coat materials are subject to “particle bounce” as in the case of air dry coatings above, where the paint droplet literally can contact a filter fiber and bounce off, or around the fiber, until it is impinged in the paint arrestor. Typically, tackified filter media is utilized for this type of coating, and also for air dry coatings that may cure while entrained in the air stream. Although powder coatings are typically a large diameter particle, the overspray can contain particles below 5 micrometers. If this type of system discharges back into the general plant atmosphere, HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters would be required as the final filter, and perhaps three stages of filters might be required to remove the overspray in a cost effective manner. REMOVAL EFFICIENCY [image]Coating characteristics have an impact on filter performance, regardless of the operation. The coating material, however, represents only one part of the knowledge required to apply the most effective filter system. The performance efficiency of the filter must be determined for proper selection, especially when a multi-stage filtration system is in use. The most commonly accepted performance evaluation for a paint arrestor is a paint “arrestance test”. In this test, the subject filter, or filter combination, is sprayed with a liquid coating material usually a high-solids, enamel. This coating can be any type supplied for the test, but when not specified, a 62%, high-solids has become the default coating. While this can be used to establish comparative performance for like products, attention must be given to variables that occur between the test coating and the coating material in actual use in a given application. Test coatings seldom simulate the coatings used in actual applications. Therefore, testing the actual coating material is the only accurate way of gauging the true performance of a paint arrestor.  The same can be said for using the efficiency from a test as the expected efficiency from that filter in an actual application. For instance, a filter tested on 62% high solids enamel will have a different efficiency when installed in an application using a coating material reduced to 30% solids. Penetration through the primary filter would be greater, arrestance efficiency would be lower and increased stack contamination and fugitive emissions could be the result. Current regulations dictate that a filter should demonstrate an “Average Arrestance” efficiency of at least 98% using a 62% high solids coating as the test material. Local and regional environmental enforcement agencies typically accept the documented, independent, test reports as legitimate proof of the performance of a given collection media. Efficiency is often misapplied as a measure of filter performance. Efficiency for paint arrestors is usually the “arrestance” efficiency, or the holding capacity of a filter. The recorded weight of all paint sprayed is accumulated as paint held by the filter, paint that may run off the filter on the ductwork and framing, and paint that penetrates the test filter and is held in the final filter. The weight of the coating material retained by the filter is determined simply by weighing the clean filter device, the final filter devices and subtracting that weight from the final loaded weights of the filters. This is the “paint holding capacity” of the test filter. The combined weight gain of those two filters is subtracted from the total weight sprayed to determine the runoff. Arrestance is the value obtained by dividing the weight gain of the test filter by the sum of the test filter and final filter weight gain. This percentage is referred to as “paint arrestance efficiency”.  Efficiency can also be a measure of the ability of a filter to remove paint droplets by average dimensional size. This is the “fractional efficiency” of a paint arrestor, and is of equal or even greater importance, depending upon the application and the type of coating material. According to information from the Research Triangle Institute, penetration size varies with the type of pre-filtration, the type of coating material in use, and the deliver equipment. In their study, the initial downstream particle size distribution values varied from 1.6 – 28 micrometers, in mean average diameter, after passing through various pre-filter mediums. What does all of this information do to assist us determining the most cost effective type of filtration for a coating operation? It means filter suppliers must have a command of performance differences between available filtration products, and the ability to apply these products correctly in a variety of coating applications. It also means that a greater level of awareness is required for the decision makers responsible for managing a coating operation. At GFS we understand coating applications, and the performance of the filtration used in all of our equipment. Our primary goal is to ensure that every GFS spray booth is designed to be compliant with existing regulations, utilize filtration that exceeds industry expectations for performance and is capable of providing cost-effective filtration that protects both the operators of our spray booths and the environment. by: Mike Snow Filter Sales Manager at GFS filters, paint booth, paint booths, spray booth, spray booths nonadult false Choosing a Cost-Effective Paint Booth Filter text blog filters,paint booth,paint booths,spray booth,spray booths 1614 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 4815327 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_EPA-Logo/photo/14478082/31710.html Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:47:55 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_EPA-Logo/photo/14478082/31710.html fochsml 2011-07-11T18:47:55Z AutoPro Workshop emission standards, epa, paint booth, spray booth nonadult false EPA Logo photo emission standards,epa,paint booth,spray booth 1002 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 14478082 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Painter/photo/14478070/31710.html Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:46:19 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Painter/photo/14478070/31710.html fochsml 2011-07-11T18:46:19Z AutoPro Workshop paint, paint booth, painter, painting, spray booth, spraying nonadult false Painter photo paint,paint booth,painter,painting,spray booth,spraying 951 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 14478070 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Waterborne-Drying-System-Design-The-logic-behind-our-designs/blog/4815306/31710.html   [image]There are many, MANY different designs of waterborne drying systems out in the market today. Each one claims many things: fastest drying times, easiest installation, no maintenance, energy-savings, etc. While it's almost impossible to say with absolute certainty which system is ultimately the best, the better systems will be engineered with a purpose. The features that are built in to the best waterborne drying systems exist for very specific reasons, and those reasons are typically not very obvious to the end user, since they often include technology or reasoning that is not visible on the exterior of the product itself. We explained in a previous Booth Blog post the reason why an accelerated airflow system is necessary. This week, we've put together a short list of some of the prominent FAQ's that apply specifically to the GFS AdvanceCure system, and we hope that they help to explain why our system is designed in the manner that it is: 1 - Why do we pull air from inside the cabin? Simple: The air inside the cabin has already been filtered twice, and is much cleaner than outside air. In a GFS downdraft paint booth, the air is first drawn through a pre-filter located inside the heat unit, then is pushed in to the plenum where it is filtered a second time by the cabin ceiling filters. The last thing you want is dirty air spoiling the work you have just completed. Many other solutions rely on fan blades to push the air from the booth ceiling or corners and are prone to dirt build up if not thoroughly cleaned regularly. Still others draw air directly from outside the cabin, from inside the ceiling plenum, or even from your compressed air system. This adds another layer to the complexity of ensuring that the air being used by the system is clean and free of moisture and  contaminants. 2 - What about the need for heated air? Modern downdraft paint booths provide more than enough heat through the usage of direct-fired burners so that additional heat is simply not necessary or beneficial at this stage of the game, we simply choose to make better use of the heat that already exists inside the cabin. [image]The AdvanceCure system takes the existing heated air and essentially turns the booth into a giant convection oven. Using this convection principle the heated air is forced over and around the entire vehicle. The result is the entire vehicle reaches bake temperature more evenly and in much less time. In a traditional booth without AdvanceCure, the laminar air flow pushes the air down from above, heating the top of the car first and the bottom and recessed areas at a slower rate. AdvanceCure effectively solves this variance. 3 - What about the physical working space inside my booth? AdvanceCure modules sit on the sides or in the corners of the booth, out of the way of the critical working area. Other systems may reduce your working ceiling height. Beware of systems that are retrofitted into the roof and ceiling as they can essentially destroy the effectiveness of the explosion relief system. This could potentially prevent the explosion relief system from working properly in an emergency situation, leaving your employees and yourself in harms way and opens the door to financial liability. And the handheld air blower systems that run off of compressed air are usually mounted on mobile carts, which can be awkward and clumsy to move around inside a paint booth. In the midst of painting a car, it would be a hassle to be constantly having to readjust the position of that cart, or to be tripping over the extra hoses that are connected to the blowers. 4 - What about ease of use? GFS integrates the AdvanceCure controls with your booth controls to seamlessly optimize your work cycles. When integrated in to the control panel on your booth they can be programmed to automatically come on during the bake cycle. With no need for the painters to learn complicated controls or worry about remembering to turn the system on, they can concentrate on what they do best – paint. [image]In addition, the AdvanceCure system can be used one module at a time depending on what area of the vehicle you are painting. Are you just painting a bumper or quarter panel? Then simply use one or two of the modules instead of all four to save even more energy. The AdvanceCure modules are easy to manually switch on and off as needed. 5 - How long will my booth be out of commission while the system is installed? An AdvanceCure installation typically can be done in one day, in most situations. Other systems can take up to 3-4 days to complete and get your booth back into production. In the process, the significant alterations required by some other systems, such as adding ductwork into the plenum, may interfere with the effectiveness of your booth’s engineered airflow. 6 - What about maintenance? [image]Many systems have filters to change, but not all systems are designed to make this an easy process. Ideally, the filters should be located in an area that is easily accessible or they won’t get changed. In some other systems the filters are located on the roof of the booth, or even inside the ceiling plenum. But this inevitably produces the "Out of sight, Out of mind" problem, and all too often the filters are simply forgotten about. The filters in the AdvanceCure system are installed typically at eye level inside the cabin – easy to see, and easy to change. The nozzles on the AdvanceCure modules are made of high grade aluminum allowing for easy wipe-down and cleaning with solvents. 7 - Are you sure they can be installed in my paint booth? Well, even without actually seeing your booth, the answer is still pretty much a guaranteed 'yes'. We've developed several different models of AdvanceCure modules that allow us to easily customize the system based on the unique needs of your existing paint booth. We've yet to find an existing paint booth that we weren't able to install an AdvanceCure system in to, so rest assured that no matter what brand or model of paint booth you've got, we can easily retrofit an accelerated airflow system to help with your production and performance with waterborne paints. While we indeed realize that it's entirely up to the individual shop to determine which airflow system is ultimately the best choice for their needs, we hope that these answers help explain the reasoning behind the engineering and design decisions that go in to developing these systems. We're always looking at ways to improve our products, and as we hope you see from this article, we always try to approach it with a practical 'real-world' point of view.   [image]There are many, MANY different designs of waterborne drying systems out in the market today. Each one claims many things: fastest drying times, easiest installation, no maintenance, energy-savings, etc. While it's almost impossible to say with absolute certainty which system is ultimately the best, the better systems will be engineered with a purpose. The features that are built in to the best waterborne drying systems exist for very specific reasons, and those reasons are typically not very obvious to the end user, since they often include technology or reasoning that is not visible on the exterior of the product itself. We explained in a previous Booth Blog post the reason why an accelerated airflow system is necessary. This week, we've put together a short list of some of the prominent FAQ's that apply specifically to the GFS AdvanceCure system, and we hope that they help to explain why our system is designed in the manner that it is: 1 - Why do we pull air from inside the cabin? Simple: The air inside the cabin has already been filtered twice, and is much cleaner than outside air. In a GFS downdraft paint booth, the air is first drawn through a pre-filter located inside the heat unit, then is pushed in to the plenum where it is filtered a second time by the cabin ceiling filters. The last thing you want is dirty air spoiling the work you have just completed. Many other solutions rely on fan blades to push the air from the booth ceiling or corners and are prone to dirt build up if not thoroughly cleaned regularly. Still others draw air directly from outside the cabin, from inside the ceiling plenum, or even from your compressed air system. This adds another layer to the complexity of ensuring that the air being used by the system is clean and free of moisture and  contaminants. 2 - What about the need for heated air? Modern downdraft paint booths provide more than enough heat through the usage of direct-fired burners so that additional heat is simply not necessary or beneficial at this stage of the game, we simply choose to make better use of the heat that already exists inside the cabin. [image]The AdvanceCure system takes the existing heated air and essentially turns the booth into a giant convection oven. Using this convection principle the heated air is forced over and around the entire vehicle. The result is the entire vehicle reaches bake temperature more evenly and in much less time. In a traditional booth without AdvanceCure, the laminar air flow pushes the air down from above, heating the top of the car first and the bottom and recessed areas at a slower rate. AdvanceCure effectively solves this variance. 3 - What about the physical working space inside my booth? AdvanceCure modules sit on the sides or in the corners of the booth, out of the way of the critical working area. Other systems may reduce your working ceiling height. Beware of systems that are retrofitted into the roof and ceiling as they can essentially destroy the effectiveness of the explosion relief system. This could potentially prevent the explosion relief system from working properly in an emergency situation, leaving your employees and yourself in harms way and opens the door to financial liability. And the handheld air blower systems that run off of compressed air are usually mounted on mobile carts, which can be awkward and clumsy to move around inside a paint booth. In the midst of painting a car, it would be a hassle to be constantly having to readjust the position of that cart, or to be tripping over the extra hoses that are connected to the blowers. 4 - What about ease of use? GFS integrates the AdvanceCure controls with your booth controls to seamlessly optimize your work cycles. When integrated in to the control panel on your booth they can be programmed to automatically come on during the bake cycle. With no need for the painters to learn complicated controls or worry about remembering to turn the system on, they can concentrate on what they do best – paint. [image]In addition, the AdvanceCure system can be used one module at a time depending on what area of the vehicle you are painting. Are you just painting a bumper or quarter panel? Then simply use one or two of the modules instead of all four to save even more energy. The AdvanceCure modules are easy to manually switch on and off as needed. 5 - How long will my booth be out of commission while the system is installed? An AdvanceCure installation typically can be done in one day, in most situations. Other systems can take up to 3-4 days to complete and get your booth back into production. In the process, the significant alterations required by some other systems, such as adding ductwork into the plenum, may interfere with the effectiveness of your booth’s engineered airflow. 6 - What about maintenance? [image]Many systems have filters to change, but not all systems are designed to make this an easy process. Ideally, the filters should be located in an area that is easily accessible or they won’t get changed. In some other systems the filters are located on the roof of the booth, or even inside the ceiling plenum. But this inevitably produces the "Out of sight, Out of mind" problem, and all too often the filters are simply forgotten about. The filters in the AdvanceCure system are installed typically at eye level inside the cabin – easy to see, and easy to change. The nozzles on the AdvanceCure modules are made of high grade aluminum allowing for easy wipe-down and cleaning with solvents. 7 - Are you sure they can be installed in my paint booth? Well, even without actually seeing your booth, the answer is still pretty much a guaranteed 'yes'. We've developed several different models of AdvanceCure modules that allow us to easily customize the system based on the unique needs of your existing paint booth. We've yet to find an existing paint booth that we weren't able to install an AdvanceCure system in to, so rest assured that no matter what brand or model of paint booth you've got, we can easily retrofit an accelerated airflow system to help with your production and performance with waterborne paints. While we indeed realize that it's entirely up to the individual shop to determine which airflow system is ultimately the best choice for their needs, we hope that these answers help explain the reasoning behind the engineering and design decisions that go in to developing these systems. We're always looking at ways to improve our products, and as we hope you see from this article, we always try to approach it with a practical 'real-world' point of view. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:32:20 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Waterborne-Drying-System-Design-The-logic-behind-our-designs/blog/4815306/31710.html fochsml 2011-07-11T18:32:20Z AutoPro Workshop   [image]There are many, MANY different designs of waterborne drying systems out in the market today. Each one claims many things: fastest drying times, easiest installation, no maintenance, energy-savings, etc. While it's almost impossible to say with absolute certainty which system is ultimately the best, the better systems will be engineered with a purpose. The features that are built in to the best waterborne drying systems exist for very specific reasons, and those reasons are typically not very obvious to the end user, since they often include technology or reasoning that is not visible on the exterior of the product itself. We explained in a previous Booth Blog post the reason why an accelerated airflow system is necessary. This week, we've put together a short list of some of the prominent FAQ's that apply specifically to the GFS AdvanceCure system, and we hope that they help to explain why our system is designed in the manner that it is: 1 - Why do we pull air from inside the cabin? Simple: The air inside the cabin has already been filtered twice, and is much cleaner than outside air. In a GFS downdraft paint booth, the air is first drawn through a pre-filter located inside the heat unit, then is pushed in to the plenum where it is filtered a second time by the cabin ceiling filters. The last thing you want is dirty air spoiling the work you have just completed. Many other solutions rely on fan blades to push the air from the booth ceiling or corners and are prone to dirt build up if not thoroughly cleaned regularly. Still others draw air directly from outside the cabin, from inside the ceiling plenum, or even from your compressed air system. This adds another layer to the complexity of ensuring that the air being used by the system is clean and free of moisture and  contaminants. 2 - What about the need for heated air? Modern downdraft paint booths provide more than enough heat through the usage of direct-fired burners so that additional heat is simply not necessary or beneficial at this stage of the game, we simply choose to make better use of the heat that already exists inside the cabin. [image]The AdvanceCure system takes the existing heated air and essentially turns the booth into a giant convection oven. Using this convection principle the heated air is forced over and around the entire vehicle. The result is the entire vehicle reaches bake temperature more evenly and in much less time. In a traditional booth without AdvanceCure, the laminar air flow pushes the air down from above, heating the top of the car first and the bottom and recessed areas at a slower rate. AdvanceCure effectively solves this variance. 3 - What about the physical working space inside my booth? AdvanceCure modules sit on the sides or in the corners of the booth, out of the way of the critical working area. Other systems may reduce your working ceiling height. Beware of systems that are retrofitted into the roof and ceiling as they can essentially destroy the effectiveness of the explosion relief system. This could potentially prevent the explosion relief system from working properly in an emergency situation, leaving your employees and yourself in harms way and opens the door to financial liability. And the handheld air blower systems that run off of compressed air are usually mounted on mobile carts, which can be awkward and clumsy to move around inside a paint booth. In the midst of painting a car, it would be a hassle to be constantly having to readjust the position of that cart, or to be tripping over the extra hoses that are connected to the blowers. 4 - What about ease of use? GFS integrates the AdvanceCure controls with your booth controls to seamlessly optimize your work cycles. When integrated in to the control panel on your booth they can be programmed to automatically come on during the bake cycle. With no need for the painters to learn complicated controls or worry about remembering to turn the system on, they can concentrate on what they do best – paint. [image]In addition, the AdvanceCure system can be used one module at a time depending on what area of the vehicle you are painting. Are you just painting a bumper or quarter panel? Then simply use one or two of the modules instead of all four to save even more energy. The AdvanceCure modules are easy to manually switch on and off as needed. 5 - How long will my booth be out of commission while the system is installed? An AdvanceCure installation typically can be done in one day, in most situations. Other systems can take up to 3-4 days to complete and get your booth back into production. In the process, the significant alterations required by some other systems, such as adding ductwork into the plenum, may interfere with the effectiveness of your booth’s engineered airflow. 6 - What about maintenance? [image]Many systems have filters to change, but not all systems are designed to make this an easy process. Ideally, the filters should be located in an area that is easily accessible or they won’t get changed. In some other systems the filters are located on the roof of the booth, or even inside the ceiling plenum. But this inevitably produces the "Out of sight, Out of mind" problem, and all too often the filters are simply forgotten about. The filters in the AdvanceCure system are installed typically at eye level inside the cabin – easy to see, and easy to change. The nozzles on the AdvanceCure modules are made of high grade aluminum allowing for easy wipe-down and cleaning with solvents. 7 - Are you sure they can be installed in my paint booth? Well, even without actually seeing your booth, the answer is still pretty much a guaranteed 'yes'. We've developed several different models of AdvanceCure modules that allow us to easily customize the system based on the unique needs of your existing paint booth. We've yet to find an existing paint booth that we weren't able to install an AdvanceCure system in to, so rest assured that no matter what brand or model of paint booth you've got, we can easily retrofit an accelerated airflow system to help with your production and performance with waterborne paints. While we indeed realize that it's entirely up to the individual shop to determine which airflow system is ultimately the best choice for their needs, we hope that these answers help explain the reasoning behind the engineering and design decisions that go in to developing these systems. We're always looking at ways to improve our products, and as we hope you see from this article, we always try to approach it with a practical 'real-world' point of view. accelerated airflow system, advancecure, cleaning, contamination, dirt, efficiency, energy savings, engineering, faq, filtration, paint booths, spray booths, temperature rise, waterborne nonadult false Waterborne Drying System Design - The logic behind our designs text blog accelerated airflow system,advancecure,cleaning,contamination,dirt,efficiency,energy savings,engineering,faq,filtration,paint booths,spray booths,temperature rise,waterborne 1953 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 2 0 4815306 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_AdvanceCure-filter/photo/14477932/31710.html Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:30:29 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_AdvanceCure-filter/photo/14477932/31710.html fochsml 2011-07-11T18:30:29Z AutoPro Workshop advancecure, control panel, filters, paint booth, spray booth nonadult false AdvanceCure filter photo advancecure,control panel,filters,paint booth,spray booth 797 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 14477932 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_AdvanceCure-Control-Panel/photo/14477912/31710.html Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:28:18 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_AdvanceCure-Control-Panel/photo/14477912/31710.html fochsml 2011-07-11T18:28:18Z AutoPro Workshop advancecure, control panel, paint booth, spray booth, waterborne drying nonadult false AdvanceCure Control Panel photo advancecure,control panel,paint booth,spray booth,waterborne drying 772 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 14477912 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_AdvanceCure/photo/14477852/31710.html Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:26:33 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_AdvanceCure/photo/14477852/31710.html fochsml 2011-07-11T18:26:33Z AutoPro Workshop advancecure, drying, paint, paint booth, waterborne nonadult false AdvanceCure photo advancecure,drying,paint,paint booth,waterborne 805 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 14477852 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Paint-Booth-Code-Compliance-What-You-Need-to-Know-and-Why/blog/4508008/31710.html This week's contribution to GFS' booth blog (http://www.gfsboothblog.com/2011/06/paint-booth-code-compliance-what-you.html) ....     [image]When it comes to buying and installing a paint booth in your facility, you really can’t just fire it up and start painting as soon as the last wall panel is in place. A very important, and often time-consuming, part of the purchasing and installation process of a spray booth is ensuring that your installation meets all of the safety and legal requirements that apply to your city, state, and country. GFS makes sure that our products meet and/or exceed all the applicable codes related to the equipment, as do several other reputable manufacturers. However there are many companies out there who only meet some, not all, of the applicable codes, so it's crucial to understand whether there will be modifications to the equipment that need to be made during the installation process in order for the finished equipment to be safe to operate. Why all the hassle? On the surface, it appears to simply be extra time, hassle and money involved with acquiring permits and passing inspections. An important thing to remember is that there are very specific reasons why these regulations were put into place. If incorrectly installed, operated and/or maintained, a spray booth could be a potentially dangerous piece of equipment. Fires can and do take place when a booth is handled carelessly and improperly. This may result in worker injuries, booth and/or building damage, and large fines. As we can see, it’s clearly important that we all abide by these regulations. [image]Where do I start? When it comes to codes and permits, requirements will depend on where you live. As Marty Powell, one of GFS' Industrial territory sales managers, says, “Code compliance is a very 'local' thing.” The authority having jurisdiction is key. This could be the city, county or state, and many times all three. Local governments usually select one of the following codes as the primary guiding code for referencing paint booth requirements. Although some local governments create their own codes, they often use one of these main standards as a guide. NFPA 33: Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials (National Fire Protection Association) •    The most common code applying to paint booths •    Defines how a spray booth is designed and constructed, airflow requirements and fire protection •    For more information about NFPA 33, read our previous blog post, http://www.gfsboothblog.com/2011/01/nfpa-update-revisions-to-nfpa-33-spray.html, or visit the NFPA site and view the document online here: http://www.nfpa.org/AboutTheCodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=33&cookie_test=1 IFC (International Fire Code) •    Shorter and slightly modified version of NFPA 33 •    Commonly used in areas of international trade zones IBC (International Building Code) •    Similar to IFC code •    Rarely used at this time OSHA 29 - Occupational Health and Safety Requirements •    Each state has OSHA or NIOSH laws and codes that cover worker safety, many of which reinstate the federal codes. •    The chapters about spray booths often follow NFPA 33, but NFPA 33 is usually revised before the federal OSHA code. •    The emphasis of this code is on worker safety, so there are more detailed requirements about ventilation. •    Every spray booth constructed in the US that is used in a workplace environment must comply with local OSHA codes. •    Spray booths are certified by the current NFPA, IFC or IBC code only when they are constructed, but must always comply with OSHA requirements. [image]Help! Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information required? Here’s where the importance of your local distributor comes in. As we’ve mentioned in a previous blog post, http://www.gfsboothblog.com/2011/01/importance-of-local-support.html, local support is KEY when it comes to purchasing a paint booth. They are the people you will buy your booth from, and who can help you get all your permits and meet all requirements. Since they are in your area, they are experienced and knowledgeable on what it takes to get a booth installed in your shop. If you're ever in a position where you're feeling confused about a particular code, or are unfamiliar with any of the rules or terminology used, remember that your local distributor is always available to help you understand these codes and how they apply to your specific operation. Assistance is just an email or phone call away! This week's contribution to GFS' booth blog (http://www.gfsboothblog.com/2011/06/paint-booth-code-compliance-what-you.html) ....     [image]When it comes to buying and installing a paint booth in your facility, you really can’t just fire it up and start painting as soon as the last wall panel is in place. A very important, and often time-consuming, part of the purchasing and installation process of a spray booth is ensuring that your installation meets all of the safety and legal requirements that apply to your city, state, and country. GFS makes sure that our products meet and/or exceed all the applicable codes related to the equipment, as do several other reputable manufacturers. However there are many companies out there who only meet some, not all, of the applicable codes, so it's crucial to understand whether there will be modifications to the equipment that need to be made during the installation process in order for the finished equipment to be safe to operate. Why all the hassle? On the surface, it appears to simply be extra time, hassle and money involved with acquiring permits and passing inspections. An important thing to remember is that there are very specific reasons why these regulations were put into place. If incorrectly installed, operated and/or maintained, a spray booth could be a potentially dangerous piece of equipment. Fires can and do take place when a booth is handled carelessly and improperly. This may result in worker injuries, booth and/or building damage, and large fines. As we can see, it’s clearly important that we all abide by these regulations. [image]Where do I start? When it comes to codes and permits, requirements will depend on where you live. As Marty Powell, one of GFS' Industrial territory sales managers, says, “Code compliance is a very 'local' thing.” The authority having jurisdiction is key. This could be the city, county or state, and many times all three. Local governments usually select one of the following codes as the primary guiding code for referencing paint booth requirements. Although some local governments create their own codes, they often use one of these main standards as a guide. NFPA 33: Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials (National Fire Protection Association) •    The most common code applying to paint booths •    Defines how a spray booth is designed and constructed, airflow requirements and fire protection •    For more information about NFPA 33, read our previous blog post, http://www.gfsboothblog.com/2011/01/nfpa-update-revisions-to-nfpa-33-spray.html, or visit the NFPA site and view the document online here: http://www.nfpa.org/AboutTheCodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=33&cookie_test=1 IFC (International Fire Code) •    Shorter and slightly modified version of NFPA 33 •    Commonly used in areas of international trade zones IBC (International Building Code) •    Similar to IFC code •    Rarely used at this time OSHA 29 - Occupational Health and Safety Requirements •    Each state has OSHA or NIOSH laws and codes that cover worker safety, many of which reinstate the federal codes. •    The chapters about spray booths often follow NFPA 33, but NFPA 33 is usually revised before the federal OSHA code. •    The emphasis of this code is on worker safety, so there are more detailed requirements about ventilation. •    Every spray booth constructed in the US that is used in a workplace environment must comply with local OSHA codes. •    Spray booths are certified by the current NFPA, IFC or IBC code only when they are constructed, but must always comply with OSHA requirements. [image]Help! Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information required? Here’s where the importance of your local distributor comes in. As we’ve mentioned in a previous blog post, http://www.gfsboothblog.com/2011/01/importance-of-local-support.html, local support is KEY when it comes to purchasing a paint booth. They are the people you will buy your booth from, and who can help you get all your permits and meet all requirements. Since they are in your area, they are experienced and knowledgeable on what it takes to get a booth installed in your shop. If you're ever in a position where you're feeling confused about a particular code, or are unfamiliar with any of the rules or terminology used, remember that your local distributor is always available to help you understand these codes and how they apply to your specific operation. Assistance is just an email or phone call away! Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:40:34 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Paint-Booth-Code-Compliance-What-You-Need-to-Know-and-Why/blog/4508008/31710.html fochsml 2011-06-28T00:35:18Z ABRN AutoPro Workshop This week's contribution to GFS' booth blog (http://www.gfsboothblog.com/2011/06/paint-booth-code-compliance-what-you.html) ....     [image]When it comes to buying and installing a paint booth in your facility, you really can’t just fire it up and start painting as soon as the last wall panel is in place. A very important, and often time-consuming, part of the purchasing and installation process of a spray booth is ensuring that your installation meets all of the safety and legal requirements that apply to your city, state, and country. GFS makes sure that our products meet and/or exceed all the applicable codes related to the equipment, as do several other reputable manufacturers. However there are many companies out there who only meet some, not all, of the applicable codes, so it's crucial to understand whether there will be modifications to the equipment that need to be made during the installation process in order for the finished equipment to be safe to operate. Why all the hassle? On the surface, it appears to simply be extra time, hassle and money involved with acquiring permits and passing inspections. An important thing to remember is that there are very specific reasons why these regulations were put into place. If incorrectly installed, operated and/or maintained, a spray booth could be a potentially dangerous piece of equipment. Fires can and do take place when a booth is handled carelessly and improperly. This may result in worker injuries, booth and/or building damage, and large fines. As we can see, it’s clearly important that we all abide by these regulations. [image]Where do I start? When it comes to codes and permits, requirements will depend on where you live. As Marty Powell, one of GFS' Industrial territory sales managers, says, “Code compliance is a very 'local' thing.” The authority having jurisdiction is key. This could be the city, county or state, and many times all three. Local governments usually select one of the following codes as the primary guiding code for referencing paint booth requirements. Although some local governments create their own codes, they often use one of these main standards as a guide. NFPA 33: Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials (National Fire Protection Association) •    The most common code applying to paint booths •    Defines how a spray booth is designed and constructed, airflow requirements and fire protection •    For more information about NFPA 33, read our previous blog post, http://www.gfsboothblog.com/2011/01/nfpa-update-revisions-to-nfpa-33-spray.html, or visit the NFPA site and view the document online here: http://www.nfpa.org/AboutTheCodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=33&cookie_test=1 IFC (International Fire Code) •    Shorter and slightly modified version of NFPA 33 •    Commonly used in areas of international trade zones IBC (International Building Code) •    Similar to IFC code •    Rarely used at this time OSHA 29 - Occupational Health and Safety Requirements •    Each state has OSHA or NIOSH laws and codes that cover worker safety, many of which reinstate the federal codes. •    The chapters about spray booths often follow NFPA 33, but NFPA 33 is usually revised before the federal OSHA code. •    The emphasis of this code is on worker safety, so there are more detailed requirements about ventilation. •    Every spray booth constructed in the US that is used in a workplace environment must comply with local OSHA codes. •    Spray booths are certified by the current NFPA, IFC or IBC code only when they are constructed, but must always comply with OSHA requirements. [image]Help! Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information required? Here’s where the importance of your local distributor comes in. As we’ve mentioned in a previous blog post, http://www.gfsboothblog.com/2011/01/importance-of-local-support.html, local support is KEY when it comes to purchasing a paint booth. They are the people you will buy your booth from, and who can help you get all your permits and meet all requirements. Since they are in your area, they are experienced and knowledgeable on what it takes to get a booth installed in your shop. If you're ever in a position where you're feeling confused about a particular code, or are unfamiliar with any of the rules or terminology used, remember that your local distributor is always available to help you understand these codes and how they apply to your specific operation. Assistance is just an email or phone call away! booths, code, compliance, paint nonadult false Paint Booth Code Compliance - What You Need to Know and Why text blog booths,code,compliance,paint 1855 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 ABRN 0 4508008 32875168 Member 250 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Code-Compliance/photo/14364630/31710.html Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:30:41 GMT http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/_Code-Compliance/photo/14364630/31710.html fochsml 2011-06-28T00:30:41Z AutoPro Workshop nonadult false Code Compliance photo 1215 0 0.0 http://workshop.search-autoparts.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=32875168&as=31710 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31710/photos/PHOTO_14216402_31710_32875168_ap_160X120.jpg false United States WI Osseo 54758 0 0 14364630 32875168 Member 250