CFD-based modeling and design for energy-efficient VOC emission reduction in surface coating systems

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) are among the most hazardous substances generated in surface coating operations. Hence, VOC emission must be strictly controlled. In this paper, we introduce a CFD-based system modeling and analysis approach to investigate VOC emission mechanisms and to identify the key design and operation parameters of a general surface coating application system for energy-efficient emission reduction. A case study on paint spray in different design environments demonstrates the efficacy of the introduced modeling and analysis approach. It shows that a redesign of the ventilation system of a spray booth and an adjustment of the operational parameter can reduce VOC emission to the level below the threshold limit value; meanwhile, the energy efficiency can be improved significantly. The introduced modeling and analysis technique for energy-efficient VOC reduction is applicable to various industrial practices.