Air Measurement Tools for SprayBooth & Refinishing

Air Measurement Tools - Spraybooth Ventilation

Spray booths require regular maintenance checks to ensure optimal efficiency and adherence to industry specific safety standards. The supply air in a spray booth needs to be tested with an airflow measuring device to determine accurate volume airflow, air velocity and ambient temperature and to calculate the average speed of the air flow. The capture velocity of the spray booth determines the measurement of air movement that is effective in containing the emissions at the exposure area. It is crucial that the airflow is sufficient in providing uncontaminated air. The capture velocity must be measured at the area of maximum emission exposure. Ideally the capture velocity, face velocity and exhaust volume should all be tested at the same time to determine the most accurate results and most effective operational booth.

 

Some of the key tools used to determine air velocity, flow and temperature are noted below. It is important to note that the design of the booth and the airflow style will determine which tools are most suitable for determining accurate measures.

 

Hot-wire anemometer

The hot-wire anemometer is an airflow measuring device which combines thermistor and hot-wire technologies to determine accurate volume airflow, air velocity and ambient temperature and determines the average speed of the air flow. It has a thin wire which heats up to a set temperature and as air passes over it and cools the wire down the anemometer can record the speed of air by determining the rate of heat loss. The hot-wire anemometer is to be positioned in the area requiring the air measurement, often its best to take several measurements to check the flow of air throughout the whole spray booth. This is an important tool as a well-designed booth should have consistent airflow throughout.

 

Velometer

A velometer measures the air speed at specific points in the spray booth where the probe is positioned. Multiple measurements are taken along the airflow points of the booth to determine the average speed. Temperature and velocity can also be measured with this device and probe extensions are available for measuring areas that are not so easily accessible.

 

Averaging Air Velocity Probe

When determining fan air volume an averaging air velocity probe is used to measure the velocity inside the ducting in up to 46 different locations. This enables an automatic and accurate reading of the average measure and determines if the velocity inside the ducting is up to standards. The velocity probe connects to an air velocity flow meter and contains the velocity, temperature, and humidity sensors. The sensor window must fully exposed and the orientation dimple facing upstream when in use. The probe should be placed at a 90 degree angle to the flow of air being tested to obtain accurate velocity and flow rate measures and capture the overall velocity reading.

 

Digital Manometer

The digital manometer measures airflow resistance across the filters in a spray booth. As the booths filters clog up, the resistance measurement on the gauge will slowly increase. This indicates when the filters need to be replaced. It is advisable to consult the operator manual or the manufacturer for the specific equipment to determine the correct measures. It is important to be aware of the detrimental effect on airflow when filters are not well maintained. Clogged up filters lead to an inefficient airflow and potential for built up dust and over spray. This ultimately means the spray booth will not be running to sufficient requirements in line with performance or quality manufacturing standards.

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