| Configuration | How It Works | Best For | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downdraft | Air enters from ceiling, exits through floor | Automotive, premium finishes | Best quality, highest cost |
| Crossdraft | Air flows horizontally end-to-end | General industrial, budget | Lower cost, acceptable quality |
| Semi-downdraft | Air enters from rear ceiling, exits at front floor | Mid-range applications | Good balance of cost and quality |
Powder coating booths use dry filtration — typically cartridge filters or cyclone separators. Cartridge filters offer 99%+ efficiency and enable powder recovery for reuse. Cyclone systems provide faster color changes with slightly lower efficiency (95-98%).
Wet paint booths use water wash or wet scrubber systems to capture overspray. The paint-laden air passes through a water curtain or venturi system where particles are removed. Wet systems are more effective for sticky liquid paint but require water treatment and sludge disposal.
| Component | Frequency | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-filters | Weekly | Inspect, replace if >50% loading |
| Cartridge filters | Monthly | Check differential pressure, pulse-clean |
| Fan belts | Monthly | Check tension and wear |
| Exhaust stack filters | Quarterly | Replace or clean |
| Water in wet systems | Weekly | Check pH, add chemicals, remove sludge |