With the recent escalation in energy cost, conservation has become a hot topic in manufacturing circles - including finishing. More than 50 percent of the electrical energy consumed by North American based manufacturing is used to drive induction motors. Spray finishing is an energy intense process, particularly conventional air and HVLP spray guns (high compressed air consumption), spray booths, curing ovens and conveyor drives. In three out of four of these applications, motors are a significant if not the primary energy consumer.
There are a number of options available to reduce electrical power consumption associated with spray finishing operations. Here are four ways to significantly improve the energy efficiency of the ubiquitous liquid spray booth ventilation system.