Paint Spray Booths

If you’re spraying paint you need fans. Paint gives off VOC’s that pose a fire hazard and create health and environmental problems. That’s why the NFPA, OSHA and the EPA have detailed requirements for ventilation, and you can’t have good ventilation without exhaust and make-up fans.

We sell fans designed specifically to meet the demands of paint spray booths. These are explosion-proof for hazardous atmospheres and many incorporate filters. These highly specialized fans are designed with totally enclosed explosion proof motors, and non-sparking or non-ferrous metal blades. These fans are typically rated by Class, Division and Group criteria. Depending on the type of hazardous chemicals, fumes, gases or dust in the atmosphere, it is important to purchase a fan or blower based on these elements. We offer models providing up to 55,000 CFM and are available in many blade sizes.

Paint spraying hazards

As paint, especially oil-based paint, dries it gives off fumes. These can cause headaches, dizziness and nausea. Not only is that bad for employees but it affects productivity and quality too. Don't overlook that these fumes may also affect others working or living close by.

Paint vapors have a low flash point and ignite easily. Effective ventilation prevents vapors accumulating, which happens mostly at floor level, but it's still essential to eliminate all potential ignition sources. The NFPA 33 standard addresses fire prevention in spray booths while NFPA 70 covers ignition sources such as electrical switches. And last, the EPA also has strict regulations regarding spray booth ventilation.

Airflow in paint spray booths

Booths are usually configured in one of two ways to provide adequate ventilation. These are downdraft and cross draft. In a downdraft booth an exhaust fan installed low down pulls out vapor-laden air while make-up air enters from the top of the booth. In cross draft the exhaust is placed on the opposite wall of the booth to the intake.

Both OSHA and NFPA have strict expectations regarding exhaust outlet location to ensure contaminated air is not drawn back into the booth. In most booths they also require filters on the exhaust, sometimes referred to as paint overspray arrestors. (Filtering make-up air is not mandatory but highly recommended in order to protect the quality of finish being applied.)

NFPA regulations also require fans to be explosion-proof and recommend against the use of belt drive fans. If belt-drive is chosen both belt and pulley must be completely enclosed.

Types of fans

All the fans we sell for paint spray booths are explosion-proof. We offer fans for both make-up air (supply-side) and exhaust, with and without filters. Here's more detail:

Explosion-proof shuttered wall-mounted exhaust fans

These fans are mounted to sqaure housings with shutters on the outer surface. This stops wind and rain from entering when the booth is not in use. Fans in this style are avaialble with capacities of up to 7,500 CFM.

Explosion-proof filtered wall exhaust fans

Available to handle up to 15,000 CFM, these fans incorporate a filter element to trap particulates that would otherwise be exhausted. Note that filters should be inspected regularly and replaced as needed.

Explosion-proof panel-mounted wall exhaust fans

These fans will mount to a wall or metal panel. Models are available providing up to 15,000 CFM.

Explosion-proof filtered supply or intake fans

It's important that make-up air is clean because particulates could affect paint finish quality. These supply-side fans incorporate filters in their housings that remove harmful contamination. Models are available with up to 55,000 CFM.

Explosion-proof tube axial duct fans

Tube axial fans are designed for integration into cylindrical ducting. Both belt and direct drive models are available. Belt drive models take up a little more space and need more maintenance. Note also the need for an enclosure. Fans with capacities up to 55,000 CFM are available.

Explosion-proof air circulating fans

Air circulating fans are not intended primarily for exhaust or make-up air. Their purpose is to keep air moving. This helps remove odors and fumes and keeps the workplace at a more comfortable temperature. Models are available that provide up to 40,000 CFM.

Ventilating paint spray booths for safety & quality

Forced ventilation is essential in spray booths. This is to keep workers safe, to minimize fire and explosion risks, for environmental protection and to help maintain coating quality. Always check local codes for requirements specific to your location.

Industrial Fans Direct carries the most comprehensive line of explosion proof ventilation fans, blowers and equipment for spray paint booths and a multitude of other hazardous locations in the market today. If you require wall mounted shuttered exhaust fans, panel type wall mounted exhaust fans, wall mount air circulation fans, pedestal fans, filtered exhaust fans, filtered air intake fans or tube axial fans for installing into duct work, we have you covered. We are proud to offer great brands like National Fan Co., Canarm, Airmaster Fan, Triangle Engineering, TPI Corp., and Schaefer Ventilation.

With many different types of fan available, choosing the right ones for a paint spraying application can be difficult. For help, call the experts at: 866 727 1060.