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

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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.

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Acknowledgments

This work was in part supported by the National Science Foundation (No. 0700178).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA

    Jia Li, Rohan G. Uttarwar & Yinlun Huang

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  1. Jia Li
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  2. Rohan G. Uttarwar
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  3. Yinlun Huang
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Correspondence to Yinlun Huang.

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Li, J., Uttarwar, R.G. & Huang, Y. CFD-based modeling and design for energy-efficient VOC emission reduction in surface coating systems. Clean Techn Environ Policy 15, 1023–1032 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-013-0583-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-013-0583-9

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