Technical Note: Biotrickling Filters For Treating Emissions From Composite Manufacturing Operations And Paint Spray Booths

Air emissions from paint spray booths and composite manufacturing operations occur due to evaporation of organic solvents during the production process, such as during atomization and application of the coating, during initial air drying of the parts and after they leave the spray booth, and in the bake oven. Fugitive emissions occur when coatings are mixed and loaded into the application device, during transport of coated parts and during post curing. Many solvents used in spray booths are a health hazard and have the potential to contribute to atmospheric pollution. Volatile organics commonly encountered in spray booths and in composite manufacturing include benzene, xylene, styrene, and toluene, which are not only toxic with adverse health effects in humans, but also cause photochemical smog in the presence of nitrogen oxides and sunlight.