If you work with industrial liquid paint, you’ve probably come across the acronym VOC: volatile organic compounds. These are pollutants generated mainly by the solvents used in paint, and their excessive emission can compromise the environment, the health of operators and even your company’s regulatory compliance.
At Erzinger, we are constantly looking to develop solutions to make industrial processes cleaner and more efficient. That’s why we’ve put together some good practices and technological alternatives for reducing VOC emissions in liquid paint lines:
1. Efficient paint application
Reducing overspray: paint that doesn’t adhere to the part and is picked up by the exhaust system is one of the first steps. Precise application avoids waste and directly reduces the amount of VOCs released into the environment. Remember: cabin filters do not retain volatile compounds, only solid particles.
2. Use of paints with low solvent content
Ecological paints, water-based and free of heavy metals, are becoming increasingly accessible. In addition to reducing VOC emissions, they also minimize health risks and environmental impacts. It’s a strategic choice, not just a regulatory one.
3. Exhaust system maintenance
The cabin ventilation system must always be balanced and clean to ensure efficient exhaust. Checks such as lubrication, cleaning and rotor balancing are essential to maintain performance and avoid operational failures.
4. Use of adsorbent materials
Materials such as activated carbon, silica gel and aluminum oxide can retain VOCs by chemical adsorption, offering a low-cost and highly effective alternative.
5. Gas scrubbers
For some types of VOCs, liquid spray gas scrubbers can neutralize the volatile substances, providing safer treatment before emission.
6. Incinerators (RTOs)
More robust solutions such as thermal incineration systems are suitable for high emission volumes. Although efficient, they require a significant investment in energy and maintenance – a factor that should be carefully evaluated.
Where to start?
The ideal is to invest in primary and integrated solutions right from the design of the paint line, guaranteeing energy efficiency, process quality and environmental compliance. Choosing reliable suppliers of paint, chemicals and equipment is essential to ensure safety and sustainability.
At Erzinger, we develop complete projects for surface treatment and painting, with customized solutions that meet both technical and environmental requirements. You can count on our expertise to reduce VOCs and boost the performance of your operation.
💡 Get in touch and find out how we can help your company evolve responsibly and innovatively: erzinger@erzinger.com.br
