Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a system including a spraying booth and at least one filter with at least one VOC detector.

Background of the Invention

It is commonly known to use filters in spraying booths, such as active carbon filters, for cleaning and removing e.g. chemicals such as organic solvents from inks, coatings and paints used in the spraying booths. Object of the Invention

It is the object of the invention to mount at least one VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) detector in connection with the spraying booth filter to be able to control/measure/data record in particular the contents of diluent vapours in the exhaust air, where the value of the measurements, besides e.g. a visual indication and/or alarm in the spraying booth at excessive values, can also be accessed and controlled centrally, either by the customer's own technicians or by the supplier's technicians, by means of a communication unit.

Description of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, the above mentioned object is achieved by a system as mentioned by introduction and as indicated in the preamble of claim 1, namely a system for a spraying booth, including a spraying booth and at least one filter with at least one VOC detector, the system further including a central database where at least data of the VOC detector are stored. This will enable controlling/measuring/data recording of cleaning and removal of chemicals such as organic solvents from inks, lacquers and paints used in the spraying booths, and controlling/measuring/data recording in particular of the contents of diluent vapours in the exhaust air, where an alarm can be activated at the customer and in the spraying booth itself when measuring excessive values, but where the data also can be controlled/measured/data recorded centrally. The VOC values can e.g. be measured 840,000 times over a four-day period of time.

In a second aspect, the present invention also concerns a system wherein the spraying booth further includes a communication unit with a data connection.

This will make it possible to have a remotely controlled access to the VOC detector with a high safety level. This can be effected by a physical box by which the data connection can be disconnected, either via the software (WEB browser) or by simply disconnecting the unit physically. There may be a fixed IP address or there may be a DHCP server (Dynamic Host Configuration cat) connected therewith.

In a preferred embodiment, the data connection is an internet connection.

Alternatively, the connection can be established via a 3G, 4G or 5G wireless mobile network, such as e.g. UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), W- CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access).

This enables monitoring of all spraying booths over the world, whereby the technicians of the individual user via a password can be coupled to the system and see data from the customer's own spraying booths and thereby follow their development and history, but also where the supplier's technicians can be coupled to the system and see data from spraying booths of all customers and give help and guidance in connection with the individual system. It is thus possible to notify the user that the system in question, based on comparable data collected from other systems, e.g. emits more volatile organic compounds than average and therefore needs service or other.

The system and thereby also the database is to be controlled by the supplier who is responsible for the security of the users' data but who also have access to the latter, and based on these is able to optimise their sales, marketing, maintenance and development strategy in the area.

In a third aspect, the present invention also concerns a system wherein the database is cloud-based. Cloud-based, cloud-computing or the cloud are terms that cover delivery of software and services via the internet, providing easy and flexible access and simple administration. Besides, it is possible to scale the cloud server in order to provide enough capacity if the need arises. This may minimise the expenses for hardware. Finally, it is possible to adapt the individual interface for the individual user.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention also concerns a system wherein the database is further controlled by a controller. This enables installing e.g. a controller such as a soft pic, microprocessor or pc. In a preferred embodiment, a touch screen is used as well.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention also concerns a system wherein the control includes at least one additional controllable unit in the spraying booth.

In addition to enabling measuring and documenting of the VOC level in the spraying booth, the control thus enables controlling all frequency-controlled motors, controlling/measuring/data recording of the spraying booth's LED lighting, motors, emergency stop causing all movable parts to stop, air renewal in the spraying booth, filtering systems, ventilation systems, controlling/measuring/data recording of other consumption units, hereby controlling/measuring/data recording other data from the spraying booth such as e.g. pressure, temperature, spraying times and drying times.

The system therefore enables storing of the VOC detector data centrally/internationally as well as decentrally /locally, either by means of a cloud- based database or via a Black Box and thereby as Big Data. The data in the so-called Black Box can be stored locally on-site from where blowers and air can be controlled and from where the data can be accessed, and where indicators for all functions can be seen.

It is thus possible to use the data for many different purposes and from different places, such as e.g. for controlling the consumption of the blowers, VOC in suction inlet and exhaust and warnings regarding the condition of the filters. In the spraying booth is applied an air pressure which is lower than the air pressure in the air surrounding the spraying booth, also called vacuum. Thereby no contaminated air comes out of the booth. The air is filtered when entering the spraying booth such that dirt, dust and similar is deposited in ink and lacquer. Also, the air passes filters when the air leaves the spraying booth where the filters include a so-called paint stop (a paper filter for separating large particles), a particle filter (a synthetic filter for filtering small particles) and an active carbon filter (for removing/reducing smoke, vapour, smell and scents), after which the VOC contents of the air are measured as well.

The drying of paint and lacquer is performed by means of UV and IR light, obviating the need for high temperatures in the spraying booth.

In an aspect, the present invention concerns use of a system for treating cars.

This will enable using the spraying booth for many other purposes than spraying, painting and coating, among others also for grinding. The spraying booth is thereby actually a multi-booth. In a further aspect, the present invention concerns use of a system wherein the spraying booth is a mobile spraying booth for treating cars.

This will enable work on cars on-site rapidly, easily and flexibly, with many advantages, among others driving to a car painter, without need of courtesy cars. Therefor a substantial saving, among others, can be attained by using the said spraying booth.

The spraying booth is possible to place in e.g. an airport where there i.a. are many rental cars that are returned with dents, scratches and other damages. Travellers can also use the possibility of having their car repaired and painted when they are away travelling. In a preferred embodiment, the spraying booth can be made of a sandwich material which, apart from keeping the weight down and thereby facilitating mobility of the spraying booth, can also provide noise attenuation from i.a. air intake and air exhaust. In a further aspect, the present invention also concerns use of a system wherein the treatment includes the following sequence of operation in the said succession: grind, primer, spray, hardening.

This will enable measuring on all the operational steps grind, primer, spray, hardening (also called sleep).

In a further aspect, the present invention concerns use of a system wherein the system collects data for documentation and administration of the treatment. This will e.g. enable use of the data of the air quality for documentation as to what is done in the booth, how much painting, grinding is performed, when the filters are to be replaced etc.

In a further aspect, the present invention concerns use of a system wherein the system controls at least the consumption of paint, lacquers and other consumables.

This will enable use of the data for i.a. measuring the capacity of the filters with the purpose of timely replacement.

Description of the Drawing

Fig. 1 shows a system for a spray booth.

List of designations

1 spray booth

2 filter

3 VOC detector

4 communication unit

5 database

6 cloud Detailed Description of Embodiment of the Invention

Fig. 1 shows a system for a spraying booth 1 having a filter 2 with a VOC detector 3. The data from the VOC detector 3 are sent via a communication unit 4 to a database 5 which is cloud-based 6.