Does paint mist coagulant affect water temperature or paint concentration?
Publish Time: 2025-11-03
In the modern coating industry, water-based paints are gradually replacing traditional solvent-based coatings due to their environmentally friendly characteristics. However, "overspray paint mist" generated during the spraying process remains a major problem for companies. To effectively treat these paint mist particles suspended in circulating water, paint mist coagulants are widely used in water curtain or water vortex systems in spray booths. Their core function is to disrupt the colloidal structure of the paint mist, causing it to destabilize, de-adhere, and coagulate into easily separable paint residue.1. The Influence of Water Temperature on the Reaction Efficiency of Paint Mist CoagulantsWater temperature is one of the important factors affecting the rate of chemical reactions. In the circulating water of a spray booth, temperature changes directly affect the movement of paint mist particles and the activity of coagulant molecules. When the water temperature is low, the viscosity of the water increases, the Brownian motion of the paint mist particles slows down, and the dissolution and diffusion rate of the coagulant also decreases, leading to a longer reaction time with the paint mist. This may result in incomplete de-adhesion, leading to fine paint residue, poor agglomeration, or even redispersement. Conversely, while increased molecular motion at high temperatures facilitates the reaction, some water-based paints are more prone to softening or becoming sticky. If the coagulant fails to function effectively in time, paint mist may remain in the water for too long, adhering to pipe or pump surfaces and causing equipment contamination. Therefore, the ideal operating water temperature is generally recommended to be controlled between 20–28℃ to ensure optimal coagulant performance.2. Challenges of Paint Concentration Fluctuations to De-adhesion EffectPaint concentration, i.e., the amount of paint entering the circulating water system per unit time, directly relates to the pollutant load in the water. In high-volume or continuous spraying operations, paint concentration may rise sharply, exceeding the coagulant's design capacity. When the paint mist concentration is too high, the effective components of the coagulant may be rapidly consumed, failing to fully act on all paint mist particles. This results in some paint mist not being completely de-adheded, forming viscous flocculent deposits that adhere to the water curtain plate or fan blades, affecting airflow and spraying quality. Furthermore, high concentrations of paint mist can alter the pH and conductivity of water, interfering with the charge neutralization and bridging coagulation mechanisms of the coagulant, thus weakening its flocculation effect. Conversely, at low paint concentrations, if the coagulant dosage is not adjusted accordingly, it may lead to waste of the agent, or even cause problems such as increased water foam or excessively loose paint sludge due to excessive addition.3. Optimization Strategies for Coping with Environmental VariablesTo reduce the adverse effects of changes in water temperature and paint concentration, companies should adopt scientific management measures. First, it is recommended to install temperature monitoring and regulation devices, such as heat exchangers or cooling towers, in the circulating water system of the paint booth to stabilize the water temperature within a suitable range. Second, the dosage of coagulant should be dynamically adjusted according to the actual production rhythm, using an automatic dosing system combined with turbidity or ORP sensors to achieve precise control. In addition, selecting high-quality coagulant products with strong adaptability and wide temperature range response is also crucial—some new composite de-adhesives, by adding coagulant aids, dispersants, and stabilizers, can maintain stable de-adhesive performance over a wide range of temperatures and concentrations. Regularly monitoring water quality indicators helps in the timely detection of problems and optimization of operating parameters.In conclusion, the treatment effect of paint mist coagulant is indeed significantly affected by changes in water temperature and paint concentration. Only by rationally controlling environmental conditions and scientifically adjusting the dosage of the agent can its de-adhesion, coagulation, and separation functions be fully utilized, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the paint booth's circulating water system, improving coating efficiency, reducing maintenance costs, and achieving the goal of green and clean production.
