Exhaust air purification in paint shops – reliably reducing VOC emissions
Painting systems in industry, trade, and automotive manufacturing generate some of the highest VOC emissions in industrial production. Whether in metalworking, the wood industry, furniture production, or the automotive sector—harmful and odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are produced everywhere when spraying, rolling, dipping, or curing paints.
The legal requirements for air pollution control are high – as are the technical demands. oxytec supplies proven and individually customized exhaust air purification systems for VOC reduction, thereby replacing a TNV or RNV.
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Typical VOC sources in paint shops
| Process | Typical VOCs | Special features |
|---|---|---|
| Spray coating (airless, HVLP) | Toluene, xylene, ethyl acetate | Evaporation during drying |
| Dip or roll coating | Solvents, alcohols | Slow VOC release over large surfaces |
| Paint drying and baking | Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde | VOC release through heat, partial decomposition products |
| Cleaning (guns, equipment) | Acetone, isopropanol, MEK | Short-term but high concentrations |
Why is exhaust air purification so important?
Health hazards: VOCs irritate the respiratory tract and mucous membranes and some are carcinogenic.
Explosion hazard: Many VOCs are highly flammable, especially at high concentrations in the air (ATEX-relevant).
Environmental damage: VOCs contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and particulate matter.
Permit issues: Without effective exhaust air purification, there is a risk of regulatory requirements, operational interruptions, or complaints from residents.
Legal requirements
TA Luft 2021: Compliance with VOC limits and styrene emissions
31. BImSchV: Limitation of solvent emissions depending on the quantity used
VOC Directive (2010/75/EU): Requirements for diffuse and point VOC sources
ATEX directives: for flammable solvents or explosive atmospheres
oxytec supports you in the proper design and documentation for approvals.
Request a consultation now – clean air for your paint shop
Would you like to operate your paint shop in compliance with legal requirements, in an environmentally friendly manner, and with a view to the future? Our experts will support you in planning, implementing, and documenting the right exhaust air solution.
Activated carbon reliably adsorbs VOCs and is therefore particularly suitable as a final purification stage or for changing loads.
The ozone generated in the UV stage upstream contributes significantly to the regeneration of the filter. We use it as a catalyst.
Advantages:
- Safe, powerful, and proven technology
- Flexible application
- Also suitable for retrofitting
- Long service life with the UV ozone pre-stage
KAT Industry
Typical areas of application
- Industrial paint shops (automotive, metal, mechanical engineering)
- Furniture painting and wood coating
- Plastic painting (e.g., housings, molded parts)
- Contract painting companies
- Powder coating with pretreatment paints
Advantages of Oxytec systems for paint shops
- Reduction of VOCs, odors, and germs in accordance with TA Luft – low maintenance
- Modular and individually plannable
- Very low energy consumption – 80% less than a TNV
- Also suitable for retrofitting or renovation
- Support with subsidies, expert reports, and TA Luft-compliant design
Legal requirements for paint shops
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TA Luft (2021) – requirements for total VOC content and reduction obligations
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31. BImSchV (Ordinance on the Limitation of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds)
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VOC Directive 2010/75/EU (formerly Solvent Directive)
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ATEX directives for explosive atmospheres
We help you comply with the limit values and also assist with approval procedures.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What pollutants are produced during painting?
Painting primarily produces:
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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene, xylene, acetone, ethyl acetate
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Odorous substances, which are noticeable even in low concentrations
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Very fine aerosols and overspray, especially during spray painting
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In drying ovens: decomposition products such as formaldehyde or acetaldehyde
These substances can be harmful to health, flammable, and harmful to the environment – therefore, targeted exhaust air purification is necessary.
When is exhaust air purification required by law?
Exhaust air purification is generally mandatory if:
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VOCs are released in significant quantities (from approx. 2 t/year)
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the operation is subject to approval under the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG)
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the requirements of TA Luft, 31. BImSchV, or the VOC Directive (2010/75/EU) apply
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the plant is located in a sensitive environment (e.g., near residential areas)
Authorities may also require exhaust air purification for smaller plants, e.g., in the event of odor complaints.
Which technologies are suitable for exhaust air purification during painting?
The selection depends on the air volume, VOC concentration, and temperature. Frequently used are:
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UV ozone systems → for the photochemical breakdown of VOCs and odors
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Activated carbon filters → for the adsorption of organic solvents
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Thermal or catalytic afterburning → for high VOC loads
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Combinations of several processes, e.g., UV + activated carbon or scrubber + activated carbon
oxytec can replace expensive TNV and RNV in most cases. Energy savings are in the range of 80%, and CO₂ emissions are reduced by up to 98%.
How much space do the exhaust air purification systems require?
Oxytec systems are compact and lightweight. They usually require only a few square meters of floor space and are often installed on building roofs.
UV ozone and activated carbon systems can generally be installed close to the source or as a container solution. Retrofitting in existing air ducts is also possible.
How energy-intensive is an exhaust air purification system?
Systems for thermal afterburning or regenerative afterburning are extremely energy-intensive, as they require long lead times to reach operating temperature. The combustion process itself is also very inefficient, because the combustion of the pollutants only accounts for a minimal proportion of the combustion process.
UV ozone and activated carbon systems are comparatively extremely energy-efficient because they do not need to generate high temperatures.
So-called cold combustion with UV light merely excites electrons, which in turn cause the pollutant molecules to react.
The energy consumption of Oxytec systems is therefore a fraction of that of TNV or RNV systems.
How often does the system need to be serviced?
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UV systems: annual replacement of UV lamps, occasional cleaning
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Activated carbon filters: replacement depending on load, usually every 6–12 months
Can existing painting systems be retrofitted?
Yes, our systems can usually be retrofitted, e.g.:
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via existing exhaust air ducts
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as space-saving modules next to the booth
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as an external container solution Mobile painting
areas or temporary facilities can also be equipped.
Are there any subsidy programs for exhaust air purification systems?
In many cases, yes – e.g. for:
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Investments in air pollution control, energy efficiency, or emission reduction
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Retrofitting existing facilities
How can I find the right solution for my business?
Simple: Contact us!
Our experts will work with you to analyze:
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Air volumes & VOC types
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Process data & approval status
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Technical installation situation
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Cost-effectiveness & funding opportunities
This will provide you with a customized exhaust air solution that suits your business.
