Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing sprayed material from the air exhausted from a spray booth comprising an enclosure in which the material is sprayed. Air supply means are arranged to supply air to the enclosure, and outlet fans are provided for extracting air laden with the sprayed material from the enclosure. Two physically separate air outlet paths are provided for the extracted air and respective washing means for removing the sprayed material from the laden air are associated with each said path. The washing means are arranged to bring the material laden air into intimate contact with a cleaning liquid. Means are provided for controlling the volume of air flowing through each outlet path such that the volume flowing along each outlet path can be varied in dependence upon the volume of air exhausted from the spray booth. This enables the efficiency of the respective washing means to be maintained.

Abstract: The paint laden air extracted from a paint spray booth is flowed through a tubular member in intimate contact with a cleaning liquid such that the paint is washed from the air. To maintain the efficiency of the washing operation auxiliary air is supplied to the tubular member. The auxiliary air supply is controlled such that the total volume of paint laden air and auxiliary air flowing through the tubular member is maintained substantially constant.