Mobile Prep Stations: With
most shop sizes at 3000 to 5000, and even 10,000 square feet, sometimes moving the vehicle to a stationary, "fixed prep
station" can be difficult. Especially if the vehicle is up on the frame machine and you have to do
any painting/priming of newly installed or repaired components. This is where a mobile prep station, that
can be easily be rolled to the work area, performs best.
Note:
mobile prep stations also absorb welding fumes.
"Mobile
prep stations" are used for the same purposes as a fixed prep...sanding of bondo and
primers, as well as, the removal of overspray from base coat and top coat component painting. The 2 major
differences is it's mobility and it has no exhaust from the building. Therefore, nothing is "emitted"
from the building to the atmosphere. All contaminates are "captured and controlled" at their
point of generation...and because there is no exhaust from the building...no heat loss...and no stack permits.
Mobile prep stations are able to "re-circulate"
the purified air back into the work area because of a series of filters.
There is
usually a 4 stage filtration system. The Stage 1 being an inexpensive
"pre-filter" to collect bondo dust and overspray, easily cleaned and/or replaced as needed. The
Stage 2 is the main contaminate filter designed to collect particulate and protect the third
filter. The Stage 3 filter is a "suspended" carbon filter which
cleans the air of VOCs, odors ,and any "gaseous" contaminates. The Stage 4 and
final filter is a 3 micron "Pocket" filter. Pocket filters allow a large surface
collection area in a small footprint. Note: most spray booths us a 10 micron intake filter.
A 3 micron filter delivers air 3.3 times cleaner than a 10 micron...meaning the air coming out of a mobile prep (the
air coming back into the work area) is 3.3 times cleaner than the air in your paint booth.
Mobile prep
stations can cost as little as 1/3 the cost of a stationary fixed prep ststion.
