Influence of push element geometry on the capture efficiency of push-pull ventilation systems in surface treatment tanks.

A full-scale installation which simulates a surface treatment tank provided with a push-pull ventilation system has been designed. This study examines the influence of the geometry of the push element on the capture efficiency of the system. It is observed that: (i) capture efficiency increases with the number of holes because of the continuous curtain formed, the size of the holes having no significant effect within the range studied (5-20 mm diameter); (ii) the push element is best supported on the tank wall so that no air from outside penetrates below the emitting jets because in this way the impact of the curtain on the tank occurs earlier and losses are less; (iii) the best results are obtained when the holes are directed downwards towards the tank surface at an angle of between 22 and 45 degrees.