Compositions and methods for paint overspray removal processes

A method for the removal of paint overspray in paint spray booths, the paint overspray containing a paint solids portion and, optionally, an organic solvents portion, the paint solids portion including an organic resins and, optionally, pigments, the method comprising:

• contacting the paint overspray with a wash water system comprising an agitated solution including a coagulant so as to collect the paint overspray in the agitated solution;
• passing the solution containing the paint overspray to an area relatively free of agitation so as to cause the solution to spontaneously phase separate into an organic phase containing paint overspray and an aqueous phase;
• separating the organic phase containing the paint overspray, which contains the paint solids portion, that includes organic resins and, optionally, pigments, and, optionally, an organic solvents portion, from the aqueous phase.
• treating the organic phase to separate at least a portion of the paint solids from the organic solvent portion.

A wash water system for treating paint overspray in paint spray booths, the system comprising:

• a coagulant in amounts ranging from 0.005 to 1.0 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the system;
• an agitated organic solvents component;
• and
• water.