Emissions in
 Automotive Manufacturing

Automotive manufacturing involves multi-stage processes such as welding, surface coating,
painting, engine testing, plastic molding, and assembly. These activities produce a wide range
of airborne emissions, especially from painting and solvent-based operations.
Common pollutants include:
  • • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from basecoats, primers, solvents, adhesives, and cleaning agents
  • • Particulate Matter (PM) from sanding, welding fumes, and shot blasting
  • • Odorous compounds from sealants, coatings, and plastic trimming
  • • Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), CO, and hydrocarbons from engine test benches
  • • Isocyanates and aldehydes from polyurethane coatings and adhesives

Why Treatment is Necessary

Regulatory Compliance
(VOC Directive, IED, OSHA)

Automotive plants must meet strict emission limits for VOCs and other pollutants especially from paint shops and test cells to comply with EU and national environmental laws.

Worker Health & Safety

Solvents, isocyanates, and aldehydes are hazardous to health and require controlled extraction and treatment to protect operators in spray booths, engine rooms, and assembly areas.

Odor Control & Facility Image

Persistent chemical odors from painting or gluing areas can lead to internal complaints and negatively impact plant image especially in urban or mixed-use zones.

Product Quality Protection

Airborne contamination in paint shops or clean zones can affect finish quality, cause defects, and raise reject rates impacting profitability.

Energy Optimization &
Process Integration

Modern emission systems must integrate with energy recovery from ovens, dryers, and oxidizers to meet sustainability and cost-efficiency goals.

Technology options for emission control

BM Process provides proven, high-performance air treatment systems for automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers from paint shops to testing facilities:

Thermal Oxidizers (RTO / TO / CatOx)

High-efficiency destruction of VOCs from paint booths, solvent storage, and drying ovens with heat recovery options.

Activated Carbon Adsorption

Ideal for low-flow, solvent-rich exhausts from sealant lines, adhesive application, or final assembly zones.

Particulate Control Units (Baghouse / Mist Eliminators)

Capture PM from sanding, welding fumes, or shot blasting processes.

Wet Scrubbing Systems

Remove acid gases or odorous components released during surface treatment or cleaning operations.

Engine Test Cell Emission Systems

Control NOx, CO, and hydrocarbon emissions from engine dyno testing with combustion cleanup or catalytic abatement.

Our services and expertise

BM Process is your go-to source for all these technologies and moreover to assist you in selecting the most optimal solution for your situation. We understand both the technology and the legislative framework.

Our approach always includes the holistic way: we look further and strive for optimal process integration combined with absolute minimization of operational cost and reliance on external energy sources. What’s more, we strive for a positive effect on your plant’s total energy balance. Clean air and less energy cost.

Relevant services:

Consultancy

Pre-engineering studies

Engineering

Owner’s engineering

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