BIO-CIRCLE PROLAQ Compact: Clean Spray Guns Efficiently and Safely
Clean spray guns are an important requirement for reproducible coating results. With the BIO-CIRCLE PROLAQ Compact, spray guns and other painting tools can be cleaned manually without the system requiring electrical power. This practical guide explains how the system works, which basic settings are useful and what should be considered during cleaning, maintenance and troubleshooting.
Why Controlled Spray Gun Cleaning Matters
Paint residues in nozzles, air caps, cups or material-carrying components can negatively affect the next coating process. Dried-on residues in particular increase cleaning effort and may cause irregular material flow or a poorer spray pattern.
PROLAQ Compact combines a flow-through brush with circulating cleaning fluid, a filtration and sedimentation system and a compressed-air gun for final drying. The unit itself does not require an electrical connection and is operated pneumatically.
PROLAQ Compact at a Glance
| Version | Scope of Supply | Manufacturer No. | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single unit | 1 × PROLAQ Compact | G90010 | Companies with existing or separately selected cleaning medium |
| Starter set | PROLAQ Compact + 3 × 20 L PROLAQ L 400 | G90010-P01 | Direct start with a matched cleaning medium |
How the PROLAQ Compact Works
The unit consists of a robust PE or LDPE plastic body and is powered by compressed air. The cleaning medium is delivered directly to contaminated areas through the flow-through brush. This allows the operator to clean exactly where paint deposits are present.
Removed paint particles are absorbed by the cleaning medium. Pre-filtration, sedimentation and fine filtration help separate contamination from the circulation. This supports a longer service life of the medium and reduces unnecessary fluid changes.
A separate compressed-air gun is available for final drying. An integrated funnel also makes it easier to empty spray guns in a controlled manner.
Recommended Basic Settings and Technical Guidelines
The following information is based on manufacturer documentation. Depending on the year of manufacture, version and documentation status, individual dimensions may vary slightly. For installation and commissioning, the nameplate and current operating instructions take priority.
| Parameter | Guideline | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Operating principle | Compressed air | No electrical power required for system operation |
| Air pressure | max. 6 bar | Observe manufacturer specification and do not exceed it |
| Filling volume | approx. 40–60 L | 60 L is listed as optimal filling volume in current product information |
| Temperature | Room temperature | No additional heating intended for normal operation |
| Pump | Air-operated diaphragm pump with PTFE diaphragm | Regularly check compressed-air supply and connections |
| Load capacity | 100 kg | Observe maximum load of the work surface |
PROLAQ L 400: Designed for Water-Based and Solvent-Based Paints
PROLAQ L 400 is one of the cleaning media used with PROLAQ Compact. The paint remover is intended for water-based and solvent-based coatings and has been developed for applications within the PROLAQ system.
According to the manufacturer, PROLAQ L 400 dries comparatively quickly and almost without residue. This makes the medium particularly suitable for painting tools that need to be reused shortly after cleaning.
BIO-CIRCLE describes a significantly longer service life of the cleaning medium within the PROLAQ system compared with conventional thinners. The actual service life depends on factors such as paint type, degree of contamination, filter maintenance and daily cleaning volume.
Professional Workflow: Clean a Spray Gun in 7 Steps
- Finish the coating process: Remove remaining material from the gun and cup according to the specifications of the coating system used.
- Prepare the gun: Disassemble components only as far as recommended by the spray gun manufacturer for cleaning.
- Check the system: Check fill level, filter area and compressed-air supply before starting work.
- Clean with the flow-through brush: Remove paint residues specifically from the cup, gun surface and suitable components.
- Rework critical areas: Inspect threads, material passages and areas around the nozzle and air cap for remaining paint residues.
- Dry with compressed air: Carefully dry cleaned components using the compressed-air gun.
- Perform a final inspection: Before reassembly, check that all material-carrying areas are clean, dry and free of visible deposits.
Troubleshooting: Four Typical Practical Problems
1. Cleaning performance decreases
- Check the contamination level of the cleaning medium.
- Inspect pre-filter and fine filter for paint particles or blockage.
- Check the sedimentation area and adapt the maintenance interval to actual usage.
2. Too little cleaning medium reaches the brush
- Check compressed-air supply and connections.
- Inspect filters and suction area for blockage.
- Check hoses, pump and fittings for kinks or leaks.
3. Paint residues remain after cleaning
- Work on heavily dried-on contamination for longer or more specifically.
- Check whether the cleaning medium is suitable for the paint material.
- Inspect the flow-through brush for wear or unsuitable stiffness.
4. The work area becomes dirty quickly
- Clean tools as much as possible within the intended work area.
- Keep the integrated drain and funnel free of larger paint residues.
- Use an optional lid or splash guard if required.
Maintenance: Five Points for Consistently Good Cleaning Performance
- Check filters: Regularly inspect pre-filter and fine filter and clean or replace them according to manufacturer instructions.
- Use sedimentation: Avoid unnecessarily returning settled paint particles to the cleaning medium.
- Check the flow-through brush: Replace worn or hardened brushes so that difficult-to-reach areas remain easy to clean.
- Check pneumatics: Regularly inspect hoses, connections, foot control and pump for correct function and leaks.
- Keep the work surface clean: Remove heavy paint deposits early so they do not re-enter the cleaning circuit.
PROLAQ Compact for Your Paint Shop
Whether you need the single unit or the starter set with PROLAQ L 400, the available versions can be found on the product page. The beschicht.com team will be happy to advise you personally if you have questions about the right configuration.
FAQ About the BIO-CIRCLE PROLAQ Compact
Can the PROLAQ Compact clean water-based and solvent-based paints?
In combination with the intended PROLAQ L 400 cleaning medium, residues from water-based and solvent-based coatings can be removed. The material compatibility of the respective workpiece or spray gun must always be considered.
Does the unit require a power connection?
No. The PROLAQ Compact is pneumatically operated. A suitable compressed-air supply is therefore required.
How much cleaning medium is required?
The manufacturer catalogue specifies an optimal filling volume of around 40 to 60 litres. Current product information lists 60 litres as the optimal fill quantity. The specification for the respective device version is decisive.
What is the difference between the single unit and the starter set?
The G90010 single unit includes the PROLAQ Compact system. The G90010-P01 starter set combines the system with three 20-litre containers of PROLAQ L 400, providing a total of 60 litres of cleaning medium.
Can cleaned parts be dried immediately?
Yes. The equipment includes a compressed-air gun that can be used to blow off and dry suitable cleaned components after washing.
Conclusion: Structured Spray Gun Cleaning Without Complicated Technology
The BIO-CIRCLE PROLAQ Compact combines simple manual spray gun cleaning with pneumatic operation, a flow-through brush, filtration, sedimentation and compressed-air drying. For paint shops, workshops and production areas where painting tools are cleaned regularly, this creates a clearly structured cleaning process. The key to consistently good results is choosing the right cleaning medium, using a sufficient filling volume and regularly checking filters, pump and work area.
