Factors of extract air cleaning in professional kitchens

Achieving a high level of extract air cleanliness plays a major role in reducing cleaning and maintenance costs and increasing fire safety of the premises. Additionally, clean extract air can be utilized with heat recovery ventilation systems.

Differences in used cooking methods and other kitchen devices as well as grease, humidity, and other airborne impurities set great demands for the cleaning of professional kitchen exhaust air. In most cases, relying on a singular cleaning technology is not sufficient for attaining a high enough filtration rate. This highlights the need for solutions that combine several complementary cleaning technologies, each contributing to a different aspect of air cleaning.

Mechanical filtration / impact filtration

Mechanical filtration efficiently filters out large grease particles resulting in the cooking process. The heavy particles are sieved out of the extract air that travels through an impact or a cyclonic filter. This is a widely used method in the kitchen hoods. However, it is inefficient against smaller grease particles.

UV-C

UV-C is a commonly used, conventional “germicidal” cleaning technology. It uses longer wavelength of 254 nm ultraviolet light that actively works against micro-organisms, molds, fungi, and bacteria.

Vacuum UV

For further refining the filtration rate of professional kitchen ventilation, a shorter wavelength ultraviolet light can be used. Vacuum UV is highly efficient in dissolving small grease particles into natural compounds, such as oxygen, carbon-dioxide, and water.

In addition, vacuum UV provides a significantly high UV intensity. It has proven to be the only way to keep the extract air ducts clean. The dissolving rate is identical to water cleaning system.

Ozone

The combination of mechanical filtration and two different wavelengths of UV light yields high results. The overall filtration rate can be enhanced using ozone. Ozone is naturally produced in the photochemical reaction, where ozone effectively dissolves whatever is left of the grease particles and deodorizes air in the ducts.


CleanMaster combines all four cleaning techniques

Climecon was among the first manufacturers to provide safe and efficient UV cleaning technology for professional kitchen conditions. Safety is our top priority, and CleanMaster solutions are equipped with two-fold safety-mechanics. Our hood and ceiling ventilation solutions are praised for their long-lasting impact. And this is why, after two decades, CleanMaster continues as the choice of kitchen professionals.

Read more about CleanMaster

News

Get to know: Cost estimator Laura Hämäläinen

Laura has worked as a cost estimator for a few years, bringing younger energy to the Climecon team. Her work includes calculating quotes, providing customer service, and supporting the sales team, especially in customer communication. Laura, who studied marketing in the United States, also helps the marketing team whenever needed. Meet the sunny and cheerful Laura!

Read more

Five years of successful climate work

We have been actively working on mitigating climate change for five years, which has led to significant decrease in emissions for Climecon. From the first calculation, conducted in 2019, emissions have decreased by as much as 45%, which is equivalent to 1,730 tons of carbon dioxide. This amount is equivalent to driving 12.4 million kilometres by car, or almost three thousand people making a round trip from Helsinki to Munich each year. We publish our carbon footprint for the previous year and a summary of the highlights of our sustainability work annually.

Read more

Five reasons to choose OptiLumo luminaires for professional kitchens

Good lighting is of paramount importance to kitchen staff, as it directly impacts occupational safety, work efficiency, and well-being. Adequate and correctly directed lighting reduces the risk of occupational accidents, such as those associated with knife handling and working with hot surfaces. When the light is evenly distributed over the workstation, and there is no glare, even a long working day does not strain the eyes. OptiLumo luminaires for hoods and ventilation ceilings are perfect for professional kitchens and offer particularly suitable lighting for kitchens and the ideal color temperature for cooking.

Read more