· The Importance of Air Velocity in Restaurant Ventilation
One of the most critical aspects in designing an industrial kitchen ventilation system is air velocity.
Even if the airflow rate is correctly calculated, ignoring air speed can significantly reduce filtration efficiency.
In conventional kitchen ventilation, the air velocity is typically around 10 m/s.
However, this speed is too high for electrostatic filters (ESP) to perform efficiently.
The ideal filtration velocity for ESP systems is between 2 and 3 m/s.
The lower the air velocity, the higher the filtration performance, as air spends more time within the filter cells, allowing better particle capture.
To achieve the correct air speed, duct cross-sections , fan capacity , and plenum box dimensions must be properly designed.
A plenum box of at least 1 meter in length , matching the ESP duct dimensions, should always be installed before the unit.
This chamber slows down the airflow and distributes it evenly across the entire filter surface.
In conclusion, maintaining the right air velocity improves not only filtration efficiency but also energy savings , system lifespan , and operational safety.
