Choosing between High-Altitude and Low-Altitude Electrostatic Precipitators

There is no absolute superiority or inferiority between high-altitude and low-altitude electrostatic precipitators; the choice should be made based on the specific application. The core differences between the two lie primarily in purification efficiency and applicable emission scenarios. Enterprises should make an appropriate choice based on environmental protection requirements and their own business conditions.

I. Core Differences and Applicability

Purification Efficiency:

Low-altitude electrostatic precipitators typically require a purification efficiency of over 95%, deeply removing particulate matter, grease, and odor from cooking fumes. The treated emissions are virtually smoke-free, minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment.

High-altitude electrostatic precipitators have relatively lower purification efficiencies, typically between 80% and 90%. Their design philosophy is to dilute any remaining cooking fumes that haven't been fully purified through atmospheric diffusion during high-altitude emission.

Emission Scenario:

Low-altitude electrostatic precipitators are suitable for use in scenarios where high-altitude emission is impractical, such as street-side shops and restaurants below residential buildings. They can be discharged directly through low-altitude locations such as walls.

High-altitude electrostatic precipitators require exhaust ducts extending to high-altitude areas such as rooftops to minimize direct impact on nearby residents.

II. Selection Based on Environmental Requirements

Mandatory Regulations:

If a restaurant is located in an environmentally sensitive area such as a residential area, school, or hospital, or if the local environmental protection department explicitly requires compliance with low-altitude emission standards, a low-altitude electrostatic precipitator must be used. These densely populated areas are highly sensitive to cooking fume pollution. The high-efficiency purification capabilities of low-altitude air purifiers can effectively avoid nuisance and the risk of environmental violations.

For locations where high-altitude discharge is possible and local environmental regulations do not mandate low-altitude discharge, high-altitude electrostatic precipitators can be used. However, they must ensure that their purification efficiency meets the local minimum standards for high-altitude discharge (generally no less than 85%).

Policy Compliance:

Specific environmental protection policies regarding cooking fume emissions vary from region to region. Before selecting a model, businesses should confirm relevant regulations with local ecological and environmental authorities, including discharge height, purification efficiency limits, and odor control standards, to ensure that the selected equipment fully complies with regulatory requirements and avoid rectification or penalties due to non-compliance.

III. Considering Operational Practices

Fume Generation:

For restaurants that primarily produce a large amount of cooking fume through stir-frying, grilling, and deep-frying, low-altitude electrostatic precipitators are recommended. Their high purification capacity can handle high concentrations of cooking fumes and prevent the spread of incompletely purified cooking fumes, which can cause pollution. For venues primarily serving simple meals, steaming, and Western-style meals, where cooking fume generation is relatively low, and if high-altitude emission requirements are met, high-altitude electrostatic precipitators can be selected to balance equipment cost with purification needs.

Installation and Maintenance Costs:

Low-altitude electrostatic precipitators require higher purification efficiency, resulting in relatively high initial purchase costs and ongoing maintenance costs (such as filter replacement and electric field cleaning).

High-altitude electrostatic precipitators are less expensive, but the cost of exhaust ducting (such as duct extensions and reinforced brackets) must be considered. Complex installation locations can lead to higher overall costs. Furthermore, improper maintenance of high-altitude equipment can lead to reduced purification efficiency, potentially causing fume dispersal and increasing the risk of complaints and rectification.

Summary

When choosing between high-altitude and low-altitude electrostatic precipitators, local environmental protection policies should be the primary consideration, prioritizing compliance with compliance requirements. The decision should also be made based on the amount of fume generated, emission conditions, and cost budget. For environmentally sensitive areas, locations with high levels of oil smoke, or where high-altitude exhaust is not feasible, low-altitude electrostatic precipitators are a more reliable option. Where high-altitude exhaust conditions are met and policy permits are in place, high-altitude electrostatic precipitators can be a cost-effective solution. Regardless of the equipment chosen, ensure that its purification efficiency meets standards and that it undergoes regular maintenance to ensure stable operation.