Electrostatic Smoke Filter Installation Precautions and Common Problems

The installation of an electrostatic smoke filter is crucial for ensuring efficient operation and meeting environmental standards. Improper installation not only reduces purification efficiency but also poses safety risks. This article will detail installation precautions and provide solutions to common problems, ensuring proper installation and stable operation.

I. Pre-Installation Preparations

(1) Equipment Selection and Compatibility Verification

Before installation, carefully select the equipment based on the actual kitchen conditions. First, calculate the number and type of stoves. Generally, each Chinese stove requires an air volume of 2,000 to 3,000 m³/h. For example, a kitchen with eight Chinese stoves should select equipment with an air volume of 16,000 to 24,000 m³/h. Also, consider cooking methods. Kitchens primarily used for Chinese stir-frying and deep-frying require high-efficiency equipment; kitchens primarily used for Western steaming and boiling can require lower air volume requirements. Furthermore, ensure that the equipment size is compatible with the available kitchen space to avoid space constraints that hinder installation and operation.

(2) Site Survey and Planning

Conduct a detailed site survey to determine the equipment installation location. The equipment should be placed as close to the stove as possible to minimize the distance smoke travels and maximize collection efficiency. Also, allow ample inspection space for easy maintenance and upkeep. When planning the route of the range hood duct, adhere to the shortest and straightest principles, minimizing the number of elbows and avoiding right-angle bends. The pipe length should not be too long, and the pipe slope must be ≥2% to facilitate the return of oil contaminants to the oil collection tank.

(3) Equipment and Accessory Inspection

After unpacking, carefully inspect the integrity of the equipment and accessories, including the main unit, fan, power supply, filter, oil collection tank, mounting screws, and sealing strips. Inspect the equipment for external damage or deformation, and for loose internal components. If any equipment or accessories are missing or damaged, contact the supplier immediately for replacement or replacement to avoid impacting installation progress and equipment performance due to accessory issues.

II. Key Points During the Installation Process

(1) Equipment Securing and Leveling

Use a spirit level to align the equipment to ensure it is level. If the equipment is tilted, the fan impeller will run eccentrically, generating vibration and noise, and potentially affecting purification efficiency and equipment life. When securing the equipment to a bracket or wall, select an appropriate mounting method based on the weight and size of the equipment. For larger equipment, increase the number of mounting points to ensure a secure fixation and prevent shaking during operation.

(2) Pipe Connection and Sealing

When connecting pipes to equipment inlets and outlets, use flanges and install sealing strips to ensure a tight connection and prevent oil fume leakage. When connecting pipes of different materials, pay attention to the joint treatment to ensure sealing and strength. Install fire dampers on oil fume ducts as required, usually near the equipment or where they pass through walls. When the temperature inside the duct reaches 70°C, the fire dampers automatically close to prevent the spread of fire. When installing fire dampers, ensure they operate smoothly and are installed in the correct orientation.

(3) Electrical Installation

Strictly follow the equipment's electrical wiring diagrams for wiring, distinguishing between the live, neutral, and ground wires to avoid misconnections that could cause equipment failure or safety incidents. After wiring is complete, inspect the wires for tight connections and any loose or exposed wires. The equipment must be reliably grounded, with a ground resistance of ≤4Ω. Use a dedicated grounding wire to connect the equipment casing to the grounding device. The grounding device must comply with electrical specifications to prevent leakage and ensure personal safety.

III. Common Problems and Solutions

(1) Excessive Equipment Noise

Cause Analysis: Poor equipment installation, unbalanced fan impellers, and pipe vibration are the main causes. For example, loose equipment mounting screws can cause vibration and noise during operation; oil accumulation on the fan impeller surface disrupts dynamic balance and causes noise; and loose pipe mounting or improper layout can cause airflow vibration.

Solution: Check the equipment mounting and tighten any loose screws; clean the fan impeller and perform dynamic balancing calibration if necessary; reinforce the pipes, add vibration-damping devices such as elastic hangers and shock pads, and optimize the pipe layout to reduce elbows and length.

(2) Poor Oil Fume Purification

Cause Analysis: Possible causes include improper equipment selection, excessive pipe resistance, and clogged internal components. For example, the equipment may handle insufficient air volume to meet kitchen fume production; excessive or long pipe elbows increase air resistance, affecting fume exhaust; and severe oil accumulation on the filter and electric field plates reduces purification efficiency. Solution: Re-evaluate equipment selection and replace with compatible equipment; optimize piping layout to reduce air resistance; regularly clean internal equipment components, such as filters and electric field plates, to ensure they remain unobstructed and restore purification performance.

(3) Equipment Leakage

Cause Analysis: Incorrect electrical wiring, poor grounding, and damaged equipment casing can lead to leakage. For example, damaged power cord insulation can cause current leakage; equipment may be ungrounded or have excessive grounding resistance, preventing effective conduction of leakage current.

Solution: Inspect electrical wiring, repair damaged power cords, and ensure proper wiring; recheck grounding devices to reduce grounding resistance and ensure good grounding; if the equipment casing is damaged, promptly repair or replace it to eliminate leakage risks.

The installation of electrostatic smoke filters requires strict adherence to specifications and requirements, ensuring thorough pre-installation preparation, key installation procedures, and solutions to common problems. Only in this way can the equipment be properly installed, operate stably, achieve efficient oil fume purification, and meet environmental and safety requirements.