Key Factors Affecting the Purification Efficiency of Electrostatic Smoke Filters

The purification efficiency of electrostatic smoke filters is not a fixed value. Its performance is influenced by multiple factors, including device design, usage scenario, and maintenance. These factors can be categorized as follows:

Design and Configuration Factors of Electrostatic Smoke Filters

1. Electrostatic Field Parameters:

The voltage and current strength of the high-voltage electrostatic field are key factors. Insufficient voltage prevents effective charging of fume particles. Unstable current leads to fluctuating adsorption forces, reducing particle capture efficiency. Furthermore, the spacing and area of the electric field plates also affect the adsorption effect. Too small a spacing between the plates can easily lead to oil accumulation and short-circuiting, while too large a spacing can result in insufficient electric field strength. The smaller the plate area, the fewer particles can be adsorbed per unit time.

2. Filter Structure Design:

Some electrostatic smoke filters have a pre-filter installed. If the pre-filter pore size is too large, it will not be able to intercept large oil mist particles, allowing a large amount of oil mist to enter the electrostatic field directly, increasing the field load. If the airflow path within the electrostatic smoke filter is not properly designed (such as with dead corners or excessively fast airflow), some oil smoke will be discharged before it is fully adsorbed by the electric field, reducing overall purification efficiency.

3. Equipment Processing Air Volume Compatibility:

Each electrostatic smoke filter has a rated processing air volume. If the actual kitchen exhaust volume far exceeds the rated air volume, the oil smoke will reside in the electrostatic smoke filter too briefly, and particles will not have time to become charged and adsorbed before being discharged. If the exhaust volume is far below the rated air volume, this will result in wasted equipment resources and may cause excessive accumulation of oil mist on the plates due to slow airflow, indirectly affecting the electric field effect.

Usage Scenario and Oil Fume Characteristics

1. Oil Fume Concentration and Composition:

If frying, stir-frying, or deep-frying are the primary cooking methods in the kitchen, the oil fume contains a high concentration of liquid oil droplets and large particle size. While these are easily attracted by the electrostatic field, excess oil mist will quickly accumulate on the plates. If not cleaned promptly, this can cause a short circuit in the electric field and a sharp drop in efficiency. If the oil fume is contaminated with a large amount of dust, the dust will mix with the oil mist and adhere to the plate surface, forming a difficult-to-remove oil stain, which also affects the electric field's adsorption capacity.

2. Oil Fume Temperature and Humidity:

Excessively high oil fume temperature can cause oil mist particles to remain in a gaseous or semi-gaseous state, making it difficult for them to be fully ionized and charged. If the kitchen environment is humid, the humid air can reduce the electric field's insulation, potentially leading to leakage and voltage drop. This, in turn, affects particle charging efficiency and indirectly reduces purification effectiveness.

Daily Maintenance and Operational Factors

1. Plate Cleaning Frequency and Effectiveness:

Cleaning the dust collecting plates is a critical maintenance step. If left uncleaned for a long time, thick oil and dirt will accumulate on the plate surface, blocking the electric field and significantly reducing its strength, even causing a "breakdown short circuit" and rendering the purifier inoperative. Incomplete cleaning (e.g., simply wiping without removing stubborn oil stains) will still impair particle absorption, preventing efficiency from being restored.

2. Primary Filter Maintenance:

If the pre-filter is not cleaned or replaced for a long time, it will become clogged with oil mist and dust. This will increase air flow resistance, hinder exhaust flow, and shorten the time oil smoke stays in the device. Furthermore, a clogged filter cannot intercept large particles, allowing a large amount of oil mist to enter the electrostatic field, accelerating oil accumulation on the plates and shortening the device's effective operating cycle.

3. Electrostatic Smoke Filter Operational Status Inspection:

Failure to regularly inspect components such as the high-voltage power supply and electric field circuitry can lead to malfunctioning electrostatic fields due to power failures or poor wiring connections. Furthermore, damage to the device casing or seals can cause air leaks, allowing some unpurified oil smoke to escape through gaps, reducing overall purification efficiency.

The purification efficiency of an electrostatic smoke filter is determined by its design, usage scenario, and routine maintenance. Every step is crucial, from electric field parameters and air volume handled to fume characteristics, plate cleaning, and filter replacement. In practical applications, a "full-cycle management" approach is essential: selecting a model that matches kitchen needs, monitoring fume changes during use, and performing required cleaning and maintenance. Only by scientifically controlling these factors can the purifier maintain continuous and efficient operation, ensuring clean kitchen air while extending equipment life and reducing costs.