Application requirements

Labour shortages constitute the greatest challenge that commercial restaurants face today. One reason for the low popularity of kitchen work is the unsatisfactory thermal conditions. Labour costs represent 18% of the cost structure of a QSR. In order to decrease employee turnover, absenteeism, and reduce recruitment costs, it is necessary to improve the working environment and its comfort and to increase productivity.

Fast food restaurants are characterised by high heat loads, humidity, and significant grease vapour concentrations due to the type of cooking operations involved. What is important from the standpoint of grease extraction is the breakdown of the grease emissions into the particulate and vapour phases, and the size distribution of the grease particles. Mechanical grease filters quickly lose grease removal effectiveness as the particulate size drops below 6 microns, depending on the pressure drop across the filters. The ultraviolet light solution is the only system that reacts to small particulate and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated in the cooking process.

Further, increasingly stringent environmental management demands and building regulations have imposed considerable constraints on the location of a food service facility. Odour and emission control and neighbourly respect are factors that need particularly careful consideration in densely packed urban environments.

Optimal solutions

Halton recommends Capture Jet canopies equipped with UV-C grease destruction system and supply air. Total system efficiency is the starting point for a fully operable UV system. The system design evaluates both exhaust and supply according to actual heat loads, the cooking operation involved and Capture Jet efficiency.

• Capture Ray UV-C hoods create a healthy and productive work environment by preventing the heat and impurities from spreading to the work area.
• Compared to conventional systems, the Capture Jet system is 30% more efficient, whilst also reducing energy consumption due to lower air flow rates.
• The Capture Ray UV-C solution includes the most advanced mechanical KSA filters, removing 95% of grease particles sized 8 microns and above. Organic compounds are reduced by combining the best mechanical filtration available with the lowest possible operating air flow, thus giving the optimal residence time to the UV-C light and the longest working time to break down the grease molecules.
• The UV-C system eliminates grease deposits.
• The system provides draught-free air distribution directly into the working zone from the front-face low-velocity supply diffuser.
• Low pressure loss reduces energy consumption.
• The TAB™ system is used to facilitate testing and balancing.

Target conditions

• Increased comfort, hygiene, and employee productivity
• Extraction efficiency and grease vapour removal for easy maintenance and neighbourhood-friendly operation
• Fast payback and lower running costs

Application based on Halton UV-C solution

The UVL back-shelf-type hood is designed for close-proximity cooking applications. Due to the proximity to the cooking surface, the Capture Jet is used as an air curtain, extending the physical front of the hoods toward the cooking surface without impeding the thermal plume.

Available area a UVF wall-style and island-type canopy for use over back-to-back appliance layout incorporating the Capture Jet technology, UV-C system, and supply air.

The UVL and UVF-type UV-C hoods are based on high-efficiency Capture Jet technology, advanced mechanical KSA filters, and a UV-C system for the destruction of grease. Putting all of these elements together results in low air flows and optimal residence time for the UV light, as well as the maximal working time for the ozone to break down long chain molecules, keeping the plenum and duct virtually grease-free and reducing cooking odours and emissions :

• Integrated Capture Ray UV-C cassette with complete controls and safety features and offering easy access for maintenance
• CE-certified control panel for UV operation
• ASTM 1704 validated performance
• Stainless steel KSA 'multi-cyclone' high-efficiency grease filters - UL- and NSF-classified