Purpose and features of the use of carbon filters for exhaust

Kitchen hood may be different. This is based on how it works, and on the type of filter used. One of the most popular types of products today are the mechanisms without discharge into the ventilation shaft, which use carbon filters. What are these structural elements, what is their principle of operation and purpose, what are the strengths and what are the disadvantages, we will find out further.

What is it needed for?

The use of different types of exhaust is based on air purification. The purpose of the carbon filter for the kitchen is to clean the air passing through it from unpleasant odors of any type. Outwardly, it is a round or rectangular cassette in a plastic case.Less on sale you can buy products made of synthetic material.

These products differ externally. For example, if it is a cartridge-type filter, there is an absorbent inside it. When it is textiles, the active substance is an impregnation. It is worth noting that the products can be combined. This allows you to create a variant with a greater degree of air protection from hot steam and toxic impurities.

The main component of the filter element is activated carbon granules or carbon powder. This absorbent is characterized by the ability to absorb and retain various impurities from the air. This is a tool for fine air purification, which lasts for 3-4 months of regular work. It is installed immediately behind the grease filter, because first the exhaust purification system must get rid of fat particles, and only after that, odors and other contaminants.

The carbon filter allows you to make the design of the hood reliable in operation, providing a favorable microclimate inside the room. Apart from the fact that due to the use of a carbon cartridge in the hood, it is possible to significantly reduce the level of air pollution, this affects the extension of the resource and operation of equipment and interior items.Along with air purification, ashes, dust and other microparticles in the air will not settle on all objects in the room. This type of cartridges used for recycling systems, it allows you to increase the efficiency of the exhaust. It may differ in density, and, in contrast to the fat analog, is a replaceable type design.

Principle of operation

A distinctive feature of the carbon filter is the fact that the air entering through the filter element does not leave the room. It not only absorbs, but also keeps inside all harmful impurities of air that enter the filter itself with a stream of air. As a rule, cleaning with a similar method is quite effective. In this case, the physicomechanical characteristics of such elements may differ, depending on their type.

For example, in an hour of operation, the capacity can range from 2500 to 22500 cubic meters, and the initial aerodynamic resistance varies within 120 Pa. This filter works optimally if the temperature in the room is not very high. The same applies to humidity: it should not exceed 70%.In addition, the mass of the cartridge itself varies.

The filter is operated by the engine, which supplies air to the hood through a fan. At the same time, the adsorbent (powder or granules) absorbs harmful impurities of air and loses light ions. As you work, the filter becomes dense due to contamination. This makes his work ineffective, and therefore requires replacement. Often, together with a similar extraction system, an ionizer is used to form ozone.

The principle of operation of the combined version is somewhat different. At the first stage, polluted air enters through a dense layer of carbon-impregnated synthetic textile. For example, a manufacturer may use viscose as a material. In this case, some of the dirt will remain on textiles. In the future, the air will be directed to the cartridge with granules, where the second cleaning phase will take place.

These devices are convenient, since after purification the air really won't smell. In order not to doubt the capabilities of the filters, you should take care of buying devices with sensors that signal the need for replacement.

Kinds

To date, for the manufacture of coal filters using coal:

  • stone;
  • peat;
  • coconut;
  • impregnated

If you classify products by purpose, then you can select several applications. For example, some trademarks produce models not only household, but also for industrial use. Products differ in weight, and the difference between them can exceed 300-400 kg. Professional options are bought for purifying the air of large spaces (for example, in catering).

In addition, companies are engaged in the release of products for sewage treatment plants, as well as the absorption of organic pollutants. Depending on this, carbon filters may differ not only in geometric form. They can be not only flat, but also concave. The last versions intended for ventilating systems without branch, appeared not so long ago.

They are also installed in the kitchen above the stove. The circulation system can be an element of kitchen decor or a hidden part of the arrangement. In other words, these filters are suitable not only for traditional systems, they are also applicable to embedded devices.The position of the panel can be retractable or fixed.

Differences from fat

With regards to the difference between the filters, it is worth noting that the principle of purification itself is different between the filter elements. For example, fatty varieties belong to the class of coarse cleaners, while the cleaning of coal-based filters is different. His task is not to protect the walls of the hood elements inside. In addition, grease filters to prolong the life of the hood are washed more often than they are replaced.

Coal filters are needed to trap steam impurities, as well as gases that are harmful to human health. The design of the cartridge with all the desire will not allow to clean it.

Benefits

At extracts and carbon filters a lot of advantages. For example, one of them is the return of purified air to the same room, while other species get rid of it due to the ventilation shaft. Hoods with filters based on coal perfectly neutralize unpleasant odors that occur during cooking (for example, the smell of fish). At the same time, these products are easy to replace when developing their resource.

To make a replacement, you do not need to have any special skills: this does not require a specialist, and the time to replace will take very little. Such systems are safe, environmentally friendly, harmless to health. Such hoods are better than other models. Other advantages and distinctive features include the ease of installation of the ventilation systems themselves with carbon cartridges.

As a rule, they are not only comfortable, but also aesthetically attractive. The use of systems with a carbon filter does not need to disguise communications. And it provides more freedom for the arrangement of furniture in the kitchen when it is planned.

Due to the natural air circulation, they make the air cleaner, which is especially important for people with weakened immune systems.

Carbon filters are used in hoods that can be installed anywhere and as convenient to the owners of the house. At the same time, household appliances, as a rule, do not need additional provision of air supply. Often they are characterized by an acceptable cost and ergonomic design of the hoods themselves. Considering their wide range of varieties, it’s easy to choose an option according to your taste and budget.

Carbon filters are universal. In order to buy a cartridge instead of the used one, there is no need to purchase only a specific product from the manufacturer of the hood. Most of these elements are variable and have analogues with the necessary parameters. In this case, the buyer has the ability to choose power. You can not worry when buying: each filter is labeled with information about the type of hood.

Among other advantages of ventilation systems with carbon filters it is worth highlighting the fact that the unpleasant smell will not annoy the neighbors as well, passing through the ventilation shaft. In addition, such an element is in no way reflected in the temperature background of the room. It is used in systems that do not need to increase or cool the temperature to ensure a favorable microclimate. The carbon filter is an important component of the hood, although by themselves these structures are quite complex.

disadvantages

Despite a lot of positive feedback left on the Internet on coal filters, they have some drawbacks. For example, recirculating hoods based on carbon filters require mains power.This, in turn, leads to an increase in electricity bills. We must not forget that, with all its effectiveness, these devices are not able to clean the air from pollution completely by 100%.

Cartridge life may vary, but all elements of this type need replacing and, over time, reduce air purification efficiency.

It is not enough to buy the barrier, it is important to learn how to use the hood correctly. Carbon filters are always disposable. No matter how economical the work of the hood itself is, they will have to be changed in any case, because in time they will no longer cope with their main task.

How to pick up?

Since in most cases the carbon filter is designed for different versions of the hoods, one element can go up to two dozen items of hoods. Of course, you can go to the store and consult with the seller, who will tell you which option is suitable in a particular case. However, it will not be superfluous to get acquainted with the main nuances of choosing a filtering element. If you have not taken care of the replacement cartridges when buying the hood itself, they may not be on sale.

As a rule, it is indicated on each filter box for which models of ventilation systems it can be used., whether it is a built-in extractor without outlet or autonomous retractable appliances. Do not assume that carbon filters can have time to clean the entire room in the cooking process before the smell spreads throughout the apartment or house. In fact, and flow, and recirculation devices do not differ. The difference in performance is insignificant and amounts to about 15-20%.

The choice of filter element must be careful. It is impossible to ignore the model of the cassette and where the cartridge should be located, to push the cloth version of the cleaner.

Despite the fact that rag varieties are much cheaper than cassette ones, their use for inappropriate purposes without taking into account the type of model is a gross violation of the hood operation. It is worth considering the fact that this will reduce the performance of devices.

An interesting nuance is the fact that not all models of hoods without an air duct have a fat barrier. If it is not there, the operation of the carbon filter will be ineffective, and the service life will be short.In this case, the entire load on the disposal of air from pollution will fall on a single filter element. This will quickly lead to its clogging.

It is desirable to buy a filter of the same company as the hood itself. This will ensure flawless operation of the device and high performance. Choosing the hood, it is worth repelling not only from its constructive additions in the form of lighting, voice sensors and several modes of operation, but also the availability of removable cassettes. Otherwise, you can search for filters for a long time, but never choose the option you need to work effectively.

Installation

Carbon filters can be part of a recirculating exhaust kit. When they are not included in the package, they are purchased separately and installed independently. In other cases, the installation is made by replacing the old cartridge with a new one. Install the filter in place will not be difficult.

DIY installation technology is quite simple and consists of several consecutive points:

  • The kitchen hood is completely de-energized by removing the plug from the power supply.
  • Unpack the carbon filter. Fix the mounting bracket.
  • After that, open the hinged door hood, behind which are alternately grease and carbon filters.
  • Remove the grease filter and clean it (you can rinse the device).
  • If coal is located behind the fat filter, it is removed from the retainers and removed from the hood. If the model has 2 carbon filters, remove both. If the model is equipped with two carbon filters, they can be located on both sides of the motor.
  • In place of the position set new cleaning filters. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that they not only fall into place correctly, but also are securely fastened with retainers. The cassette should be inserted in its allotted place until a characteristic click.
  • After their installation, you must put in place and secure the grease filter in the same position in which it was removed.
  • Next you need to check the performance of the hood, including it in the network.

If extraneous noise or vibration is noticed at this stage, the replacement was carried out incorrectly, the filter is poorly fixed or did not take the desired position.

There are cases when the filters for specific models do not produce due to the obsolescence of the models of the kitchen hoods themselves.If the tapes are discontinued, some home owners try to disassemble the filters in an attempt to self-replace the adsorbent. For this purpose, they open the housing along the connecting seam. Extend the life of such a filter is obtained if you replace the coal with fresh in the same form that was originally in it (granules).

With regards to other manipulations, it is worth noting that it is useless to wash coal, thus it is not possible to clean the adsorbent.. Contaminated powder or granules will not improve their performance. They will not catch toxic chemicals floating in the air. In addition, moisture is the enemy of the absorbent element. If a particular type of filter is not available, the best solution would be to search for universal varieties.

Such items tend to fit many types of recirculation hoods. However, it is worth considering the fact that buying a high-quality universal filter is not so simple: there are more remakes than original products in this segment.

Installation is carried out by the principle of replacement. Usually it is needed when the noise of the hood has become more noticeable.

How often to change?

The frequency of filter replacement depends on various factors.One of them is the resource of the manufacturer, as well as barrier clogging. For example, products of some companies have to be changed every two months from the start of operation. In other cases, the service life of the filter is longer, so it has to be replaced less frequently. For example, products of Elikor and Jet Air companies last for 5 months, the cleaning device from the Fabrino trademark will work regularly for about 4 months.

Affects the service life and intensity of operation of the hood. When it is used from time to time and briefly, the usage time of the cartridge increases significantly. Few people know that to extend the durability of the device can be by drying the coal and loosening. This is possible if you do not turn off the hood simultaneously with the stove after cooking. It is necessary to leave the device on for at least 5 minutes. So it will be possible to destroy a layer of accumulated impurities of gases, which will allow the filter to work for some time.

In addition to all the above, it is necessary to take into account that the durability of the coal cartridge will depend on the state of the anti-fat element. The cleaner it will be, the less dirty particles will fall on the adsorbent.This means that the structure of the coal will be compacted more slowly. It is easy to wash the anti-grease: after removing it from the hood, the barrier is placed in a prepared container.

This can be a clean basin or bath in which the filter is washed with a special solution, detergent and a regular brush. Sometimes it is doused with boiling water; for greater purification, a mixture of soda and laundry soap is used. For greater effect, it is often even soaked for 2-3 hours. Install the anti-fat barrier in place only after it is completely dry.

What you need to know about manufacturers?

Today, different companies produce carbon filters for exhaust hoods without an air duct. At the same time elements can be calculated for exhaust systems not only built in, but also wall and angular type. The work of many modern devices is carried out in silent mode. Preferring one manufacturer or another, you need to consider several key factors.

For example, it is important to determine the number of carbon filters in addition to the fat barrier. You need to buy not only running filters: you need to start by choosing the model of the ventilation system itself.Today, trademarks offer to the attention of buyers options with an economical energy consumption and a fairly efficient operation of filters. One or two - each decides for himself. However, if they need to be replaced often, this can affect the budget.

When buying you need to pay attention to the reputation of the store. It is important to choose a reliable supplier whose products will work out their life, as stated by the manufacturer. Counterfeit products, as a rule, do not reach several months of operation, without differing at the same time with work efficiency.

You need to choose products of a reliable brand, because such brands always care about their reputation, which affects the quality of each product.

Among the companies that are in demand among buyers, it is worth distinguishing several brands:

  • Jet Air - coal filters of the Portuguese manufacturer, characterized by an acceptable price segment and high quality and performance characteristics;
  • Elikor - products of domestic brand, designed for exhaust and cleaning equipment of private houses, apartments and offices;
  • Elica - Italian air cleaners of round and rectangular type of different modifications, differing in original design and ergonomics, designed for extracts of the company Elica and other companies;
  • Krona - products in the form of a circle and a rectangle of different price categories, designed for 100-130 hours of operation, which is equivalent to 5-6 months of use;
  • Cata - replaceable coal-type cleaners for hoods operating in recirculation mode;
  • Electrolux - options of various configurations and forms of expensive price category, suitable for different models of exhaust systems.

In addition to these manufacturers, Hansa and Gorenje brands are in demand among buyers. The first company is considered to be one of the best in its segment. It supplies products to the market characterized by convenience and cost effectiveness. The second brand produces built-in and suspended type hoods, offering them carbon filters that are ideally suited to the size of the models. The company also relies on energy efficiency.

It is impossible to say unequivocally which filter model is the best, since customer opinions are ambiguous. Everyone likes his version.In general, in the rulers, you can select the types of air purifiers for push-button, touch and slider control systems. A good variety of barriers are products Jet Air, designed for six months of use.

Reviews

Carbon filters are considered an effective means of improving the quality of air in the kitchen when cooking. According to the comments left on the World Wide Web forums, this type of air barrier eliminates unpleasant odors, but due to the fact that they spread very quickly through the air, the complete elimination of odors does not occur as quickly as we would like. With regards to the choice, many say that buying a quality filter needs to choose a certain brand that you can trust. This is due to the fact that often purchased items do not work as effectively, and a little time.

For information on how to install a carbon filter on the classic Gretta CPB hood from the Krona brand, see the following video.

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Information provided for reference purposes. For construction issues, always consult a specialist.

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