Electrostatic Air Cleaners and the 3 Different Capturing Methods.

When designing an effective air cleaning system, understanding how contaminants are captured is one of the most important factors in achieving the best results. Electrostatic air cleaners can be used in several different applications depending on the type of contaminant, the workspace layout, and the needs of the facility. 

At Bee Clean Specialties, our experienced technicians perform routine maintenance, repairs, and evaluations on electrostatic air cleaning systems used in manufacturing and commercial environments. We work with a wide range of equipment from leading manufacturers, including SmogHog®, Tri-Mist®, MistBuster®, Trion®, Aerocology®, and many other industry brands. 

There are three main methods used when capturing and collecting airborne contaminants: 

1. Unducted Air Cleaning Systems 

Unducted, also known as ambient air cleaning systems, are designed to clean the air within the workspace without the need for extensive ductwork. These systems are typically mounted overhead or near the ceiling, allowing them to collect airborne contaminants as they move through the room. 

The key to success with an unducted system is creating proper recirculating airflow. Clean air discharged from one air cleaner helps move contaminated air toward another unit, allowing pollutants to be continuously captured and filtered. 

Because these systems do not require ductwork, they can reduce installation costs and provide easier access to production equipment. However, proper system design and airflow planning are essential to ensure effective contaminant removal. 

Brands such as SmogHog, Trion, Aerocology, and other electrostatic filtration manufacturers offer solutions designed for various ambient air cleaning applications. 

2. Source Capture Systems 

Source capture remains the most recommended method for electrostatic air cleaning applications because it removes contaminants as close to the point of generation as possible. 

There are two common ways to design a source capture system: 

Ducted Source Capture: 
In a ducted system, contaminants are captured immediately and transported through a local exhaust duct system directly to the air cleaner. This keeps pollutants contained and prevents them from spreading throughout the facility. 

Hooded Source Capture: 
In a hooded system, contaminants are released into the surrounding air but are quickly captured by a properly designed hood placed near the source. The hood design and airflow direction are critical to achieving effective capture. 

Proper source capture design is commonly used for applications involving oil mist, smoke, welding fumes, and other airborne contaminants. 

3. Central Air Cleaning Systems 

Central electrostatic air cleaning systems are typically used in larger manufacturing facilities where multiple machines or production areas need to be serviced. 

In this type of application, a large electrostatic air cleaner is installed in a central location, sometimes outside or on the roof of the facility. A network of ductwork connects multiple production machines to the system, allowing contaminants to be collected and filtered through one central unit. 

This design is often used when machines are arranged in rows or production lines because it can create greater efficiency with ductwork layout, airflow management, and contaminant collection. 

Choosing the Right Air Cleaning Solution 

Every facility has different air quality challenges, and selecting the right capture method requires an understanding of ventilation engineering, airflow patterns, and the specific contaminants being generated. 

At Bee Clean Specialties, our technicians have the training and real-world experience needed to evaluate existing systems, recommend improvements, and help customers get the most out of their air cleaning equipment. 

Whether you need maintenance, repairs, system improvements, or a complete air cleaner evaluation, our team is here to help create a cleaner and more efficient work environment. 

Contact us today for your Free Air Cleaner Evaluation. 

Thanks for Reading, 

The Bee Clean Team 

847-451-0844