| Feature Value Filter height 50 cm Extractor height 44 cm Total height 94 cm Filter depth 56 cm Width 62 cm Cold water supply 1/2" Condensate drain to sewer 1" Inlet diameter Ø 150 mm Outlet diameter Ø 140-150 mm Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Filter height | 50 cm |
| Extractor height | 44 cm |
| Total height | 94 cm |
| Filter depth | 56 cm |
| Width | 62 cm |
| Cold water supply | 1/2" |
| Condensate drain to sewer | 1" |
| Inlet diameter | Ø 150 mm |
| Outlet diameter | Ø 140-150 mm |
Technical Data Sheet
User Manual
HIGH TEMPERATURE
ASPIRATORS
+300°
Code. INOX.4.EBR280
AH systems use a recirculating water system, which drastically reduces water consumption compared to open-circuit systems. The water is automatically topped up and the condensate can be discharged directly into the sewage system.
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Technical FAQ on Soot Abatement Systems
Frequently asked questions about wood-fired ovens, boilers, stoves, barbecues, coffee roasters, water, condensation, odours and installation.
Technical FAQ on Soot Abatement Systems
Frequently asked questions about wood-fired ovens, boilers, stoves, barbecues, coffee roasters, water, condensation, odours and installation.
ETC Group AH series soot abatement systems are designed for the treatment of fumes generated by the combustion of wood, pellets, biomass, charcoal and other solid fuels.
This section collects the most frequently asked questions about operation, applications, installation, soot treatment, water management, condensation, odours, maintenance and correct model selection.
1. Operation of Soot Abatement Systems
1. What is a soot abatement system?
A soot abatement system is a device designed to treat fumes produced by the combustion of wood, pellets, biomass, charcoal or other solid fuels before they are discharged into the atmosphere.
Its main function is to reduce soot, carbonaceous particulate matter, solid residues, micro-particles and deposits that may dirty chimneys, flue terminals, façades, roofs and areas close to the fume outlet.
ETC Group AH series abatement systems use a water-based treatment process, with multiple washing stages, wetted surfaces and directional changes in the airflow, in order to promote the capture of carbonaceous particulate matter present in the fumes.
2. How does a water-based soot abatement system work?
A water-based soot abatement system works by passing the fumes through an internal washing system. During this passage, soot particles and carbonaceous particulate matter are intercepted by water, wetted surfaces and directional changes in the airflow.
The principle is not that of a simple mechanical filter, but of a progressive fume treatment process. Particles are dragged towards the water and separated from the airflow before discharge.
This system is particularly suitable for dirty, hot fumes loaded with carbonaceous residues, where a traditional dry filter could quickly become clogged.
3. What do AH abatement systems treat?
AH abatement systems are mainly designed to reduce:
soot;
carbonaceous particulate matter;
solid combustion residues;
visible smoke;
micro-particles;
carbon deposits;
part of the aerosols present in the fumes.
Soot, vapour, odours and gases must not be confused. Each contaminant requires a specific technical assessment.
4. Do AH abatement systems completely eliminate smoke?
No. Technically, it is more correct to speak of reduction or abatement of particulate matter and soot, not absolute elimination.
The effectiveness depends on several factors:
type of fuel;
quantity of wood, pellets, biomass or charcoal used;
fume temperature;
airflow rate;
draught;
correct machine sizing;
installation quality;
maintenance;
correct water management.
Under documented test conditions, AH systems can achieve very high particulate abatement levels, but each real installation must be assessed according to its actual operating conditions.
5. What is the difference between smoke, soot, odour and vapour?
Soot is made up of carbonaceous particles generated by combustion.
Smoke is a visible mixture of particles, gases, vapours and combustion residues.
Odour is caused by chemical compounds present in fumes or cooking vapours.
Water vapour is water in gaseous form and can condense when the temperature drops below the dew point.
A correct technical project must first identify which problem needs to be solved: soot, visible smoke, odours, vapour, grease or fine particulate matter.
2. Wood-Fired Ovens, Pizzerias and Bakeries
6. What is a soot abatement system for a wood-fired oven used for?
A soot abatement system for a wood-fired oven is used to reduce visible emissions and solid residues generated by wood combustion.
It is particularly useful in:
pizzerias;
bakeries;
restaurants;
food laboratories;
delicatessens;
premises in historic centres;
businesses located in apartment buildings;
premises close to residential areas.
The system helps keep the chimney cleaner, reduces soot dispersion and contributes to improving the quality of the discharged air.
7. Is the abatement system useful for a pizzeria with a wood-fired oven?
Yes. Pizzerias with wood-fired ovens produce hot fumes, soot and carbonaceous particulate matter. In inhabited areas, visible smoke and soot deposits may cause complaints, inspections or problems with neighbours.
A correctly sized AH abatement system can significantly reduce the amount of soot discharged and improve fume management.
8. Can the abatement system reduce complaints from neighbours?
Yes, it can help reduce the problem because it decreases soot, particulate matter and visible smoke.
When the main problem is odour, it may be necessary to integrate the system with additional specific treatments. Odours are more difficult to guarantee in absolute terms because they depend on many variables and on the sensitivity of the people exposed.
9. Does the abatement system replace the chimney?
No. The abatement system does not automatically replace the chimney.
Its function is to treat the fumes before discharge. The system must still be designed in compliance with applicable regulations, local requirements, distances, draught and fire safety rules.
In some cases, fume abatement can make discharge more compatible with difficult installation contexts, but feasibility must be assessed by a qualified technician.
10. Is a soot abatement system mandatory for a pizzeria?
There is no single answer valid for all cases.
The obligation depends on:
type of business;
fuel used;
oven power;
installation area;
municipal regulations;
environmental requirements;
distance from residential buildings;
position of the discharge outlet;
any complaints or requirements imposed by competent authorities.
Even when it is not expressly mandatory, an abatement system may be required to solve problems related to emissions, soot, neighbours or authorisations.
3. Boilers, Stoves, Pellets and Biomass
11. Can AH abatement systems be used on biomass boilers?
Yes, AH abatement systems can be applied to biomass boilers, pellet boilers, stoves and solid-fuel generators.
Their main function is to reduce carbonaceous particulate matter and soot before the fumes are discharged.
The model must be selected according to thermal power, fume flow rate, chimney diameter, temperature and the characteristics of the existing system.
12. Can an abatement system be used on a wood stove?
Yes, in many cases an abatement system can be used on a wood stove, especially when the problem is visible smoke, soot or dirt at the chimney outlet.
It is necessary to check:
pipe diameter;
fume temperature;
draught;
position of the abatement system;
available space;
water drain;
maintenance accessibility.
13. Can it be used on pellet boilers?
Yes. Pellet boilers may produce fine particulate matter and combustion residues. A water-based abatement system can help reduce the amount of particulate matter and soot discharged.
Sizing must be based on the power and actual fume flow rate, not only on the chimney diameter.
14. Does the abatement system prevent chimney fires?
The abatement system can help reduce soot deposits in the downstream sections because it intercepts a significant part of the carbonaceous particulate matter.
However, it does not replace:
periodic chimney cleaning;
mandatory maintenance;
chimney inspection;
the use of suitable materials;
compliance with safety distances;
good combustion practices.
Fire prevention always requires correct installation, suitable materials and regular maintenance.
4. Barbecues, Charcoal Grills and Smokers
15. Can an AH abatement system be used for barbecues, charcoal grills and smokers?
Yes, but sizing must be assessed very carefully.
Barbecues, charcoal grills, braziers and smokers can produce:
dense smoke;
grease;
soot;
persistent odours;
particulate matter;
heavy carbonaceous residues.
In these cases, the problem is not always comparable to that of a small wood-fired oven. For applications involving meat, grease and charcoal, a more robust pre-treatment or a larger model may be required.
16. Why are barbecue fumes more difficult to treat?
Fumes from barbecues and charcoal grills may contain soot, grease, organic vapours, strong odours and particulate matter at the same time. The presence of grease makes the treatment more complex than that of a standard wood-fired oven.
For this reason, it is important to carefully evaluate flow rate, temperature, type of cooking and daily operating hours.
17. Is a small abatement system enough for a charcoal grill?
Not always. A charcoal grill can generate more smoke and odours than a small wood-fired oven.
The choice must not be made only by looking at the pipe diameter, but by considering:
quantity of charcoal used;
quantity of meat cooked;
grease produced;
temperature;
airflow rate;
working hours;
position of the fume outlet.
5. Coffee Roasters and Roasting Plants
18. Can an AH abatement system be used on a coffee roaster?
Yes, AH abatement systems can also be used on coffee roasters.
In roasting plants, the problem may include:
fine particulate matter;
hot fumes;
organic residues;
intense odours;
compounds generated by roasting;
emissions during roasting and cooling phases.
For coffee roasting applications, it is important to evaluate fume flow rate, temperatures, roasting and cooling phases, type of roaster and operating cycle.
19. Is a water-based abatement system alone enough for a coffee roasting plant?
It depends on the problem to be solved.
If the main problem is soot or carbonaceous particulate matter, a water-based abatement system can be a very useful solution.
If the main problem is roasting odour, it may be necessary to integrate other treatment systems after the abatement system, such as oxidation systems, ozone, plasma, zeolite, activated alumina or other specific adsorbent materials.
Before installing adsorbent materials, however, micro-droplets, aerosols and excess humidity must first be removed.
20. Are coffee roaster fumes the same as wood-fired oven fumes?
No. Coffee roaster fumes may contain less heavy soot than some wood combustion processes, but they can have very intense odours and specific organic compounds generated by roasting.
For this reason, a roasting plant must be assessed as a specific application, considering both particulate matter and odour.
6. Certifications, Tests and Performance
21. Are AH abatement systems certified?
ETC Group AH abatement systems are indicated as IMQ-certified systems.
Product certification is important because it concerns the compliance of the system with applicable safety and construction requirements.
However, it is important to clarify that product certification does not replace:
correct system design;
compliance with local regulations;
correct installation;
correct chimney sizing;
any authorisations required by the competent authorities.
22. What is the difference between IMQ certification and an abatement test?
IMQ certification concerns the product and its compliance with applicable technical and safety requirements.
Abatement tests, on the other hand, concern specific performance measurements, such as particulate reduction under specific test conditions.
These are two different but complementary aspects:
certification gives value to product safety and compliance;
abatement tests document performance measured under controlled conditions.
23. What soot abatement percentage can be achieved?
AH abatement systems can achieve very high carbonaceous particulate abatement levels under documented test conditions.
In real use, the result depends on:
correct sizing;
fume temperature;
flow rate;
quantity of soot produced;
installation;
maintenance;
fuel used;
water management.
For this reason, ETC Group always recommends a technical assessment before selecting the model.
24. Does the abatement system automatically make the installation compliant?
No. The abatement system is a component of the installation, not an automatic certification of the entire system.
Final compliance depends on:
design;
installation;
materials;
chimney;
drainage;
ventilation;
distances;
safety;
maintenance;
technical documentation.
ETC Group can provide the product and technical data, but the verification of the complete installation must be carried out by the competent technicians.
7. Water, Condensation, Humidity and Drains
25. Is water required for operation?
Yes. AH abatement systems work with a water-based system.
Water is used for washing the fumes and progressively capturing soot and carbonaceous particulate matter.
Water must not be removed or arbitrarily reduced, because it is a fundamental part of the operating principle.
26. Do AH abatement systems consume a lot of water?
No, they do not operate as a fully open water system.
AH technology uses a recirculation system with automatic water replenishment. This reduces consumption compared to open-circuit systems.
Actual consumption depends on:
model;
working hours;
fume temperature;
quantity of condensation generated;
quantity of particulate matter;
type of combustion.
27. Must the water from the abatement system be drained?
Yes. During operation, the water retains soot, carbonaceous residues and impurities.
For this reason, a suitable drain and correct dirty water management must be provided.
In many installations, an automatic timed drain is provided to avoid build-up and ensure continuous operation.
The draining frequency depends on the model, use and quantity of particulate matter produced.
28. Does the abatement system produce condensation?
Yes, the presence of condensation is normal in a system that treats hot fumes with water.
When hot fumes come into contact with colder surfaces and with the washing system, part of the vapour may condense.
For this reason, the installation must be designed with:
suitable drains;
correct slopes;
sealing;
suitable materials;
maintenance accessibility.
Condensation is not a defect: it is a physical phenomenon that must be correctly managed.
29. Can the abatement system eliminate water vapour?
No, soot, smoke, particulate matter and water vapour must not be confused.
Water vapour can condense when it comes into contact with cold surfaces or when the temperature drops below the dew point.
The abatement system can retain particles and part of the aerosols, but it cannot completely eliminate humidity from the air without a specific dehumidification or controlled condensation system.
If the main problem is vapour, a different assessment is required compared to a soot problem.
30. How are micro-droplets and aerosols managed after a water-based abatement system?
After a water-based abatement system, residual humidity, micro-droplets or aerosols may still be present.
For this reason, when a subsequent odour treatment or adsorption stage is to be installed, a humidity separation system must first be provided.
Possible solutions may include:
demisters;
droplet separators;
coalescing filters;
condensate drainage systems;
settling sections;
specific pre-filtration for aerosols and micro-droplets.
Without this stage, adsorbent materials may quickly become saturated or clogged.
8. Filters, Odours, Zeolite, Activated Alumina and Ozone
31. Do soot abatement systems also reduce odours?
Yes, water washing can help reduce part of the odours associated with fumes, but odour must not be treated as a simple or absolute parameter.
Odour perception depends on many factors:
type of combustion;
material burned;
temperature;
presence of grease;
oils;
organic compounds;
cooking fumes;
position of the discharge outlet;
sensitivity of the people exposed.
For more advanced odour treatment, it may be necessary to integrate other systems, selected according to the specific application.
32. Can activated carbon be used after a water-based abatement system?
It is not recommended to use activated carbon directly after a water-based abatement system if the treated air still contains high humidity, vapour, micro-droplets or aerosols.
Activated carbon works correctly only when the air is sufficiently dry and pre-filtered.
If it is crossed by humid air or water droplets, it can quickly become saturated, lose effectiveness and clog in a short time. In these conditions, the carbon can no longer correctly treat odours and may become an unnecessary pressure drop in the system.
When additional odour treatment is required after the abatement system, it is more appropriate to evaluate adsorbent materials that are more suitable for humid conditions, such as zeolite or activated alumina, but only after correct humidity pre-filtration.
Before any adsorbent stage, it is therefore necessary to provide a system for separating micro-droplets and residual water, such as demisters, droplet separators, coalescing filters or other suitable pre-treatment systems.
In summary: activated carbon must not be installed directly on humid air coming from a water-based abatement system. For effective odour treatment, micro-droplets, aerosols and excess humidity must first be removed, and only then should the most suitable adsorbent material be selected according to the type of fume and odour to be treated.
33. When can zeolite or activated alumina be used?
Zeolite and activated alumina can be evaluated when an adsorption stage is required after water-based treatment, especially in the presence of higher humidity compared to the conditions normally tolerated by activated carbon.
However, they must not be considered an automatic solution. Before installing them, the following must be checked:
residual humidity;
presence of micro-droplets;
air temperature;
odour composition;
flow rate;
contact time;
pressure drop;
maintenance and replacement possibilities.
Zeolite and activated alumina must also be protected from free water, aerosols and excessive dirt.
34. Can ozone be combined with the abatement system?
Yes, in some applications ozone can be combined as a subsequent treatment to oxidise part of the odorous compounds.
Effectiveness depends on:
contact time;
concentration;
humidity;
temperature;
chemical composition of the fumes;
flow rate;
correct mixing.
Ozone must be designed and installed carefully, in compliance with safety regulations and preventing dangerous exposure for people.
35. Does ozone always eliminate odours?
No. Ozone can reduce many odorous compounds, but it must not be presented as an absolute solution valid for all cases.
For correct operation, the following are required:
sufficient contact time;
correct concentration;
uniform mixing;
compatible temperature;
humidity control;
correct design of the air path.
In some cases ozone can be very useful; in others it may need to be combined with other filtration or adsorption systems.
36. Can electrostatic filters be used after the abatement system?
Yes, in some applications electrostatic filters can be used as a subsequent stage, especially when fine particulate matter or residual aerosols must be captured.
Also in this case, it is important that the air does not arrive with free water or excessive condensation, because humidity can compromise the correct operation of electric filters.
Correct micro-droplet separation is therefore required before the electrostatic stage.
9. Installation, Fan and Maintenance
37. Where is the soot abatement system installed?
The abatement system is installed along the fume path, between the fume generator and the discharge point.
It can be installed near the oven, boiler, stove, roaster or in another technical position, provided that the following are respected:
maintenance spaces;
slopes;
hydraulic connection;
condensate drain;
electrical power supply;
correct draught operation;
accessibility.
The correct position must be defined case by case.
38. Does the abatement system create pressure drop?
Yes, every system inserted into a fume line creates a pressure drop.
AH abatement systems are designed to keep pressure drops low in relation to their treatment function, but the actual value depends on the model, flow rate and installation.
For long, complex installations or systems with many bends, it may be necessary to install a suitable fan downstream of the treatment system.
39. Is an extractor fan required after the abatement system?
It depends on the installation.
In some cases natural draught may be sufficient; in others, an extractor fan or fan is required to guarantee the correct fume flow rate.
The need for a fan increases when there are:
long duct runs;
many bends;
additional filters;
complex outlets;
high flow rates;
abatement systems installed in unfavourable positions;
chimneys with insufficient draught.
The fan must be sized according to the flow rate and the real pressure drop of the installation.
40. Should the abatement system be installed before or after the fan?
In most applications, it is preferable to treat the fumes before the fan, in order to protect the fan from soot, dirt and residues.
However, the configuration depends on the type of installation, temperatures, draught, available space and machine position.
The choice must be made by a technician, assessing safety, maintenance and performance.
41. Can the abatement system operate 24 hours a day?
AH abatement systems are designed for automatic and continuous operation, provided that installation conditions, water supply, drainage, maintenance and correct system management are respected.
For industrial applications or intensive operating cycles, the most suitable model must be checked in advance.
42. What maintenance does a soot abatement system require?
Main maintenance concerns the inspection and cleaning of:
washing chamber;
nozzles;
drains;
tank;
water circuit;
internal surfaces;
parts subject to residue build-up.
The frequency depends on the type of combustion and working hours.
An oven used only a few hours per day creates different conditions compared to a coffee roaster, biomass boiler or charcoal grill operating for many hours.
43. Do AH abatement systems use filters that must be replaced?
AH technology is mainly based on water treatment, so it does not work like a traditional dry filter that needs frequent replacement.
This reduces replacement costs and the risk of clogging typical of some mechanical filters used on dirty fumes.
Depending on the application, subsequent stages may still be added, such as droplet separators, coalescing filters, zeolite, activated alumina, electrostatic filters, ozone or other treatment systems.
44. Can the abatement system be installed outdoors?
In many cases yes, but it must be correctly protected against:
frost;
rain;
atmospheric agents;
wind;
impacts;
extreme environmental conditions.
If installed outdoors, covers, insulation, maintenance accessibility, water drainage and protection of electrical and hydraulic components must be evaluated.
45. What happens if water does not reach the abatement system?
The system must not operate without correct water supply.
Water is essential for the washing process and soot abatement.
Lack of water can compromise treatment effectiveness and cause unwanted build-up.
Suitable controls and safety devices are recommended.
10. Model Selection and Quotation
46. Which model should be chosen between AH 200, AH 250, AH 300 and CLINEAR 250L?
The choice depends on:
fume flow rate;
type of generator;
temperature;
chimney diameter;
available space;
required abatement level;
fuel used;
operating hours.
In general:
AH 200 is suitable for small applications, stoves, small ovens and systems with reduced flow rates.
AH 250 is suitable for small and medium wood-fired ovens, stoves and low-power boilers.
AH 300 is suitable for more demanding professional applications.
CLINEAR 250L is suitable when a horizontal configuration is required or when vertical space is limited.
The final choice must be based on real technical data, not only on pipe diameter.
47. Is knowing the chimney diameter enough to choose the model?
No. The diameter is an important piece of information, but it is not sufficient.
To correctly size an abatement system, the following are also required:
fume flow rate;
temperature;
generator power;
type of fuel;
chimney length;
number of bends;
outlet position;
daily working hours;
presence or absence of a fan;
any subsequent filters.
An undersized installation may reduce effectiveness and create draught or maintenance problems.
48. Is it possible to connect several appliances to the same abatement system?
Yes, in some cases it is possible, but only after technical verification.
Connecting several ovens, stoves, boilers or generators to the same system means adding together flow rates, temperatures and pressure drops.
It is also necessary to assess:
risk of smoke backflow;
interference between lines;
correct draught regulation;
flow balance;
need for dampers or valves;
fan sizing.
49. Is the AH abatement system suitable for electric ovens?
For an electric oven, the problem is different because there is no combustion of wood or biomass.
Electric ovens usually generate vapour, heat, condensation, grease and odours, but not carbonaceous soot from solid-fuel combustion.
In these cases, a condensation system, grease filtration, aerosol separation, activated carbon only if the air is dry, zeolite, activated alumina, electrostatic filtration or odour treatment may be more suitable.
The solution must be selected according to the real contaminant to be treated.
50. What information is required to receive technical advice?
To indicate the correct model, at least the following information is required:
type of appliance: wood-fired oven, boiler, stove, barbecue, coffee roaster;
fuel used;
power or size of the generator;
chimney diameter;
indicative fume temperature;
fume flow rate, if available;
chimney length;
number of bends;
position of the fume outlet;
daily operating hours;
presence of odour problems;
presence of vapour or condensation problems;
photos or a diagram of the existing installation.
With these data, it is possible to evaluate the most suitable model and any necessary accessories.
51. How can a quotation be requested?
To receive a quotation, photos, a diagram of the installation, type of appliance, fuel, chimney diameter, power or flow rate, outlet position and operating hours must be provided.
The more information is provided, the more accurate the choice of model and accessories will be.
ETC Group can evaluate the case and indicate the most suitable solution among AH abatement systems, micro-droplet separation systems, extractor fans, ozone, zeolite, activated alumina, electrostatic filters or combined treatments.
Conclusion
AH soot abatement systems are technical systems for the treatment of fumes from solid-fuel combustion, suitable for wood-fired ovens, pizzerias, bakeries, biomass boilers, stoves, barbecues, charcoal grills, smokers and coffee roasters.
The correct choice must not be made only according to the chimney diameter, but by considering flow rate, temperature, fuel, type of fume, presence of odours, humidity, condensation, available space and real installation conditions.
To obtain an effective result, it is essential to size the system correctly, install it professionally and provide proper maintenance.