April 26, 2025
ESP, Carbon & Ozone: Building a Compliant Kitchen Extract System in the UK
How to combine electrostatic precipitation (ESP), activated carbon and optional ozone/UV‑C to control grease, smoke and odour in UK kitchens while aligning with TR19 and EMAQ planning.
Designing a Compliant Kitchen Extract: ESP, Carbon & Ozone Working Together
For most commercial kitchens in the UK, reliable odour and grease control demands a layered approach. " "Electrostatic precipitation (ESP) removes particulates with low pressure drop, ozone/UV‑C helps break down odorous compounds, " "and activated carbon polishes remaining VOCs before discharge. When sized and maintained correctly, this train aligns with " "TR19 hygiene good practice and common EMAQ/DEFRA expectations at planning stage.
Who this guide is for
M&E consultants preparing specifications and compliance statements.
Mechanical contractors tasked with delivering a predictable, low‑risk solution.
Restaurant groups and independent operators who need fewer complaints and lower running costs.
The treatment train (typical)
ESP — captures grease and smoke particulates; keeps downstream ducts cleaner and protects carbon media.
Ozone/UV‑C (optional) — oxidises odorous compounds and reduces carbon loading, particularly useful for charcoal/heavy cooking and late trading.
Activated carbon — final polishing step; dwell time is key to consistent neighbour‑friendly discharge.
Design principles that prevent issues
Airflow & dwell time: size the ESP for duty CMH with margin; set carbon face velocity to achieve meaningful contact time.
Pressure drop (ΔP): ESP adds minimal ΔP; include allowances for pre‑filters and fouling. Keep the system inside the fan curve.
Safety & interlocks: door interlocks, airflow proving, and BMS status/fault terminals reduce call‑outs.
Drainage & access: service doors, removable cells and sumps make cleaning safe and quick.
Discharge strategy: where possible, discharge above roof level and well away from air intakes and sensitive receptors.
Maintenance schedule (typical)
Item | Action | Interval (guide) |
|---|---|---|
Pre‑filters | Wash with warm water/degreaser; dry fully | 1–4 weeks |
ESP cells | Soak/wash with approved alkaline cleaner; rinse & dry | 4–8 weeks (heavy loads more often) |
Carbon | Replace before breakthrough; log change‑outs | As required by odour performance |
UV‑C/ozone | Replace lamps around 12,000–13,000 hrs; verify interlocks | Annually or per runtime |
Documentation & compliance
Provide commissioning evidence (airflow, ΔP, leakage checks) alongside a documented cleaning plan and logbook. This " "supports TR19 hygiene audits and typical planning conditions informed by EMAQ/DEFRA guidance. " "Link the maintenance schedule to your planned maintenance provider to avoid drift.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Specifying carbon without controlling particulates first — media blocks early, odour returns, and energy use climbs.
Under‑sizing ESP or carbon dwell time — initial performance looks fine, but complaints arise at peak load or after fouling.
No interlocks — ozone without airflow proving and door interlocks is a safety and compliance risk.
Next steps
Explore our ESP range and carbon modules.
Request a free odour assessment and treatment schematic.
Bundle with Arden Environmental maintenance for guaranteed uptime.
FAQs
Do I always need ozone? No — it’s most valuable for persistent odours, charcoal grills and long duct runs. We risk‑assess site by site.
Will ESP remove odour? ESP targets particulates; odour control typically requires carbon and/or ozone.
Is the system noisy? ESP itself has no moving parts; total noise depends on fan selection and layout.
