Commercial Kitchen Filtration Design & Compliance For Consultants

When it comes to commercial kitchen design, commercial kitchen odour control & ESP units is no longer an afterthought - it’s an essential part of every compliant extraction system incorporating Consultants and M&E engineers are expected to balance airflow performance, environmental standards, and client expectations, all while ensuring compliance with DW172 and BS 6173.

This checklist is designed to support consultants at every stage of the process - from the first site survey through to commissioning and sign-off - ensuring every odour control system performs efficiently, quietly, and safely.

Pre-Design Site Survey

A thorough site survey sets the foundation for an effective design. Consultants should gather accurate data on:
• Cooking type and volume: Identify the equipment used (grills, fryers, ovens) and typical cooking hours.
• Extract flow rate: Calculate expected air volumes to size filtration units correctly.
• Duct route and discharge point: Note duct length, bends, and final outlet location relative to windows, air intakes, or residential areas.
• Available space: Measure ceiling voids, plant rooms, and access routes for installation and servicing.
• Local authority requirements: Review any planning conditions that specify odour abatement levels or noise limits.

Capturing this information early ensures accurate system sizing and helps determine which filtration technologies are most appropriate.

System Design and Technology Selection

Once survey data is collected, the system design should focus on combining the right technologies in sequence to meet site-specific demands.

A typical multi-stage approach includes:
• Primary grease filtration at the canopy (baffle or mesh filters) to capture large droplets.
• Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) for fine grease and smoke removal.
• UV-O systems to oxidise odour molecules and reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Activated carbon filters as the final stage for odour polishing.

When selecting equipment, ensure the filtration stages align with airflow rates, duct velocities, and discharge conditions recommended in DW/172. Extechnology offers modular, high-efficiency ESP and UV-O systems designed to meet these standards and adapt easily to site constraints.

Specification and Documentation

Clear documentation helps the installation team deliver exactly what’s intended. Consultants should ensure the following are defined:
• Airflow performance data and pressure drops for each filtration stage.
• Maintenance and access requirements for cleaning and lamp replacement.
• Electrical load, power supply, and control panel integration details.
• Structural support requirements and vibration isolation for larger units.
• Reference to DW/172 and BS 6173 for compliance assurance.

Including performance expectations in specification documents avoids ambiguity and ensures tenders are based on equivalent systems.

Installation Phase - What to Check On Site

During installation, consultants should verify that the odour control system has been fitted in line with the design intent.

Use the following checks:
• Positioning: Ensure ESPs and UV-O units are correctly oriented in the airflow direction and accessible for maintenance.
• Sealing: All duct connections must be airtight to prevent leaks or bypass of untreated air.
• Support and vibration: Units should be securely mounted and isolated to prevent noise transmission.
• Electrical wiring: Confirm correct connection to control panels, with safety interlocks where specified.
• Access panels: Ensure maintenance hatches are installed at all required points for cleaning and servicing.
• Drainage: Where wash-down systems are fitted, check drain lines are correctly trapped and routed.

Taking time to inspect installation quality protects performance and minimises early operational issues.

Commissioning and Performance Verification

Before handover, odour control systems should be tested to confirm airflow rates, pressure drops, and electrical performance meet the specification.

Recommended checks include:
• Visual inspection of all filters and collection plates.
• Power-up test for UV lamps and ESP ionisation sections.
• Measurement of extract fan performance to confirm design flow.
• Verification that no odour leakage occurs at discharge points.
• Review of maintenance manuals and cleaning schedules.

Proper commissioning ensures the client receives a compliant, efficient system that performs as designed from day one.

Maintenance Planning and Handover

A well-designed system only performs if maintained correctly. Consultants should confirm that maintenance schedules are issued with the O&M manuals and that clients understand:
• Cleaning frequency for grease and ESP filters.
• Replacement intervals for UV lamps and carbon filters.
• Access points for duct inspection and cleaning (TR/19 guidance).

Including maintenance planning in project documentation ensures longevity and continued compliance - reducing the likelihood of odour complaints or fire risk.

Odour control specification is as much about planning and process as it is about technology. A structured approach - from survey through to commissioning - guarantees performance, simplifies sign-off, and protects both the consultant and the client.

By following a clear checklist and referencing DW172 throughout, consultants can design systems that meet regulations, satisfy planners, and deliver clean, odour-free air for years to come.

Extechnology’s filtration systems are built to meet these standards — providing consultants with proven, efficient solutions for any commercial kitchen project.

For more technical information and design support, visit our Extechnology Blog.
To explore our full range of ESP, UV-O, and carbon filtration systems for commercial kitchens, browse our products here.