Local capture of pollutants

Local capture of pollutants is a IAQ control strategy that aims to remove pollutants at or near their point of origin, preventing them from dispersing into the broader indoor environment. This approach is particularly effective for pollutants generated by localized sources, such as cooking fumes, dust from construction activities, or emissions from specific appliances.

Working principle

Local capture systems typically consist of a hood or enclosure that is placed over the pollution source. The hood is connected to an exhaust system that vents the pollutants directly to the outdoors. The exhaust system should be designed to create a negative pressure in the hood, which will help to prevent pollutants from escaping into the surrounding air.

Enclosing the area where pollutants are generated can also help to control their spread. This can be done by using partitions, walls, or other barriers to create a separate space for the pollution source. The enclosed space should be vented to the outdoors to remove the pollutants.

Applications of local capture

• Kitchen range hoods: Removal of cooking fumes and odors.
• Laboratory workstations: Capture and exhaust of hazardous fumes and vapors.
• Dust collection systems: Used in workshops and industrial settings to capture dust and other airborne particles generated by tools and machinery.
• Fume hoods: Used in laboratories to capture and exhaust hazardous fumes and vapors.
• Commercial cooking equipment

Considerations for Effective Local Capture

To ensure the effectiveness of local capture systems, consider the following factors:

• Hood design: The hood should be designed to effectively capture the pollutants emitted from the source. This may involve adjusting the hood's size, shape, and placement.
• Airflow rate: The fan should provide sufficient airflow to capture and remove the pollutants. The required airflow rate depends on the size of the hood and the nature of the pollutant source.
• Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain the hood, ductwork, air cleaner, and fan to ensure optimal performance.