Clearing the air

COOKING fumes can be a real problem if they result in horrible smells and unsightly smoke.

The challenge for Trader Vic's restaurant at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London was how to eradicate cooking fumes from the two ovens, used to create Polynesian dishes in the main dining area.

Historically, the fumes were extracted through a vertical riser shaft before eventually being discharged from the 29th floor. But complaints were received from hotel guests from the upper floors about smells and the smoke.

John Fletcher, the hotel's assistant chief engineer said that another problem was cleaning the ductwork as parts of the 350ft length of trunking were very difficult to reach, which meant the cleaning process was expensive and time-consuming.

A Trion model 72 electrostatic air cleaner was installed to provide an effective air cleaning system.

The unit takes cooking fumes from above the restaurant's ovens and main kitchen area a much shorter distance than before, reducing the scale of the duct cleaning task. It is also fitted with an automatic washing system which is activated at the push of a button meaning it can be cleaned weekly when the restaurant and kitchen area is closed.

Trion Ltd