The current 1500-ft. per min. criterion, based on dust particles in industrial ventilation guidelines restricts the application of multi-speed and variable volume strategies in the design of kitchen exhaust ventilation systems. It also adds a significant cost to retrofitting lower-flow exhaust systems if the existing ductwork had been sized for 1500 ft. per min. The cost to replace ductwork for the lower-flow system to remain in compliance with the 1500 ft. per min. minimum can be very expensive. The results of this research project either will substantiate the hypothesis that the 1500 ft/min minute minimum duct velocity is not valid for grease particles as well as dust particles, or support the existing requirement. However, if the there is technical justification for the 1500 ft. per min. criteria, then it needs further qualification, particularly with respect to ductwork configurations and its relationship to different cooking processes.

Principal Investigator: Thomas H. Kuehn, University of Minnesota

Conducted: April 1998 - Oct. 2000

Sponsored by: TC 5.10, Kitchen Ventilation