Equipment for cleaning ventilation: varieties + how to choose the best on the market

Alexey Dedyulin
Checked by a specialist: Alexey Dedyulin
Author: Tatyana Sokolova
Last update: March 2019

The purpose of the ventilation system is to provide a comfortable atmosphere in the room. She is responsible for supplying clean air and removing exhaust air masses.

Over time, ventilation ducts and appliances become clogged and cannot function normally. In this case, it is necessary to get rid of accumulated deposits using special equipment for cleaning ventilation in the room. Timely service will extend the service life and increase the efficiency of ductwork.

We will understand when it is necessary to clean the ventilation, describe the effective technologies and features of the use of different equipment. In addition, we list the most popular manufacturers of equipment for servicing ventilation systems.

Basic ventilation functions

It is important to have an idea of ​​the purpose of the ventilation system, as well as to imagine what parameters and characteristics it has.

Ventilation located in the room performs a number of functions:

  1. Evacuation of waste, polluted air and the arrival of a new one from the street. In some situations, purification, ionization, cooling and heating of the air mass occurs.
  2. Various impurities and odors are removed from the room. This favorably affects the well-being and performance of people in the room.

The air exchange system is able to fully cope with its functions when it is perfectly clean. For these purposes, regular cleaning is necessary. It will increase the efficiency of the equipment and eliminate the possible occurrence of allergic reactions in people due to the accumulation of dust and various impurities.

Clogged ventilation
There are small particles of dirt and debris in the air that enter the ventilation duct. In the absence of regular cleaning, they form deposits that reduce the internal section of the duct

Features of the ventilation system

Not only dust but also microbes, allergens, molds, fungal spores leave through ventilation ducts. Over time, they settle on the inside of the ventilation, from where they spread throughout the room. In addition, the dusty network is a conductor of fire and a source of suffocating burning in case of fire.

Why is ventilation duct cleaning necessary?

Timely cleaning of the channels helps to purify the air, regulates the moisture index and prevents the development of the fungus and the appearance of black mold. And also it allows you to create ideal microclimatic conditions in the room and deal with the problems of the engineering system.

In addition, cleaning ensures compliance with fire safety regulations. If dust and grease deposits are observed in the ventilation ducts, a fire may form if a small spark occurs in the duct. Moreover, the spread of fire will be fast.

Duct after cleaning
It is important for a person to ensure comfortable living conditions. Ventilation cleaning ensures a perfectly functioning ventilation system

Cleaning the ducts allows you to comply with sanitary standards, the compliance with which determines the well-being and health of each person. Timely service of ventilation ducts will provide a favorable atmosphere and a comfortable microclimate in the room.

This is important both in residential premises and in the workplace, where people spend a lot of time.

Service intervals

Ventilation is a necessary element of residential, industrial, commercial and warehouse. If you do not take into account technical features, the ventilation system is conditionally divided into 2 types: natural and forced. Each of them needs constant cleaning.

It is carried out as the ventilation ducts become contaminated or periodically as a preventive measure. In the second case, the procedures are independent of the degree of contamination.

This option is more optimal, as it guarantees effective and long-term operation of ventilation. It will also provide a comfortable atmosphere in the room, while the ventilation system will fully perform its functions.

Cleaning the ventilation system indoors
Constant maintenance of the ventilation system of the room in normal working condition allows you to create a microclimate favorable for work and rest

If all elements of the ventilation system are serviced regularly, the room will have perfectly clean air. A favorable microclimate has a positive effect on the health of people who live or work indoors.

The main signs of pollution

Cleaning the ventilation system in the apartment must be carried out regularly. Otherwise, dirt, dust and various deposits begin to circulate around the room with air currents, causing harm to human health.

A number of signs indicate the need for cleaning:

  • dust and cobwebs constantly gather around the grate;
  • it is stuffy in the room, although this has not been observed before;
  • the day after cleaning the apartment, dust accumulates on the floor.

To check system performance in a small room, you can use the visual method, smoke or an open flame. With insufficient traction, clean.

To assess the condition of ventilation systems of large areas, special devices are used.

Ventilation cleaning
Periodically, it is necessary to check the operability of the ventilation system. This will avoid fire hazard situations.

Technologies and methods of service

The ventilation system circulates the air from the room and back. Universal equipment eliminates dirt and dust, allows you to keep the room clean.Air purification should be carried out both at the plants with the help of industrial plants, and in residential buildings.

An air purification system can solve various problems. Some of them are designed to get rid of part of the dust, others are designed to fight fats and fumes. On the inner walls of the equipment, various deposits are observed, depending on which they use the optimal option for carrying out maintenance work.

Mechanical maintenance method

The cleaning procedure involves the use of special equipment - a vacuum cleaner, a brush machine or a robot equipped with a video camera and special brushes. The mechanical method is characterized by high speed and efficiency, however, it is not suitable for removing fatty deposits.

Its main advantage is safety for people working or living indoors. By effectively removing contaminants from the walls of the duct, the equipment does not damage the elements of the ventilation system.

Chemical cleaning method

Using mechanical means, it is not always possible to get rid of strong pollution. In the kitchens of public institutions often have to apply dry cleaning of ducts. This is necessary if there is a significant load on the ventilation system or the owner of the room does not comply with the standards for cleaning equipment.

Chemical method
If the ventilation system is very dirty, a chemical cleaning method is used. This method will allow you to get the desired result and return ventilation ducts to normal.

Cleaning is carried out by spraying special chemicals through the duct.

The chemical method is the fastest and most effective. It requires prior preparation, as the cleaning products used are toxic.

Other options for the procedure

The combined cleaning method is also called wet. It involves the use of chemical and mechanical cleaning methods, which are carried out in turn. The advantages of the method are high efficiency.

Among the disadvantages of this method of service work:

  • fairly high cost;
  • its implementation requires a lot of time.

Another expensive cleaning option is cryogenic blasting. It involves the use of dry ice or soda.

The substance used through compressed air enters the ventilation at high speed, where it crashes into contaminated walls. As a result of this, microexplosion occurs, effectively destroying plaque on the inner surface of the ventilation duct.

Lack of blasting - the procedure requires sealing the system and a lot of time. But this method allows you to effectively deal with deposits on the walls.

 Ventilation cleaning method
There are various methods for cleaning the ventilation system. They are selected depending on factors: the purpose of the hood, the requirements and technical capabilities of the client

More often in practice use mechanical or combined cleaning. These methods allow you to remove deposits of greasy deposits and dust from the inner walls of the ventilation system. Other methods are relevant in the presence of complex contaminants, which can not cope with simple means.

Types of equipment for servicing the ventilation system

Dust, dirt, grease and fungal accumulations accumulated inside the ventilation system are not always easily separated from the walls. This usually requires the skills of professionals and special equipment.

Cleaning equipment
Professionals use special equipment to remove deposits from the duct. It is intended for maintenance and cleaning of the ventilation system in rooms for various purposes.

There are several types of equipment for servicing the ventilation system: diagnostic and cleaning.

First, with the help of a diagnostic device, the state of ventilation ducts is assessed.Based on the diagnostic results, materials and suitable equipment are selected.

In order for cleaning of the ventilation system to be effective, it is necessary to use exclusively equipment that is specifically designed to solve a specific problem. Depending on the purpose of use, it can be widely used (household) or professional.

Conventional ventilation cleaning equipment includes brush sets, filter ventilation mobile units, and replaceable filters.

A professional solution to the problem of ventilation pollution involves a thorough inspection of the ventilation system with special devices to identify the degree of pollution and to identify the most problematic areas.

Cleaning equipment
Equipment designed for efficient cleaning of the ventilation system is not only ordinary brushes, but also powerful filtering devices

Professional equipment for cleaning ventilation ducts includes a video camera that is mounted on a small moving platform. Its task is to transmit a signal from the ventilation system. Professional devices allow you to perform a video inspection of ventilation to find out the degree of contamination.

Cleaning companies that specialize in working with air ducts use special equipment. It allows you to diagnose the degree of contamination and conduct operational cleaning of ventilation ducts.

Professional cleaning equipment
Specialists use sophisticated professional equipment to clean the ventilation ducts, which quickly and efficiently cope with the task.

One of the main advantages of the work of specialized cleaning organizations is that during the cleaning of ventilation, people who work or live indoors do not feel discomfort.

When choosing equipment, it should be taken into account at which objects the ventilation system is located:

  • in apartment buildings or in private suburban buildings;
  • at public catering facilities (restaurants, cafes, canteens, bars, bakeries);
  • in public and commercial buildings (shopping centers, offices, medical facilities);
  • industrial premises.

For work on cleaning the ventilation system at industrial enterprises, in most cases they use cleaning robots equipped with video cameras and special brushes. The feasibility of using this equipment depends on the degree of contamination of the ventilation duct.

Selection of cleaning equipment
The configuration and capacity of special equipment is selected depending on the characteristics of the facilities on which the ventilation system is installed

Popular treatment plants

To carry out work on cleaning the ventilation system, it is necessary to use special equipment. It should effectively remove mud deposits from the inner walls of the channels and eliminate them from the room duct system.

For these purposes, equipment is used:

  • powerful industrial vacuum cleaners;
  • pneumatic brush installations;
  • electromechanical units;
  • vacuum apparatuses;
  • purification devices equipped with filters;
  • chemical cleaning equipment and sprayers;
  • blaster for dry ice.

The listed equipment is used for different cleaning methods and is usually available from professional ventilation service technicians.

Before starting the service, a system analysis is carried out and preparatory procedures are carried out. Then, specialists come to the site with a set of necessary equipment and supplies.

Vacuum cleaner. One of the most popular treatment units is a ventilation unit with high negative pressure. The device is connected to the outlet of the ventilation system. After turning on the unit, it begins to effectively absorb dirt that has separated from the walls during the cleaning process.

The vacuum cleaner is designed for cleaning operations that require the creation of a powerful air stream.This is necessary in ventilation systems, characterized by a large extent. The equipment removes dust, dirt and residual products used in the work from the system.

Ventilation cleaning process
The power of the vacuum unit is the main indicator of the quality of cleaning the exhaust ventilation system. Powerful installations are used to work with dimensional air ducts.

The vacuum unit is equipped with a powerful engine that can withstand the influence of the environment. It is equipped with a pocket and HEPA filter with a high degree of purification. This allows you to efficiently and quickly clean the air of dust, microorganisms, mold, spores of fungi, sawdust, asbestos, quartz and mineral wool.

Brushing machine. It is used in the mechanical version of the ventilation system service. This machine, located on a moving platform, is placed in a dirty duct. It removes dirty plaque of dust from the walls and is not designed for fat deposits, which quickly clog brush fibers.

Brushing machines
Brush machines for cleaning ventilation ducts are usually equipped with shafts from 25 to 40 m. Pneumatic devices clean systems equipped with air ducts with a diameter of 100 to 1200 mm

The equipment is equipped with a rotating brush that performs mechanical cleaning of the inner walls of the duct. It can be used effectively for rectangular, round or vertical ventilation ducts.

Flexible shafts. They allow you to get to the most inaccessible places: gratings, valves, pipes and layering of the main channels. Instruments are widely used for cleaning mines of apartment buildings.

For independent service of air channels, flexible shafts are used that are attached to a rotation source (drill or screwdriver).

Flexible shaft cleaning
The flexible shaft with a hydraulic motor has a length of 40 m. Some models can be supplemented with special nozzles for disinfection

Blaster. Innovative equipment is used in the blasting procedure. The device provides gentle cleaning of the internal surfaces of the ventilation from dirt.

It is a modern unit for supplying dry ice and a diffuser to the ventilation system. The abrasive is blasted at high pressure, and the process is identical to sandblasting.

Dry ice blaster
Dry ice blaster allows you to effectively get rid of dirt deposits in the ventilation system, without causing damage to the surface of the duct

In addition to appliances, the market presents special chemicals and sprays that destroy deposits accumulated on the inner walls of the ventilation system. Effective preparations are widely used for chemical and combined cleaning methods. They are especially in demand in the industries and in the kitchens of catering establishments.

Means are applied using a special spray on the inside of the ducts. Active components effectively break down body fat and dirt, after which they are easily washed off the walls.

Separately, mention should be made of equipment for television inspection and video diagnostics. It is intended for examinations and diagnostics of the technical condition of vencanals.

Video research allows you to see through the camera and monitor what is happening inside the duct.

Contamination Diagnostics
Video diagnostic equipment - a way to get high-quality video and photo materials that show minor damage on the inner walls of the duct

Depending on the purpose and dimensions of the duct, different inspection equipment is used to diagnose the degree of contamination. It is portable, self-propelled, pushed and floating.

Equipment selection: attention to the manufacturer

According to the law, ventilation systems must be cleaned at least once a year. This will ensure a normal level of fire safety at food industry enterprises and in buildings where dirt and flammable materials accumulate.

Every 5 years it is necessary to check the condition of the duct in a hotel, restaurant, medical and correctional facilities.

European-made devices

The indoor climate and the safety of people depend on the efficient operation of the ventilation duct. Intelligent system operation consists in regular cleaning of the duct. When choosing the optimal equipment for cleaning ventilation, you should pay attention to the reliability of manufacturers.

The best installations for cleaning ventilation from pollution are presented on the market by European manufacturers. Market leaders offering a wide range of products are companies Goodway (USA), Pressovac and Airpower (Finland).

The equipment is of high quality and excellent performance. Less products - high cost.

Models of a domestic manufacturer

A significant part of consumers opt for cleaning equipment manufactured in Russia. It is much cheaper, although the quality of the equipment is impeccable.

When buying Russian equipment for cleaning ventilation, it is better to dwell on large manufacturers who offer high-quality world-class equipment. In demand products Equipment Professionals LLC, LLC "Probat Rus".

Not always cleaning the duct helps to solve the problem, sometimes repairs are required - detailed information on the restoration of the ventilation system is given in the articles:

  1. Repair of ventilation systems: analysis of popular malfunctions and methods for their elimination
  2. Ventilation restoration: causes of reduced efficiency and duct restoration

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video # 1: Comprehensive cleaning of the ventilation shaft. The maintenance process consists of three phases: diagnosis, cleaning and disinfection.

Video # 2: Service the ventilation system using a robot.

Video # 3: Technology cleaning the duct with a flexible shaft.

According to studies, about 40% of the pollution gets into the room due to poor-quality ventilation system. This is due to the untimely replacement of filters and the accumulation of dirt, grease and harmful substances on the inner walls of the duct.

With the help of the service with cleaning equipment, clean air will begin to flow into the building and the optimum humidity level will be established.

Have experience cleaning ventilation in an apartment or private house? Please share information with our readers, suggest your own way to solve the problem. You can leave comments in the form below.

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Visitors Comments
  1. Tamara Alyoshina

    I got acquainted in detail with your conclusions and conclusions. I disagree with many. It is not clear why you are positioning and highlighting the Russian manufacturers “Equipment for Professionals” and “Probat Rus”. There is an impression that the article is paid. Firstly, Equipment Professionals LLC is not a manufacturer, but just a seller. Secondly, “Probat Rus” sells equipment, at first glance, it is really cheaper, but this is precisely what characterizes their quality. Our cleaning partners had the “pleasure” of buying their equipment, and then regretted three hundred times.It is also noted that the XL40 brush machines (Probat Rus) cost 614,000 rubles and this is 20% without VAT, so it is worth adding 20% ​​VAT, and the price will be 736,800 rubles. And we bought a Finnish car P40 (Pressovac) for 761,300 rubles with VAT. And what is the difference - 24 500 rubles?

    In one paragraph, you indicate that the market leaders offering a wide range of products are Goodway (USA), Pressovac and AirPower (Finland). The equipment is of high quality and excellent performance. Less products - high cost. WHERE IS THE HIGH PRICE?

    This is generally beyond the scope: You write that a significant part of consumers opt for cleaning equipment of Russian production. It is much cheaper, although the quality of the equipment is impeccable. Our opinion: Of course, someone stops at the Russian equipment, but only those who always want cheaper. But about the impeccable quality, I just want to laugh. Our cleaning partners bought this “perfect quality” (LLC “Probat Rus”) and after 3 months they got up, the equipment heats up for some reason, stops, disrupts all the work. Even the appeal to the “Russian manufacturer” did not give anything, because before they picked up the phone, promised to do something, but now (after 6 months) they ignore all calls. It seems that they are blacklisted.

    Another paragraph of your article: “The mechanical method is fast and efficient, however, it is not suitable for removing body fat.” Sorry, how does this not fit? Again, back to Finnish Pressovac equipment and what do we see? Pressovac specifically offers brushing machines to remove any fat deposits. This is the same mechanical method, only using chemistry, active foam and various cleaning technologies. Yes, in this case, of course, brush washing machines are more expensive than ordinary (for dry cleaning), but this is understandable.

    Another paragraph: “Brush machine. It removes dirty dust from the walls and is not designed for grease deposits, which quickly clog brush fibers. ” This is the key point and description of the equipment of the Russian manufacturer, such as “Prob Rus”. Of course, if you run the Probate brush and not only, the brush will clog with fat. But if you use special equipment and special Pressovac brushes - there are no problems. Firstly, special equipment, and secondly, brushes for any dirt and any form of grease.

    So, think again before you make the right choice of equipment. And now we can safely say - we bought Finnish equipment, it works really flawlessly, a large set of tools and accessories to solve any problems. So, if someone needs advice or help in cleaning the ventilation, you can write to the post office. I will help as far as possible.

    • Expert
      Alexey Dedyulin
      Expert

      Hello Tamara! The article was not paid and was written on the basis of market research done by the author. Sometimes it’s very hard to find real reviews about a particular equipment, so thank you very much for your story!

    • Maria Govorukhina

      Hello Tamara. Your review is also relative, as is this article. You have a feeling of being paid, I have a feeling that getting paid is also in the negatively competitive direction, in the comments about the Finnish equipment. Not about ventilation, but in the commentary topic ... I have a budget washer - Beko. The neighbor also has it. A neighbor screams that Beko is just disgusting, not a washing machine, and I am happy, with 3 children she adores perfectly. In Zen, I was accused of paying off the review for melamine sponges - they say they are frankly poorly washed. And with them, I torn the whole house after the previous owners into an ideal ...

      Articles are usually written based on consumer demand and reviews, as well as sales statistics. If there are real statistics, post them.You can say that you are comfortable with Finnish equipment, but to argue that “Of course, someone stops at Russian equipment, but only those who always want cheaper” is generally strange ... Where does the data come from?

  2. Maxim

    Funny koment from Tamara! The feeling that the seller Pressovac in Russia wrote. And now, gentlemen reading, I’ll tell you a terrible story!

    In 2014, when we decided to clean not only the sewers, but also the ventilation, we bought Pressovak equipment for one million eight hundred. Fortunately, they managed to take the euro before the jump. The amount was impressive, so we decided to save on a compressor, which cost about 200 thousand more. The Russian compressor bought it.

    We drove to the first object. The object was good - three chain restaurants. They promised that if we work well, they will let us go to the 4th for a permanent one. Already at the facility, it turned out that a compressor is needed for the compressor, which we do not have. A trifle, and there is no way to work without it. It turned out that the seller does not have an adapter either. The seller “pleased” that he would wait 6 weeks. It was a failure! In order not to lose face, they hired another company. We were glad that at least we would go to zero. But it was not there. But more on that later.

    The company that we contracted used the Probat alkaline machine. So we cleaned the first restaurant. Then we quickly bought the same brushing machine and cleaned the second restaurant.

    The trouble overtook us at the third facility. Our adapter arrived, and we decided to test the Pressovak machine and clean the ventilation with active foam. In short, did not turn on the brain! We flooded the ventilation! It turns out to be leaky, unlike the sewage system, and pouring water into it is NOT possible! Now it seems obvious, but then we did not know it. The customer sued us, but everything was decided by a pre-trial settlement. We restored the ventilation in the restaurant. Of course, this network did not invite us more.

    We used the Pressovak machine at another facility. Foams, of course, poured less - concluded. But trouble does not come alone. The car broke down at the junction of the engine and the shaft. Now she is standing in the garage in this form. Photo attached. We have been using Probat brush and vacuum cleaner for five years. In 2017, we drove a shaft from a brush machine to Probat. They took 1,500 rubles from us for repairs. Now the shaft is dead, but it works. It is necessary to change, of course, but the hands do not reach. Vacuum cleaner in perfect order. Something like that…

    And also: What kind of brushes are those in Tamara’s koment which are “not clogged with fat”? Do they absorb it?

    Attached photos:
    • Expert
      Alexey Dedyulin
      Expert

      Hello, Maxim. Thank you for sharing your bitter experience with readers. I wonder how long this technique would have served if you had nevertheless taken their compressor.

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