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Exhaust air purification in frying lines – UV ozone instead of thermal post-combustion

In industrial frying lines—such as those used in the production of meat products, vegan alternatives, or convenience foods—frying, roasting, or baking generates significant emissions: grease mist, odors, aerosols, organic vapors, and VOCs. Thermal afterburning (TNV) is often used here—an energy-intensive, maintenance-intensive process.
The Clean Fryer Air from oxytec offers a powerful, UV-based alternative that neutralizes odors, VOCs, and grease components – energy-efficient, space-saving, and approval-compliant.

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Typical emissions from frying processes

Emission type Origin / Description Special features
Grease mist and oil aerosols from evaporation of hot oils and fats adhesive, sticky, fire-promoting
VOCs & organic vapors from Maillard reaction, frying processes strong-smelling, prone to oxidation
Odors e.g. from meat, spices, vegetable fats High odor pollution, even at low concentrations
Moisture/steam from escaping product juices or cleaning carries odors and emissions into the exhaust air
Aerosol particles & mist Fine droplets of frying oil and water make conventional filter cleaning difficult

Why UV ozone instead of thermal post-combustion?

Thermal afterburning (TNV) is:

  • energy-intensive (often >800°C combustion temperature)
  • maintenance-intensive (e.g., heat exchangers, burners, exhaust gas ducting)
  • space-intensive
  • associated with high CO₂ emissions

In contrast, the oxytec solution has practically only advantages:

  • No gas consumption – purely electrically powered
  • Low operating costs & lower CO₂ emissions
  • Odor reduction >90% – even with intense food odors
  • Modular & retrofittable – even for existing frying lines
  • No open flame – no risk of explosion or fire

The legal requirements are met.

  • TA Luft (2021): Specifications for organic emissions and odors
  • GIRL (Odor Emission Guideline): particularly relevant in proximity to residential areas
  • BImSchG / Approval law: Clean Frier Air is eligible for approval and low in emissions
  • Food compliance: No residues, no impact on product quality

Switch now – to low-emission exhaust air purification in the frying line

Would you like to operate your baking line in a future-proof, low-emission, and energy-efficient manner—without TNV?

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The ideal exhaust air purification technology for frying lines

Clean Fryer Air – UV ozone system for food production

The compact system requires so little space that it is often located in the production hall, very close to the source of emissions. This also prevents the subsequent exhaust air ducts from becoming clogged.
In many cases, we also install it on the hall roof, directly above the production area. Due to its low weight, this does not usually pose a structural problem.

The Clean Fryer Air combines:

  • Grease separator: removes larger components
  • UV-C emitters: oxidize the remaining grease and VOC molecules
  • Ozone: breaks down organic residues on their way out
  • Integrated CIP system keeps the UV lamps clean and effective at all times

The result: clean, odor-free exhaust air – without thermal processes.

CFA

UV-Ozon-Abluftreinigungsanlage für die Lebensmittelproduktion

Activated carbon as a possible supplement

An activated carbon filter can be installed at the end of the exhaust air purification system if particularly high standards of odor-free exhaust air are required. The free radicals produced by the UV ozone system help to ensure that the filter is constantly regenerated.

KAT Industrie

Aktivkohlefilter als Speicher­reaktor zur Luft­nachbehandlung

Extractor hoods for industrial use

As specialists in air volume measurement and calculation, we can not only plan the systems for measuring production exhaust air, but also build them in our specialist metalworking shop and install them at your premises.

Thermal oil heating systems with Condoheat

In many production processes, the exact definition and consistent provision of the production temperature is crucial for quality. Thermal oil systems for heating frying equipment, ovens, and frying lines have proven themselves as an energy-efficient alternative to direct gas firing.

The advantages:

  • Central heat generation
  • Different temperature levels possible in one production plant
  • Constant, stable temperatures at the consumers
  • Lower exhaust gas temperatures – less thermal exhaust air
  • Highly fail-safe
  • Less waste heat loss, as no high-temperature furnace is necessary
  • CO₂ savings through electric or hybrid heating concept

This significantly reduces the total energy requirement of the frying line – even without TNV.

With our subsidiary Condoheat, we build thermal oil heating systems and also take care of maintenance.

Can be integrated into all stages of production

  • Frying lines for meat, fish, poultry, bacon
  • Deep fryers: meatballs, vegan and vegetarian patties
  • Ovens: Poultry, ready meals, convenience products
  • Roasting equipment for onions, spices, sauces
  • Pre-frying equipment in commercial kitchens and central kitchens

The advantages of UV ozone technology

  • Reliably reduces odors, VOCs, and aerosols
  • Completely replaces thermal afterburning
  • Saves energy – especially in combination with Condoheat
  • Compact, modular, retrofittable
  • Legally compliant & environmentally friendly

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Can Clean Fryer Air completely replace thermal post-combustion?

Yes – the Oxytec UV ozone system is designed to safely treat all typical emissions from frying lines (grease, VOCs, odors). In many plants, the existing TNV could be completely replaced or decommissioned – resulting in lower energy consumption and lower operating costs.

How much energy is saved compared to TNV?

Thermal post-combustion operates at 800–900°C. In addition, there are considerable lead times, which often make it uneconomical to shut down the system. As a result, these systems consume enormous amounts of expensive natural gas.

The Clean Fryer Air, on the other hand, operates:

  • electrically, without gas consumption
  • at ambient temperature, without preheating time
  • with approx. 1.5 kW per 1000 m³ per hour
  • with up to 80% less energy consumption compared to TNV

In combination with a thermal oil heater from Condoheat, you can further reduce the total energy consumption of the frying line, depending on your existing system.

Is the UV ozone system food safe? Are there any residues or by-products?

Yes – the Clean Fryer Air produces no chemical residues, no flames, and has no effect on the product.

  • All parts that come into contact with air are hygienically smooth and food-safe.
  • The UV ozone process is closed and controlled
  • No impact on the product, taste, or recipe

What happens to the oil mist? Is it separated before it reaches the UV module?

Yes – Clean Frier Air systems include multi-stage pre-filtration, e.g.:

  • Metal grease filter for coarse separation

  • UV ozone for the removal of organic residues

  • A CIP cleaning system is also included

This protects the UV lamps and increases their service life. This reliably protects the system from clogging and coking.

How often does the system need to be serviced?

  • UV lamps: Replace every 8,000–10,000 operating hours

  • The entire system is automatically cleaned via the CIP system.

Can Clean Fryer Air be integrated into existing frying lines?

Yes – the Clean Fryer Air has a small footprint and is relatively light.

It can be placed:

  • directly in the production hall
  • on the roof
  • outside in front of the hall

The conversion can usually be carried out during ongoing operations.

What happens in the case of strong odors?

The Clean Fryer Air also neutralizes complex, odor-intensive molecules, e.g., from:

  • Bacon
  • Fish
  • Meatballs
  • Poultry
  • Ready meals

An activated carbon stage can be added as an option for residual adsorption, e.g., if the system is located near residential areas.

What about permits for UV ozone systems?

The permit is much easier to obtain than for a TNV:

  • No combustion plant = no exhaust gas monitoring according to 1. BImSchV
  • Virtually no CO₂ emissions → advantageous for sustainability goals
  • No NOx, no CO
  • Less space required, easier to obtain approval for system modifications

We support you with technical documentation, emission certificates, and communication with authorities.