Fume Scrubbers & Filters
Effective air treatment is essential for safe and compliant operation
Effective air treatment is essential for the safe and compliant operation of any fume cupboard or local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system. Fume scrubbers and filtration systems help protect users, equipment, and the environment by capturing or neutralising hazardous contaminants before they are either discharged to atmosphere or recirculated into the workspace.
Fume Scrubbers vs Filters — What’s the Difference?
Filters are dry systems that trap particles or vapours, while scrubbers are wet systems that chemically neutralise hazardous gases. Each plays a critical role in laboratory safety and ensuring environmental and regulatory compliance.
Wet Scrubbers – Function & Application
Wet scrubbers are designed to remove harmful gases, vapours or particulates from an airstream by passing the contaminated air through a liquid medium, typically water or a chemical solution. The liquid reacts with or dissolves airborne substances, effectively reducing the amount of pollutants released into the environment.
Scrubbers are particularly important for processes involving corrosive or reactive gases such as hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, ammonia, or sulphur dioxide. They are often used in ducted systems where hazardous gases must be treated before being discharged to atmosphere.
The scrubbing fluid can be formulated with neutralising agents such as sodium hydroxide for acid gases, or acidic solutions for alkaline vapours. These systems are common in chemical processing, etching, plating, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other environments where environmental compliance and personnel safety are essential.
Common applications include:
• Acid etching and chemical plating
• Industrial chemical processing
• Compliance with environmental permits or emissions controls
Wet Scrubber Design
We manufacture three main types of fume scrubber:
1. Stand-alone tower scrubbers – Typically installed externally to the building, these are best suited for larger systems serving multiple fume cupboards. They are ideal when indoor installation isn’t practical due to space or airflow demands.
2. Integrated scrubbers – These compact units are mounted behind, beneath, or immediately above the fume cupboard. Integrated designs are ideal where space is at a premium, though access for maintenance can be more limited.
3. Side-mounted scrubbers – Self-contained units mounted beside the fume cupboard. These offer easier maintenance access than integrated systems but do take up valuable laboratory floor space.
Filters Explained
Filters are used in a variety of applications including:
• Recirculating (ductless) fume cupboards
• Mobile classroom demonstration units
• Localised LEV arms and benchtop enclosures
The correct system must be specified based on the chemicals in use, the airflow rate, the degree of risk, and the relevant regulations.
HEPA Filters
• Capture ≥99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns
• Used in microbiological safety cabinets, cleanrooms, and some recirculating fume cupboards
• Required for biological or particulate containment
Carbon Filters
• Adsorb vapours, gases, and odours
• Ideal for solvents, organic compounds, and light chemical use
• Must be matched to the substances used (e.g. acid gas, ammonia, formaldehyde)
Combination Filters
• Merge carbon and HEPA/ULPA layers
• Useful in multi-risk environments
• Found in advanced LEV or ductless systems
Replacement, Testing & Maintenance
Both scrubbers and filters require routine maintenance to ensure performance and compliance:
• Filters should be replaced periodically depending on use, breakthrough detection, or odour breakthrough
• Scrubbers require regular fluid checks, dosing system maintenance, and performance validation
Fumair offers full support for both types of systems, including:
• On-site filter testing and replacement
• Design, installation, and retrofitting of scrubber systems
• Periodic inspection and maintenance of all air treatment equipment
Why Choose Fumair?
With decades of experience in laboratory air handling and containment, Fumair is trusted by clients across research, education, healthcare, and industry. We design, install and maintain air treatment systems tailored to your exact requirements, ensuring full compliance with COSHH, HSG258, BS EN 14175 and BS EN 1822 standards.
Whether you need a new installation or are upgrading an existing setup, we provide practical, cost-effective solutions with ongoing support from our expert engineers.
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