Scientific blog · Products and applications
NEWSCRUB AH200 — BIOMASS: a compact water-based soot scrubber
Artur Cokaj · · Updated
Assessing NEWSCRUB AH200 — BIOMASS within the installation design: model documents, flow rate, chimney, water and maintenance.
NEWSCRUB AH200 — BIOMASS is a model in the ETC Group S.r.l. family dedicated to water-based treatment of flue gas from wood and biomass. Machine selection must start with the connected appliance, actual flue gas flow rate and the design of its route to the discharge. The model code and connection diameter are not enough to establish suitability for an installation.
A wet scrubber for a defined configuration
In wet treatment, particles are separated from the stream when they encounter water droplets or the machine's wetted surfaces. The liquid collects captured contaminants and must be managed according to the manual. Effectiveness depends on the treatment configuration and operating conditions. The general principle is described in the EPA information sheet on particulate scrubbers.
The NEWSCRUB AH line uses water scrubbing. Electrostatic filters, activated carbon and ozone generators belong to distinct technologies: any installation comprising several modules requires assessment of each stage. Components or performance from a different module cannot be attributed to AH200.
Technical data: use the supply documentation
Comparing the machine with the installation requires a technical data sheet and manual for the proposed version. Permissible flow rate, connections, overall dimensions, power supply and equipment must match that configuration. The model's entry in the ETC catalogue is the starting point for requesting relevant documentation; available documents are also collected in the manuals and technical data sheets section.
A removal percentage must be accompanied by the test report identifying the laboratory, method, model, configuration and conditions examined. A test result for another machine does not automatically describe AH200. Outlet temperature, consumption and noise also require references consistent with the intended use.
Flow rate, ducts and draught must be checked together
The design must consider flue gas flow and resistance along the route: combustion appliance, ducts, bends, treatment and terminal. Adding a machine changes the system and requires a compatibility assessment. Connection diameter is a connection constraint, not a sufficient measure of treatment capacity.
The wood-fired oven and charcoal grill sizing guide lists the information to collect. Position selection must also allow for maintenance access, water and electrical connections, residue management and the environmental conditions specified in the manual. Wall mounting, outdoor installation or placement beside the appliance must not be proposed without a specific assessment.
Treatment does not replace the chimney
For wood or biomass applications, the scrubber is incorporated into the combustion product evacuation system. It is not a solution for avoiding chimney assessment and does not automatically make wall discharge acceptable. The designer and competent parties must assess the installation and provisions applicable at its location.
Reducing particulate matter does not demonstrate elimination of all odours or combustion gases. This is discussed in Soot, white smoke and odours. Product documentation must be read alongside installation checks, as explained in the guide to CE marking, certificates and test reports.
Water and maintenance are part of the assessment
Recirculation, make-up and blowdown serve different purposes. Water held in the machine is not the same as daily consumption; motor power is not the same as energy consumed during service. The article on scrubber consumption explains these differences. For circuit work, refer to the manual and the guide to tank, nozzle and pump checks.
How to request an assessment from ETC Group
Send the combustion appliance's model and documents, available flow rate and temperature, duct drawing, terminal position, photographs and available space. Specify the problem observed and operating hours. ETC Group supplies equipment; integration into the installation must be assessed by the appointed professionals. Use the ETC contacts for technical discussion and consult the NEWSCRUB AH — BIOMASS family.