Dry filtration for kitchen exhaust
PCUPollution Control Unit
Molitron’s PCU filters smoke particulate and grease vapor from commercial kitchen exhaust in three dry stages. Filtration needs no process water, circulation pumps or chemical dosing.
- Filtration
- 3 stagesDry, MERV 9 to MERV 14
- Capacity
- 1,800–10,800CFMacross eleven models
- Construction
- Type 30418-gauge stainless steel
UL Listedunder File MH45752 · Covered PCU models, 24–144 in. wide, investigated to the UL 8782 Outline of Investigation for Pollution Control Units for Commercial Cooking OperationsListing scopeScan or verify the listing
Where Molitron’s PCU fits
Molitron’s pollution control unit (PCU) sits in the exhaust path between the kitchen hood and the fan.
- A commercial-kitchen exhaust project needs dry filtration for smoke particulate and grease vapor
- The project team can coordinate duct, support, service access, drains, fire suppression, electrical monitoring, fan selection, and AHJ review
- Indoor or outdoor equipment placement is being evaluated within the exhaust path
- A project-specific optional carbon stage is being evaluated for an odor-treatment objective
See every stage before it’s in your exhaust path.
Follow the guided tour, or open the interactive 3D model: check the fit for your project, or take it apart yourself. It runs in your browser.
Three dry filter stages
The exhaust passes through three stages of filter media behind removable, gasketed access doors.
F1 · Pre-filter
A MERV 9 pre-filter is the first stage in the exhaust path.
F2 · High-efficiency stage
A MERV 14 high-efficiency stage follows the pre-filter.
F3 · Final stage
Standard MERV 14 media, or an optional carbon stage where a project has an odor-treatment objective.
PCU’s standard stages address smoke particulate and grease vapor. The final stage may use MERV 14 media or optional carbon; broader odor-control needs may call for MOAS odor abatement.
Plan the installation
Coordinate duct, support, service access, drains, fire suppression, monitoring and fan selection with the project team and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
- Placement
- Indoor or outdoor within the exhaust path, subject to project-specific coordination and current installation requirements.
- Access
- A 63-inch enclosure with three access doors; doors on both sides are optional.
- Clearances
- 30 in. on the service-access side. Other sides: 18 in. of air space to combustibles and building insulation, or zero clearance to noncombustible materials.
- Monitoring
- The status panel is standard equipment. We recommend a visible location in the kitchen or GM’s office. A green light means the fan is on. A blinking red light means inspect the filters and replace them as needed.
- Fan selection
- Allow 1.54 in. w.g. initial PCU resistance, plus hood, duct, and other system losses. Use a backward-inclined utility fan with adjustable RPM, listed for kitchen exhaust applications.
- Service
- Inspect and service the filters every four weeks, and respond promptly to a blinking red service light.
Eleven models
Eleven widths, 24 to 144 inches. The model and configuration are chosen for each project; fan selection and AHJ acceptance are coordinated with the project team.
| Model | CFM | Width | Approx. unit weight | Pre-filter qty. | High-efficiency qty. | Carbon added weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPFA-24 PCU | 1,800 | 24 in. | 250 lb | 1 | 2 | 72 lb |
| EPFA-36 PCU | 2,700 | 36 in. | 350 lb | 2 | 4 | 108 lb |
| EPFA-48 PCU | 3,600 | 48 in. | 450 lb | 2 | 4 | 144 lb |
| EPFA-60 PCU | 4,500 | 60 in. | 550 lb | 3 | 6 | 180 lb |
| EPFA-72 PCU | 5,400 | 72 in. | 650 lb | 3 | 6 | 216 lb |
| EPFA-84 PCU | 6,300 | 84 in. | 750 lb | 4 | 8 | 252 lb |
| EPFA-96 PCU | 7,200 | 96 in. | 850 lb | 4 | 8 | 288 lb |
| EPFA-108 PCU | 8,100 | 108 in. | 950 lb | 5 | 10 | 324 lb |
| EPFA-120 PCU | 9,000 | 120 in. | 1,050 lb | 5 | 10 | 360 lb |
| EPFA-132 PCU | 9,900 | 132 in. | 1,150 lb | 6 | 12 | 396 lb |
| EPFA-144 PCU | 10,800 | 144 in. | 1,250 lb | 6 | 12 | 432 lb |
Unit weights are approximate. Carbon added weight is additional when the optional carbon stage is selected. Filter quantities are total quantities rather than per-stage counts. Scroll sideways on small screens to see every column.
Specifications
Final selection depends on airflow, cooking equipment, discharge and project requirements.
PCU · UL Listed
File MH45752 · Covered EPFA models, 24–144 in. wide.
Scan the QR code or view the UL listing online.
The equipment listing applies to covered models. Project requirements and installation approval remain site-specific.
| Listing | UL Listed under File MH45752 · Covered PCU models, 24–144 in. wide · Investigated to the UL 8782 Outline of Investigation for Pollution Control Units for Commercial Cooking Operations |
|---|---|
| Filtration | F1 MERV 9 pre-filter · F2 MERV 14 high-efficiency stage · F3 standard MERV 14 or optional carbon final stage |
| Model range | 24–144 in. widths · 1,800–10,800 CFM |
| Construction | 18-gauge Type 304 stainless steel · fully welded, single-wall enclosure · removable gasketed access doors |
| Footprint and access | 63 in. enclosure length · width W follows the model suffix · three access doors · both-side access optional |
| Monitoring | The status panel is standard equipment. We recommend a visible location in the kitchen or GM’s office. A green light means the fan is on. A blinking red light means inspect the filters and replace them as needed. |
| Placement | Indoor or outdoor within the exhaust path, subject to project-specific coordination and current installation requirements |
| Minimum clearances | 30 in. on the service-access side · Other sides: 18 in. air space to combustibles/building insulation, or zero clearance to noncombustible materials |
| Fan-selection input | Allow 1.54 in. w.g. initial PCU resistance, plus hood, duct, and other system losses. Use a backward-inclined utility fan with adjustable RPM, listed for kitchen exhaust applications. |
| Service | Inspect and service the filters every four weeks, and respond promptly to a blinking red service light. |
Documents
Read each document online, or download the PDF to print or share.
- Product brochurePCU Product Brochure (Rev B)How the PCU works, the eleven EPFA models, placement and clearances, status monitoring and listing, in four printed pages. Planning information, not for construction.Read onlineDownload PDF
- Installation, operation & maintenance manualPCU Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual (Rev B)Installation, fire protection, wiring and monitoring, pressure-switch setup, filter service, warranty, and the start-up and owner forms.Read onlineDownload PDF
Equipment and installations
Photographs of PCU filter assemblies and installed systems. Select a photo to enlarge it.
Where PCU is installed
Selected installation history across restaurants, airports, hotels and other commercial kitchens.
- UNO K Street, DC
- Greenmount Cannabis LLC, CA
- Apron Kitchen, Denver International Airport
- Sheraton Hotel, CO
Names identify installation history and do not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or a current commercial relationship.
See all installation history
MOAS odor abatement
Need odor treatment too?
MOAS treats cooking odor inside the exhaust duct with a fine mist of Odor Neutralizer Solution from two remote nozzles. Some projects use both: PCU filters the exhaust and MOAS treats the odor.
Plan a project with PCU.
Share your location, cooking equipment and exhaust layout. We reply the same business day, and within one business day at most.