ULMATEC industrial wet scrubbers: Safe air purification even with moist, sticky or explosive dusts
When conventional dry filters reach their limits, wet scrubbers come into play. They are the first choice for demanding types of dust – for example, in the processing of aluminum, magnesium, or in mixing processes with moist aerosols, and also for fibrous dusts such as those found in the textile industry. ULMATEC wet scrubbers ensure reliable separation, maximum safety (e.g., ATEX), and modular adaptability – for individual workstations as well as for centralized extraction solutions.
Modular options
- 4 construction sizes and 12 performance sizes (S to X | 1,1 – 18,5 kW)
- Automatic self-cleaning function SRF
- Discharge valve for automatic emptying
- Mobile mud cart with return pump
- Integrated extraction hood (patented) and/or extraction arm
- Mobile versions
Why ULMATEC? – Your benefits!
- True 24/7 operation possible through manual dust removal
- The only wet scrubber with airflow control
- Water-contacting parts (approx. 85%) made of V2A stainless steel
- Up to 70% less cleaning effort thanks to SRF
- > 40% efficiency increase through optimized mixer technology
- Approximately 35% energy cost savings compared to previous systems
- Tested for use with explosive dusts (ATEX)
Application areas of ULMATEC wet scrubbers
Performance specifications of our wet scrubbers
ULMATEC manufactures, supplies and installs wet scrubbers as standard systems in Capacity ranges from 600 – 20.000 m³/hThese are possible at any time thanks to the modular system. We develop special systems and specific wet scrubber combinations or sizes in close cooperation with and according to the requirements of our customers – always individually and modularly, of course.
REFERENCES
Extension for our wet scrubbers
Expansion
WaterSafe Pro M/L
WaterSave Pro is an additional filtration upgrade for the efficient separation of sludge and process water from wet scrubbers. Manufacturer-independent.
Functional description:
Features:
- Retrofittable for all wet separators, regardless of manufacturer.
- Stainless steel construction for continuous industrial use
- High-performance filter fleece for efficient solids separation
- Optional manual or automatic water return
- Quick-connect hose fittings for easy integration
- Mobile design for flexible positioning
Advantages / Benefits:
- Reduction of disposal costs by over 80%
- Savings of up to 40.000 liters of water per year**
- Reduction of cleaning effort > 6 h / week
- Sludge disposal possible during ongoing operations
- Suitable for almost all dusts and fibers
- Quick and easy filter change
When a wet scrubber is the right choice
In many industrial applications, conventional dry filters reach their physical or safety limits. A wet scrubber is always the optimal solution when dusts:
- explosive are (e.g., aluminum, magnesium, titanium)
- moist, sticky, or hygroscopic are and would clog other filter media
- fibrous or textile-like are of a different nature and clog conventional filters quickly.
- hot, reactive or chemically aggressive components contain
- in sensitive areas such as ATEX zones occur where sparks or high temperatures must be avoided
Filtering with liquid (usually water) prevents dangerous reactions, significantly reduces dust generation and keeps the process stable – even with changing or demanding media.
Overcoming challenges in industrial air purification
Many metal and material processing operations generate particularly critical emissions: reactive dusts, moist particles, sticky deposits, or even flammable substances. These can not only clog filters but also cause dangerous reactions. Wet scrubbers use water or other liquids to reliably bind and separate particles – without sparks, with high separation efficiency, and consistently stable pressure conditions.
Typical applications for wet scrubbers:
- Grinding, polishing or sawing of aluminium and other metals
- Machining of magnesium, titanium or thermally reactive materials
- Mixing processes with water-soluble components
- Additive manufacturing (e.g., metal 3D printing with highly flammable powders)
- Extraction of moist or sticky dusts in recycling plants
Technical details: Design & function of ULMATEC wet separators
Our systems operate on the principle of Injector or vortex jet cleaning – optionally supplemented by additional filter stages, automatic discharge and fully automatic control.
The modular design is available in various sizes depending on requirements. S to XXL, with a suction capacity of up to 250.000 m³ / h. Separation is achieved by targeted turbulence of the air with a liquid (usually water), whereby particles are bound and washed out of the air.
Overview of module variants:
- Mobility: stationary, mobile or wall-mounted
- Discharge: Sludge container, big bag, flushing trough or centrifuge
- Filtration: integrated post-filters (e.g. plate filters, HEPA optional)
- Cleaning: Self-cleaning or JetStream-optimized
- Steering: manual to fully automatic (including differential pressure monitoring)
- Safety: ATEX compliant, corrosion-protected, including fire and explosion protection
Advantages of a wet separator from ULMATEC
- Explosion protection included: For flammable, sticky, fibrous or metallic dusts such as aluminum and magnesium
- Durable against moist, sticky or hygroscopic substances
- 365/7 operation possible: Dust discharge possible during operation
- interior cleaning for trouble-free continuous operation
- Large inspection doors: Easy to maintain and safe to handle
- Modularly expandable – including additional filters and accessories
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor installation (even in confined spaces)
- Eligible for funding – e.g. through BAFA, KfW or state programs
- Expandable with sludge filter trolley
Accessories, components & extensions
ULMATEC not only supplies the wet separator itself, but a complete system – including accessories, control system and safety integration:
- Extraction elements: Extraction tables, capture hoods, swivel arms
- Security modules: Explosion pressure relief, spark trap, backfire protection devices
- Control & Monitoring: Touch panel, cloud-based maintenance, condition monitoring possible
- Integration into hall concepts: Air handling systems, supply air systems, heat recovery
- Sustainability packages: Sludge truck with filter insert and water recirculation, interior cleaning during operation, and much more.
Industries & Application Examples
Our wet scrubbers are used worldwide in a wide variety of industries:
- Aviation & Automotive: Magnesium processing in structural components
- Additive manufacturing: Metal powder compound in 3D printing systems
- Recycling & Disposal: Extraction of hazardous mixed dusts
- Chemical industry: Absorption of emissions from reaction processes
- Mechanical engineering & foundries: Machining of heat-sensitive materials
ULMATEC We accompany you from data collection to exhaust air management – including documentation, coordination with authorities and service.
FAQ - answers to frequently asked questions
A wet scrubber removes airborne pollutants by introducing a liquid (usually water). Particles are bound and separated in the liquid – particularly effective with sticky, explosive, or moist dusts.
Whenever dusts are explosive (e.g., aluminum), hygroscopic, or sticky, dry filters can quickly become clogged or cause sparks – wet scrubbers offer greater safety and lower maintenance costs.
Yes. Our systems are ATEX-certified and meet all relevant safety standards for potentially explosive atmospheres – including Ex motor, ATEX components and corrosion-resistant construction.
Depending on the system size (S, M, L or X), we can achieve air volumes from 500 to over 60.000 m³/h. The selection depends on the process, type of pollutant, and number of extraction points.
Yes – thanks to its modular design, the wet separator can be integrated into existing pipelines or central units. We plan the solution individually based on your specific circumstances.
From idea to commissioning – ULMATEC accompanies you
Whether a single-user solution or a large-scale central system – our 360° project planning offers you:
- Analysis of your emissions (on-site or remotely)
- Flow simulations & CAD drawings
- Funding advice & project support
- Training, maintenance & support – worldwide
Conclusion – Wet scrubbers are the solution for demanding emission requirements
When processes involve explosive, sticky, or moist dusts, a wet scrubber is the technically and safety-wise superior choice. ULMATEC offers modular systems that are individually tailored to your requirements – including accessories, controls, safety features, and conveying capacity. Whether for individual workstations or centralized systems, our wet scrubbers ensure clean air, continuous operation, and maximum workplace safety.
Get in touch now & start safe wet separation
Do you need an extraction solution for moist, critical, or explosive dusts?
Then a wet scrubber from ULMATEC is the right choice. Our experts will advise you individually and develop the right solution for your process.