The scope and significance of duct cleaning in industrial and institutional facilities is growing rapidly, especially with the increasing demand for high indoor air quality, energy efficiency and infection control. What was once a neglected aspect of maintenance is now gaining attention with the introduction of robotic technology, which allows for deeper, safer, and more measurable cleaning — especially in critical environments such as healthcare, food processing, and manufacturing.
Abhay Shukla, Manager, Shukla Enterprises shares insights with Clean India Journal on duct cleaning and its significance for a cleaner and healthier India.
Modern duct cleaning systems now incorporate robotic equipment capable of cleaning both horizontal and vertical ducts. These robots are fitted with cameras and sensors to assess the internal condition of ducts, detect grease accumulation and measure airflow restrictions.”
Abhay Shukla
Technological Innovations in Duct Cleaning
“Modern duct cleaning systems now incorporate robotic equipment capable of cleaning both horizontal and vertical ducts. These robots are fitted with cameras and sensors to assess the internal condition of ducts, detect grease accumulation, and measure airflow restrictions,” shares Abhay.
A recent advancement has enabled service providers to clean vertical ducts up to 171 metres in a single operation, using a ‘one-in, one-out’ system that eliminates the need for multiple access points. This not only improves cleaning efficiency but also reduces disruption in operational environments.
Such innovations have proved effective in facilities where manual access is limited or poses a safety risk. For example, in a multi-storey hotel kitchen, a robotic system was used to clean the entire vertical exhaust duct without dismantling any part of the existing structure. The process was completed in less than a day, with minimal downtime.
Contribution to Sustainability
Regular duct cleaning supports various sustainability goals. Clean ducts reduce the load on HVAC systems, thereby decreasing energy and fuel consumption. As temperature is achieved more quickly and maintained more efficiently, energy usage is optimised. Additionally, clean ducts improve indoor air quality, reduce the spread of airborne infections, and extend the life of equipment by minimizing dust and grease build-up.
The overall result is a measurable reduction in carbon emissions and maintenance costs. Facilities that adopt scheduled duct maintenance are also better positioned to meet green building standards and audit requirements.
Addressing Pain Points: A Case from a Hospital OT
One of the key challenges in industrial and healthcare environments is the tendency to evaluate duct cleaning purely in terms of cost. However, the hidden impact on health, safety, and equipment performance is often much greater than initially understood.
In a hospital in India, a modular operation theatre was experiencing difficulty in achieving the required room temperature during surgeries. Doctors reported discomfort, and there were cases of infections acquired during treatment—commonly attributed to poor air quality.
The HVAC design of the OT included four return ducts and one HEPA-filtered supply. Airflow readings before cleaning were as low as 180 CFM, 0 CFM, 70 CFM, and 80 CFM across the four returns. Following a combined robotic and manual duct cleaning process, the return airflow improved significantly to 800 CFM, 700 CFM, 800 CFM and 600 CFM respectively.
This improvement resulted in better thermal control, improved surgeon comfort, and a noticeable reduction in airborne contaminants. The video recording of the duct condition before cleaning was shared with hospital authorities to demonstrate the value of the service. (View the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZMlOxAE_kM)
Making the Right Choice
When selecting a robotic duct cleaning service, it is important to:
1. Ask technical questions and seek detailed explanations of the methodology.
2. Understand the specific requirements of the site and system—some areas may not require robotic intervention, while others may depend on it for effective cleaning.
3. Assess the capabilities of the service provider, including the type of equipment used, the reporting process and safety protocols followed.
In one case, a client insisted on robotic cleaning for narrow ducts in a pharmaceutical plant, which were unsuitable for robotic access. A tailored solution combining manual and robotic methods was suggested, which saved costs while achieving full coverage.
Duct cleaning is not a one-size-fits-all service. It must be customised based on system design, operational risks and hygiene requirements. Clients are advised to consult qualified professionals to determine the best approach for their facility.
Investing in proper duct cleaning is an investment in operational reliability, indoor air quality and sustainability. With the right tools and guidance, even the most challenging cleaning requirements can now be met effectively.