Product Offerings
Products:
EcoFilter: Wet scrubber system for coffee roasting emissions
VortX KleanAir Systems Inc. is a U.S.-based environmental technology company specializing in air pollution control systems for the specialty coffee industry. With its flagship EcoFilter solution, VortX is leading the shift toward sustainable, water-based emissions control in coffee roasting, replacing traditional afterburner and incineration methods with an eco-friendly alternative.
Company Background
Founded by Ron Kleist and headquartered in San Rafael, California, VortX KleanAir Systems was established to address the growing need for sustainable emissions control in artisan coffee roasting. With decades of experience in roasting technology and environmental compliance, the company’s leadership has developed a solution that meets both regulatory and operational demands for cleaner air and greener practices.
The company focuses on a niche but rapidly growing market segment—coffee roasters who seek to eliminate smoke, odors, and particulates without relying on fossil fuel–intensive afterburners.
Core Business
VortX designs and manufactures the VortX EcoFilter, a patented wet scrubber system designed specifically for coffee roasting operations. The system provides real-time, in-process filtration of smoke, chaff, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and odors, allowing roasters to comply with environmental standards while significantly reducing their carbon footprint.
The company also offers consultation, custom installation support, and service packages tailored to roasteries of various sizes and configurations.
Product and Service Offerings
-
VortX EcoFilter:
- Water-based air scrubbing system
- Removes smoke, odor, visible particulate, and VOCs from roasting exhaust
- Compatible with a wide range of roaster brands and sizes (from 5kg to 200kg batch roasters)
- Eliminates the need for gas-consuming afterburners
- Compact and scalable modular design
-
System Integration:
- Direct inline installation with roasting exhaust systems
- Retrofit and new system compatibility
- Dual-mode design allowing post-cooling or hot exhaust connections
-
Technical Support:
- Pre-sale system consultation and engineering advice
- Installation guidance and support
- Maintenance planning and service agreements
-
Compliance Assistance:
- Emissions data and documentation to support environmental permitting
- Customized solutions for compliance with U.S. EPA and international standards
Specialization and Core USP
The VortX EcoFilter stands apart in the market for its non-combustion emissions control. Unlike afterburners that require natural gas or propane to incinerate pollutants, the VortX system uses centrifugal force and water vapor condensation to scrub the exhaust clean. This results in:
- Up to 95% reduction in visible emissions
- No fossil fuel consumption
- Reduced odor and smoke complaints in urban roasting environments
- Lower operational and maintenance costs
Its plug-and-play design and scalability make it suitable for roasters of all sizes, from boutique operations to large-scale production facilities.
Financials and Business Scale
While VortX is a privately held company, industry data suggests a growing installation base across the United States and international markets, including Canada, Europe, and Australia. Machines are priced competitively compared to afterburner systems, typically ranging between USD 15,000 to USD 40,000, depending on the configuration.
Its growing client list includes independent specialty roasters, commercial production facilities, and environmentally conscious coffee brands.
Shipment Data
Trade activity shows increasing outbound shipments from California to roastery clients globally. VortX systems are shipped in modular units, with setup support provided via remote or on-site collaboration with roasting facility teams.
The company collaborates with roasting equipment manufacturers and green coffee importers to integrate EcoFilter systems into turnkey roastery builds.
Target Market
- Specialty Coffee Roasters
- Urban Roasting Facilities
- Green and Zero-Emission Focused Coffee Brands
- Production Roasteries in Regulatory Zones
- New Roastery Builds Seeking Clean Energy Compliance
VortX caters to environmentally focused operations and those located in areas with strict emissions laws, such as California, New York, British Columbia, and parts of Europe.
Capabilities
- In-house design and assembly of emissions systems
- Technical engineering support
- Environmental consulting and regulatory assistance
- Scalable systems for batch roasters of varying capacities
- Remote diagnostics and operational training
The company also offers custom fabrication to match unique facility layouts and roasting workflows.
Certifications and Compliance
- Engineered to comply with EPA and local AQMD standards
- Non-incineration technology supports low-carbon environmental goals
- Emissions reduction verified through independent third-party testing
- Meets or exceeds visible particulate and odor suppression guidelines in urban zoning laws
Customer Testimonials
VortX EcoFilter users praise the system for its performance, simplicity, and environmental benefits:
“Installing the VortX EcoFilter allowed us to open in a dense urban area without smoke complaints or permitting delays. It’s a game changer.” – Roastery Owner, Portland, OR
“We eliminated our afterburner and slashed our gas bill. The EcoFilter is efficient, quiet, and environmentally responsible.” – Production Roaster, Vancouver, BC
Major Achievements
- Installed in over 100 roasteries globally, with strong presence in North America
- Featured in Specialty Coffee Expo and Coffee Roasters Guild Retreat
- Praised by sustainability consultants and environmental compliance officers
- Developed a proprietary water-vortex technology adapted for high-temp coffee exhaust
- Supported launch of zero-emission roastery projects in major metropolitan areas
With its innovative technology and strong environmental mission, VortX KleanAir Systems Inc. continues to set new standards for clean air solutions in the coffee industry—making it possible for roasters to grow sustainably, legally, and responsibly.