The Kinpactor utilizes kinetic energy to accomplish dust collection through the principle of impaction. The contaminated gas stream is accelerated through a venturi shaped throat section reaching velocities between 9,000 and 24,000 feet per minute (100 to 280 miles per hour). Water introduced ahead of the throat is atomized by the high velocity gas stream, and dust particles collide with and are captured in the millions of small droplets.

In the long diverging section behind the Kinpactor throat, static pressure is regained as the velocity of the gas stream is reduced. Sub-micron size particulate and water droplets coalesce during this interval, providing additional collection.