How Much Do You Know About Your HVAC Ductwork?

Industrial & Manufacturing Blog

Air conditioning systems need ductwork to direct air to the spaces that require conditioned air. The ductwork is essential for ensuring that your air conditioning system works well. Today, you can get your network of ducts in rectangular or round tubes. Apart from the shape, other design elements and installation properties are essential for making the ductwork effective. It helps to know the work that goes into the fabrication of your HVAC ductwork, as it will go a long way in helping you make the best purchase decisions. Read on to learn more about this.

The Components of the Ductwork 

The ductwork's primary function is to carry air from the central source to the air diffuser elements installed in the building's control zones. Essentially, the ductwork's structural component must withstand the constant movement of air at varying velocity and pressure settings. The construction often takes the form of fibreglass boards, sheet metal or flexible plastic. The manufacturer also includes wire composite to reinforce the plain cross-sections. The outlet of the ductwork comes with suitable grillwork. 

Velocity Classification of HVAC Ductwork

Classification of HVAC ductwork is critical for matching what manufacturers make to the functions that the ductwork will serve. Velocity classification is the first basis of classification for the ductwork. Here, you have low, medium and high-velocity ductwork. Low-velocity ductwork suits air movement to speeds of four hundred to two thousand feet per minute (fpm). Medium-velocity ductwork handles speeds of two thousand to two thousand five hundred fpm. Lastly, high-velocity ductwork works with two thousand five hundred to three thousand fpm. 

Large duct size characterises low-velocity ducting, but it offers the best results when it comes to energy efficiency. The only downside is that the ductwork takes up lots of space, making it unsuitable for those who have limited space.  

HVAC Ductwork Materials 

Fabrication techniques have led to lots of changes in the materials available for making HVAC ductwork. The most popular material is galvanised steel, and it stands out for its availability, non-porosity and corrosion resistance. Note that galvanised steel ducts are not ideal for applications above two hundred degrees. Aluminium is your next choice. It is versatile and suitable for moisture-laden conditioning applications. Next in line is copper, which suits ducting systems exposed to outdoor elements such as chemical exhausts and lots of moisture. It is also great for places where you want an ornamental feel on your ductwork.

Talk to an HVAC ductwork supplier for more information.

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23 November 2020

Australia's Modern Industrial Manufacturing Processes

Industrial manufacturing processes are as diverse as they are necessary for our modern life. Large-scale industrial equipment has transformed the creation of all kinds of products, including vehicles, computers and many other items that we use in our daily lives. This blog seeks to explore the industrial manufacturing processes that are used in commercial facilities across Australia. By reading about new manufacturing techniques, you can increase your facility’s efficiency and learn how to create high-quality materials using modern techniques. If you ever need more information, we make sure to link to valuable local resources. We hope you find what you’re looking for.