Air conditioning and ventilation systems are generally made up of different parts. Some can be dispensed with or can be replaced, while others are not. The latter include air ducts. Easy installation of air conditioning, telecommunications, engineering structures in industrial plants, social and cultural facilities or administrative buildings. For the installation of these systems, galvanized, black and stainless steel pipelines are used. The question arises, how do they differ and what is their purpose?
Classification
First, you need to figure out what typology exists, and only then, based on the requirements, make a choice in favor of one or another pipeline.
Sectional shape:
- rectangular;
- round;
- oval.
By section size:
- round - diameter, which is possible 100-2000 millimeters;
- profile - 2000 x 2000 millimeters (this is the maximum size, profile pipes of an average size range are often used).
By production method:
- galvanized steel air ducts;
- welded (black steel air ducts);
- flexible;
- textile.
For the production of flexible types, steel wire is used, which resembles a spiral-shaped frame. This frame is covered with non-combustible fabrics or polyester tape, which is metallized with aluminum or other metals. Flexible have their own subtypes:
- soundproofed;
- heat insulated.
These subtypes are produced exclusively of circular cross-section, the diameter of which is possible in the range of 76-700 millimeters. The most popular are subtypes, with an inner diameter of 100-350 millimeters. Flexible structures with a circular cross-section of a similar size range are used in public and industrial premises, residential complexes. Flexible air ducts are produced for ducted split systems, hoods, inflows or central air conditioning.
The advantages of using these types:
- quick installation;
- low specific gravity;
- low consumption of materials.
Installation
Before installation, the pipes are stored under the foil to avoid contamination or dust ingress. This is important, since failure to comply with a fairly simple storage method can contribute to the ingress of all dust and dirt from the pipe into the room. When choosing a section, you must have a project in order to know the exact dimensions. Experts do not advise, having a prepared project in advance, to change the section of the pipe. Installation of galvanized structures is not possible without the use of supports and hangers. The distance between the used hangers (supports) should not exceed three meters.
To prevent gaps between the connecting flanges of the air ducts, which have a large rectangular cross-section, additional brackets are used. Flexible structures are mounted in the maximum stretched form. This is necessary in order to minimize pressure loss. Flexible air ducts are installed with slack of 60 millimeters between the supports, and the distance between the holders should not exceed 1.5 meters. An important condition for the installation of any type of ventilation system is grounding.This is due to the fact that the air passing through the ventilation creates static electricity, which significantly increases the possibility of electric shock during installation or further operation.
Galvanized steel air ducts
These designs have established themselves as durable ventilation ducts, which are widely used in administrative, office buildings, thorn centers, residential buildings. They are quite resistant to corrosion (electrochemical type). Similar air ducts are produced for ventilation in factories manually or in special-purpose mills. The sectional shape can be as follows:
- rectangular;
- oval;
- round.
Special flanges, which are assembled from corners, connect rectangular pipelines to each other. To connect the second and third types, nipples are used. This type is the most common and demanded among users of both residential and industrial buildings.
Galvanized steel air ducts have a number of advantages:
- simple and quick installation;
- sufficiently low aerodynamic resistance;
- various sectional shape.
Stainless steel air ducts
Such pipelines have high moisture resistance and resistance to aggressive chemical media. Therefore, stainless steel air ducts are used in ventilation and supply systems of industrial facilities and catering establishments. In addition to high technical characteristics, do not forget about the aesthetic features. Often, stainless steel air ducts are used in industrial facilities (factories, plants).
Black steel air ducts
Such pipelines are used in special-purpose ventilation systems or structures associated with the removal of smoke.
Textile air ducts
Such pipelines are made of special fabric, the main purpose of which is to be used in a supply ventilation system. Shopping and entertainment complexes are based on a similar scheme. This is due to the need for a large volume of air. The immediate benefit is cost and there is no need to install ventilation grilles.
Kitchen hood ventilation system
Air ducts in the design of the kitchen hood are used to remove combustion products and polluted air into the ventilation system of the apartment. A properly selected air duct will not only serve for a long time and reliably, but will also significantly reduce the risk of exhausting polluted air and unpleasant odors back into the room.
Types of air ducts for kitchen hoods
There are the following types of air ducts that are used in the kitchen:
- plastic and metal. The most durable option are galvanized steel air ducts, which belong to the first type. But plastic can also be quite tough, which increases the life of the structure;
- rectangular and round. Often, the shape of the section does not play a special role. However, a circular air duct is a better option, since the absence of corners prevents the accumulation of combustion products and the formation of mold;
- tough and flexible. The most expensive and reliable ones are considered to be rigid ones, which run from the hood itself to the ventilation system. Flexible ones are much cheaper, but there are significant savings in the life of the structure and its reliability. The corrugated air duct refers to a flexible type, but it is very popular among users. Manufacturers often use aluminum for flexible production.
Pipelines are used to transport air under pressure in various fields:
- extraction of dust and shavings in woodworking enterprises;
- laboratories;
- maintenance of dryers;
- ventilation in chemical plants;
- hot gas outlet;
- air supply.
