Fabric Ducting & Diffusers: Distributing and Returning Air

AirWorkx™ products are generally ducting as well as air distribution devices (or return devices) all at the same time. We offer positive pressure air distribution systems (fabric ducting & diffusers) as well as negative pressure ducting for exhaust or returning air to the unit from the space served.

Airflow Models for AirWorkx Fabric Ducting & Diffusers

Air is distributed from fabric diffusers through various sizes, patterns, and types of openings. The combination of size, spacing and grouping of holes together with various outlet flow models provide an infinite number of combinations and solutions for air distribution requirements for today’s project challenges.

-Microperforation - Tiny laser cut holes with a diameter of 0.2 – 0.4 mm, intended for low velocity / laminar air dispersion (Very low throw, not recommended for heating unless directional microperforation is used).

-Perforations - A series of 5/32 inch (4mm) or larger holes, provide directed air supply (low to medium throw for heating, cooling and ventilating).

-Nozzles - 3” diameter and up, very long throws or when a high velocity or spot cooling/heating is required.

Dimensions and Shapes Available

We manufacture fabric ducting and diffusers ranging from 4” to 80” diameters (custom diameters upon request), depending on the project requirements. The individual duct shapes available are: circular, half-round, quarter-round, segment, sector, square and triagular. The inlet adapter dimensions are always approximately 1/2” larger than the metal connection for ease of installation

In general, fabric diffusers are designed for similar flow speeds as traditional ducting and the volume of air determines the inlet size. Maximum velocities range from 1400-1800fpm for round ducts and 700-1400fpm for half round ducts (the higher the inlet velocity, the more static pressure required). Factors to consider are potential flow turbulence from fittings, available pressure, and sound generated by fast moving air. Specific conditions of flow, static pressure and weight of the fabric used must be taken into account to avoid vibrations/duct movement. Do not hesitate to contact us for design advice, we would be glad to help.

Air flow
(Depends on duct diameter and other factors) Maximum of 1800fpm for round ducts and 1400fpm for half round ducts (variable)

Weight
Depends completely on the diameter and length of the run and the weight of the material being used (heavy, medium or light)

Fabrics are divided into 3 categories by weight:

Light (marked “L” ) - These fabrics have a mass between 2 and 3.5oz per yd²

Medium (marked “M” ) -These fabrics have a mass between 5 and 10 oz per yd²

Heavy (marked “H” ) -These are PVC or polyurethane-coated fabrics and are only available in a non permeable specification

Dimensions
Diameters available from 4" to 80", with custom diameters upon request

Inlet adapters are always approximately 1/2" larger than the metal connection to ease installation

Antimicrobial treatment

Available on request for fabric types PMS/NMS, PLS/NLS and PLI/NLI, and always available on fabric types PMI/NMI and NMR

Our special antimicrobial treatment kills various microbes that come in direct contact with the material. Even after ten washing cycles the antimicrobial material still conforms to the requirements of the relevant international standard, which means realistically a lifetime guarantee considering the low frequency of washing required with our fabrics. This applies to PMI/NMI/NMR fabrics.

Fire resistance
Our products show three levels of fire resistance:

Peak fire resistance (designation "E", made of entirely non-combustible material)

Increased fire resistance (designation "I", made of practically non-combustible material with very low smoke production)

Standard fire resistance (designation "S" or "F", very low fire resistance, for use in areas where fire resistance is not required)

Colors
Most of our materials are available in our 9 stock colors detailed below (shades may vary). Custom colors are available at an additional cost and longer delivery time

Antistatic Design
Our material includes interwoven carbon fibers which make our PMI, NMI and NMR textiles more electrically conductive. This allows us to easily prepare the ducts to prevent electrostatic discharge when required.

Hygiene/Cleaning
Cleaning is simple, the ducts are easy to remove and cleaned in conventional washing machines. Once cleaned and disinfected Fabric Ducts are 100% hygienic, much more than can be guaranteed with traditional rigid systems.

Shedding
Because we use continuous fibers, all of our fabrics can be used in Clean Rooms up to ISO Class 4. Independent laboratory tests have demonstrated almost zero particle emissions from our materials in operation.AirWorkx fabrics are very smooth and do not allow settlement of impurities from flowing air.

Applications

Food processing industry

The first fabric diffusers were used in the food industry. Sanitary regulations require that all food processing devices should be easily sanitized and cleaned. Out of all the air distribution system options, this condition is only met by Fabric Ducting. Fabric Ducts are perfectly clean after washing and a disinfecting agent can also destroy any pathogens that may resist the antibacterial treatment. Fabrics made of continuous fibers, developed especially for AirWorkx‘s textile diffusers, are very smooth and do not allow the build up of impurities. This unique and special feature distinguishes them from diffusers made of standard fibers that continuously trap dust and can represent a sanitary risk.

Pools, Sports Halls and Fitness Centers

Large sports facilities are a typical application for AirWorkx Fabric Ducting & Diffusers. We are able to create a large range of diffusion air patterns to suit any project. While our many installations at sports and fitness centers provide comfortable cooling air movement for customers “working out”. In these applications low ceiling heights are often encountered, where half round fabric ducts make an aesthetic and functional low cost solution. Swimming Pools are a perfect application for Fabric Ducts, as the fabric material will not rust, corrode or sweat and is a fraction of the cost of double wall treated/SS/ALU metal systems. The bright colors available also revive and enhance many swimming pool interiors.

Industrial applications

AirWorkx Fabric Ducting air distribution is a perfect solution for any industrial operation. Our line of Fabric Ducts can provide uniform low velocity air distribution or targeted air patterns, at unbeatably low costs. Over 100 suspension solutions make it possible to choose a convenient installation style for any application, easily accommodating most suspended and formed ceiling types. Contaminated production environments may require the use of fabrics with larger laser cut perforations.

Temporary installations and applications

There are numerous benefits to using AirWorkx Fabric Ducting and distribution systems for the cooling or heating of large scale tents and other temporary structures. At less than a pound per linear foot, light weight roof structures can easily support fabric ducting and diffusers. Installation is very quick using the provided supporting wires and hooks. Top quality materials allow the ducting system to be taken down and reused with the tent. Cooling or heating using a large Air Handling Unit and Fabric Ducting diffusing all along the structure is much more economical and comfortable than simply blowing the air into the space. Problems with heat loss due to stratified hot air near the ceiling and local air currents/drafts and dead zones developing due to intense cooling airflow can be resolved by using a properly designed Fabric Ducting air distribution system.

 

• Fabric Duct Technical data.pdf
• Modular Fabric Ducting System.pdf