Fabric ducting
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What is a fabric duct?
Fabric ducting (also known as air socks or textile ventilation) is a ventilation ducting solution that is made from polyester material and is available in a variety of shapes, mainly round, half round, quarter round and ellipse, a very wide but very shallow half round shape. When air is introduced, the textile ventilation ducts inflate to their given shape. Fabric ductwork is always designed bespoke for the specific application.
There are a few types of fabric duct materials, and these are selected based upon the requirements of the application. We will generally make the appropriate material selection in discussion with you.
Textile ventilation systems are made to order, and each quote and order is unique. There are so many variables that generally no two fabric ducts are the same – it’s impossible to manufacture fabric duct systems for stock.
Benefits of fabric ducting
There are several benefits of fabric ventilation ducting systems over more traditional installations.
Price is a major factor with fabric duct systems. A fabric air duct system with fabric ducts costs less than a rigid system and its associated grilles, especially if that system has to be insulated. Textile ducting systems also take less time to install, creating savings on installation time and access costs.
Maintenance is arguably much easier with air socks than rigid ducting. Fabric is typically removed (unzipped), cleaned in a washing machine and re-installed. In reality, rigid ducting is often never cleaned due to cost and accessibility issues.
Air distribution is much improved with the increased area of fabric ducting in a room, creating a platform to supply air over a larger area than traditional grilles alone. This is also helps to provide a much more controlled velocity and comfortable environment.
Colours, shapes, materials and visual layout can all combine to make a pleasant aesthetic impact with fabric air ducts whilst delivering air in a controlled predetermined way. With a lower capital cost and installation time and improved maintenance options, fabric duct systems can be an effective and attractive ventilation ducting option.
How can fabric ducting improve air flow?
Fabric ducts can…
- Transport air (from A to B)
- Diffuse air into a space
Although we can use textile ducting as a transport system, typically it’s actually doing both of these things simultaneously – transporting and delivering the air into the room or space.
There are a few different ways we can deliver the air with fabric ductwork and we have a range of diffusers available to suit different situations. Micro-perforation (lots of tiny 0.2mm laser cut holes) will deliver high volume of air at very low velocity – important for cooling. Whereas large diameter fabric nozzles will deliver a specific cone of air over a long distance – ideal for heating a warehouse from high level, for example.
Through consultation with our customer, we will select the most appropriate fabric duct diffuser and our quotation will normally contain an air flow graphic showing the air pattern and travel distance for that specific system design.
