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In the 45 years since the first introduction of fabric-based air dispersion technology the concept has been developed and refined, but the primary differences between fabric and metal-based HVAC/R solutions are still founded on comfort, hygiene, efficiency and savings.
Conventional metal ducting uses spot diffusion, which creates stagnant air zones, unpleasant drafts and inconvenient noise pollution. From a comfort perspective this is the primary difference between metal solutions and FabricAir dispersion technology.
From a hygienic perspective, the condensation-free nature of fabric ducts diminishes the risk of microbial growth inside or on the ducting. Specific fabrics even have Cleanroom 3 certification. The fabrics are created in woven polyester fibers, which ensures that the ducts can be washed, even sterilized in an autoclave, without causing negative impact on their performance.
The initial advantage of fabric air dispersion technology was twofold: Eliminating drafts created a more healthy work environment, thus lowering the number of absences; and creating better airflow patterns resulted in a more even air distribution and lower temperature gradients in the meat processing plants where the technology was first applied. The latter has been an area of thorough research, which had led to a wide array of flow models that can be combined to optimize induction in any given project. This is part of what makes the technology more efficient than conventional metal solutions.
Surface flow models enable high air changes at low velocity, which is good for low ceiling applications and comfort. Directional flow models enable precise longer throws to create better induction in e.g. industrial production or high storage applications. May applications require unique combinations of airflow patterns to create the ideal air dispersion solution and using fabrics this is a straightforward creation process.
Through the use of proprietary 3D software and CFD modelling, air engineering experts design a solution specifically for a given project optimizing the airflow patterns based on the relevant parameters of the application and project specifics. Once the drawings are approved by the customers, the duct solution is tailored and shipped, arriving on site typically in less than 14 days, ready to install. This is another significant difference and an important efficiency aspect; the quickest lead times on the market.
Ease of installation is a hallmark of the technology. Instead of juggling huge, heavy steel duct pieces, the installer simply screws the rail onto the ceiling and slides the fabric ducts in place. No need for on-site attenuation, no grills or diffusors, no insulation or painting and no need for balancing. Installing a fabric-based solution is four to five times quicker than installing a metal-based solution; thus, depending on local labor costs the savings potential is significant – up to 70%.
With textile-based air dispersion technology, the air is distributed evenly across the room at low velocity, thus avoiding drafts, dead zones and minimizing noise (<30NC) for higher comfort. With permeable fabrics, no condensation is formed on or inside the ducts, even if the inlet temperature is below the dew point. This prevents bacterial growth and mold for a more hygienic indoor environment. The bespoke solutions ensure better dispersion patterns and higher efficiency with lower pressure drops. Contrary to metal ducting, fabric ducts only require simple tools, such as a screwdriver, to install, which entails significant cost savings. Those are the four primary technological difference between fabric and metal air dispersion solutions.
