Ducting is a wide-ranging topic & there are all types for all different kinds of applications. Our specialism is dust & fume extraction and ventilation but there are other kinds of ducting that we don’t sell that can be used for cables etc.
The main categories of ducting are flexible & rigid. These can be further broken down as follows:
Types of flexible ducting
- Anti static flexible polyurethane ducting
- Aluminium uninsulated flexible ducting
- Aluminium insulated flexible ducting
- Acoustic aluminium flexible ducting
- Combi-flex ducting
- Car exhaust extraction flexible ducting
- Food grade PU flexible ducting
- High temperature silicone flexible hoses
- Flexible metal ducting
- PU flexible ducting
- Semi-flexible ducting
- Welding arm flexible ducting
- Wyrem flexible ducting
Types of rigid ducting
Flexible Ducting
Anti-static flexible polyurethane ducting
This is a flexible polyurethane duct, usually reinforced with a sprung steel spiral helix. It is usually extremely flexible & resistant to chemicals & abrasions. Anti-static PU flex is most commonly used for gases, abrasive dust, powder & fibres, oil & spray mist extraction,& any application where there is a risk of electrostatic charge build up. Anti-static flexible polyurethane ducting is usually supplied in a transparent colour.
Aluminium uninsulated flexible ducting
This is a reinforced aluminium and polyester laminated ducting with a high tensile steel wire helix. It is fully flexible, can be easily cut to size.
Aluminium insulated flexible ducting
This ducting is designed to prevent condensation and minimise heat loss and we recommend to use this in applications where it passes through unheated space. This insulated ducting is constructed with an inner duct with fibreglass insulation covered with an outer jacket which acts as a vapour barrier.
Acoustic aluminium flexible ducting
This kind of ducting is designed to reduce noise in ducted systems. Similar to the aluminium insulated flexible ducting, it is an inner duct with fibreglass insulation. However, with acoustic aluminium flexible ducting the inner core is perforated to allow for sound attenuation. As well as acoustic insulation, this works both as thermal insulation & as a vapour barrier.
This is a hybrid of aluminium polyester & PVC which makes it extremely useful. The interior of the ducting gives a smooth surface ensuring low pressure drops & no dust collection when the duct is fully extended. Its hybrid nature gives it enhanced strength, durability & stability & its flexibility makes it easy to install & it requires no special cutting tools.
Car exhaust extraction flexible ducting
This type of ducting can be used to remove exhaust fumes. Its flexibility enables to to be rollover-proof & to provide some resistance to wear during the extraction of petrol & diesel exhaust fumes. Car exhaust extraction flexible ducting is generally robust & flexible, lightweight, extremely flexible, resistant to high mechanical loads & able to withstand a range of temperatures.
Food grade PU flexible ducting
This ducting is made of an odourless & tasteless food-grade polyurethane. The EU & FDA in the US will mandate materials for certain environments. This material will also be microbe & hydrolysis-resistant.
High temperature silicone flexible hoses
This type of ducting is a flexible ducting hose that can generally be used for hot & cold gases & will be found in applications like granulate dryers, hot air dryers as well as in cleanroom ventilation & semiconductor production. It will be coated with a silicon-coated glass fabric enabling it to withstand temperatures of up to 260 degrees celsius
This ducting has a high tensile strength & resistance to crushing. It is well suited to absorbing vibration, thermal expansion & noise attenuation, ducting of smoke & fumes & dry bulk handling. Its other main benefit is its heat-resistance enabling it to operate at temperatures of up to 500 degrees celsius
This is used for the suction & transportation of dust, chips & abrasive materials. It is made of polyurethane with a galvanised steel spiral which gives it a high degree of flexibility.
Welding arm flexible ducting.
Semi-flexible ducting is designed for flexible connections between specific ventilation system components. As it does not contain PVC so no toxic vapours are released should a fire occur. It can work at a temperature range of up to 250 degrees celsius.
This ducting is specified for welding extraction arms. It is often provided by the manufacturers of those extraction systems in order that it meets all necessary health & safety guidelines.
This is an extremely robust & durable hose which is extremely flexible & highly resistant to ozone. It is made of double-reinforced layers of chloroprene-coated cotton & 2 spring steel helices.
Rigid Ducting
This generally refers to any ductwork that has been formed in sheet metal. It is commonly used for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, cooling, kitchens & dust & fume extraction. Sheet metal will be made to the UK specification DW144 for sheet metal ductwork.
Spiral ducting is made from galvanised steel (& occasionally aluminium). Spiral ducting is generally cost-effective as it can be made with 32% less sheet metal than rectangular ductwork. It is also less likely to leak due to it having fewer transverse & longitudinal joints when run in long, straight sections.
This is like any regular spiral ducting but it has been designed to quickly be fitted together or dismantled should a business change or prove premises. Quick fit ducting is often used when product is being transported through a system as it has smoother internal surfaces. This system has been pioneered by Nordfab.
Plastic ducting is lightweight and easy to fit. It is often used when there is a risk of corrosion as it will not corrode over time. When you are restricted on space rectangular plastic ducting is available as well as round plastic ducting.
Fibreglass-lined ducts are sheet metal ducts that have been lined with fibreglass for sound insulation. The fibreglass is sealed so that it cannot make its way into the air stream.
If you are looking to find the right kind of ducting for your installation, please feel free to give Ducting Express a call. We are experts in the design & installation of ducting systems & can advise as to what is the best solution to meet your goal.