Duct Systems

Course No: M02-051

Credit: 2 PDH

Elie Tawil, P.E., LEED AP

Continuing Education and Development, Inc.

9 Greyridge Farm Court
Stony Point, NY 10980

P: (877) 322-5800
F: (877) 322-4774

[email protected]
 NONRESIDENT
TRAINING
COURSE
April 1995

Utilitiesman
(Advanced)
NAVEDTRA 14259

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

 Although the words he, him, and
his are used sparingly in this course to
enhance communication, they are not
intended to be gender driven or to affront or
discriminate against anyone.

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

 CHAPTER 13

DUCT ANDDUCT SYSTEMS SYSTEMS

VENTILATION

As a Utilitiesman, you can expect to High-velocity or high-pressure systems with

become involved in the installation of duct fan static pressures of 3 inches WC or greater
and/or ventilation systems designed to provide are defined as high pressure. Usually the static
conditioned air or to remove less desirable air pressure is limited to a maximum of 7 inches
from a given space or facility. When sheet WC, and duct velocities are limited to 4,000
metal is to be fabricated into system feet per minute (fpm). Systems requiring
components, the Steelworker provides the pressures more than 7 inches WC are normally
expertise. When duct board is used, unwarranted and could result in very high
fabrication and installation may be tasked to operating costs. Systems with velocities more
the Utilitiesman exclusively. than 4,000 fpm peforms satisfactorily when all
duct fittings are carefully designed and
This chapter provides some key installed. However, velocity pressure losses
knowledge to aid you in the identification of are excessive and velocities more than 4,000
types of duct duct
and ventilation
systems systems,
and their fpm are not recommended.
installation, and factors you must be aware of A high-velocity double-duct system begins
in determining the sizes required to meet with a high-pressure fan of class II or III design
specified building requirements. Keep in mind any conveys air through sound-treated
that the term air conditioned refers to air that high-velocity ductwork connected to sound
has been cooled, heated, dehumidified or and pressure-attenuating mixing units.
humidified, or any combination of these. Connections to the outlets of the reduction
units are treated as low velocity.
DUCT SYSTEMS Smaller sized ductwork, using higher
velocities, permits conveyance of air to areas
To deliver air to the conditioned space, limited by construction and reduces
you need air carriers. These carriers are called floor-to-floor height. Round ductwork
ducts. They are made of sheet metal or some generally provides the greatest strength,
structural material that does not bum tightness, and economy. However, oval and
(noncombustible). rectangular ducts can be used when large risers
Duct systems are also classified as high- are involved.
-pressure or high-velocity ductwork and low-- A necessary component of the
pressure or low-velocity ductwork. The term high-pressure system is the mixing box or unit.
high-pressure or high-velocity d u c t w o r k Its function is to blend air at two different
includes ductwork systems and plenums from temperatures for proper delivery to the rooms.
the fan discharge to the final high-velocity This requires special pressure-reducing air
mixing boxes, or other final pressure-reducing valves at both hot and cold inlets, mixing
devices or any air supply system served by a baffles to prevent stratification of air, and
fan operating with a static pressure range of 3 sound attenuation treatment to absorb noise
inches to 7 inches of water column (WC). generated by the air valves.

13-1
 Table 13-1.Outlet Velocities for Optimum Performance of Fans

TUBEAXIAL AND
CENTRIFUGAL FANS VANEAXIAL FANS
STATIC PRESSURE OUTLET VELOCITY OUTLET VELOCITY AT
INCHES OF WATER fpm WHEEL DIA. fpm

1/4 400- 100 950-1,500

1/2 550-1,450 1,350-1,900
3/4 700-1,750 1,650-2,350
1 800-2,000 1,900-2,700

1 1/2 1,000-2,500 2,350-3,300

2 1,150-2,800 2,700-3,800
2 1/2 1,250-3,200 3,000-4,300
3 1,400-3,500 3,300-4,700

4 1,600-4,050
6 2,000-4,950
8 2,300-5,700
10 2,500-6,400

The term low-pressure or low-velocity duct- space, but requires greater attention in the
work applies to systems with fan static pressures selection of fans and equipment with regard
less than 3 inches WC. Generally, duct velocities to sound levels. Also, higher duct velocities
are less than 2,000 feet per minute. require increased fan static pressures; there-
fore, increased operating costs. On the other
The choice between the use of low versus high- hand, high-velocity systems are easy to balance
velocity systems requires architectural, mechani- and control and have much greater flexibility
cal, and structural considerations. Installation for partition changes and so forth.
cost, temperature control, and operating cost
should also be studied. Generally, high-velocity systems are applicable
to large multistory buildings; primarily because
Low-velocity double duct systems are many the advantage of saving in duct shafts and
years old. It was not until after World War II floor-to-floor heights is more substantial. Small
that their use became extensive. Space for two- and three-story buildings are normally
the installation of the double ducts is a main low velocity; however, both systems should be
consideration for this system and must be analyzed for each building. Table 13-1 shows
provided during initial planning. Difficulties outlet velocities for the range of optimum
in providing for this space in modern struc- performance of typical ventilation fans.
tures with low floor-to-floor heights and flush
ceilings, together with the need for develop- Ducts are made of many types of materials.
ing a compact distribution system for existing Pressure in the ducts is small, so materials with
buildings, has brought about the development a great deal of strength are not needed. Originally,
of high-velocity double duct systems. High hot air ducts were thin, tinned sheet steel. Later,
velocity saves ceiling space and duct shaft galvanized sheet steel, aluminum sheet, and

13-2
 TABLE 13-2.Materials for Ductwork technical details necessary for the selection of
proper metal thickness and section length for
different pressures and for different cross-
sectional areas of duct material. However
when repairs are made, the same thickness of
metal that was originally included in the system
must be installed. Where the original ductwork
was destroyed by pressure, repairs may include
increasing metal thickness or adding of angle
bracing.
Ducts are either round or rectangular in
cross section. Although rectangular ducts
usually have the advantage of saving room
space and being easier to install in walls, round
ducts provide less resistance to air flow and
should be used whenever possible.
Additionally, round ducts require less
material to construct; thus, by using round
ducts, you can save both money and material
during installation.
Initially, an air-handling duct is usually sized
for round ducts. Then, if rectangular ducts are
wanted or required, duct sizes can be selected
to provide flow rates equivalent to those of the
round ducts originally selected.

Table 13-3 is a ready reference to determine

the size of a rectangular duct that equals the
carrying capacity of a predetermined round
duct. To use this chart, convert a rectangular
finally. insulated ducts made from materials, duct with sides of 17 inches by 16 inches,
such as asbestos and fiberboard, were respectively. First, come down the left-hand
developed. Passageways, formed by studs or column until you reach 17 inches; then trace
joists, are sometimes used for return air when the line horizontally across the columns until
a fire hazard does not exist. you reach the column headed by 16 inches. At
Ducts made of asbestos are no longer the center of these intersecting lines is 18.0
legal. If discovered, asbestos in any form must inches. This is the round duct size equivalent.
be removed and disposed of according to the In the second example, following the same
laws and regulations discussed in chapter 16 of procedure, it is clearly shown that a 22-inch by
this manual. 17-inch rectangular duct has a 21-inch round
The material used for the construction of duct equivalent.
ductwork depends on the application of the
duct. Use table 13-2 as a guide in the selection TYPES OF DUCT SYSTEMS
of duct material. The thickness of the material
depends primarily on the pressure developed In this section, the advantages and
within the duct, the length of the individual disadvantages of a double-duct system are
sections, and the cross-sectional area of the discussed. Since there are many possibilities
duct. The developed length of a section for a for an adequate duct system, one such system
particular gauge can be increased by installing is modified to fit the needs of two different
angle bracing around the duct. It is beyond residential configurations.
the scope of this manual to include the

13-3
Table 13.3.Duct Capacity Conversions

13-4
 A double duct system generally consists of a mixing dampers operated by motors controlled
blowthrough fan unit discharging filtered air through thermostats. In general, this type of
through stacked or adjacent heating and cooling system uses the same corridor plenum area around
coils into separate plenums and ductwork with the ducts for conveyance of return or exhaust air.
thermostatically controlled mixing dampers at The residual volume of space left for this purpose
various room locations. is too often neglected. Inevitably, this results in
The inherent advantage of a double duct insufficient relief for the rooms.
system is that individual room conditions can be
maintained from a central system, within the The main disadvantage of a double duct
limitations of supply air temperatures. This is system is lack of stability of air quantities supplied
done by the blending of hot and cool air through to areas (rooms) because of varying duct static
automatically controlled mixing devices. Another pressures.
important credit is flexibility. In this regard, in- All duct elbows, including supply, exhaust,
dividually controlled rooms can be easily and return, should be made with a center line
incorporated, at modest cost, after the building radius of 1.5 times the duct width, parallel to the
is completed. radius wherever possible. In no case should the
In modern buildings of multiple exposures de- center line radius be less than the width of the duct
signed for variable functions and changing oc- parallel to the radius. Where space does not per-
cupancy, individual room control is essential and mit the above radius, or where square elbows are
a double duct system should be seriously indicated on plans, turning vanes of an approved
considered. type should be used.
Double duct systems for low pressure are
usually tiered hot and cold ducts within the furred Additionally, there are numerous adaptations
space. They are generally located above corridors. and modifications of duct systems. Figure 13-1
The manner of distributing proper temperature air shows a residential duct system with the furnace
to the room is through right angle, interlinked and central air unit located in the basement.

Figure 13-1.Residential duct system.

13-5
 In figure 13-2, the same basic system is Round Duct
shown in a single-story house. The duct Straight sections of round duct are usually
system is located in the overhead and the formed from sheets rolled to a proper radius
return air enters through the bottom of the and assembled with a longitudinal grooved
central air-handling unit. When the duct seam Each end of a round section is swaged
system is located in a crawl space, basement, and assembled with the larger end of the
or attic, it should be insulated to maintain the adjoining section butting against the swage.
existing temperature. Sections are held together by rivets, by sheet
metal screws, or by solder. Where solder is not
DUCT CONSTRUCTION used, duct tape or liquid rubber (duct sealer)
should be used as a covering at all joints.
In this section, basic sheet metal ducts, Rectangular ducts are generally constructed by
both round and rectangular, are discussed. bending corners and by grooving along the
Emphasis is placed on layout and pattern longitudinal seam.
requirements. Then fiberboard duct The duct system should be constructed in a
construction and its use are discussed. way that avoids abrupt changes in size,

Figure 13-2.Residentia1 duct system.

13-6
direction, or other resistance conditions that can are large numbers of the same size and dimen-
create unnecessary noise and reduce the air sion fittings to be constructed, you should make
volume. The normal noise level of air flowing the pattern of sheet metal.
through a duct depends on the velocity of the air
moving through the duct. This can be further
reduced by lining or covering the duct with sound- Fiber Glass Duct
absorbing material. The exterior of ducts that
carry conditioned air can be covered with heat A fiber glass duct is constructed of molded
insulation materials to prevent heat transfer glass fibers covered with a thin film coat-
between ducts and the surrounding air. All ing. This coating is usually of aluminum, but
materials used for duct lining and coverings must vinyl or other plastic coatings are sometimes
be noncombustible. used. Since they are made of glass fibers,
the ducts are inherently insulated. Also, they
Ducts should be constructed for easy main- are primarily used where insulation is a factor.
tenance. They should have access plates or doors Fiber glass meets military specifications for
included to facilitate cleaning and inspection. It a flame spread rating of less than 25 and
is important that the correct size duct (as specified a smoke development rating of less than 50
on the prints or drawings) be used for the for insulating material. The thickness of fiber
construction of the duct system. The amount glass ducts allowed for use in Navy installations
of air to be carried depends on the size of must range between 3/4 inch to 2 inches,
the duct. This determines the pressure loss depending upon the size of the duct.
in the systemthe larger the quantity of air
moving through a duct of a given cross-sectional The nature of a fiber glass duct requires
area, the greater the friction loss. Similarly, that it be supported with 1-inch by 1/16-inch
with a given quantity of air to be delivered, galvanized steel strap hangers shaped to fit
the friction loss increases in inverse proportion the duct. For round ducts, these supports
to the sizes of ducts provided to carry the must be on not less than 6-foot centers. Rec-
air. Therefore, the power required at the fan tangular and square ducts up to 24-inch spans
for delivering a given quantity of air increases may be supported on 8-foot centers. Ducts
rapidly as the duct size is decreased. It is larger than 24 inches require support on 4-foot
important to bear these facts in mind when centers.
it is necessary to replace or to change sections
of ducts. The same size new duct should be The applicability of fiber glass ducts on
used unless proper design provisions are made for heating systems is sometimes limited by the
a change in size. adhesive used on the protective outer cover-
ing to cause it to adhere to the fiber glass
material. Unless aluminum surface duct is used,
Rectangular Duct the specification of the duct should be checked
carefully to ensure that it does not fail when
Straight sections of rectangular duct are heated over 250F.
normally formed by personnel in the Steel-
worker rating. This is normally accomplished Fiber glass ducts can be molded into a
on bending-brake type of equipment. Then the variety of shapes for special uses. Round ducts
rectangular ductwork is joined together as and reducers are available from manufacturers
mentioned earlier. stock. For most purposes, however, the duct
is supplied flat in the form of a board, with
Straight sections of ducts can usually be V-grooves cut into the inner surface to allow
laid out without a pattern. However, elbows, folding to make a rectangular section. The
transitions, jump fittings, and so forth, re- ends of the boards are molded so that when
quire a pattern. While Steelworkers perform the rectangular duct is formed, two sections
the task, you, as a planner, need to be aware of the same size fit together in a shiplap
of the time required to draw and fabricate joint to ensure a tight joint in positive align-
the required patterns. Also bear in mind that ment. It is important to exercise care in select-
if this is a one-time job, you can make the ing a board of adequate size to complete
pattern of paper or cardboard. When there the desired duct before beginning cutting and

13-7
grooving operation. In all cases, the inside The joint is then completed by stapling, taping,
diameter of the duct is the determining factor and heat sealing the junction as shown in figure
for board size. To determine board size see table 13-3.
13-4. Sheet metal ducts expand as they become hot
To form a rectangular duct, the flat duct and contract as they become cold. The degree to
board is measured accurately and grooves are which expansion and contraction becomes an
cut at the proper locations. The board is then installation factor depends upon the temperature
folded into a rectangular shape. When the board of the air surrounding the ducts and the tempera-
is cut, an overlapping tab is left and this is then ture of the air moving through the ducts. Fabric
pulled tight and stapled. Tape is applied and the joints are often used to absorb this duct move-
joint is heat sealed. Joints between sections are ment. Additionally, fan noise and furnace or
made by pulling the shiplap end sections together. air-conditioner noise tends to travel along the

Table 13-4.Duct Board Length Selection Chart

13-8
 Figure 13-3.Forming rectangular fiber glass ducts from duct board.

metal ducts. Therefore, fabric joints (usually between functional design, amount of air accom-
constructed of heavy canvas) are used to join the modated, and the air movement pattern.
branch ducts to the plenum. The elbows within the duct system are a
major source of airflow restriction. Whenever
SIZING DUCT SYSTEMS possible, you can gain efficiency by installing long
sweeping elbows. Short 90-degree elbows should
There are numerous factors to be considered be used sparingly on long duct runs. However,
when sizing duct systems. These factors cause you they can be used very effectively with a minimum
to make modifications and adjustments through- of air turbulence and airflow restriction when
out the planning and installation process to installed just before diffusers, grilles, and
develop an efficient working system. First, you registers.
must calculate the air volume required for heating Your final duct calculations involve taking
and for cooling the required space. This will assist unit pressure drops and total pressure drops
you in determining the necessary duct size, fan throughout the system. Some of the major con-
size, fan speed, and so forth, that is needed to tributing factors to these pressure drops are as
circulate the conditioned air. While determining follows:
the heating and the cooling factors, you should
think in terms of air circulation throughout the Length of duct
building and in each individual room or space.
Remember, air movement is determined by the Duct material and interior finish
type of return airflow that you use.
Four other important duct system components Changes in duct size
are diffusers, grilles, registers, and dampers. Each
of these components has a direct correlation Number of elbows

13-9
 Normally, you will be installing a duct system opened, but the static pressure can still be read on
according to preestablished blueprints and draw- the gauge.
ings. Occasionally you may need to refer to other When air is flowing in a duct, there is another
sources and review trade association standards. The pressurein addition to the static pressurethat
ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals has three can be measured. This is the pressure exerted by the
chapters dedicated to methods and procedures for moving airstream. This pressure acts in a plane
selecting proper duct sizes. You should become perpendicular to the direction of airflow. To
familiar with the contents of these three chapters; illustrate, imagine a horizontal duct without any air
particularly, if you are involved in the design phase flowing in it. When a thin, flat piece of metal is
of an air-conditioning system. suspended with a movable hinge from the top of the
duct, it will hang straight down when air is not
BALANCING DUCT SYSTEMS moving. When air flows, the hinged piece of metal
swings upward toward the top of the duct. The
A duct system is always installed to fulfill velocity pressure is the force that causes the
specific requirement features related in some way to deflection of the hinged vane (obviously, the greater
the health and welfare of human beings. Equally the air velocity, the greater the pressure acting on
important is the fact that a properly balanced the hinged vane and the greater its deflection from
operating system results in lower operating costs the perpendicular).
and significant utilities conservation. Consequently, The velocity pressure cannot be measured as
it is important that these systems, regardless of the easily as the static pressure. When a hollow tube is
function, operate properly. When a duct system is inserted in the moving airstream, and a gauge is
initially installed, the required pressures and connected to the end of the tube, the gauge registers
performance data are available from the a certain pressure. This pressure is larger than the
construction drawings and the manufacturers static pressure because the gauge indicates the sum
instructions. After installation, pressures and of the static and the velocity pressure. This sum is
performance requirements should be measured to known as the total pressure. Since
ensure proper airflow at different locations. Once
the proper airflows are established, little change
should take place within the system. Maintenance
personnel must ensure that the system is operating
correctly by conducting certain periodic tests. Tests
are used for the initial and subsequent setting of
grilles, diffusers, dampers, and registers to obtain
the necessary airflow required by specifications,
codes, regulations, or trade association standards.
It is important to understand the pressure in a
duct carrying a moving stream of air. Certain
changes in an existing duct system are often
necessary and you should be able to accomplish
these changes. In addition, malfunctioning duct
systems require immediate attention, and an
understanding of the basic elements of the system is
required before troubleshooting and corrective action
can be undertaken. Furthermore, before a duct
system can be properly balanced, certain essential
knowledge of airflow is required.
Static pressure is a measure of the outward
push of air on the walls of a duct. When air is not
moving within a duct because a damper at the outlet
is closed, the static pressure can be measured by
means of a pressure gauge installed in the wall of
the duct. If the damper in the duct is then opened
and the air is flowing, static pressure continues to be 87.177
present. It will be reduced when the damper is Figure 13-4.Velometer set.

13-10
 87.257
Figure 13-5.Pitot probe.

total and static pressure can be easily measured, functional velometer set consists of the basic meter
the velocity pressure can be found by subtracting with hoses and accessories as shown in figure 13-4.
static from total pressure. In most problems
concerning duct systems, air pressure is expressed MEASURING DEVICES. There are four
in terms of inches of water (1 pound per square measuring devices used with the basic meter for
inch = 27.74 inches of water.) determining air velocities and pressures. They are
At the time of initial installation of a duct the pitot probe, low flow probe, diffuser probe, and
system, the design data should be recorded. After static pressure probe.
initial start-up, the system should be balanced so The pitot probe (fig. 13-5) is a stainless steel
that each air outlet is adjusted to the design rate of measuring probe with a standard length of 12
flow. During the initial balancing procedure, the inches and a diameter of 1/2 inch. It is suitable for
actual design rate of flow is sometimes not measuring velocities at supply openings and at
achieved, but the flow is within the range of return openings. Its primary purpose is to measure
acceptable standards. When such conditions exist, velocities within ducts. It is not recommended for
they should be noted on the design data sheet velocity ranges below 300 fpm.
where they may be considered by maintenance The low flow probe (fig. 13-6) is used for
personnel during repairs or the rebalancing of the measuring velocities in open spaces. It connects
system. After the system is balanced and proper directly to the meter and permits measurement of
operation is assured, static pressure measurements air by placing the instrument directly in the air
are taken throughout the system. Also, the total currents. It is useful for measuring drafts in rooms
pressure difference across the fan (the difference and air velocities at ventilation hoods and spray
between the suction total pressure and the
discharge total pressure) is noted. Although these
initial measurements can be used for checking the
design of the system, their main function is to
serve as reference data for future tests. If the
system fails to function properly at any time,
another set of measurements should be taken and
compared to the original set.

AIR BALANCING INSTRUMENTS

Numerous instruments designed for air

balancing requirements are available from dif-
ferent manufacturers. Those that are most
commonly used are discussed in this section.

Velometer

This instrument is particularly adaptable to

maintenance work because of its portability, wide
scale range, and instantaneous reading features.
Its accuracy is suitable for most air velocity and
static pressure readings. Since velometers are
made by several manufacturers, the instruction
sheets for any instrument should be thoroughly 87.258
understood before attempting to use it. A Figure 13-6.Low flow probe.

13-11
booths. Only velocity ranges from 0 to 300 fpm The static pressure probe (fig. 13-8) is used for
are applicable to this device. measuring drops across blowers or fans in duct
systems. The probe is carefully placed over an
The diffuser probe (fig. 13-7) is used for opening in the wall of a duct so as to form a
measuring air output at duct supply diffusers. It positive seal. The hole should not be less than one-
can also be used with some meters on return air quarter inch in diameter.
diffusers. The meter reading and the K factor
established by the diffuser manufacturer can be RANGE SELECTORS. These are devices
used to determine air volume outputs. (fig. 13-9) that permit a rapid change of measuring
ranges without the need for shifting to separate
jets for each range. They are provided with
connections that accept the various probes. These
probes can also be connected to the meter. With the
exception of the low flow probe, measurements
may require a range selector.

Manometer

A manometer is an instrument that indicates

air pressure by employing the principle of

87.260
Figure 13-8.Static pressure probe.

87.259 87.261
Figure 13-7.Diffuser probe. Figure 13-9.Range selector.

13-12
balancing a column of liquid of known weight Miscellaneous Instruments
against air pressure. The units of measure used
are pounds per square inch, inches of mercury In addition to the air balancing instruments,
using mercury as the fluid, and inches of water there are other miscellaneous devices required.
using water as the fluid. Thermometers are necessary for making tempera-
The simplest form of manometer is the basic ture measurements at various duct and room
U-tube type. Several variations of the basic type locations; a tachometer is needed to determine fan
are presently used in air movement applications, speeds; and a multimeter is needed to check fan
for example, the inclined type (draft gauge) and motors for proper operation.
the combination inclined and vertical type. An
inclined manometer with a pitot probe is shown in PREPARATION FOR BALANCING
figure 13-10. Many commercially installed central
duct systems have permanently mounted The following preliminary procedure is
manometers connected to duct interiors with static necessary before proper balancing can begin. These
pressure tips. steps are general in nature and should apply to
most situations.

Rotating Vane Anemometer 1. Review applicable mechanical drawings and

job specifications. This review will provide
The rotating vane anemometer (fig. 13-11) necessary data on the ducts, air handlers, and
consists of a propeller or revolving vane connected outlets. Information pertaining to design airflow
through a gear train to a set of recording dials that can also be taken from these drawings.
indicate the number of linear feet of air passing in
a measured length of time. It requires correction 2. Prepare a simple working sketch of the
factors and frequent calibrations, and it is not as entire duct system showing dimensions, airflow
accurate as the velometer. volumes and velocities, and the location of all
The primary application for a rotating vane components such as dampers, fans, coils, and
anemometer is the measurement of grille velocities filters. Duct outlets should be numbered on the
on heating, cooling, and ventilating installations; sketch starting at the farthest one from the fan
however, it may not be suitable for exhaust
measurements or for measurements on very small
grilles.

87.179 87.178
Figure 13-10.Inclined manometer with pitot probe. Figure 13-11.Rotating vane anemometer.

13-13
and working back toward the fan. (See fig. 13-12.) Determine Fan Performance
The type of diffuser and the air delivery design
of each outlet should be noted. The first step of the procedure is to determine
3. Obtain data pertinent to motors, fans, fan performance. The purpose for this is to
diffusers, and grilles that are not given on ensure that there is sufficient static pressure
drawings. This can usually be taken from the and air volume being handled at the fan before
manufacturers identification plate located on the balancing is started. The fans revolutions per
component. This information is useful during the minute (rpm), the voltage and amperage of the
balancing process for comparing measured results fan motor, the fan static pressure, and the
with design conditions. systems total airflow are indications of fan
4. Make a visual check of the system to performance.
ascertain that all fans are rotating correctly. Also, The fan rpm can be measured by a tachometer
that air filters are clean and properly installed. as shown in figure 13-13. You should take several
5. Place all dampers in the open position. This readings to ensure an accurate reading. The results
includes volume balancing dampers, splitter can be compared with the design conditions to
dampers, outlet dampers, and fire dampers. determine performance.
6. Check all necessary instruments prior to You should use a multimeter to determine if
starting the balancing procedure. Always follow the operating voltage and amperage of the fan
the manufacturers recommendations for check- motor are within the range of rated voltage and
ing the calibration of instruments. amperage indicated on the motor nameplate. The
measured results can either be compared or used
PROCEDURES FOR BALANCING to calculate the brake horsepower. Use the
manufacturers recommended calculation to
The procedures required for balancing most determine the brake horsepower.
systems are similar. Balancing is a rigorous tech- You can determine the fan static pressure by
nique that, if properly done, yields excellent attaching a velometer and static pressure probe
results. As with any set of procedures, each opera- to test tap holes located on the inlet and discharge
tion is necessary and must be performed in the duct of the fan, as shown in figure 13-14. Fan
correct sequence. The following procedures are static pressure is the static pressure at the outlet
general in nature and apply to most systems. minus the total pressure in the fan inlet. This

Figure 13-12.Duct system working sketch.

13-14
 feet per minute (cfm) for a fan can be determined
by the following procedures:

1. Downstream of the air handler, establish a

point along the duct that has the longest
straight run and drill test holes into the
duct. Holes should be far enough
downstream from any elbows or from the
fan discharge to minimize the effect of
turbulence. The holes must be closed and
sealed after the test is completed.
2. Take velocity pressure readings using a
pitot probe and manometer or velometer.
For rectangular ducts, velocity readings
are taken at the center of equally divided
areas. On round ducts, readings are taken
across each of two diameters on lines at
right angles to each other. (See fig. 13-15.)
3. Calculate the cubic feet of air per minute
87.263
Figure 13-13.Measuring fan rpm.
by multiplying the average velocity
pressure in feet per minute found in the
above reading by the cross-sectional area
of the duct in square feet. Total airflow in
cfm = Average velocity in fpm x duct cross-
sectional area in square feet.

The results are compared with design condi-

tions to determine performance. Measured cfm
should be approximately equal to design cfm plus
10 percent to allow for leakage.
In the event that fan performance is not
consistent with design conditions, the necessary
adjustments or repairs should be made at this
point in the balancing procedure. For example,

87.264
Figure 13-14.Fan static pressure measurement.

test may not be necessary in the field; however, if

it is, the results can be compared with the
manufacturers fan curve and system specifica-
tions to determine fan performance.
You can quickly locate problems caused by
blockages in duct systems by performing static 87.265
pressure readings. The total air volume in cubic Figure 13-15.Velocity pressure measurement.

13-15
the fan speed can be changed by adjusting the beings requires that a certain oxygen content be
variable diameter motor pulley. Be careful to contained in the air to maintain life and to
avoid operating the fan at a speed that overloads ensure comfort.
the motor. After adjustments or repairs, tests If a room is tightly sealed, any human in that
should be repeated to verify that the design room would slowly consume the oxygen and
conditions have been attained. Total air volume increase the amounts of carbon dioxide, water
measurements should be repeated for all air- vapor, and various impurities. This could cause
handling units on branch, return, and exhaust drowsiness or even death.
duct systems. You must remember that space for human
living must have air with a good oxygen content
Duct and Outlet Adjustments and that this air must be kept at a reasonable
temperature. It is of utmost importance that fresh
You should use the same procedure for air be admitted to provide the oxygen.
measuring total air volume to set the main In the past, this fresh air entered the space by
splitter dampers on systems containing branch infiltration (leakage) from the outside at door and
ducts. When main ducts, zone ducts, and branches window openings and through cracks in the struc-
are set for design air, the tests necessary for ture. However, modern construction is reducing
adjusting individual outlets can begin. When this air leakage. Air-conditioning apparatus,
available, always follow the manufacturers then, must furnish fresh air. Modern units have
recommended procedure. a controlled fresh-air intake. This fresh air is
The final balancing procedure involves the conditioned and mixed with the recirculated air
adjustment of individual outlets to correspond before it reaches the room.
with the manufacturers design flow and system Some conditioned air leaves a building
specifications. Begin with the last outlet on the through doors, windows, and other construction
branch farthest from the fan discharge and joints. Some also leaves by exfiltration. (This
measure the velocity (or cfm). You can use either means leaking out or being blown out by
a velometer with the diffuser probe or an mechanical means.) Any kind of exhaust fan
anemometer. If the cfm is below design, leave the removes conditioned air. Some of this air is
damper open and proceed to the next outlet. If replaced by infiltration on those sides of the
the cfm is greater than design, close the damper building exposed to wind pressure.
to obtain the desired results. In the same branch It is best to bring in replacement fresh air
go to the next closest outlet, repeat the procedure, through a makeup air system. When this is done
then continue the process with each outlet until
you reach the main duct. the makeup air can be cleaned.
If applicable, you should complete the same
procedure on the remaining branch ducts. Finally, the makeup air can be cooled or heated.
total cfm of all outlets should agree with total cfm
of all branches, and this grand total should agree a positive pressure can be maintained in
with the air volume for the fan or fans. These the building to keep out airborne dirt, dust, and
figures should be within 3 to 7 percent of design pollen. (A negative pressure reduces the efficiency
conditions. You should check fan outputs and of exhaust fans and fuel-fired furnaces.)
motor amperages to ensure that the motor is not
in an overloaded condition. At this point, fan a definite amount of fresh air is brought
speed and horsepower, fan total air by velocity into the building for health purposes (oxygen
measurement, and total air by outlet volume content).
measurements have been established for the
specific operating condition of the system during Certain areas of a building should have a
the procedure. The system should be balanced for slightly less positive pressure (5 to 10 percent) than
those conditions. the rest of the building to reduce the spread of
odors. Such areas would include the kitchen,
lavatories, and where certain industrial operations
VENTILATION SYSTEMS produce fumes.
The amount of fresh air required depends on
Normally air contains about 21 percent the use of the space and the amount of fresh air
oxygen. A ventilation system serving human admitted by infiltration. One basic rule is to

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