Corrugated aluminum duct

Structure and Features

Production technology

The material for the manufacture of aluminum ducts is a strip. It is a 0.12 mm thick foil. When passing through a spiral-wound machine, equipped with an element forcing stiffening ribs, the finished product is obtained. At the ends of the metal corrugation, the machine creates a lock connection. After rolling, the pipe is compressed along the axis manually or on a special press.

The latest technologies make it possible to minimize human participation in the production process, as well as achieve high speed indicators in obtaining quality products.

Types of fixtures

The diameter of the corrugated aluminum pipe varies from 80 to 310 mm. There are many additional mounting elements: adapters, couplings, tape, etc. The flexible duct may have a frame made of polymer or steel wire. The structure of the frame pipe is multilayer, the wire is placed between the layers.

Positive and negative sides of corrugated aluminum ducts

One of the main advantages of the air ducts under consideration is its low weight. Thanks to the latter, installation is greatly simplified. The flexibility of the product allows you to bypass various obstacles. The corrugation is tight and has a low coefficient of aerodynamic losses.

Operating temperature can have a wide range: from -30 ° C to +270 ° C. Aluminum gives the pipe resistance to aggressive effects, it is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation and corrosion. It does not accumulate static electricity.

Important! The cost of round products in comparison with analogues of a rectangular shape is lower, which makes the arrangement of the ventilation system more attractive financially.

There are also disadvantages. One of them is the high thermal conductivity of the material of manufacture. If the pipe will be operated in freezing temperatures, additional thermal insulation will be required. Otherwise, condensation will form on the inner walls of the product. The possibility of mechanical damage is another significant drawback that makes itself felt when performing installation work.

For installation in which rooms is a corrugated aluminum duct suitable?

Corrugated aluminum allows you to organize a ventilation system not only in a private residential building, but also in large industrial plants, mines, elevators and warehouses. The kitchen, ironing or drying rooms of a private house can be easily equipped with ventilation using aluminum ducts.

The appearance of the product allows for the absence of the need for decorative finishes, but some design decisions involve the use of hiding boxes.

Mounting Features

Ways to incorporate the device into the ventilation system

The installation of corrugated communication does not require the arrangement of a power frame. Depending on the length of the system, special brackets for hanging or attaching to the wall may come in handy. If the duct will connect the gas column to the ventilation hole (which is undesirable!), Then in addition to the corrugation, you will need clamps, aluminum duct tape, a square adapter, a grille with a check valve.

More complex systems may require the use of inflexible connectors, such as tees. With the help of them, it is easy to branch communication and lead it in different directions.

Proper docking of corrugated pipes

Joining of pipes is carried out in two ways: by means of couplings and connection "one to another". In the first version, abutting corrugations are put on the coupling, which are tightened with clamps. The second option involves the use of pipes of different diameters. One of them winds into another about 50 cm, after which the joint is fixed with a clamp.

Possible installation difficulties

During installation, care must be taken to prevent mechanical damage to the corrugation. Otherwise, it will lose some of its aerodynamic qualities or, worse, tightness.

Difficulties may arise when the product is stretched excessively. There are situations when the factory length is not enough for installation in a particular place; then the pipe is slightly stretched. If you overdo it, then squeezing it back will be a bit problematic.

Another difficulty is the formation of condensate, which can harm the entire structure. At the design stage, this issue needs to be given special attention and, if necessary, to ensure proper thermal insulation during installation.

Under what conditions is it not recommended to install a semi-rigid aluminum duct

When using a forced-air ventilation system with the function of heating and cooling, experts do not recommend the use of conventional corrugated aluminum ducts. Due to the possibility of condensation, only insulated products must be used. Especially if part of the ventilation branch passes through a cold room or is located on the street.