Acoustic Ducting

Acoustic Ducting: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

I know you’re looking for high-quality acoustic ducting.

Or, you would like to be an expert in acoustic ducting.

Whichever the case, this guide has all information you’re looking for – take a look:

What is Acoustic Ducting?

 Acoustic duct

It refers to a type of pipe, which comprises an outer layer of Flexi-ducting sandwiched by a sheet of fiberglass in between.

You can always shape this component in whichever required design to enable it to pass around different kinds of obstacles.

In many instances, it is preferred for short duct lines since it is relatively easy to puncture holes through its surface.

It is one of the versatile components used all-round in different residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Why do you need Acoustic Ducting?

The main essence of acoustic ducting is to assist in reducing noise levels generated by air extraction.

It thus implies having it helps in creating a serene environment within a particular setting by reducing noise pollution to a significant level.

It is relatively easy to maintain since it is engineered in design, which can allow it to stay for long before showing signs of distortion.

This is essential since it makes it possible for you to cut on costs related to servicing and replacing it most of the time.

Acoustic ducting is also reasonably affordable.

It comes in varied sizes, which makes it easy for you to determine the right size you require for your applications, making it a worthy investment.

Besides, it is also quite a flexible indication you can always bend it to allow it to pass around various obstacles.

Of course, this also allows you to minimize cost and also enhances convenience as far as fixing it is concerned.

This component is comparatively easy to install and to work with.

Therefore, it makes it possible for you to use them in tackling excessive volumes as a way of creating a comfortable environment.

It is available in customized designs, which is vital since it makes it possible for you to improve energy saving.

Does Insulated Ducting Serve the same Purpose as Acoustic Ducting?

Not necessarily, but to some extent it does.

What happens here is insulated ducting is essentially engineered to reduce space heating and cooling energy in unconditioned areas of the home.

And this is vital since it helps to enhance the comfort level of the indoor settings.

Additionally, it can as well help to reduce moisture condensation on various designs of metal ducts.

Therefore, proper ductwork insulation helps in preventing various elements, including leakage, condensation build-up, temperature drops, and energy wastage.

An acoustic ducting, on the other hand, is purposely designed to reduce the level of noise to a significant level.

You can as well insulate acoustic ducting as a way of enhancing its general performance.

In other words, all-acoustic ducting can be insulated to serve the main purpose of noise reduction and other elements, but not all insulated ducting are acoustic ducting.

Insulated flexible duct

How many Types of Acoustic Ducting are there?

Generally, you can always find different types of acoustic ducting components based on the material.

Some come in standards designs, whereas; others are available in customized pieces depending on the specific requirements of the customer.

Nonetheless, the common types of this component include the following;

Aluminum flexible acoustic ducting– It is the type, which consists of an inner galvanized steel wire, outer aluminum foil and a polyester film sandwiched in between.

This component is somehow lightweight, and elastic hence suitable for various industrial and commercial applications.

Stainless steel acoustic ducting – It is designed using pure stainless steel stripe by mechanically attaching it without any form of adhesive.

It is leak-proof and airtight, thus meeting the exact high standard requirements.

PVC acoustic ducting – It is also referred to as vinyl acoustic duct made out of PVC and galvanized steel wire.

It is common in various residential and commercial settings.

Insulated acoustic ducting – It is a type of acoustic ducting with insulation sandwiched between the aluminum silver sleeve and aluminum flexible duct.

It is the widely used type of acoustic ducting in a wide range of applications.

What are the Application Areas of Acoustic Ducting?

 Acoustic ducting

Ideally, they are quite several applications for acoustic ducting in commercial, industrial, and residential settings.

Some of the common areas where you can use this component include the following;

Acoustic engineering – Several engineering projects, which revolve around sound and vibration extraction, often use this type of component.

In essence, the component helps to reduce the level of noise or sound extracted from these applications, especially the equipment.

Wall panels – Nowadays, you’ll notice most commercial and industrial buildings tend to have somewhat soundproof walls.

In many instances, the acoustic ducting is always incorporated in such walls to help in containing, reducing, or eliminating the sound.

Enclosures – Several types of enclosures, such as electrical enclosures, among others, tend to produce quite significant scorching noise.

However, acoustic ducting has become essential in minimizing the sound produced in such equipment.

Anechoic chamber – This refers to a space designed to wholly absorb any form of sound reflections or electromagnetic waves.

So in many instances, you’ll find acoustic ducting installed in such rooms to help in enhancing sound absorption.

Machine covering – You can as well use it to cover different types of thermal machines and other equipment to stop or limit sound transfer. It is essential in combating impact and air-bone sounds.

Can you Custom Acoustic Ducting?

Most definitely!

Most of the orders, which different customers make for acoustic ducting, are always custom-made.

In essence, different applications require various design elements of this component.

It thus makes it necessary for manufacturers to produce numerous types of customized acoustic ducting depending on the specific requirements of the customer.

While at it, you also need to inquire from your preferred supplier if they can produce the particular customized design of this component.

How do you Specify Acoustic Ducting for Grow Applications?

Grow applications always need to be risk low.

It is the best way of enhancing efficiency and attaining desirable soundproof results.

Some of the elements you need to consider for an acoustic ducting for such applications include the following;

It does not bend – One fundamental feature of this type of acoustic ducting is that it always stays in position and maintains its shape even when vertical.

Extra durability – The surface material for this component has an outer vapor barrier as well as a stronger inner core.

This, of course, enables it to endure all the prevailing conditions within the grow room and still deliver best results.

No glass wool – Acoustic ducting for grow applications only use non-allergic insulation.

In essence, this is the type of material, which will never contaminate your grow room.

Size variation – This type of component for the specific application is also available in varying diameters.

It helps in broadening your choice options and making sure you select one with a suitable diameter.

How does Acoustic Ducting Reduce Noise in Grow Rooms and Industrial Areas?

Ideally, acoustic ducting is engineered from different materials, including fiberglass, aluminum, and some spiral steel wire.

In essence, this component attains its acoustic properties from the two layers of flexible ducting divided by a sheet of insulating fiberglass in-between.

The internal foil layer of this component is also perforated along its length with micro-perforations.

The essence of this is to enhance acoustic performance of this unit.

So as the air passes down the normal flexi-ducting, the sound emanating from the fan and flowing though the pipes make the ducting to vibrate.

Of course, this leads to accumulation of some noise.

Since the acoustic ducting has an insulating layer of fiberglass, it contains the vibration from getting from the inside of a layer of flexi ducting to the outer layer of flexi-ducting.

Acoustic ducting enables sound, noise, and vibration to travel from the first layer of flexible ducting through fiberglass.

It is this fiberglass, which now cancels most of the vibration and sounds generated and, in turn, transfers them to second layer.

In effect, this brings the overall sound and vibration level relatively down and also limiting noise pollution.

What makes Acoustic Ducting Effective in Reducing Sound?

 Acoustic ducting system

In essence, the most significant aspect of making this component effective is ensuring it is installed properly.

When fixing it, ensure you hardly go for sharp angles.

Always leave gradual curves since it enables air to travel through the bends hence leading to less noise level as well as vibration.

The other pointer is ensuring you fix your fan ion bungee cords if necessary.

It helps in significantly reducing vibration from movement of the fan.

Additionally, ensure you stretch the acoustic ducting for as much as possible.

The significance of this is it allows the material to and also shift around, particularly when pressured air is passing through.

Can you Expose Acoustic Ducting to Direct Sunlight?

Not necessarily!

Of course, acoustic ducting tends to offer some inherent UV resistance.

However, it is not recommended to be subjected to direct sunlight.

Prolonged exposure of this component to direct sunlight does not guarantee longevity associated with the specific application.

Additionally, it is also not recommended for acoustic ducting to be installed close to UV lights inside ductwork.

The UV radiations tend to degrade this component with time, hence making it less effective.

So if you must expose it to direct sunlight, it is advisable to add an extension sleeve of metal before attaching the acoustic ducting.

Also, you may consider pushing it reasonably far away from the line of sigh of direct sunlight.

What are the Accessories of Acoustic Ducting?

Generally, acoustic ducting accessories are indispensable when it comes to installation of the component.

They play a fundamental role in ensuring and guaranteeing efficiency and quality performance in different applications.

Some of the core accessories include the following;

Hose clamp – Most of the acoustic ducting units are not self-supporting.

So when you connect them to other components, there is a need to affix them using a hose clamp.

Primarily, the hose clamp is to guarantee secure tightening of the ducting on the specific component.

Hose clamp

Duct connector – As the name suggests, it refers to a component used for joining the acoustic ducting and a separate component.

 Duct connector

Foil duct tape – It refers to a flame-resistant component, which can hold up in extreme temperatures and stays stable in high humidity.

Duct jacket – This is the component, which helps to insulate the acoustic ducting hence preventing it from environmental elements such as vapor, among others.

Here is a list of all HVAC duct fitting accessories.

Does Acoustic Ducting Stops Noise Transfer Completely?

Not necessarily!

The engineering design for this unit cannot stop or eliminate transfer of sound completely.

Besides, the reason here is because sound or vibration is extracted by external elements such as a fan or other varying components of the equipment.

Therefore, an acoustic ducting can only reduce the sound and vibration up to between 60% and 80%.

And of course, this is significant considering the level of sound and vibration extracted can be relatively substantive.

What is the Ideal Thickness for Acoustic Ducting?

The thickness for acoustic ducting is dependent on the specific application.

It thus implies there is no standard thickness for this component since they are contingent on the particular type of use.

Besides, it is thus important to always ensure you consider various elements surrounding the application before choosing the suitable thickness for your acoustic ducting.

Can you use Screws to Fix Acoustic Ducting?

Yes, and it is the highly recommended technique for installation of acoustic ducting.

While at it, you need to ensure you are using a suitable screw size depending on the size and thickness of the surface material.

And when screwing, it is always necessary to screw using a drilling machine. It helps in providing faster and firm screwing.

What are the Features of Acoustic Ducting?

Acoustic ducting is quite popular in various applications, which require a reduction of sound transfer because of its intrinsic features.

Some of these include the following;

Versatility – You can always use acoustic ducting to provide a wide range of functions in different applications.

Some of the versatility functions it offers include leakage, condensation build-up, temperature drops, and energy wastage prevention, among others.

Pliable – Acoustic ducting is relatively flexible, and this is important since it makes the general work easy given you can fix it on different surfaces.

Durable – The material used for manufacturing this component is resistant to several environmental, mechanical, and chemical elements.

Of course, this enhances its durability in a significant way since it’ll be able to withstand any form of punishment.

Additionally, the overall construction of the acoustic ducting also reinforces its durability.

Highly compatible – It is also highly compatible, especially with any 4-inch or 100mm extraction system.

Lowers heat loss – The insulation element of this component makes it possible for it to reduce heat loss, which is vital since it helps in reducing energy wastage.

What is the Ideal Size for Acoustic Ducting?

The ideal size of this component is dependent on the specific application.

They come in different sizes and designs, thus making it a bit challenging to have standard or ideal size.

Additionally, different customers also request various sizes based on what they want to for their projects.

Therefore, there is no specific size for acoustic ducting.

What Quality Standards Verify suitability of Acoustic Ducting?

They are quite a number, and most of them often test, inspect, and verify different aspects surrounding the quality of this component.

Some of the major ones include the following;

ANSI – It is an agency, which administers and coordinates the voluntary standardization and conformity evaluation of this component.

It is an essential standard when it comes to eliminating acoustical issues in the design stage.

IBC – It is a standard, which specifies noise levels inside residential settings in regards to dB (A) of NC.

ASHRAE – It is a standard, which has been recommending design of noise level criteria in aspects touching on heating, air conditioning, and ventilation, among others.

It measures background sound in an establishment over the frequency range of 16Hz to 400Hz.

How Durable is Acoustic Ducting?

Generally, acoustic ducting is reasonably durable.

However, the actual longevity of this component is also dependent on the specific use and conditions it is subjected to.

It is also based on the type of material used for making the unit and the overall maintenance.

Therefore, there is no standardized durability.

It is dependent on so many factors revolving around environmental, mechanical, chemical, and the handling of the component.

Is Acoustic Ducting Safe?

Absolutely right!

Most of the materials used for manufacturing acoustic ducting are always natural fibers.

And most recently, these materials are blended with synthetics and used in numerous applications due to their high tenacity.

Since natural fibers are highly biodegradable and renewable, it is a clear indication acoustic ducting is extremely safe to use in any particular setting.

Can you Reuse Acoustic Ducting?

Not necessarily!

In most instances, the material is often subjected to particularly harsh conditions, which gradually reduces its effectiveness.

It would thus be unnecessary to reuse for any particular application. Even so, the acoustic ducting material can be recycled and re-processed.

What is the Price for Acoustic Ducting?

The overall cost of acoustic ducting is dependent on wide-ranging elements, and one of them is a specific design.

They are available in numerous designs, a clear indication of the cost disparity.

Customized designs are always comparatively costly compared to standard options.

The specific type of material is also another element creating price disparity when purchasing acoustic ducting.

This component can be made from different types of materials such as aluminum, PVC, and stainless steel, among others.

It thus clearly shows some will be more expensive than others based on the type of material.

And another equally important aspect, which determines the pricing of this unit, is whether you’re importing or buying locally.

Import purchase is a bit costly, for obvious reasons given it factors in local transportation, shipping as well as taxation.

Local purchase, on the other hand, will be comparatively cheaper since it does not require any form of international shipping.

So, in general, there is no precise amount for specific acoustic ducting.

Why Import Acoustic Ducting from China?

China is known as one of the leading sources of a wide range of high-quality products, and acoustic ducting is not an exception.

Several reasons make China the best place to import this component and some of them include the following;

China utilized advanced technology in production or manufacturing of acoustic ducting.

Of course, this is critical since it is a way of guaranteeing the quality and functionality of this unit when installed in its specific application.

China also has a well-trained and knowledgeable workforce with an in-depth understanding of various elements surrounding acoustic ducting.

The essence of this is guaranteed desirable results in production of components, which match your specific requirements.

In China, there are several options in terms of suppliers you can always choose from when looking for this component.

The significance of this is it makes it possible for you to select the specific design, which suits your application’s requirements.

Again, importing acoustic ducting from China is also relatively affordable.

The overall production cost in China is a bit reasonable since there is the availability of abundant raw materials and labor.

The taxation is also rational. So all these contribute greatly to affordability of this component.

Also, you can use several means to import this product from China.

Of course, the suitable option is contingent on your preference.

Nonetheless, the importation cost is generally reasonable hence making it an ideal place to purchase this component from.

Are there Disadvantages of Acoustic Ducting?

Most definitely!

Some of the shortcomings of this component include the following;

 Acoustic ducting

It is relatively costly; this is somewhat disadvantageous, especially if you are installing it in a comparatively large scale application.

Some materials used for manufacturing acoustic ducting have comparatively low physical, particularly in the thicknesses utilized for ducts.

It requires a high level of maintenance to always remain effective and uphold its functionality.

This can be a daunting task given you always have to monitor its several aspects revolving around its effectiveness.

As you can see, there are many factors you should consider when investing in acoustic ducting systems.

The best part this guide has outlined everything you should consider.

For questions on acoustic ducting systems, contact us now.