Corrugated Aluminum Duct

Structure and features

Production technology

The material for the manufacture of aluminum air ducts is strip. It is a foil with a thickness of 0.12 mm. When passing through a spiral-winding machine equipped with an element that pushes through the stiffeners, a finished product is obtained. The machine creates a locking connection at the ends of the metal corrugation. After rolling, the pipe is compressed along its axis manually or using a special press.

The latest technologies make it possible to minimize human participation in the production process, as well as to achieve high speed indicators in obtaining high-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. A flexible air duct can have a frame made of polymer or steel wire. The structure of the frame pipe is multilayer, the wire is placed between the layers.

Pros and cons of corrugated aluminum air ducts

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

The operating temperature can have a wide range: from -30 °C to +270 °C. Aluminum makes the pipe resistant to aggressive influences; it is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation and corrosion. It does not accumulate static electricity.

Important! The cost of round products is lower than their rectangular counterparts, which makes the installation of a ventilation system more attractive financially.

There are also disadvantages. One of them is the high thermal conductivity of the manufacturing material. If the pipe will be operated in subzero temperatures, additional thermal insulation will be required. Otherwise, condensation will form on the inner walls of the product. The possibility of mechanical damage turns out to be another significant disadvantage that makes itself felt during 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 private residential premises, but also in large industrial production, mines, elevators and warehouses. The kitchen, ironing or drying rooms of a private house can be easily equipped with ventilation using aluminum air ducts.

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

Installation features

Methods for introducing devices into the ventilation system

Installation of corrugated communications does not require the construction of a load-bearing frame. Depending on the length of the system, special brackets for hanging or attaching to the wall may be useful. If the air duct connects the gas water heater to the ventilation hole (which is undesirable!), then in addition to the corrugation you will need clamps, aluminum tape, an adapter to a square, and a grille with a check valve.

More complex systems may require the use of non-flexible connectors such as tees. With their help, it is easy to branch out communication and lead it in different directions.

Proper joining of corrugated pipes

Pipe joining is done in two ways: using couplings and connecting “one into the other”. In the first option, abutting corrugations are put on the coupling and tightened with clamps. The second option involves the use of pipes of different diameters. One of them is inserted into the other by about 50 cm, after which the joint is fixed with a clamp.

Possible difficulties during installation

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

Difficulties may arise if the product is overstretched. Situations arise when the factory length is not enough for installation in a specific location; then the pipe is slightly stretched. If you overdo it, it will be a little problematic to compress it back.

Another difficulty is associated with the formation of condensation, which can harm the entire structure. At the design stage, special attention must be paid to this issue and, if necessary, proper thermal insulation must be ensured during installation.

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

When using a supply ventilation system with heating and cooling functions, experts do not recommend using conventional corrugated aluminum air ducts. Due to the possibility of condensation, only insulated products should be used. Especially if part of the ventilation branch passes through a cold room or is located outside.

Important! Aluminum products cannot be used as chimneys for stoves and fireplaces, since the metal melts at high temperatures.