Pros and Cons of Spiral Ductwork

Spiral Ductwork vs Clamp Together Ductwork

Spiral duct has been around a long time and if you have used it regularly, you are likely comfortable with the benefits - or at least the apparent benefits of spiral duct for industrial applications. Recently, US Duct has received a number of inquiries from contractors and reps looking for something to substitute for traditional spiral duct for such applications as dust, fume, mist and particle collection. As we have worked through these conversations, we have discovered several reasons that - when considering the entire job - Clamp Together Duct might just be a better solution.

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Spiral duct is an often specified and commonly known duct pipe style. As the name implies, the duct is formed by spiraling and locking strips of metal together to form a continuous piece. This forming method enables the manufacturer to produce various lengths of duct in less time, creating a duct that is typically less expensive than duct formed by rolling sheets. Yet, when considering ductwork options for your customers and looking at the entirety of the project from design, manufacturing, shipping, installation and ongoing maintenance, spiral duct may not be the best solution. Consider the information below and the possible alternative of Clamp Together Duct as a better solution.

Consider the information below and the possible alternative of Clamp Together Duct as a better solution.

 

Ducting Style Duct Cost Installation Cost Adjustable Shipping Costs Assembly Speed Spiral Lower 60% higher NO Higher Slower Clamp Together Higher Lower YES Lower Faster

 

As with many products that look cheaper on the surface, there are hidden costs associated with spiral AND hidden benefits from other types of ducts, as the chart above indicates. Consider these facts prior to ordering.

1. Spiral duct typically comes in lengths that are not conducive to handling, especially in larger sizes. While the long length may appear to provide faster installation, the truth is that the difficulty of maneuvering it into place increases exponentially with length. The difficulty of loading and unloading spiral duct from trucks increases with length as well. 
2. Spiral duct can be joined by various methods. None of them are easy.
   1. Flanges/Angle Rings- The problem with this process is that spiral duct is formed by locking edges of the metal together. This creates spirals of 4 thicknesses of metal.  This thickness makes it virtually impossible to turn a van-stone edge (a ~1/2&#; edge that is turned back at 90 degrees to the duct) or to compress the van-stone ends between the flanges. 
   2. Flanges can be welded on- but only if the spiral is of sufficient gauge AND the installer is good at welding lighter gauge metal.
   3. Crimping- This method involves crimping one end and forcing it into the adjoining piece. The joint is then taped or screwed together in order to hold it together. This is neither easy nor effective in making a tight fit. It also requires exact measuring and if screws are used, leave protrusions into the duct. 
   4. Using collars. The collars are typically made to slide into the ends of the joining duct. Not only are these collars expensive, but they also require tape or screws to hold them together. Additionally, this leaves a protrusion in the duct. Big end/small end collars eliminate this by allowing the collar to be slid into one duct and over the other (in the direction of the airflow) but these are even more expensive- and still require tape or screws. 
   5. Spiral fittings (elbows, branches, etc.) can be made with big end/small end connections and eliminate using collars when joining fittings to the straight duct but collars are still necessary for joining straight duct. Both fittings and straight duct also require tape or screws to secure the connections. 
   6. In all instances above, exact cuts are required. And while the straight duct is cheaper, the branches, elbows and other fittings are no cheaper than other systems. 
3. Clamp Together Duct pipe is more expensive than spiral duct but usually, the difference in price is only in the straight duct. The fittings are approximately the same price. The clamps do add cost to the system but only in the metal product. They are actually part of the reason for reducing the installation costs of the project.

What are the benefits of spiral pipes?

1. Less pressure loss

2. Economical installation

3. Easier to maintain

4. Lower operation costs

5. Highly versatile

6. Can be produced in varying diameters and lengths

7. Aesthetically appealing

 

Spiral pipes, a product made from coils of metal, is something you often see in HVAC, water, heating, and many other commercial and industrial systems. Though there are several other kinds of pipe materials that can be used in these applications, the benefits of spiral pipes put them at the top of the list. 

There&#;s a reason that they&#;re, by far, one of the most popular pipe materials for projects today. To learn more of the benefits of spiral pipes &#; and why they might be the best choice for your project &#; read on! 

 

Less pressure loss

Pipes are primarily used to transfer and transport various types of liquids and gasses. They can be used in simple applications, such as supplying water to a building; or complex ones, such as assisting in producing and transporting thermal energy. 

In either situation, however, one of the most important things a pipe must do is not lose pressure. That said, some pipes just achieve this better than others &#; such as a spiral pipe. 

Spiral pipes have less room for pressure loss, because of their lower surface area. And, because they can be manufactured without joints, the risk of any liquid, gas, or energy leaking is lessened. 

 

Economical installation

Spiral pipes are a cost-efficient choice in many ways. One of them is their economical installation. 

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These pipes are easy to install through and around structural framing, which allows you to cut back on labor costs and installation time. Additionally, spiral pipes can be installed in longer spans, which reduces the number of connecting pieces needed. Lastly, any connections you make with this pipe can be done quickly and easily &#; and are relatively simple to seal. 

All in all, these things make spiral pipes an economical choice when it comes to installation costs. 

 

Easier to maintain

On top of their easy installation, another benefit of spiral pipes is that they are easy to maintain. 

Their upkeep is low, as their smooth surface and reduced number of joints and connectors mean they trap less dust and debris. As a result, cleaning and maintenance are simple. 

As we mentioned, the likelihood of pressure loss (and leaks) for these pipes is also low, which means you are less likely to deal with fluid spills. 

 

Lower operation costs

Another reason that spiral pipes are the cost-effective choice for your project is that they can reduce your upfront and operating costs. How they achieve this is linked again to their ability to lessen pressure lost, which in turn increases the efficiency of your system.

Adding to that is the fact that spiral pipes are stronger than most other pipes. This means that their lifespan is long. It also means that you could possibly use lighter gauges for your project. 

Furthermore, their manufacturing is quite efficient, which further reduces both upfront and replacement costs. 

 

Highly versatile

Spiral pipes are very versatile. As we mentioned, they can be found in a variety of applications, from water to power to agricultural to chemical industries. 

Standard pieces are available for just about any setting you can think of. Furthermore, custom pipes can also be engineered for any purpose or specific requirements you have in mind. 

 

Can be produced in varying diameters and lengths

Part of the reason that spiral pipes are so versatile is that they can be produced in many ways. Metal strips of the same width can be used to produce spiral pipes of different diameters. 

And, spiral pipes (in theory) can be continuously produced for as long as the metal strip being used is. This means manufacturers can make infinitely long steel pipes, with only small losses when cutting the head and tail of the piece. 

All this means that the process of making this pipe is very flexible, and manufacturers can easily change the diameter, length, and other specifications of the pipe. 

 

Aesthetically appealing

Spiral pipes have a very attractive look and are often left exposed because of their aesthetic appeal. They are also valued by architects for their superior visual appeal, compared to other pipes.

Additionally, spiral pipes are paintable. So, they can be finished to either blend in or stand out from your building. This gives you plenty of freedom when it comes to its appearance. 

 

Key Takeaway

If you&#;re looking for the right pipe for your project, consider the many benefits of spiral pipe. As you can see, there are many advantages to this material &#; which might make it the ideal choice for your building. From cost to versatility, the spiral pipe comes out on top. 

Interested in buying spiral pipes in the Philippines? Contact Regan Industrial Sales, Inc. here. Our high-quality metal products make us the choice supplier in the country for a variety of industries. Message us today, and our team will gladly help you achieve the goals you have for your project. 

Are you interested in learning more about Large Culvert Pipe For Sale? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

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