Ventilation systems are integral to the safety and operation of all types of buildings. From commercial offices and warehouses to shopping centres/malls, hospitals and factories, ventilation dampers perform a crucial role in maintaining safe and comfortable building standards.
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Brought to you by HAS-Vent, leading UK specialists in ventilation system products, this guide shall explore the purpose, types and applications of dampers for HVAC systems. For further advice and enquiries, contact our specialist team, today.
Ventilation dampers are critical components in the design and function of building ventilation systems. Dampers act like valves for ventilation systems, allowing for controlled direction and volume of airflow through air ducts.
The term ventilation dampers can be used to describe any number of specific damper types; from volume control and backdraft damping to fire and smoke dampers, the exact type and function of a HVAC damper can vary significantly depending on its required purpose in a building’s ventilation design.
The control of airflow through a building is incredibly important for building safety and maintenance. Whether planning or redesigning the HVAC system for a new or existing building, opting for high-quality, purpose-appropriate dampers is an effective decision to ensure occupant comfort and safety compliance.
Airflow Control:
Safety:
Improved Building operations:
Got a ventilation problem you need a solution to? Our specialists have the knowledge, products and experience to support you. Whether designing a new HVAC system for your building, or modifying/repairing an existing system, contact our team today for advice and support.
As leading suppliers of dampers and ventilation duct components, we have compiled a list of the most common and requested types of dampers available:
Single blade dampers work to control the airflow through an air duct by either partially or fully obstructing the passage of air. This is achieved by adjusting the rotation of a singular blade within the damper.
When fully rotated/engaged, airflow is blocked completely; when disengaged/open, air can flow unimpeded throughout the system.
Single blade dampers as offered by HAS-Vent, offer a simplistic and effective way to control airflow in ventilation systems.
Explore our Single Blade Dampers.
Multi-blade ventilation dampers offer precise, variable control of airflow through ventilation systems. Consisting of multiple blades that can be adjusted independently to create custom airflow patterns, multi blade dampers offer a greater degree of control to single blade dampers.
Fine-adjustment of pressure balance and airflow distribution can be achieved with precision and ease.
At HAS-Vent our multi blade dampers are engineered to reliably balance airflows in low to medium velocity H&V systems.
Blast gate dampers are a type of damper used to control and correct the flow of air in industrial exhaust systems and dust extraction systems. Also known as gate valves, blast gate dampers are simple, robust and used extensively in the ventilation of machinery in industrial environments for dust extraction.
A single gate/blade is typically used to control the flow of air, dirt and debris in extraction and material handling applications. They are typically manually operated, featuring safe and secure locking positioning from easy to operate thumb operated locking screws.
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We offer a range of blast gate dampers manufactured to a range of diameters, from 63mm to 355mm.
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Iris duct dampers offer an additional solution for the control of airflow in ventilation systems.
In contrast to single or multi blade dampers, iris duct dampers consist of a series of overlapping blades that, when adjusted, close in a circular opening form versus a standard, linear blade form.
We offer a range of iris duct dampers manufactured to a range of diameters, from 80mm to 800mm.
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Without appropriate measures in place, fire and smoke can spread rapidly through a building through ventilation systems. Fire dampers and ventilation accessories are crucial to minimising this risk.
At HAS-Vent we manufacture and supply a range of fire safety accessories for H&V systems, serving a range of specific requirements.
From motorised failsafe smoke and fire dampers, to single blade fire dampers and intumescent fire blocks, our fire dampers are designed to stop the spread of fire throughout ducts, walls and floors.
The cost-effectiveness of any HVAC system ultimately determines the running costs of any operation. And as studies have shown, HVAC systems often perform better with air dampers. Air Dampers are HVAC components that control the direction and volume of airflow within the duct. And as such, they are integral to maintaining balance within the system. Given the variability of HVAC designs and functions, air dampers also differ to suit these differing needs. We look at how these dampers work and the options available to you:
Some air dampers can perform two or more functions, while others focus on one. Your choice hinges on your needs. Dampers are standard in ducting systems which feature gases and liquids as they enhance the efficiency of these systems.
HVAC dampers do not work alone. Instead, they work in conjunction with thermostats which control the air temperature. The dampers then control the air flowing through the system’s network by regulating its speed, direction, or volume. The use of dampers with thermostats gives you a much better handle over the heating and cooling of the environment.
Besides regulating airflow, air dampers can also limit or shut off airflow in some zones. So, where cooling or heating is no longer integral to operations, you can save money on utility costs by regulating the airflow.
These dampers are often located within the ducting system. The air duct damper’s blades spin inside the ductwork, regulating the airflow. And they feature a handle outside the duct, allowing you to control the airflow as you see fit. These vent dampers often work devoid of external control, but you may need to adjust them occasionally.
Manual HVAC dampers often boast low maintenance needs and are usually highly durable. On the downside, they are not as precise as automatic dampers. Plus, you must operate them manually as you cannot control them remotely. This need often poses a problem in HVAC systems in hard-to-reach places.
Unlike manual air dampers, which rely on preset settings, these automatic air dampers use small motors to open and close the plates and valves. These systems can self-regulate based on temperatures as they follow the thermostat settings. Plus, you can also control them remotely. These zone dampers are typical in complex HVAC systems, which feature separate zones to create balance.
These automatic dampers are better for precise temperature and airflow control. And they are less burdening to operators as you can control them remotely. Some even feature wireless control.
The blade dampers can either have single rotating blades or several blades. Where these dampers have several blades, the blades move in opposite directions. Usually, these dampers come in round, square, or rectangular shapes. They often mimic the shape of the ductwork and are ideal for isolating zones in the HVAC systems. They are typically used in ductwork, HVAC systems, and chimneys. And they boast sturdiness, excellent sealing capacity, and minimal noise production.
These dampers remain closed like shutters until an external force causes them to open. Usually, this force comes from the air from a fan. They remain open as long as the force keeps pressuring them to do so. The force also controls the airflow direction as the shutters slightly overhang each other. And once the airflow stops, the shutters fall back into place.