EcoDuct Market Update – 14th June 2024

Benefits of an EcoDuct System – Energy Savings Through Reduced Air Leakage

Due to the unique, innovative and precision modelling and razor cutting in the fabrication process of EcoDuct pre-insulated non-metallic HVAC ductwork, a very robust duct is formed. and this has resulted in an air-leakage rating as Class D at 2,500 Pa rating. As far as we are aware, this is unrivalled in the UK and EU for standard ductwork – metal and pre-insulated – and this adds significantly to energy and carbon savings, longevity, robustness and the many other advantages of EcoDuct.

Air Leakage

EcoDuct produce pre–insulated ductwork using KoolDuct insulation panels, where the air–leakage rate can be reduced to a fraction of that typical of sheet metal ductwork. A low air–leakage rate can yield significant electricity consumption savings because of reduced heating and cooling loads and reduced fan energy usage.

For ductwork systems designed to withstand a maximum static pressure of 2,000 Pa, ductwork fabricated by EcoDuct, with different coupling systems, can comfortably achieve the air–leakage classes in the Table shown below. Standard construction sheet metal ductwork, however, may find it difficult to achieve the same air–leakage classes.

Air-Leakage Classes Achievable with Different Coupling Methods:

BS EN 1507: 2006 (Ventilation for buildings. Sheet metal air ducts with rectangular section. Requirements for strength and leakage). BS EN 13403: 2003 (Ventilation for buildings. Non–metallic ducts. Ductwork made from insulation ductboards).*Class C is the highest class under this standard. SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association – HVAC Air Duct Leakage Test Manual, 1985 Edition). B&ES (HVCA) DW/144 (Building & Engineering Services Association – formerly known as the Heating & Ventilation Contractors Association’ – Specification for Sheet Metal Ductwork, 2013 Edition).

Frictional Resistance

For rectangular/square ductwork, the frictional resistance of a fabricated EcoDuct system is comparable with that of galvanised sheet steel ductwork. Testing, conducted in the UK by independent testing and research organisation BSRIA, on ductwork sections of di􀆯erent sizes with a range of fittings, has shown that, at velocities of 2–20 m/s, the resistance to airflow is almost identical.

For circular and flat oval EcoDuct, the frictional resistance is up to 15% lower compared to that of galvanised sheet steel spiral and flat oval ductwork.

As a result, frictional pressure drop data for galvanised sheet steel ductwork may also be used when designing ductwork systems fabricated from EcoDuct, and the performance will be equal to or better than the metal equivalent.

About EcoDuct – the Future of Ductwork

EcoDuct specialises in transformative ductwork technology, providing unique, high performance, fully compliant non-metallic, pre-insulated ductwork systems. EcoDuct offers circular, flat oval, square and rectangular options in all dimensions and all colours. It is suitable for all applications where insulated ductwork is required – commercial, industrial, residential, modular, new build and retrofit.

A comprehensive range of cutting-edge and fully compliant innovations enhance energy efficiency, significantly reduce environmental impact, improve material safety and ensure optimal indoor air quality. EcoDuct's commitment to sustainability and net zero aligns with the global drive toward environmentally friendly practices, helping to shape a more sustainable and greener future for the construction industry.

EcoDuct reduces carbon and energy, saves space, cost and time and delivers clean uncontaminated air with no ‘green premium’. Precision engineered EcoDuct is light and robust - the only pre-insulated ductwork manufactured in the UK that is rated Class D for air leakage at 2,500 Pa, a testimony to the highest quality and performance attributes.

EcoDuct Transformative Technology raises the bar for future HVAC ductwork design and specification, and sets the standard for future-proof buildings on the road to net zero.