Fabric Ductwork Provides Flexibility for College HVAC Systems
DuctSox is a fit for the variety of spaces and needs of university campuses
On college campuses, there are nearly as many different building and room types are there are majors, each with unique needs in terms of ventilation requirements. These distinctive areas frequently have different air dispersion requirements, from temperature to humidity to sound and beyond. This post will explore how fabric Ductwork, and specifically DuctSox’s engineered solutions, are a flexible choice for on-campus spaces of all types.
Laboratories and research facilities
While there are a seemingly limitless number of lab types and functions, what they all have in common is the need for precision and predictability in their HVAC systems. Every lab has the need to carefully control each variable that isn’t part of an experiment, so results aren’t skewed or spoiled, and that is especially true for air-related variables. In electron microscopy suites, for example – which have some of the most stringent requirements when it comes to acoustic and temperature gradients – fabric ductwork provides a consistency that metal cannot. DuctSox also offers anti-microbial treated ductwork for laboratories with strict aseptic or sterile requirements.
In addition to even and precise temperature control and air delivery, volatile gases can be pulled out of an environment quickly by DuctSox solutions.
Aquatic facilities
Among the most challenging spaces from a ductwork/HVAC solution perspective are pool houses. Aquatic centers need a constant supply of fresh air to offset the odor of pool chemicals, while at the same time maintaining a constant temperature near 80°F. Additionally, traditional metal ductwork is incompatible with the corrosive chemicals and water in an aquatic facility, leading to rusting and the deterioration of the ducts.
The porous polyester fabric used in DuctSox products is virtually unaffected by pool chemicals in the air, and even leads to less ‘breeze’ caused by air movement from metal ductwork, increasing the comfort of people walking around with exposed, wet skin.
Auditoriums or recording studios
It is common knowledge that the process of designing an auditorium is an arduous one due to the planning of acoustics required. In an environment where the sound waves of every note played are considered, one complicating factor can be eliminated by using fabric ductwork over metal solutions. Fabric systems can be designed to help systems be quieter and produce less undesired echoes.
Perhaps you’ve looked up at your favorite vintage concert venue and noticed that fabric or carpet has been draped over the original metal ductwork to achieve the same effect that DuctSox’s advances in technology have made available out-of-the-box.
Athletic facilities
Fabric ductwork is a superior choice for delivering efficient temperature control in large, wide-open areas found in athletic facilities and sports venues. There are additional considerations when designing these spaces that make fabric stand out, including being more resistant to durability from impact and a safer product to have overhead large crowds.
DuctSox has been used in applications ranging from as large as the Las Vegas Raiders new football stadium to smaller recreational facilities and gyms.
Communal spaces
From fitness centers to administrative offices, every building on campus benefits from the ability to provide comfort and consistency. DuctSox outperforms metal on those vital metrics, to say nothing of the cost savings and ease of installation and maintenance which lead to huge savings across an entire university campus.
Additionally, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Education has issued updated ventilation requirements for college campuses, underscoring the importance of a performant system to people’s comfort and safety.