Spiralite® ducting
Cooling & Heating Sales Ltd supply Spiralite® ducting. This is a circular ductwork system, fabricated using rigid phenolic insulation panels instead of insulated galvanised sheet metal, which means there is no need for a separate or return visit to insulate the system.
Spiralite® ducting is an excellent air tight and thermally efficient system that looks great when installed. It is environmentally friendly both in its manufacture and after installation, due to its thermal efficiency and air tightness.
It can be installed in a wide range of conditions. Applications include supply systems, re-circulating systems, fresh air systems, secondary ducting from fan coil units, swimming pool supply and extract systems, hospital systems, clean rooms, pharmaceutical and technology applications, supermarkets, shops and warehouses.
Please call us on 0800 7316352 or email us to discuss your requirements.
Spiralite® ducting is very lightweight. Installation, using a wire hanger system protected with plastic sleeves, eliminates the need for rigid duct support systems.
The insulation panel is cut in such a way as to allow it to be formed into a complete circular duct and sealed with heavy-duty reinforced foil tape. The internal surface is lined using a 3-ply aluminium foil based laminate, sealed onto itself to give a strong airtight duct system.
Independent testing from BSRIA shows that it achieves a Class ‘C’ classification at 2500 Pa. It was tested at 7667 Pa for an hour without air leakage from the duct or jointing system.
BSRIA Report- Leakage tests on Spiralite ductwork
The standard duct sizes range from 100mm to 500mm in diameter. Above this, non- standard sizes can be made up to 900mm diameter to special order. Straight sections up to 300mm diameter are manufactured in 2.95m lengths and all sizes above that are in 1.2m lengths.
All bends, tees, reducers, shoes and branches are factory made. The rubber-sealed versions do not need mastic to seal the joints. All other connectors need to be installed using silicon mastic.
A comprehensive catalogue of parts and prices is currently in production and will be available shortly.
What are the benefits of using Spiralite® ducting?
Damage resistant
All ductwork on site is at risk of physical damage. Spiralite ducting is strong due to its shape. It is resistant to serious damage and minor damage is easy to repair. A seriously damaged section can easily be cut out and a new replacement slotted in. Simple instructions for site operatives explaining the requirement for careful handling and storage should prevent problems associated with damage.
Reduced installation costs
Labour savings and reduced costs for supporting Spiralite ducting make it competitive with galvanised steel ductwork and insulation.
Reduced running costs due to no air leakage
The unique construction of Spiralite ducting and the jointing system do not allow any leakage of air. The only leakage apparent in the BSRIA tests came from the cap ends where BSRIAs own measurement and test instruments were inserted into the ducting. Spiralite ducting therefore offers running cost savings over conventional ductwork systems, as all the air heated, cooled or extracted reaches it destination. This contributes positively to reducing the carbon footprint of any building.
Zero condensation
Spiralite ducting is joined using conventional off the shelf circular ductwork jointing couplers. These joints are held together using spiked connectors around the outside circumference and are then sealed with reinforced foil tape (and silicon if the internal coupler does not have rubber seals). The joints are airtight. This eliminates the possibility of any thermal transfer through a metal (galvanised or aluminium) joint. Because of this, there is no possibility of condensation.
No need for support systems
There is no requirement for the use of heavy traditional support systems with Spiralite® ducting. Simple looped, nylon protected, wire supports are all that is required to install our lightweight system.
Minimal tools
Spiralite® ducting can be fitted using a minimal tool kit as no heavy cutting equipment or lifting is required for the installation of the system. No metal needs cutting - just insulation. This saves time when cutting in branches and access doors for example.
Strength
As shown in the BSRIA report, Spiralite® ducting is capable of withstanding high pressure due to its shape, method of manufacture and jointing system. These strengths make the system very robust when installed.
Whole life costing
Spiralite® ducting is new to the marketplace and is therefore too new to have had any comprehensive research on the whole life costs of the system carried out. Due to the fact that the air leakage tests surpass any other ductwork in the same price range, we are confident that Spiralite® ducting can exhibit advantageous whole life costs.
Improved air quality
Spiralite ducting will not allow any air to enter or to be released from the system. Therefore, the ingress of fibres or dust through the ducting is prevented. This improves the air quality of any system using Spiralite® compared with other ductwork systems.
Easy cleaning
Spiralite ducting can be cleaned using the many dry cleaning methods including: Compressed air/vacuum systems, hand wiping and hand brushing.
Versatility
The ability to apply additional laminates both internally and externally to the ductwork during fabrication saves site time and increases its versatility. When used externally the ductwork, insulation and weatherproofing are supplied as one product - one installation, one job.
Aesthetics
Clients and installers feel that Spiralite® ducting is more pleasing to the eye than conventional insulated circular ducting. If it is on show internally then Spiralite® ducting can be fabricated with a matt black foil finish to save painting. This looks good too!
Technical specifications and installation
Spiralite® ducting is available in two thicknesses - 22mm to comply with BS 5422: 2001 and 33mm to comply with the TIMSA Guide. The 22mm is standard and the 33mm is available on request but subject to a minimum m2 order.
Operating temperatures
Spiralite® ducting is suitable for continuous operating temperatures of 70°C and peak temperatures of 80°C.
Moisture resistance
The panels have a 90% (or greater) closed cell structure, meaning they are highly resistant to moisture penetration and non-wicking.
Thermal performance
The thermal conductivity of the panel is 0.021 W/m·K at 10°C (mean).
Applications
Certain applications will require additional or different laminated coverings or linings.
Applications not suitable for Spiralite® ducting are kitchen extract systems, chemical or fume cupboard exhaust systems, for use with or next to extreme heat including equipment that does not have automatic maximum temperature controls and for the conveyance of solids.