Advanced Air Duct Design Part 2

Method of Duct Design Lecture No.(2) By Badran M.
Salem
Duct Sizing - Introduction
For conventional low velocity ductwork the sizing method most used is by constant
pressure, that is, the average pressure or resistance to flow per unit length is kept at
a constant figure.
The duct sizing chart (Figure 1 below) shows the various pressure drops against air
quantity or volume and duct diameter.
This duct sizing chart is in CIBSE Guide C (2007) Section 4.8.3, Figure 4.2.
1
Method of Duct Design Lecture No.(2) By Badran M. Salem
By selecting an appropriate pressure drop, the required duct diameter can be

selected for any given air volume.
When using Figure 1 any resistance per unit length can be selected.
Some designers use values as shown below.
1. Quiet - Pressure drop 0.4 Pa/m.
2. Commercial - Pressure drop 0.6 Pa/m.
2
3. Industrial - Pressure drop 0.8 Pa/m.
However, we will use a pressure drop of 1.0 Pa/m for examples of duct sizing,
always bearing in mind that the designer may wish to use alternative values as listed
above.
Basic Duct Sizing

Consult Figure 1 to determine the size of duct if the volume flow rate of air is
known.
Example 1
Size the ventilation ductwork in an extract system, which removes 0.8 m3/s from a
kitchen.
Use a duct pressure drop per metre of 1.0 Pa/m.
3
The ductwork should be square.
From figure 1 above the volume flow rate is indicated with a green line.
The corresponding duct diameter can be read from the diagram.
It is between two of the blue lines, which represent 0.40, and 0.45 metres diameter.
Careful examination of Figure 1 will reveal that the design point is closer to 0.40
metres than 0.45 metres diameter.
The diameter is about 0.41 metres.
This is 410 mm diameter.
Convert this to an appropriate square size.
Area (Circle) = p x r2
Cross Sectional Area of Duct (CSA) = p x 0.2052 = 0.132 m2
For square duct of same CSA, one side = (0.132)0.5 = 0.363 m
4
= 363 mm
The next standard size of galvanised sheet metal ductwork would be 400mm x
400mm.
Duct Sizing Using Equal Pressure Drop Method
The following is a step by step approach to duct sizing by keeping the pressure drop
the same in straight lengths.
1. Choose a rate of pressure drop and keep this constant for the whole system
e.g. 1.0 Pa per metre run.
2. Size ductwork using Figure 1 (Duct Sizing Chart) if the volume flow rate of
air is known.
This will give the duct diameter.
3. Determine the equivalent size of rectangular duct if required by calculation

or by using CIBSE guide C (2007) Table 4.16.
4. Calculate the actual air velocity from:
Air velocity (m/s) = Volume flow rate (m3/s) / CSA

Where
CSA = Cross sectional area of duct (m2)
Fittings Pressure Loss

5. Determine the velocity pressure factors ( ʓ zeta) for the fitting(s) in each
section of ductwork from CIBSE Guide C (2007) Section 4.10.
6. Determine the velocity pressure (V.P.) by calculation or by using CIBSE Guide

C (2007) Table 4.19.
The actual air velocity will be that obtained from section 4 above.
V.P. = 0.5 x ρ x v2
Where: V.P. = Velocity pressure (Pa)
5
ρ = Density of air (1.2 kg/m3)

v = Air velocity (m/s)
7. Multiply ʓ factors x V.P. to give total pressure loss for fittings.
Pressure loss for fittings (Pa) = ʓfactors x V.P.

Where:
V.P. = Velocity pressure (Pa)
ʓ factor = Pressure loss factor for a fitting from CIBSE
guide C (2007) Section 4.10.
Total Pressure Drop in Section
8. Pressure loss in straight duct (Pa) = Rate of pressure drop

(1.0 Pa per metre run) x length of section (m).
9. Total Pressure drop in Section (Pa) = Pressure loss for

fittings (Pa) + Pressure loss in straight duct (Pa)
Pressure Loss in Fittings

Zeta (ʓ) factors are to be used with the Velocity Pressure to find fittings
resistances.
Zeta (ʓ) factors are pressure loss factors.
These allow for the resistance of fittings in ductwork systems which can be quite
significant compared to straight runs of duct.
Pressure Loss (or resistance) (Pa) = zeta factor ( ʓ) x Velocity

Pressure (Pa)
and Velocity Pressure (Pa) V.P. = 0.5 x ρ x v2
Zeta Factors for Duct Fitting :

1. Bend – mitred and radiused on both inside and outside.
6
Zeta factor = 0.67
2. Rectangular Duct Branch Fitting :

Branch
VP2
VP3
VP1
Main Duct
Straight Thro’ 1 to 2 To Branch 1 to 3
Velocity pressure ratio Velocity pressure ratio

Zeta factor Zeta factor
(ʓ) (ʓ)
VP2/VP1 VP3/VP1
0.6 0.44 0.6 1.60

0.8 0.09 0.8 0.78
1.0 0.04 1.0 0.55
1.2 0.02 1.2 0.45
3. Tapered Reduction Fitting :
Included angle Zeta factor
Taper both sides Taper one side
30o 0.02 0.07
45o 0.04 0.20
60o 0.07 0.40
7
Some Duct Sizing Aids

1. Divide the system into sections.
2. A section is from one branch to another or in parts of the system with a steady
volume flow rate.
3. Size the index circuit first, that is the circuit with the highest resistance to air
flow.
There is only one circuit in the above scheme so the index circuit includes
sections A,B,C,D.
Normally the index circuit is the longest circuit, but not always so check if
necessary.
4. Branches should be included in the downstream section, for example the first
branch in the above system should be allowed for in section B resistance
calculations.
This means that the Zeta factor for the branch is multiplied by the correct
velocity pressure, that is the smaller velocity pressure as indicated in CIBSE
C (2007) Table 4.19.
See EXAMPLES OF Zeta FACTORS
5. Contractions should be included in the downstream section rather than the

upstream section for the same reason as in part 4.
Example 1 :
Project: Cafeteria
Size the index run for the ductwork system shown below and give the total pressure
drop for the system.
Size the fan for the system.
The building is a Cafeteria.
The index run includes sections A,B,C,D.
8
Radiuses bend
Supply
A
Fan
Intake Louvre
Pressure loss or 
factor = 6.5
Outlet Diffuser –
Pressure loss or D
 factor = 3.5
9
Air Flow Rate

Section Length
3
(m /s) (m)
A 1.20 10
B 0.90 3
C 0.60 6
D 0.30 8
NOTES:
1. Keep one side 350 mm high.

2. Ductwork to be rectangular galvanised steel.
3. There are no additional pressure losses.
4. Tapered reductions are at 45 degrees.
It is a good idea to look at the velocities in each section. If the air velocity is high,
then noise may be a problem. Acceptable noise levels depend on the areas to be
ventilated .The Table below may help to decide if the velocity is too high or not.
The velocity for the main ducts, section A,B,C do not exceed 9 m/s from the Table.
The velocity for the branch duct, section D also does not exceed the value of 6 m/s
from the Table.
Air Velocity (m/s)

Building
Main Duct Branch
Domestic 3 2
Auditoria 4 3
Hotel bedroom, Conference hall 5 3
Private office, Library, Hospital
6 4
ward
General office, Restaurant, Dept.
7.5 5
store
Cafeteria, Supermarket, Machine
9 6
room
Factory, Workshop 10-12 7.5
11
The fan should be capable of delivering 1.2 m3/s against a pressure of 305 Pa.
A percentage addition may be added to these figures for a design margin.
Fan Selection
The fan code: 35JM/16/2/5 size: 355 mm diameter, 28o blade pitch angle, 2840
rev/min 5 Blades 50 Hz would fit the criteria for duty and output pressure; 1.2 m3/s
against a pressure of 305 Pa.
Since this fan is running quite fast at 2840 rev/min it is somewhat noisy at about 86
dB (less corrections).
A quieter fan would probably be better.
System Resistance
The system resistance of 305 Pa is mainly from section A at 212 Pa.

If we examine this section on the Duct Sizing Table we can see that most of the
resistance comes from the Intake Louvre.
The Intake Louvre pressure drop is; Intake Louvre -
Pa.
We could choose a louver with a lower resistance.
If a 700mm wide x 500mm high louvre is used then the sizing nomogram gives a
pressure drop of 69 Pa for a air flow rate of 1.2 m3/s.
This is a lot less than the previously calculated pressure drop of 183 Pa so this
louvre would significantly reduce fan pressure.
We could also examine the outlet diffuser resistance.

The Outlet Diffuser pressure drop is; Outlet Diffuser -
Pa.
The air flow rate in section D is 0.3 m3/s = 300 l/s.
If a M600 diffuser is used it will fit into a ceiling tile and have less pressure drop
than a M450.
The performance Table for a 4 way diffuser supplying 315 l/s gives a P s (Static
pressure drop) of 9 Pa.
This is a lot less than the previously calculated pressure drop of 50 Pa so this
diffuser would also reduce fan pressure.
The new fan pressure is; 305 - 183 - 50 + 69 + 9 = 150 Pa.

The new fan rating is; 1.2 m3/s against a pressure of 150 Pa.
11
The new fan code: 45JM/16/4/5 size: 450 mm diameter, 28o blade pitch angle, 1420
rev/min 5 Blades 50 Hz, would fit the criteria for duty and output pressure; 1.2 m3/s
against a pressure of 150 Pa.
Since this fan is running at half the previous fan speed it produces less noise at
about 79 dB (less corrections), but is a more expensive fan.
To be more accurate we could add resistances for; transformation pieces at the

Intake louvre and fan, VCD’s (volume control dampers), flexibles at fan, plenum
box at outlet diffuser.
12
Duct Sizing Table
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Pressure
Fittings Pressure Loss Total Cumulative
Length Flow drop Duct Velocity
Velocity pressure loss Pressure Pressure
Section Rate per Size Pressure Straight
(m/s) factor or Fittings Loss Loss
(m) (m3/s) metre (mm) (Pa) Duct
(zeta) factor (Pa) (Pa) (Pa)
(Pa/m) (Pa)
A 10 1.2 1.0 0.47 m 1.2 / 0.5 x 1.2 Intake louvre 28.2 x 1.0 x 10 202 + 10
dia. (0.5 x x 6.862 = = 6.5 see drg. 7.17 = = 10 = 212
(0.47/2)2 0.35) 28.2 Bend = 0.67 202
/ = Reduction to
0.350 = 6.86 section B will 212
0.4957 go in
500 x downstream
350mm section (B).
TOTAL = 7.17
Branch Index
Circuit is
straight 0.29 x 22 3 9
through (VP1 = 6
0.43 m
to VP2) .The 221
dia.
B 3 0.9 1.0 6.05 22.0 VP ratio
425 x
VP2/VP1
350mm
= 22 / 28.2
= 0.78
The zeta factor
from
SCALE 1:100
13
EXAMPLES oF
zeta FACTORS
is 0.09
Reduction =
0.2 for taper
on one side.
TOTAL = 0.29
C 6 0.6 1.0 0.37 m 5.28 16.7 Branch
dia. VP ratio = 6 6 12 233
325 x 16.7 / 22 = 0.76
350mm zeta factor =
0.16 by
interpolation
Reduction =
0.2 for taper
on one side.
TOTAL = 0.36
D 8 0.3 1.0 0.28 m 4.90 14.4 Branch
dia. VP ratio = 64 8 72 305
175 x 14.4 / 16.7 =
350mm 0.86
zeta factor =
0.08 by
interpolation
Reduction =
0.2 for taper
on one side.
Bend = 0.67
Outlet diffuser
= 3.5 see drg.
TOTAL = 4.45
14
Example 2:
Size the index run for the ductwork system shown below and give the total
pressure drop for the system. Size the fan for the system.
The building is an office.
The index run includes sections A, B, C, D, E, and F.
NOTES:
1. No ducts to be higher than 500 mm to fit into suspended ceiling.
2. Ductwork to be rectangular galvanised steel.
3. There are no additional pressure losses other than shown on the drawing.
4. Tapered reductions are at 45degrees.
5. Pressure drop through each diffuser is 15Pa.
6. Sections G, H, I, J, and K have been completed in the table.
Air Flow
Length
Rate
Section (m)
(m3/s)
A 2.25 3
B 1.25 3
C 1.00 4
D 0.75 4
E 0.50 5
F 0.25 7
G 1.00 4
H 0.75 4
I 0.50 5
J 0.25 8
K 0.25 5
15
The drawing below does not show details such as flexible connections to the fan,
circular to rectangular transformation sections at the fan, dampers for volume
control, and plenum boxes at diffusers, these are often incorporated into
ventilation design.
16
Intake Louvre
 factor = 0.5 for duct entry + 6.0

for louvers Total = 6.5
Combined fan, filter, heater unit

pressure drop is 38Pa Supply Fan &
Heater/filter unit
A B
G C C
H D
H K
I I E E
K
All outlet diffusers

15Pa pressure drop
17
J F F
18
21
DUCT SIZING TABLE SJF 1999
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Length Flow Pressure Duct Velocity Velocity Pressure Loss Total Cumulative
Rate drop per Pressure Pressure
Section metre Size Fittings Fittings Straight Duct Pressure
(Pa/m) (Pa) (Pa) Loss Loss
 factor
(m) (m3/s) (Pa) (Pa)
(mm) (m/s) (Pa)
8.0 0.25 1.0 0.26m dia. 4.17 10.58 1No. bend @ 1No. diffuser = 8.0 x 1.0 30.1 30.1
0.67 = 0.67 15Pa
Width x or 10.58 x 0.76 = = 8.0
Height 7.1Pa
4.20
200 x 300 Total = 22.1Pa
J
22
I 5.0 0.50 1.0 0.345m 4.76 13.82 1No. reducer @ 10.58 x 0.18 = 5.0 x 1.0 6.9 37.0
dia. 0.04 = 0.04
or 1.9 Pa = 5.0
350 x 300
4.80
1No.rectangular
duct branch
Ratio V2/V1
= 10.58/13.82 =
0.77
gives  factor =
0.14
Total  factor =
0.04 + 0.14
= 0.18
23
H 4.0 0.75 1.0 0.40m dia. 5.36 17.50 1No. reducer @ 13.82 x 0.13 = 4.0 x 1.0 5.8 42.8
0.04 = 0.04
350 x 400 or 1.8 Pa = 4.0
1No.rectangular
5.40 duct branch
Ratio V2/V1
= 13.82 / 17.5 =
0.79
gives  factor =
0.09
Total  factor =
0.04 + 0.09
= 0.13
24
4.0 1.00 1.0 0.445m 5.71 19.49 1No. reducer @ 17.50 x 0.105 = 4.0 x 1.0 5.8 48.6
dia. 0.04 = 0.04
or 1.8 Pa = 4.0
350 x 500 1No.rectangular
5.70 duct branch
Ratio V2/V1
= 17.5 / 19.49 = 0.9

G
gives  factor =
0.065
Total  factor =
0.04 + 0.065
=
0.105
5.0 0.25 1.0 0.26m dia. 4.17 10.58 1No.rectangular 1No. diffuser = 5.0 x 1.0 36.9
duct branch 15Pa
Width x or 1No. branch = = 5.0
Height Ratio V3/V1
4.20 1.6 x 10.58 =
K 200 x 300 = 10.58 / 19.49 =
0.54 16.9 Pa
gives  factor = 1.6 Total = 31.9 Pa
25
DUCT SIZING TABLE SJF 1999
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Length Flow Pressure Duct Velocity Velocity Pressure Pressure Loss Total Cumulative
(m) Rate drop per Pressure
metre Size (m/s) (Pa) Fittings Fittings Straight Duct Pressure
3
(m /s) (Pa/m) (Pa) Loss Loss
Section  factor (Pa)
(Pa) (Pa)
(mm)
7.0 0.25 1.0 0.26m dia. 4.17 10.58 1No. bend @ 0.67 = 1No. 7.0 x 1.0 29.1 29.1
0.67 diffuser =
Width xHeight or 15Pa = 7.0
10.58 x 0.67
F 200 x 300 4.20
= 7.1Pa
Total =
22.1Pa
26
E 5.0 0.50 1.0 0.345m 4.76 13.82 1No. reducer @ 0.04 = 10.58 x 0.18 5.0 x 1.0 6.9 36.0
dia. 0.04 =
or = 5.0
350 x 300 1.9 Pa
4.80
1No.rectangular duct
branch
Ratio V2/V1
= 10.58/13.82 = 0.77
gives  factor = 0.14
Total  factor = 0.04 +

0.14
= 0.18
D 4.0 0.75 1.0 0.40m dia. 5.36 17.50 1No. reducer @ 0.04 = 13.82 x 0.13 4.0 x 1.0 5.8 41.8
0.04 =
350 x 400 or = 4.0
1No.rectangular duct 1.8 Pa
5.40 branch
Ratio V2/V1
= 13.82 / 17.5 = 0.79

0.09
= 0.13
27
4.0 1.00 1.0 0.445m 5.71 19.49 1No. reducer @ 0.04 = 17.50 x 0.105 4.0 x 1.0 5.8 47.6
dia. 0.04 =
or = 4.0
350 x 500 1No.rectangular duct 1.8 Pa
5.70 branch
Ratio V2/V1
= 17.5 / 19.49 = 0.9

C

0.065
= 0.105
3.0 1.25 1.0 0.48m dia. 6.25 23.81
400 x 500 or
6.30
B
28
29

Advanced Air Duct Design Part 2

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Advanced Air Duct Design Part 2

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Method of Duct Design Lecture No.(2) By Badran M.

Duct Sizing - Introduction

By selecting an appropriate pressure drop, the required duct diameter can be

3. Industrial - Pressure drop 0.8 Pa/m.

Basic Duct Sizing

The ductwork should be square.

Duct Sizing Using Equal Pressure Drop Method

This will give the duct diameter.

3. Determine the equivalent size of rectangular duct if required by calculation

4. Calculate the actual air velocity from:

Air velocity (m/s) = Volume flow rate (m3/s) / CSA

Fittings Pressure Loss

6. Determine the velocity pressure (V.P.) by calculation or by using CIBSE Guide

Where: V.P. = Velocity pressure (Pa)

ρ = Density of air (1.2 kg/m3)

7. Multiply ʓ factors x V.P. to give total pressure loss for fittings.

Pressure loss for fittings (Pa) = ʓfactors x V.P.

Total Pressure Drop in Section

8. Pressure loss in straight duct (Pa) = Rate of pressure drop

9. Total Pressure drop in Section (Pa) = Pressure loss for

Pressure Loss in Fittings

Zeta (ʓ) factors are pressure loss factors.

Pressure Loss (or resistance) (Pa) = zeta factor ( ʓ) x Velocity

Zeta Factors for Duct Fitting :

Zeta factor = 0.67

2. Rectangular Duct Branch Fitting :

Straight Thro’ 1 to 2 To Branch 1 to 3

Velocity pressure ratio Velocity pressure ratio

0.6 0.44 0.6 1.60

3. Tapered Reduction Fitting :

Included angle Zeta factor

Taper both sides Taper one side

30o 0.02 0.07

45o 0.04 0.20

60o 0.07 0.40

Some Duct Sizing Aids

5. Contractions should be included in the downstream section rather than the

Air Flow Rate

1. Keep one side 350 mm high.

Air Velocity (m/s)

A percentage addition may be added to these figures for a design margin.

The system resistance of 305 Pa is mainly from section A at 212 Pa.

We could also examine the outlet diffuser resistance.

The new fan pressure is; 305 - 183 - 50 + 69 + 9 = 150 Pa.

To be more accurate we could add resistances for; transformation pieces at the

Duct Sizing Table

1. No ducts to be higher than 500 mm to fit into suspended ceiling.

2. Ductwork to be rectangular galvanised steel.

4. Tapered reductions are at 45degrees.

5. Pressure drop through each diffuser is 15Pa.

6. Sections G, H, I, J, and K have been completed in the table.

 factor = 0.5 for duct entry + 6.0

Combined fan, filter, heater unit

All outlet diffusers

DUCT SIZING TABLE SJF 1999

= 17.5 / 19.49 = 0.9

gives  factor = 1.6 Total = 31.9 Pa

DUCT SIZING TABLE SJF 1999

gives  factor = 0.14

Total  factor = 0.04 +

= 13.82 / 17.5 = 0.79

gives  factor = 0.09

Total  factor = 0.04 +

= 17.5 / 19.49 = 0.9