AMCA

Publication 850-02
(R2011)

Industrial Process/Power Generation:

Heavy Duty Dampers for
Isolation and Control

AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL

ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL, INC.

The International Authority on Air System Components

 AMCA PUBLICATION 850-02 (R2011)

Industrial Process/Power Generation:

Heavy Duty Dampers for Isolation and Control

Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc.

30 West University Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893
 © 2011 by Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation of any part of this work beyond that permitted by Sections 107 and
108 of the United States Copyright Act without the permission of the copyright owner is unlawful. Requests for
permission or further information should be addressed to the Chief Staff Executive, Air Movement and Control
Association International, Inc. at 30 West University Drive, Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A.
Authority

AMCA International Publication 850-02 was adopted by the membership of the Air Movement and Control
Association International, Inc. on May 16, 2002. It was reaffirmed by the membership of the Air Movement and
Control Association International, Inc. on July 28, 2007, and on May 1, 2011.

Foreword

The Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. (AMCA) is an international trade association
representing manufacturers of industrial and commercial fans, airflow control devices such as backdraft dampers,
louvers and dampers, airflow measurement stations, and acoustic attenuation devices.

This publication covers dampers such as are used in industrial process systems, and power generation facilities,
where flue gas or air is the primary medium. This publication contains base-line information on applications and
provides specification guidelines that may be supplemented by designers, specifiers and users to encompass their
specific needs.

Disclaimer

This manual has been prepared by the Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. (AMCA). The
information contained in this manual has been derived from many sources and is believed to be accurate. Please
note that the recommendations contained herein do not necessarily represent the only methods or procedures
appropriate for the situation discussed, but rather are intended to present consensus opinions and practices of the
air movement and control industry which may be helpful, or of interest to those who design, test, install, operate or
maintain fan-duct systems. Thus, AMCA disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the
accuracy of the information contained in this manual and further disclaims any liability for the use or misuse of this
information. AMCA does not guarantee, certify or assure the performance of any fan-duct system designed, tested,
installed, operated or maintained on the basis of the information provided in this manual.

Objections to AMCA Standards and Certifications Programs

Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. will consider and decide all written complaints regarding
its standards, certification programs, or interpretations thereof. For information on procedures for submitting and
handling complaints, write to:

Air Movement and Control Association International

30 West University Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A.

or

AMCA International, Incorporated

c/o Federation of Environmental Trade Associations
2 Waltham Court, Milley Lane, Hare Hatch
Reading, Berkshire
RG10 9TH United Kingdom
RELATED AMCA STANDARDS

For Air Performance:

ANSI/AMCA Standard 210 Laboratory Method of Testing Fans for Aerodynamic Performance Rating

AMCA Standard 803 Industrial Process/Power Generation Fans: Site Performance Test Standard

For Sound:

AMCA Standard 300 Reverberant Room Method for Sound Testing of Fans

AMCA Standard 301 Methods for Calculating Fan Sound Ratings from Laboratory Test Data

For Balance and Vibration:

ANSI/AMCA Standard 204 Balance Quality and Vibration Levels for Fans

Industrial Process / Power Generation Series:

AMCA Publication 801 Industrial Process/Power Generation Fans: Specification Guidelines

AMCA Publication 802 Industrial Process/Power Generation Fans: Establishing Performance Using
Laboratory Models

AMCA Standard 803 Industrial Process/Power Generation Fans: Site Performance Test Standard

Fan Application Manual:

AMCA Publication 200 Air Systems

AMCA Publication 201 Fans and Systems

AMCA Publication 202 Troubleshooting

AMCA Publication 203 Field Performance Measurement of Fan Systems

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

2. Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

3. Terms And Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

4. Types Of Dampers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

4.1 Control Damper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

4.2 Isolation Damper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

5. Damper Leakage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

5.1 Leakage Containment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

5.2 Leakage Path And Leakage Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

5.3 Factors Affecting Actual Leakage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

5.4 Selecting A Damper To Meet Low To Zero Leakage Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

6. Thermal Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

6.1 Normal Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

6.2 Thermal Stresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

6.3 Leakage Operating Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

6.4 Damper Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

6.5 Thermal Differential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

7. System Gas Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

7.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

7.2 System Gas Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

8. Corrosion And Erosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

9. Control Range (See Figure 3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

10. Pressure Drop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

10.1 Pressure Drop Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

10.2 Pressure Drop Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

10.3 System Effect On Damper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

11. Damper Design Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

11.1 Mechanical/Thermal Stresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

11.2 Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

11.3 Deflection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

11.4 Wind Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

11.5 Seismic Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

11.6 Connection To Ductwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

12. Actuators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

12.1 Pneumatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

12.2 Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

12.3 Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

12.4 Options And Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

13. Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

13.1 Location Of And Schedule For Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

13.2 Functional Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

13.3 Simulation Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

13.4 Test Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

14. Recommended Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

14.1 Louver Damper Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

14.2 Guillotine Damper Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

15. Sample Specification Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

16. Installation Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

AMCA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Industrial Process/Power
Generation: Heavy Duty
Dampers for Isolation and
Control
1. Purpose
The purpose of this publication is to provide basic
pertinent information in order to simplify
communications between damper manufacturers
and designers, specifiers and users of such
equipment.
2. Scope
The scope of the products covered in this application
guide includes dampers that are used to control a
flow of gas (be it a specific gas, a mixture of gas and
air, or air alone), or to isolate one section of a duct
system from another section of that system. The
scope narrows to those dampers generally described
as "heavy duty" or "severe service", because such
dampers are normally used in applications where
extreme temperature, erosion and/or corrosion
conditions exist.
3. Terms and Definitions
This section defines terms that have special meaning
or significance in damper applications and within the
damper industry. Most are specific to the dampers
under discussion in this publication. For the reader’s
convenience, terms that are defined in this section
are shown in capital letters when used in the
definition of a related term.
3.1 Accessory. An accessory is an item purchased
by the damper manufacturer and either mounted on
the DAMPER at the factory or supplied with the
damper for field installation by others. An accessory
is generally an item used to enhance or improve the
performance of a damper. An accessory may be an
ACTUATOR, a SEAL AIR system, a PURGE AIR
system, a limit switch, a flow sensor (or system),
positioning equipment, or some other item
associated with powering, sensing or signaling.
3.2 Actuator. A mechanical accessory item attached
to a DAMPER for the purpose of moving the damper
BLADES(s) to either the open position, the closed
position, or to an intermediate position to achieve low
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)
modulation. An actuator may be manually,
electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically powered.
The output force of an actuator is delivered in either
a linear or a rotary direction.
3.3 Actuator torque. The rated torque capability of
an actuator.
3.4 Airfoil (blade). A double-skinned damper
BLADE, the blade skins meeting at the leading and
trailing edges of the blade with no substantial
protrusions external to either blade skin.
3.5 Area of restriction. The total cross-sectional
area of DAMPER components that are permanently
located within the gross FREE AREA provided for
gas flow through the DAMPER frame. The restrictive
cross-sectional area of each component is
determined by its position when the damper is fully
open. Generally, in the full open position, a
component will present the smallest frontal area to
the direction of the gas flow.
3.6 Blade. In strict terms, the moveable component
within the DAMPER frame. The purpose of a blade is
to restrict a gas flow for modulation (control), or for
closure (isolation).
3.7 Blade entry seal. In a GUILLOTINE DAMPER,
the sealing arrangement through which the damper
BLADE passes.
3.8 Blade support. A structural member inside the
frame of a GUILLOTINE DAMPER. The member
supports a portion of the BLADE when the damper
BLADE is in the closed position.
3.9 Bonnet, open. The portion of a GUILLOTINE
DAMPER frame that supports the BLADE when the
damper BLADE is in the open position. An OPEN
BONNET does not have an enclosed blade.
3.10 Bonnet, fully enclosed (or sealed). The
enclosed portion of a GUILLOTINE DAMPER frame
that supports the BLADE when the damper blade is
in the fully open position.
3.11 Butterfly damper. A LOUVER DAMPER having
a round single BLADE.
3.12 Control damper. A DAMPER which has the
purpose of modulating or regulating one or more gas
flow parameters such as PRESSURE DROP, rate of
gas flow, or airflow distribution.
1
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)
3.13 Chain drive. An arrangement of chain and
sprockets for the purpose of bi-directional
transmission of torque to the BLADE(s) of a damper.
3.14 Damper. A self-contained device for the control
and/or regulation of gas flow from one portion of a
duct system to another portion of that system;
consisting of a frame and one or more linked
moveable BLADE sections.
3.15 Drive. See ACTUATOR; DRIVE SYSTEM.
3.16 Drive lifting force. Of a GUILLOTINE
DAMPER; the tensile force required to move the
damper BLADE under specified conditions.
3.17 Drive system. The ACTUATOR and all
components through which force is transmitted to the
damper BLADE(s) for the purpose of positioning the
BLADE(s).
3.18 Flow distribution. The pattern of gas flow
variation in a duct, usually expressed in terms of gas
velocity across a representative cross-section area of
the duct.
3.19 Frame. Of a DAMPER, the external portion of
the assembly that supports the BLADE(s), the means
of attachment to the duct and provides the means of
attaching other specified ACCESSORIES.
3.20 Free area. Of a DAMPER, the internal cross-
section area of the DAMPER less the INTERNAL
RESTRICTION.
3.21 Goggle damper. A DAMPER having a single
sliding BLADE in which there is a cut-out area
matching the inside dimensions of the duct. The
damper is open when the cut-out area is moved to a
position in line with the duct, and closed when the
solid portion of the BLADE is positioned in line with
the duct. The overall construction is similar to that of
the GUILLOTINE DAMPER. (Note: The name
"goggle" originated with the first application of this
type of damper to a round duct.)
3.22 Guillotine damper. A DAMPER, also known as
a GATE damper, having a single, solid, sliding
BLADE. The DAMPER is closed when the BLADE
slides completely into position over the duct cross-
section area; it is open when the BLADE slides
completely out of the duct area and into the
BONNET.
3.23 Guillotine damper, double blade. A
GUILLOTINE DAMPER having two parallel blades
which operate in tandem, and a separating air space
(AIR CHAMBER) which may be pressurized by a
2
SEAL AIR SYSTEM to prevent LEAKAGE of high
pressure upstream system gas when the damper is
closed.
3.24 Height. A dimensional reference to DAMPER
size. In a GUILLOTINE DAMPER, height is the inside
duct dimension parallel to the direction of the BLADE
movement (draw). In a LOUVER DAMPER, height is
the inside duct dimension perpendicular to the axis
of the BLADE(s). See Figures 4 and 2, respectively.
3.25 Isolation. The restriction of system gas flow
across the DAMPER. The extent of ISOLATION
provided by a damper varies greatly with application
requirements and the nature and type of DAMPER.
The extent of ISOLATION is usually expressed as
LEAKAGE.
3.26 Isolation damper. A DAMPER having the
primary function of ISOLATION.
3.27 Leakage. The volume of system gas that can
pass through the various flow paths around the
components of a closed DAMPER under a given set
of conditions. LEAKAGE may be expressed in terms
of Actual Cubic Meters per Second (ACMS) (Actual
Cubic Feet per Minute (ACFM)), kilograms (of gas)
per hour (pounds per hour), Percentage of Normal
Airflow rate, or Percentage of Maximum Airflow rate.
3.28 Leakage area. The total area of the various flow
paths between the component parts of a fully closed
DAMPER.
3.29 Leakage zero. A condition in which no system
gas passes from the upstream side of a duct system
through a closed DAMPER to the downstream side of
the duct system.
3.30 Linkage. Of a DAMPER, includes the blade
shaft lever arms and connecting bar assemblies
between blades, which accept operating force
transmitted from an ACTUATOR.
3.31 Load bar. See BLADE SUPPORT.
3.32 Louver damper. A DAMPER having one or
more BLADE(s) permanently in the gas stream; said
BLADE(s) may be rotated between the open and
closed position or to some intermediate position.
See Figures 1 and 2.
3.33 Modulate. In a DAMPER, to vary the gas flow
rate or pressure drop, or both, across a DAMPER by
changing the restrictive effect of the BLADE(s). This
change is brought about by altering the position of
the BLADE(s) within the damper frame. Also, the
effect of damper closure positioning to vary the

system gas flow rate, flow velocity, or pressure; the
action of the damper, damper controls and
ACTUATOR to maintain a predetermined set of flow
parameters such as pressure or temperature.
3.34 Normal operating conditions. Of a damper
installation, the specific (or range of) pressure and
temperature at the damper when the system is
functioning within the planned productive operating
range and conditions.
3.35 Operator. See ACTUATOR.
3.36 Packing. Sealing material used to minimize or
eliminate LEAKAGE at a shaft penetration through a
damper frame. It is contained in a STUFFING BOX
and retained by a packing gland that may be bolted
to or threaded into the body of the stuffing box.
3.37 Perimeter air sealed damper. A GUILLOTINE
DAMPER having a frame design which includes a
chamber around the duct and the BONNET. The
chamber must be pressurized by a SEAL AIR
SYSTEM.
3.38 Pressure drop. The static pressure loss across
a damper due to airflow resistance. Damper pressure
drop must be added to other system pressure losses
to obtain total pressure drop in the system. For more
complete information on pressure drop, see AMCA
Publications 200 and 201.
3.39 Purge air. As compared to SEAL AIR that is
used for sealing, PURGE AIR is generally used to
scavenge or displace gases from enclosed spaces
formed within the damper or within isolated spaces in
a duct or system.
3.40 Quarter-turn damper. One that moves from
fully open to fully closed (or vice versa) with a 90°
rotation of the damper shaft.
3.41 Rack and pinion. A damper DRIVE SYSTEM in
which rotary effort applied to a toothed wheel causes
linear motion of a mating bar having a compatible
tooth form. See Figure 5.
3.42 Racking. The twisting of a DAMPER frame out
of its intended planar arrangement.
3.43 Screwjack. A GUILLOTINE DAMPER DRIVE
SYSTEM that uses the principle of the screw to
change rotary motion into linear motion in applying
opening/closing force.
3.44 Seals. In a DAMPER; any component located
on a DAMPER BLADE or FRAME and having the
purpose of limiting the amount of LEAKAGE AREA
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)
between the mating surfaces of a closed damper.
3.45 Seal air. Air introduced into the AIR CHAMBER
of a DAMPER at a pressure higher than that of the
upstream system gas. SEAL AIR thus provides a
barrier to the passage of system gas from upstream
of the damper to the downstream side. See Figure 6.
3.46 Shaft. In a LOUVER DAMPER, the supporting
structural element of the blade; also the component
about which the BLADE rotates and changes the
BLADE attitude toward the gas stream. In a
GUILLOTINE DAMPER, the round bar or tube
through which actuation force is transmitted between
components of the DRIVE SYSTEM.
3.47 Shut-off damper. A DAMPER that is not
intended/used at any intermediate position between
fully open or fully closed; sometimes referred to as
"on-off" service. Note: Neither the name nor the
expression denotes ISOLATION.
3.48 Stub shaft. A short, non-continuous shaft that
extends through, as applicable: the LINKAGE,
bearing, STUFFING BOX, or DAMPER frame and
into the BLADE of a LOUVER or BUTTERFLY
DAMPER.
3.49 Stuffing box. A chamber surrounding a shaft
penetration through a DAMPER frame and into which
PACKING may be installed to provide a leakage-
resistant seal around the SHAFT.
3.50 Sprocket. A gear-like disk having teeth shaped
to engage a drive chain for the purpose of converting
actuator force to tensile force on the drive chain of a
GUILLOTINE DAMPER.
3.51 Throat seal. See BLADE ENTRY SEAL.
3.52 Upset conditions. Those recognized potential
excursions of pressure or temperature beyond the
NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS and usually of
short duration. A DAMPER subjected to upset
conditions is usually required to sustain the upset
conditions and perform thereafter without inhibition of
normal function, or to specified functions under upset
conditions.
3.53 Width. A dimensional reference to DAMPER
size; in a GUILLOTINE DAMPER, the duct inside
dimension that is perpendicular to the direction of
BLADE movement. In a LOUVER DAMPER, it is the
duct inside dimension parallel to the SHAFT axis.
See Figures 4 and 2, respectively.
3.54 Wire cable. In a GUILLOTINE DAMPER, a
tensile force component consisting of woven strands
3
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)
of metal wire that are used to position the damper
blade.
3.55 Wire cable sheave. In a GUILLOTINE
DAMPER, a grooved wheel over which a WIRE
CABLE passes.
4. Types of Dampers
Dampers used in industrial process/power
generation (IP/PG) service are, as mentioned above,
of heavy construction to meet heavy service needs.
This publication assumes that the reader is basically
familiar with dampers for HVAC or light industrial
service and the general construction of such
dampers, so only terms and definitions unique to
IP/PG service will be fully explained. Basic
terminology and general damper construction is
given in AMCA Publication 502, Application Manual
for Louvers, Dampers and Shutters, and other
special dampers are covered in AMCA Publication
503, Fire, Smoke and Ceiling Damper Application
Manual.
Dampers used in Industrial Process or Power
Generation service are classified under two
headings: control or isolation.
4.1 Control damper
A control damper is one that is used to vary the flow
rate of gas through a system. Variation of flow rate
through the damper is achieved by changing the
position of the damper blades, which physically
restrict the gas flow. From the foregoing, one can tell
that "control damper" is the functional name of a
multi-blade louver damper. The damper blades may
be arranged to act in parallel or opposition,
depending on system needs. (See Figures 1, 2, AND
3) It should be noted that gate or guillotine dampers
(See Figures 4 and 5) are NOT recommended for
control purposes.
There are several different varieties of control
damper.
4.1.1 Balancing damper. A balancing (control)
damper is used to balance the flow of gas in one duct
of a system of ducts. Balancing in this sense does
not always mean equal flow rate, but rather an
apportioning of the total flow rate so that each duct
conveys the correct percentage of the total flow.
Once the correct percentage of flow is determined, a
balancing damper is usually permanently "set", i.e.,
the damper blades are locked in position.
4.1.2 Pre-set position damper. A pre-set position
(control) damper is normally open (NO) or normally
4
closed (NC). Through the use of a signal-and-
actuation system, the damper blades move from their
normal position to a pre-set position, which is
determined by the needs of the process being
served. The pre-set position may be adjustable. This
variety of damper is also called a two-position
damper.
4.1.3 Modulating damper. A modulating (control)
damper is one that is capable of attaining and holding
any position from full-open to full-closed. Actuation of
this damper depends on the needs of the process. It
may be manually operated, or it may be operated
with a signal-and-actuation system, in which case it
also requires a positioner with feedback capability.
For a modulating damper, opposed blades provide a
better opportunity of achieving a near-linear
relationship between signal and flow rate.
4.2 Isolation damper
In a very real sense, an isolation damper is a special
kind of control damper. The name originates with its
application: to restrict gas flow across the damper to
a specified maximum amount, compatible with the
requirements of the process it serves.
Many isolation dampers are used for isolation only,
but there are many cases where an isolation damper
also performs a control function. A damper that is
intended for dual use is almost always a multi-
blade louver damper with opposed blades. For
isolation purposes only, a multi-blade louver damper
with parallel blades, or a guillotine damper is used. A
guillotine damper is generally of heavy construction
and has one or two blades. Each blade slides
through a heavy track in the damper frame, literally
slicing through the gas stream as the blade moves
from the open position to the closed position.
The degree of isolation attained by a given damper is
determined by its inherent physical ability to restrict
flow and by additional measures that may be taken to
enhance its flow-restricting ability. Thus isolation
dampers are further classified as follows:
4.2.1 Shutoff damper. A shutoff (isolation) damper
restricts flow to some specified amount of leakage,
which can approach zero. The actual amount of
leakage allowed is determined by the needs of the
customer's process. The amount of leakage is then
specified to the damper manufacturer, and the
damper is designed accordingly.
4.2.2 Zero leakage damper. A zero leakage
(isolation) damper is not used for control purposes
and thus is either in the open position (for full flow) or
the closed position (zero leakage).
 AMCA 850-02 (R2011)

PARALLEL BLADE ARRANGEMENT

ON-OFF

OPPOSED BLADE ARRANGEMENT

MODULATING

Figure 1 - Parallel Blade and Opposed Blade Arrangements and Operation

5
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)

BLADE END SEAL BOLT HOLES FOR ATTACHMENT TO DUCT FLANGE

FRAME
BLADE

LINKAGE

HEIGHT
STUB
SHAFT

DRIVE
SHAFT

WIDTH
BEARING AND
BLADE EDGE SEAL PACKING GLAND

Figure 2 - Louver Damper Details

6
 AMCA 850-02 (R2011)

FLOW RATE vs. DAMPER OPENING

100

90 PARALLEL
BLADES
80

70
PERCENT OF FLOW RATE

60

50

40

30 OPPOSED
BLADES
20

10

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
DEGREES OPEN

Note: This figure is typical, only. The relative blade open angle versus percent of flow rate will vary with system
pressure.

Figure 3 - Graphic Performance of Parallel vs. Opposed Blade Dampers

7
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)

LIFTING HOLE

SPROCKET

BEARING
BONNET

CHAIN
BONNET
BRACING
HANDWHEEL
TORQUE
TUBE

BLADE
ENTRY
SEAL

ACTUATOR

FRAME
BLADE
HEIGHT

BLADE
SUPPORT
SEAT

BOLT HOLES
WIDTH FOR ATTACHMENT
TO DUCT FLANGE

Figure 4 - Guillotine Damper Details

8
 AMCA 850-02 (R2011)

BLADE

RACK ELEMENTS
PINION (ENGAGED BY
(EXTERNALLY DRIVEN) PINION TEETH)

Figure 5 - Guillotine Damper Rack-and-Pinion Drive Details

OPPOSTED BLADES (IF REQUIRED) PARALLEL BLADES

FOR MODULATION ON-OFF

P1 P2 P3

SHUTOFF VALVE SEAL AIR (P2 = P1 + 500 Pa (2 in. wg) MINIMUM

(BUBBLE TIGHT SHUTOFF OR AIR
URGED ZERO LEAKAGE VALVE)

Figure 6 - Seal Air System

9
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)
The typical damper used in such applications almost
always requires that the damper seals be pressurized
to a level higher than that of the gas that is to be
restricted. This pressurization is accomplished by a
seal air system that consists of a fan and an isolation
valve as the minimum components. (See Figure 6)
The damper seals are enclosed in a cavity and seal
air from a fan is fed through an isolation valve into the
cavity around the seals. It is usually the case that
some seal air does leak through to the
downstream side of the damper.
There are certain cases that do NOT require the use
of seal air (or purge air) but instead require, in some
combination:
a. A goggle damper having a blade that extends
outside the damper frame. This damper would be
applicable if leakage of system gas to the
atmosphere is acceptable.
b. A vacuum-breaking chamber or draft-interrupting
device for the isolation of negative pressure.
c. The availability of a nearby induced draft fan, to
the inlet of which a connection may be made
for the evacuation of the area around the seals.
5. Damper Leakage
Damper leakage is a flow of gas past the closed
damper blade(s). The extent to which leakage
becomes a consideration in a damper application
depends on the nature and temperature of the gas
being handled through the system, and sometimes it
depends on the application itself. Once it is
determined that leakage is a major consideration, it is
then necessary to consider containment.
5.1 Leakage containment
If it is decided that leakage is a major consideration,
it is next necessary to determine whether it is
necessary to address system leakage, ambient
leakage, or both of these types.
5.1.1 System leakage. System leakage is leakage
across the closed damper blade(s) that remains
within the system ductwork. The extent to which
system leakage is allowed is defined in actual cubic
meters per second (Am3/s) or actual cubic feet per
minute (ACFM), at a given temperature and
pressure. An alternate definition of leakage may be
the specification of an allowable percentage of some
specified flow rate, such as design flow, normal flow,
or maximum flow, in addition to giving the
temperature and pressure. If no reference flow rate
is given, the assumed flow rate is the normal flow.
10
5.1.2 Ambient leakage. Ambient leakage is leakage
either into or from the system. In a louver damper,
ambient leakage can occur though openings that
allow damper blade shafts to pass through the frame.
This leakage can be controlled through the use of
packing glands or stuffing boxes around the blade
shafts at those points.
A guillotine damper is less susceptible to ambient
leakage, but high positive pressure can result in
ambient leakage.
5.2 Leakage path and leakage rate
In the above, references were made to a leakage
flow through an opening of some kind. Effective
design and careful manufacturing will minimize the
total leak path area.
Any calculation for estimating the leakage rate should
include pressure differential across the closed
damper, the temperature of the gas, and the leak
path area.
5.3 Factors affecting actual leakage
The operating parameters of the system will dictate
actual leakage. Variations in pressure, temperature,
erosive/corrosive conditions, and normal wear and
tear can all cause changes in the leakage rate,
usually an increase. Physical deformation due to an
upset condition or some other cause can also result
in an increase in the leakage rate.
5.4 Selecting a damper to meet low to zero
leakage requirements
It is important to choose the right damper for the
application. The choice is often directly affected by
considerations of safety, system requirements, and
economics. In choosing a damper for low-to-zero
leakage service, several options are available.
5.4.1 Low leakage damper. A low leakage damper is
usually required to meet allowable system and
ambient leakage conditions as described above. A
low leakage damper may be a multi-blade louver
damper, or as allowable leakage rates approach
zero, a guillotine damper may be more suitable.
Much of the choice depends upon the suitability of
materials for the application.
5.4.2 Zero leakage damper. In order to provide an
isolated condition at some downstream location, two
dampers and a seal air chamber are used. As shown
in Figure 1, the personnel -safe system consist of:
a. A louver damper on the upstream side. If this

damper is also used for flow modulation, an
opposed blade damper is used, and seal air may
leak to the upstream duct.
b. A seal air chamber into which pressurized air is
introduced.
Pressurization is generally 500 Pa (2 in. wg)
higher than the upstream pressure, at operating
temperature.
c. A louver damper on the downstream side. This
damper is generally a parallel blade two-position
louver damper.
5.4.3 Seal air. Seal air is used to provide a
pressurized barrier of clean air so that work may be
done in the ductwork downstream of the seal air
chamber. The pressure of the seal air system relative
to the upstream system pressure is critical. The
volume of seal air must be such that it can overcome
any leakage out of the seal air chamber. The sizing of
the seal air source requires that the system
temperature and pressure be fully accounted for.
When a motor is involved, it must be properly sized
to account for possible system abnormalities. For
these reasons, seal air source sizing is usually left up
to the damper manufacturer. In those cases where
multiple dampers or seal air chamber are involved, a
single source might be utilized. There are two general
approaches to seal air: ambient and heated.
5.4.3.1 Ambient seal air. Ambient seal air is
provided as produced by the seal air source, at a
pressure consistent with the system requirements.
Ambient seal air is generally provided at a
temperature that ensures that isolation conditions are
provided down-stream of the seal air chamber. It
should be noted that ambient seal air may be below
the dew point of the upstream system gas and could
have an accelerating effect on system corrosion.
When a guillotine damper requires seal air, ambient
air is used. It is recommended that the user specify
whether an intermittent or continuous supply of seal
air is required. Such requirements may be discussed
with the damper manufacturer. Consideration should
be given to requirements for the needed frequency of
isolation, power consumption of the seal air source,
and the effect of ambient air leakage into the
upstream system. It may be advantageous to operate
the seal air system continuously to aid in minimizing
both condensation and duct accumulation around the
seals and in the bonnet.
Ambient seal air is generally recommended unless
there is a compelling technical reason why it should
not be used.
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)
5.4.3.2 Heated seal air. Heated seal air may be
required in those cases where it is necessary or very
desirable that any seal air leakage upstream be at or
above the dew point temperature of the upstream
system gas to minimize the acceleration of corrosion.
Among the important factors to be considered in
determining whether heated seal air is to be used:
a. Heated seal air may restrict or severely delay
entry of personnel into the downstream section
for work
b. The capital cost of a heated seal air system is
greater
c. Operating costs for such a system are higher
d. The needed equipment is larger and requires
additional space
e. Additional controls are required
f. Additional instrumentation is required to monitor
the output of the heated seal air system
6. Thermal Considerations
In industrial process/power generation damper
applications, temperature plays a very important role,
as indicated by the following.
6.1 Normal operating conditions
The normal operating temperature range must be
defined, as well as any upset temperature range over
which the damper must operate. Peak temperatures,
rates of temperature change, frequency and duration
of upsets must be defined if the manufacturer is to
design the equipment properly. For upset conditions,
it should also be stated whether the damper is
expected to operate properly once the system has
returned to the normal operating range.
6.2 Thermal stresses
It should be noted that damper equipment
components are designed to withstand the thermal
stresses of the specified conditions as well as the
mechanical stresses, exclusive of external load.
6.3 Leakage operating temperature
When leakage criteria are specified, the temperature
or range of temperatures over which the leakage
criteria must be met must also be specified.
11
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)
6.4 Damper insulation
If the damper is to be insulated after installation, that
fact must be made known to the damper
manufacturer, along with the following:
a. Type and thickness of insulation to be applied to
the mating ductwork
b. Type and thickness of insulation to be applied to
the damper by others
6.5 Thermal differential
If the purchaser has cause to be concerned that
thermal differentials may affect the damper or the
duct structure, the thermal differential across the
damper frame and closed blade must be specified.
7. System Gas Analysis
7.1 General
The composition of the gas being conveyed through
the duct system is important to two aspects of the
damper. It affects the kind of damper selected or
chosen, and it has a strong influence on the materials
selected to construct the damper. It is also necessary
to define any transient elements that the damper may
be subjected to. The composition of the system gas
and transients, as well as any other system
parameters, is the responsibility of the specifier, and
this information must be included with the damper
specifications.
While much of this information is available from the
designers of the system process, similar existing
systems may also provide valuable operational
information that will aid in developing equipment that
will provide satisfactory service. When actual system
information is not available, estimated values should
be established for expected areas of concern.
7.2 System gas characteristics
An analysis of system gas analysis typically includes
the following:
a) Chemical composition
b) Pressure, temperature and density
c) Entrained particulate matter, if any
d) Dispersed liquids, if any
e) Flow rate
12
f) Condensate chemicals and their dew point
temperatures
It should be noted that damper pressure drop
calculations must necessarily be based on the actual
system gas. If a gas other than the actual system
gas is used for pressure drop calculations, this fact
must be so stated in the equipment specification.
8. Corrosion and Erosion
The damper specification should include the
following with respect to corrosion and erosion:
a) Minimum materials of damper construction
b) Corrosion rates for the specified materials at
normal operating conditions, and also at the
operating condition that produces the highest
rate of corrosion
c) Erosion rates at the normal system gas
velocity, and at 1.5 times the normal system
gas velocity
d) Estimated percent operation at other than
normal operating conditions
e) Desired damper life in years
A damper design can include specified allowances
for corrosion. Where the corrosion rate is not
specified, the damper vendor makes a reasonable
estimate of the corrosion rate, but cannot be held
responsible for their accuracy. Damper components
subject to corrosive/erosive attack are designed to
include known or estimated allowances above what
is required for mechanical strength alone. Typical
design considerations are discussed in Section 11.
9. Control Range (See Figure 3)
The range over which a damper can provide effective
flow control or isolation cannot be determined solely
from flow conditions and damper configuration.
Control range is also a function of the duct system
configuration and other variables that come into play
when the damper is operated. In general, it is usually
the case that the best control is ensured when
damper size is minimized by designing for the
highest allowable pressure drop. It is important to
understand that the relationship of flow to damper
openings is a function of many parameters, and a
model of the complete system is usually necessary to
determine such a relationship.

The choice of damper type may be influenced by the
type of control needed or desired. An opposed-blade
louver damper has a broader, more linear control
range that can be effectively utilized with appropriate
controllers. This characteristic makes the opposed-
blade louver damper a good choice for flow
modulation applications, since the flow profile
remains essentially parallel to the axis of the duct. A
parallel-blade louver damper, through which gas flow
is directionally diverted by the operating damper
blades and has higher pressure drop loss, is more
suitable for on-off damper applications.
Note: A damper used in close proximity to a fan is
always a special case subjected to varying pressure
and effect on fan performance that influence fan
control. A control damper for such an application
should be coordinated with the fan manufacturer.
Flow stability will also affect the control range. A
model test is usually required to determine the effects
of stability on control range.
Response time of the controls is important when flow
conditions fluctuate rapidly.
10. Pressure Drop
As system gas passes through a damper, there is a
system pressure loss, or drop, due to the resistance
of the damper itself. Pressure drop has its least effect
on system performance when the damper is wide
open. It is therefore necessary to establish some
standard conditions for determining damper pressure
drop so that system designers obtain accurate
information on the equipment, and for the fair
evaluation of equipment proposed by vendors. The
first standard condition is that pressure drop is to be
based on the damper being in the wide-open
position. In the case of a guillotine damper, this
means that the blade, as designed, will be fully
retracted from the gas flow.
10.1 Pressure drop calculations
A calculated pressure drop is often the first step in
determining the actual duct system pressure drop
that is due to the presence of the damper. When gas
flow is not uniformly distributed, has eddy currents,
has an angle of attack greater than zero or contains
material in two phases (i.e., entrained fly ash or
dispersed liquids), the calculated pressure drop may
not be equivalent to the actual pressure drop. The
following material should make the reader aware of
not only the calculation steps involved, but also some
of the assumptions attendant in damper pressure
drop calculations so that pressure drop information
can be reviewed in the proper perspective.
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)
10.1.1 Initial assumptions. In order to set a starting
point for damper pressure drop, the following initial
assumptions are made:
a. System gas flow is uniformly distributed across
the cross-section of the duct (fully developed
turbulent flow), and there is sufficient length of
straight duct before and after the damper to
ensure that the damper pressure drop is not
magnified. The magnification of resistance, or
performance loss, due to poor inlet and outlet
conditions is known as system effect. System
effect detracts from the performance of any
component in a duct system. For further
information on System Effect and how it detracts
from fan performance, see AMCA Publication
201.
b. The direction of system gas flow entering and
exiting the damper is normal to the true cross-
section of the duct at any point in the system gas
stream.
c. Incompressible flow conditions exist; i.e.,
adiabatic and isentropic.
The reader should note once again that these
assumptions might not reflect the actual conditions in
a system. It is recommended, however, that the
system be designed to ensure that the above
assumptions are valid. See also Section 10.3 below.
10.2 Pressure drop equation
The general form of the equation used to calculate
damper pressure drop will be a modified form of the
Bernoulli equation:
⎛ ρ ×V 2 ⎞
ΔP = K ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 2g ⎠
Where:
ΔP = Pressure loss in Pa (in. wg)
K = Loss coefficient relative to the specific damper
design sample, a non-dimensional number
ρ = Density of the flowing system gas in kg/m3
(lbm/ft3)
V = Average velocity across the entrance to the
damper in m/s (ft/min)
g = Gravitational constant, m/s2 (ft/s2)
The value of K is dependent upon a number of
geometric factors including the entrance and exit
coefficients, skin friction, and reduction or
enlargement of flow area. The value of K should be
determined by test per AMCA Standard 500-D, and
13
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)
determined to be valid for a certain range of flow rate,
temperature and pressure. In the absence of a K
factor determined by test, the value of K is taken as
the appropriate value for a square-edged orifice for
the arithmetic average of the actual flow area.
The general pressure drop equation above is used to
determine only that loss due to the addition of the
damper into the duct system and does not include the
loss due to ductwork upstream or downstream of the
damper.
10.3 System effect on damper
The physical orientation of upstream and
downstream ductwork relative to the damper can
seriously affect the flow pattern into and out of the
damper. If the orientation of a system is not as
described under the assumptions made above, the
actual pressure drop across the damper can be much
greater than would normally be expected. Some of
the variations that can cause a magnification of
pressure drop include:
a. Sudden reduction or enlargement in cross-
section area
b. Duct turns immediately adjacent to the damper
c. Secondary flow of system gas into the ductwork
immediately adjacent to the damper
Again, these variations are not covered by the
pressure drop equation given in Section 10.2. See
also Section 11.2 for mechanical effects.
11. Damper Design Considerations
A custom-engineered damper is designed to meet
the parameters given in the equipment specification
according to design guidelines which may vary
slightly among manufacturers, but which are
generally as follows:
11.1 Mechanical / thermal stresses
11.1.1 Damper
11.1.1.1 General. Damper components should be
designed so that no load-bearing component stress
calculated by conventional analysis shall exceed the
yield strength of the selected material, given an
appropriate factor of safety.
11.1.1.2 Safety factors. Unless more conservative
values are specified, the appropriate safety factors to
be used are:
14
a. Bending: 60% of the material yield strength
b. Torsion: 35% of the material yield strength
c. Shear: 50% of the material yield strength
11.1.1.3 Creep. The effects of creep shall be
considered in the design when operating temperature
exceeds 427°C (800°F).
11.1.1.4 Distortion. Each component shall be
designed to avoid function-limiting distortion during
specified normal operating conditions or upset
condition.
11.1.1.5 Specific function during upset. When the
equipment specification requires that the damper
perform a specific function during an upset condition,
the design of the damper shall accommodate the
requirement.
11.1.1.6 Compressive loads. A component subject
to a compressive load shall be designed for the
capability to transmit that load without exceeding the
allowable buckling strength of the member using
appropriate safety factors.
11.1.2 Drive system.
11.1.2.1 Basis of size. The drive system shall be
sized to operate at the normal operating conditions,
or at conditions as required in the equipment
specification.
11.1.2.2 Actuator size. The drive system demand at
the specified normal operating condition shall be
specified by the damper manufacturer. The actuator
must be sized so that its rated output exceeds the
calculated damper demand by at least 50%.
11.1.2.3 Drive train design. The drive train shall be
designed to accept the maximum actuator output stall
torque without component failure.
CAUTIONARY NOTE: There is the potential for field
operating personnel to apply input force on a hand
wheel such that components in the gear train and
other drive components can be permanently
damaged. Care must be exercised that the maximum
recommended input force recommended by the
damper manufacturer not be exceeded.
11.1.3 Allowable stress on material. The allowable
stress on a material shall be determined based on
material yield strength at the specified normal
operating temperature unless otherwise specified.

11.2 Stability
There is an additional result of System Effect when a
damper is involved. Uneven flow characteristics have
the potential to cause excessive localized loading on
damper components. Therefore, the location of the
damper in the system should be chosen carefully by
the system designer. If uneven flow characteristics
are anticipated, the location of a damper should be
reviewed with the damper manufacturer so that the
design of the equipment may account for potential
instability or allow the damper manufacturer to
recommend beneficial modifications to the duct
system.
11.3 Deflection
The damper manufacturer shall determine limits of
deflection in damper components so as to ensure
reliable free operation of the assembled damper and
performance with respect to leakage.
11.4 Wind load
Unless otherwise agreed to or specified, the damper
design shall include and allowance for a wind load of
1.44 kPa/m2 (30lbf/ft2).
For horizontal projections, the live load shall be as
given in the equipment specifications.
11.5 Seismic loading
Most dampers are analyzed as part of the duct
system in which they are installed. Where seismic
analysis is required, upon award of the damper
contract the damper manufacturer shall supply detail
drawings and bills of material to the purchaser to aid
in seismic analysis of the damper by others.
11.6 Connection to ductwork
11.6.1 Dimensional requirements. The damper
shall be designed to mate with ductwork that is
square within 1/1000 of the diagonal and flat within
the allowable compression range of the selected
damper/ductwork gasket.
It should be noted that a racked (distorted) duct will
cause the damper frame to be non-planar when
attached to the ductwork with the possible result of
excessive leakage or binding during operation. Out-
of-square ductwork may also produce the same
results. Ductwork quality should ensure alignment
such that no forces are imposed on the damper as
the result of attachment.
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)
11.6.2 Transmitted loads and damper support.
Where possible, no external loads should be
transmitted through the damper. Any external load to
be imposed on the damper shall be given in the
equipment specifications.
A guillotine damper requires special consideration, as
the damper flanges adjacent to the blade entry side
are non-load bearing. Moment loads are of the
greatest concern.
It is preferable that a damper be supported from a
duct flange on or near a duct support, with expansion
joints installed to minimize wind load, thermal
expansion loading, and vibration.
When a damper is to be installed at the base of a
stack, the design shall account for the stack load and
bending moment as given in the equipment
specifications.
11.6.3 Blade protrusion. The purchaser shall
specify when it is or is not allowable for the damper
blade(s) to extend beyond the damper frame.
12. Actuators
The type of actuator to be supplied with the damper
is defined in the equipment specification by the type
of power source the actuator shall utilize. The three
types of power source most commonly used are:
manual, electric, or pneumatic. The choice of power
source should take into consideration the operating
time, failure mode, frequency of damper operation,
availability of the power source at the damper
location, the size of actuator required, and the
amount of force and/or speed required. The choice of
power source may require the trading off of some
features for others which are more desirable in the
specific application.
Selection of an actuator may depend on the failure
mode requirements (the desired reaction of the
damper upon loss of control signal or power):
a. Damper to stop in last position on loss of control
signal or loss of power to actuator;
b. Damper to open (or close) on loss of power to
actuator;
c. Damper to open (or close) on loss of control
signal to actuator.
15
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)
12.1 Pneumatic
12.1.1 Rotary. Rotary vane actuators provide
double-acting motion and are directly coupled to the
main drive shaft of the damper for operation at a 90°
angle.
Cylindrical actuators are directly coupled to the main
drive shaft of the damper and provide double-acting
motion through a lever crank, a Scotch yoke, or a
rack-and-pinion connection.
12.1.2 Linear. Suitable for quarter-turn dampers, a
double-acting linear actuator may be used to operate
at a 90° angle via a crank and clevis.
Guillotine or slide-gate dampers may use a direct
cylinder drive or a rotary actuator with a screw drive
or an intermediate chain drive.
12.2 Electric
An electric actuator consists of a reversible electric
motor that applies actuation force through a drive
system.
12.2.1 Rotary. Rotary actuation force is applied
through the drive system's self-locking gears. When
used with a quarter-turn damper, the actuator is
ordinarily shaft mounted. On a guillotine damper, the
actuator delivers actuation force through a screw or
chain drive.
12.2.2 Linear. Linear actuation force is supplied
through a drive system consisting of a screw,
intermediate chain drive, or gears.
The output is self-locking. The output can be direct-
coupled to the main drive shaft of the damper, or at a
90° angle through a crank or clevis.
12.3 Manual
A manual actuator may be either the hand lever type
or the hand lever-geared type. Frequently used with
a guillotine or slide gate damper, actuation force is
applied through arrangements of winch-and-chain,
winch-and-wire rope, rack-and-pinion, or revolving
screw with captive nut.
12.4 Options and accessories
12.4.1 Electric actuator. Options include the
following:
Limit switch(es), located outside the damper or
inside the actuator, to indicate the position of the
blade(s) or to control power.
16
Torque overload device, to disconnect power if an
excessive motor demand occurs.
Positioner, to provide control of the drive shaft in
response to a signal from a remote control device.
Manual override for emergency operation of
dampers.
12.4.2 Pneumatic actuator. Options include the
following:
Limit switches, to indicate the position of the
damper blade(s) or to activate/deactivate indicator
signals;
Positioner, to satisfy which require that the drive
shaft be moved to a position called for by a remote
control device. The control signal may be 2.068 to
10.342 kPa (3 to 15 psi) instrument air, or a
conventional electric control signal of 4 to 20 ma, or
1 to 5 V dc converted to 2.068 to 10.342 kPa (3 to 15
psi) by a transducer.
Fail-safe features, to return the damper to a position
upon loss of power air or control signal. This feature
may be accomplished via a spring return to create
resistance inside an air cylinder, or by providing an
accumulator tank to store enough air pressure for
one additional cycle of operation.
Manual override for emergency stop of actuator; not
available on all pneumatic actuators.
13. Testing
Tests of prototype or production units may be
requested for design proof or product acceptance.
The nature of the tests, location of tests, test
procedures to be followed, remedies, and
acceptance criteria should all be established
beforehand with the damper manufacturer in order to
ensure that tests are satisfactory. It should be noted
at the outset that tests that involve the simulation of
service conditions are expensive. Since these tests
are conducted at the customer's expense, they
should be carried out on a selective basis.
13.1 Location of and schedule for testing
A damper test is normally conducted at the damper
manufacturer's premises, and scheduling is usually
optimized to minimize delays between damper
production and shipment. The manufacturer has the
necessary test facility and test personnel. No
shipment cost or time is involved, all of which
minimize the cost to the purchaser. Testing at another
location or to a schedule that involves delays usually

result in additional cost to the purchaser.
When the physical size of the equipment precludes
testing at the manufacturer's facility, a mutually
acceptable test location should be agreed upon.
13.2 Functional tests
These tests are normally conducted by the
manufacturer as a standard procedure. Since there is
wide variation in the information obtained, the
damper manufacturer should be consulted to
determine whether the manufacturer's standard tests
provide sufficient information for the job, or whether
additional tests are required.
Functional tests are usually performed on a
simulation basis, wherein the equipment is positioned
with respect to flow and gravity just as it will be
installed, or with those factors taken into
consideration.
Functional tests are intended to prove satisfactory
operation of a damper in the "as-built" condition
unless special arrangements are made to subject the
damper to simulated temperature, pressure,
contamination, or other special conditions during the
test.
Satisfactory functional testing does not relieve the
damper manufacturer of responsibility for satisfactory
operation when it is installed and subjected to service
conditions.
13.3 Simulation test
If it is determined that a simulation test is required,
such testing should be discussed with the damper
manufacturer. The results of most of such tests, if
performed, require interpretation because they do not
duplicate all the conditions to which the damper is to
be subjected in service. The following is a list of
damper candidates for simulation testing, and the
performance parameters that may be included in
such testing:
13.3.1 Louver damper without seal air system.
a) Leakage
b) Pressure Drop at design flow
c) Operating Time (Cycle time, open-to-close, or
close-to-open)
d) Loose Material Obstruction
e) Rigid Material Obstruction
f) Deflection ______ mm (in.)
13.3.2 Louver damper with seal air system.
a) Leakage
b) Pressure Drop at design flow
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)
c) Operating Time (Cycle time, open-to-close, or
close-to-open)
d) Loose Material Obstruction
e) Rigid Material Obstruction
f) Deflection ______ mm (in.)
g) Seal Air Cavity Required?
h) Seal Air Cavity Pressure
13.3.3 Guillotine damper with seal air system.
a) Leakage
b) Pressure Drop at 100% open
c) Operating Time (Cycle time, open-to-close, or
close-to-open)
d) Loose Material Obstruction
e) Rigid Material Obstruction
f) Deflection
g) Seal Air Cavity Required?
h) Seal Air Cavity Pressure
13.4 Test detail
The details for testing the performance parameters
listed above should be in accordance with the
outlines given below. The data to be recorded during
the test, the presentation of results, and criteria for
acceptance should be agreed upon before any test
commences:
13.4.1 Leakage. Leakage volume through the
damper shall be measured when subjected to the
operating pressure differential and the damper is
closed by the actuator mechanism. The observed
leakage volume shall be adjusted for service
conditions of temperature and pressure.
13.4.2 Pressure drop. Pressure drop tests shall be
conducted on the damper, size permitting. When
equipment size precludes such a test, a model test
per AMCA Standard 500-D shall be the preferred
alternate test.
13.4.3 Operating time. The damper shall be cycled
from open-to-close, and close-to-open, and the time
in seconds for each recorded.
13.4.4 Loose material obstruction. A material shall
be selected which resembles the anticipated duct
deposit conditions. The material shall be placed in
the damper and the damper shall be cycled.
13.4.5 Rigid obstruction. A mutually acceptable,
reasonably solid obstruction shall be selected for the
test. The obstruction shall be placed in the path of the
damper blades and the damper shall then be cycled
from open to closed in advance of pre-set shutoff
switches to confirm the capacity of the drive
mechanism and the strength of damper components
when subjected to a solid obstruction.
17
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)
13.4.6 Seal air cavity pressure. The seal air cavity
pressure test shall be conducted with the damper in
the "as-built" condition and without differential
pressure across the damper.
13.4.7 Seal air cavity volume. The manufacturer
shall provide calculations to seal air volume and
pressure tests to actual operating conditions.
13.4.8 Deflection. The damper shall be subjected to
loading to simulate loading as given in the equipment
specification. The load shall be applied to the damper
blade(s) or other damper components (as applicable)
designated, and the deflection measured and recorded.
14. Recommended Specifications
A clear and detailed specification of the damper
equipment to be supplied is an important first step in
ensuring that the desired equipment can be properly
quoted, built, tested, installed and operated to the
satisfaction of all concerned. The specification should
ensure that the responses received will be from
companies with sufficient resources and experience
to manufacture, test and deliver equipment which will
meet the equipment specifications.
14.1 Louver damper specification
This recommended specification is intended to serve
as a guide for the design and manufacture of heavy
duty louver dampers for industrial process or power
generation applications.
14.1.1 Scope
14.1.1.1 This specification covers the supply of a
heavy duty louver damper for the Specified Service
Conditions.
14.1.1.2 The damper shall be manufactured as
specified under Construction and shall be supplied
with an actuator and necessary limit switches and
other components as required. Unless otherwise
specified, the damper shall undergo functional testing
by the manufacturer prior to shipment.
14.1.2 Quality program
14.1.2.1 All work, including design engineering,
material procurement, fabrication and shipment shall
be as agreed upon between the purchaser and the
manufacturer.
14.1.2.2 The supplier's plant shall be accessible
during all phases of manufacture of the equipment.
The purchaser shall be notified at least ten (10) days
prior to the manufacturer's final inspection and
18
cycling of the equipment.
14.1.3 Submittal drawings. Upon award of the
contract, complete detailed submittal drawings shall
be prepared and submitted by the manufacturer, per
an agreed upon schedule, to the purchaser for
approval. Submittal drawings must be approved
before the start of fabrication. The drawings shall
exhibit system design parameters, interface
dimensions, and performance data on accessories
such as limit switches and actuators, et al. The
submittal drawings shall include or have attached a
bill of materials identifying the major components of
the equipment.
14.1.4 Welding. All welding to be done shall be
based on applicable sections of the American
Welding Society codes or the ASME Section IX
welding code.
14.1.5 Construction
14.1.5.1 The louver damper shall be constructed of
materials which meet the minimum requirements
given in the Specified Service Conditions.
14.1.5.2 The stress level in any component subjected
to structural design loads shall not exceed the
following percentage values of the yield strength of
the selected material at the temperature given in the
Specified Service Conditions:
a) Bending: 60%
b) Torsion: 35%
c) Shear: 50%
14.1.5.3 Creep shall be considered in the design of
the damper when operating temperature exceeds
427°C (800°F). Creep rate shall be based upon 1%
at 100,000 hours. The allowable percentage of stress
based on creep shall not exceed the allowable
percentages given for yield strength.
14.1.5.4 The damper frame shall be rolled/formed
structural channel. The frame shall be designed to
meet the mechanical requirements resulting from the
Specified Service Conditions and also for
transportation and installation. The unit shall be self-
supporting, with no external support or bracing
required. The damper frame shall be designed with
sufficient stiffness to preclude binding in induced-
draft applications and to prevent excessive leakage
across the damper under the pressure/temperature
given in the Specified Service Conditions.
14.1.5.5 The blade structure shall not be permanently
distorted by exposure to the maximum temperature
given in the Specified Service Conditions. Allowances

shall be made for thermal expansion/contraction of
the blade/axle assembly. Thermal expansion/contraction
shall be controlled and directed away from the side of
the damper where the drive system is located.
14.1.5.6 The damper blades shall be linked external
to the damper frame. Linkage between blades shall
be designed so that no blade may operate
independently of the others. The linkage shall be
completed, tested and fixed in position at the
manufacturer's facility.
14.1.5.7 Bearings used in the damper shall be
(ball/sleeve/roller) type. Bearing selection shall take
into account jobsite ambient conditions and also heat
conduction from the damper shaft to the bearing.
14.1.5.8 Stuffing boxes are (required/preferred/
optional) shall be secured to the damper frame at
each shaft clearance hole in the frame and shall be
filled with material which is stable under exposure to
both the system gas and to the ambient conditions.
The stuffing box shall be designed and constructed
so that packing may be renewed without the removal
of linkage or other drive system components.
14.1.5.9 Seals at the blade edges and the blade ends
are (required/not required/optional). The material
shall be suitable to withstand the Specified Service
Conditions.
14.1.5.10 The actuator and all drive system
components shall be sized with a minimum safety
factor of 50%, based upon the Power required to
operate the damper under the normal operating
conditions given in the Specified Service Conditions.
14.1.5.11 The actuator mounts shall be furnished and
installed on the damper frame by the damper
manufacturer.
14.2 Guillotine damper specification
This recommended specification is intended to serve
as a guide for the design and manufacture of heavy
duty (personnel-safe) guillotine dampers for industrial
process and power generation applications.
14.2.1 Scope
14.2.1.1 This specification covers the supply of a
heavy duty (personnel-safe) guillotine damper for the
Specified Service Conditions.
Note: If the personnel-safe features are not required,
the [bracketed] phrases may be omitted. They are
included to provide the most comprehensive sample
specification.
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)
14.2.1.2 The damper shall be manufactured as
specified under Construction and shall be supplied
with an actuator and blade drive mechanism [and
complete seal air system] as required. Unless
otherwise specified, the damper shall undergo
functional testing by the manufacturer prior to
shipment.
14.2.2 Quality Program
14.2.2.1 All work, including design engineering,
material procurement, fabrication and shipment shall
be as agreed upon between the purchaser and the
manufacturer.
14.2.2.2 The supplier's plant shall be accessible
during all phases of manufacture of the equipment.
The purchaser shall be notified at least ten (10) days
prior to the manufacturer's final inspection and
cycling of the equipment.
14.2.3 Submittal drawings. Upon award of the
contract, complete detailed submittal drawings shall
be prepared and submitted by the manufacturer, per
an agreed upon schedule, to the purchaser for
approval. Submittal drawings must be approved
before the start of fabrication. The drawings shall
exhibit system design parameters, interface
dimensions, and performance data on accessories
such as limit switches and actuators, et al. The
submittal drawings shall include or have attached a
bill of materials identifying the major components of
the equipment.
14.2.4 Welding. All welding to be done shall be
based on applicable sections of the American
Welding Society codes or the ASME Section IX
welding code.
14.2.5 Construction.
14.2.5.1 The guillotine damper shall be constructed
of materials which meet the minimum requirements
given in the Specified Service Conditions.
14.2.5.2 The stress level in any component subjected
to structural loads shall not exceed the following
percentage values of the yield strength of the
selected material at the temperature given in the
specified service conditions:
a) Bending: 60%
b) Torsion: 35%
14.2.5.3 The damper frame shall be rolled or formed
structural steel. The frame shall be designed to meet
the mechanical requirements resulting from the
Specified Service Conditions and also for transport
19
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)
and installation. The unit shall be self-supporting,
with no external bracing or support required. The
damper frame shall be designed to support the
extended blade, and to withstand the loads of the
drive system, and wind/snow loads.
14.2.5.4 If blade support(s) is(are) required to
restrain the closed blade, it(they) shall be designed to
minimize pressure drop through the damper.
14.2.5.5 The blade shall be of single-thickness plate
or an equivalent thermally-compatible structure.
Blade deflection under any specified operating
condition (blade extended, retracted, or partially
open) shall not exceed the lesser of one-half the
thickness of the blade material or 1/360th of the
blade width.
14.2.5.6 The damper blade shall withdraw clear of
the duct when in the open position.
14.2.5.7 The bonnet shall be of the (open/closed)
type.
14.2.5.8 Seals shall be designed and located on the
damper to allow replacement without the need for
removing the damper from the duct.
14.2.5.9 Flexible seals shall be of such design and
material to ensure proper spring retention and
memory through the entire operating range from
ambient to Specified Service Conditions.
14.2.5.10 A seal air blower shall be provided and
sized to provide 500 Pa (2 in. wg) pressure more than
the differential pressure across the closed damper at
the Specified Service Conditions.
14.2.5.11 A shut-off device with a suitable actuator
shall be located between the seal air blower and the
damper to prevent reverse flow of flue gas through an
idle blower.
14.2.5.12 The damper blade shall be operated either
by chain-and-sprocket(s), lifting screws, or rack-and-
pinion.
14.2.5.13 The damper operating drive system shall
consist of a suitable power drive motor, sized for a
minimum safety factor or 50% based on the
maximum power required to operate the damper
under the Specified Service Conditions.
14.2.5.14 Each component in the drive system shall
accept the running-stall output of the power drive
motor without failure.
20
15. Sample Specification Checklist
The final purchase specifications for a damper are
often an accumulation of diverse sets of documents.
The accumulation will consist of purchase order
forms and related contractual papers. Each
purchaser has its own set of special forms,
standards, and operating procedures that might be
included as contractual papers.
The information in these documents will include a
technical description of the damper and details of the
specific requirements of the installation. The
information developed should be the result of a
dialogue between the purchaser and the damper
manufacturer, initiated by a Request for Proposal or
Invitation to Bid (see sample form Section 15.1). The
manufacturer will respond (see sample form Section
15.2), often with comments and suggestions for
alternative equipment or options.
This section is intended to assist in that dialogue.
Form Section 15.1 may be copied and filled in, or
may be used as a checklist against a form preferred
by the purchaser.
When completing form Section 15.1, the purchaser
should refer to and include copies of any proprietary
specifications covering motors, actuators, surface
preparation, painting, and accessories, as applicable.
Providing a completed form Section 15.1 (or its
equivalent) together with all the applicable data will
give the manufacturer the information he needs to
develop a complete, competitive and responsive
proposal.
Form Section 15.2 may be used as a checklist to
ensure that the manufacturer's proposal is complete
and responsive to the user's requirements.
16. Installation Instructions
To ensure that industrial process / power generation
dampers operate satisfactorily it is essential that they
be properly installed. Before starting work on ANY
installation, the manufacturer's instructions should be
carefully reviewed and thoroughly understood. The
manufacturer should be contacted and any difficulties
resolved before the installation work is started.
 AMCA 850-02 (R2011)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Request prepared by: Project Name or Code: Date:

____________________ ________________________ ______________________

Req’d submittal date: _______________________ Plant location: ______________________________

Proposal valid until: ________________________ Designated FOB point: _______________________

Return proposal to: Est. date of contract award: ___________________

________________________________________ Est. shipping start date: ______________________

________________________________________ Est. shipping end date: _______________________

________________________________________ Est. date for completion: ______________________

Available specifications (motor, accessory & paint specs, etc.): _____________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

INSTALLATION AND SITE CONDITIONS

Barometric pressure: ______ (Pa/in. Hg) Maximum temperature: ______ (°C/°F) Wind load: ______ (N/m2)

or altitude: ______________ (m/ft) Minimum temperature: ______ (°C/°F) _______________(lbf/ft2)

DATA REQUIRED FOR EACH ITEM

Item identification: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Quantity req’d: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Type of damper: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Width inside frame: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Height inside frame: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Maximum frame,
face-to-face: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

DAMPER ORIENTATION (Horizontal, vertical or stated angle from horizontal)

Width orientation: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Height orientation: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Figure 15.1 - Request for Quotation or Invitation to Bid (Page 1)

21
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)

DAMPER ORIENTATION (Horizontal, vertical or stated angle from horizontal) (continued)

Top or bottom entry

for non-horizontal
guillotines: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Item identification: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Sealing direction
(same as or opposite
to flow direction): _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

MATERIAL MINIMUMS

Frame: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Bonnet: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Blade: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Shaft: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Seals: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Type of bearings: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

DESIGN FLOW & LEAKAGE

Maximum flow rate,

ACMS or kg/hr;
ACFM or lbm/hr: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Allowed gas leakage,

ACMS or ACFM at
normal differential
pressure and temp: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Allowed gas leakage,

ACMS or ACFM to
atmosphere at normal
operating temperature
and pressure: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE SERVICE CONDITIONS

Maximum operating
temperature, (°C/°F) _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Normal operating
temperature, (°C/°F) _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Upset transient
temperature, (°C/°F) _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Figure 15.1 - Request for Quotation or Invitation to Bid (Page 2)

22
 AMCA 850-02 (R2011)

TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE SERVICE CONDITIONS (Continued)

Duration and frequency

of upset transient: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Normal operating
pressure, (Pa/in. wg) _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Normal closed differen-

tial pressure, (Pa/in. wg)_____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Item identification: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

GAS & DEPOSIT CONDITIONS

Gas analysis: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Gas dew point temp-

erature, (°C/°F) _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Gas dust load,

(kg/m3/grains/ft3) _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Estimated depth of
duct deposit: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Estimated tensile
strength of duct
deposit: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Estimated shear
strength of duct
deposit: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

ACTUATOR AND ACCESSORY REQUIREMENTS

Type of actuator: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Required operating
time (max or min): _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Limit switches (Y/N): _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Torque overload
protection: _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Manual override (Y/N): _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Heaters in motors or
Limit switch housing
(Y/N): _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Figure 15.1 - Request for Quotation or Invitation to Bid (Page 3)

23
AMCA 850-02 (R2011)

ACTUATOR AND ACCESSORY REQUIREMENTS (Continued)

Remote position
Indicator (Y/M): _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

POWER SUPPLIES, ELECTRIC AND COMPRESSED AIR

Electric:
Volts, Phase, Hz. _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Plant air: (Pa/psi) _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Instrument air, (Pa, psi) _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Modulating control _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Figure 15.1 - Request for Quotation or Invitation to Bid (Page 4)

24
 AMCA 850-02 (R2011)

GENERAL AND CONTRACTUAL INFORMATION

• Damper manufacturer • Reference to quotation request • Quotation submitted by

• Quote sent to attention of: • Issue date • Validity date limit of quote

• Manufacturer’s job reference • Purchaser’s reference • FOB point & shipping terms

• Surface finishes & paint specs • Contract terms • Price per item

• Statement of manufacturer’s compliance to quote request / invitation to bid

TECHNICAL DATA

MAJOR COMPONENT & MATERIAL SIZE ACTUATOR DATA

• Frame • Bonnet • Actuator make & model

• Motor power
• Blade • Shaft • Maximum stall torque
• Maximum stall torque
• Seals • Type of drive • Required torque including safety factors
• Operating times, seconds, from full closed
• Type of bearings to full open

SEAL AIR SYSTEM (if required) ACCESSORY ITEMS (if required)

• Fan make & model • Installed power • Limit switches:

--- Number & type
• Operating power: damper open, --- External mount or in actuator
damper closed and sealed • Motor heaters
• Positioners
• Seal air isolation device • Remote position indicators
• Seal air parameters:
--- Pressure at fan outlet
--- Required volume, including safety factor

SIZE AND WEIGHT OF ASSEMBLY PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

• Dimensions inside frame • Pressure drop (Pa/in. wg) added to system by

full-open damper at maximum flow rate
• Estimated overall dimensions
including accessories: • Guaranteed leakage rate at operating
--- Across closed damper
• Assembled weight --- To (or from) atmosphere

• Number of shipping pieces per damper,

including accessories

Figure 15.2 - Quotation Response Checklist

25
 AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL
ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL, INC.
30 West University Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A.
Tel: (847) 394-0150 Fax: (847) 253-0088
E-Mail : info@amca.org Web: www.amca.org

The Air Movement and control Association International, Inc. is a not-for-profit international association of the
world’s manufacturers of related air system equipment primarily, but limited to: fans, louvers, dampers, air
curtains, airflow measurement stations, acoustic attenuators, and other air system components for the industrial,
commercial and residential markets.