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© Eamonn Ryan / RACA Journal © Eamonn Ryan / RACA Journal
1 and 2 : Air grilles .
THE FABRICAIR VARIODUCT
By Eamonn Ryan with technical input from Dave Mitchell , franchisee of FabricAir in South Africa .
It is a diffuser of air as opposed to a transporter of air .
To quote from FabricAir ’ s product description , “ The FabricAir VarioDuct provides different flow models for cooling and / or heating purposes . It is tailored with an internal membrane that separates the two airflows . Depending on which flow pattern location is needed , a damper changes position and moves the internal membrane either up or down covering half the duct .”
The rigid supply duct with fabric ducting branching off . The suspension cable and balancing dampers are also visible .
Two solutions in one duct solves the basic challenge . Hot air rises , thus heating requires nozzles or jets to deliver hot air in the target zone without drafts . Cold air falls , thus cooling requires smaller perforations or orifices to ensure draft-free comfort .
Thus , VarioDuct optimises comfort all year long , providing exceptional comfort levels without any
Dave Mitchell , franchisee of FabricAir in South Africa .
compromises . Switching from heating to cooling is seamless , guaranteeing a consistent and enjoyable environment . With full flexibility in terms of air volumes , pressures , and temperatures , VarioDuct adapts to specific needs . The design incorporates two distinct sections , each customised with unique flow models . Each section can have its own static pressure and air volume , thanks to a specialised internal membrane that separates the two airflows . By utilising a damper , the membrane covers half of the duct , allowing for varying temperature differences ( Δt ) between the sections . No matter which section is in use , the system ensures an exceptional level of comfort that surpasses expectations .
“ After the balancing damper is the VarioDuct fabric ducting supplied by FabricAir , the first such installation in South Africa .”
FabricAir
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RACA Journal I July 2023 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za