Image by © RACA Journal www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I October 2025 9
Associations
THE FABRIC OF AIR
Unpacking the advantages of textile air dispersion systems in HVAC.
Nico Koegelenberg, managing director of DuctSox, recently highlighted the benefits of textile air dispersion systems as a superior alternative to traditional metal ducting and diffusers. Speaking at a SAIRAC Cape Town TechTalk, he emphasised how these systems are reshaping air distribution with major savings in cost, time and energy.
“ Textile air dispersion systems offer a 26 % energy savings compared to metal ducts, with installation costs reduced by up to 80 %,” Koegelenberg said.“ They’ re faster to install, lighter to handle and ideal for a wide range of applications— from warehouses to high-end offices.”
RAPID INSTALLATION AND AESTHETIC FLEXIBILITY A key advantage of textile systems is the ease and speed of installation.“ Especially in large retail spaces, the crew can install the full system quickly,” he explained. Custom branding and colour choices add aesthetic appeal, and the fabric construction avoids common issues like scratching and denting. Although textile can tear, repairs are straightforward.
Another major benefit is that these systems arrive factorybalanced.“ Once delivered, they can be unpacked, suspended and started immediately. As long as the airflow and pressure specs are accurate, the system will perform as designed,” Koegelenberg noted.
BETTER AIR DISTRIBUTION, LOWER ENERGY USE While textile systems are considered a green product, Koegelenberg stressed their primary strength lies in air performance.“ The full length of the system disperses air, leading to much better mixing throughout the space. Because it reaches set points faster, it cycles more efficiently – resulting in significant mechanical energy savings,” he said. An eight-month study at a US university demonstrated a 26 % reduction in energy costs.
Koegelenberg presented a wide range of applications where textile systems excel:
• Manufacturing and warehousing: Ideal for large, open spaces
• Pools: " The beauty of pools is it doesn ' t corrode, so it ' s actually a perfect solution for pool application. You don ' t get any flaking "
• Schools and food processing: meeting stringent hygiene requirements
• Retail, gyms and offices: it eliminates hot and cold spots for uniform comfort
• Aviation, grocery stores, industrial offices, airports, libraries, museums, malls, convention centres: suitable for diverse
environments, including those requiring quiet operation
• Specialised applications: underfloor air dispersion, plenum supply and laboratories
• Agri-side: growth
Nico Koegelenberg, managing facilities with undertable, overhead and director of DuctSox. critical environments like clean rooms
He outlined two main fabric types:
• Non-porous: air disperses only through engineered openings
• Porous: air also seeps through the fabric, useful for laminar flow
“ By blending textile porosities, we can fine-tune air velocities for specific spaces,” he said. Textile ducts also support multiple dispersion methods, including linear vents, nozzles and orifices. The porous material acts as insulation, reducing condensation and dust buildup.
SIMPLER INSTALLATION, CLEANER DESIGN Installation requires minimal tools and time. Suspension options range from single-track systems for smaller ducts to multi-row supports for larger sizes. Internal retention systems( with hoops or skeleton structures) maintain shape when the system is off— ideal for commercial interiors.
Connections use durable zippers, and interfacing with fans or inlets is straightforward.“ You just need a spigot and duct belt— that’ s it,” Koegelenberg said. Compared to metal systems requiring diffusers, dampers, balancing and painting, textile ducts are simpler and more cost-effective.
Textile systems are UL 2518 and NFPA 90A certified, covering fire resistance, temperature and pressure ratings. While South Africa’ s SANS standards don’ t yet have textile-specific codes, British Standards are often used in local specifications.
For optimal performance, proper inlet static pressure is key— ideally 124 Pascals, but no lower than 65.“ At 65Pa, you may see some wrinkles, but the system will still work,” he said. Textile ducts can handle up to 750Pa, and even higher with factory consultation.
Air volume determines system diameter, similar to metal ducting. In noise-sensitive areas like churches, velocities are kept
Image by © RACA Journal www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I October 2025 9