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Associations
below 5.1m / s. Straight systems can go up to 8.1m / s, and full retention systems reach 10.2m / s – while still maintaining warranty.
“ Internal Air Flow Devices – AFDs – control the pressure drop and airflow across the system. They’ re factory-set and require no on-site balancing. This enables long, uninterrupted runs and prevents the start-up‘ pop effect’ sometimes heard with other systems,” Koegelenberg explained.
With reduced friction( around 35 %) and static regain, textile ducts can distribute air uniformly over 100m or more.
PRECISION VENTILATION AND NOISE CONTROL Engineered laser-cut vents and flexible layouts allow for precise airflow targeting.“ You can place ventilation wherever needed. Properly designed systems can achieve air throws of 20 – 30m, ensuring consistent comfort even in complex spaces.
“ Textile systems are often quieter than metal, depending on the configuration. Only adjustable nozzles may be louder than standard metal diffusers,” he said.
Full retention systems – with internal frameworks – hold their shape even when off and come with 20-year warranties. These are popular in offices or aesthetic-sensitive environments.
Textile systems are already in use globally. At the Raiders Stadium in Las Vegas, a single textile duct covers the entire perimeter. High-rise applications include 82 floors of the Merdeka 118 in Malaysia and even the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.“ They allow each floor to act as its own plenum, simplifying high-rise HVAC,” Koegelenberg noted.
EASY MAINTENANCE AND HYGIENE Textile systems are easy to clean: sections unzip and can be machine-washed and air-dried. Some clients even keep spare systems to rotate during scheduled cleaning, ensuring no downtime.“ As long as the filters are maintained, the ducts stay clean,” he said.
Because the fabric doesn’ t transfer heat, textile ducts avoid the heat loss or gain seen with metal systems. The material also prevents condensation and dust buildup – crucial for food processing and cleanroom settings. ISO 5-compliant textiles are used for hospitals and static-free environments.
Despite their benefits, one challenge remains: awareness.“ Textile air dispersion isn’ t taught in most engineering programmes,” Koegelenberg said.“ Underfloor systems might be, but not this.”
Still, he’ s optimistic:“ Younger engineers are more open to trying new ideas. And once clients install their first textile system, they rarely go back— it’ s just that easy to work with.” RACA
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RACA Journal I October 2025 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za