Determining Pressure Losses For Airflow In Residential Ductwork

Abstract

Airflow pressure losses through rigid metallic and non-metallic flexible ducts were studied and recommendations to improve the rating of flexible ducts were made as part of this study. The testing was done in compliance with ASHRAE Standard 120-1999, Methods of Testing to Determine Flow Resistance of HVAC Air Ducts and Fittings (ASHRAE 1999). Duct sizes of 6", 8", and 10" were tested in a positive pressure, blow-through configuration. An As-Built Test Protocol expands the test configurations specified by Standard 120-1999. Results of the current tests extend the existing ASHRAE/ACCA data for flexible duct which does not include pressure loss data for flexible ducts that are compressed beyond approximately 4%. The data from this study exhibit higher pressure drops than prior ACCA or ASHRAE data. Some configurations exhibit over ten times the pressure loss found in rigid duct or fully stretched flexible duct of the same diameter.