Food Grade Ductwork for Food Processing Facilities
Customizable Airflow Solutions
DuctSox fabric ductwork and diffuser products were initially developed exclusively for use in the food processing industry several decades ago. The flexible, durable fabric is a cost effective alternative to insulated stainless steel ducting and diffusers.
New innovations have made maintenance and hygiene a vital advantage to using DuctSox products in food-grade facilities. It is not only the outside of metal duct that gets contaminated, but the inside as well making fabric systems an ideal choice. A wide variety of product options, including shape, suspension systems, airflow types, and fabrics, make DuctSox an ideal choice for food processing and USDA-inspected environments.
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Improved Air Distribution
- Metal Air Dispersion: In open ceiling architecture, traditional metal duct systems discharge air through side mounted metal diffusers. The air is directed to specific zones resulting in less efficient mixing of air in the occupied space and often causes drafting and hot or cold spots.
- DuctSox Air Dispersion: fabric systems are designed to provide uniform air dispersion through a combination of air-porous fabrics, linear vents, nozzles and orifices. This method has a positive impact on energy costs as these systems heat or cool spaces faster and more uniformly to satisfy temperature set points. The result is reduced mechanical equipment run-time.
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Lowest Lifetime Ownership Costs
Lower Material Costs: The cost of a DuctSox System is 20% to 80% less than metal. The cost savings of non-condensating air porous DuctSox are even more when compared to insulated metal duct or premium materials such as stainless steel or aluminum.
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Reduced Maintenance
DuctSox systems have been designed to reduce or eliminate required maintenance. Cleaning metal ductwork systems can be expensive and these costs are often overlooked. Neglected interior air systems can be a leading contributor to sick building syndrome, human health problems, and possible contamination. DuctSox fabrics come with the following distinct maintenance advantages over metal systems:
- Antimicrobial fabric options
- No Condensation / No Rust
- Zippered sections for ease of handling and removing fabric
- Lightweight, simple and easy installation and removal
- Can be easily removed and laundered in a commercial washing machine
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Design & Energy Efficiency
Simplified Design: Since a DuctSox System provides superior air mixing within the space, often the layout can be much simpler than a metal system. This means less ductwork!
Energy Efficiency: Because the entire DuctSox System is a diffuser and air is dispersed down the entire length of duct, air can be supplied to the occupied space in a more efficient pattern. In addition, DuctSox Systems may be designed with fittings similar to metal ductwork with unlimited customization to match any application requirements.
Customization: DuctSox also offers a variety of solutions for specific application requirements. Options include a variety of shape and fabric options, traditional suspension and internal framework systems, and available in a variety of standard colors, patterns, and custom colors.
Case Study: Venida Packing Company
A food packing company needed an air-conditioning solution for a lunchroom mezzanine. DuctSox was the obvious choice because of the practical side of the application, airflow, air distribution and aesthetics. TufTex premium fabric duct with a high-throw airflow was used to create a uniform linear diffusion. This entire system was installed in less than one day.
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Next Steps
When designing a fabric system, DuctSox engineers will detail performance and design requirements while creating a custom solution for your application.
In addition to design assistance, DuctSox provides an extensive Engineering and Design Manual that will guide you through the key elements of a DuctSox system.
Whether for a new building or retrofitting an existing space, DuctSox Airflow Solutions just make more sense than metal ductwork.
Explore Additional Critical Environment Applications
Data Centers
DuctSox has developed the first directionally adjustable air displacement system for the data center industry.
Grow Facilities
Fabric airflow solutions can be customized to ensure optimum growing conditions for each stage of growth.
Laboratory & Healthcare
DuctSox traditional and diffuser products are engineered to provide better air dispersion control for these demanding environments.