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Significance Of The Turning Vanes In The Industry

By Juana Gamble


For both mechanical contractors and HVAC engineers, the turning vane is one major source of contention. This has been so because of several contractors believe that the turning vanes are capable of causing ductwork hence becoming less efficient by increasing pressure drop in the system. In addition, it adds time and expenses to overall installation. The logic behind this believe is that whenever there is more surface area exposed to airflow, there increase in friction. The fan also works harder in this case so as to achieve required air-flows.

In cases when the HVAC system has particular difficulties in supplying the ideal amount of airflow to concerned zones, it is recommended by many mechanical contractors to remove each and every vane at every fitting in the system. This helps to reduce the amount of friction in a duct. This practice is however not recommended by the SMACNA as it tampers with the turning vane spacing which is required. It also decreases uniformity of airflow as well as increasing the pressure drop in this system.

It is however important to be aware of various fundamental details entailing any individual vane. An adjustment in the path of airflow inside a duct that lacks vanes, the bordering walls within the duct should be able to take up the unexpected collision which in turn leads to an alteration in flow of air. The vane main work is to ensure the smooth flowing of the air.

There is up to 800 percent more efficiency in an elbow that is fitted with turning vane. With regard to the budget, a customer may opt for a cheaper option which would be installation of a radius elbow that is without any vane. The practice is significantly less costly and much easier to fabricate and install.

In some scenarios, an elevated pressure drop maybe caused by any vane. An instance would be when the installation of a vane is done at the way in of these duct. Patterns such as this lead to a huge loss in pressure, which is brought about by the vane disrupting the homogeneity of airflow inside the core duct. Radius fitting has proved to be more efficient than the entry fitting.

Improper alignment of any vane in the ducts is another factor that may lead to pressure drop due to increased air turbulence. The turbulence is brought about when these vanes are not correctly aligned in parallel to the ductwork, the flow of air impacts the ducts therefore creating turbulence.

The effect of improper alignment varies depending on how far off the alignments of the vanes are. Misalignment is caused by sloppy or hasty installation and can be avoided by performing regular checks. It is usually the contractor that ensures proper and error free installation.

In conclusion, vanes help in increasing the system efficiency and reducing pressure loss. A good designer should take into account various factors such as, most efficient fittings depending on the budget and also increase efficiency at every possible moment. The contractor should also play his role and ensure that no alteration whatsoever is made to the design of the particular vane.




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