Duct sizing software add in for Autocad

[Adrian2]

Dear Folks;

I've seen a duct sizing calculator that works within autocad and allows you to calculate Q, V, A and S.P. depending on which variable you wish to solve for.

Obviously I would love to hear about how to find a free version but I would appreciate input on calculators publised as shareware that works within autocad as I just described.

Best Regards

Adrian Dunevein

http://www.aaadrafting.com

 

[CarolinaPE]

Autodesk building systems does much of this but is pretty pricey. Not sure of ANY freeware that can do this as I have looked. Heck I have not found any free versions that can even draw ducts! There are other programs that can do similar duct sizing for you but in all honesty I make a duct sizing sheet, go off the sheet, and give my hand written duct sizes to a designer (to convert single line to double). Probably not much has changed in that process since 1951. All programs I have seen that facilitate this process are several grand at least.

 

[jakaodrz]

Yes, you are right.
There are various CAD programs, but any of them requires to pay for them (evaluation copies or similar).

I have DL some of them, but have to rechek them in my software collection data.

Here is one link, but I forgot is it free or it needs to be payed for it:

http://www.asvic.com.au/mq-hvac.htm

With regards,
Petrika

P.S. If I found other links or programs I'll post them here.

 

[haneyrm]

Our company recently made a large investment in Autodesk ABS. This software does the sizing for you and will dynamically modify duct sizing when flow rates are changed on diffusers. It is a great tool and makes change management a little easier. Our entry level designers do not see the use in learning how to manually size duct. I disagree. The only thing left is to send the drawings to Autodesk and have them sign and seal them. That way I can spend more time golfing.

 

[Adrian2]

Dear haneyrm;

Does Autodesk ABS handle industrial ventilation duct, fittings and fans, or is it specific to the needs of residential and commercial buildings ?

Best Regards

Adrian Dunevein

http://www.aaadrafting.com

 

[haneyrm]

Adrian, ABS seems geared towards the commercial end of things. With that said, it still offers most of the duct, fittings, and fans typically found in more industrial applications. There is also an option to design your own parts, in 3-D, for your library. We are in the infancy stages of using ABS and are discovering new things on a daily basis.

 

[Adrian2]

Thanks haneyrm;

I have already created most the dust collectors I design in 3D in Solidworks 2006 as well as all the fittings, Northern Blower fans and associated ductwork.

For duct sizing I use a customized excel spreadsheet from the ACGIH Industrial Ventilation course which allows me to do velocity and flow calculations for hoods, round and rectangular duct and for fittings.

But I know there is a little duct calculator for autocad that is a LISP routine which creates its own drop down menu within autocad. It's quite useful for quick and dirty calculations within autocad but for the life of me I have not been able to find it.

I can make do with my spreadsheet but I appreciate your input about the new autocad product.

Best Regards

Adrian