Industrial Ventilation Program 2

[harvey13]

A client has asked if there is a computer program for Industrial Ventilation. The client is primarily interested in dust collection systems. A typical system has several hoods (different types) branch ducts, elbows, tees, main duct, collector, fan, etc. Can anyone recommend a program.

 

[bman289]

harvey13,

Having done industrial ventilation for several years, there is no program that I'm aware of. If you are needing information for design of an exhaust system, or ventilation systems, I suggest you get a copy of Industrial Ventilation by the ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists). This is the standard book for industrial applications. This will give you all you need to design and balance the system. Also, I reccommend you get a copy of the SMACNA duct standards for high pressure exhaust systems, both round and rectangular. An industrial ventilation system will operate at higher, maybe much higher, pressures than a normal HVAC system. Also, duct construction becomes paramount. Chances are good you will be moving particulate-laden air, which requires clean duct construction; no tags, pop rivets inside duct, no sheet metal screws holding dampers in place, etc.

The book contains all the fan data, velocity reccomendations and hood design you are going to need. It also has a section on dust collectors; wet, dry, cyclonic, bag filters, etc. Oh yeah, something else, when you size your duct work, you will use velocity to size the duct, not static regain or equal pressure method like with a HVAC system.

Sorry I got a little long-winded, I worked in the field for about 12 years. Hope this helps,

Brad (bman289)

 

[tombmech]

I agree with what's been said - except that physical principles don't change. You may need to preserve a minimum velocity to ensure entrainment of contaminated particles. Other than that, the principles of duct design remain the same. It may be that the effect of using a minimum velocity overrides all others, but there are always exceptions. I'm sure that's what was meant above.

The higher velocities naturally result in higher duct pressures, and industrial environments are more willing to trade economy for noise, so duct velocities and pressures are not as limited.

Even so, there are plenty of low-pressure design situations where other duct design principles are useful.

For your specific case, you may do better by focusing on the long pole in the tent: the dust booth or collector system. Any vendor worth his salt will be able to give you sizing and design advice, especially in support of significant cost (sales) items. It's up to you to temper that information with your own design knowledge.

Something else to suggest: Many systems are moving away from the traditional, high volume booth collection systems in favor of smaller, high-velocity point-source control. You may or may not be in a position to influence that decision, but it's just a suggestion.