Airflow control dampers

01

Choose the damper function and blade type

Greenheck says control dampers regulate airflow in HVAC systems for intake, exhaust or mixed-air applications. Its range includes general-purpose dampers with 3V blades for automatic control or manual balancing in low to medium pressure and velocity systems; low-leakage dampers with fabricated or extruded aluminium airfoil blades, blade and jamb seals for medium to high pressure systems; insulated and thermally broken versions; dampers contained in a 4 in frame for direct mounting to louvres or filter frames; and round and insert-style round dampers. [1]

Greenheck notes that balancing dampers regulate airflow but are not positive shut-off or automatic control devices; it offers single-blade, 3V multi-blade and round manual balancing dampers, remote balancing dampers with field-assembled actuators, and automatic balancing dampers calibrated to hold constant airflow despite pressure changes, including two-setpoint and zone-control versions. [2]

For industrial and severe duty, Greenheck lists heavy-duty flanged-frame backdraft dampers with counterbalanced blades to prevent backflow, bubble-tight rectangular isolation dampers, and blast suppression dampers that close against explosion pressure surges up to 5.77 psi or 15 psi. [3]

Give the supplier the function (control, balancing, backdraft, isolation, blast), duct size and shape, airflow, static pressure and velocity, required leakage class, blade type, materials and finish, temperature, actuator type (manual, electric, pneumatic) and signal, fail position, code requirements and quantity.

02

Set leakage class, pressure rating, actuation and codes

Greenheck states that ASHRAE Standard 90.1, California Title 24 and the International Energy Conservation Code are the three main energy codes relating to dampers and that all its volume control dampers in that section meet them. [1] Ruskin lists its CD50IF and CD50VIF extruded aluminium airfoil blade control dampers as AMCA Class 1A leakage rated, with positive-lock axles, non-corrosive bearings, mechanically fastened blade edge seals and an integral 1½ in front flange. [4]

Greenheck's industrial backdraft dampers come with Spark B and C construction as standard and Spark A as an option for enhanced protection. [3]

Editorial calculation: 5.77 psi is about 39.8 kPa and 15 psi about 103 kPa; a 4 in frame is about 102 mm and a 1½ in flange about 38 mm. [3] [1] [4]

03

Find airflow control damper manufacturers

The manufacturer card below states what the reviewed source shows.

Ask any supplier for AMCA-tested leakage and pressure drop data, maximum pressure and velocity ratings, blade and frame materials, seal types, temperature limits, actuator torque and mounting, code compliance statements, sizes and lead time.

04

Trace what each part does

This is a functional reference built from the sources cited; it is not one maker's specification.

05

Fill the specification fields with values for your order

A damper quotation needs values for your duct system. The table explains each field, gives published values where a reviewed source states them, and says what to obtain from the supplier.

06

Send the duty, duct and control data together

Paste it into your enquiry below or into an email to a maker, then replace every bracket.

Function: [control; balancing; backdraft; isolation; blast]
Size: [W × H or diameter]
Air: [flow; pressure; velocity; temperature]
Leakage: [class]
Blades: [3V; airfoil; insulated]
Actuation: [manual; electric; signal; fail position]
Codes: [ASHRAE 90.1; Title 24; IECC]

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