Ducting systems will be more or less prone to leak depending on the connection type. However, even when installed properly, most connections aren’t designed to be airtight. Here’s a quick guide to selecting ductwork connection types based on the seal they offer.
Spiral ducting
With tap-screw joints, spiral ducting can be fast to install but is much more prone to leak. The insertion of the tap screws into the ducting creates weep holes that effluent can leak through. While the ducting itself is solid, it is the connection points that can leak.
Clamp together ducting
Clamp together ducting offers a modular system with an integrated gasket inside the clamp. This system does offer an enhanced seal among the quick-to-install connection types. However, to get a truly leak-free seal, the connections need to be modified with additional gaskets or caulking. This adds both labor and material costs to the installation.
Welded or flange and gasket connections
Welded connections, along with flange and gasket connections, offer a reliable seal. However, this reliability doesn’t come without a trade-off — welded connections are the most time-consuming and labor-intensive to install. And once installed, welded ductwork systems cannot be adjusted or reused. The difficulty of removing and repositioning or reusing welded ducting creates higher labor cost, especially when ducting lines need to be cleaned or relocated.
US Tubing
US Tubing offers the enhanced speed of installing a modular ducting system and the tight seal of a flange and gasket system. The ends of the pipe are turned back 90 degrees to create a Vanstone edge. A fully encompassing gasket then encloses one end of the pipe. The pipe ends are joined using an adjustable v-groove clamp that sandwiches the gasket and Vanstone ends together, creating a genuinely leak-free seal.
The most efficient, airtight connection type by application
Selecting the right connection type for your application is the most significant factor in determining how much your ductwork system will leak. Flange and gasket, clamp together, welded, spiral connections, etc. are suitable for dust and dry particulate, but US Tubing is the fastest and most reliable ductwork system for heavy and wet effluent. US Tubing uses a v-shaped gasket and torque-tightened clamp to create an airtight seal, ensuring that the joints of your system are leak-free.
Reach out to a Duct Guy to discuss your application and ductwork needs.
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Got leaks?
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With the right knowledge and tools, anyone can mitigate the risks associated with leaky ductwork. Our guide takes you through what to consider — from common causes to the most secure connections — for effectively managing leaks and maintaining safe, healthy work environments.