Types of Dampers in HVAC

A damper in an HVAC system, also known as a Duct Damper or Volume Balancing Damper, is a movable plate situated within the ductwork that adjusts the flow of air and redirects it to specific areas within a building. Dampers are commonly used in zoning systems to provide precise control over airflow. They are essential in industries where regulation of gases and liquids in pipes and ducts is crucial.

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An Overview of Various Damper Types

EB Air Control Dampers come in numerous sizes and shapes such as square, circular, or rectangular backdraft designs. Choosing the right damper type is essential based on its location, ducting structure, and specific purpose. Types include zero leakage bubble tight dampers, volume control dampers, motorized volume dampers, among others.

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Dampers for HVAC systems can be operated manually, mechanically, or automatically. Below are some commonly used types of dampers in HVAC systems:

1. High-Efficiency Butterfly Flat Dish Dampers

Butterfly dish dampers are engineered for high efficiency and minimal maintenance. Utilizing hinged blades, they align to block or restrict air flow within ducts. They can completely halt airflow and come in multi-blade versions where needed. Additionally, they prevent back-drafts by allowing air flow in only one direction, making them ideal for fire prevention and heating applications such as oxidizers, baghouses, scrubbers, heaters, and precipitators.

2. Precision-Control Blade Dampers

Blade dampers consist of thin metal plates that regulate airflow in HVAC systems, chimneys, and ducts. Opposed blade dampers feature blades that move in opposite directions, ensuring exceptional metering and control. With superior strength, sealing capacity, and low noise production, they are highly efficient.

3. Airtight Guillotine Dampers

Guillotine dampers are renowned for their ability to provide an airtight seal. Designed to completely block airflow, they are used where isolation is crucial for maintenance or access to ducts behind media sources.

4. Quick-Response Louver Dampers

Louver dampers are known for their rapid response and strong air-blocking capabilities. Utilizing flat blades on hinges, they are available in various sizes to fit diverse duct dimensions. Louver dampers are among the most commonly used in HVAC systems.

5. Performance-Enhancing Inlet Vane Dampers

Commonly used on fan inlets, inlet vane dampers enhance material flow and pressure control. They are particularly useful in HVAC settings that require comprehensive ventilation control. Multiple blades around a central hub improve fan performance by creating a swirl effect, offering excellent control mechanisms.

Understanding each type of damper and their specific uses helps in choosing the right one for your HVAC system. You might even require a combination of these dampers for optimal system performance.
Call 905-670-2277 to inquire about EB Air Control HVAC Dampers and other products.

Most HVAC systems integrate dampers to control air direction and volume within ducts, ensuring system balance. Dampers can be manually or automatically operated to manage airflow within a ducted system.

They act like doors within the system, allowing, redirecting, diffusing, or stopping airflow as needed. Below are some common types of dampers typically found in HVAC systems:

The Role of Dampers in HVAC Systems

Dampers enable HVAC system designers to manipulate airflow within ducted systems. Functioning similarly to revolving or hinged doors, these adjustable dampers offer precise airflow control. Some modify the air direction, while others reduce airflow volume by partially closing ducts. Specific designs, like backdraft dampers, only permit one-way airflow.

Popular Damper Types in HVAC Systems

Residential and light commercial HVAC systems often use a mix of radial, rectangular, round-tube, collar tube, shutter, or blade-style dampers for system balance. Industrial applications may demand custom dampers, yet they serve the same purpose.

Constructed mainly from galvanized steel, and occasionally aluminum or stainless steel, each damper type offers unique benefits like better sealing, one-way operation, and precise airflow control. Blade-style dampers use single or multiple blades to manage airflow and are usually round, square, or rectangular to fit various ductwork shapes. Guillotine dampers, known for their sealing capability, often include gaskets that create airtight seals, ideal for emergency situations.

Backdraft dampers operate as shutter-style dampers, using gravitational force to remain closed until air pressure opens them. Radial dampers utilize multiple rotating blades for precise airflow control, resembling a fanned-out card deck. Rectangular dampers, often floor or wall registers, feature flat blades controlled by sliders for room-specific airflow regulation. Round tube dampers replace short duct sections with rigid units containing dampers and controls, allowing post-installation integration.

Operating Methods for HVAC Dampers

Dampers may be manually or automatically controlled based on the system. Most residential setups use manually operated blade dampers, adjusted during installation but modifiable later. Complex systems needing airflow restrictions often have automatically adjusted dampers, operated via temperature and volume presets.

Newer systems incorporate wireless technology for remote control, fitting dampers with transmitters and receivers for central terminal commands, replacing hard-to-access manual dampers.

Damper Applications within HVAC Systems

Control dampers adjust air volume and pressure automatically based on thermostat commands, mixing separate airflows when needed. Balancing dampers, similar to control types, are used between spaces with unequal air pressure, typically fixed but adjustable by the installer.

Balancing vs. Control Dampers

Parallel-Bladed Balancing Dampers

Used for impeding airflow on one side, balancing dampers have parallel blades that rotate together. Sometimes referred to as parallel bladed dampers, they balance air pressure between zones.

Opposed-Bladed Control Dampers

Control dampers feature opposing blades that seal each other for precise airflow control, typically set to either fully open or closed positions.

Industrial Butterfly Dampers

Butterfly dampers, used in large-scale HVAC systems, control air leakage using flat, circular blades that pivot like clock hands. They work well in industrial settings to regulate airflow and other gases.

Inlet Vane Dampers

Inlet vane dampers, often near blower fan intakes, adjust blade angles for precise airflow and pressure control, common in both residential and industrial systems.

Multi-zone dampers, electronically controlled, regulate airflow within specific zones or rooms, providing consistent air flow and pressure. They work with other dampers for optimized efficiency, often managed by the system and thermostat.

If you wish to learn more about damper solutions for office equipment bulk supply, contact us for an expert consultation.