Why Duct Design Matters
Most facilities focus on the collector. Few give enough attention to the duct system that connects every capture point to it. The reality is that duct design is where industrial ventilation systems succeed or fail.
A properly engineered duct system:
Captures contaminants at the source before they spread into the work environment
Balances airflow across multiple pickup points for consistent, reliable performance
Supports OSHA and EPA compliance by ensuring contaminants never reach worker breathing zones
Maintains the correct transport velocity to prevent dust and particulate buildup inside ducts
Minimizes system resistance to reduce energy consumption and fan load
Our Duct Design Process
We do not offer generic solutions. Every duct system we design is engineered specifically for your facility, your process, and your equipment.
Source Capture Design
The most effective way to control airborne contaminants is to capture them at the point of generation, before they enter the work environment. We specialize in source capture duct design, including:
- Overhead canopy hoods for heat and smoke
- Side draft hoods for grinding, welding, and cutting operations
- Enclosing hoods for high-contaminant processes
- Backdraft hoods for conveyor and transfer points
- Flexible extraction arms for mobile or multi-position workstations
The right hood design dramatically improves capture efficiency and reduces the airflow volume required, which means lower energy costs and a smaller, less expensive collection system.
Duct System Assessments for Existing Facilities
Already have a duct system but not getting the performance you need? We provide assessments of existing duct installations to identify design deficiencies, airflow imbalances, and maintenance issues that are reducing system performance.
Common issues we identify and correct include:
Undersized or oversized duct runs
Insufficient transport velocity causing particulate buildup
Poor hood placement reducing capture efficiency
Excessive system resistance overloading fans and motors
Leaks and structural failures reducing airflow
Built to Last
We design duct systems for durability as well as performance. Material selection, gauge specifications, and joint construction are all chosen with your specific contaminant type and operating conditions in mind, whether you are handling dry metal dust, oily mist, high-temperature exhaust, or corrosive vapors.