The primary damper types include control, balancing, backdraft, multizone, industrial, and safety dampers. Control dampers: These are installed at various ductwork junctures to regulate airflow throughout the HVAC system. They can also help mix hot and cold air to attain the ideal temperature zone for occupants.
Dampers can also be classified based on their application, and the following are some of the main types: Balancing dampers (volume dampers) Face and bypass dampers. Fire dampers.
Static and Dynamic Dampers
In these systems, dynamic fire dampers are needed. These dampers often have springs or other mechanisms to force the damper close in case of a fire. In addition to static or dynamic, fire dampers also come in Type A, Type B, and Type C varieties.
Common Types of HVAC Dampers
These types include radial, rectangular, round-tube, collar-tube, shutter and blade-style dampers. Industrial applications may require custom-designed dampers, but they generally perform the same functions.
A backdraft damper is similar to a fire damper in that it features blades within a frame, but the purpose of these dampers differ. Backdraft dampers allow air to flow into or out of a space in one direction while preventing a return flow.
TAMCO recommends that backdraft dampers be installed at a minimum distance of one (1) fan diameter away from the fan, for custom air handler exhaust applications. AMCA 200 and AMCA 201 recommend a distance of one (1) duct diameter for each 1000 fpm in order to acheive uniform air at the backdraft damper.
A backdraft damper in a kitchen hood exhaust will prevent odors and smoke from re-entering your home or building. Backdraft dampers also help prevent unconditioned air from entering the kitchen when the exhaust fan is off.
Backdraft dampers are designed to allow airflow in one direction and prevent reverse airflow. Pressure Relief dampers have an adjustable open trigger pressure and close upon a decrease in the differential pressure across the damper. Pressure relief dampers also prevent backdraft air flow.
Butterfly dampers can be used in a wide variety of applications but are commonly used for flow control and low leakage or isolation applications.
In most houses, dampers on the upper level are opened in the summer and shut in the winter. In the winter, closing the dampers on your HVAC system to the upstairs allows for heat to rise naturally as it is distributed throughout the home.
Step 1: Identify your dampers. The usual method is using schematics of the building. The original architect and/or builder will have produced plans showing all ventilation ductwork, access points and damper installations.
Class A fires – are fires involving organic solids like paper, wood, etc. Class B fires – are fires involving flammable liquids. Class C fires – are fires involving flammable gasses.
Type-A dampers are the easiest and fastest type to install and are mostly used in low-pressure part of duct systems (up to 2” w.c.). Type-B Fire Damper: Used when airflow or velocity in the duct is a concern. The stack of blades in the fire damper frame is kept out of the air stream.
How many dampers are on the HVAC? Dampers are typically located on multiple system ducts, especially after and before the major junctions. The two dampers are primarily found in every mainline 90 degrees apart.
There are 3 primary types of damping: overdamping, critical damping, and under damping. We will explore what each of these 3 types of damping entails.
As noted, there are 2 types of fire damper, the fusible link curtain type and the fusible link multi-blade type.
When contemplating the essential components for your HVAC system configuration, dampers play a vital role. Dampers, including various types of dampers such as automatic dampers, manual dampers, parallel dampers, opposed dampers, balance dampers, bypass dampers, and fire dampers, become a crucial consideration.
Volume control and fire dampers play distinct but complementary roles. VCDs adjustably direct airflow to balance temperatures and ventilation. Alternately, fire dampers prevent smoke and flames from spreading in untenable conditions.
If you don't feel any cold air coming down the chimney, it means that the damper is closed. Another way to find out if the damper is open is to do a visual check. If your chimney has a traditional damper, all you need to do is shine a flashlight up the chimney. If you can see the sky, it is open.
The internal damper is typically located within the ductwork of the range hood. An external damper can be used for extra control and may be preferred in areas that experience cold climates.
A wide-open damper will increase the amount of air reaching the fire and improve combustion. As a result, the fire will burn hotter. When you're not using your fireplace, be sure to close the damper to prevent indoor heat from escaping.
Backdrafting is a health, safety, and comfort concern. To prevent it you must either build a house without a chimney, or balance all the ventilation systems to prevent indoor-outdoor pressure differentials. In short, houses need to inhale as easily as they exhale.
If the manufacturer's instructions do not specify a termination location, the exhaust duct shall terminate not less than 3 feet (914 mm) in any direction from openings into buildings. Exhaust duct terminations shall be equipped with a backdraft damper.
Energy Efficiency Comparison. Barometric dampers directly influence energy efficiency by maintaining pressure levels, whereas backdraft dampers contribute indirectly by ensuring proper air direction.