Since Air Flow started offering acoustical flex duct by Flexmaster USA, we’ve been able to solve a number of acoustic issues by simply replacing the standard flexible duct with acoustic flex.
Please take a moment to review a short video on acoustic flexible duct .
As the video states, the sound reduction from six feet of acoustic flex is impressive:
The insertion loss (dB) of a 6 foot length of duct when tested in accordance with ASTM E 477 at a velocity of 1000 feet per minute shall be at least:
The concept is really simple. The media that holds the insulation out of the air stream is the same media that makes up HEPA filters. It is acoustically transparent. That allows the sound to pass through the R6 insulation, bounce off the vapor barrier, back through the insulation, and back into the duct.
We all know terminal boxes lose all their sound performance when a metal liner is installed on the insulation. Flex works the same way, except instead of a metal liner, it’s the flex liner (usually polyethylene) which reflects the sound back into the air stream.
Yes, the product is more little more expensive than what is typically furnished on a project. Then again, we all know acoustical problems are difficult to solve. Why not solve the problem before it starts?
If your company is interested in a demonstration, please let us know.
Some ideas:
- Use acoustic flex in place of hard-ducted transfer applications for cost savings
- Use a transition and section of flex in plenum ceilings
An easy way to check if it’s Flexmaster is to squeeze it. If the flex duct crumples, it isn’t Flexmaster!
Testimonial …
TOTAL Mechanical recently installed a new HVAC system for Blue Mound Golf & Country Club. The newly installed system serviced the Clubs formal porches and rotunda. Unfortunately, the system produced machine noise that was unacceptable to the installing contractor. As usual, time was of the essence and the cost and time associated with installing sound attenuating duct silencers were not an option.
That’s when the engineers at TOTAL Mechanical reached out to Chris Washburn at Air Flow. Chris suggested that they try a new product that he was recently introduced to. The product was FlexmasterUSA’s acoustical flex.
With nothing to lose, TOTAL Installed the sound attenuating acoustical flex and to their amazement, were stunned at the effectiveness of the product. So much so that the owner of TOTAL Mechanical (who is also a member of Blue Mound CC) thought the system was off when he stopped by to inspect the installation. When he realized that the system was in fact running he couldn’t believe the results and commented “it’s magic”.
The system is 100% silent.
Dennis J. Braun
President/CEO
TOTAL Mechanical
