Flexible Connectors are used in DUCT SYSTEMS to reduce Vibration Transmission and Shock, and Accommodate Thermal Movements at minimum stress to the ductwork.

Since pressure requirements in ducts are very low as compared to piping systems, they are manufactured in lighter constructions more responsive to the reduced stiffness of sheet metal ducting. Designs are always airtight to preclude particle intake or leakage.

These products come in many configurations as no standard design can meet the varied shape, service and connection requirements. They can be round, square, rectangular, round on one end and square on the other and even "T" and "L" shaped. Concentric and eccentric reducers are common and all designs can be offset to compensate for older misaligned heavy ducting systems.

The common characteristics are flexibility and long life. Motion requirements are met with single or multiple arches and by varying the face-to-face length.

MATERIALS

Sometimes they are all rubber with no reinforcement, but the most common construction is a Natural Rubber synthetic liner, plies of rubber impregnated tire cord or fabric and a rubber cover. When pressure or vacuum conditions are extreme, wire or steel ring reinforcement is used as well.

Polymers are Natural Rubber, SBR, EPDM, Neoprene, Butyl, Hypalon®, Nitrile and Viton®. Reinforcement may be square woven fabric, but more commonly Nylon, Polyester or Kevlar tire cord.

CONNECTIONS

Duct joints can be slip-ons retained by lightweight or heavy banding. Most of them are flanged, and we work to your requirements. We can supply the steel backup frames or individual pieces in A-36 carbon steel, any of the stainless steels, aluminum or monel as required. A-36 is normally painted, but can be dry galvanized, electro-plated or hot-dipped galvanized.

LINERS

When temperatures are very high or the gases contain particle concentrations that tend to build up, carbon or stainless steel liners are often used. These liners pass through the duct connector and enter the adjacent ducting system to minimize damage and increase the service life of the duct connector.

DUCT CONNECTOR INFORMATION

We are more than pleased to build to your drawings and material selections, but by all means, let our engineers design to your specific service requirements should you need our help.  No one orders a duct connector from stock.  One we know what you need, we will prepare a drawing or send you a complete description with our quotation.

You can use this page to make as may copies as you need of the following information requirement section.  Just fill out the blanks if you do not have your own drawing and specification for us to bid on.

Description of Gas: (i.e. Air, Methane, Flue, etc.) ______________________________________ All pressures and dimensions can be described in Standard American, British or Metric terminology. Please indicate units. Temperature Range: min ________________ max________________ Pressure: min ________________ max________________ Vacuum: min _________________ max_________________ Maximum Motion: Extension: min _________________ max_________________ Compression: min _________________ max_________________ Transverse: min _________________ max_________________ Face to Face Dimension: min _________________ max_________________ Duct Dimensions or Description: ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Flange or Slipover Sleeve Description: ______________________________________ ______________________________________ If Banded or Flanged: Flange Material Carbon A36      Stainless 304       Stainless 316 Finish: Painted     Dry Galv     Electro Galv     Hotdipped Galv Rubber Material: Cover Nat Rubber    Neoprene    EPDM     Hypalon®    Butyl    Nitrile     Viton® Mercer's Recommendation Liner Nat Rubber    Neoprene    EPDM    Hypalon®     Butyl    Nitrile    Viton® Mercer's Recommendation Reinforcement Material: Nylon     Polyester     Kevlar      Mercer's Recommendation Stainless Steel Internal Sleeve: Yes     No