Clamp Together Duct: Why, Where & When to Use It

Clamp Together Duct: Why Use It?

Clamp together duct was first introduced to the United States as a European development. Its popularity in Europe developed from the need to reduce labor cost and the facilitation of changes that surround the European passion for 'cell' manufacturing. The ease, speed and adjustability of clamp together duct allows even the unskilled to make modifications quickly.

The attraction of clamp together duct in America was, at first, largely on the part of the end-user who discovered the same benefits as the Europeans. The enthusiasm naturally and quickly spread to resellers, who, discovering that the customer liked the idea of installing and modifying it themselves, found that they could include it in their filter and/or dust collector sales. And while previously, they either 'gave' the installation portion of the sale to a 'friendly' contractor, or shied away from the ducting completely, the ease of installation of the clamp together duct now enabled them to package it with the sale. The Rep was more profitable and the customer was thrilled to save money knowing that, with clamp together duct, they could install it themselves and make modifications without calling in a contractor. Initially, this of course was seen by some contractors as a threat to their livelihood. However several factors over the last 10 years have greatly enhanced the appeal of the clamp together duct among contractors.

Most recently there have been continuous demands on contractors from many directions. Labor cost, insurance cost, and equipment cost, coupled with a dwindling trained worked force have forced many to limit their production and to seek outsourced solutions. The shift to clamp together duct was a small change in mindset for some who were already purchasing elbows and duct. For others who were involved in production it was a larger leap. Those that made the change found that they could lower their operating cost, purchase AND supply a quality product at a fixed cost with margins often higher than their own shop. The reason is simple.

Bid Specifications for Clamp Together Duct

Clamp together duct is a continuously manufactured product. It is produced in a disciplined and continuously flowing production environment. Naturally the cost will be lower than those of someone making for the 'job'. These facts combined with the design service of KB Duct, the liberal return policies AND most importantly, the fast turnaround of product has provided many a contractor with an extremely profitable program. And fast turnaround does not only mean the first order. Obviously one of the biggest concerns is additional parts once the job starts. With the efficient production afforded by the continuous flow of parts at K&B and particularly in clamp together duct, the ability to meet the customers' emergency situation is easily folded into the regular schedule. In fact, most 'emergency' requests can be fulfilled same day if requested before noon.

The bottom line is that clamp together duct is widely accepted and preferred by end users and those that sell to them and it has become a standard product, as standard as spiral or flanged duct.

Clamp Together Duct: Where and When To Use It?

Clamp together duct is applicable in virtually any dust collection system from wood to paper to chemical. And it is also used in fume and oil mist collection. Even abrasive applications can be accommodated. The standard K&B branches and fittings are fabricated from 18 gauage material as a standard and can be fabricated in up to 10 gauge. Likewise, elbows and duct can also be fabricated in 10 ga for use in such applications as sand, coal or other abrasive applications.

A wide variety of gasket materials, coupled with SS material makes it possible for K&B Duct to address even the harshest applications. The standard n-butyl rubber gasket is great for 95% of all applications, but the gasket is also available in FDA silicon which is great for food AND hi-temp applications. Viton and Goretex gasket materials address the balance of applications where standard rubbers will be 'eaten' away.

As with any product, clamp together duct has its limitations and should not be used on heavy concentrations of liquid, or for conveyance of dust under positive pressures. Such applications should use flanged duct with a gasket (also available from K&B Duct)

Bid Specifications for Clamp Together Duct