Typical scenario

Kitchen extract airflow justified by the catalogue rating

If a kitchen extract calculation uses a promotional airflow rating, equipment adequacy may be disputed. Suppose the duct has bends and transitions, but the calculation uses only its diameter, omits resistance and treats free-air delivery as installed airflow.

What needs to be clarified

Review inputs, system resistance and the fan operating point, separating catalogue performance from predicted installed airflow.

Materials to prepare

  • Calculation with formulas, units and input table
  • Duct plan with lengths, transitions, grille and damper
  • Fan curve and make-up air information

What to compare

Reconstruct straight-duct and fitting losses, checking units and assumed velocities. Compare the system curve with the fan curve at the selected setting. Include the filter and available make-up air; compare any measured airflow only under the same system configuration.

Possible outcome of the analysis

A checking table and operating-point graph may identify justified corrections; unknown configuration requires a calculation range and specified field airflow measurements.

Limits of the conclusions

A free-air rating does not equal duct airflow. Arithmetic review cannot confirm duct airtightness, filter condition or adequate make-up air.

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