Ventilation (Air)
System Name
Define a Name for your system to easily identify it within the project.
Fluid
Specify the type of Fluid running through the system, such as Air.
The fluid type affects the sizing calculations.
Temperature
Set the default Temperature for the air, which impacts pressure calculations.
Color
Assign a Color to the system for clear visual identification within the design layout.
Default Pipe (Duct) Height
Define the Default Height of ducts above the floor level.
This will make drawing the system easier, as the duct will default to your preferred height rather than you needing to enter it each time.
Risers, Mains, Branches, Connections
Define the specific parameters for each duct segment type:
Risers: Vertical sections that connect floors or levels.
Mains: Primary horizontal ducts supplying air to large areas.
Branches: Ducts distributing air from mains to smaller parts of the system.
Connections: The final connection between the ducts and the air terminals.
The reason for having multiple settings for ducts is that you can draw your layout using these different options.
Maximum Velocity
Set the Maximum Velocity for air in the ducts.
This will not be exceeded unless overridden on a specific component in the design.
Maximum Pressure Drop
Set the Maximum Pressure Drop for air in the ducts.
This will not be exceeded unless overridden on a specific component in the design.
Materials
Select the Material for the pipes in the system, such as Steel, Semi Rigid, PVC, etc.
Spare Capacity
Add a percentage for Spare Capacity to the calculations.
Including Spare Capacity provides a buffer for unforeseen conditions (e.g., 10% additional capacity) and is added directly onto your calculated flow rate.
Duct Shape
Select between Circular or Rectangular duct shapes.
This choice affects dimensions, fittings, and pressure loss characteristics throughout the system.
Sizing Mode
Choose how duct sizes are calculated:
Recommended Sizes Only: Uses standard sizes from the catalog
Step Increment: Allows sizing in set increments (e.g., 50 mm/2 inches).
Unrestricted: Provides the exact calculated size, which may not correspond to real-world duct sizes
Min. Duct Diameter
Sets the Minimum Allowable Diameter for circular ducts.
Duct sizes never fall below this specified value.
Min. Duct Width
Specifies the Minimum Width for rectangular ducts.
Duct widths never fall below this specified value.
Min. Duct Width (Height)
Defines the Minimum Height for rectangular ducts.
Duct heights never fall below this specified value.
Rectangle W/H Ratio
Sets the Width-to-Height Ratio for rectangular ducts.
For instance, a 2:1 ratio will aim for ducts twice as wide as they are high.
Smooth Elbow R/D Ratio
Sets the ratio of radius to diameter for smooth elbows.
Larger R/D ratios reduce pressure drop by allowing smoother airflow.
Circular Elbows
Selects the type of elbow for circular ducts, including Square, Round, or Smooth options.
Smoother options reduce pressure drop.
Rectangular Elbows
Choose between Square, Square with Vanes, Smooth , or Smooth with Vanes.
Smoother elbows and vanes lower pressure drop.
Elbow Vanes
Specifies the number of Vanes in elbows.
More Vanes reduce turbulence and pressure drop.
Tees: Rect Main to Rect Branch
Choose from Square, Shoe, and Bell duct fittings.
Each affects pressure drops differently based on the transition from a rectangular duct main to a rectangular duct branch.
Tees: Rect Main to Circle Branch
Choose from Square, Shoe, and Bell duct fittings.
Each affects pressure drops differently based on the transition from a rectangular duct main to a circular duct branch.
Tees: Circle Main to Circle Branch
Choose from Square, Shoe, and Bell duct fittings.
Each affects pressure drops differently based on the transition from a circular duct main to a circular duct branch.
Branch Transition Angle
Sets the Angle at which branches connect to the main duct.
Shallower angles reduce pressure drop.
Symmetrical Tees: Rect Main
The only available option is Square.
Symmetrical Tees: Circ. Main
Choose from Square, Y-branch, or Y-piece for circular duct fittings with symmetrical tees.
Each affects pressure drops differently based on the transition fitting selected.