Professional Documents
Culture Documents
and Sizing
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................ 3
Definitions ............................................................................................................ 3
77-11421 2
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
INTRODUCTION
This section familiarizes the reader with dampers, including The information provided is general for all dampers. Selection
types, construction, performance, environment capability, and sizing of specific dampers can only be accomplished through
actuators, and linkages, and describes criteria used for proper the use of specific manufacturers documentation.
selection and sizing of dampers. Dampers are typically chosen
based on duct size and convenience of location. Rather than using Dampers in HVAC systems regulate the flow of air either by
duct size, criteria and methods are provided to select and properly modulating or two-position control. They are normally connected
size dampers which will produce desired control results. This can to actuators by linkages and operate in response to a pneumatic,
eliminate the undesirable effects of oversized dampers. electric, or electronic control signal. In theory, the application of
dampers in HVAC systems closely parallels that of control valves.
DEFINITIONS
Actuator: A device used to operate a damper or control valve Fire damper: A thermally actuated damper arranged to
in a control system. automatically restrict the passage of fire and/or heat
at a point where an opening violates the integrity of a
Baffle: An orifice placed in the duct to reduce the duct size to fire partition or floor.
the damper size.
Ideal damper system: A system with a linear relationship
Damper seals: Construction features used to minimize the between the percent open damper position and the
leakage through a damper. percent of full airflow.
Damper system: The damper plus the series resistance that Leakage: The amount of air passing through a damper with a
relates to it (e.g., duct work, mixing boxes, diffusers, given pressure drop and a given torque holding the
and coils). damper closed.
Damper: A device used to regulate the flow of air in an HVAC Opposed blade damper: A damper constructed so adjacent
system by modulating or two-position control. blades rotate opposite to each other.
Drive blade: A damper blade that is driven directly by an Parallel blade damper: A damper constructed so each blade
actuator or by a linkage, axle, or jackshaft connected rotates in the same direction as the blade next to it.
to the drive blade in an adjacent damper section.
Smoke damper: A damper arranged to control passage of
smoke through an opening or a duct.
3 77-11421
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
PARALLEL
BLADE
ACTION
M10412
C2385
77-11421 4
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
THRUST
BLADE WASHER
EDGE
BLADE
AXLE
SNAP-ON SEAL WORKS
WITH COMPRESSION
AND/OR AIR PRESSURE
C2387
BEARING
Fig. 5. Snap-On Blade Edge Seal.
DAMPER SIDE
FRAME SEAL C2389
C2388 REINFORCER
LOW C2396
HIGH PRESSURE
PRESSURE SIDE
SIDE DAMPER Fig. 9. Reinforced Standard Damper Blade.
BLADE C2386
5 77-11421
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
In a low leakage damper, materials for the seals are selected application requirements. For example, Classes I and II are
based on the temperature of the air being controlled. Standard appropriate for mixed air dampers on systems having return
seals can be upgraded to withstand higher temperatures by using fans. Classes II and III are appropriate for zone dampers where
a more heat resistant material. An example would be changing more leakage is acceptable. Classes III and IV are applicable
a blade edge seal from neoprene to silicone rubber. to dampers that always modulate, such as in stairwell
pressurization systems.
When duct static pressure is relatively low but leakage must
be minimal, a low leakage damper with reduced static pressure
ratings may be used. Generally, as the strength of a given damper FIRE DAMPERS
increases, velocity and static pressure drop capabilities increase.
Fire dampers are used in HVAC systems to prevent
superheated air, gases, or flames from crossing a fire barrier
SMOKE DAMPERS through an air duct. Fire dampers are usually not used in
modulating airflow control applications and are designed for
Any damper that controls airflow is capable of controlling extreme operating environments. Fire dampers are rated in hours
smoke. In order to apply dampers to smoke control systems of exposure in a specified test environment. Construction and
properly, UL 555S, Standard for Leakage Rated Dampers for performance of fire dampers (Fig. 11 and 12) is governed by
Use in Smoke Control Systems, provides classification based UL Standard 555.
on leakage, differential pressure across the damper, maximum
velocity when the damper is fully open, temperature, and
damper size. This classification includes the specific actuator
used. See Table 1 for leakage classifications.
A = Overall damper size in the direction of the Fig. 11. Wall/Partition Fire Damper.
blade length.
B = Overall damper size perpendicular to the blade
length.
77-11421 6
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
M10410
M10417
7 77-11421
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
BAFFLE
Performance characteristics for low leakage dampers differ
from standard dampers. Figure 19 shows typical pressure drop/
M10418
leakage rating relationship for low leakage dampers. Specific
Fig. 16. Baffle Inside Duct Surrounds Damper. leakage ratings for horizontal (A) and vertical (B) damper
dimensions are listed and the torque required has been increased
to a flat value for any single section to accommodate light
TYPICAL DAMPER CONSTRUCTION compression blade edge seals.
Figure 17 shows construction of an opposed blade damper Using the leakage ratings in Figure 19, the leakage of the
with linkage. A parallel blade damper is essentially identical two dampers in the previous example at 1.0 in. wc is:
except for placement of blade linkage and rotation direction of
alternate blades. Higher leakage dampers have either no blade 12 in. (A) + 48 in. (B) = 2 cfm + 43 cfm
side seals or less effective sealing elements, e.g., adhesive- = 45 cfm
backed cellular foam strips.
If the A and B dimensions are reversed, the leakage is as follows:
77-11421 8
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
TRUNION
BEARING
LINKAGE
ARM
HORIZONTAL
FRAME MEMBER
DAMPER BLADE
LINKAGE SIDE
ROD SEAL
BLADE
DUAL AXLE
LINKAGE ARM
DRIVE
AXLE
LINKAGE ARM
THRUST
AXLE SCREWS WASHER
AXLE BEARING
VERTICAL
M10436
FRAME MEMBER
90 A 15
ST IC
AT
B-DIMENSION LEAKAGE SCFM
A DIMENSION B DIMENSION
DAMPER SIZE IN INCHES
TOTAL LEAKAGE =
B-DIMENSION LEAKAGE + A-DIMENSION LEAKAGE
WHERE:
A-DIMENSION = OUTSIDE DIMENSION PARALLEL TO
THE DAMPER BLADES
B-DIMENSION = OUTSIDE DIMENSION PERPENDICULAR
TO THE DAMPER BLADES
M10419
9 77-11421
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
The maximum operating temperature of control dampers is Most HVAC system requirements can be met using standard
the maximum temperature at which they will function normally. dampers from major manufacturers. Many manufacturers also
Increased temperature ratings on dampers indicate that bearings build custom dampers with special features to satisfy particular
and seals are constructed of heat resistant materials. Stated application requirements. Custom features or modifications
temperature limits apply to the operating life that would be include blade reinforcement, heavy duty linkage, bearings, axles
expected under normal ambient conditions. and frames, special seals, and construction or finish of corrosion
resistant materials. The application must be carefully examined
to ensure job requirements are met. Some of these special
PRESSURE RATINGS features add significantly to the cost of the damper so they
should be furnished only when needed.
The pressure rating of a control damper is the maximum static
pressure differential which may be applied across the assembly
when the blades are closed. Excessive leakage (caused by VELOCITY
deflection of blades) and abnormally high operating torque (due
to forces on blades, and loads on bearings and linkages) can As the velocity in a system increases, dampers in the system
result from high differential pressure. In extreme cases, physical encounter higher forces. The impact pressure of the air
damage to the dampers could occur. Typical ratings are stated movement increases the bending force on the damper blades
in Table 2. and the airflow over the damper blades may cause a torque or
77-11421 10
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
twist on the blades. Because the blade profile of conventional All aluminum or all stainless steel construction is preferred
sheet metal dampers is not streamlined, the stresses imposed in many cases. Optionally, protective finishes are available. The
on the damper blades due to air movement are dynamic in nature requirement for corrosion resistant dampers usually necessitates
rather than static. To strengthen the damper blades, the gage of a custom built damper.
metal and the number and depth of longitudinal bends can be
increased or reinforcing plates can be spot welded to the blade
to increase the blade cross-section. Strengthened dampers also TURBULENCE
require heavy duty linkage, bearings, and frame. The dynamic
and static stresses and linkage and bearing loads all mean that The flow of air in an air handling system is turbulent.
large actuators are needed. Excessive turbulence or pulsations can have the same effects
on dampers as increasing air velocity. There is a direct
relationship between air velocity and the turbulence caused by
STATIC PRESSURE airflow through a damper. The effects of moderate turbulence
can be noticed on dampers located near abrupt duct transitions
The maximum static pressure that an air handling system can or near elbows without turning vanes. Effects of severe
develop across a damper occurs when the damper is fully closed. turbulence, capable of destroying a damper, can be noticed on
As the damper opens, system airflow increases and a portion of dampers located in close proximity to a fan. A damper located
the total pressure is converted to velocity pressure and the forces near the discharge of a fan should be inspected during actual
on the damper become more dynamic than static. It is important operation over a full range of positions (from full open to full
to determine the maximum possible static pressure in normal closed) to be certain no severe vibration occurs (due to the
operation and to consider this when selecting dampers. damper being in resonance with a frequency generated by the
fan blades). If the damper encounters severe vibration, the
vibration may be decreased by adding stiffening members to
TEMPERATURE the damper blades, extra damper linkage, or additional actuators.
The preferred method for preventing these damper problems is
Some dampers are capable of satisfactory operation in the initial selection of a location with minimal turbulence. However,
temperature range of 40 to 400F, primarily to meet high if high turbulence cannot be avoided, a custom heavy duty
temperature requirements. A maximum temperature rating of damper may be required.
200F is usually satisfactory for HVAC use. The specific
temperature range for a given damper can be found in the
manufacturer specifications. NUCLEAR/SEISMIC APPLICATIONS
11 77-11421
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
when either no control signal is applied or power to the actuator POSITIVE POSITIONERS
is lost. The damper blades will open in a normally open
application. Selection is based on the desired damper position Some actuators are equipped with position-sensing feedback
when power or air is removed from the actuator. controls or circuits that are called positive-positioners. The
feedback system senses the actuator position, whether rotation
or stroke, and compares it to the position dictated by the control
ACTUATOR MOUNTING ALTERNATIVES signal (input). If some outside force (e.g., friction or torque on
damper blades) disturbs the actuator position, the feedback
Actuators can be installed externally (outside a duct) or mechanism causes the actuator to correct its position. It also
internally (inside a duct). See Figures 20 and 21. minimizes any effect of hysteresis inherent in the actuator. It is
not recommended to use more than one positive positioner per
bank of dampers (multiple sections connected together).
MULTIPLE ACTUATORS
M10420
M10421
77-11421 12
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
A jackshaft allows a single actuator to drive adjacent vertical One method of selecting actuators for damper applications
sections of a multiple section damper assembly with evenly is based on the number of square feet of damper to be positioned
distributed force (Fig. 23). It provides adjustability and uniform related to a specific actuator. This data is usually provided in
synchronized section-to-section operation. tabular form in the manufacturer specifications and is valid for
specified static pressure and velocity levels only.
JACKSHAFT
C2390
DAMPER SIZING
Dampers are typically chosen based on duct size and Figure 24 shows a typical control loop for a damper system.
convenience of location. However, selection by these criteria The thermostat in the space contains the sensing element and
frequently results in oversized dampers which produce controller. The difference between the control point and setpoint
undesirable system control results. Proper selection and sizing determines the correction signal from the controller. The
of dampers provides the following benefits: controller directs the actuator to open or close the damper. The
Lower installation cost because damper sizes are smaller. position of the damper determines the volume of the air flowing
In addition, smaller actuators or a fewer number of them and ultimately the temperature of the space.
are required.
Reduced energy costs because smaller damper size allows
less overall leakage.
Improved control characteristics (rangeability) because
the ratio of total damper flow to minimum controllable DAMPER
flow is increased.
ACTUATOR
Improved operating characteristics (linearity).
SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS
The damper system consists of the damper plus the series Fig. 24. Control Loop for a Damper System.
resistance that relates to that particular damper (e.g., duct work,
mixing boxes, diffusers, and coils).
13 77-11421
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
RAIN
LOUVER
MODIFIED BY
60 SERIES
RESISTANCE
40
INHERENT INHERENT
OPPOSED BLADE DAMPER
20 DAMPER CURVE CHARACTERISTIC
0
0 0 % DAMPER OPENING 100 C1492
0 20 40 60 80 100
% DAMPER OPENING C1491
Fig. 25. Parallel versus Opposed Blade Damper Fig. 28. Installed versus Inherent Airflow
Inherent Airflow Characteristic Curves Characteristics for a Damper.
at Constant Pressure Drop.
77-11421 14
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
or total resistance
= 1
damper resistance
% FULL AIRFLOW
20 10 5 3 2 1
For parallel blade dampers:
INHERENT 100
CHARACTERISTIC 2.5 = 1
damper resistance
or
0
29
0 % DAMPER OPENING 100 C1498 = 41% of series resistance
100 29
To achieve performance closest to the ideal linear flow DETERMINING DAMPER SIZE
characteristic, a characteristic ratio of 2.5 for parallel blade
dampers (Fig. 29) and 10 for opposed blade dampers (Fig. 30) The desired relationship of damper resistance to series
should be used. The percent of the total resistance needed by resistance developed in DAMPER CHARACTERISTICS is
the damper can be determined by: used to determine the desired damper pressure drop. This
pressure drop is then used in the damper sizing procedure in
Total resistance (100%) = damper resistance + series Table 4.
Characteristic ratio resistance
series resistance For example, for a 36 by 64 in. (2304 in2) duct with an
(Fig. 29 and 30) =
damper resistance airflow of 20,000 cfm and a pressure drop of 0.06 across a
parallel blade damper, determined the damper size as shown
Substituting (total resistance damper resistance) in Table 5.
for series resistance:
15 77-11421
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
106
Correction factor =
[Approach velocity (fpm)] 2
3 Calculate the pressure drop at 1000 fpm:
Pressure drop at 1000 fpm = Pressure drop at approach velocity x correction factor (Step 2)
4 Calculate free area ratioa :
For pressure drops (Step 3) 0.23:
Ratio = [1 + (21.3265 x pressure drop)]0.3903
For pressure drops (Step 3) < 0.23:
Ratio = [1 + (79.7448 x pressure drop)]0.2340
5 Calculate damper area (in 2):
For parallel blade dampers:
Duct area (in 2) x ratio 0.9085
Damper area (in 2) = ( 0.37 )
For opposed blade dampers:
Duct area (in 2) x ratio 0.9217
Damper area (in 2) = ( 0.3810 )
a The free area of a damper is the open portion of the damper through which air flows. The free area ratio is the open area
in a damper divided by the total duct area.
77-11421 16
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
A damper size of 36 by 58 in. (2088 in2) would be selected OVERSIZED PARALLEL BALDE
DAMPER CURVE
for this application since, 36 in. is the largest damper dimension 100
which will fit in the 36 in. width of the duct. OVERSIZED
OPPOSED BLADE LINER
DAMPER (IDEAL)
CURVE CURVE
% FULL AIRFLOW
INHERENT
CONSIDERATIONS PARALLEL
BLADE
DAMPER
CURVE
TWO-POSITION CONTROL
INHERENT
OPPOSED
1. Typically, duct size parallel blade dampers are selected BLADE
as they present a lower pressure drop compared to DAMPER
CURVE
opposed blade dampers of equal size. 0
2. Check that the damper meets maximum velocity, 0 % DAMPER OPENING 100
C1493
17 77-11421
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
77-11421 18
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
DAMPER APPLICATIONS
The Table 8 indicates the damper types typically used in
V
common control applications. RA
EA
19 77-11421
DAMPER SELECTION AND SIZING
OA BYPASS
AIR FLOW
POINTS OF CONSTANT PRESSURE
OUTDOOR MIXED
AIR AIR
C2392
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