Abrasives Transport Using Flexible Ducting

A common use for flexible ducting of all sizes is the transporting of what are known as “abrasives.” Abrasives are solid materials (as opposed to fumes or liquids), and can theoretically come from any source. Due to the obvious prevalence of abrasives in almost all areas of industry, it should come as no surprise that duct hoses designed to deal with abrasives are among the most common type of flexible ductwork in existence..

Some of the most common types of abrasives that would typically be transported via a duct hose are leaves, wood chips, sawdust, aluminum shavings, and dust. Wood dust is a very fine particulate that can be harmful to human health, especially when inhaled. This is why wood dust collection is a common need for both residential and commercial areas. From professional carpenters to hobbyist woodworkers, wood dust collection is essential in all areas where the sawing, shaping, and detailing of wood are present.

Wood dust becomes a potential health problem when wood particles from processes such as sanding and cutting become airborne. Breathing these particles may cause allergic respiratory symptoms, mucosal and non-allergic respiratory symptoms, and cancer. Wood dust is also flammable which is another reason it is collected when produced. Wood dust is considered to be explosive if ignition of part of a cloud of wood dust results in the propagation of flame. The vigor of flame propagation will vary from dust to dust and not all flammable dusts are equally explosive. The collection of wood dust in industrial settings is of utmost importance!

The use of flexible ducting as agricultural hose is understandably widespread as well. Grain silos and barns throughout the nation rely on ducting as means of transporting and storing grain, cereals, and feed; all of which count as abrasives capable of wearing lesser ducting down. However, perhaps the most widespread use for abrasive duct hoses is refuse collecting (otherwise known as vacuuming).

Car vacuum hose ducting, vacuum cleaner hose ductwork, and wet vac hose pipes are three specific types of residential/light-commercial vacuuming piping that most consumers will be familiar with. Leaf vacuum hose piping is a third type of residential ducting for dealing with abrasives (“leaf blowers” being the primary application in which the leaf vacuum hose is incorporated). However, another type of less obvious, refuse collecting manner of flexible ducting is the street sweeper hose. Present in some form in most cities and towns throughout the United States, municipalities rely on street sweeper hose products to help absorb and store refuse, and help to maintain as clean and idyllic an urban environment as possible.

Since abrasives have the capacity to wear down and destroy the interiors of hoses, it is critical that the flexible ducting utilized for abrasives be made from materials that are designed for dealing with these damaging elements. Whether it is in the form of a street sweeper hose or piping for wood dust collection, abrasive handling hoses need to be tough, durable, and long lasting. Duct hoses made from rubber, polyurethane, and thermoplastic materials will generally be the consumer’s best bet when it comes to providing a reliable and effective means of ducting for abrasives.

All of these materials excel at resisting the damage that comes along with sucking or blowing abrasives for long periods of time. What is more, the high temperature resistance of each of these duct hose materials ensures that they can both resist large amounts of friction, as well as fitting seamlessly into stuffy, hot environments of all kinds (workshops, barns, attics, etc.) Though the price points of these materials vary with polyurethane being on the less costly end and rubber topping the list), each will function extraordinarily when it comes to handling abrasives.

It is clear that abrasive ducting is a special class of commercial ductwork. Consumers need to be aware of the limitations of some of the kinds of flexible ducting and the benefits of others, so that they can make the best decision for their individual home or workplace environments. This is why, oftentimes, it is a good idea for you – the consumer- to head to your local ducting retailer, so you can discuss with a trained associate what sort of piping fits your needs – whether those needs be limited to purely abrasives or otherwise.