Ruskin's Mira Loma, California plant is now manufacturing industrial control dampers! This expansion of manufacturing capability will increase Ruskin's ability to meet demand for industrial products in the western United States.
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Over the past several years, enactment of Clean Air regulations has resulted in an increasing demand for incineration systems. Incineration systems destroy volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are produced during the manufacturing process so that they are removed from the exhausting airflow to the atmosphere. These incineration systems, (for example, thermal oxidizers) must function efficiently in order to meet the guidelines of Clean Air regulations. An integral feature of these incinerators is the diverter dampers that are used to direct the process airflow to and from the incinerators.
This is where Ruskin's new PDR20 Poppet Damper steps in. In order to attain the highest VOC destruction efficiency, certain incinerator systems will have fast-acting diverter dampers incorporated into their design. These dampers must open and close almost instantaneously while providing a tight shutoff.
The Ruskin PDR20:
Is ideal for applications that require rapid cycling times & tight shutoff.
Can be ...
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Fire and Smoke TestingIf dampers are expected to control smoke and air, it should be specified in the project's design by indicating the leakage amount allowed to pass through. Historically, Underwriters Laboratories 555S or Air Movement and Control Association laboratory methods are used to determine test procedures and leakage requirements.
Fan isolation or equipment room dampers generally require the National Fire Protection Agency exposure test. In addition, TVCDs could require fire ratings because they might be located inside equipment rooms with combustible items.
Generally, fire ratings are to be tested in accordance with British Standard 476-pt 20 fire tests for building structures and material. Dampers rated by British standards have shorter blade lengths and are built differently than NFPA qualifiers. British standard requirements limit gap or see-through during fire tests, caused by blade sag, frame deformation and blade rotation.
he longer the blades on TVCDs, the more mass and weight nee ...
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ActuationActuation is extremely important to damper reliability and performance. As requirements for elevated temperatures increase, manufacturers must search for different and creative ways to power machines. Depending on how they're tested, dampers can be actuated in various fashions, but most require a fail-position device.
Dampers switch to an open or closed fail-safe position when losing its electrical power or pneumatic air supply. This is inherent with fire rated apparatus, but may not be applicable with modulating or smoke control TVCDs.
Additionally, dampers can be fitted with many ancillary devices such as pressure switches, smoke detectors and position indicators to isolate and solve system problems.
Single actuators may power multiple sections of each damper or there may be only one per section. In either case, engineers must remember if a single actuator powering multiple sections fails, all section control is lost. This could be detrimental if the failed section supplies or exhausts a h ...
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A Question of Pressure
Finally, considering pressure transversals in mass transit rail systems is extremely important when applying TVCDs. Dampers in tunnels can be subjected to rapid pressure spikes created from high-speed trains passing in front of them. Depending on train speed, tunnel tolerances and damper location, pressures as high as 24-in, of water gage may be created as trains approach and travel away.
Over time, this aggressive movement has adverse effects on damper construction if this harsh impact wasn't considered during designing. Manufacturers should possess this data showing actual testing for these conditions and modifications should be made when needed.
Ventilation dampers play important roles in today's modern tunnel ventilation and emergency systems. When properly selected and applied, they can provide trouble-free service for many years. Today's TVCDs aren't just airflow devices but an integral part of the tunnel ventilation and emergency system function.
Tunnel ventilation systems are classified in several different ways. Since today's automotive and mass transit tunnels differ in requirements, choosing the right damper is critical.
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