Selecting the right ducting is essential for ensuring efficiency, safety and performance in any air movement, extraction or ventilation system. Whether you work in manufacturing, HVAC, woodworking or another industrial sector, choosing the correct ducting can prevent system failures, cut maintenance costs and improve overall productivity.
One of the most widely used solutions across UK industries today is flexible ducting. Thanks to its versatility and ease of installation, it remains a preferred choice, but it’s not the only option. This guide walks you through the key considerations, the different types of ducting, and how to choose the best solution for your specific application.
What Is Flexible Ducting?
Flexible ducting is a lightweight, bendable type of duct used to transport air, fumes, dust, materials or gases from one point to another. It is often constructed from materials such as PVC, polyurethane (PU), aluminium, rubber or fabric, and may include reinforced spirals for added structural support.
Key features of flexible ducting:
- Easily manoeuvrable, even in tight spaces
- Simple to install and replace
- Compatible with both temporary and permanent systems
- Suitable for straight runs, bends and variable routing
- Available in a wide range of diameters and materials
Because of its adaptability, flexible ducting is widely used across HVAC systems, fume extraction setups, dust extraction machinery, vehicle exhaust and more.
Understanding the Different Types of Ducting
To choose the right ducting, it’s essential to understand the main types of ducting available:
Flexible Ducting
- Best for: tight spaces, temporary systems, vibration-prone machinery
- Pros: easy to install, highly adaptable, cost-effective
- Cons: not as durable as rigid ducting in harsh environments
Rigid Ducting
- Best for: permanent installations, high-pressure applications, long duct runs
- Pros: durable, stable airflow, lower resistance
- Cons: more difficult to install, limited flexibility
Semi-Rigid Ducting
- Best for: ventilation systems requiring both strength and flexibility
- Pros: good airflow performance, easier installation than rigid ducting
- Cons: less flexible than fully flexible options
Each duct type has a role to play, and your choice depends entirely on your application’s demands.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Ducting
Ducting is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are the most important considerations when selecting the right product.
Application Requirements
Determine what the duct will be handling:
- Clean air
- Dust or debris
- Fumes or chemicals
- High-temperature air
- Granular or abrasive materials
Each application requires specific duct materials and construction.
Temperature Resistance
Some ducting needs to withstand extreme heat or cold:
- Aluminium and high-temperature fabrics are ideal for hot air movement
- PVC and PU options perform well in standard environments
Always verify the temperature rating before purchasing.
Chemical Compatibility
Industries handling solvents, vapours or corrosive materials require chemically resistant ducting. Look for ducting made from:
- Rubber
- Neoprene
- PTFE-coated fabrics
Chemical resistance is critical for safety and compliance.
Abrasion Resistance
For dust, sawdust, granules or abrasive particles, abrasion resistant flexible ducting such as PU hoses is essential. These are reinforced to prevent wear and extend service life.
Airflow and Pressure Requirements
High-pressure systems may require rigid or reinforced ducting to prevent collapse. Consider:
- Internal diameter
- Air velocity
- Static pressure
Correct sizing ensures efficient performance and reduces energy waste.
Flexibility and Installation Needs
Flexible ducting is ideal where:
- Space is limited
- Frequent adjustments are required
- Machinery vibrates or moves
Rigid ducting is preferred for stable, long-term installations.
Safety Standards and Compliance
When sourcing industrial ducting UK, ensure compliance with relevant UK and EU regulations. Look for:
- Fire resistant duct materials
- Antistatic properties
- ATEX-rated ducting for explosive environments
These standards are crucial for maintaining a safe working environment.
Best Ducting for Extraction Systems
Extraction systems require robust ducting designed to handle specific pollutants. The best ducting for extraction will vary depending on the material being removed.
Dust extraction:
- PU flexible ducting is ideal
- Offers superior abrasion resistance
- Suitable for woodworking, manufacturing and construction
Fume extraction:
- PVC or rubber ducting
- Heat resistant and chemical tolerant
- Common in welding or chemical applications
HVAC extraction:
- Aluminium or insulated flexible ducts
- Provide stable airflow and reduce heat loss
Industrial extraction:
- Reinforced high temperature ducts
- Designed for long lasting performance in demanding environments
Always choose ducting specifically engineered for the type of extraction your system performs.
Flexible Ducting vs Rigid Ducting: Which Is Best?
|
Feature |
Flexible Ducting |
Rigid Ducting |
|
Installation |
Easy |
More complex |
|
Flexibility |
Excellent |
Limited |
|
Durability |
Moderate |
High |
|
Airflow |
Good |
Excellent |
|
Cost |
Low to Medium |
Medium to High |
Choose flexible ducting when:
- Space is restricted
- You need quick installation
- The system has multiple bends
Choose rigid ducting when:
- You need maximum efficiency
- The system is permanent
- Air pressure is high
Often, a combination of both is the ideal setup.
Applications Across UK Industries
In the UK, ducting is used across a wide range of industries. Industrial ducting UK applications include:
- Manufacturing: dust, fumes and material extraction
- Food processing: clean air movement and temperature control
- Automotive: exhaust extraction and ventilation
- Woodworking: dust extraction systems
- HVAC: heating and cooling systems
- Chemical and pharmaceutical: hazardous fume extraction
- Construction: portable ventilation and dust removal
Each industry requires tailored ducting solutions that meet safety, performance and regulatory standards.
How to Measure and Specify Your Ducting
Follow these steps to ensure a correct fit:
Measure the diameter of your existing connectors or ducting
Determine the required length taking bends and routing into account
Calculate airflow requirements (CFM, static pressure, application type)
Choose the right material based on heat, chemicals, abrasion and environment
Check reinforcement needs, such as steel wire or additional layers
Incorrect specifications can reduce system efficiency or cause premature failure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Follow these steps to ensure a correct fit:
- Choosing ducting without checking temperature ratings
- Using non abrasion resistant ducting for dust applications
- Selecting ducting incompatible with chemicals or fumes
- Buying the wrong diameter or wall thickness
- Overusing flexible ducting where rigid options are needed
Avoiding these mistakes saves time, money and maintenance efforts.
Expert Ducting Solutions from IntegraFlex
Choosing the correct ducting is essential for keeping your system efficient, compliant and cost-effective. At IntegraFlex, we specialise in high performance flexible ducting, extraction hoses and industrial ducting solutions designed for demanding environments across the UK.
Whether you need support selecting the best ducting for extraction, abrasion resistant hoses for manufacturing, or temperature resistant ducting for HVAC or fume control, our technical team is here to help.
Contact IntegraFlex today to speak with our specialists and ensure you install the right ducting first time, every time.