We are proud to announce that Ductus, ALP Australia and Gripple, have partnered together for the first time in Pre-insulated duct history to have a seismic test preformed and evaluated by independent engineering group Acronem.

Koolduct Solutions; an approved fabricator of Ductus has used the ALP guide lines and fabricated the specimen required, a special thanks to the boys out there.

The results have surpassed expectations. “This is only the beginning of a long road, but it shows validation for ALP duct in heavy seismic areas would be an advantage to the building, from its strength, to is light weight characteristic,
it is a must for all applications.” – Jim Malek MD

**A full report is available upon request.

Why go Seismic? Seismic requirements in both New Zealand and Australia are becoming increasingly popular in the construction sector.

As Earthquakes become increasingly problematic in the Islands of New Zealand; New Zealand has enforced some tight regulations and commitments in ensuring its peoples safety, these regulations are outlined in the NZ building codes.

The Building Code sets out the performance standards that all building work must meet.  These requirements are described in several clauses, such as B1 Structure, B2 Durability, C6 Structural stability, E2 External moisture and many others. Acceptable Solutions (AS) and Verification Methods (VM) provide ways to comply with the performance requirements of a particular clause of the Building Code. The Building Code requirements for B1 Structure require all building elements to have a low probability of failure when exposed to loads likely to be experienced within the building’s usable life. Several Building Code supporting documents help to meet this requirement.

Which one to use depends on the restraint requirements of the building element in question, air-conditioning duct subject to seismic loads is covered by NZS 4219:2009.  The most common way for air-conditioning duct systems to meet the requirements of clause B1 Structure is to use Verification Method B1/VM1. This cites NZS 4219:2009 Seismic performance of engineering systems in buildings which contains prescriptive, specific and non-specific engineering design options for restraining a variety of engineering systems. This is subject to B1/VM1 clause 13.0 specified modifications applicable to the Canterbury earthquake region.  The objective of NZS 4219:2009 is to safeguard people from injury and to minimise damage by preventing failure of engineering systems when subject to earthquake actions. The standard provides requirements for the design of engineering systems in buildings to achieve the seismic performance. Criteria for seismic performance relate to a building’s function and engineering system type. It addresses restraint systems, flexibility to cater for differential movement and clearance to avoid adverse interactions resulting from differential movement where appropriate. The provisions of NZS 4219:2009 may be used for services in new or existing buildings and for the retrofitting of engineering systems into existing buildings.

ALP wins INNOVATION AWARD for ALPactive.

The Italian company has been awarded the INNOVATION AWARD 2008 for “ALPactive” patent, the only natural silver-base antimicrobial technology applied to HVAC ductwork (it is also lightweight, pre-insulated rigid duct) and approved by the Italian Ministry of Health.

ALPACTIVE Ductwork’s compliance with VDI 6022 - “Hygiene Requirements for Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems”

First in the industry, once again, ALP has set another quality standard: the VDI hygienic certification for the Pre-Insulated Ductwork.  This is the first real certification that confirms the suitability of a ductwork to maintain the hygiene requirements according to one of the most severe international standards ever: the German VDI 6022.  

Furthermore, this certification achieved by ALP represents an absolute innovation in the field of pre-insulated ductwork because this is the first certification made on a “finished pre-insulated ductwork”, and not on a “sandwich panel”.  This means that from now on, Consultants and Designers will have finally the possibility to specify in their projects the use of a “certified ductwork”, and not just mentioning the characteristics of the panel of which the duct is made.   An important and valuable indication to protect the professionals and the investors.  This Hygiene Certification comes in addition to the standard “10-year Warranty” that ALP, the only pre-insulated ducting system manufacturer in the world, releases on its ALPACTIVE “ANTIMICROBIAL” ductwork.

This is an exciting new certification which backs up the quality of the ALP pre-insulated lightweight rigid duct solution; combine this with the Ductus fabricators there is no other product that can come close.

About VDI 6022 

The VDI 6022 – 06/2014 standard refers to:

Ventilation and Indoor-Air Quality - Hygiene requirements for ventilation and air-conditioning systems and units - Requirements for underground components (VDI Ventilation Code of Practice)

This standard describes how hygiene can be ensured in HVAC systems.   It defines hygiene related constructional, technical and organisational requirements for ventilation- and air-conditioning systems, by mentioning concrete total numbers of hygienic parameters which must be fulfilled.

The VDI 6022 is a German standard specifically drafted for Healthcare projects, but it is considered a good guideline for Food and Pharmaceutical Industries projects.

Being a valuable “hygiene standard” the VDI 6022 has been taken as a base by other international organisations and institutions in drafting their own “hygienic” standards.

Ductus as a company is only coming onto 12 months however this has not prevented the quick growth for distribution of the lightweight pre-insulated duct that Ductus offer.  Supplying an “Evolution of Air” that creates a comfortable and healthy environment for people has been a breath of fresh air for many organisations waiting for this evolution to be readily available in Australian and New Zealand.

Using only trained fabricators ensures the system is fabricated correctly allowing efficiency and longevity of installations.  The director (Jim Malek) of Ductus has had over 15 years of experience across the world working with ducting products and believes that the ALP products Ductus supply are the world's leading solutions for pre-insulated duct due to being lightweight and rigid which allows for quicker and safer installs, whilst ALP have had 40 years’ experience and have implemented the solutions in over 17 000 projects across the globe.

The ALP system is an avant-garde system on all fronts: its performance makes it the ideal choice to solve both designing and installation problems. The lightweight rigid duct works particularly well in areas of high seismic activity due to the light weight characteristic options and less reliance on infrastructure to hold it in place.

New Zealand has enforced tight regulations and commitments in ensuring people's safety, these regulations are outlined in the NZ building codes. Seismic requirements in both New Zealand and Australia are becoming increasingly popular in the construction sector (see full article).

ALPactive Antimicrobial system has been used extensively throughout the world in health care and research facilities where healthy air is mandatory.  The structure and aluminium finish of the panel make the ductwork inert, therefore able to prevent the microbial proliferation on its surface. ALPactive Antimicrobial is the only technology in the world able to kill over 600 families of microorganisms.

Ductus is committed to making an impact on the industry by ensuring organisations have access to the highest quality product for the needs of the building.  This commitment will no doubt mean that Ductus will continue to grow at a rapid rate as engineers and architects demand the use of the ALP lightweight, rigid duct.

Ductus, a company committed to bringing the best of air movement products to Australia has teamed up with ALP, a global innovative leader of light weight duct systems.

ALP, an Italian based company and the forefather of Pre-Insulated Duct technology, introduced the concept to the world over 40 years ago. ALPs’ technological advancements are unmatched in innovation, quality and ducting systems all of which are now available within Australia.

With quality in mind, in an Australian first, Ductus together with ALP have accomplished a long-needed development by ISO accrediting its fabricating partners Australia wide. The ISO 9001:2008 Standard – Certified for Pre-Insulated Duct Fabricators, is now available in Australia. Pre-Insulated duct is a well-accepted concept throughout the globe with many benefits to the developer, occupant and the environment. Poor fabrication and the lack of experienced duct fabricators has left the pre-insulated duct concept stagnate within Australia.

“We want to regain the confidence of engineers in Australia by producing duct of the highest standards and quality, ensuring that from the builder to the installer to the occupier that the duct supplied will not only meet their requirements but surpass them, in both delivery and longevity” says Ductus Managing Director, Jim Malek.

Ductus and ALP enlisted an ISO certified instructor from Europe to train and certify its fabricators in the art of pre-insulated duct fabrication; ensuring that the stringent standards of the ALPsystem™ comply in both the Australian duct standards of AS4254.1 and with ALPs outlined fabrication requirements according to EN13403 standards of pre-insulated duct systems.

"Quality Air Equipment have been manufacturing and supplying quality air conditioning components to the Australian and Global markets for almost two decades. When we were introduced to ALP products, we were impressed with the quality and the product range available to fulfil the  equirements for a full duct system. ALP’s complete package meets all the harsh requirements of the Australian environment and along with the substantial amount of testing and the thousands of jobs globally, we are sure we have the right partners.

– Paul Podetti, Sales director at QAE"

The ISO 9001:2008 Standard – Certified for Pre-Insulated Duct Fabricators, has just completed its first course in Australia and awarded its 8 strategically placed fabricators around the country, a diploma of pre-insulated duct fabrication.

“This is an Australian first. It ensures that regardless of which state the ALPsystem is manufactured in, it will be manufactured to a set standard that has been approved by ISO 9001:2008 and will comply with the requirements of the manufacturer ensuring a sound complete system,” says Malek.

With its low profile and high thermal ability, its light weight nature and its ability to be used in high pressure situations with low leakage results, ALP makes it an easy choice for specifiers.

ALP has a range of innovative duct products to suit almost every application, including a fully certified outdoor product without any additional wrappings; its patented medical grade active Zoolite™ technology internal facing for eliminating 99.96% of microbes ideal for OT’s, clean rooms and high traffic areas; a treated pure aluminium facing that can withstand harsh chemicals, ideal for swimming pool applications, while being up to 85% lighter than traditional systems.

The overall installation of the ALPsystem reduces the cost of the entire building when done correctly. Not only does it lessen the weight of the roof structure, it increases the footprint and reduces installation costs. There are many more applications and advantages that make this the system of choice.

Ductus has a list of ISO accredited fabricators that can be found on its web site.

Ductus pronounced “dook-tuus” the Latin for duct. Our motto is “The Evolution of Air”.

“We aim to change the way air movement is perceived in Australia. We are aware of the reluctance in the market with these types of technology, we understand the concerns and aim to rectify them” says Ductus Managing Director, Jim Malek.

Please download the PDF for the full Press Release

Since the conception of air movement within buildings, man has struggled to ensure that air  quality remained fresh and without contaminants.

This is no easy feat; the premises of cooling air lend its self to poor air quality. As we continue to grow our cities and live in closer quarters, we find ourselves in an ongoing battle against the microbes that are displaced through the ducting system.

Ducts particularly are the ultimate breeding ground for such pathogens! Poor maintenance and poor-upkeep compromise the whole HVAC system.

Please download the article below.

Ductus presents the first Round LWD system in the world!

ALP the forefather of Light Weight Duct (LWD) Technology, has paved the way once again . . . In a first of its kind, Ductus along with ALP introduces the new patented Round LWD system to Australasia.

ALPsystem™ or its traditional “square” light weight duct product with all its benefits and capabilities has now been adopted in a new aesthetically pleasing design of round products. ALP round SYSTEM™ has all its cousins’ square benefits and more, including:

• Up to 85% lighter than Traditional Insulated Spiral Duct

• Up to 60% quicker to install

with its patented slip joint system

• Withstanding up to 3500pa

• Complying with the AS4254.2

• Rated at 1.5% air leakage

Mr. Librizzi, Managing Director of ALP says, “It has been an exciting journey to develop this ground-breaking technology. We had to start from a concept and develop everything from the machinery, testing and the complete system accessories. We needed to provide the industry with a turnkey product. A true pre-insulated round duct has never been done before!

We are excited to be launching this product into Australia with our partners Ductus!”

Trading off the back of 30 years of industry experience   in the contracting sphere with Gaff Air, Rodger Gaff has teamed up with his son to develop one of the most sophisticated LWD manufacturing plants in the country.

“Using the leading ALP LWDS, Kool Duct Solutions has been setting benchmarks in the industry by collaborating on the seismic certification in conjunction with Gripple Systems, to develop a fabrication standard for the specific requirements of the Australian HVAC industry.

Kool Duct Solutions works with contractors in the engineering process ensuring that workflow and finished systems are in line with the characteristics of this great LWD and energy saving solution, as presented by ALP requirements,” says Rodger.

For more information about the technology and resources, please do not hesitate to contact one of our many distributors of Ductus/ALPs representative in Australia/New Zealand.

You can find more information on the Ductus website www.ductus.com.au under the media and downloads tab or contact us directly at [email protected].

New Zealand is well known for the risk of earthquakes however Australia is classified as subject to high consequence earthquake events up to a magnitude 7 with earthquakes accounting for 13 per cent of total natural disaster costs. Located on the Indo-Australian tectonic plate, which is being pushed towards the north-east, colliding with the Philippine and Pacific plates and leading to a severe build-up of stress. It is this stress that causes earthquakes across Australia.

According to research by geoscience Australia, there has been about one earthquake measuring 2.0 or greater every day in Australia for the past decade. Adelaide and Sydney are viewed as the most at risk capitals. It is estimated that insured losses caused by a Sydney quake could exceed $20 billion. 1989’s magnitude 5.6 event in Newcastle caused over $2 billion in damage.

The Australian government have recognised the potential dangers of earthquakes and have published the ‘Proposal to Amend the Earthquake Provisions of the Building Code of Australia’ in order to set standards for protection of buildings from earthquakes.

Suspended non-structural building components are critical for the proper functioning of a building, and make up a high percentage of a building’s damage in a seismic event. With these facts in mind it is crucial to ensure that buildings and assets are properly protected and will continue to operate after a seismic event to guarantee business and rental income continuity.

The requirements for seismic bracing are addressed in the National Construction Code (NCC) 2016 and the Building Code of Australia (BCA), Volume 2, Performance Requirement BP1.1 (b)(iv).

These requirements are satisfied through compliance with AS 1170.4 and depend on numerous factors including the importance level assigned to the structure in question and the probability of a seismic occurrence.

The objective of AS 1170.4 is to provide designers of structures subject to seismic events with earthquake actions and general detailing requirements. Criteria for seismic design relate to a building’s function and likely annual probability of exceedance.

Whilst AS 1170.4 outlines the bracing requirements through calculating the forces involved, seismic bracing is project specific with varying requirements and so should be addressed by a seismic specialist to ensure correct and efficient solutions.

Ductus and Gripple employed a specialist engineering firm to conduct testing and create the first pre-installed duct solution in Australia verified to resist seismic actions in accordance with the NCC.

The ALP duct solution is lightweight and incredibly strong making it perfect for use in areas of high seismic activity when installed using the ALP and Gripple specialist seismic system. This combined system has been designed to ensure compliance to AS 1170.4.

 

Gripple seismic bracing systems are used to restraint most non-structural components. When used in conjunction with the ALP system it is possible to greatly reduce the size of the braces due to the lightweight nature of this component.

You can find more information on the Ductus website www.ductus.com.au under the media and downloads tab or contact us directly at [email protected]

You can contact Gripple for AS 1170.4 compliance solutions through www.grippleaustralia.com.au

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