Vehicle Exhaust Extraction..Guide
Vehicle Exhaust Extraction..Guide
Vehicle Exhaust Extraction..Guide
Plymovent and our distributor network have the experience and knowledge
to help you work through these questions and offer a solution to almost any
application.We invite you to contact Plymovent and our authorized distributors
with any questions you have.
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Insi de th is Gui de
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G athe r Facility and USE R DE TAILS
5. How many mechanics are there vs. the number of service bays? Do you need
exhaust flow for every service bay at once?
a. Can a single hose / hose reel serve two work areas that are side by side?
8. How many fans will you need? Will a fan be provided with each hose or hose
reel? Or is a centrally located fan the better choice? Should the fan be
located inside or outside? Keep in mind that while an outside-mounted fan
reduces noise, it may be more difficult to service.
9. Determine fan start/stop options and automated fan speed controls. Proper
controls provide required ventilation where and when it is needed. This is
done with a combination of high-quality motorized dampers, pressure
transmitters and a variable frequency drive control box.
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G athe r FAcili ty an d USE R Details (Conti Nued )
Simple systems with two to five hoses could be set up with a single fan and
100% usage; larger systems will typically only have a 35-40% usage factor
and lend themselves to automated airflow controls with Plymovent DCV
fan controllers. This type of control system can handle a large number of
hoses/hose reels with a much smaller fan. Consider adding a DCV controller
and dampers to an older system, or expand an existing fan capability.
10. Tailpipe adaptors - what kind of tailpipes does the fleet have?
a. Undercarriage?
b. Rear of vehicle?
c. Underneath chassis, behind the cab?
d.Vertical Stack exhaust? (Single stack or dual stacks?)
e. Combination of these tailpipes?
f. Are tailpipes accessible?
g. What are the tailpipe diameters and shapes? Can you connect with one
standard nozzle, are multiple tailpipe adapters needed, or is a custom
solution needed?
Automotive:
An automotive repair shop typically requires 275-300 CFM through a 4 in.
hose. In most cases, automotive garages do not have excessive exhaust
temperatures, given that the exhaust must flow all the way down the
tailpipe before it gets to the hose and nozzle. This volume can also be
applied to pick-up trucks.
General Recommendation: Plymovent EG hose (350°F / 170°C
continuous - 400°F / 205°C Spike) is the typical hose used for
automotive shop conditions.
Motorcycles:
Motorcycle repair facilities typically require 600-650 CFM through a 6 in.
hose (This may be split into two five-inch legs for dual exhaust).
Note: Two cycles make twice the exhaust volume as four cycle engines.
Our recommendation is that the airflow through the hoses exceed the
exhaust volume of the vehicle. We want to ensure that our systems
properly capture both the exhaust fumes AND ambient shop air into the
hose.
This additional airflow ensures that exhaust from the engine is captured
and the additional air flow provides cooling as it mixes with the hot
exhaust fume. Too much airflow through the hose is far better than too
little.
These items should be considered when designing and laying out a Vehicle
Exhaust removal system. Plymovent experts can help you select the right
system based on your exhaust volume.
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ca l c u l atE ai rf low volu m es (Conti Nued)
Trucks:
Repair garages could include public works (DPW), department of transportation
(DOT) garages, rental fleets, delivery fleet repair, etc. These typically require 500-
550 CFM through a 5 in. hose.
General Recommendation: Plymovent EF2 or SNF-2 (550°F / 260°C
continuous, 660°F / 350°C Spike) hose is often recommended. However, diesel
engine repair shops may conduct tests that generate higher temperatures.
Engine loading for operation of the power take-off (PTO) to power hydraulic
pumps or AC unit testing can raise the temperature and volume, as the engine
is under load. It’s important to learn how much time the engines are tested
under load before determining the right hose.
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S el ec t th e Rig ht Exhaust Remova l SyST EM
Winch or Rope and Pulley systems: mounted several feet away from the
hose location, these systems are used to pull the hose up and away via two
pulleys connected to the ceiling structure. This is the less expensive option,
and while more difficult to use, they can support longer and heavier hoses
than other options.
Spring Recoil Balancer: a spring cassette pulls the hose up and away when
not in use.This is the more popular option. Hose lengths are typically 16 to 20
ft. long, but longer hoses are available.The hose’s weight and length need to be
considered when selecting the correct recoil balancer, so that it can fully lift
the exhaust hose and tailpipe adapter when not in use.
The Plymovent Fixed Extractor with Boom (FEB) system utilizes a double
articulated boom with a Fixed Extractor at the end. When mounted to a
column, the articulated boom version can cover almost a 270 degree arc
around the mounting point. In some cases, depending on where the tailpipe
is located, the swing boom can nearly cover a 360 degree arc around the
column.
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S elect the Right Exhaust re moval Syst em
( Con tiN ued)
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se lect th e prope r hose
All exhaust hoses used on these type systems require a fan to draw air
through them. Insufficient airflow through hoses can lead to hose failure.
Plymovent recommends an airflow velocity of 3500 FPM (plus/minus)
through the hose.
Managing Hig h
Type of Service
T EMPE RATUR ES Hose Temperature Range
Facility
Some high temperature hoses are actually
woven to have small holes in the fabric Automobile 300° to 350° Continuous Operation
which allow cooling air to be drawn in
through the fabric at our recommended
Diesel Truck Service 500° to 600° Continuous Operation
velocities. This provides a cooling effect to
the hose fabric. Insufficient airflows may Off-Road and
show up as black dots on the exterior of 500° to 600° Continuous Operation
Construction
the hose. 750° to 1200° if heavy load testing
Equipment
If a facility does experience hose failure, 570° to 2010° depending on type of testing
Dyno Testing
simply upgrading to a hose that can endure being conducted
higher temperatures may not solve the
problem. Compressor / 750° to 2000° depending on type of testing
Generator Testing being conducted
Insufficient airflow through a hose system
may be a key reason that hoses fail. Sharp Note: These general recommendations can be changed to suit your
bends close to the tailpipe and tailpipe particular application or the needs of your particular project.
adapter may also contribute to hose
problems.
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se l ec t An E XHAUS T FAN
The most common type of fan used in vehicle exhaust removal systems
is the centrifugal blower, built to Air Movement and Control Association
International (AMCA) Class B construction standards. These fans are
built with spark resistant materials, such as an aluminum Impeller and a
steel fan housing. Backward inclined impellers are often recommended
as they offer high efficiency.
Some manufacturers offer belt driven fans, while others offer direct
drive. There are benefits to both. Plymovent recommends that you
discuss your needs with your exhaust system manufacturer to identify
the most appropriate fan.
The fan is the heart of the system and facilities should invest in the best
fan possible.You can rely on the performance and sound listings offered
by manufacturers like Plymovent that have had their fans tested and
listed by AMCA.
Fans should be selected by how much airflow they can move at a given
resistance, rather than horsepower, RPM, inlet diameter, etc. Here are
three criteria for selecting a fan:
■■ Volume of air that the fan needs to move at the total system static
pressure resistance;
■■ Exhaust air temperatures;
■■ Elevation of your building above sea level - the higher the elevation
or temperature the less dense the air becomes; the fan size needs
to align with these measurements; this is applicable if the facility is Q. How do I determine the best fan location?
located in a mountainous area or temperature exhaust flows are
very high. A. When selecting a location for the fan keep in mind
that it may need servicing from time to time. Make
It’s worth noting that UL does not list fans. UL lists and manages electrical sure a mechanic can access the fan when needed.
devices such as motors, lights, appliances and electrical controls, but not Direct drive fans typically need less maintenance,
fan assemblies. Only the motor is UL listed. The UL symbol on a motor especially if the motor has permanently greased
is a backwards R and an U, as shown below. and sealed bearings. Belt-driven fans need periodic
maintenance for belt tightening and pillow block
lubrication.
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S el ec t A TAI LPIPE ADAPT ER
Ve rt ica l Stack Cha llenges
Most trucks are made with different stacks based on the chassis and type
of body attached to them. For example, a truck chassis used for over the
road tractors can have a different vertical stack than if that same chassis is
used for a dump truck where the dump body would cover the cab.
As you are selecting tailpipe adapters for your project, you have to inspect
your fleet.You may find that you need more than one tailpipe adapter.
For example, Plymovent offers two vertical stack adapters that come with
telescopic pole handles so they can be placed onto the vertical stack from
ground level. With a telescopic arm, the nozzle can be easily fixed to the
tail pipe using a guide bar.
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s EL EC T A FAN Starter
DCV systems may add costs at the outset of the project, but a
DCV controller can be expected to reduce ventilation, heating,
and cooling loads by 10 to 30%.
With a DCV system in place, you can
downsize the fan and ductwork based on
the total number of hoses in use, rather
than the total number of hoses on the
system. That’s because in most facilities,
not all the hoses on a system are in use at
the same time.
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Design the Ductwork Sys te m
When designing the ductwork for an exhaust removal system, remember that
you are dealing with a carcinogenic product that may be damp. Plymovent
recommends transport velocities to be as high as is practical given the
ductwork diameters which work the best.
Light duty lock seam HVAC duct and elbows should not be used. This type of
ductwork is not strong enough to handle the negative pressure the fan will
generate in these types of systems.
Plymovent does not recommend PVC piping as ductwork. Air flowing through
a pipe or duct can generate static electricity and PVC is difficult to ground.
Static electricity and flammable vapors are not a good mix.
Do not share the ducts of the vehicle exhaust system with common shafts or
ducts of other systems, such as welding exhaust systems, as the exhaust
system contains flammable vapors.
Follow the Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association
(SMACNA) guidelines for ductwork design.
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C al cu l atE Static Pressur e
Static Pressure is the resistance to airflow through all the components within the
exhaust system. This includes the hose, hose storage device, ductwork, fan and fan
exhaust stack.
For example, ductwork static pressure is figured as friction loss per 100 feet of
duct at a certain CFM. This resistance can be calculated by the design engineer or
the exhaust system specialists with which you are working. Pressure is measured
in Pascal (Pa) / Inches Water Gauge (w.g.).
Care and the manufacturers’ assistance should be sought to make sure the airflow
and static pressure is calculated correctly.
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P lymov en t of f ers tota l
s olut i on s f or ai r cl ea n i n g
F RO M SCR ATC H TO T HE R IG H T
s olut i on
Your Authorized Plymovent Distributor: Plymovent cares about the air you breathe. We offer
products, systems and services which ensure clean air at
work, anywhere in the world.
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