SPIDA's mission is to boost use of spiral duct
SPIDA — aka the Spiral Duct Manufacturers Association — is a nonprofit organization promoting the use of spiral-seamed round and flat-oval duct through research and education.
SPIDA offers technical assistance from many of the leading experts in the spiral duct industry, many with more than 30 years of experience. Membership provides access to the resources of professionals in commercial, industrial and residential spiral duct manufacturing and many of their key suppliers. Members are located throughout all regions of North America; the association is currently comprised of over 90 member companies and growing.
SPIDA finished off 2015 strong, with a record in membership companies, as well as a facelift to its Pipeline newsletter. In addition to the newsletter, SPIDA recently joined the social media web platform LinkedIn, to further increase its communication with the industry.
SPIDA members range from spiral duct manufacturers and suppliers to installers and more. The SPIDA board of directors and committees are comprised of volunteers, which are nominated representatives of member companies. SPIDA encourages involvement from all members, there is no need to be a board member to assist or chair a committee.
Events
SPIDA hosts two annual meetings; one of them coincides with the annual AHR Expo, and the other is typically a spring or summer conference in a new setting each year. These conferences include a membership meeting, guest speakers and educational meetings, as well as recreational events such as wine tours and boat cruises. Some of the topics that have been discussed during the conferences are:
- Characteristics and competencies of outstanding leaders
- Building information modeling (BIM)
- Proper duct cleaning and restoration
- Internally insulating spiral duct
- HVAC air system leakage
- Converting rectangular HVAC construction duct systems to spiral duct
- Improving sound performance in classrooms
The long-awaiting SPIDA-sponsored study on flat-oval ductwork is by far SPIDA’s biggest endeavour to date. All testing is complete and the data is now being prepared for reporting. Flat-oval duct is known for its minimal leakage compared with rectangular duct, as well as its ability to work within space constraints. It also provides reduced installation time due to fewer joints and seams to assemble and seal.
Historically, the data and information available on flat-oval duct has been limited; the new test data will be applicable to apply to modern design methods and applications.
The goal of the flat-oval study is to formally test spiral-seamed flat-oval duct in a laboratory setting. Testing has been carried out at the Riverside Energy Efficiency Laboratory at Texas A&M University. The result will be an in-depth and thorough report to be referenced by contractors, engineers, designers, as well as building code authorities and other HVAC trade associations. This report will allow for proper specification of flat oval duct, while removing the guesswork and uncertainty. The study includes configurations of a large range of minor and major axis dimensions, positive and negative pressures, and multiple types of reinforcement. The study will also demonstrate that there are advantages to using flat oval duct in low static applications including return air.
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