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Nabil Mahmoud

This is a course handling all duct related knowledge [A to Z], this course is tailored to start from scratch till the expert level in design and construction of HVAC ducted systems.

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This is a course handling all duct related knowledge [A to Z], this course is tailored to start from scratch till the expert level in design and construction of HVAC ducted systems.

The course is discussing in full details all types of duct, duct materials and classifications, duct air flow fundamentals, duct systems design methods with examples, duct construction in accordance to SMACNA, fans and fan duct interactions, duct mounted accessories, space air diffusion and air distribution, air outlets selection and sizing, duct noise and how to attenuate it, duct testing and balancing and the instrumentations and procedures used to achieve that

All information mentioned in this course are quoted from international standards including ASHRAE & SMACNA to give you the information from it's original source and quoted to be a reference for future to access it easily.

This course will teach you all the design, construction, selection & calculations related to duct & fan systems and duct related accessories.

This duct have an exclusive section for testing & balancing of ducted systems to give you a comprehensive understanding of all aspects related to duct systems.

This course is for both designers and site engineers and even for draftsmen to complete their gaps and to teach them the correct technical information from it's original international sources

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand duct types, material & classifications
  • Understand duct air flow fundamentals
  • Duct design methods, design steps and procedures
  • Fan external static pressure calculation
  • Duct construction as per smacna (a to z)
  • Fans types, fan duct system interaction, fan performance curves, fan system effect, fan arrangements
  • Room air diffusion and air distribution systems types
  • Air outlets types, selection, sizing
  • Duct mounted accessories ( dampers, filters, heaters)
  • Duct system noise sources & duct system attenuation method
  • Duct testing & balancing procedures & instruments
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

PART 1 - DUCT TYPES, MATERIALS, CLASSIFICATIONS & FUNDAMENTALS
Introduction
Course Content
Part 1 - Duct Types (1 of 2)
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers duct construction in accordance with SMACNA standards, which is essential for professionals working on HVAC projects in North America
Explores duct testing and balancing procedures, which are crucial for ensuring the efficient and effective operation of HVAC systems
Details fan and duct interactions, which helps learners understand how fans perform within a ducted system and how to optimize their performance
Discusses duct system noise sources and attenuation methods, which is important for designing quiet and comfortable HVAC systems
Requires familiarity with ASHRAE standards, which may require learners to purchase or access these standards separately

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive hvac duct systems fundamentals and standards

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive, A-to-Z coverage of HVAC duct systems, spanning design, construction, testing, and balancing. Students appreciate its strong focus on international standards like ASHRAE and SMACNA, finding it highly practical for site engineers, designers, and draftsmen looking to fill knowledge gaps. Many highlight the detailed sections on SMACNA construction and duct testing and balancing as particularly valuable. However, some reviewers note that the pacing can be inconsistent and the course may lack sufficient depth for experienced professionals. Several comments also mention concerns about the production quality, specifically regarding audio and video.
Suitable for beginners and junior professionals.
"Good for draftsmen and junior engineers looking for a solid foundation."
"As a recent grad, this course connected a lot of dots for me regarding real-world application."
"Provides a solid foundation for anyone starting in the HVAC field."
Highlights on T&B and SMACNA construction.
"The T&B section is fantastic. Instruments and procedures were clearly explained."
"Helpful for understanding SMACNA construction details. Fills a gap for site supervision."
"Detailed sections on SMACNA construction schedules and duct testing and balancing were particularly valuable."
Useful for professionals, references standards.
"Very practical for site engineers."
"The references to ASHRAE and SMACNA standards were extremely helpful and grounding."
"Useful for refreshing knowledge... directly relevant to my work."
"Helped connect theory to real-world application and standards, which is invaluable on the job."
Covers HVAC duct systems A-to-Z.
"Excellent comprehensive course. Covers everything needed for duct design and construction..."
"A true A-Z guide. Very detailed and accurate."
"This course offers a comprehensive overview of HVAC duct systems from basics to more complex areas."
Issues with audio and video quality.
"The content is decent, but the audio quality is distracting. Hard to focus sometimes."
"Quality of videos could definitely be better."
"Overall, the production quality felt a bit low."
"The instructor's accent and monotone delivery made it difficult to stay engaged and follow."
Uneven pace, may lack depth for experts.
"Some sections felt a bit rushed, while others were slow. Pacing was inconsistent."
"Covers a lot but doesn't go very deep into calculations or advanced topics."
"Expected more practical examples or case studies. Mostly theoretical explanations."
"Waste of time if you're already experienced. Very basic stuff presented slowly."
"Some parts were too basic, others assumed prior knowledge. Felt uneven in difficulty."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in HVAC Duct System Design, Construction, Testing & Balancing with these activities:
Review Thermodynamics Fundamentals
Reinforce your understanding of thermodynamics principles, which are crucial for understanding airflow, heat transfer, and energy efficiency in HVAC systems.
Browse courses on Thermodynamics
Show steps
  • Review key concepts like enthalpy, entropy, and specific heat.
  • Work through practice problems related to heat transfer and fluid flow.
  • Consult textbooks or online resources for clarification.
ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Systems and Equipment
Consult the ASHRAE Handbook for detailed information on HVAC systems and equipment, including duct design and air distribution.
Show steps
  • Acquire the latest edition of the ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Systems and Equipment.
  • Focus on chapters related to duct design, fans, air distribution, and noise control.
  • Review the design guidelines, tables, and equations provided in the handbook.
Review 'HVAC Duct Construction Standards - Metal and Flexible' by SMACNA
Familiarize yourself with SMACNA standards to gain a comprehensive understanding of duct construction best practices.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards manual.
  • Read the sections related to duct materials, construction methods, and reinforcement requirements.
  • Take notes on key specifications and guidelines.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Duct Design Calculations Practice
Sharpen your duct design skills by working through various calculation problems using different design methods.
Show steps
  • Gather example HVAC system layouts and airflow requirements.
  • Calculate duct sizes using the equal friction, velocity reduction, and static regain methods.
  • Compare the results and analyze the differences between the methods.
Explore Online Duct Sizing Software Tutorials
Learn how to use industry-standard software for duct sizing and analysis to improve efficiency and accuracy.
Show steps
  • Identify popular duct sizing software packages (e.g., Elite Software, Trane TRACE).
  • Find online tutorials or training videos for the selected software.
  • Follow the tutorials to learn how to input data, perform calculations, and interpret results.
Design a Duct System Layout
Apply your knowledge by designing a complete duct system layout for a sample building, considering airflow, pressure drop, and noise attenuation.
Show steps
  • Obtain architectural drawings of a sample building.
  • Determine the airflow requirements for each zone or room.
  • Design the duct layout, selecting appropriate duct sizes and materials.
  • Calculate pressure drop and noise levels.
  • Create a detailed drawing of the duct system.
Assist with HVAC System Inspections
Gain practical experience by volunteering to assist with HVAC system inspections, observing ductwork installations and identifying potential issues.
Show steps
  • Contact local HVAC contractors or building inspection companies.
  • Offer to volunteer your time to assist with HVAC system inspections.
  • Observe ductwork installations, identify potential issues, and ask questions.

Career center

Learners who complete HVAC Duct System Design, Construction, Testing & Balancing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Test and Balance Engineer
Test and Balance Engineers specialize in measuring and adjusting HVAC systems to achieve optimal performance. This course is highly relevant to Test and Balance Engineers, with an exclusive section dedicated to duct testing and balancing procedures. The course covers airflow measurement instruments and techniques, fan performance, and system interactions. Because this role requires precision in optimizing HVAC systems, the Test and Balance Engineer will find the coverage of duct systems thorough. This course provides the practical knowledge needed to excel in testing and balancing HVAC systems.
HVAC Engineer
As an HVAC Engineer, you're responsible for designing, developing, and testing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This course is particularly relevant to HVAC Engineers as it covers all duct-related knowledge from basic to expert levels. It delves into duct types, materials, classifications, and airflow fundamentals. You'll be able to use the duct design methods with examples, construction details compliant with SMACNA, and knowledge of fans and their duct interactions explored in this course to optimize HVAC system performance. Furthermore, the sections on duct noise attenuation, testing, and balancing will help an HVAC Engineer ensure systems operate efficiently and quietly.
HVAC Designer
An HVAC Designer creates detailed plans for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This course is highly relevant to HVAC Designers, covering duct types, materials, and classifications. From the course, you'll learn duct design methods, design procedures, and practices to comply with SMACNA standards. The HVAC Designer will be able to specify duct dimensions to meet performance needs as a result of the knowledge gained from the course. Furthermore, the sections on fans and duct accessories provide a comprehensive understanding of component selection and integration, helping HVAC designers create efficient and effective systems.
HVAC Technician
HVAC Technicians install, maintain, and repair HVAC systems, and this course is relevant to their professional development. The course covers duct types, materials, classifications, and airflow fundamentals, all of which are core to an HVAC Technician's work. The detailed sections on duct construction, testing, and especially balancing procedures provide the practical knowledge needed for effective installation and maintenance. The HVAC Technician can troubleshoot and rectify issues efficiently because of the course's information on duct noise and attenuation methods. This course helps them ensure systems operate efficiently and meet required standards.
CAD Technician
CAD Technicians create technical drawings and plans, often including HVAC systems. This course is extremely relevant to CAD Technicians who specialize in HVAC, providing comprehensive knowledge of duct systems. It covers duct types, materials, classifications, and airflow fundamentals, all essential for accurately representing these systems in drawings. CAD Technicians can apply the principles of duct design, construction, and SMACNA standards to ensure their drawings are technically sound. By understanding duct testing and balancing, the CAD Technician can incorporate necessary details for system performance, making their work more valuable.
Commissioning Agent
Commissioning Agents ensure that building systems, including HVAC, are installed and function according to the design specifications. This course is valuable for Commissioning Agents as it covers duct system design, construction, testing, and balancing. Commissioning Engineers may use the course to understand duct airflow, design procedures, and construction techniques. The course's comprehensive coverage will help ensure that HVAC systems operate efficiently and meet the required standards. This course, especially the sections on testing and balancing, supports effective commissioning of HVAC systems.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers often work on the design and analysis of HVAC systems, which involve ductwork. This course may be useful as it covers duct design, construction, testing, and balancing. It covers the fundamentals of duct airflow, design methods, and construction techniques that align with SMACNA standards. Learning about fans, air diffusion, and duct accessories covered in this course helps a mechanical engineer understand the interactions between these components. The knowledge gained from the duct system, including the noise and attenuation methods in the course, will help mechanical engineers enhance their designs for optimal system performance.
Indoor Air Quality Specialist
Indoor Air Quality Specialists assess and improve the air quality within buildings. This course is relevant to Indoor Air Quality Specialists, particularly the sections on duct-mounted accessories such as filters, air outlets, and air diffusion. The course covers duct system noise and attenuation methods. The Indoor Air Quality Specialist can improve indoor air quality because of the material on air filtration, air distribution, and ventilation. The course's comprehensive coverage of duct systems and their components helps ensure healthier and more comfortable indoor environments.
Building Engineer
Building Engineers manage the operation and maintenance of building systems, including HVAC. This course is valuable for Building Engineers as it covers duct systems comprehensively. Building engineers can use the course information to understand duct airflow, design, and construction. The building engineer can ensure the building's HVAC operates efficiently and meets required standards since the course covers duct testing and balancing, noise attenuation, and the use of instruments. The knowledge gained supports effective maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of HVAC systems in buildings.
HVAC Sales Engineer
HVAC Sales Engineers sell HVAC equipment and systems to clients, often requiring a deep understanding of the technical aspects of these systems. This course may be useful for HVAC Sales Engineers as it covers all duct-related knowledge. The course delves into duct types, materials, classifications, and airflow fundamentals. HVAC Sales Engineers can use the knowledge gained from the course to show the customer they understand the client's requirements. The coverage of SMACNA standards and duct system components helps in selecting appropriate HVAC equipment, leading to more effective sales presentations.
Facilities Manager
Facilities Managers oversee the maintenance and operation of building facilities, often including HVAC systems. This course may be useful to Facilities Managers by providing a fundamental understanding of duct systems. Information about duct construction, testing, and balancing outlined in the course helps the facilities manager ensure the HVAC components are operating correctly. The course's coverage of duct noise, attenuation methods, and air outlet selection also support comfortable indoor environment for the building's occupants. The course's information is valuable for facilities managers in making informed decisions about HVAC maintenance and upgrades.
Energy Auditor
Energy Auditors assess the energy efficiency of buildings, including HVAC systems. This course may be useful for Energy Auditors as it provides in-depth knowledge of duct systems. The energy auditor can identify sources of energy loss and recommend improvements on building energy efficiency because it covers duct airflow fundamentals, design methods, and testing and balancing procedures. The course's coverage of duct leakage testing and sealing requirements is valuable for assessing and improving the efficiency of HVAC systems, which can result in significant energy savings for buildings.
Construction Manager
Construction Managers oversee construction projects, including the installation of HVAC systems. This course may be useful for Construction Managers as it provides a detailed understanding of duct construction according to SMACNA standards. The course's emphasis on duct materials, classifications, and construction schedules provides a Construction Manager with a solid framework for overseeing ductwork installation. By understanding duct testing and balancing procedures, they can also ensure that the installed systems meet the required performance standards. This knowledge supports effective project management and coordination of HVAC installations.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants advise organizations on sustainable practices, including optimizing building systems like HVAC. This course may be useful for Sustainability Consultants as it discusses the design and operation of duct systems. A consultant can use the information on duct airflow fundamentals, design methods, and construction techniques, to make recommendations for optimizing HVAC systems. The course's coverage of duct leakage, testing, and energy efficiency practices supports sustainable designs. The sustainability consultant can use the course's information to help clients reduce their environmental impact.
Plumbing Designer
Plumbing Designers create plans for plumbing systems in buildings, occasionally working alongside HVAC systems. This course may be useful to Plumbing Designers as it provides a foundational understanding of duct systems. The course's coverage of duct types, materials, and airflow may not be directly transferable, but they would give the designer a holistic view. Even though plumbing and HVAC systems are distinct, the course's detailed approach to design and construction can broaden the plumbing designer's understanding of building systems, and foster better coordination between teams.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in HVAC Duct System Design, Construction, Testing & Balancing.
Is the industry standard for duct construction. It provides detailed specifications for materials, fabrication, and installation. Reviewing this book will provide a deeper understanding of the practical aspects of ductwork discussed in the course. It crucial reference for anyone involved in HVAC duct system design and construction.
The ASHRAE Handbook comprehensive resource for HVAC professionals. The HVAC Systems and Equipment volume covers a wide range of topics, including duct design, fan selection, and air distribution. provides in-depth information and design guidelines that complement the course material. It is an excellent reference for understanding the theoretical and practical aspects of HVAC systems.

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