Frequently Asked Questions

For the most accurate quote please provide the following information:

• Type or style of damper. For example: butterfly, louver, Tee, diverter, etc.
• Preferred material, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, other
• Pressure requirement
• Temperature the damper will be exposed to
• Air flow amount
• Manual, pneumatic or electric actuation/positioner required
• Amount of shut off needed (usually in %)

Compact design, most economical, no exterior linkage, higher shutoff rates and they remain consistent along temperature swings.

Compact interior vane design (open vanes do not extend into adjoining duct as much as butterfly dampers).  Best suited for modulation flow control with opposed vanes.

These types of materials are more commonly used in HVAC applications.  Kelair manufactures stainless steel and carbon steel industrial dampers.

The maximum shutoff we provide is 99% at 5" WC.  Contact us to determine if you must have 100% shut off.

Standard warranty on a Kelair damper covers replacement of defective equipment, excluding labor, for 1 year from installation or 18 months from ship date from Kelair, whichever comes first.

The most common types of seals used within these include tadpole seals (which provide better compression; ideal for uneven services) and metal seats.

The shaft plays a large part in its operation, as it intersects the linkage, bearing, packing, and blade. When inspecting the shaft, make sure to check that it is straight and operating smoothly.

Depending on the damper's environment, process, and age, blades can warp or bend over time. Proper care involves regularly checking the blade to ensure there is no warping or twisting, or buildup of debris that could prevent the blade from performing correctly.

Although Kelair dampers require minimal maintenance, there are aftermarket parts of the butterfly damper that should be kept in stock and checked regularly.

The most common types of seals used within louver dampers include compression seals, metal seals, and jam seals. Jam seals, in particular, allow for thermal growth of the blade(s) and can minimize the accumulation of fly ash.

Kelair steel louvers can be made to withstand temperatures greater than 2000°F (with our in-house refractory) and pressures up to 1 PSI, making them ideal for industrial applications. Louver dampers can be used for fast power generation, metal tempering systems, fan inlets, air pollution control systems, and much more.

The packing gland is a type of stuffing used to seal the rotating shaft, creating a barrier between the process and the exterior environment. While relatively inexpensive, damage to the packing gland can result in expensive damage such as binding and/or warped blades. Packing glands should be replaced at least every 5 years (depending on the process). 

Linkages connect all shafts to the actuator, allowing the damper to open/close simultaneously. Over long periods of time, linkages may become offset or even warp if unexpected temperature excursions occur, causing blades to operate effectively. Regular maintenance can help ensure that linkages continue to work properly without warping.

Bearings are inspected on the diverter and tee dampers via visual inspection. Make sure to visually inspect the bearings both prior to running and while running to ensure that all shafts are rotating correctly, with minimal friction, and within the specified actuation time.

Since the shaft plays such a large part in a damper’s operation, inspections are recommended on an annual basis, at minimum. During inspection of the shaft, make sure to check that the shaft is straight and operating smoothly.

Diverter and T dampers can be used in a diverse range of industrial applications, such as: air pollution control systems, heat recovery systems, within cogeneration units for waste heat recovery boilers, or anywhere you’d like to divert air or gas flow from one outlet to another.

Depending on the inlet vane damper's environment and age, blades can warp or bend over time. Proper care involves regularly checking each blade to ensure there is no warping, twisting, or buildup of debris that could prevent the blade from performing correctly. Ideally, blade inspections should occur annually or during every outage, whichever comes first.

The health effects of VOCs vary depending on several factors, such as the level of exposure and the amount of time exposed. Generally speaking, VOCs can cause irritated eyes, difficulty breathing, damage to the central nervous system, and even cancer.

Galvanized steel is the best material for industrial ducting. You can also use aluminum. At Kelair, we use industrial-grade stainless carbon steel or Hastelloy, a nickel-molybdenum alloy. If you’d like to know the best material for your industrial ducting needs, contact a Kelair representative to get advice on the right type of material to choose.

Although Kelair dampers require minimal maintenance, there are aftermarket parts of the butterfly damper that should be kept in stock and checked regularly.

Yes, Kelair can supply an operator mount and coupling for customer supplied actuator.

Standard lead times are 4-5 weeks after approved prints.

3-4 weeks with expediting

2-3 weeks without actuators

Yes, with actuators 3-4 weeks

Without actuators 2-3 weeks

Yes, please email us at:   info@kelairdampers.com or phone us: 800.369.1070