Pressure direction
Positive-pressure supply can use collapsible structures. Suction and extraction generally need helix or ring support to preserve an open cross-section.
Finished duct assembly · OEM and project supply
Industrial Flexible Duct
DERFLEX manufactures project-configured industrial flexible duct systems for fresh-air supply, equipment cooling, temporary HVAC, fume extraction, dust control and portable blower connections. Each flexible duct hose can be developed around airflow direction, fan interface, route geometry, handling conditions and the required material specification.
Product definition
A flexible air route designed around the fan, movement and working environment
An industrial flexible duct is a bendable or collapsible conduit used to move air between a fan, machine, work zone, extraction hood or discharge point. Depending on the operating direction, the finished duct may use a layflat body for positive-pressure air supply or a continuous steel-wire helix that keeps an industrial duct hose open during suction and exhaust.
The duct wall is commonly made from coated polyester fabric. The textile provides tensile and tear support, while the polymer coating creates an air barrier and helps the surface resist moisture, repeated folding and routine site handling. Welded or sewn construction, cuffs, wear strips, suspension points and identification marks complete the assembly.
The phrase flexible duct hose covers several different constructions. A light portable ventilation hose, a wire-supported fume extraction duct and a long positive-pressure tunnel section may look similar, but they respond differently to pressure, bending, dragging and temperature. A useful specification therefore starts with the system data and expected duty cycle.
Procurement note: PVC-coated ducting is suitable for many ambient and moderate-temperature industrial ventilation duties, but it is not a universal choice for every chemical or high-temperature exhaust. State the actual media and temperature so the material system can be reviewed before production.
Selection logic
Four decisions that shape the finished industrial duct hose
These decisions influence material weight, reinforcement, seam method, section length and connection details. Confirming them early helps prevent an overbuilt duct that is difficult to handle or an underspecified hose that collapses, leaks or wears prematurely.
Air and contaminant
Fresh air, heat, welding fumes, dust, oil mist and process vapors place different demands on the coating, seam and cleaning method.
Route and movement
Bends, total length, hanging points, dragging, compression and relocation frequency affect wire pitch, wear protection and practical section size.
Interface and safety
Blower collars, clamps, zippers, rings, grounding details and any fire or surface-resistance requirement should be documented before approval.
Material structure
Each layer and assembly detail has a separate function
DERFLEX can coordinate the coated textile and finished flexible duct fabrication as one project. This allows the duct wall, reinforcement, seams and interfaces to be reviewed together instead of being sourced as unrelated components.
PVC-coated polyester wall
High-tenacity textile supports tensile and tear loads; the coating creates an air barrier and provides a cleanable, moisture-resistant surface for common industrial ventilation duties.
Helical wire or support rings
Spring-steel reinforcement helps the flexible duct hose retain its section during suction, bending or connection to portable ventilation equipment.
Seam and local reinforcement
High-frequency welded or application-selected seams are combined with reinforced cuffs, lifting points and stress zones according to the approved construction.
Wear strip, cuff and suspension system
External strips can reduce contact wear along the wire path. Zippers, belts, clamps, rings, hooks or webbing loops support field connection and routing.
Key performance
Performance should be described with measurable project conditions
Terms such as “heavy duty” are useful only when they are connected to pressure, temperature, handling and testing. The following characteristics can be engineered into an industrial flexible duct after the working conditions are confirmed.
Flexible routing
The duct can follow temporary layouts, machine connections and obstacles without the elbow inventory and installation time associated with a fully rigid route.
Shape support
Helical wire pitch and diameter can be selected to balance collapse resistance, bend radius, weight and compressibility for suction or mixed-duty service.
Airflow continuity
Correct diameter, seam construction, cuff fit and route planning help limit leakage and avoid unnecessary pressure loss at compressed sections or sharp bends.
Abrasion planning
Fabric weight, external wear strips and local reinforcement can be adjusted for suspended lines, floor contact, dragging or frequent deployment.
Compact transport
Compressible sections, carry straps and storage bags can reduce vehicle space and simplify deployment for service crews and portable blower packages.
Optional safety grades
Flame-retardant and antistatic formulations can be evaluated against a specified test method. Final suitability depends on the whole duct and ventilation system.
Specification table
Typical configurable range for quotation planning
The table is a project-planning reference, not a universal performance declaration. Final values are established by the approved sample, construction drawing, test method and purchase specification.
| Product form | Wire-reinforced spiral flexible duct hose; layflat positive-pressure duct; short equipment connector; portable blower duct; custom fabricated section. |
|---|---|
| Body material | PVC-coated polyester fabric or application-selected technical textile. |
| Typical diameter | 100–2000 mm; custom diameter subject to construction, tooling and order review. |
| Section length | 3 m, 5 m, 10 m or project-defined modular sections. |
| Reinforcement | Spring-steel helix, support rings or non-reinforced layflat construction according to pressure direction. |
| Typical PVC service temperature | Approximately -20°C to +80°C for selected standard constructions; confirm continuous temperature, radiant heat and media before order. |
| Connection options | Soft cuff with clamp, belt-and-buckle cuff, zipper, steel ring, drawcord, flange adapter or buyer-specified interface. |
| Suspension | Eyelets, hooks, webbing loops, continuous fin, straps or custom spacing. |
| Surface and color | Yellow, orange, black, blue, green or custom color; smooth, coated and cleanable surface depending on grade. |
| Optional treatments | Flame-retardant, antistatic, cold-flexible, abrasion-enhanced or application-specific coating options, subject to confirmed testing. |
| Branding and identification | Printed logo, airflow arrow, diameter, section number, part code, inspection mark, storage bag and private-label carton. |
| Inspection options | Material verification, dimensions, seam appearance, connection fit, suspension spacing, packing review and agreed leakage or pressure sample test. |
For corrosive fumes, very high temperatures, combustible dusts or classified hazardous locations, provide the full process and regulatory information. A material label alone does not establish system compliance.
Processing and customization
Configure a flexible duct that connects, deploys and repeats consistently
DERFLEX supports custom industrial duct hose programs for ventilation equipment companies, distributors, contractors and project buyers. The objective is a repeatable bill of construction that can be checked before bulk production and reordered without ambiguity.
Diameter and length
Standard or non-standard diameters, modular section lengths, tapered transitions and short machine connectors.
Wire pitch and wear protection
Helix diameter, pitch, external abrasion strip and reinforcement placement matched to suction, bends and handling.
Cuffs and couplings
Zipper, ring, clamp, drawcord, belt cuff, flange adapter or interface duplicated from an approved sample.
Suspension layout
Hooks, tabs, eyelets, fins or webbing loops positioned for horizontal, vertical or equipment-side routing.
Marking and private label
Logo, airflow direction, diameter, item code, section number, warning text and distributor packaging.
Packing and field handling
Compressed bags, straps, cartons and pallet plans configured around crew size, shipment method and deployment frequency.
Industrial applications
Flexible duct hose for moving air where rigid ducting is impractical
The same outer form can serve very different applications. Duct construction is selected according to airflow direction, contaminant, temperature, route movement and connection requirements.
Application 01
Factory ventilation
Temporary fresh-air supply, machine cooling and local airflow distribution in workshops and production areas.
Application 02
Portable blower systems
Compressible ducts for maintenance crews, emergency ventilation, drying, cooling and confined work zones.
Application 03
,
Fume and smoke extraction
Wire-supported routes for welding stations, tanks, fabrication work and temporary exhaust collection.
Application 04
Dust collection connections
Flexible links between moving equipment, extraction hoods, collectors and process points where rigid runs limit access.
Application 05
Construction and renovation
Temporary air supply, dehumidification, negative-air equipment and removal of dust-laden air from changing work zones.
Application 06
Mine, tunnel and confined space
Project-configured supply or extraction sections for underground and enclosed environments, subject to specified safety requirements.
Project workflow
From operating data to approved duct construction
A documented workflow helps align technical expectations, sample approval, inspection and repeat orders for custom industrial flexible duct programs.
Define duty
Air direction, contaminant, fan data, route and installation method.
Confirm interface
Outlet dimensions, cuff geometry, coupling and suspension layout.
Set construction
Fabric grade, wire support, seam, wear strip, color and marking.
Approve sample
Fit, flexibility, dimensions and agreed performance checks.
Produce and inspect
Recorded specification, batch inspection, packing and shipment.
Quality and documentation
Control the details that affect fit, leakage and service handling
Quality requirements are most useful when written into the approved specification. Inspection scope can be adjusted according to the product, order volume, project risk and requested documentation.
Material verification
Check coated fabric grade, color, weight, finish and any requested flame-retardant or antistatic formulation.
Geometry and fit
Confirm diameter, section length, cuff size, wire pitch, suspension spacing and mating dimensions.
Seam and reinforcement
Inspect seam continuity, local reinforcement, wear-strip position, end construction and visible workmanship.
Connection check
Verify zipper, ring, clamp, belt or custom cuff geometry against the approved sample or drawing.
Traceability and packing
Record order identification, artwork, inspection criteria, packing method and critical construction details for repeat production.
Purchasing guidance
What to include in an industrial flexible duct RFQ
A complete RFQ reduces assumptions and allows material, reinforcement and connection details to be reviewed before pricing.
Related DERFLEX resources
Continue the selection from finished duct to pressure mode and material
These six related pages help compare alternative duct constructions and supporting material options.
FAQ
Industrial flexible duct questions
Answers for equipment manufacturers, distributors, ventilation contractors and industrial project buyers.
What is the difference between an industrial flexible duct and a rigid metal duct?
A flexible duct can bend, compress and adapt to temporary or changing routes. It is often easier to transport and connect to portable equipment. A rigid metal duct generally offers a smoother, fixed route and may be preferred for permanent systems. The appropriate choice depends on pressure, temperature, contaminant, movement and regulatory requirements.
When does a flexible duct hose need spiral wire reinforcement?
Wire reinforcement is normally considered when the duct must remain open under suction, negative pressure, tight bends or unsupported routing. Wire diameter and pitch are selected according to duct diameter, pressure, section length, bend requirement and handling.
Can one industrial duct hose be used for both air supply and exhaust?
A wire-supported construction may be evaluated for both directions, but the fan data, pressure range, media and full route should be checked. A layflat duct intended only for positive-pressure inflation can collapse when used for suction.
What diameter and length can DERFLEX manufacture?
Typical project ranges can cover diameters from approximately 100 mm to 2000 mm and section lengths such as 3 m, 5 m or 10 m. Custom dimensions are reviewed against construction, handling, reinforcement and order requirements.
Can the duct be supplied with flame-retardant or antistatic properties?
Optional flame-retardant and antistatic formulations can be discussed. The required test method, limit, sample conditioning and finished-product construction must be confirmed before production. These options do not by themselves certify the entire ventilation system for a hazardous location.
How should I match a flexible duct to a portable blower?
Provide the blower outlet diameter or dimensions, cuff length, flange or guard interference, attachment method and a photo or drawing. Also state whether the blower will push or pull air, because suction duty may require a shape-retaining structure.
Does DERFLEX support OEM branding and repeat-order specifications?
Yes. Custom color, logo, part number, airflow arrow, section identification, storage bag and private-label packaging can be included in the approved specification, subject to order review.
Configure an industrial flexible duct for your actual airflow route
Send the blower interface, pressure direction, diameter, route, temperature, contaminant and connection requirements. DERFLEX can review a suitable coated-textile body, reinforcement and finished duct construction for quotation.
Request A Quote
Final performance and compliance depend on the confirmed specification and complete ventilation system.