Industrial Products

Flexible Connectors

VAW Systems flexible connectors or expansion joints provide an effective acoustical solution for fan connections that require isolation from the equipment vibration.  Acoustic flex connectors will help meet occupational noise limits for workers in close proximity to the fan equipment.  Solutions include standard flexible connectors (silicone or EPDM liners), standard flexible connectors with a robust metal flow liner, or cavity pillow styles.  The flow liner type connector prevents the flexible material from entering the airstream on a fan inlet and delivers significantly higher acoustic performance (Transmission Loss; dB) as compared to a standard connector.  For optimal Transmission Loss, select VAW’s cavity pillow connector.  All VAW flexible connectors are built with high strength steel and durable liner materials.

 

  • Standard Flex (Circular)

  • Standard Flex with Flow Liner (Rectangular)

  • Cavity Pillow (Circular)

  • Cavity Pillow (Rectangular)

Specifications

The specifications for our flexible connectors vary depending on their application; we custom-build our flexible connectors depending on the fan connections we are working on. Our standard flexible connectors are built with silicone or EPDM liners and we also offer metal flow connectors with metal flow liners. All VAW flexible connectors are built with high-strength steel. 

Types of Flexible Connectors

Standard Flexible Connectors

Our standard flex connectors are designed to reduce noise and vibration within fan systems, including fan inlets and outlets, stack inlets, and ducts. They can help compensate for misalignment and noises generated by fluctuating temperatures within the system. 

Flexible Connectors With Metal Flow Liner

Metal flow liners deliver higher acoustic performance than our standard flexible connectors. Additionally, the metal liner prevents contact between the flexible material we use to build our flexible connectors and the fan’s airstream. This is particularly useful in systems with high airflow, where suction might cause the flexible material to deform or collapse. 

Cavity Pillow-Style

Our cavity pillow-style flexible connectors feature internal cavities filled with acoustic-dampening materials. They offer the highest level of noise reduction among all of our options and are typically used for particularly loud fan systems or applications where noise control regulations are strict. 

Applications

The flexible connectors manufactured by VAW Systems can be used in fan inlets and outlets, stack inlets, and ducted systems. Our flexible connectors are used across several industries, including:

  • HVAC Systems where reducing noise and vibration can improve occupant comfort and increase the system’s lifespan.
  • Industrial settings, for large ventilation fans, air scrubbers, and dust extraction systems. In these settings, reducing noise to comply with noise ordinances and keeping workers healthy is paramount. 
  • Power plants where our connectors are used on air ejectors, as well as in connecting the ventilation systems that regulate the temperature of the power plant.
  • Mining where maintaining the integrity of ventilation systems while reducing noise is crucial for worker health and safety.

    Our flexible connectors can be used in any industry that uses fan systems, from the fans that cool and ventilate control rods in nuclear reactors to shipboard ventilation systems. All of our solutions are customized to the fan system we’re working on; we can build our flex connectors to withstand higher temperatures, abrasive environments, and more. 

     

    Standard Features

    • Product type selected to suit your acoustical and system requirements
    • Size matched to your fan and duct opening size and flange configuration
    • Materials: carbon steel (standard)
    • Operating Temperature: up to 500 deg.F (standard finish)
    • Operating Pressure: -80 to +80 in.w.g. (standard)
    • Lateral and axial displacement: +/- 1.0 in.
    • Shipped with back bars for ease of installation

    Construction Options

    • Materials: galvanized or stainless steel
    • High temperature and anti-corrosive liners
    • Paint systems

    Why Choose VAW Systems?

    With decades of experience in engineering and manufacturing noise control equipment for fan systems of all types, we have the ability to reduce the noise generated by virtually any fan system. We can install our products in a wide variety of different conditions and environments, and we’ll custom design a noise reduction solution that produces the levels of noise reduction you need. 

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    FAQ

    What Is a Flexible Connector?

    A flexible connector, or flex connector, is a connector that is designed to reduce the noise and vibration produced by a fan system. A flexible connector may achieve this by using acoustic-dampening materials. Its flexibility also helps dissipate noise. A flex connector will also break up the acoustic resonance of a particular system, further limiting noise emissions. 

    How Do I Choose the Right Type of Flexible Connector for My System?

    At VAW Systems, we take several steps to determine the right size of flex connector for your system. We:

    • Check if the connector is on the inlet or exhaust side of the fan
    • Confirm the fan or duct connection size
    • Check static pressure
    • Test noise levels at potential breakout points against specified criteria (e.g. 85 dBA at 3ft from flex)
    • Use algorithms and engineering experience to determine the best type and material for connectors based on these criteria
    What Are the Differences Between Standard Flexible Connectors, Connectors With Metal Flow Liners, and Cavity Pillow Styles?

    A standard flexible connector reduces noise levels and vibration. For added protection against belt deflection into the air stream and extra acoustic performance, a flow-liner type flexible connector may be selected; the rigid metal of these flex connectors stops the connector from deforming. For optimal sound isolation, a cavity pillow-type flexible connector may be selected, typically on very noisy fans, environments with low noise limits, or both.

    What's the Difference Between Flexible Connectors and Expansion Joints?

    An expansion joint is a kind of flexible connector that allows for thermal expansion in the ventilation system. 

    What Maintenance Is Required for Flexible Connectors

    Flexible connectors do not require maintenance. 

    Downloads

    Flexible Connectors Product Sheet