Vlint Airsocks provide even cooling in the Polyplastic by Lippert factory
03-08-2022 | Air Distribution
European market leader in acrylic window systems
Since 2020, Polyplastic has been part of Lippert, an internationally operating manufacturer of high-tech products and customised solutions for the RV, marine, automotive and construction industries, among others.
A long-term partnership for an optimal indoor climate
Vlint has been supporting Polyplastic for many years in optimising air quality and the indoor climate in its factory and offices. Our experienced service technicians replace the filters in the air handling units twice a year and perform activated carbon replacement as well. Vlint has also refurbished the air handling units by replacing damper assemblies and frames and applying an antibacterial coating to the installation floors. As a result, the air handling units are as good as new again.
The challenge: temperature differences and heat zones
Why air distribution is important in factories
In an industrial production environment, a stable indoor climate is essential. Safe and hygienic production processes must always be a top priority, both for employees and the production process itself. Temperature fluctuations, drafts or insufficient cooling can reduce comfort and affect process reliability. Vlint understands this better than anyone.
The specific problem during summer
In Polyplastic’s production hall, temperatures in “Zone 1”, where screens and acrylic windows are manufactured, became too high during the summer months. Although sufficient cooling capacity was available, the air was not distributed evenly throughout the space. Simone van Beest, Team Lead Facility Services at Polyplastic, explains: “For the production process, it was essential to lower the temperature in this section of the hall by a few degrees.”The solution: a new air distribution plan
Analysis of airflow and existing capacity
To fully understand the issue, Vlint analysed the airflow patterns in the production hall. This included assessing the existing cooling system, air distribution throughout the space and the specific requirements of the production process. The analysis showed that there was excess cooling capacity at the front of the factory, while additional cooling was needed at the rear of the hall.
Custom fabric air ducts as a practical solution
In consultation with Simone and the Polyplastic by Lippert team, Vlint decided to redirect the excess cooling capacity from the front of the factory to the rear section of the hall. This was achieved using a transport duct that channelled the air to specially designed fabric air dispersion ducts.
For this application, D-shaped semi-circular fabric air ducts with a specific permeability were installed. Thanks to the engineered perforation pattern, the supplied fresh air gradually mixes with the existing air in the hall. This creates a homogeneous distribution of cool air without drafts or cold spots, directly improving workplace comfort.
The fabric air ducts were carefully measured, designed, custom-manufactured and installed by Vlint for Polyplastic’s production facility.
Benefits of fabric air ducts
The result: noticeably cooler and more comfortable working conditions
What did this solution deliver for Polyplastic?
Simone van Beest is pleased with both the final result and the collaboration with Vlint: “The final result looks great and matches the appearance of our company: clean, bright and neutral. The Vlint team knows exactly what they are talking about, provides excellent advice and the installers work neatly. Vlint is a true partner and a great company to work with.”
The new fabric air ducts immediately created a more pleasant and stable indoor climate in the production hall. Following the interview, we visited the area in question and several employees confirmed that the difference was clearly noticeable compared to the previous situation.