Getting Started

Overview – Installing ATS FXP™ Ducts

This guide is intended to aid the installer in the proper handling of ATS FXP™ duct at the job site and to assist in making fiberglass joints.

Although this Installation Guide contains specific information, this information is not to be considered as the only criteria for correct ductwork installation. The Owner, Engineer, and/or Installer is responsible for establishing procedures for satisfactory duct system design, installation and performance. Some items which are specifically addressed in this guide, and are extremely important, are duct supports and coating of ductwork installed outside of the building. These issues need to be considered prior to the actual installation of the ductwork. Note for example, the vacuum load of large diameter duct can be increased by over 3 times by supporting the duct correctly.

ATS’ flagship duct system is ATS FXP™. When properly installed, this system provides excellent chemical and fire resistance.

ChemBond™ is a unique resin system that can be used to join ATS FXP™ duct without the need to pre-sand the duct end surfaces. When installing the ATS FXP™ system using H-Collars, U-Collars or Slip Collars, only ChemBond™ Putty/Resin should be used for bonding. The excellent chemical resistance and superior adhesion characteristics of the ChemBond™ Putty/Resin makes for a simple, leak-proof joint.

Shipping, Handling and Storage Guide

Shipping

Prior to shipping the duct, ATS cleans the interior and exterior of the duct. The duct is wrapped and/or padded to protect it during shipping where appropriate.

Receiving

Regardless of the mode of transportation used, certain procedures should be followed upon receipt of the materials. It is important to verify the condition of each piece as it is unloaded. The pieces should be checked against the Bill of Lading.

Inspection

Inspect the shipment upon delivery. Examine materials to see if the load has shifted or shows signs of unusually rough handling. A shifted load or other signs of rough treatment is cause for careful inspection of each piece. Note damaged or missing items on the Bill of Lading and notify the carrier’s agent (truck driver). Get a signed acknowledgment of the of the damage or shortage at the time of unloading. Do not dispose of damaged pieces; hold them until notified by the carrier of the procedure to be followed for replacement. Do not return damaged items to ATS until requested to do so by an ATS employee. Replacement materials must be reordered on a separate purchase order number. It is up to the receiving party to collect monies due for missing or damaged pieces from the carrier. However, ATS will do everything it can to facilitate resolution of shipping problems. Shipments are Freight On Board (FOB) factory, unless arranged with ATS before shipment. Once materials are loaded and leave ATS’ plant, title to the materials passes to the consignee, the customer.

Unloading

Small parts may be unloaded by hand. They should not be thrown off the truck. Handle parts carefully, being sure not to scratch the interior surface or damage the ends. Do not push ductwork off the truck with a forklift. Do not use wire rope or chains as a sling to lift large duct. Do not use hooks to lift duct. If slings are to be used, they must be a minimum of 4” wide webbed nylon. On 20 foot lengths of large duct, two slings should be placed approximately 7 feet in from each end, and the load lifted evenly.

Storage

Materials should not be stored in an area where they will have to be relocated frequently or become damaged because of interference with traffic or other trades. It is particularly important that the resin and glass materials be stored out of the weather in a cool, dry place. If they must be stored outside, cover all product with a protective tarp. The glass materials, in particular, should be covered to protect them from rain and snow. If a drum of resin is received, store it on its side. Keep resin out of the sun and store in an area where the temperature will not fall below 40oF (4°C). (Never allow resin, hardener or any additives to freeze). (See Shelf Life on page 234.)

Safety, Health & Environmental

Read the labels on the resin containers carefully. They contain information about safety and health considerations, storage, and environmental impact. MSDS sheets can be found in several languages on ATS’ website at www.atsduct.com.

Recommended Work Procedures for the Use of ATS ChemBond™

Care should be taken to avoid any skin and eye contact with ChemBond™. These procedures are designed to help prevent skin and eye contact.

Note: All personal protective equipment (PPE) must be donned before handling ChemBond™.

Donning Procedures

  1. Chemical resistant long sleeve coveralls should be donned. Examples of acceptable coveralls are TYVEK®/Saranex 23-P, ChemTuff®, or equivalent.
    Note: When heavy usage of ChemBond™ is anticipated, don a nitrile apron over the coveralls to prevent soiling of the coveralls.
  2. Don chemical resistant footwear. Chemical resistant over boots may be worn over personal footwear if desired. All outer footwear should be solvent resistant and have a surface which can be easily cleaned. Open shoes and footwear constructed of porous substances such as canvas and leather are not acceptable when using the raw chemicals.
  3. An inner layer of gloves should be donned and the sleeve of the coverall taped over the edge of the gloves, leaving approximately 2 inches of the glove showing past the wrist. Thin latex and cotton gloves are not acceptable as inner gloves. Inner gloves should be disposable nitrile gloves or equivalent.
    Note: Individuals with a history of dermatitis may apply a layer of an appropriate blocking cream to their hands prior to donning the inner gloves. See part type #583 in the Mechanical Drawing Guide.
  4. Heavy outer elbow length gloves should be placed over the nitrile gloves. Outer gloves should be Silvershield®, Viton®, or equivalent.
  5. Chemical-splash goggles or face shield should be donned prior to commencing work with ChemBond™.

Note: The outer gloves may be removed by using the doffing procedures, as needed. The inner gloves should be changed if they become soiled or torn. The coveralls should be replaced if they become heavily soiled or torn. Use the doffing procedures to remove PPE prior to breaks, lunch and after completion of work for the day.

Doffing Procedures (Removal of Personal Protective Equipment)

Care must be taken during PPE removal procedures so that inner clothing and gloves are not soiled by residue on the outer gloves and coveralls.

  1. Wipe visible residue from the outer gloves, apron and footwear using solvent on a rag. Dispose of the rag as solvent waste.
    Important: Do not use solvent to remove ChemBond™ from the skin. This may lead to dermatitis from exposure to the solvent. Use mild soap and water to remove ChemBond™ from the skin.
  2. Remove the apron and outer footwear and place in an appropriate storage container.Remove the outer gloves by using one hand to loosen the glove on the other hand, and repeat the process with the opposite hand until both gloves are loose enough to fall from the hand. Do not remove the outer glove from one hand and then use the inner glove to remove the outer glove on the opposite hand. This will soil the inner glove.
  3. Remove the tape from the sleeve of the coverall over the inner glove. Remove the coveralls, rolling them in on themselves so that any resin will be on the inside. Dispose of the coveralls in an appropriate container.
  4. Remove the inner gloves and dispose of in an appropriate container.
  5. Remove any personal clothing such us shoes or hats which are soiled with ChemBond™ and leave at the work site. Soiled clothing should not be taken home. It should be cleaned or disposed of at the work site.
  6. If there is any question at all as to procedure, contact the ATS technical staff at (510)234-3173.

The guidelines below are important to follow when using ChemBond™ Resin.

General Precautions

ChemBond™ resin can cause irritation; wear protective skin and eye equipment. Do not heat in bulk: decomposition may occur, releasing fumes.

Specific Personal Protective Equipment

For Inhalation:
Respirators are not needed with ChemBond™ unless the putty/resin is smoking (which can only occur if the ChemBond™ is catalyzed in too much bulk). If the resin is smoking or being atomized, an organic chemical cartridge respirator is needed in non-vented areas.

For Eyes:
Splash-proof chemical goggles

For Skin:
Elbow-length rubber gloves. Shorter latex gloves are not recommended. The use of Blocking Cream (ATS Part type #583) is highly recommended. The Blocking Cream is applied prior to working with the resin and helps prevent allergic reactions.

Other:
(1) Appropriate equipment to prevent probability of skin and eye contact (such as Tyvek suits or overalls).

(2) Good general mechanical ventilation and local exhaust.

Special Note

Proper protective clothing should be used during the mixing and installation of ChemBond™ resin. All people inside the immediate work area should wear proper protective clothing. Please review the donning procedures for ChemBond‘ resin use to determine the required protective equipment.

Procedures for removing ChemBond™ resin when spilled on protective clothing:

If proper work procedures are followed no worker will be using ChemBond‘ resin without proper protective clothing. The following procedures are presented in the unlikely event that ChemBond™ resin is spilled on someone not wearing protective clothing.

Procedures for removing ChemBond™ resin spilled on skin or regular clothing:

Warning: If resin comes into contact with the eyes, immediately flush eyes with water. Continue flushing the eyes for at least fifteen (15) minutes with copious amounts of water. Consult a physician as soon as possible.