What is vehicle exhaust ducting and why is it important?

Vehicle exhaust ducting is a system designed to capture carbon monoxide and other harmful fumes emitted by internal combustion vehicles inside warehouses and manufacturing facilities. It protects worker health, keeps air quality safe, and reduces operational downtime by removing contaminants directly at the source.

Can I install a vehicle exhaust ducting system myself?

Modular ducting systems, such as Nordfab® Quick-Fit®, allow skilled maintenance teams to assemble sections without welding or rivets. For complex setups with multiple vehicles or long runs, professional installation is recommended to ensure maximum efficiency and safety.

How do I know if my facility needs vehicle exhaust ducting?

If your facility has indoor vehicle traffic—forklifts, maintenance vehicles, or delivery trucks—exhaust fumes can accumulate and pose health risks. Signs your system may be needed include noticeable fumes, worker complaints, or stagnant air in work areas.

What materials are best for vehicle exhaust ducting?

Galvanized steel is durable and cost-effective for general warehouse environments. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, ideal for moisture or chemical exposure. Aluminum is lightweight, easy to reconfigure, and suitable for mobile or temporary systems.

How does vehicle exhaust ducting improve air quality?

By capturing fumes directly at the tailpipe and transporting them out of the work area, vehicle exhaust ducting removes carbon monoxide and other harmful gases before they disperse, ensuring breathable air throughout the facility and minimizing respiratory risks for workers.

What maintenance does vehicle exhaust ducting require?

Monthly inspections of clamps, seals, and hose connections, quarterly cleaning to prevent residue buildup, and replacement of worn or damaged hoses and clamps are recommended to maintain proper airflow and safety.

Can vehicle exhaust ducting reduce operational downtime?

Yes. Efficient exhaust capture prevents contamination, minimizes cleaning needs, and reduces health-related absences, allowing operations to run more smoothly. Modular systems also cut installation and reconfiguration time by up to 50%.

Do I need custom fume hoods for my vehicles?

Custom fume hoods are recommended when vehicles operate in specific areas or bays with heavy exhaust output. They maximize capture efficiency and ensure that harmful gases do not spread to other parts of the facility.

Exhaust Fume and Ducting Solutions

Summary

Vehicle exhaust in warehouses and manufacturing facilities can pose serious health risks if left unmanaged. Efficient fume and exhaust ducting captures carbon monoxide and harmful emissions at the source, keeping air clean, workers safe, and operations running smoothly. This blog explores the technology, applications, maintenance tips, and benefits of modern modular exhaust ducting systems.

What is Exhaust Ducting?

Exhaust ducting is a specialized system designed to capture carbon monoxide and other hazardous fumes emitted by internal combustion engines in indoor environments. Unlike general ventilation, these systems focus on removing contaminants directly at the tailpipe, preventing the spread of harmful gases throughout the facility.

Modern ducting solutions use modular, clamp-together systems to ensure airtight connections, reduce installation time, and minimize the risk of leaks.

Common Applications

Warehouses

Forklifts and other vehicles generate carbon monoxide in enclosed spaces.

Manufacturing Plants

Internal combustion vehicles move raw materials or finished products.

Vehicle Maintenance Facilities

Repair bays need extraction of exhaust fumes to protect mechanics.

Cold Storage / Distribution Centers

Indoor vehicle traffic is frequent and requires consistent air quality control.

How Exhaust Ducting Works

Most vehicle exhaust ducting systems combine flexible hoses with rigid ductwork that connects directly to the vehicle tailpipe. Key features include:

Modular Design

Clamp-together sections allow fast assembly without welding or rivets.

Airtight Seals

Rolled-edge clamps prevent leaks and maintain consistent airflow.

Capture at the Source

Exhaust fumes are removed before they disperse, protecting workers and preventing downtime.

Flexible Hose Options

Hoses for exhaust ductwork can adapt to vehicle height, travel path, and different tailpipe diameters.

By using modular components, these systems can be easily reconfigured if your facility layout changes or additional vehicle coverage is needed.

Materials and Design Options

Exhaust ducting comes in several construction materials depending on your facility’s needs:

Galvanized Steel duct: D urable, cost-effective, and suitable for most general warehouse environments.

Stainless Steel duct: R esistant to corrosion, ideal for areas with moisture or high chemical exposure.

Aluminum duct: Lightweight and easy to install, suitable for mobile systems or temporary setups.

Custom fume hoods and extraction points can be designed to target specific work areas, maximizing airflow efficiency while reducing system size and cost.

Maintenance and Operational Efficiency

Maintaining a vehicle exhaust ducting system ensures long-term performance and reduces downtime:

Inspect clamps and hose connections monthly for leaks or damage.
Clean hoses and ductwork quarterly to prevent buildup of residue or debris.
Check airflow rates regularly to ensure the system is capturing fumes effectively.
Replace worn hoses promptly to avoid inefficiency or safety hazards.

Efficient ducting not only keeps air clean but also prevents mold, insect harbors, and other environmental concerns that can arise in warehouses and manufacturing areas.

FAQs: Exhaust Ducting Systems

Can I install a exhaust ducting system myself?

Modular systems like Nordfab® Quick-Fit® can be installed by skilled maintenance teams. Complex setups with multiple vehicles or long runs may require professional design.

How do I know the system is sized correctly for my facility?

The system should be designed to match the number of vehicles, tailpipe types, and facility layout. Airflow calculations and proper hose placement are critical for effective capture.

What maintenance is required?

Monthly inspection of connections and clamps
Quarterly hose and duct cleaning
Replacement of worn components as needed

What materials are best for my application?

Galvanized steel for general warehouses
Stainless steel for moisture-prone or corrosive areas
Aluminum for lightweight or mobile setups

For a tailored solution, DuctingSystems.com provides CAD layouts, parts lists, and budgetary quotes to simplify your next exhaust ductwork project. Call 888-659-2648 for expert guidance.