"We offer fabric-based solutions that are custom-engineered to help growers prevent microclimates and facilitate uniform temperature and humidity within the grow space," says Jacob Smith, Territory Sales Manager (PA, NJ, DE, MD) at FabricAir. According to Jacob, using fabric for your duct system provides some great benefits, especially in an indoor cultivation environment. "If you use sheet metal, it needs to be double-walled and insulated so that it doesn't condensate. That makes it an expensive option. Uninsulated ducts will rust and corrode, but if that drips on the plants, the grower can have even bigger problems. The fabric we use is permeable. The air permeates through the fabric surface, meaning the duct won't sweat no matter how humid the room is. That's an important benefit for an indoor cannabis grow space." 
Clean, healthy plants
Jacob explains that another benefit of using fabric is choosing the speed of the air. "With sheet metal ducts, the air diffusers are usually stocked, off-the-shelf products. These can only distribute air at certain velocities in preset patterns. With FabricAir ducts, we distribute air along the entire length and can choose the direction and velocity of that air. We customize this according to the specific needs of the grow space. This is important because we can then effectively break up microclimates, banish hot and cold spots, high humidity, and create uniform temperature and humidity throughout. The grower will not only get consistent conditions for maximum yields, but uniformity also inhibits mold and bacteria growth. Proper air distribution is essential for plant health."
It's not just the plants that notice the difference, the staff comfort increases as well. One of FabricAir's customers can vouch for that. "It is a different environment, you get a very strange sensation when entering compared to the other rooms," says Tyler Pickard, Real Leaf Solutions' Lead Cultivator when describing the improved air quality and subtle air movement they experienced after installing FabricAir ducts on existing equipment.
On top of that, the fabric material saves a lot of effort when it comes to cleaning. "The fabric is lightweight and machine washable. Sheet metal ducts require more maintenance because you can't take it apart to clean it between grow cycles. So instead, you have to hire a contractor to do the job," Jacob explains. Tom Beller, Real Leaf Solutions' Co-owner and COO, agrees: "Cleaning metal ducts is difficult when they are in place, and taking them down would require the added costs of a contractor with the correct equipment. Laundering the fabric duct is easy and creates a more sterile environment."
Multi-tier cultivation
Complementing their regular fabric duct systems, FabricAir has also developed the Rack Flow System for multi-tier growers. "Our Rack Flow System is designed to be an energy efficient solution as it disperses dry conditioned air throughout the grow space eliminating microclimates and enabling vital gas exchange. The system penetrates even the thickest plant canopies promoting optimum transpiration, which enables plants to absorb more water and nutrients while maintaining peak efficiency at any fan speed," Jacob explains.
The system can be mounted on any manufacturer's racking and is designed to penetrate all lighting grids to ensure the air reaches the canopy at velocity. "It also easily integrates into grow space control systems through 0-10V, or PWM controls to maximize efficiency and deliver air as needed throughout the growth cycle. Rack Flow is simply the most efficient system, providing more air volume to the plant canopy per each watt consumed," Jacob says.
Custom solutions
Jacob adds that the company only provides custom solutions yet can still provide the fastest lead times in the industry. "We have a team of engineers who design the products according to the needs of the grower. Having the products custom engineered to the grower's facility and vision is what really drives results."
For more information:
FabricAir
www.fabricair.com
Email [email protected] to get in touch with your local representative.