What is Destratification
What is Destratification?
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When heated air is released into an enclosed space it has a natural tendency to stratify, creating a temperature gradient
from floor to ceiling. In many cases the floor temperature might be 12°C, whereas the roof temperature can reach 26°C,
or higher. Generally, the hotter the roof fabric; the greater the heat loss from the building. Energy loss through the fabric of
the building in this way can substantially increase operating costs of the heating system.
Over the years a number of methods have been developed aimed at decreasing the temperature gradient from floor to ceiling, and within the H&V industry this is known as "de-stratification". All heating systems result in a degree of stratified air, some far greater than others. Typically, warehouses and factories are heated utilising 'floor-standing', or 'suspended' gas-fired warm air heaters, or overhead 'radiant' systems. In older premises, suspended 'unit heaters' served by a central boiler can often be found. In every case, stratified air will result, despite what the individual heater manufacturers might claim. As with most particular sectors of an industry there is usually one product superior to all others for a particular purpose. In the H&V industry, with regard to "de-stratification", the product best able to achieve consistent and high fuel-input savings is the Nuaire Ecostrat (formerly known as SYSTEM 2000 and Ecosmart Destratifier). |
Relevant Literature & Documents
  | Brochure: Ecostrat Catalogue File size: 612 KB |
 | Installation and Maintenance Manual: Ecostrat (was System 2000 and Ecosmart Destratifier) Leaflet Number: 671349 - Nov-07 File size: 117 KB |
  | Link to page: OEM Product Applications |
 | Link to page: Product Demonstration Videos |
You will require Adobe Reader to view the above PDF () documents. 
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I need de-stratification fans?
All space heating systems result in stratified air, making the roof fabric hotter than anywhere else. 'The higher the fabric temperature, the greater the heat loss through that fabric'. If the roof fabric temperature is reduced, less fuel-input is required to run the heating system. Fitting 'de-strat' fans will definitely reduce heat loss through the roof fabric.
- I have radiant overhead heating, can destratification be beneficial?
Yes. Most manufacturers of overhead radiant heating systems infer that the radiant heaters only heat persons and objects below the radiant shield. In fact, the surface temperature of the static radiant tube can be as high as 482° Centigrade. This makes the air temperature above the shield very much higher than at low level, increasing heat loss through the roof fabric. Under these conditions, destratification fans can be very beneficial.
- Can the Carbon Trust help financially, with de-stratification projects?
Yes, currently the Carbon Trust offer 'interest free' loans for energy saving projects. These are given to small and medium enterprises that meet the required eligibility.If it can be clearly demonstrated that energy savings will result, it is highly likely that funding will be granted.
- Do all destratification methods perform equally?
No, for those reasons shown in the 'Comparisons' section, Ecostrat is by far the most effective energy saving system.
- How would I know what destratification system would best suit my building?
All destratification systems have their use, but for specific advice, e-mail us the details of your building (length, width, height to eaves, height to apex), the shape of the space, how it is used, the layout (racking, benches, mezzanine floors), and type of heating/cooling system. We will call you with expert advice.
- What is the best location for de-stratification fans?
This will depend on the layout of the working area. If fans are fitted at high level, it is better to position them to avoid direct air impingement on goods, obstructions, or personnel. If fans are fitted at low level, with air being directed towards the roof, there are generally no air impingement problems and fan location becomes less critical.
- Are de-stratification fans 'noisy'?
Ceiling sweep fans (punkah) and twin-fan assemblies are intrinsically quiet. Axial fans mounted in a 'box' arrangement can be noisy, but this is easily overcome with the use of fan speed controllers.
NB. The designer should take care to "size" the fan duties to take account of the slower speeds.
- Are de-stratification fans 'draughty'?
With most fans fitted at high level, some draught will be felt directly below the fan, in particular, those fans of the "fan in a box" type.
Ceiling sweep fans and twin-fan assemblies are not particularly draughty, but air is moved downwards and therefore some draughts at working level will be evident.
With fans mounted at low level, blowing air towards the roof, very little noticeable draught will be felt at working level.
- Can de-stratification fans really save money on heating costs?
Yes. If installed and operated to the particular manufacturer's recommendations, fuel-input savings will be achieved. If de-stratification fans are operated at slower speeds than recommended, or, less fans than required are used, savings will be less than the manufacturers claim.
- Can the use of Ecosmart Destratifiers reduce installation costs?
Yes, for three specific reasons. When using Ecostrat
(a) Less heat input required because fabric losses are lower. Heaters can be lower output.
(b) The necessity to position heaters "strategically" throughout the space is reduced. The heat source can be close to the incoming mains gas and electricity. Less installation materials and time.
(c) Fans are fitted at low level making installation positions within easy reach. No costly access machinery. Much quicker installation time.
- Do de-stratification fans need to run continuously?
For best results in terms of comfort levels and fuel-input savings, the de-stratification process should be continuous.
If fans start and stop at the dictate of individual fan control thermostats, temperatures at working level will fluctuate noticeably, and the saving process will be desultory.
- Do de-stratification fans require maintenance?
Yes. From time to time, any fan type should be checked for correct function, and cleaned as necessary. This might involve the use of mobile scaffold, or mechanical 'scissor lifts' for fans mounted at high level and can very often be disruptive to the working process.
For those fans mounted at low level, access is very much easier and might only involve the use of a small section of tower scaffold.
- What if I have a mezzanine floor, can de-stratification fans help air circulation below them?
With fans mounted at high level it is very often difficult to move sufficient air under a mezzanine floor to be of benefit to working operatives, or, contribute to fuel-input savings. This is a 'specialist' area of design, but with fans positioned correctly, mezzanine floors need not be a deterrent to use of de-strat fans.
