®

CONTROL DAMPER
DAMPERS AND LOUVERS Model VCD-15

Application and Design Greenheck certifies that the model

The VCD-15 series is a general purpose damper for VCD-15 shown herein is licensed to
application as an automatic control or manual balancing bear the AMCA Seal. The ratings
damper. A wide range of electric and pneumatic shown are based on tests and
actuators are available. The VCD-15 is intended for procedures performed in accordance
with AMCA Publication 511 and
application in low pressure and velocity systems under
comply with the requirements of the
circumstances where low leakage performance is not AMCA Certified Ratings Programs. The
necessary. AMCA Certified Ratings Seal applies to
air performance ratings only.
Ratings
Pressure: 2 in. wg - differential pressure.
Velocity: 1500 fpm.
Temperature: 180°F.

Standard Construction
Frame: 5 in. x 1 in. 16 ga. galvanized steel hat
channel. Reinforced corners. Low
profile head and sill on dampers 16 in.
high and smaller. H*
Blades: 16 ga. galvanized steel, reinforced with
3 longitudinal structurally designed
vee's.
Linkage: Side linkage out of airstream
(concealed in frame).
Axles: 1/2in. dia. plated steel. Removable
control shaft extends 6 in. beyond
frame.
Bearings: Synthetic (acetal) sleeve type.

W*
Size Limitations
Minimum Size: One Blade 6 in. W x 6 in. H * W & H dimension furnished
Two Blade 6 in. W x 10 in. H approximately 1/4 in. undersize.

Maximum Size: Single Section 48 in. W x 60 in. H

Multiple section size 84 in. W x 60 in. H

Blade Operation
11Ú4 in. 11Ú4 in.
max. max.
(typical) (typical)

5 in. 5 in.

Parallel Blades Opposed Blades

PRESSURE DROP DATA VCD-15
This pressure drop testing was conducted in accordance with AMCA Standard 500 using the three configurations shown. All
data has been corrected to represent standard air at a density of 0.075 lb/ft 3.
Actual pressure drop found in any HVAC system is a combination of many factors. This pressure drop information along with
an analysis of other system influences should be used to estimate actual pressure losses for a damper installed in a given
HVAC system.

AMCA Test Figures 5D 6D

Figure 5.3 Illustrates a fully ducted damper. This

configuration has the lowest pressure drop of the
three test configurations because entrance and
exit losses are minimized by straight duct runs Figure 5.3
upstream and downstream of the damper.

5D
Figure 5.2 Illustrates a ducted damper
exhausting air into an open area. This
configuration has a lower pressure drop than D= 4 (W) (H)
Figure 5.5 because entrance losses are 3.14
minimized by a straight duct run upstream of the
Figure 5.2
damper.

Figure 5.5 Illustrates a plenum mounted damper.

This configuration has the highest pressure drop
because of extremely high entrance and exit
losses due to the sudden changes of area in the
system.

Figure 5.5

Pressure Drop Calculations

As explained in chapter 32 of the 1997 ASHRAE fundamentals handbook, pressure drop is a function of two variables: pressure
velocity and a dimensionless parameter called the pressure loss coefficient (Co).

To calculate the pressure drop across your damper: first select the AMCA test figure shown above that most closely resembles
how your damper will be mounted, then substitute the duct face velocity and the appropriate damper pressure loss coefficient
(Co) found on the following page into equation 1.

2
Equation 1: ∆p = Co * (V / 4005)

where ∆p = pressure drop measured in inches wg

Co = pressure drop coefficient
V = Face velocity measured in fpm

Example: Calculate the pressure drop of a 24 in. x 24 in.

damper in a fully ducted configuration (fig 5.3)
that sees a face velocity of 1500 fpm.

Using the pressure loss coefficient table Greenheck certifies that the model
corresponding to AMCA fig 5.3 it can be seen VCD-15 shown herein is licensed to
that the Co value for a 24 in. x 24 in. damper is bear the AMCA Seal. The ratings
0.65. Substituting Co and the velocity into shown are based on tests and
procedures performed in accordance
equation 1: with AMCA Publication 511 and
comply with the requirements of the
∆p = 0.65 * (1500 / 4005)2 AMCA Certified Ratings Programs. The
∆p = 0.091 in. wg AMCA Certified Ratings Seal applies to
air performance ratings only.
PRESSURE LOSS COEFFICIENT VCD-15

Pressure Loss Coefficient (Co) Table for AMCA Test Figure 5.3
Width
Height 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 42 48
6 11.74 11.74 6.34 6.34 5.14 5.14 4.63 4.63 4.63 4.30 4.30
8 6.34 4.30 4.30 2.41 2.41 2.41 2.41 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69
12 4.30 2.41 1.69 1.32 1.32 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10
16 2.41 1.32 1.10 0.90 0.90 0.76 0.76 0.76 0.76 0.65 0.65
20 2.41 1.32 1.10 0.90 0.90 0.76 0.76 0.76 0.76 0.76 0.76
24 1.69 1.10 0.90 0.76 0.65 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.64
28 1.69 1.10 0.90 0.76 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.64
32 1.69 0.90 0.76 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51
36 1.32 0.90 0.64 0.64 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.44 0.44 0.42 0.42
40 1.32 0.90 0.64 0.64 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.44 0.42 0.42 0.42
44 1.32 0.76 0.64 0.64 0.51 0.44 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42
48 1.32 0.76 0.64 0.51 0.51 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42
52 1.32 0.76 0.64 0.51 0.44 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.37 0.37 0.37
56 1.32 0.76 0.64 0.51 0.44 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.37 0.37 0.37
60 1.10 0.76 0.64 0.51 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.37 0.36 0.36 0.36

Pressure Loss Coefficient (Co) Table for AMCA Test Figure 5.2
Width
Height 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 42 48
6 12.81 12.81 7.23 7.23 6.07 6.07 5.57 5.57 5.57 5.25 5.25
8 7.23 5.25 5.25 3.35 3.35 3.35 3.35 2.48 2.48 2.48 2.48
12 5.25 3.35 2.48 1.96 1.96 1.62 1.62 1.62 1.62 1.62 1.62
16 3.35 1.96 1.62 1.30 1.30 1.07 1.07 1.07 1.07 0.92 0.92
20 3.35 1.96 1.62 1.30 1.30 1.07 1.07 1.07 1.07 1.07 1.07
24 2.48 1.62 1.30 1.07 0.92 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90
28 2.48 1.62 1.30 1.07 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90
32 2.48 1.30 1.07 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75
36 1.96 1.30 0.90 0.90 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.66 0.66 0.66 0.66
40 1.96 1.30 0.90 0.90 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.66 0.66 0.63 0.63
44 1.96 1.07 0.90 0.90 0.75 0.75 0.66 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.63
48 1.96 1.07 0.90 0.75 0.75 0.66 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.63
52 1.96 1.07 0.90 0.75 0.66 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.48 0.48 0.48
56 1.96 1.07 0.90 0.75 0.66 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.48 0.48
60 1.62 1.07 0.90 0.75 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.48 0.48 0.42 0.42

Pressure Loss Coefficient (Co) Table for AMCA Test Figure 5.5
Width
Height 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 42 48
6 15.45 15.45 8.35 8.35 7.03 7.03 6.49 6.49 6.49 6.15 6.15
8 8.35 6.15 4.36 4.36 4.36 4.36 4.36 3.62 3.62 3.62 3.62
12 6.15 4.36 3.62 3.16 3.16 2.83 2.83 2.83 2.83 2.83 2.83
16 4.36 3.16 2.83 2.49 2.49 2.21 2.21 2.21 2.02 2.02 2.02
20 4.36 3.16 2.83 2.49 2.49 2.21 2.21 2.21 2.21 2.21 2.21
24 3.62 2.83 2.49 2.21 2.02 2.00 2.00 1.92 1.90 1.90 1.90
28 3.62 2.83 2.49 2.21 2.00 2.00 1.92 1.90 1.90 1.90 1.90
32 3.62 2.49 2.21 2.00 1.90 1.90 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87
36 3.16 2.49 2.00 1.90 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87
40 3.16 2.49 2.00 1.90 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87
44 3.16 2.21 2.00 1.90 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87
48 3.16 2.21 1.92 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87
52 3.16 2.21 1.90 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87
56 3.16 2.21 1.90 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87
60 2.83 2.21 1.90 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87
LEAKAGE SPECIFICATIONS
Leakage Data 15.0

Leakage testing was conducted in 10.0

9.0
8.0
accordance with AMCA Standard 500 and 7.0
is expressed as cfm/ft2 of damper face 6.0

area. All data has been corrected to 5.0

Static Pressure Difference (in. wg)

represent standard air at a density of 0.075 4.0

lb/ft3. 3.0

2.0

1.0
.9
.8
.7
.6
.5

.4

.3

.2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 150

Air Leakage (cfm/ft2)

Multi-Section Assembly
Dampers larger than the maximum single section size,
will be made up of a multiple of equal size sections.
Multiple section dampers will be connected together
(in the field) by a crossover bracket so that all sections
operate together as shown.

NOTE: Dampers larger than 48 in. x 60 in. are not

intended to be structurally self supporting.
Additional horizontal bracing is recommended
to support the weight of the damper and
vertical bracing should be installed as required
to hold against system pressure.

NOTE: Temperatures in excess of 180°F require

special consideration.

Specifications
Control dampers meeting the following specifications shall be furnished and The Damper Manufacturer’s submittal data shall certify all air performance
installed where shown on plans and/or as described in schedules. pressure drop data is licensed in accordance with the AMCA Certified
Damper blades shall be 16 ga. galvanized steel 3 Vee type with three Ratings Program for Test Figures 5.2, 5.3 and 5.5. Damper air performance
longitudinal grooves for reinforcement. Blades shall be completely symmetrical data shall be developed in accordance with the latest edition of AMCA
relative to their axle pivot point, presenting identical resistance to airflow and Standard 500-D.
operation in either direction through the damper (blades that are non- Damper manufacturer's printed application and performance data including
symmetrical relative to their axle pivot point or utilize blade stops larger than 1⁄2 pressure, velocity and temperature limitations shall be submitted for
in. are unacceptable). Linkage shall be blade-to-blade concealed in jamb (out of approval showing damper suitable for pressures to 2 in. wg, velocities to
the airstream) to protect linkage and reduce pressure drop and noise. 1500 fpm and temperatures to 180°F. Testing and ratings to be in
Damper frame shall be 16 ga. galvanized steel formed into a structural hat accordance with AMCA Standard 500. Basis of design is Greenheck model
channel shape with reinforced corners. Bearings shall be corrosion resistant, VCD-15.
permanently lubricated, synthetic (acetal) sleeve type rotating in extruded holes
in the damper frame for maximum service. Axles shall be square and positively
locked into the damper blade.

GREENHECK
P.O. BOX 410 SCHOFIELD, WISCONSIN 54476-0410
Submittal-VCD-15 FS
Rev. 3 July 2001
PH. 715-359-6171 Copyright © 2001 Greenheck Fan Corp.
® www.greenheck.com