Hi everyone
I'm a new member to the group, and came here to access the experience of existing users of ClearVue Cyclones. I have bought and assembled a ClearVue CV1800, standard impeller, 5 hp, etc., and plan on using 6" metal ducting in the system. I can purchase 26 gauge hvac snap-loc 6" duct locally, and already have about $850 worth of 6" adjustable elbows, "Y"s, blast gates, and reducers purchased from Lee Valley and Oneida. I was talking to ClearVue yesterday, asking if there was an elegant solution to fit 6" duct to the slightly over-sized inlet on the cyclone, when I was asked what gauge ducting I was going to use. When I said 26 gauge, she informed me that the ClearVue would probably collapse the ductwork, and that they recommend minimum 22 gauge, or 24 gauge spiral. Going back and re-reading Bill Pentz's articles, I saw that he talks about 26 gauge, and on the Oneida site saw that they recommend 24 gauge for cyclones with "...more than 5 hp". Does anyone have experience with 26 gauge ducting and a ClearVue? Am I safe using that, or do I need to go to a thicker wall?