Duct design is a key component of energy efficient HVAC system performance. We encourage engineers, designers, specifiers, and manufacturers of duct system components to get involved at the Society level and contribute to our increase of knowledge and understanding of duct design.

Get these duct systems essentials together!
Purchase the ASHRAE Duct Fitting Database and the newly published Duct Systems Design Guide to complete your duct design reference library! These tools are the perfect combo for HVAC engineers and designers seeking to develop more energy-efficient, accurate, user-friendly, and cost-efficient HVAC systems. Learn more at the ASHRAE Bookstore!

Herman and Dorothy Behls Travel Awards

The ASHRAE Foundation and ASHRAE TC 5.2, Duct Design, are pleased to invite applications for the Herman and Dorothy Behls Travel awards. TC 5.2 fully funded the endowment to honor the late Mr. Herman Behls, who was a 50-Year Distinguished Service Award member of ASHRAE. He was a respected engineer in the ASHRAE Illinois Chapter, and a longtime contributor to TC 5.2. He led the effort to write the Duct Design Guide, and was instrumental in developing the Duct Fitting Database. Through this endowment, the TC desires to encourage undergraduate and graduate engineering students, as well as ASHRAE YEA members, to continue the legacy and enhance the profound impact of the Behls family on the engineering profession.

Herman and Dorothy Behls Awards Announcement 

Herman Behls Obituary 

An engineering undergraduate or graduate ASHRAE Student Member can complete an application for the following endowment: 

• Herman Dorothy Behls Travel Award Application - Application Deadline is October 15, Annually
• Intent of Award: Provide funding for ASHRAE Winter Conference Travel. Conference attendance is one of the best ways to get involved with the organization, to become familiar with the major players in the HVAC&R industry, to network with experienced professionals in the field, and to learn about the ever-developing HVAC&R Industry.
• Recipient Receives:  Total budget for the trip.  If the cost exceeds $1,100, applicants should identify how the additional funding will be achieved (by applicant, student branch, local chapter, or other funding source).
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• - Applicant shall have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a scale where 4.0 is the highest.
• - Applicant must be an Engineering undergraduate or graduate ASHRAE Student Member
• - Applicant will be a member of a local student ASHRAE branch, if available 
• - Applicant will demonstrate potential service to the HVAC&R profession.
• - Applicant will demonstrate leadership ability, strong character and a strong work ethic.
• - ASHRAE Student member will shadow a member from TC 5.2 during an ASHRAE Winter Conference and attend technical sessions. The student will be encouraged to provide a short write up on their experience at the corresponding ASHRAE Winter Conference.

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• Become a Member of TC 5.2

  TC 5.2 is concerned with the design, characteristics and construction of all types of ductwork for the handling of air and other gases, but does not include chimneys.

• • ASHRAE TC 5.2  is always looking for dependable volunteers.  No matter what levels of expertise or experience, you can
    contribute!  Joining is free, you can join at anytime, and you don't need to be a paying dues member of ASHRAE to join a Technical Committee.

    How do I apply to become a Provisional Corresponding Member (PCM) on ASHRAE TC 5.2?

    1. 1.  Click Here to access the Application (Very simple and will only take a minute)
    2. 2.  Enter your ASHRAE ID and Email Address (You can obtain an ASHRAE ID without being an ASHRAE Member - Click Here)
    3. 3.  Enter Your Contact Information
    4. 4.  Select up to 3 Committees to serve on.
    5. 5.  Click "Join Now"

    What is a Technical Committee?

    • Remember - Anyone can attend a Technical Committee meeting. 

      Participation in ASHRAE activities is an excellent way to advance your career – technically, personally, and from a business perspective. If you are involved in the HVAC&R field, or a closely related field, ASHRAE is the go-to organization for professional advancement.

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  TC 5.2 White Paper - Return Ductwork Requirement for Airborne Pathogens Through the Airstream

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• Summary - Mechanical design plays a critical role in reducing airborne pathogen transmission. While ventilation, filtration, and disinfection are all essential, one often-overlooked factor is the choice between open ceiling plenums and ducted return systems.

  Open ceiling plenum returns, sometimes called “wild returns”, limit a building engineer’s ability to control airflow, pressure barriers, and pathogen containment. They also increase safety risks for maintenance personnel working in contaminated spaces.

  In contrast, ducted return systems provide:

• The ability for TAB Technicians to maintain accurate room pressurization (positive, neutral, or negative) during a pandemic.
• More stable airflow patterns for effective pathogen control.
• Safer maintenance conditions, since pathogens remain contained within the ductwork.
• The option to clean and disinfect ductwork using established NADCA and ASHRAE standards when needed.

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• Based on these health and safety benefits, ASHRAE Technical Committee 5.2 white paper, Return Ductwork Requirement for Airborne Pathogens Through the Airstream,  recommends ducted return systems in all new buildings and major renovations, prioritized for medical facilities, schools, and assembly spaces.

  This guidance underscores a fundamental principle: when occupant safety and energy efficiency cannot be perfectly aligned, safety must remain the driving factor.

  🔗 Interested parties can download the full ASHRAE 5.2 document for free here: Return Ductwork Requirement for Airborne Pathogens