Abstract: A rigid ductwork component for a residential, commercial, or industrial air handling system that is comprised of a rigid, tubular, fire retardant layer including a foamed or non-foamed polymer resin and a fire retardant compound. In some embodiments, the ductwork component satisfies the requirements of UL E-84 rating, and the fire retardant compound includes nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method of assembling HVAC ductwork components is described. The method includes the step of coupling together first and second ductwork components. The method additionally includes the steps of wrapping a seal about a joint formed between the first and second ductwork components and positioning a ring clamp about the seal. In this regard, the ring clamp includes a band forming a first retention means on an exterior surface and a second retention means formed on an interior surface. The method further includes the step of repositionably retaining the ring clamp about the joint by coupling the first and second retention means together. The method ultimately includes the step of cinching the band about the joint.

Abstract: An air handling system ductwork component comprising a tubular, foam interior layer integrally formed with a thin, non-metal outer layer. The combination interior and outer layers are characterized as providing requisite strength for use of the ductwork component within an air handling system without inclusion of a metal-based layer. In one preferred embodiment, the interior layer is a closed cell foam, and the outer layer is plastic, with the ductwork component being formed as part of a rotational molding process. The ductwork component can assume a wide variety of forms, such as a duct, pipe, elbow, boot, tee, plenum, reducer, register, wall stack, take-off, etc.