Extending capture to where work actually happens is often faster and safer than moving people to fixed stations. Well-planned ducting lets you place inlets near the source while keeping noisy or bulky machines out of the way.

Choose the right hose diameter and length

• Match hose diameter to the extractor’s inlet and expected dust load. Smaller diameters increase velocity but add resistance; oversizing can drop capture velocity.
• Keep runs as short as practical. Every metre, bend, or reducer adds pressure loss, cutting under-load airflow.
• Use smooth-bore where possible; corrugations increase friction and trap debris.

Route for low resistance

• Minimise bends. If unavoidable, use large-radius curves rather than sharp elbows.
• Avoid crushed or kinked sections and protect hose at pinch points with supports.
• Seal joints with proper clamps and tape. Small leaks equal big performance losses.

Position inlets at the source

• Use capture hoods or pickups 50–150 mm from the emission point where workable.
• Stabilise with simple stands or magnets so operators are not constantly repositioning.
• If dust escapes, add a light air “push” behind the work to steer it into the inlet.

Connect to the right unit and verify

A ducting hose attached to an air scrubber or LEV should deliver adequate capture under load, not just on paper. When extending a portable system, an extractor such as a MAXVAC Dustblocker can be placed out of the way and connected via ducting to a capture hood near the task.

• Check airflow under load after routing and filter changes; do not rely on free-air figures.
• Use a simple anemometer at the hood and a PM meter in the breathing zone to confirm improvement.
• Empty collection bins and pre-filters before they choke flow.

Practical takeaways

• Short, smooth, sealed runs with gentle curves maintain capture.
• Size hose to balance velocity and resistance; avoid unnecessary reducers.
• Place hoods close to the source and stabilise them.
• Measure performance after setup and as filters load.

Good ducting turns a nearby extractor into an at-source control. Design the route, verify the numbers, and keep it maintained to hold safe, consistent capture.