Dampers & Inlet Vane Controls
Anti Vibration Mounts
Motor Slide Bases
Dampers & Inlet Vane
Control Panels
Our
Capabilities
Certified Safety & Precision Control
WITT UK Group manufactures a comprehensive range of dampers and inlet vane controls (IVCs) engineered for critical flow control and life safety applications across industrial, marine, and infrastructure sectors. Following the latest SOLAS and IMO regulations, we’ve developed a new generation of certified fire dampers that exceed traditional shut-off damper capabilities—now mandatory for marine applications where conventional dampers no longer meet safety requirements. Our range encompasses fire dampers certified to IMO A.754(18) for marine applications, butterfly dampers for flow control and isolation, multi-blade louver dampers for precise modulation, guillotine dampers for zero-leakage isolation, and inlet vane controls for centrifugal fan capacity control. Each design undergoes rigorous testing including fire resistance to ISO 15540, leakage testing to EN 1751, and operational cycling exceeding 50,000 operations, ensuring decades of reliable service in demanding environments.
Engineered Solutions for Every Application Our dampers serve critical functions from routine flow control to emergency fire containment, with construction options ranging from galvanised steel for standard applications to 316L stainless steel for corrosive environments and special alloys for extreme temperatures. Inlet vane controls provide superior fan capacity control, achieving 30-50% better efficiency than traditional throttling methods by imparting pre-swirl to incoming air. Actuation options include manual operation for simple isolation, pneumatic actuators for reliable industrial control, electric actuators with modulating capability, and spring-return mechanisms for fail-safe operation. Whether protecting life at sea with IMO-certified marine fire dampers, controlling airflow in nuclear facilities with seismic-qualified designs, or optimising energy consumption with precision inlet vane controls, our dampers deliver measurable performance improvements. Manufacturing capabilities include sizes from 100mm to 5,000mm diameter, pressure ratings to 10,000 Pa, and temperature resistance from -60°C to +1,000°C for fire applications.
- IMO/SOLAS certified fire dampers meeting latest maritime regulations
- Inlet vane controls achieving 30-50% energy savings versus throttling
- Zero-leakage guillotine dampers for critical isolation
- Temperature ratings to 1,000°C for fire protection
- Pneumatic, electric, and fail-safe actuation options
- Sizes from 100mm to 5,000mm with custom configurations available
Why Choose
Dampers & Inlets
CERTIFIED COMPLIANCE
Latest generation fire dampers meeting SOLAS/IMO requirements where traditional dampers no longer suffice.
ENERGY OPTIMISATION
Inlet vane controls deliver 30-50% efficiency improvement over conventional throttling methods.
PROVEN DURABILITY
50,000+ operation cycles tested with zero-leakage designs for critical applications.
Frequently
Asked Questions
What's changed with SOLAS/IMO fire damper regulations?
Recent SOLAS and IMO regulation revisions mandate that fire dampers must meet specific fire resistance and operational requirements beyond traditional shut-off dampers. Standard dampers previously used for fire protection are no longer permitted in marine applications. New requirements include fire resistance testing to IMO Resolution A.754(18), demonstrated integrity at elevated temperatures, automatic closure within specified timeframes, and reset capability after activation. Our certified fire dampers meet these stringent requirements with fire resistance ratings exceeding 60 minutes at 945°C, ensuring vessel compliance and passenger safety.
How do inlet vane controls improve fan efficiency?
Inlet vane controls (IVCs) regulate centrifugal fan capacity by imparting pre-swirl to incoming air, aligning flow with impeller rotation. This method is 30-50% more efficient than outlet damper throttling, which wastes energy through pressure drop. IVCs maintain high fan efficiency across the operating range, reduce power consumption at partial loads, extend operating range without surge, and provide precise, repeatable flow control. For variable-flow applications, IVCs offer excellent economy compared to variable-speed drives at moderate turndown ratios, with lower capital cost and simplified control systems.
What types of dampers are available for different applications?
We manufacture various damper types for specific applications: Butterfly dampers provide economical isolation and throttling with moderate leakage rates. Multi-blade louver dampers offer superior control authority with parallel or opposed blade operation. Guillotine dampers deliver zero-leakage isolation for critical processes. Fire dampers include thermal release mechanisms for automatic closure. Backdraft dampers prevent reverse flow in exhaust systems. Diverter dampers direct flow between multiple paths. Each type is available in various materials, actuation methods, and sealing arrangements optimised for application requirements.
How are dampers actuated and controlled?
Actuation options match application requirements and safety considerations. Manual operation uses handwheels or levers for infrequent adjustment. Pneumatic actuators provide reliable operation in hazardous areas without electrical supply. Electric actuators offer precise positioning with 4-20mA or digital control signals. Spring-return actuators ensure fail-safe operation during power loss. Fire dampers incorporate fusible links for temperature-triggered closure. Control options include on/off operation for isolation, modulating control for flow regulation, and integration with building management systems via BACnet/Modbus. We provide complete control packages including positioners, limit switches, and feedback signals.
What are zero-leakage dampers and when are they required?
Zero-leakage dampers achieve bubble-tight shut-off preventing any flow when closed, critical for toxic gas isolation, nuclear containment boundaries, clean room pressure control, and high-value product protection. Our guillotine and special butterfly designs achieve Class 0 leakage per EN 1751 using inflatable seals, double-blade arrangements, or precision-machined seats. Applications include chemical process isolation, nuclear ventilation systems, pharmaceutical containment, and emergency isolation systems. These dampers undergo helium leak testing and certified witnessed testing, providing documented performance essential for safety-critical applications.
How long do dampers last and what maintenance is required?
Quality dampers provide 25-30 years’ service with minimal maintenance. Quarterly inspections should verify smooth operation, seal integrity, and actuator function. Annual maintenance includes lubricating bearings and linkages, checking actuator calibration, testing emergency functions, and inspecting for corrosion or wear. Our dampers feature replaceable seals and bearings, extending service life beyond 50,000 operations. Stainless steel shafts and bronze bearings prevent seizure, whilst modular construction enables component replacement without complete damper removal. Proper maintenance ensures reliable operation, maintaining efficiency and safety throughout facility lifetime.