Q1Which
model of Flettner ventilator should I
choose?
For
small (car-derived) vans or for vehicles
carrying animals the Flettner
2000 should be chosen - (see also Q6
below). For larger vehicles, either
model is suited.
Both
the Flettner TCX-2™ ventilator the
Flettner
2000 ventilator operate on the same
principle and therefore both are highly
suitable for most applications.
The Flettner TCX-2™ extracts approximately
twice the amount of air for any given
windspeed as the Flettner 2000 and
therefore it is the preferred choice
where a strong rate of extraction is
required. The Flettner 2000 is the
smaller of the two models, and is the
natural choice when a discrete looking
unit is required.
In most circumstances Flettner
ventilators are an ideal method of
ensuring that fumes and gases are
extracted from the interior of
vehicles. Note however that
certain heavy gases may pool near the
floor of a vehicle. Because
ventilation is a safety-critical issue,
professional advice should always be
sought as to the correct configuration
of ventilation components.
Q2Does
my vehicle require a roof ventilator by
law?
Laws
vary from country to country, but the
fitting of ventilation is typically
mandatory when 'Dangerous Goods' are
being transported. Under the
United Nations classification scheme a
whole variety of goods ranging from
organic chemicals to fuels and from
compressed gases to fire extinguishers
are defined as 'Dangerous
Goods'.
A brief summary of the EU's requirements
for ventilation to be fitted to vehicles
can be downloaded by clicking here
In many countries the owner of a
commercial vehicle has a mandatory duty
of care to the driver(s). Thus,
even when dangerous goods are not being
transported, a risk assessment must be
carried out and all reasonable steps
must be taken to ensure that the driver
is not exposed to unnecessary risks -
these would include exposure to heat or
fumes..
If in doubt, the precautionary principle
should be be applied and appropriate
ventilation fitted.
Q3My
vehicle has a ribbed roof. Can I
fit a Flettner Ventilator?
Yes
in the majority of cases, without any
adaptation. The ventilators should
be fitted to as flat a section of roof
as possible. Where a roof is
ribbed the base of the ventilator should
be sited on a flat 'valley' between the
ribs. For the Flettner 2000 and
the Flettner TCX-2™ with the standard base
option the space between the ribs must
be at least 5.75" (145mm)
wide. However the FlettnerTCX-2™ is
also available with a narrow base option
allowing it to be fitted to roofs where
the spacing between the ribs is as
little as 4.25" (108mm).
Q4Can
the Flettner TCX-2™ be fitted as
a replacement for the Flettner 2000?
Yes.
Although a Flettner ventilator is
extremely unlikely ever to fail, in
cases where A Flettner 2000 ventilator
has been damaged due to a collision it
can be replaced by a FlettnerTCX-2™
with a
standard base as the fixing holes are
compatible. A FlettnerTCX-2™ with a
narrow base is not compatible however.
Q5 How
does the Flettner ventilator prevent the
ingress of water or dust?
The
Flettner TCX-2™and the Flettner 2000
are
carefully designed with an internal
shield ring to prevent rain or dust from
entering the vehicle or building to which
they are fitted. In addition a neoprene gasket is
incorporated into the base of each
ventilator to prevent water seepage.
Q6How
much noise do Flettner ventilators make?
Flettner
ventilators are designed to
minimise the generation of mechanical
noise. Smooth low friction bearings and
a stainless steel spindle ensure quiet
rotation and the wind driven operation
eliminates the need for electric motors.
This makes Flettner ventilators amongst
the quietest 'active' ventilators
available. At high windspeeds the
air extraction is audible, hence it is
recommended that ventilators not be
fitted directly above the head of the
driver of a vehicle.
The Flettner
TCX-2™ is very powerful and
therefore it is recommended that this
model should NOT be fitted to smaller
car-derived vans as the strength of
these ventilators may set up drumming
vibrations on roof panels in certain
circumstances.
Q7What
colours are available?
The
Flettner
2000 & Flettner
TCX-2™ ventilators are available as
standard in black or white. In
certain circumstances special colours
can be produced to order if large
quantities are required.
No.
Flettner
ventilators are only available from
distributors. A list of
distributors can be found by clicking on
the 'Distributors' navigation button
above.
Q9
What are the key dimensions of
Flettner ventilators?
(a)
The Flettner TCX-2™:
Clearance above
roof:
0.8 inches(19 mm)
Total height above roof:
4.5 inches
(116 mm)
Maximum diameter:
10.2 inches (260 mm)
Width of narrow base:
4.25 inches(108 mm)
Width of standard base: 5.75
inches(145 mm)
Diameter of shutter:
7.8 inches(198 mm)
(b)
The Flettner 2000:
Clearance above
roof: 0.8
inches
(19 mm)
Total height above roof:
4.0 inches(102 mm)
Maximum diameter:
8.9 inches(226 mm)
Width of base:
5.75 inches(145 mm)
Diameter of shutter:
7.4 inches(188 mm)
Q10How much does a Flettner ventilator
weigh?
Flettner TCX-2™ (inc shutter):2 lb 2 oz(965g)
[2 lb 12 oz(1250g) boxed] Flettner
2000with shutter:1 lb 9 oz (705g)
[2 lb 0 oz (885g) boxed] Flettner
2000without shutter:1 lb 0 oz (460g)
[1 lb 7 oz (640g) boxed]
Q11How much air does a Flettner
ventilator extract?
See
extraction data tables listed under
Performance Data for each model.
