What is the best fitting to use when offsetting duct around an object?

When it comes to offsetting duct around an object, the best fitting to use is the ogee. Ogee fittings are designed with a specific curvature that helps in smoothly transitioning the air flow around obstacles. This design reduces turbulence and pressure loss, which are crucial in maintaining efficient air distribution in HVAC systems.

The ogee shape not only facilitates a gradual change in direction but also minimizes the potential for noise and inefficiency that can arise from sharper turns or abrupt changes in duct pathways. In scenarios where air needs to flow continuously in a specific direction while navigating around an object, the ogee fitting effectively allows for this with minimal disruption.

In contrast to the ogee, other fitting types such as transitions and taper fittings serve different purposes. Transition fittings are used primarily to change the size of the duct (for example, from a rectangular to a round duct) but are not specifically designed for negotiating around obstacles. Similarly, full throat elbows allow for changes in direction but may not provide the same level of airflow efficiency as an ogee fitting when offsetting an object, as they can create more turbulence due to their sharper angles.