Industrial noise can come from all kinds of different sources, including vibrating machinery and noisy fabrication processes. The release of gas from valves and vents can be especially loud. So, you may need solutions like a diffuser silencer. Ventx can help, designing bespoke equipment to reduce the noise. We can handle all kinds of requirements, including soft start dump valves, emergency vents, and more.
A safer way to start equipment
Pneumatic equipment is vital for all kinds of industrial applications. They include robotic assembly lines, packaging, conveying, and printing. However, they can be dangerous during start up. If it immediately jumps to full line pressure, cylinders can slam into position. This has the potential to injure employees or damage equipment.
If you want to improve safety and the service life of equipment, you may need to use soft start dump valves. They are really impressive pieces of equipment. What they do is allow the pressure to increase gradually. The air flows through a spring-loaded poppet. As it reaches a specific percentage of the full line pressure (the snap point), it causes the poppet to open fully. As a result, the equipment can fully pressurise.
The dump part of the soft start valves has an important role to play. It quickly dumps downstream pressure from the equipment. This de-pressurises the system if there is ever a problem, you have a shutdown, or there is maintenance to do. It is also useful in preparation of starting back up.
How does noise become a problem?
Like any kind of vent or valve, soft start dump valves can create a lot of noise when air evacuates from the pneumatic system. This happens because of the pressure differential. As a result, you may need a diffuser silencer.
The key thing to keep in mind is dump valves work to release the air from the system as quickly as possible. Therefore, a large volume of high pressure air generally evacuates. It causes a big shock and a huge amount of turbulence. Silencers work to prevent this, reducing the pressure and slowing the air velocity. You must ensure they are robust and can handle the high flow speed and pressure.
Another thing you could potentially try is to pipe the air away. This is a good idea if the valve or vent is close to workers, homes, or sensitive environments. You can ensure you release it in a more convenient location where it won’t cause any harm. But, make sure you think carefully about the piping and chance it could generate noise. You also may still need a silencer.
Finally, make sure you consider the quality of the air. In some cases it can be heavily laden with particles of lubricant from the equipment. If so, you will probably need a coalescing silencer to separate the liquid from the air.
Get the most from your diffuser silencer
Ventx works with clients in various industries to overcome their noise issues. This includes a lot of businesses that rely on pneumatic systems. We can design silencers for any noisy vents and valves, protecting your employees and ensuring you comply with regulations.
So, speak to us if you need any help. We can deliver the ideal equipment for each application, whether it is a diffuser silencer or another model. Crucially, we ensure it will fit effectively and perform to a high standard.
