The movement of air can generate a surprising amount of noise, especially in industrial properties. If you don’t plan for the noises, it can lead to complaints and disruption. In the worst cases it puts people at risk; there is a higher chance of accidents in noisy workplaces and the sounds can cause hearing damage. We want to have a closer look here to see how to tackle two main issues. Then, if you want to work with experts to design an intake silencer or solutions for exhausts, you can speak to us.
Why is it noisy?
Air is normally calm and quiet, so it doesn’t generate a lot of noisy. However, think about when it gets windy. You suddenly have loud whoosing sounds due to the rapid movement of the air. In addition, you get rattles and vibrations from different surfaces. It happens because of turbulence and the sound penetrating through solid materials.
In industrial settings, you can experience a lot of noise in two areas; at air intakes and exhaust vents. These are key points because it is where the air is entering and leaving the system.
The intake generally becomes noisy because it is physically drawing in air. It can generate sharp whoosing noises. The noise will be even louder if there are surges and the system needs to pull in higher volumes of air. In addition, the rapid flow into the system can cause vibrations and louder sounds. It can be noisier if there are obstructions, such as clogged filters. Speak to us if you need an intake silencer.
Exhausts are generally noisy because you’re releasing higher pressure air from the system. The atmospheric pressure differential creates different types of noise depending on the type of release. If it’s a vent where air releases continuously, there can be hissing noises. On the other hand, if the air releases periodically, the surges can create sharper bursts of noise.
Solutions
Tackling intake and exhaust noise may be necessary if the sounds are causing serious problems. For example, if the levels are exceeding safe limits for employees, creating barriers for communication, or causing a nuisance for neighbours, you need to act. Similarly, there are environmental standards to think about.
An intake silencer could be exactly what you need for one end of the air system. They can reduce turbulence and vibrations, lowering the frequency and volume of the noise. You need to be very careful when you choose them though; the design must ensure it does not block the airflow or it will have an impact on performance.
To tackle the noise at the other end of the system, you could try an exhaust silencer or muffler. The goal here is to reduce the pressure and velocity of the air. As a result, when it exits, the pressure differential is lower and there is less turbulence. Again you need to be careful with the designs; you must ensure the silencer or muffler does not affect the air flow or cause excessive backpressure.
A complete sound enclosure may also be a viable option, especially if you’re dealing with noisy blowers or compressors. They have internal baffles to absorb noise. Crucially, you can design them to make sure they don’t restrict air flows.
Design an intake silencer and other solutions with leading experts
At Ventx, we know how dangerous industrial noise can be. There are many workplaces where there is a significant risk to employees, the public, and the environment. As a result, it is vital to think about solutions like silencers. We’re ready to help, assisting clients in various industries.
So, get in touch with us and we’ll design the perfect equipment for you, such as an intake silencer or exhaust muffler. We recommend you consider noise as early as possible, ideally at the planning stage for facilities. It will make it easier than retrofitting.
