How to Make an Air Compressor Quieter
Running an air compressor is noisy. The higher noise level creates distractions for staff members, causes stress due to the constant operating din, and increases the risk of hearing loss.
Taking steps toward noise reduction increases workplace comfort, improves productivity, and protects employee health.
This blog post outlines methods to create a quieter compressed air environment.
Understanding Air Compressor Noise
When first thinking about how to make an air compressor quieter, it is critical to identify the primary sources of heightened noise in the workplace. This way, you are tackling the problem head-on.
Below are the common worst offenders:
- Intake noise – air is pulled into the compressor.
- Vibrations – shaking compressor components and associated elements.
- Exhaust noise – compressed air exiting the compressor.
- Mechanical – operational noise, such as engine sounds and moving pistons.
Differing Compressor Noise Levels
Air compressors are selectable based on their expected operational noise level.
For example, while a reciprocating compressor may create 80–90 decibels (dBs) of sound, a rotary screw compressor is often quieter at between 70–75 dBs. This is because of the fundamental differences in how they produce compressed air.
Noise mitigation helps to reduce sound levels to less than 70 dBs.
Selecting a Quieter Air Compressor Model
Investing in soundproofing materials and making other improvements reduces sound emanations from existing air systems. However, the most benefit is derived from purchasing a new compressed air system designed with noise reduction in mind.
Modern compressors are significantly quieter than machines produced a decade ago. For example, purchasing a new rotary screw compressor or a scroll compressor sets your business up for success. They will automatically create a quieter work environment. Other implementations to further reduce air compressor noise are worthwhile, too.
When comparing air compressors, pay particular attention to the noise specifications. Each manufacturer confirms what is expected from a new compressor post-installation. Aim for a model with a dB of 75 or below.
Choosing an oil-lubricated compressor for your air system is possible outside of certain industries, such as food and drink production and packaging, pharmaceuticals, or healthcare. These are quieter models compared to oil-free compressors.
For updated advice about the quietest air compressors, speak with our team at Anglian Compressors.
Strategic Placement of the Air Compressor
The positioning of your air compressor is an important decision. While quieter compressors and sound deadening have their place, installing the compressed air system in low-traffic workspaces or a separate, well-insulated compressor room is best.
In some circumstances, the outdoor placement of air systems considerably reduces indoor noise. This requires adequate weather protection to achieve it. Alternatively, moving the air intake outside reduces some contributory noise factors. Rubber soundproofing, where the intake enters through an external wall, further reduces noise.
While creating a quieter working area is important, proper ventilation is critical to avoid overheating. This is especially true when the machine is in a compressor room or another confined space with less natural airflow.
Building Acoustic Barriers
When designing an enclosure or a compressor room, create acoustic barriers to block compressor-related noise.
Dedicated enclosures from heavier materials, like concrete building blocks or drywall, combined with acoustic soundproofing insulation, are ideal.
Using acoustic foam is recommended to dampen sound emanations. Also, sound blankets interior to a physical barrier effectively dampen and absorb noise.
When enclosing compressors for sound dampening, pay particular attention to ventilation openings; otherwise, heat gets trapped and compressor equipment may overheat and become damaged. Therefore, the right approach is venting heat externally while reducing noise internally.
Applying Sound-Dampening Materials
Effective sound insulation adequately reduces the overall noise level. Below are some recommended, affordable sound-dampening materials to consider using:
- Acoustic blankets are convenient to position and flexible enough to cover compressors.
- Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) sheets block louder sound emanations.
- Foam board insulation is ideal for the lining of enclosure walls.
- Acoustic panels are an alternative material for enclosed wall lining.
Whatever soundproofing material is utilised must be fire-resistant and verified as ‘compressor safe’. Sufficient airflow is always required to prevent overheating.
Installing an Intake Silencer
One of the additional ways to quiet an air system is by installing an intake silencer. Intake silencers work by dampening pulsating noises at a higher frequency that travel through the air intake system.
Installing an intake silencer is relatively simple; they are available commercially or can even be produced as a DIY project using spare materials.
When mulling over a list of sound-dampening options, intake silencers sit near the top for affordability.
Need advice on getting an intake silencer installed? Discuss it with our experienced team at Anglian Compressors.
Minimising Vibrations
Vibration-induced noise is an important consideration.
Below are some practical ideas to reduce the vibration-related noise output:
- Rubber mats fitted beneath an air compressor prevent unwanted floor reverberations.
- Isolation pads or rubber mountings separate the mounting surface and the compressor.
- Tighten up all fittings and bolts to lessen mechanical sounds.
It is easy to overlook vibrations as a noise-generating cause. However, every bit counts because sound bounces off surfaces, echoes, and travels a surprising distance. Moving your compressor temporarily to fit a rubber mat or some isolation pads is worthwhile.
Regular Maintenance Practices
Once noise control is successfully achieved, regular maintenance is required to prevent new noise factors from appearing.
Extra noise is prevented in the following ways:
Regular lubrication – moving parts require lubrication, especially in oil-lubricated compressor technologies. Otherwise, the friction creates additional noise.
Replace intake filters – do not forget to swap out intake filters. With time, these become clogged and contribute to localised noise.
Conduct regular inspections – find and resolve loose connections and tighten screws and bolts. This stops hard-to-track rattling sounds.
As a more general point regarding compressed air equipment, compressors operate more efficiently and enjoy an extended lifespan when they are well-maintained.
Community Insights and DIY Solutions
Below are some other suggestions from the broader community of compressed air producers:
- Quieter, new compressors are superior to sticking with an old compressor and the noise it makes. Soundproofing for ageing equipment is a temporary solution.
- Fibreglass or foam insulation within custom enclosures is an affordable, effective DIY solution.
- Another DIY solution gaining popularity is insulated wooden boxes. These allow for excellent ventilation and avoid trapping heat.
One mistake to avoid is creating a fully sealed solution, like a box or an enclosure. This often leads to compressor damage because of overheating.
Conclusion
Selecting a quieter compressor and strategically installing it away from the main workforce does much to isolate compressor noise. Soundproofing methods, such as acoustic barriers and dampening materials applied to enclosure walls, reduce decibels and how far noise travels.
Lessening vibrations and adding intake silencers reduces the noise of compressed air production. Furthermore, regular maintenance stops small rattles and other issues from increasing the decibels.
Practical methods are appropriate to reduce noise. Custom DIY solutions do help within individualised workspaces. If you are unsure where to begin, our experts at Anglian Compressors offer professional guidance or a noise consultation for soundproofing solutions.