 In the HVAC industry, most sound or noise is generated via rotating equipment and air and fluid movement through ducts and pipes. This movement creates vibration, sound, or noise. Vibration in its simplest form can be considered an oscillation or repetitive motion of an object around an equilibrium position. In the HVAC industry, sound is usually generated by some form of vibration from equipment. Although sound is not present without vibration, there can be vibration without sound noticeable to the human ear. Therefore, the best way to reduce sound is to limit the vibration produced by mechanical equipment. Examples are rotating shafts or gears, thermal processes such as combustion, or fluid dynamic means such as airflow through a duct or fan interactions with air.
What are the effects of vibration?
Unresolved vibration can cause problems affecting both the equipment itself, the building and its users. Recurring vibrations can cause:
• Damage to the equipment
• Transmitted noise
• Discomfort for people
• Safety issues for those near the vibrating equipment
• Damage to the structure of the building
• Increased maintenance requirements for the equipment
• Decreased lifespan of the equipment
• Malfunctioning equipment
• Violation of regulatory requirements
These issues are why vibration isolation is so important.
Common Sources of Vibration
In HVAC installations, vibration often originates from rotating machinery or from bulk air movements. Vibration tends to increase with time as system components wear down, but it can also be present in new installations as a consequence of poor design decisions:
- Oversized compressor or chiller.
- Oversized fans and blowers.
- Use of inadequate supports.
- Poorly designed air ducts
- General Lack of maintenance.
How to resolve vibration?
Vibration isolation is the key to solving the problem. Isolating the source of vibration from the supporting structure is typically the most efficient approach to eliminate vibration. Carefully selected vibroacoustic isolators need to be placed, where possible, directly in between the mounting structure and the equipment that produces unwanted vibration. The isolators can then effectively absorb up to 99% of excess vibration produced by the equipment.
Equipment That Typically Requires Vibration Control
Vibration control is essential for several mechanical and HVAC systems to ensure their smooth operation, minimize noise, and prevent damage to structure. Vibration isolation is suited for standard tools and machinery such as compressors, ventilation ducts, heat pumps, and air conditioning units. Rooftop HVAC units, in fact, need vibration damping as well to avoid the vibration transfer to the surrounding building, as that can become very uncomfortable. Effective vibration control is also necessary for suspended piping systems, inline fans, and several kinds of industrial processing equipment to maintain performance, increase equipment lifetime, and guarantee a quieter and more pleasant environment in both homes and offices.
What Are Vibroacoustic Isolators?
They are designed to stifle and lower vibration and noise for mechanical machinery and HVAC systems and are technically sound solutions. They play an important role in maintaining structural stability, ensuring noiseless functioning, and preventing the wear and tear of machinery. These types of isolators are normally used in HVAC systems, such as anti-vibration mounts, spring and rubber hangers, rubber pads, and sound-dampening absorbers. Isolators, which can be made using steel, rubber, or hybrid combinations, absorb kinetic energy and minimize the transfer of vibrations into neighboring buildings. This reduces mechanical noise, specifically in large systems such as air handlers, chillers, and cooling towers.
Types of Vibroacoustic Isolators and Their Applications
Spring Mounts are great for slowing down low-frequency vibrations usually produced by slowly spinning machinery, including chillers, air conditioning, and big fans. For heavier weights, they can be found as encased versions offering more stability or in open-coil configurations. Rubber Mounts are designed for machinery experiencing high-frequency vibrations, especially above 2500 RPM. For devices with radial motions and regular stop-start patterns, such as pumps and tiny motors, these mounts are especially helpful.
Rubber Levelling Mounts support equipment and isolate vibrations. Perfect for use in portable applications and outside air conditioning units, they do not have to be attached to the main structure. Suspended loads such as ductwork and piping are handled with spring and rubber hangers. Rubber hangers offer economical isolation for ventilation systems; spring hangers control low-frequency vibrations.
Conclusion
To boost performance, reduce noise, and protect equipment and building structures from potentially damaging vibrations, vibroacoustic isolators must be integrated into HVAC and mechanical systems. All forms of isolators are, without exception, critical to proper operation, regardless of whether you employ spring mounts for substantial, low-frequency systems or rubber hangers for small, suspended items. Implementing proper vibration control measures allows facilities to ensure quieter and longer-lasting equipment while providing residents and staff with a pleasant and stable environment.
