How to effectively soundproof an industrial HVAC system: some key principles

An examination of the structural factors to take into account in order to tackle HVAC-related noise pollution in industrial facilities.

Industrial HVAC systems play an instrumental part to provide heating, cooling and ventilation to a wide range of facilities such as chemical processing plants, manufacturing facilities, power generation plants and water treatment plants.

They are normally larger and more complex than residential HVAC systems, which makes them also statistically at higher risk of becoming noisy spot.

As a matter of fact, these installations are inclined to produce loud sounds at the damage of the surroundings. It is therefore clear that all the facilities hosting these machines should need to adopt, willy-nilly, a soundproofing strategy in case the hearing comfort of the operating individuals is put in jeopardy.

The initial step of the approach implies the determination of the area where the HVAC systems is installed. Being placed outdoor means, for instance, be arranged for a specific solution over another.

Moreover, as anyone would expect, the location of the HVAC device determines the type of the HVAC equipment. For instance, components such as chillers, fans, cooling towers, and pumps fall within the outdoor HVAC equipment. On the other hand, components such as ducts, junctions, diffusers, and cooling coils are likely to be found inside facilities.

HVAC-related noise control can be engineered by employing two distinct classes of materials: absorptive ones, which naturally absorb sounds, reduce reflections from surfaces and decrease reverberation within spaces, and sound partitions or barriers, which reduce sound transmission between adjacent spaces through non-porous textures, generally recognized as good reflectors of sound.

Reducing noise transmission from outdoor machines requires, firstly, an accurate mapping process of noise propagation. Ventilation of buildings, enclosures and equipment rooms should be meticolously evaluated. Structural factors should be already considered when selecting HVAC equipment and while designing air distribution systems to minimize the noise. The overall design requires, a careful assessment of all the limitations of space, selection of fan, and aerodynamic pressure drops. The final objective is to eradicate the noise created by the flow of air or gas while simultaneously maintaining the flow itself and keeping the pressure drop minimal.

Three main cutting-edge soundproofing technologies provided by Stopson Italiana are suitable to HVAC systems: Acoustic Louvers, Intake Silencers and Acoustic Enclosures. These are indeed durable and easy-to-operate solutions to be integrated as noise control measures into the system design. A series of Silencers specifically designed for HVAC are a perfect fit for applications requiring maximum insertion loss (noise reduction), low static pressure drop, low maintenance, and quick delivery. They can be incorporated into the ventilation system and paired with the machine to fully soundproof it towards all directions.

Explore our news about Industrial Silencer applied to HVAC system to deep dive into the topic.

How Industrial Silencers work in HVAC systems

Crucial factors to take in account when silencers have to be installed in HVAC plants.

One of the most frequent application of soundproofing technology (like Acoustic Louvers and Intake Silencers) encompasses definitely the installation on HVAC plants. These installations release sound emission into the environment, often exceeding the allowed thresholds.

That’s because of the noise created by airflow produced by motors or fan. In other cases, the sound waves tend to break out through the walls of the ductwork and spill out into a room. Often, the noise travels the length of the ductwork and spill out the mouth at the vent.

Acoustic EnclosuresAccording to their functions, these machines are arranged in outdoor places, like courtyards and terraces. Hence, the first step is to evaluate the area in which the HVAC systems should be set. That means an accurate mapping process of noise propagation, including ventilation of buildings, enclosures, and equipment rooms. Integration of noise control measures such as silencers and louvers, into the system design requires careful consideration of space constraints, fan selection and aerodynamic pressure losses.

The need is, one one hand, to reduce the noise generated by air or gas flow. On the other, to avoid of compromising the air or gas flow itself, with keeping the pressure drop as low as possible too. For these reason the Stopson Acoustic Louvers, Intake Silencers and Acoustic Enclosures can be considered suitable for these multiple industrial applications. The silencers can be added on the ventilation circuit and combined with the machine, in order to completely acoustically isolate it in any direction.

The HVAC silencers are an excellent choice for applications requiring maximum insertion loss (noise reduction), low static pressure drop, low maintenance, and quick delivery. Stopson’s offer encompasses the design and engineering assistance to integrate the HVAC system with its attenuators. Both ready-made silencers and custom built solutions are offered. The benefits are: durability, surface finishing, ease to operate.