One of the most versatile and must-have devices in a facility is the air compressor. This equipment supplies power for air tools in HVAC control systems, construction, and manufacturing.
The sound that air compressor systems generate, however, can sometimes be loud. Excessive noise levels can be problematic for workers. A report from Better Health Channel reveals that constant and excessive workplace noise can cause various health problems, such as headaches, fatigue, and irritability. What’s worse, it could increase the risk of hearing loss. Facility owners, therefore, should take steps to minimize the noise generated by air compressor systems.
Here are some methods you could use to make this machine run more quietly:
1. Inspect and Tighten Loose Parts
Bolts, screws, and other small air compressor components can become loose after some time. These parts can generate rattling, banging, and other noises caused by the machine’s vibrations. Make sure you tighten the loose parts and fix the displaced components.
2. Install a Muffler or Silencer
One of the main sources of noise for an air compressor system is the intake valve, a component responsible for air suction. You can cut down the noise levels generated by the intake by installing a silencer or muffler.
These two gadgets typically consist of two important components: an air filter and a silencing tool. When installing, simply connect the compressor air hose to the silencer. This should dramatically minimize the noise caused by the rush of air.
Note: If you’re attaching a muffler, choose the pipe thread size that’s appropriate for the compressor’s intake head. When you can’t find the specific pipe size, use a bigger muffler. Avoid installing small-sized mufflers, as they could limit the incoming airflow.
3. Dampen the Vibration and Sounds with Rubber
The interaction between the air compressor system and the production floor generates loud vibrations. The noise will be louder depending on the type of surface. Hard floors, for instance, create loud impact noises.
You can reduce or nullify the vibrations with the help of rubber. This material has insulating properties that absorb the noise generated by the machine.
You have the option to install a rubber mat or a rubber grommet. Mats prevent the body of the air compressor system from constantly coming in contact with your facility’s hard surface. These floor coverings are affordable and easy to find in stores.
Rubber grommets, on the other hand, decrease the noise generated by the air compressor motor. When you switch on the machine, the grommets will absorb the vibrations, resulting in a quieter operation.
4. Wrap the Body of the Air Compressor
Use a sound dampening material to suppress the sounds originating from the compressor system. You could use rubber products as your wrapping material. If your production facility is on a budget, look for old mats or carpets lying around and place that on the air compressor. The simple strategy muffles the vibration noises and reduces the machine’s contact with other surfaces, such as the wall and the floor.
5. Place the Compressor Inside a Soundproof Box
If your facility uses a small air compressor system, you could house that inside a soundproof box. Although this task can be laborious, it will produce effective results. You can find the materials you need at your local store.
When constructing the box, take note of these tips:
- Measure the dimensions of the entire air compressor carefully. Then, add extra inches to the measurements of the materials you’ll use for the soundproof box.
- Make the box using materials like gypsum board, concrete blocks, or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). You’ll want the box material to be fire-resistant to minimize accidents.
- Remember to drill holes in the soundproof box. The compressor’s generator needs air to operate properly.
- Install a quiet cooling system or fan to prevent the compressor from overheating and bursting into flames.
6.Lubricate Your Air Compressor Regularly
An air compressor system has a lot of moving components. You’ll need to conduct routine lubrication to keep these parts running optimally. Failure to do so will result in unnecessary friction among the moving components and lead to wear and tear. Eventually, your compressor can start to generate loud noises.
Schedule your lubrication every month or quarter depending on the instructions provided in the maintenance manual.
Take note of these suggestions to minimize the noise generated by your air compressor system. If you plan to modify your compressor to reduce the noise levels, remember to prioritize safety over everything else. The pressurized air is dangerous, so you’ll need to be extra careful with the adjustments you make to the machine.
