It’s
no secret – air compressors are excellent sources of energy. Not only do they power essential manufacturing elements and applications, but
the heat generated as a result of the compressed air processes can be used as a byproduct that offsets other energy costs.
However, there’s another form of energy that is also a consequence of the air compression process – sound.
The sound we hear and the level at which we hear it is dependent on proximity to the source, as well as other variables in the particular
environment. When indoors, these variables can include the size of the room, the contents of the room, and, in conjunction with various
surfaces in the room, their ability to absorb or reflect sound. When sound waves come in contact with a surface, a portion of the waves are
absorbed into that surface, while a remaining portion is deflected back. How effective a surface can absorb that sound is dependent on the
material of which it is made – for example, think about how sound differs in a room with carpeting versus a room with tile or hardwood
floors!
The Benefits of Reducing a Compressor’s Sound Level
Do you know the sound levels for various sounds that you hear on a daily basis? Sound levels are measured in units called decibels and is
expressed as dB. Here are some common noises we hear daily and the typical associated decibel levels:
Leaves rustling – 30 dB
Normal conversation – 60 dB
Vacuum cleaner – 75 dB
ATV or motorcycle – 100 dB
Chainsaw – 115 dB
Crowd noise at a sporting event – 125 dB
Gun shot, fired at 100 feet – 140 dB
Compressor sound levels can range from 40-92 dB, with any noise higher than 85 dB being considered harmful with prolonged exposure. This
means that reducing sound from air compressors and compressed air systems not only makes for a more pleasant and enjoyable workplace, but it
is also healthier and safer for workers!
How Do I Reduce the Noise Level of My Compressor Installation?
The size of a compressor room, the compressors positioning within the room, and the associated materials of which the room is constructed
are all important variables in determining and producing (and reducing) compressor noise. Vibration transfer through the compressed air
piping system can also impact the transfer of sound throughout a facility. That’s why it’s important to fit a compressor and piping system
with the appropriate vibration and sound insulators, or even enclose piping sections within a sound absorbing material, to help keep noise
to a minimum. Many stationary air compressors also come equipped with integrated sound-reduction devices.
In addition to these items, here are four other effective means of reducing noise and making the workplace safer and more enjoyable:
Sound Insulation. This involves placing an acoustic barrier between the sound source and the receiver. This means that only
part of the sound can be insulated, depending on the barrier and its individual characteristics. A larger, heavier barrier will obviously be
more effective than a smaller one.
Sound Absorption. By surrounding the sound source with porous absorbents attached to a barrier, there is an added level of
sound reduction beyond that offered by insulation alone; think open cell polyurethane foam or heavier cloth applications.
Vibration Insulation. By preventing the transfer from vibrations from one part of a structure to another, you can by
association reduce the sound levels as well. One common area of vibration transfer is from a large piece of machinery through the floor.
Steel springs, cork, plastic, and rubber are materials that are all effective means of reducing this transfer and any associated noise. The
choice of material depends on the dimensions of the machine and surrounding space, as well as the stability demands of the machine. You
should also keep in mind that if the compressor is installed in a location that has it coming into contact with another object, the noise
generated by this contact can easily multiply.
Vibration Dampening. Fitting a structure with an external dampening surface composed of an elastic material is an effective
means of reducing the machine’s vibrations (and sound). The thinker the dampening barrier, the more effective its means of reducing
vibrations. This may prove to be the most cost-effective solutions, while conversely producing the most limited results.
Is your compressed air system is too loud? It’s time to reach out to the team at Ash Air to find ways to make the work environment more
pleasant for your workers!
Do you have an idea for our #expertcorner? Let
us know!
Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!
Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a
reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!
Reciprocating, Screw, air compressors
Vacuum pumps
Nitrogen
An extensive line of air treatment components
Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, Alup, Pneumatech, and Quincy compressors are used extensively around the world in industries
ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world class compressors here in the land of the long white
cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported by a 13 locations
nationwide, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.
Reliability and Efficiency
With Ash Air compressors, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our
efforts on the following:
Air compressors come in many types, rotary screw, piston, scroll, reciprocating, some are oil-free and other air compressors require oil
lubrication. Like many businesses, an efficient air compressor is at the heart of their operations. So, which type of compressor should you
choose? What makes a compressor, like a rotary screw, unique? Here are some clear cut benefits of equipping your business with a rotary
screw compressor.
Read More…
In the world of compressors, there are often significant and unutilized energy-saving possibilities including energy recovery, pressure
reduction, leakage reduction and optimization of operations through correct choice of a control and regulation system as well as the choice
of compressor size.We are going to take a look at some of the opportunities for minimizing the compressor’s operating costs.
Read More…
Many installations that produce compressed air offer significant and frequently unutilized energy
saving possibilities in
the form of waste energy recovery. In large industries, energy costs can amount to 80% of the total cost of compressed
air production.
However, a lot of this energy can be recovered, which in turn will save you a lot of money.
Read More…
Liquid water in compressed-air systems can lead to rusted equipment and unresponsive controls. Anyone who uses compressed air will, at some
point, find liquid water in the air distribution system. This can be anything from a nuisance to a serious problem, depending on the
application. If water might corrode equipment or introduce bacteria, removing it is critical.
Read More…
Liquid water in compressed-air systems can lead to rusted equipment and unresponsive controls. Anyone who uses compressed air will, at some
point, find liquid water in the air distribution system. This can be anything from a nuisance to a serious problem, depending on the
application. If water might corrode equipment or introduce bacteria, removing it is critical.
Read More…
Whenever most people think about a compressor, they probably have a piston compressor in mind. You might already know there are two basic
principles of air compression. One of those is the principle of displacement compression. There are a lot of compressor types that classify
as a displacement compressor. The piston compressor is one of them, oil-lubricated or oil-free.
Read More…
Once you have the size and type of
compressor figured out, one last question remains, should I go with an oil lubricated or oil-free air compressor. To not overcomplicate the
answer, your choice should be based on the application and process that the compressed air will be utilized in.
Read More…
Like all compressor types, rotary screw models do require periodic maintenance. Thanks to the simplicity of the internal components,
maintenance is relatively easy on most rotary air compressors. As long as you stick to a rotary screw compressor maintenance schedule, you
will likely be rewarded with many, many years of optimal productivity from your machine.
Read More…
Did you know, the biggest part of the air we breathe is nitrogen? Everyone needs oxygen to survive, however air is made up of 78% nitrogen,
only 21% oxygen and tiny amounts of other gases. Although, the human body does not use this nitrogen, it is very helpful in various
industrial applications. There is an unlimited source of nitrogen readily available, allowing you to achieve needed purity at a fraction of
your current annual nitrogen cost.
Read More…
If you notice that your compressor is getting hot and bothered, there may be heating issues affecting your air compressors performance. Did
you know that an overheating compressor is top of the pops for being the most common cause of compressor failure.
Read More…
A rotary-screw compressor is an air compressor that uses a rotary-type positive-displacement mechanism, typically used replace piston
compressors where large volumes of high-pressure air are needed, either for large industrial applications or to operate high-power air
tools.
Read More…
Have a look around and what do you see? What are you thinking about? Your next holiday to Queenstown maybe? You might go snowboarding with
the kids or have some alone time at the Day Spa. Whatever holiday you choose, compressed air is involved in some way, without you even
realising it!
Read More…
There are crucial reasons why you should service and maintain your compressor regularly, with the most common issues being piston failure
caused by wear of components, increased friction, corrosion, reduced cooling, overheating bearings and components, clogging of air filters.
Read More…
Our passion for energy efficiency and cost saving derives from the concern for our children’s future. Analysing the efficiency of your
system is a brilliant way to start saving.
Read More…
Compressed air is all around us, from the air in a balloon to pumping up tires on your bicycle. In this article we will explain what
compressed air is and how it is created. Whether you know it or not, compressed air is involved in every aspect of our lives, from the
balloons at your birthday party to the air in the tires of our cars and bicycles. It was probably even used when making the phone, tablet or
computer you’re viewing this on.
Read More…
One of the biggest challenges is to correctly size your new air compressor. Similarly to everything else, new compressors available on the
market are more efficient and employ better technology, therefore you have to understand the application and usage to size the machine
correctly. Choosing the wrong air compressor for your facility can lead to problems with production and or increased costs due to wasted
energy.
Read More…
Once you have the size of the air compressor figured out, the
next thing to do is to decide on the type of compresor you will need for your application - piston, rotary screw compressor etc. Let us take
a look at two of the most popular options available. When choosing the right type of compressor, you should ask yourself the following
questions:
Read More…
Which vacuum pump do I need? - this is one of the most frequent questions we receive and this is understandable, because there are number
of technologies which can provide the same vacuum level and pumping speed. Here is quick advice on how to choose the best vacuum pump for
your needs.
Read More…
You may be asking, why does my air compressor start, then stop? Allow us to take the guessing out of it. We understand your pain. We know
that a compressor problem can quickly result in hours (if not days) of production downtime and loss of revenue. When your compressor
continuously shuts off from on, we refer that as a short cycle. There are a few reasons that a short cycle may be happening with your
compressor.
Read More…
Air compressor leaks are very common in all applications, but can be very costly and difficult to find. On average, 20-30% of the compressed
air used in a manufacturing plant is wasted as leaked air. Finding and fixing these leaks can save your business thousands of wasted dollars
a year.
Read More…
When installing a compressed air system into a business, people often look to PVC piping as an option to build a piping system because it is
cheap, versatile and easy to install. However, using PVC pipe in any compressed air application is extremely dangerous and NOT recommended
by multiple associations and manufacturers.
Read More…
Changing the oil and oil filters on your compressor is one of the most common routine maintenance tasks to perform to keep your compressor
running efficiently. After you remove your old oil and oil filter, you may find yourself wondering, “Where do I dispose of these?”, or “Can I
just throw them in the trash?”. Because oil is toxic and a pollutant, disposing of your old oil and filters is not as simple as just tossing
them in the trash.
Read More…
It’s
no secret – air compressors are excellent sources of energy. Not only do they power essential manufacturing elements and applications, but
the heat generated as a result of the compressed air processes can be used as a byproduct that offsets other energy costs.
