There are many processes in difference sectors that are driven by air compressors. With many variances of usage, there are various sizes and models that work at different time intervals at plants and factories across the United States and around the globe. Being in use for prolonged amounts of time, air compressors are a source for noise, sometimes at high levels. There are several techniques however, that can quiet, reduce, and even eliminate the amount of noise generated by an air compressor:
- Install the air compressor in a separate room away from the workspace.
- Maintain a sizable distance between the compressor and workspace.
- Place the compressor in a soundproof enclosure.
- Buffer the compressor’s noise with sound blankets
As an added safety layer, earplugs offer protection to workers who are located near an air compressor.
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Wearing Earplugs
Whenever working near noisy equipment, air compressors included, it’s smart to wear ear plugs. Your eyes are much like your eyes, over the course of life your vision diminishes, and the same goes for your hearing. Over the course of time your eardrums weaken, and that can be accelerated by constant abuse. Wearing earplugs as a precaution protects your ears from the noises that can damage your eardrums. Earplugs are available at any hardware store and online. Keep them on you always, and before you start working near an air compressor.
Keep Air Compressor at a Distance
One of the easiest ways to quiet the noise from your air compressor is to keep it at a distance from a worksite. The distance alone could reduce the noise by as much as 25%. Noise can be reduced even further if your air compressor is in a different room and using extension hoses you are able to close a door, even partially. Even simply putting the air compressor across the room from where you are working can make a difference.
Soundproofing Enclosure
The most effective way to reduce the noise of a smaller, home-use air compressor is to house it in a soundproof enclosure while being used. Constructing a soundproof enclosure can be easily made, given the right materials and foam insulation. As an example, a portable air compressor can be housed in a handmade box, constructed from fiberboard and convoluted foam board.
When constructing a soundproof unit, make sure to account for the inlet value and tool hoses that you use to operate with. An optimal design would include a cutout for your power source and atmospheric needs. Some of the best made enclosures can reduce the noise level to almost zero.
Sound Blankets for your Air Compressor
While the most effective sound reduction technique is a soundproof enclosure, sound blankets are also an effective form. Sound blankets placed within an area of an air compressor can muffle the noise absorbing the high and mid-range frequencies. Sound blankets have become popular anti-noise techniques for recording studios, and areas where noise is amplified by its surroundings.
One use of sound blankets is to place the air compressor into a corner with a 2-sided enclosure with sound blankets. It makes use of the walls and the enclosure to help reduce noise and is useful for portable and stationary air compressors.
Another way to use sound blankets is to place the air compressor inside a box or large cabinet and drape on the blankets over the outside.
***NOTE: Exhaust from gas-driven air compressors should never be trapped in these setups
Sound blankets can also be placed directly on top of the air compressor or around the edges. Make sure to not obstruct your hoses. On scroll and reciprocating air compressors, the cylinders can be wrapped with acoustical fiberglass insulation, which can be cut to the desired length.
Important Air Compressor Maintenance Tips
Just as any product that makes noise as it works, an air compressor, if not maintained properly will make more noise and lose its efficiency. Make sure to perform maintenance regularly such as lubricating the moving parts, keeping the air filters cleaned out for optimum airflow, and even have a professional check it out on a yearly basis. These simple steps can help keep your air compressor quiet, run efficiently, and extend its life.
Our TS, EG and EN series are amongst the most quite air compressors in the industry. Check out our full line of quiet air compressors >
