Pumps & Air Compressors

Whether the pump configuration is a vertical inline, end suction or horizontal split case, pumps as well as air compressors are sources of vibration and noise. With the correct design and installation, vibration issues can be avoided.

Radiated Noise

Problem	Solution
click image to view larger Radiated Noise This problem can occur with noise breaking in to the ducts from the mechanical room.	click image to view larger HTL (High Transmission Loss) silencers and sometimes HTL ductwork is recommended in mechanical rooms where break-in is possible. Placing a silencer at the wall between the mechanical room and the occupied space will reduce break-in before and prevent breakout noise from reaching the occupied space.

Structure-borne Noise

Problem	Solution
click image to view larger Structure-borne Noise Pumps and air compressors are a major source of vibration. If this vibration is transferred to the structure, it can create serious noise problems in many different areas. Vibration can travel through the structure as well as through the connecting piping.	click image to view larger Base Mounted Pumps - Inertia base with open spring type isolators – The addition of mass to the bottom of the pump or air compressor helps lower the center of gravity, therefore reducing vibration. Open spring type isolators are required to prevent vibration transfer. Proper selection is required based on the project requirements. Vertical Inline Pumps - Spring hangers are recommended on the inlet and discharge piping before the drop and until the vibration is dissipated. This set-up usually requires 3 to 5 hangers on either side. Proper calculations should be performed for quantity and locations of the hangers. Isolation of connecting piping - Flexible connectors are required to isolate the connecting piping from the vibration source.

Problem

Solution

click image to view larger

Structure-borne Noise

Pumps and air compressors are a major source of vibration. If this vibration is transferred to the structure, it can create serious noise problems in many different areas. Vibration can travel through the structure as well as through the connecting piping.

click image to view larger

Base Mounted Pumps - Inertia base with open spring type isolators – The addition of mass to the bottom of the pump or air compressor helps lower the center of gravity, therefore reducing vibration. Open spring type isolators are required to prevent vibration transfer. Proper selection is required based on the project requirements.

Vertical Inline Pumps - Spring hangers are recommended on the inlet and discharge piping before the drop and until the vibration is dissipated. This set-up usually requires 3 to 5 hangers on either side. Proper calculations should be performed for quantity and locations of the hangers.

Isolation of connecting piping - Flexible connectors are required to isolate the connecting piping from the vibration source.

Seismic loading

Problem	Solution
click image to view larger Seismic loading During a seismic event, the pump and/or air compressor needs to be restrained to withstand lateral and vertical forces, but must also be isolated to prevent vibration transfer.	click image to view larger Pump stands to restrain against lateral and vertical forces. Neoprene pads to be installed under the pump stand to provide vibration isolation.

Uneven weight distribution for Base Mounted Pumps

Problem	Solution
click image to view larger Uneven weight distribution for Base Mounted Pumps .	click image to view larger Inertia base must cover piping elbows. Proper selection of isolators is required to prevent shorting of springs.