How To Quiet An Oil-less Air Compressor
While air compressors can undoubtedly be one of the most powerful tools in your workspace, they can also be the loudest. Air compressors can get up to 70-90 decibels loud – the average conversation is about 60 decibels, so bring in 2-3 oil-less air compressors running at full capacity and you’ll definitely have a noise problem.
Compressors can be loud for a variety of reasons, but among the most common are friction, air intake, exhaust, and type of compressor. Generally, reciprocating compressors produce the loudest sounds, due to their dual piston pumps.
However, compressors with rotary screws are quieter due to their soundproof design in which rotors move in only one direction thus reducing noise levels. oil-less air compressors are an example of a rotary screw compressor, but if you’ve dealt with one, you know they’re still quite loud.
There are a few things you can do to quiet your equipment, so today we’ll be sharing 5 ways to quiet an oil-less air compressor to keep production running strong without raising a ruckus.
1. Use a sound muffler to quiet your oil-less air compressor intake.
Much like a car has an exhaust muffler, you can attach a device to your oil-less compressor to help decrease noise levels by around 2 decibels. Consider installing an intake muffler. They typically include a silencing component and an air filter that’s best fit for your compressor while also helping you get the job done.
If you can, consider installing the oil-less air compressor intake outside. Since the intake is typically the culprit for a majority of the noise, completely moving all of the loud operations outside is usually the most successful way to bring the noise down.
2. Make a few modifications to reduce overall compressor noise.
An excellent way to reduce noise levels is by making a few modifications to your oil-less air compressor. One of the easiest ones is to cover them in sound blankets. Right after the intake and exhaust, the piston-cylinder can get quite loud, so using sound blankets or sheets to absorb mid-to-high frequency sounds is an affordable and easy approach.
Installing rubber grommets to secure the motor can result in some significant sound muffling. Rubber is great at sound absorption, so adding rubber grommets is an easy way to bring the decibels down. They come in a variety of different sizes and types, so make use of them on your compressor to achieve a quieter environment.
3. Isolate the compressor as much as possible.
Isolating your compressor may seem impossible, but one easy workaround is to create a soundproof enclosure around it– while keeping your exhaust and power outlets cut out. Encasing the unit inside a sound-insulated box will significantly bring down your noise levels, while allowing you to keep the compressor right where it is. Just make sure the new enclosure doesn’t restrict the cooling air flow.
If moving your compressor is an option, consider keeping it at a reasonable distance from your workspace. Situating the compressor in a room of its own can reduce noise as much as 25% in many cases. Keep in mind that while placing it outside is an option, you’ll want to ensure it doesn’t affect performance by ensuring regular maintenance checks, plenty of protection from the elements and ample ventilation.
4. Ensure regular oil-less air compressor maintenance and cleaning.
Regular cleaning and maintenance don’t just apply to compressors outside. You can help keep the sound down by ensuring all metal parts are regularly lubricated and oiled, air filters are clean and free from clogging, and expert eyes are regularly put on the machine to ensure it is operating as optimally as the day you bought it.
Maintaining your machine will ensure you’re changing valves, gaskets, and belts when they need occasional replacement. So, hiring an expert to conduct maintenance can really make a world of difference in the longevity of your equipment.
5. Invest in expert advice.
We cannot recommend this option more. While the average owner can absolutely perform routine maintenance and quick fixes, a professional can analyze your compressor routinely and notice changes in the sounds that your employees may become accustomed to. Experts look at so many machines daily with all types of issues, so you can expect they’ve seen it all when it comes to noisy oil-less air compressors.
Talk to our team of experts at JHFOSTER to find the sharpest minds in the industry to help with device upkeep, troubleshooting problems, and for help with picking the best solution available.
Conclusion
While the list of ways you could quiet your oil-less air compressor is not exhaustive, these quick tips will have you well on your way to a quieter workspace in no time.
JHFOSTER can help equip your business with the tools needed for any application or industry. As a leading distributor and service provider for oil-free and oil-less compressors, we’re the go-to resource for information on oil-less air compressors, ordering new equipment, finding new use cases and more.