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Reduce noise in industry with pneumatic silencers
25.06.2024
In industry, the compressed air created by a compressor is found in a variety of equipment such as pneumatic cylinders, pneumatic motors, air dryers, solenoid valves, hoists and other devices that can generate harmful noise when the air is released. This noise pollution can also be present in systems using vacuum pumps. Below are some examples of pneumatic systems:
- Production robots: In robotics, a robotic arm uses compressed air to orchestrate its actions, activating or deactivating pneumatic valves to precisely regulate its movements.
- Production lines: For example, a sorting machine uses compressed air to orientate the products on the production line, according to the instructions issued by an industrial controller.
- Machine tools with pneumatic cylinders: Pneumatic cylinders are essential in sectors such as materials handling and mechanical engineering. They can be single-acting or double-acting, transforming the energy of compressed air into linear movement, with control mechanisms to regulate the flow of air and therefore the movement of the piston or rod.
Pneumatic silencers: definition and operation
Unlike a hydraulic system, the compressed air used in a pneumatic system is not returned to a reservoir after use, but needs to be evacuated instantaneously.
⚠️ If the evacuation of compressed air is not properly controlled, it can generate an excessive level of noise, which is harmful to the working environment and the health of operators. This noise is caused by the turbulence and speed of the exhaust air. When this air meets the ambient static air, potentially dangerous sound waves are created.
In addition to the noise problem, the exhaust air can contain contaminants that come directly from the system and the wear and tear on its components. These impurities can pollute the working environment, but they can also damage other equipment by blocking valves or solenoid valves, for example.
To counter these problems, the use of pneumatic silencers is essential.
⚠️ If the evacuation of compressed air is not properly controlled, it can generate an excessive level of noise, which is harmful to the working environment and the health of operators. This noise is caused by the turbulence and speed of the exhaust air. When this air meets the ambient static air, potentially dangerous sound waves are created.
In addition to the noise problem, the exhaust air can contain contaminants that come directly from the system and the wear and tear on its components. These impurities can pollute the working environment, but they can also damage other equipment by blocking valves or solenoid valves, for example.
To counter these problems, the use of pneumatic silencers is essential.
The objectives of a pneumatic silencer
- Significantly reduce the noise generated during compressed air exhaust. This noise control prevents the risk of hearing problems for operators and complies with workplace safety standards.
- Retain contaminants in compressed air and prevent them from spreading into the atmosphere. This helps to keep the environment clean, as well as protecting equipment and operators. Some models also block dust and other particles from outside the system, protecting components and extending their service life.
- Some silencers offer the option of recovering the oil mist present in the circuit, then draining it via a bleed system, allowing more economical management of resources.
💡 In the construction and public works sector, the use of silencers is necessary, particularly when it comes to emptying site compressors. To avoid any risk of over-pressurising the tank, it is strongly recommended that the compressor is emptied regularly. Using pneumatic silencers during this operation allows the compressed air to be discharged quietly and safely. They minimise noise pollution for people in the vicinity and allow the air to be expelled diffusely, avoiding the creation of clouds and projections of dust into the atmosphere. In other words, they help to maintain a healthy working and living environment around construction sites.
How do you choose your silencer?
Choosing a pneumatic silencer means paying attention to its impact on the system's air flow. An unsuitable silencer can create back pressure, reducing air flow and system efficiency.
The choice of material for a silencer is also important to guarantee its performance and avoid premature wear. It must match the specifics of the application, such as the environmental conditions and the pressure and temperature ranges required.
Depending on the pressure resistance required by the system, the shape of the silencer will also change. Silencers can be conical, flat or cylindrical.
The choice of material for a silencer is also important to guarantee its performance and avoid premature wear. It must match the specifics of the application, such as the environmental conditions and the pressure and temperature ranges required.
Depending on the pressure resistance required by the system, the shape of the silencer will also change. Silencers can be conical, flat or cylindrical.
The different types of silencer and their functions
Our range of HIFI FILTER® pneumatic silencers can be adapted to suit your needs and various system configurations:
SFE standard silencers
Coalescing silencers (SFEC)
Regulating silencers (SFER)
💡 HIFI FILTER®'s SFE models, fitted with threaded connectors, are quick and easy to install and can be adapted to a wide range of configurations.
Pneumatic silencer materials: characteristics and advantages
Depending on the application and the environment, the choice of material for a silencer also plays an important role in its durability. Here are the main characteristics of the materials commonly used:
Our HIFI FILTER® teams will be happy to advise you on the type of silencer best suited to your needs.
- Bronze and sintered stainless steel (inox): These two materials are transformed by electrolysis into small balls, compacted, then agglomerated by sintering, creating a structure where the air escapes through a series of baffles. What are the differences? Sintered bronze is more economical and suitable for non-corrosive environments, while stainless steel is ideal for highly corrosive or sterile conditions, such as in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
- Plastic: This family, which includes polypropylene, offers good resistance to temperatures ranging from 5 to 60°C and achieves noise reduction of up to 30 decibels. It is characterised by its lightness, low cost and high chemical resistance, making it suitable for corrosive environments.
Our HIFI FILTER® teams will be happy to advise you on the type of silencer best suited to your needs.
Maintenance of air silencers
Pneumatic silencers are not maintenance-free. Over time, the accumulation of contaminants such as oil mist and various particles clogs the silencer. This reduces its efficiency and increases the pressure in the system, affecting its overall operation. It is therefore important to regularly monitor the condition of silencers and to replace or clean them when signs of clogging appear. This avoids unplanned downtime and ensures continuity of production while maintaining a safe environment.
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