To make quieter an air compressor is not an earth shaking revelation. But it’s something like annoying you and your surrounded people. So it is best practice to buy a quiet air compressor or reduce its noise level to some extent. Thus you will feel better to use it. Also your surrounded people will not be bothered.
Air compressor noise depends on some issues like either your compressor is going to run on continuous mode or regular mode. Sometimes you need to use it for sandblasting, painting where you run your compressor on continuous mode. In continuous running mode, its produce bigger noise level as it supply high airflow rate. So stuck with us in this article to learn how to quiet an air compressor sound level.
At the same time you should have to know that reducing noise level will reduce airflow rate to some extent. As we will use some components that will hinder airflow rate. But we will try to keep it at the best possible level of airflow rate and pressure level.
Is your air compressor making too much noise? But if you are too busy to do this handy list of job. Then get a quiet air compressor. If so, it may be time to invest in a new one. However, if you want to get more use out of your current machine and save money on the purchase of a new one, then there are some steps that you can take before giving up completely.
In this blog post we will go over 13 ways for quieting an air compressor. Follow these tips and soon enough the sound coming from your equipment will be nothing but soothing white noise!
Air Compressor Decibel Ratings
Air compressor decibel ratings usually are in a range of 40 decibel to 90 decibel. Generally, reciprocating compressors produce the loudest sounds, due to their dual piston pumps.
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.
In that range, we divide it in 3 categories quiet, average, and noisy.
Quiet Air Compressor:
Those air compressors in the range of around 40 decibel to 75 decibel are called quiet air compressor. But they also can be ultra-quiet or super- quiet air compressor depending on their decibel ratings.
Average Air Compressor:
Those air compressors decibel rating in the range of 75 dBA to 85 dBA rating are called average noise level air compressor. With below modification guide, you can make it quieter. We will discuss it later in this article. Just stuck with us and follow the guide.
Noisy Air compressor:
Decibel rating of compressors above 85 dBA are called noisy air compressor. To reduce its noise you have to modify it. And you have to use some extra accessories to reduce its noise level like sound cabinet.
Sources Of Sound In An Air Compressor
The noise from an air compressor can come from unwinding the hose, or it may be caused by a worn-out belt. Before we modify the air compressor, it’s necessary to know where the problem is coming from. We can quickly solve the problem using this method.
Let’s explore the possible reasons that can cause air compressor noise.
Air Intake
Air compressor has at least one air intake port. Air intakes allow air from the surrounding environment into an air compressor. Air from surrounding areas makes its way into the compressor. Therefore, air filtration is done by air filter. Thus, it is the largest source of sound coming from an air compressor given that high velocity air passes into the compressor through the intake port.
To solve this problem, make sure to keep the air intake clean and free of any external source. It’s advisable that we use a filter on the dust collector such as HEPA or ULPA filters. We can also install sound absorbing panels near the intakes port for additional noise reduction.
Air Exhaust
When an air compressor completes its compression cycle, the secondary product (high-speed exhaust) exits through an exhaust port. In the process, this is one of the loudest sources of air compressor.
The exhaust system is usually fitted with a muffler to reduce noise.
Vibration
When the compressor is on, it will shake and make noise. Unlike other types of machines, air compressors generate noise as they run. As a result, it’s advisable to have the machine bolted down or place on rubber pads with either an anti-vibration mount.
If the compressor is placed in a sturdy structure, then it will experience much less reverberation. Thus, where to place the air compressor is vitally important.
Temperature
One of the most common causes for air compressors to make noise is by increasing in temperature. For this reason, an external tank and a fan are used to cool off compressed air before it enters into the machine.
A full tank will also result in increased vibrations which may affect sound quality or cause rattling noises due to expansion.
External tanks can be mounted on the ground or elevated so that the air will flow. Pipe connections should also be run in an indirect manner, and a mesh filter is recommended for eliminating vibrations at this location as well.
Internal Components
The more components there are within the machine, then typically it’s going to have increased noise output. One of the best ways to reduce noise is by sanding or applying a coating for smooth surfaces.
Another way to quiet your air compressor without adding too much cost, would be insulation. This can be done with foam sheets and even hay bales that are wrapped in bubble wrap.
Material Of An Air Compressor
The noise level of an air compressor also depends on the material that is used to build the compressor. It also depends on the thickness of the sheet metal used to build it. Air compressors can be loud, due to the reverberations off of low-thick pieces of metal.
It’s important to note that the noise level of an air compressor is not always a universal constant, as it can vary from machine to machine. Typically, this will depend on the size and materials that are used in construction of said machines. Noise reduction also depends entirely on what you’re doing with your compressor – if you use it for long periods of time, the sound will be louder.
Types Of Air Compressor
The noise level of an air compressor varies depending on the types. Reciprocating air compressor produce much noise than the screw compressor.
The first type of compressor is the reciprocating air compressor. These machines use pistons to compress the air. The second type is a screw-type machine which uses rotating screws to create compression, and they are more often considered quieter than their counterparts.
Air Compressor Placement And Store Room
When you position the compressor on a shaky surface, it will create unnecessary noise. If the store room is not soundproof or located near your work place, then you will face much more noise pollution.
Also the air compressor should be placed in a place where it has adequate ventilation. Otherwise, placing an air compressor next to your living space can create noise pollution and other health issues for you as well as your family members.
If things are getting ridiculous, it might be worth placing the whole compressor outside.
Safety Issues Regarding To Modification Of Air Compressor
When modifying an air compressor, there are potential safety hazards. For this reason, you should know this safety issues regarding to modify your air compressor to make it quieter. We recommend the following:
circuit breaker and a fuse or breaker.
The motor should be protected by a circuit breaker and a fuse or breaker.
Relief Valve
Noise can also be reduced by installing a pressure relief valve on the discharge pipe near where it connects to the pump inlet side of the pump’s head. You may need to use an adjustable bleed screw or other means of adjusting flow to get the relief valve to open at this point in the system.
The discharge pipe size must match the pump outlet diameter. It is possible that increased noise may occur due to rapid pressure increases in the discharge line.
Once you have modified your safety relief valve, check to make sure it is functioning properly.
Pressure level
Do not make the pressure level any higher than what is on the model of your air compressor.
If the pressure is too high, you risk damaging your air compressor.
Intake Air
To reduce the noise level, do not restrict intake air too much. Thus, it will affect the compressed air required time. As a result of this, the performance of your air compressor will be reduced.
Airflow
A compressor needs cooling liquids and vents to keep it cool. If you don’t have enough of these, you could burn out the compressor. Don’t reduce the amount of cooling liquid or vents too much.
How To Quiet An Air Compressor Step By Step
Manufacturers of the quietest air compressor models use various methods to reduce noise levels produced by their machines including:
You may need a new air filter. Make sure it is made of sound dampening material. You might also want to get something that will make your machine quieter like rubber vibration isolation pads. If you take care of your machine, it will work better for you and last longer too.
While the easiest solution would be to just go out and buy one of the new ultra-quiet air compressor models that are specifically designed for quieter operation, some may want a DIY solution to quiet down their existing compressor.
Here in this article, we will discuss about several methods to make the air compressor quietest ever possible. After going through this article, you will get entire overview of reducing air compressor noise level or decibel rating.
Using Intake Air Filter Silencers
As we discussed in the beginning of this article, air intake is the primary source of noise from an air compressor. Don’t worry, we have a solution to this problem. Regardless of your choice, installing a high-quality silencer or muffler will significantly reduce the noise levels produced by an air compressor.
Here is our two recommended silencer or muffler.
Depending on the size of the compressor, silencer or muffler size also vary. Intake silencer has the built in combination of air filtration device and noise reducing device that means silencer or muffler. Buy a high-quality silencer or muffler that matches your air compressor’s size and other criteria.
Sound Dampening Materials
You can buy sound-dampening material for the store room of the compressor, which will help you to reduce the noise level. This type of insulation helps you to make your air compressor quieter.
Rubber Vibration Isolation Pads
Use rubber pad at the bottom of the compressor body and fix the compressor tightly with the structure. Rubber vibration isolation pad will absorb the vibration of air compressor during its operational condition. Thus noise decibel rating will significantly been reduced.
Use thick rubber pads on the floor and mount the compressor on it rigidly.
Use A Large Fan To Pull Air Out Of The Compressor Chamber
If you have a large fan, then you can use it to pull the air out of the compressor chamber. This will help reduce noise by cutting down on how often your machine has to cycle on and off.
Lower RPM Operation
Always operate your air compressor on low rpm that will keep running air compressor silently. But it is not possible sometimes when you need continuous airflow to run continuous air tools. Thus this technique is less effective to reduce air compressor noise.
In other cases, it may be fruitful where low rpm can do your job perfectly. For this you should have rigid knowledge about the operation of air compressor.
Oil Lubrication
Hey, always check your air compressor lubrication system regularly. Before starting air compressor, you must follow some pre-start checklist to avoid unexpected damage of your compressor. And also for maintaining the decibel level low. You should use oil lubrication if you used oil-lubed compressor. It will help you to keep noise level low as possible as it will reduce friction among different parts of compressor.
Reduced Friction Pumps
Reduced friction pump is such a machine that designed to minimize friction among the pump parts. This type of pump is really helpful to keep the noise level low.
Scroll Type Compressor Pumps
This type of compressor are reciprocating compressor. Two scrolls are meshed, one is fixed and other one is reciprocating such a way that pressurized or compressed liquids or gases. One scroll is orbiting eccentrically. In this way they trap air and pumping the air as a pocket of compressed air between the scrolls.
Rotary Screw Compressor Pumps
Rotary compressors are build based on helical spring mechanism. Thus it maintain contact between the two shaft in certain angle which minimize friction and increase compressed air amount.
This type of compressor are mainly used in industrial level where high volume of air is needed.
Maintain Distance From Compressor Working Place
Keep a safe distance between your home and your garage or workshop, so that the sound will not get into your home from garage.
In this way you can minimize the noise level.
Soundproof box
An air tight soundproof box will definitely reduce sound level significantly as the noise is absorbed the soundproof box material.
Here you can try this California air tools soundproof box which is our best choice to reduce noise level.
Using Sound Blanket
Using sound blanket is another way to minimize noise level. Here you will get a best sound blanket from the market which is tested and provide best result to minimize noise level.
Place Air Intake To Outside Of Home
Place air intake to outside of home as during sucking air it produce so much noise. This is the main source of extreme noise of air compressor.
In between your garage and driveway, for example, it might be situated in the former as you work outside with pneumatic tools powered via extension hoses.
At Least use Earplug or Muff
To keep your ear from extreme noise use an ear plug. It is also good practice to use an ear plug in industrial environment to keep safe you ear.
One of the best ways to make a sound less loud is by using an audio filter, such as one that would be placed in front of your mouth or on your ear. it’s wise to wear earplugs to protect your hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reduce the noise of my air compressor?
Even if your air compressor sounds like a foghorn, there are ways to reduce the noise: Use a sound blanket. Attach a muffler to reduce the vibration. Isolate parts with grommets. Move your car outside, or put it in the garage if you have one. Construct soundproofing around your car (maybe using several sheets of drywall). Wear ear protection.
What is the noise level of a small compressor?
Most small compressors have loud noise levels of around 80 dB. Quiet models are quieter and do not make as much noise.
What are the dangers of noise?
OSHA says that if you are exposed to loud noise for a long time, your hearing can be permanently damaged. This means that the noise in your workplace should be quieter or you should wear ear protection.
What is an Intake Muffling Device?
Intake muffling devices are usually constructed as a combination air filter and silencing device. It is attached to the opening of an intake duct in order to reduce noise.
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.
What if I need to replace my air intake filter?
To purchase an air intake filter replacement, you’ll need to know the pipe thread size on the intake head of your compressor.
Replacement filters are made for different sizes and should be ordered accordingly.
Always ask for someone’s help before ordering a replacement. If you choose the wrong filter, it can mess up your air compressor and then it will not work.
What size pipe thread do intake silencers come with?
The intake silencers come in different sizes that are standard. There are things like ¼”, ⅜”, ½”, ¾” and 1”.
An air compressor is a machine that blows compressed air into tight spaces. This process provides pressure for many different needs, including removing dirt and debris from small objects, powering things like nail guns and paint sprayers as well as inflating sports balls or inflatable structures.
How do I anchor a Ubber isolation compressor?
If you have a stationary air compressor, use rubber isolation mounts to anchor it to the floor. This will prevent it from jarring loose and also keep the noise level down.
The first step in reducing compressor noise is to install an air filter on your machine or system, even if there isn’t a manual oiler attached. The filters that come with most compressors are fine quality for light duty use but they can be replaced by higher-quality.
What are the quietest air compressors?
However, compressors with rotary screws are quieter due to their soundproof design in which rotors move in only one direction thus reducing noise levels.
How do you quiet an oil-less air compressor?
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.
Where Should I Place My Omelizer?
If moving your compressor is an option, consider keeping it at a reasonable distance from your workspace.
How do I keep my air compressors clean?
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.
What if I need to have my compressor serviced?
Maintaining your machine will ensure you’re changing valves, gaskets, and belts when they need occasional replacement.
What are the raw materials used in air compressor?
For instance, if you buy a cheap product that is made from thin metal materials and you are using it at home, be sure that the item will make much noise.
How do I reduce the noise from air compressors?
However, much of this can be reduced and even eliminated with the following air compressor sound reduction techniques: Install the air compressor in a separate room away from the workspace.
What is ear drum damage?
As with eyesight, the weakening of the ear drum can be accelerated through constant abuse.
What Are Sound Blanket Solutions?
While the use of a soundproof enclosure is the most effective way to eliminate compressor noise, the roaring decibels can still be adequately reduced with the use of sound blankets, which muffle volume by absorbing the high and mid–range frequencies.
One way to use sound blankets is by placing them on the inside of a two–sided enclosure that consists of two walls hinged together at a 45° angle.
How do I install a garage air compressor?
Place the compressor in the far–back corner of your garage, and seal the area off with the blanket–buffered enclosure.
How do I seal off compressor noise?
Another way to seal off compressor noise with sound blankets is by placing the machine inside a large cabinet or box, and then draping the blanket over the outside.
How do I minimize the noise of a small home-use air compressor?
The most effective way to minimize the noise of a smaller, home-use air compressor is to place it inside a soundproof enclosure during times of operation.
What are the benefits of using a compressor box?
With the noise of an air compressor significantly reduced or nearly eliminated during each operation, a lot more work can generally be accomplished, especially if other people are involved in a given project.
What is a Sound Blanket?
These are heavy, dense blankets that wrap around the whole of the compressor.
Universal fit blankets like the one below (can also be used on an air conditioner) claim up to 40% of noise reduction.
Final Verdict
A quiet environment is important in the workplace. This can be difficult with an air compressor running. Luckily, it’s easy to keep the noise down. Loud compressors produce noise levels of about 80 to 90 dB, while quieter models range from 40 to 79 dB.
OSHA says that you should not be around noise levels above 85 dB for a long time. It can cause permanent hearing loss. You should turn the sound down to safe levels or wear ear protection to protect your ears.
Intake air is directed through tubes or materials that reduce the sound of the rushing in air. This does not reduce the amount of air it can take in, though.
You can use sound deadening materials for ASDs and other noise sources to help quiet the air compressor.
Using the above definite guide, you can easily minimize the noise level easily. But if you don’t want to do it at home, you can buy the quietest air compressor from the market.