Silencer

[MattF]

Halfords oil filter HOF213 used as air filter on skip compressor
http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/album.php?albumid=900&pictureid=2383

rtbcomp
It cut the noise noticeably,

It would when you consider the fact that there was none on there before that. Seriously though, intake noise isn't exactly a major issue with any small, (and most compressor head units are technically a small unit), unit. It's a notable noise, but it's not something which is going to be loud enough to annoy neighbours or the like on it's own. It's more like one of those light background annoyance type noises. Restrict or baffle an intake and it will quieten the unit down. That's a simple fact, but it's definitely not something which would make enough of a difference for it to be a neighbour upsetter or not.

 

[MattF]

Just been having a quick search, and there seems to be a marked lack of useful and factual info on silencing compressor units. When I get around to restoring one of the compressors, I'll have a fart around and test various configurations to see what changes make what level of difference. For the time being though. running through the list:

1) Intake. You will have some noise from there, that's a simple fact. An automotive oil filter, provided you pick a large enough filter which isn't going to choke flow, is likely going to give you more improvement than just about any other readily available item. You could fabricate something yourself, but the oil filter is pretty much the perfect design already, and you know that they are readily and cheaply available when it needs replacing.

2) The receiver amplifying noise. If you want a vague idea, just tap the side of the receiver with a metallic object, then imagine that sound being transmitted several hundred times per minute. That'll give you a good indication of what type of gain you'll get from isolating the head unit from the receiver.

3) Acoustic baffling/deadening. This is usually suggested by enclosing the unit. Always better to remove the cause of the noise, by whetever amount possible, rather than just working around the problem though, IMHO. You could also try deadening the noise from the receiver itself by fitting some sound deadening material to it, in the same way they do with motor vehicles to reduce road noise. Last ditch scenario, enclose the unit, but make sure it has adequate ventilation.

 

[normspanners]

sandwich plate to receiver with a rubber insulation between receiver and compressor

I have a direct drive compressor in my boiler room one thin door next to the kitchen it WAS a small direct drive 3000rpm noisy b******d, I changed the compressor pump for twice the capacity 1500rpm still DD, BUT, rubber mounted the new one with exhaust mounting bobbins to the tank now when it kicks in if the telly is on or the kettle is boiling you can JUST hear it, it isnt obtrusive at all, you can hear it but that is good so I would know if a hose blows etc. It is switched on 24 7 but I was thinking of fitting a low pressure switch with an moment override for starting, so if a hose fails and the tank drops below 30 psi for more than 2mins it will cut out. To save burning the compressor out.

 

[Daz1968]

Well I contacted solberg USA who put me onto there uk stockist so have ordered one for £24 + the dreaded vat so when I get it will report on effectiveness. When my warranty is up on compressor may try isolating pump from receiver as another comparison. I am not after totally silent operation so any slight reduction will be great.

 

[Daz1968]

Have fitted the solberg filter today, I must say the quality of it is superb and a great upgrade for filtration, however I disagree with the link I posted I used my iPhone sound meter and without any filter at all it was 95db, with stock filter was 90db and with the solberg filter it was 89db all with phone left in same position, so either the solberg isn't as good as stated or the one supplied on the clarke compressor is pretty good. However to help with life of compressor and get best air I can it was worth it. My next mod is an aftercooler to help remove moisture then I may try mounting the pump off the receiver. The compressor is in a different garage to where I am working so its not really an issue just if I can get it quieter I will be happier.

 

[paul_f]

Thanks for posting up- I won't bother then!