Noise Control

Mechanical and electrical equipment are major sources of noise and vibration in buildings. These machines, whether rotating or reciprocating, generate vibration and noise which is emitted to the surrounding area as structure and airborne noise. A very effective way to overcome this problem is to use floating systems that create air gaps between the main structure and the mechanical/plant room.

Resilient mounts are used to construct these gaps between floor, ceiling and walls creating fully isolated rooms. The main purpose of these systems is to minimize noise transmission to the surrounding areas. A floating room performs acoustically on the principle of creating an impedance mismatch such that the transmission loss is much greater than a continuous design.

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Noise Control

Inside buildings, electrical and mechanical equipment are both significant sources of vibration and noise. Whether reciprocating or rotating, these machines are known to generate noise and vibration. Both vibrations and noise are then emitted to surrounding areas as airborne and structural noise. Of course, it goes without saying that those who live or work in these buildings experience unwanted effects. They have a reduced quality of life due to the disturbance that these vibrations and noise cause. As a result, finding ways of overcoming the problem is imperative for property owners. Here at Acrefine, we have developed a number of efficient noise control systems that minimise vibrations and noise significantly.

Floating systems are an especially effective way of overcoming the problem of excessive noise and up to a certain level of vibrations. These systems create an air gap in between the mechanical/plant room and the primary structure itself. These gaps are constructed in between the walls, ceiling, and floor by using resilient mounts. As a result, entirely isolated rooms are created. The primary purpose of floating systems is the minimisation of noise transmission into surrounding areas. Floating rooms perform acoustically on a principle of the creation of an impedance mismatch. That means the transmission loss will be far greater than that with a continuous design. An excellent way of Noise Control.

Here, we take a closer look at the various components of floating rooms systems.

What is a Floating Floor?

Floating floors are a common component of floating rooms systems. They’re also suitable for use alone if the primary concern is minimising the transmission of sound to the rooms below. A floating floor will be directly constructed on the primary supporting floor slab. Usually, it will be made of reinforced concrete that is 100 mm thick. It will be laid on plywood then supported by a resilient mount. Choosing the most appropriate mount and ensuring proper design of the layout are key factors in ensuring optimal sound isolation. The mounts’ natural frequency will greatly determine the system’s performance level overall.

In practice, it’s possible to achieve a floating floor with a natural frequency of 15 Hz. That’s sufficiently low to have a significant impact on frequencies that are audible. We manufacture special rubber mounts AFR-R type for use in standard applications. We also manufacture spring mounts for cases where a lower frequency is required, meaning a superior noise control.

What are Ceiling Hangers?

Vibration isolation or ceiling hangers create air gaps in between the mechanical room and the ceiling. Usually, the construction will be a frame that is suspended and that has gypsum boards fixed on to it. HVAC equipment, ducting, and piping installations which are ceiling-supported should be directly mounted onto the structure. Isolation hangers can then be used as and when required. Here at Acrefine, we manufacture special rubber hangers that are used in standard applications. However, if a lower frequency is needed, we also have appropriate hangers available for any level of noise control.

There are 3 kinds of vibration hangers: Rubber hangers, spring hangers, and combination hangers which are a mix of both types. The primary difference between rubber and spring hangers is spring versions have negligible damping and rubber-based products offer damping properties. Spring-based isolators have a higher load range and greater deflection for better noise control. As a result, they are more efficient at vibration isolation. If a wide vibration frequency range must be isolated, then combined hangers are the preferred choice.

Ceiling Hanger Types

A spring hanger has a coiled compression spring made from steel as its vibration isolation component. It is capable of providing deflections of 10-100mm and there are 2 types – housed and open spring hangers. An open spring hanger has one spring and a limited load capacity. Conversely, a housed hanger can have multiple springs in one housing, allowing for higher load capacities.

With rubber hangers, a rubber compound moulded in a range of A Shore hardnesses achieves vibration isolation. The damping characteristics of these hangers are excellent, dissipating vibration energy effectively. These hangers are suitable for deflections up to 13mm. There are 2 types of rubber hangers: housed and open.

An open rubber hanger has a single rubber element with a limited load capacity. For higher load capacities and more versatility, a housed rubber hanger is suitable That allows several rubber elements to be housed in one hanger.

Meanwhile, a combined hanger provides the characteristics of both rubber and spring vibration isolators. Here at Acrefine, our combination hangers are very effective in minimising wide range of vibration frequencies from suspended services and equipment, hence providing excellent noise control. With welded steel housing, these hangers allow for more strain but minimal deterioration.

What are Isolated Walls?

Isolated walls are walls which create acoustical air gaps on the walls of the mechanical room. Special brackets are used for installing them. These feature elastomeric elements for resilient mounting. Here at Acrefine, we manufacture a wall brace and mounting bracket designed for use in the installation of floating walls. The mounting brackets are directly attached onto the room’s main wall. Then, the gypsum boards are mounted on the support frame. A floating wall’s purpose is to form an air gap, not to carry loads. Therefore, any equipment that is wall mounted must be directly supported through the mechanical room’s main walls. If the systems are constructed correctly and used together, it’s possible to achieve a very high level of acoustical performance and noise control.

However, acoustical performance will always depend on the system’s resilience. Therefore, all intersections with another surface or penetrations have to allow free floating of the floating system without rigid connections.

Here at Acrefine, we understand the importance of effective noise control within a building. That is why we are dedicated to manufacturing only the highest quality noise control equipment. Whether you need an isolated wall, a floating floor, or ceiling hangers, we can help. With our well-designed equipment in place, it’s possible to effectively minimise noise transmission in your building. Whether in a residential or commercial building, our solutions are designed for efficiency and significant vibration and noise reduction.