The basics of vibration

What is vibration?

In simple terms, vibration is a mechanical phenomenon where oscillations occur about an equilibrium point. These vibrations can resonate through equipment, fixings and the building structure to create undesirable noise and discomfort for the building occupants. In the HVAC industry, most sound or noise is generated via rotating equipment and air and fluid movement through ducts and pipes.

What are the effects of vibration?

Unresolved vibration can cause problems affecting both the equipment itself, the building and its users. Recurring vibrations can cause:

• Damage to the equipment
• Transmitted noise
• Discomfort for people
• Safety issues for those near the vibrating equipment
• Damage to the structure of the building
• Increased maintenance requirements for the equipment
• Decreased lifespan of the equipment
• Malfunctioning equipment
• Violation of regulatory requirements

These issues are why vibration isolation is so important.

What are the most common sources of vibration in buildings?

HVAC equipment that is rigidly attached to a slab, wall, or ceiling can transmit vibration into the supporting structure and cause highly undesirable levels of structure-borne noise. This noise can travel far and can even spread throughout the building. Alongside the HVAC equipment, the M&E services such as pipework, conduits, and ductwork can also act as transmitters of structure-borne noise if they are rigidly connected to vibrating equipment. In an HVAC system, each vibration has the potential to travel and amplify along miles of ducting or pipework. Not only does that make any vibration more of a problem – it also makes it harder to track the source.

How to resolve vibration

Vibration isolation is the key to solving the problem! Isolating the source of vibration from the supporting structure is typically the most efficient approach to eliminate vibration. Carefully selected vibroacoustic isolators need to be placed, where possible, directly in between the mounting structure and the equipment that produces unwanted vibration. The isolators can then effectively absorb up to 99% of excess vibration produced by the equipment.

What are vibroacoustic isolators?

Products that are used to deal with vibration in HVAC equipment and services include anti-vibration mounts, spring hangers, rubber mounts and rubber sound absorbers. Products can be made of rubber, steel or a combination of both. When the machine is being used, the mounts absorb and dampen vibration, significantly minimising the impact of vibration, such as noise. Read our blog about ‘Types of Anti-Vibration Mounts’.

Learn more about the antivibration solutions from Walraven

In the Walraven portfolio, you can find a complete range of rubber and metal vibroacoustic isolators, antivibration pads, mounts and springs to eliminate vibration problems in HVAC installations. The isolators can also be easily integrated with other typical pipe fixings, channel support or rooftop installations.