HVAC Silencers

IAC Acoustics rectangular and cylindrical duct attenuators provide effective, predictable noise reduction at substantial savings over other noise reduction methods because IAC products are laboratory-developed and tested under controlled conditions. Moreover, we manufacture duct silencers to specific metal tolerances and with controlled acoustic infill flow resistances to achieve consistent results.

Should none of our standard range of silencers meet your requirements we will develop one for you. If you have a special requirement, please contact us and our specialist team will be able to provide you with a bespoke solution.

Applications

  • Quiet-Vent® Silencers solve a common problem in air handling the passage of noise from one space to another through vents provided for air passage. These modern low-cost units are easy to install, permit circulation of air in either direction, yet effectively stop noise in both directions.
  • Quiet-Duct® Rectangular Silencers are suitable for conventional applications including low-frequency silencers having acoustic performance specifically engineered for the 63 Hz, 125 Hz and 250 Hz octave bands.
  • Clean-Flow Rectangular Silencers are ideal for systems requiring a higher degree of cleanliness and hygiene such as hospitals or clean room applications. Linings on the fill material guard against erosion of particulate matter into the airstream. Specific internal construction features protect the lining against chaffing or premature failure and are necessary to maintain the rated aero-acoustic performance.
  • Conic-Flow® Tubular Silencers are available for silencer applications including low-frequency silencers having acoustic performance specifically engineered for the 63 Hz, 125 Hz and 250 Hz octave bands.
  • D-Duct Acoustic Diffuser Silencers are appropriate for use on axial fan systems. The combined interior diffuser cone and exterior square jacket casing make these units aerodynamic regain devices as well as silencers.
  • Rectangular Packless Silencers are the ultimate solution for ultra-clean environments and corrosive / flammable environments. The complete absence of fill, combined with ease of cleaning and draining makes Packless silencers well suited for engine test cells, chemical plants, refineries and facilities that handle or process hazardous materials.
  • Tubular Packless Silencers are excellent for small diameter circular duct systems such as fume hoods. The Packless design of these units makes them equally suitable to the types of systems mentioned for the Rectangular Packless silencers.
  • IAC’s Green Duct Attenuator range is the first British made ‘green’ silencer range for air handling applications. With acoustic infill material made from specially developed post-industrial organic fibre, IAC's range of green Duct Attenuators offers a solution to the ever-increasing requirements for eco-friendly HVAC systems.

Cross Section Through Typical IAC Quiet-Duct Silencer

Die-formed single-piece splitter constructed throughout Shell-noise radiation minimized by double-skin or splitter construction in most models Acoustic splitters designed for maximum attenuation at low frequencies, the toughest job of all Straight-through air passages designed for maximum pressure drop Solid, rounded noses that increase noise reduction Bell-mouth entrance and exit to minimize turbulence, pressure drop and Self-Noise No protruding fastener heads to case turbulence or Self-Noise Solid air-impingement surfaces and self-cleaning air passages to minimize dirt entrapment Acoustic fill protected against erosion by perforated metal containments.

Duct Attenuator Design

All of the duct attenuators manufactured by IAC Acoustics are of the passive design because they do not require mechanical or electrical means to function. They do their job very simply by providing a trouble free static means for the dissipation of sound energy by converting it into very minute quantities of heat. Many of the original air conditioning attenuators developed by IAC in 1950 are still in use today.

Active duct attenuators operate electronically by means of microprocessors, loudspeakers and microphones. They cancel sound by feeding back an additional noise source that is 180 degrees out of phase with the original noise. In theory, noise reduction is effective for low frequencies, usually below 300, Hz. Initial research to develop a commercial product was particularly strong in Great Britain but, today, research goes on throughout the world. HVAC noise control requirements are rarely confined to a narrow low frequency range. The broad band low and high frequency attenuation capabilities of typical passive attenuators are practically always required.

Duct Attenuator Design

All of the duct attenuators manufactured by IAC Acoustics are of the passive design because they do not require mechanical or electrical means to function. They do their job very simply by providing a trouble free static means for the dissipation of sound energy by converting it into very minute quantities of heat. Many of the original air conditioning attenuators developed by IAC in 1950 are still in use today. Active duct attenuators operate electronically by means of microprocessors, loudspeakers and microphones. They cancel sound by feeding back an additional noise source that is 180 degrees out of phase with the original noise. In theory, noise reduction is effective for low frequencies, usually below 300, Hz. Initial research to develop a commercial product was particularly strong in Great Britain but, today, research goes on throughout the world. HVAC noise control requirements are rarely confined to a narrow low frequency range. The broad band low and high frequency attenuation capabilities of typical passive attenuators are practically always required.

Cross section through typical IAC Quiet-Duct Silencer

Die-formed single-piece splitter constructed throughout Shell-noise radiation minimized by double-skin or splitter construction in most models Acoustic splitters designed for maximum attenuation at low frequencies, the toughest job of all Straight-through air passages designed for maximum pressure drop Solid, rounded noses that increase noise reduction Bell-mouth entrance and exit to minimize turbulence, pressure drop and Self-Noise No protruding fastener heads to case turbulence or Self-Noise Solid air-impingement surfaces and self-cleaning air passages to minimize dirt entrapment Acoustic fill protected against erosion by perforated metal containments.

Forward and Reverse Flow

In 1972, IAC developed silencer Dynamic Insertion Loss and Self-Noise ratings both under FORWARD FLOW (+) and REVERSE FLOW (-) conditions for Rectangular and Cylindrical Duct Attenuators. Since attenuation values are generally higher in the first five octave bands in the Reverse Flow (-) mode compared to the Forward Flow (+) mode, more economical silencer selections can often be made on return air systems. These phenomena are illustrated below.

D-Duct Diffuser

Quiet-VENT Silencers