Written by Scott Schreeg | Technical
Vent silencers are implements that decrease noise levels from fluids at an exhaust point. Industrial facilities create high levels of noise at these exhaust points, sometimes around a safety valve, because high-pressure gas emissions meet comparatively low-pressure atmospheric conditions. Vent silencers limit the total decibels of noise by attenuating emissions’ high pressures before they reach the outside. If you need to install a vent silencer, read through these considerations when choosing a vent silencer.
Your System’s Unique Variables
Vent silencers are different for every industry and facility because each gas path system varies, requiring a tailor-made means of attenuation. While there are many variables at play, there are three hallmark variables you should consider that would affect your silencer design: emission type, emission temperature, and average mass flow.
Type of Emission
First, the specific fluid that passes through your system makes a difference. Often, facilities emit steam, but they can also emit air or more concentrated gases such as nitrogen or oxygen. These emissions vary in density and in other ways, thus requiring differing degrees of attenuation with lower density fluids requiring more significant silencing.
Emission Temperature
In addition, temperature affects fluid properties. The higher the system’s internal temperature, the less dense a fluid becomes as it emits. Also, higher temperatures typically lead to more vigorous emissions that add more noise than the same system would at a lower operating temperature. Accounting for this variable and the emission type allows engineers to precisely design a silencer that works well with your current facility.
Emission Mass Flow
Another consideration when choosing your vent silencer is the average mass flow of exhaust gases through your system. Mass flow is a metric to determine the amount of emission molecules that pass through a certain point in your structure—in this case, how much gas passes through your exhaust points. Higher mass flow translates to high decibel noise created.
SVI Dynamics is a ready source of advice on vent silencers if you have further questions. We engineer quality steam vent silencers ourselves and care greatly about accommodating your facility, no matter the industry. Feel free to contact our skilled team at any time for more information.