Noise & Vibration Control

What is noise and vibration control?

Noise and vibration control is the acoustic engineering practice of measurably reducing the airborne sound and structural vibration emitted from a source. Unlike sound insulation, the goal is to control the source and break vibration transmission paths. Correct design is critical both for occupant comfort and for environmental noise regulation compliance.

Which systems fall in this category?

• Environmental noise barriers: acoustic screens for highways, factory perimeters, cooling towers
• Vibration isolation: spring/elastomer mounts under HVAC, chillers, fans, pumps, generators
• Seismic bracing / vibration damping: structural restraint against earthquake and machine vibration
• Noise control curtains: portable barriers on industrial lines
• Acoustic silencers (duct, HVAC): noise reduction while preserving airflow
• Acoustic louvres and plenums: integrated solutions at facade openings

Why must vibration be addressed independently?

Even when airborne sound is controlled, machine vibration travels through the structure to neighbouring rooms and is felt as a "rumble". This structural transmission cannot be cut with acoustic panels or wall insulation but only with vibration-damping elements. A wrong isolator can resonate at the operating frequency and amplify rather than reduce vibration.

How is the right isolator selected?

1. Equipment weight and load distribution
2. Operating frequency (RPM, beat)
3. Target vibration reduction percentage (typically 85-95%)
4. Environmental conditions (humidity, temperature, chemicals)

We base our selection on the manufacturer's technical data and verify resonance risk with simulation software for critical projects.

Acoustic silencer applications

Silencers are required wherever airflow is mandatory:

• Generator air inlets and outlets
• HVAC ducts (AHU, fan-coil)
• Industrial exhaust lines
• Cooling tower ventilation
• Facade louvres and wall plenums

A correctly designed splitter silencer adds 25-40 dB attenuation while keeping air velocity below 8-10 m/s.

Environmental noise legislation

Turkey's Environmental Noise Assessment Regulation defines a residential night limit of 45 dBA and day limit of 55 dBA. Industrial facilities receive limited night-operation permits. In our experience, administrative fines for non-compliance significantly exceed the investment budget; vibration and noise control is a priority investment.

Field practice and certification

All projects are documented with pre/post measurement. The isolators and silencers we use carry international test certificates (EN ISO 10846, ISO 7235). Environmental measurement reports are produced with accredited instruments.