DIY 80 Gallon Air Compressor Intake Silencer Build

[brglasp]

I performed some up-front research and didn't come up with anything I had imagined which led me to this project. I wanted to share my idea and build process as a baseline for anyone else thinking the same as I have. It may not be the best way, or most efficient way, but has proven very effective for very little money. My air compressor is mounted in my enclosed lean-to with a wall separating it from my main shop area. Using an app on my phone this setup 2 feet from the compressor has lessened the noise by 20db (inside the lean-to). In my shop (on the other side of the wall closest to the compressor) the silencer lowered the decibel reading from 84db to 70db. I had no idea how much quieter the compressor would be until I was done with the project and was presently surprised by the results. The compressor is an FS Curtis CT series 5hp (Weg Motor) 2 stage 240v compressor, which I also highly recommend. I have maintained the factory air filter which is easily accessible. This style of silencer could be modified and used on any number of compressors. The mounting brackets are simple plate steel and some angle iron welded up with mounting holes drilled, zero modifications were made to the air compressor itself.

 

[brglasp]

More Photos

 

[brglasp]

And More Photos...

 

[The Cobbler]

decent noise reduction!

 

[driftpin]

Looks like you staggered the acoustic foam/board, to make a zig-zag labrynth for the air to travel? I have a 80 gallon Saylor-Beall I've been thinking of doing something to, this looks like a good idea. It's not particularly noisy, but any reduction could help. I suspect I'd just do a rectangular hole instead of the few round ones as you did, for more intake area.

 

[brglasp]

Looks like you staggered the acoustic foam/board, to make a zig-zag labrynth for the air to travel? I have a 80 gallon Saylor-Beall I've been thinking of doing something to, this looks like a good idea. It's not particularly noisy, but any reduction could help. I suspect I'd just do a rectangular hole instead of the few round ones as you did, for more intake area.

Correct the dividers with the acoustic foam have two 1" holes drilled through them at opposite ends. The incoming air zig-zags though the labyrinth before reaching the main chamber.

 

[larry_g]

Very well done. These are known as labyrinth silencers. Not uncommon in the industrial world to attenuate noise where air flow has to happen.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[larry_g]

Looks like you staggered the acoustic foam/board, to make a zig-zag labrynth for the air to travel? I have a 80 gallon Saylor-Beall I've been thinking of doing something to, this looks like a good idea. It's not particularly noisy, but any reduction could help. I suspect I'd just do a rectangular hole instead of the few round ones as you did, for more intake area.

The ones we used to build had dividers that were only fastened to one wall with a gap at the other end so the air went around the whole divider and then had to cross to the other end of the next divider.. Same principle as the OP holes in the dividers, just slots at the end.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[DuluthMachineWorks]

Definitely filing this one away for when I finally get around to installing my Quincy 5HP.

 

[Bodj Built]

How noticeable is it to your ears? I don't have a great reference of decibels. What is your 'seat of the pants' opinion?

 

[nadogail]

After you get almost deaf you can stop worrying about hearing protection.

 

[Lwel9226]

Right side under the manifold has some cast numbers. Looks like E89E- with more digits. under the manifold is other markings. I really can’t make them out well at all, partially to bad casting and my bad eyes!
it does have 15 cast on both sides of the block.

After you get almost deaf you can stop worrying about hearing protection.

I didn't know how bad my hearing was until i got hearing aids.... WOW big difference....

LynnW

 

[brglasp]

How noticeable is it to your ears? I don't have a great reference of decibels. What is your 'seat of the pants' opinion?

It took the noise level from having to yell over it, to at times wondering if it was still kicking on. If I have my shop stereo playing, I don't even notice it run anymore.