Quiet Air Compressor

[CompressorPros.com]

I get asked a lot about noise levels for the air compressors we sell. Sometimes we have a quick and easy answer, and sometimes we have go with approximates. Maybe some may find this helpful.

The problem is that manufacturers typically do not publish dBA levels on anything they are not trying to market as a quiet compressor.

A ball park answer for most two stage units will be a sound level in the mid 80's. Oversized cast iron pumps tend to be quieter because of the low RPM. This does not apply to cast iron pumps turning fast as is the trend especially at 7.5HP. Most compressors found in the consumer market (Harbor Freight, Lowes, Home Depot, Tractor Supply) are in this category. If you don't like crazy loud noise, don't even look at an oil less air compressor that is not an industrial machine.

To a lot of people, cost drives their compressor purchase decision, which is fine, but it's hard to find a "quiet" air compressor less than $1000.

Enclosed piston air compressors are available...BelAire, Chicago Pneumatic, Quincy and Champion (I think) make enclosed units that are a good bit quieter, but you pay a premium.

Rotary screw compressors are extremely quiet, but costs are high and they are not a good fit in places that don't need air all the time.

Some units that we have found to be decently quiet are the BelAire 5020P, 5026VP and 2061V for single stage. (This is compared to other brands that I have heard). The Chicago Pneumatic RCP-220P and RCP-226VP are the CP equivalent of those.

For two stage, the BelAire and CP Iron Series are good, with the RCP-C7581VSC2 being the best. It has a 10HP pump running at 7.5HP.

C-Aire's and EMAX's 7.5HP are similar to the big CP unit. Probably in the mid 70's for dBA

Here a few if you want to take a look...

http://www.compressorpros.com/quiet-compressors/

 

[BikerDad]

Here's an idea for ya:

Get yourselves a sound meter, maybe a pair of them. Every time you get a compressor out of the box, check the noise levels. Set up your own repeatable test protocol, i.e. always have the compressor in the same location, sound meters in the same location, etc. Share your results with customers. That way when they ask "is this one quieter than that one?", you'll be able to give them a better answer.

 

[bsaint]

From my experience, slow turning recips are the most quiet with large intake filters. My Kellogg is so quiet when it runs I can have a conversation right next to it. In contrast to boston cream colors IR T30s which are terribly loud. We have one at my other shop (its part of the lease.)

Rotary screws can be very loud if they aren't in an enclosure (i.e old Joy Twistairs.) And even if they are in an enclosure if they have a motor on the larger end of an air end range (i.e. Kaeser BS75, or Sullair 10-50) they will split your ears.

Really your best bet is hear the compressor you want run, if noise is that important. And keep in mind Id rather have to build a small room and put a quality built Sullair in it than have an ultra quiet POS Kaeser.

 

[IRQVET]

California Air Tools my friend, it will change your life. My neighbors all ask about mine because they can't believe its so quite; I've heard hair dryers that make more noise.

I have their 10 gallon/ 2HP version and it works great for me.

 

[iScream]

California Air Tools my friend, it will change your life. My neighbors all ask about mine because they can't believe its so quite; I've heard hair dryers that make more noise.

I have their 10 gallon/ 2HP version and it works great for me.

I have the 10 gallon CAT as well and really like it. It's not in the same league as the stuff mentioned by the OP though.

 

[redmondjp]

I have the 10 gallon CAT as well and really like it. It's not in the same league as the stuff mentioned by the OP though.

Yup. It's not that hard to make a small compressor quiet, relatively-speaking.

I'm hoping to have my Quincy 325 going this winter. It has a huge intake muffler on it, stock from the factory (as well as a stock aftercooler and air temperature gauge). I'm curious about how loud it will be.