Thoughts on compressor enclosure

[rust buster]

I have an 80 gallon 7.5hp compressor in my 30x40 shop and it makes hell of a racket, especially with metal ceilings. I want to build an enclosure inside that will dramatically cut down the noise. I'm figuring around a 3'x3' walled in enclosure with a large insulated door maybe with a plexiglass viewing window.

What I'm worried about is heat build up. Would installing 2 exhaust fans in the exterior wall of the enclosure (one for exhaust, and one reversible to bring in fresh air) be enough to dissipate the heat? I live in VA and the summers get hot. Anything else I should be aware of or any other tips?

Thanks!

 

[mayday0017]

How big are the exhaust fans?

 

[Stee6043]

See if you can find some documentation on the brand compressor you have. There may be manufacturers recommendations out there online just waiting to be discovered.

 

[rust buster]

I was thinking about 12 inch fans that are rated to 300 CFM (there are lots of options on Northern Tool).
The brand is a Husky from HD. It was the biggest one they sold about 10 years ago.

 

[Crusty Nut]

I build an enclosure for mine (in a wood building) and put in 2 louvered gable vents in an exterior wall. one low and one high. Let convection work for you. hot air goes out and up, cool air comes in low to replace it.

 

[kbs2244]

Before you go to far try putting a generic small car muffler in to the intake plumbing.
That is where the majority of compressor noise comes from.

 

[AETD]

i had one in my old house, about 5 years ago this was my inspiration: (had it from a forum)

i had my compressor the other way arround in the box. so it blew the heat to the back.

I first run it without the fan, but it was a little hot in the box after the compressor went on and off 5 times.

My bil was electrician, he made me setup with a bathroom/toilet fan with timer.
so everytime the compressor started the fan kicked in and kept running 8minutes after the compressor stopped.

Putting in the fan made the setup louder again
Te fan was in the upper left side corner, sucking "hot" air out,direction the wall.
With the fan i also added foam on the 4 sides, floor and lid

The box only was a big improvement, the fan was a step forward for the temperature, but a step back for the noise reduction. The extra foam improved the noise alot.

 

[aka Larry]

Before you go to far try putting a generic small car muffler in to the intake plumbing.
That is where the majority of compressor noise comes from.

X2. Do a search on here for "Solberg" and you find the info. I installed the Solberg intake silencer on my Husky 60 gallon unit and it made a HUGE difference. To top it off, it costs less than $30 from Amazon.

 

[burleyfarm]

Would routing the intake outside the garage help? What problems would this create?

 

[AETD]

Moist?

 

[ClimberD]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=159694
I've decided on using QuietBrace to build the box, will bolster with regular wood where needed to keep it structured.
The key to venting the fan is to have the entrance and exit zig zag a couple times. Easy to do if you cut all the pieces at once and then assemble after. No need for two layers like what I drew.
I got these ideas all from sound studio forums, which require soundproof and air flow. You will want no other air gaps than at your baffled vents.

That timed bathroom fan is a great idea, saves me installing a temperature switch or manual switch.
Even with a Solberg filter, a little noise gets through. I will be lengthening my intake pipe, so it won't be a problem. Drawing air from outside will be a little quieter, but if your inside air is climate controlled, that may be better for the compressor.

 

[lowmad]

I built an 8' x 12' shed off the back of my garage for my compressor. To make sure I got enough airflow for the compressor itself and to keep the temps under control, I first used perforated soffit all the way around the shed. that way there is plenty of air flow for the compressor.

Next, I mounted a thermostatically controlled attic exhaust fan (the one with the automatic shutters) on the side wall above the compressor, with the thermostat set to about 105 degrees. On the opposite wall I put added a 12" screened attic vent. That way the fan comes on when needed, and runs until it knocks the temp down. Yeah, it's been running a lot this summer!

I'll be happy to take a pic for you if it would help.

Paul

'56 Nomad

Tha

 

[mdbeck1]

I built an 8' x 12' shed off the back of my garage for my compressor. To make sure I got enough airflow for the compressor itself and to keep the temps under control, I first used perforated soffit all the way around the shed. that way there is plenty of air flow for the compressor.

Next, I mounted a thermostatically controlled attic exhaust fan (the one with the automatic shutters) on the side wall above the compressor, with the thermostat set to about 105 degrees. On the opposite wall I put added a 12" screened attic vent. That way the fan comes on when needed, and runs until it knocks the temp down. Yeah, it's been running a lot this summer!

I'll be happy to take a pic for you if it would help.

Paul

'56 Nomad

Tha

Yeah, with those temperature settings it would run about 18 hours/day here (with the compressor turned off). It's been between 100-115F here for the last month. It's been getting down to a very cool 80F at night.

 

[Falcon67]

My 60 gallon will be in a 24"x26" box when it's all done. The plan is for two 6x12" vents at the bottom on the working side of the box. I don't really care if some noise leaks through on that side. In the ceiling panel there will be a 120V duct fan tripped by a 240V relay that is wired into the compressor regulator.

No updated pics yet but here is a pic of the in-the-wall location. I centered it on the wall to save a little floor space in both area.

Clean side of the closet is in the rear, just left of the mill. It's lined with a little insulation and some sound deadening board. Pretty effective if you stand back there next to it. The other side is still open while I finish all the plumbing.

 

[kkenney]

Install your compressor in the back yard shed and run piping under ground.That works great had mine like that for over twenty years

 

[Richard D]

My garage has A/C. I was considering a box right outside, a fan blowing into it from the cool garage air, and a fan blowing hot outside. Thoughts?