Noise Control for Reciprocating Compressors

Abstract

Reciprocating compressors, as used in many air-conditioning systems, have long been recognized as potential major sources of airborne and structureborne noise. However, in many installations, some of the noise paths are overlooked either because of incomplete information, ill-defined criteria, or haphazard consideration of the problems. In this paper, the need for effective noise-control measures for both the airborne and structureborne path is illustrated by several case histories involving reciprocating compressors. It is shown, however, that adequate noise-control measures can usually be provided within the framework of “normal” construction techniques.