Noise Reduction of an FD Fan

Introduction & Background

An FD Fan due to its design was producing high noise of around 105 dB on average which was
far beyond the permissible noise levels. In this regard efforts were made to find a permanent
solution to reduce the noise level and bring it close to the permissible level.

Noise Level Details

The noise levels at several locations in the vicinity of fan were as under.

Average Noise Level = 105.62 dB

Actions Taken & Results

After carrying out a little research about the issue on the web and other sources, several
actions that could be taken to abate the noise of the centrifugal fans similar to ours were jotted
down and then discussed. Out of several possible solutions one that was found to be most
feasible and easy to test was to use densely packed Glass or Rock Wool to damp the noise
emerging from the source.

So it was finally decided to give this solution a little consideration and test it physically on the
very equipment.

So, we wrapped the complete body of the fan, with around 5 inch thick layer of Glass Wool and
cladded it with common GI sheet that is generally used to insulate Pipe works.

Significant difference in the noise levels was recorded.

After 3 inch thick layer of Glass/Rock Wool;

Average Noise Level = 97.74 dB

After 5 inch thick layer of Glass/Rock Wool and Final GI Sheet Cladding;

Average Noise Level = 94.66 dB

The noise levels are tabulated below for comparison;

Around
Around Fan Around Motor Average
Suction
Without Acoustic Insulation 103.4 dB 95.4 dB 96.8 dB 106.4 dB 106.2 dB 105.62 dB
With 3" Thick Layer 97.5 dB 95.4 dB 96.8 dB 99.3 dB 99.7 dB 97.74 dB
With 5" Thick Layer & Cladding 93.4 dB 94.4 dB 94.9 dB 95.5 dB 95.1 dB 94.66 dB
*All readings were taken at around 3ft distance from the source and 3.5 ft height from the ground

Pictures Before & After Installation of Acoustic Insulation: