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Vibration Isolation: by Robert Simmons, P.E., Member ASHRAE
Vibration Isolation: by Robert Simmons, P.E., Member ASHRAE
Vibration
Isolation
By Robert Simmons, P.E., Member ASHRAE will is many times more.
All mechanical equipment used in
N
o matter how advanced the design, mechanical equipment HVAC&R systems vibrate to some de-
gree. The awareness of vibration prob-
will contribute to objectionable vibration and vibration- lems have increased over recent years for
a number of reasons:
induced noise in buildings. Building owners’ and tenants’ increasing • Economical, lightweight building
construction has replaced the heavy
demand for a comfortable and productive workspace, and the
construction of the past. These more
increased presence of sensitive, high-tech equipment requires flexible buildings are much more
susceptible to transmit and resonate
vibration control issues be considered. This article will examine if, vibration.
• Valuable floor space results in mechan-
why, or when vibration from HVAC&R equipment causes a problem ical systems located in smaller areas
near occupants. The closer proximity
in buildings, and some practical vibration isolation theory and to tenants means greater probability
of complaint. Equipment located on
installation guidelines. flexible above-grade floors results in a
greater risk of vibration transmission.
What’s the Buzz? tion isolator during design and installa- • The link between workplace comfort
We all remember that age old idiom, tion of equipment could prevent much and individual productivity necessi-
“penny wise and pound foolish.” A simi- more costly trouble later. It is not only
lar adaptation of this applies to vibration higher in direct costs to retrofit an isola- About the Author
isolation of typical HVAC&R equipment tion system (as much as 10 times more), Robert Simmons, P.E., is a vice president of engi-
and systems in buildings today. Attention but the cost in downtime, consulting to neering for Amber Booth, A VMC Group Company,
to a relatively small, inexpensive vibra- diagnose a problem, and customer bad Houston and Bloomingdale, N.J.
(1–fd2 / fn2)2+(2×
fn 1 Cycle 1
0.7
0.5
ε = Damping Ratio as a Proportion of Critical Damping (C/Cc)
0.3
0.2
= Isolator Stiffness (lb/in.)
0.1
= Damping = C/Cc 0.07
0.05
= Static Deflection (in.) 0.03 Assuming Negligible Damping
0.02
T =1/ ([fd / fn]2 –1)
0.01
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
fd/fn (Forced Frequency/Natural Frequency)
Figure 4: Spring-mass-damper model used to calculate properties
of an isolation system. Figure 5: Transmissibility versus frequency or efficiency quotient.
Equipment Location and Substrate Table 1: Quick reference chart to determine isolator deflection required to limit vibration
Location, location, location. What is transmission.
true in real estate is true in designing for
low vibration transmission. The first and resonance with the vibration disturbing flections from 0.75 to 6.0 in. (19 to 152
best option is to locate equipment as far frequency. This requires greater isola- mm), yielding natural frequencies from
away from occupied or sensitive areas as tion than with a stiff structure. To avoid 4 to 1.3 Hz. Springs are an adjustable,
possible. If equipment must be located problems, it is a good rule of thumb to free-standing, open-spring mounting.
near occupied or sensitive areas, then use an isolator with a deflection of 10 The springs are fastened to an integral
try to place the equipment adjacent to times what the floor will deflect due to cup/base plate or welded to the spring
areas such as bathrooms, storage areas, or the equipment weight. It is helpful to mounting base plate and compression
hallways to create a buffer zone between locate heavy equipment near columns or plate for stability. The isolator is usually
the equipment and the more sensitive heavy-duty beams. designed for a minimum kx /ky (horizon-
locations. tal-to-vertical spring rate) of approxi-
Next, consider the support structure. Available Isolator Types mately 1.0, and with a minimum outside
Rigid structure is needed beneath the Once the isolator deflection is resolved, diameter to operating height of 0.8 to
isolated HVAC&R equipment to work it must be determined what type or style ensure stability.
properly. The stiffness is a function of the of isolator best suits the installation. All steel springs should be used with
column spacing, the structural material There are a number of isolator styles that elastomer pads or cup under the spring
used (wide flange, open web, pre-stressed can be used. The different styles address or base plate to provide anti-skid and a
or post-tensioned concrete), and the con- practical installation issues encountered barrier to high-frequency noise that might
struction. In general, heavier construction with various types of equipment. The pass directly through the steel spring.
(concrete deck with heavy wide flange following components are shown in Every steel spring has a surge frequency
or concrete beams) is more rigid than Figure 6. at which vibration passes through without
light weight construction (open web Open steel spring isolators provide being isolated. If you thump a spring, it
joist, shallow concrete or wood deck). In high efficiencies, adjustability, and long will resonate a ring tone (the surge fre-
some cases, especially lighter construc- maintenance-free life. These are the most quency). This is a very high frequency
tion roofing, the floor can be flexible, common isolators used in the commercial that is not usually an issue. However, on
and its natural frequency can be close to industry. They are available in static de- the off chance that there exists vibration
Flexible Bellows
Pipe Clamp
Clamped to
Welded to Pipe
Sleeve and Pipe
Rubber Expansion Joint Metal Hose Spring-Isolated Riser System Thrust Restraint
With Control Rods
• Increased rigidity for heavy and/or high horsepower equip- accepts isolator point support and seismic/wind restraint. The
ment; upper frame must be designed with positive fastening provi-
• A lower center of gravity and wider footprint to prevent rock- sions (welding or bolting) to anchor the rooftop unit to the
ing instability for tall, narrow equipment; and curb in a manner that will not affect waterproofing. There is
• Increased mass to prevent high momentary or cyclical un- a continuous air seal between the upper floating member and
balanced forces from causing too much movement in the the stationary bottom. A wood nailer is provided on the bottom
springs. portion for roofing/flashing. Spring locations have access ports
These types of bases are used with pumps, compressors, large with removable waterproof covers so isolators can be adjustable,
fans (40 in. [1 m] wheel diameter or more), etc. removable and interchangeable. These type of curbs typically
Roof curb isolation rail. Rooftop equipment often is have a means to allow roof insulation and sound attenuating
mounted on a roof curb. For this, a continuous roof curb isola- that act thermally outside and acoustically inside. Flexible
tion rail is mounted on top of the roof connectors must be used between the
curb. It consists of a top and bottom isolated unit and the duct. Most can be
weatherproofed aluminum or formed supplied with sound barrier packages
metal rails for mounting between the and plenums.
equipment and roof curb. It provides
a continuous air and water seal, which Equipment Schedule
is protected from accidental puncture Structural Rails Structural Bases To ensure that the right isolation
and direct sunlight by a weather shield. needed for the job is installed, it is es-
Rails incorporate spring isolators sential that all the disciplines involved
properly spaced and sized around the in the construction process know what
perimeter to maintain the specified is required. The design team, the me-
deflection, and contain built-in seis- chanical engineer, the contractor, and
mic/wind restraints. Flexible connec- the vendor must all be on the same
Concrete Bases Curb Isolation
tors must be used between the isolated page. The best way to accomplish this
unit and the duct. Most suppliers offer is via an equipment isolation schedule.
Figure 7: Support base options.
options for flexible duct supports and Table 2 shows a portion of the sug-
sound barrier packages. gested schedule from ASHRAE Handbook—HVAC Applica-
Integral isolation curb or pedestal. This type of rooftop tions, Chapter 47, Table 48. The minimum deflections, listed in
support combines the equipment curb and isolation into one Table 48, recommended isolator type, and base type, are good
package, and is used as a structural spring isolation curb capable recommendations for most HVAC equipment installations. The
of resisting strong seismic and wind loading. The upper frame selections are based on typical concrete equipment room floors
provides continuous support for the equipment. The lower frame with typical floor stiffness. Projects of a more sensitive or criti-
Table 2: Excerpt from the Selection Guide for Vibration Isolation (see 2007 ASHRAE Handbook—HVAC Applications, Chapter 47, Table
48 for complete schedule).
cal nature or equipment, proximity to noise-sensitive areas may the first two hangers adjacent to the equipment may be the
require more isolation then listed. In such circumstances, an positioning or precompressed type to prevent load transfer to
acoustical professional is usually needed to design job specific the equipment flanges when the piping system is filled. The
isolation requirements. positioning hanger aids in installing large pipe, and therefore
Consider the following when using the table for isolator some use this type for all isolated pipe hangers for piping 8
selection and applications: in. (203 mm) and larger.
• For equipment mounted on upper floors with longer column Flexible connectors at equipment provide piping flexibility to
spans (30 – 40 ft [9 – 12 m]) or lightweight roof construction, protect equipment from strain due to misalignment or thermal
use the far right column. This column may also be used for movement of piping. They can also help attenuate noise and
equipment where isolation of the vibration is critical. vibration. Connectors are available in two common configura-
• Equipment located on upper floors with medium column tions for HVAC equipment: 1) The arched or expansion joint
spans (20 – 30 ft [6 – 9 m]) use the second column from the type, is a short-length connector with one or more large radius
right. This column would also be used for equipment located arches of an elastomer such as rubber, EDPM or PTFE (Figure
anywhere in close proximity to sensitive areas. 6). 2) The metal expansion joint types are convoluted stainless
• For upper floors that are stiff (10 – 20 ft [3 – 6 m] column hose with stainless braids (Figure 6). The elastomeric arched
spacing), use the second column from the left in the table. joints provide for axial, lateral and rotational movement, and
This may also be used for equipment on grade near noise attenuate vibration-induced noise transmitted to the pipe wall.
sensitive areas. Metal hose provide lateral movement. Two hose can be installed
• The first column is used for equipment located on grade in in an L-, U-, or V-shape to obtain multidirectional movement.
a nonsensitive location. Metal hose is not as acoustically effective for sound isolation
nor control of vibration-induced noise. They are commonly
Pipe used to provide for thermal movement, mechanical vibration,
Isolating piping is essential to completing the vibration isola- or differential movement experienced in earthquakes, and they
tion system. It also will accommodate thermal movement of the can be used at temperatures and pressures beyond the ability of
piping without imposing undue strain on the connections and elastomeric type. Check the flex manufacturer’s literature for
equipment. Therefore, the following is suggested to provide a proper application and for chemical compatibility to insure the
system that helps prevent vibration from leaking through the flex material is appropriate for the fluid or gas in the system.
piping system. Flex connectors should not be viewed as a substitute for pipe
Horizontal Pipe. Isolate all HVAC and plumbing pumped isolation hangers. When under pressure, they can become more
water, pumped condensate, glycol, refrigerant, and steam rigid and control rods can become heavily loaded in tension,
piping size 1¼ in. and larger within mechanical rooms . which can degrade the isolation. Since flex connectors do not
Outside equipment rooms this piping should be isolated for completely attenuate vibration and do not control flow-induced
the greater of 50 ft or 100 ft (15 or 30 m) pipe diameters from noise, resilient hangers or supports should still be used.
rotating equipment. To avoid degrading the isolation for the Isolate pipe risers using isolators similar to those shown in
equipment the first three support locations from equipment, Figure 6. This system eliminates the need for anchors or guides,
provide isolation hangers or floor mounts with the same de- and gives effective vibration isolation and acoustical break. In
flection as equipment isolators. All other piping within the totally floating risers, springs are carefully engineered to accom-
equipment rooms should be isolated with a ¾ in. (19 mm) modate the thermal movement, as well as, guide and support
minimum deflection isolator. Any piping below or adjacent the pipe. This system also results in more consistent loads on
to a noise-sensitive area should also be isolated with a com- the structure, as the springs allow the riser to float and move
bination spring and rubber hanger. For installation purposes, without a large change in load. Isolation of branch lies and riser