Air compressors are noisy. To reduce the decibel output level and protect employees, quieter compressors are preferred.
In the UK, less audible compressors are not marketed under a standard name. Therefore, compressors in this category are interchangeably referred to as quiet compressors, silent compressors, ultra-quiet, or noiseless.
Quiet compressors are becoming increasingly popular due to their suitability for enclosed spaces and smaller footprints.
It is worth noting that many Atlas Copco models are specifically designed for low-noise applications, offering innovative sound-dampening technology tailored for various industries such as dental, automotive, and healthcare.
As a basic rule of thumb, machinery operating below 70 decibels (dB) is less noisy. Some compressors are around 63 decibels, whereas a few smaller units are nearer to 45 decibels. However, commercial, high-output quiet compressors typically fall into the 60 – 70 decibels range. For comparison, this is roughly the loudness of a two-way verbal conversion.
How Quiet Compressors Work
Quiet compressors reduce operational noise while maintaining adequate airflow and pressure. They typically run below 70 decibels – about as loud as a normal conversation. You will find them in dental surgeries, small workshops, and recording studios across the UK.
These machines work differently from standard models in several ways:
- Insulated Housing: most have cabinets lined with sound-dampening materials.
- Alternative Mechanisms: rotary screw or scroll designs have fewer moving parts than traditional piston compressors. This cuts down the rattling noise common in older models.
- Slower Motors: lower RPM operation means less noise. A 1400 RPM motor runs quieter than the standard 2800 RPM versions, though you might need a larger unit to compensate.
- Rubber Mounts: these isolate vibration from the floor and workbench. Even a quieter motor can create bothersome hums through building structures without them.
- Different Cooling: many use heat-dissipating cabinets or slow-running fans instead of noisy cooling fans. These take longer to cool but create less racket.
- Lubrication Choices: oil-free models suit clean environments but often run louder. Lubricated versions need regular oil changes (typically every 500 hours) but operate more quietly.
Most models run on standard 13-amp plugs, though larger workshop versions require 16-amp circuits. The tanks are generally smaller – often 24 to 50 litres rather than the 100+ litres in industrial versions.
Prices start around £300 for basic DIY models, with professional units costing £800–£1,500. Running costs remain similar to standard compressors, though the motors sometimes draw slightly more power to compensate for the performance modifications.
Benefits of Using a Quiet Compressor
Here are some benefits of a quiet compressor:
Improved comfort: avoid the unpleasantness of loud air compressors operating nearby. This leads to happier workers.
Reduced noise: noise pollution is reduced, improving safety and decreasing long-term hearing loss risk for staff.
Regulatory compliance: the UK Control of Noise at Work (2005) regulation requires companies to be aware of noise levels. A hard exposure limit of 87 decibels is mandated in the regulation, strongly encouraging businesses to stay below this level. Hearing protection is required in the workspace above certain decibel limits.
Lifespan: quiet compressors are modern and built to last. Less friction between components extends the lifespan of the equipment.
Additionally, Class 0 certified compressors from Atlas Copco ensure oil-free operation, reducing wear and promoting environmental friendliness.
Quiet Compressors vs Traditional Compressors
Initially, quieter compressors suffered comparative performance shortfalls to traditional compressors. Fortunately, the latest quiet compressor models deliver outputs similar to loud compressors while operating at a lower decibel level.
For instance, Atlas Copco ZR and ZT series rotary screw compressors provide consistent, high-quality performance at low noise levels.
Silent compressor technologies deliver longer lifespans compared to other air compressor types. Why is this? Because more exacting, innovative designs have improved durability. Materials are of a higher quality. Also, many compressors are intentionally designed to reduce friction, allowing parts to wear more gracefully than traditional compressors.
From an upfront cost perspective, quiet air compressors are a little dearer than their traditional counterparts. However, their maintenance is less involved and downtime is infrequent. The longer lifespan and ease of maintenance reduce the equivalent total cost of ownership.
Traditional compressors are outdoor workhorses or installed in specially created compressor rooms. Silent compressors are more adaptable – some are portable, and others are installed in smaller indoor spaces or noise-sensitive locations.
Need help with quiet compressor types? Talk with our experts at J LL Leach.
Key Features to Look for in a Quiet Compressor
Motor type: quieter model types are consistently either the rotary screw compressor or the scroll compressor. Both rely on fewer moving parts, creating less friction-based noise.
Decibel rating: the rating confirms the typical db level. Below 70 dB is optimal.
Tank size: larger tank sizes reduce the need to run the compressor’s motor. Intermittent, rather than continual use, lowers average sound levels.
Compressor size: the size of the complete air system, not just the compressor, must comfortably fit into the intended installation site.
Power system: gas-powered compressors are noisier due to their fuel source. Electric-powered compressors produce less workplace noise, which is better for certain environments.
Portability: portable units tend to be the quietest air compressors. However, their lower noise levels come at the expense of reduced airflow capacity.
Maintenance: oil-free air compressors require less maintenance. However, oil-based compressors are often quieter due to reduced friction.
Consider technologies like Atlas Copco’s variable speed drive (VSD) for enhanced energy efficiency and noise reduction.
Common Applications of Quiet Compressors
Quiet compressors work well in noise-sensitive environments where standard machines would disturb workers. Many models operate at around 45 dB, meeting UK noise regulations for various industrial and commercial settings.
- Workshops and Garages: technicians using pneumatic tools find portable compressors reduce fatigue. Units with smaller tanks offer better mobility in tight spaces where manoeuvring large equipment is difficult.
- Studios: artists using airbrushes need reliable compressors that do not disrupt concentration. Many report being able to hold conversations while their machines run in the background.
- Dental Surgeries: oil-free compressors provide clean air without excessive noise. In treatment areas, NHS guidelines recommend keeping noise below 50 dB to maintain patient comfort.
- Medical Laboratories: healthcare facilities in Birmingham and Manchester have replaced older models with quieter units that maintain the same performance while cutting noise by 30%.
- Food Production: oil-free compressors help maintain hygiene standards. A Yorkshire bakery recently installed systems that run at 8 bar pressure while keeping noise to 55 dB on their production floor.
- Veterinary Practices: quiet operation helps keep animals calm during procedures. The RCVS notes that equipment noise can significantly affect recovery times, particularly for small animals.
- Home Use: weekend DIY enthusiasts can run these compressors without disturbing neighbours. Many local councils now investigate noise complaints for equipment above 65 dB in residential areas.
Quiet compressors balance performance with reduced noise. Consider the air output requirements and the working environment when replacing old equipment. Most manufacturers now list noise levels alongside pressure ratings and tank capacity in their technical specifications.
Maintenance Tips for Quiet Compressors
Here are some maintenance tips for owners of quiet compressors:
Fittings and seals: air leaks are a concern for efficiency and add unwanted noise that requires elimination. Loose fittings and weak seals cause air leakage and potential rattle noise. Resolving these issues reduces the decibels from compressor system operations.
Lubricants: for oil-lubricated compressors, ensuring they have sufficient oil is essential to eliminate noise caused by friction. Oil-free compressors may use other lubricants. Keeping all lubricants topped up is beneficial for continued noise reduction.
Filter check and replacement: air filters ensure the motor evacuates hot air while benefiting from cooling systems. Clogged filters lead to engines pushing harder than necessary, risking overheating and creating a loud noise. Cleaning and replacing air filters prevents these issues.
Better installation: uneven surfaces create additional vibrational noises that are difficult to trace. An on-site noise evaluation helps to determine the actual causes of higher operational decibels than expected.
Conclusion
Noisier environments are dangerous for workplace health and well-being. The impact of noise pollution should never be ignored. Using quiet compressors lowers your overall noise footprint.
Quiet compressors crucially keep noise below 70 decibels because of sound dampening and reduced friction architecture. Recent improvements to silent air compressor technologies deliver similar power usage, airflow levels (CFM), and air pressure levels (PSI) compared to higher decibel compressors.
Choose the right compressor. Consider the specific use case, motor type, and decibel level requirements. Reach out to J LL Leach for comprehensive guidance and industry-leading solutions.
FAQ
What makes a compressor ‘quiet’?
Compressors for lower-noise operation typically include enclosed housings, fewer moving parts, and vibration-dampening mounts. Most manufacturers achieve noise reduction by adding insulation and reducing the motor’s operating speed.
Oil-injected screw compressors typically run at about 60–65 dB, while some newer oil-free models operate at around 55 dB – about the same volume as a normal conversation.
Where are quiet compressors commonly used?
Quiet compressors serve various workplaces where noise disruption affects productivity or comfort. Dental surgeries throughout the UK must comply with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations, limiting equipment noise to below 80 dB during an eight-hour shift.
Food production facilities in places like Sheffield and Norwich use these machines to power packaging equipment without interfering with quality control processes. Home workshops benefit from units that will not disturb family members or neighbours, particularly in terraced housing where noise travels easily.
Is a quiet compressor right for my workspace?
Consider a quieter compressor if you work in a confined or shared space. When replacing an older model, note that noise levels are measured in decibels and listed in technical specifications – each 10 dB reduction represents a halving of perceived loudness.
A 2.5 HP compressor with a 50 L tank capacity typically handles most small business needs while maintaining reasonable noise levels. Remember that positioning matters too; placing your compressor on rubber mats and at least 30 cm from walls can reduce noise reflection by up to 25%.
