How silicone sponge helps reduce vibrations in HVAC units
HVAC systems are used in residential and commercial properties, as well as on public transport systems, to help maintain clean, high quality air flow, and a comfortable temperature.
Due to the nature of HVAC units, it’s not uncommon for them to create noise and vibrations.
Vibrations can not only be irritating but more critically, they can also cause damage or failure of the HVAC system’s internal components, reducing the lifespan of the unit and leading to downtime and frequent, potentially costly repairs.
Silicone sponge offers the perfect solution
Silicone is often used for HVAC sealing gaskets, hatch seals, vibration isolation pads, thermal insulation. Robust and equipped to withstand a wide range of environmental factors, it offers the perfect solution.
Why use silicone for HVAC units?
There are several reasons why silicone is used to help reduce vibrations in HVAC units, including:
Temperature resistant
Resistant to temperatures ranging from – 60 °C to over 200 °C, silicone can withstand the varying temperatures found within HVAC units.
Vibration Dampening
In HVAC units, constant vibrations can cause parts to dislodge. Thanks to its vibration dampening properties, silicone sponge absorb vibrations and protect HVAC components to reduce failure and costly repairs.
Acoustic insulation
Silicone sponges are often used within HVAC units to provide a protective layer of thermal insulation. However, silicone sponge also offers acoustic insulation, significantly reducing the noise that can be caused by the running system and the associated vibrations.
Low compression
kSil® silicone sponge has low compression set, meaning it will recover to its original thickness after compression, even after being under compression for an extended period. This means excellent sealing performance can be maintained over the HVAC unit’s lifespan. .
How does silicone help reduce vibrations in HVAC units?
There are several ways in which silicone can be used to help reduce vibrations in HVAC units, including:
Vibration dampening pads
Silicone sponge pads are used within HVAC systems to provide dampening against any vibrations. They also help protect HVACsystems from the vibrations that occur on public transport systems, including buses, airplanes and trains.
Gaskets
Vibration dampening silicone gaskets can be used between two surfaces within HVAC systems to reduce noise, prevent water ingress and protect the machinery against vibrations. This lengthens the lifespan of the equipment.
Isolating elements
Used as a gap filler or separator, silicone sponge can be used to isolate elements within the HVAC system, reducing the risk of components vibrating against each other.
Ducts
The use of silicone in ducts can also help to reduce noise and vibrations. The easier it is for air to flow, the lower the risk of noise and vibrations.
Seals
Closed cell silicone extrusions are often used as HVAC seals to prevent vibration and the resulting damage. Thanks to its flexible nature, silicone can be used to seal extremely tight spaces and custom made to fit channels.
Find out more
At Silicone Engineering, we have years of experience in supplying silicone rubber solutions for use within HVAC systems to prevent vibrations and system failures. To find out more about how silicone can help prevent vibrations in HVAC units, please get in touch with our team of experts.