Ventac Ireland

Air Cooled Condensers

High volume propeller fans in condensers are noisy and become easily unbalanced. Condensers are generally supported by steel grillage and dunnage located on the roof, a part of the building that is excited, and as the equipment ages, its vibration levels often increase.

Air Handling Units

There are two major sources of energy causing air handlers to excite a structure: 1. the unbalanced forces of the fans. 2. the energy transmitted throughout the frame and sheet metal "skin" as a result of casting rumble, the turbulence within the cabinet. Noise and vibration problems can be caused by unbalanced wheels, especially as equipment ages.

Boilers & Steam Generators

On above grade locations low frequency rumble from combustion can excite localised floor areas. Attachments, such as breeching and associated piping, transmit disturbing vibration. Even when units are installed on grade, piping and accessories supported from occupied floor slap must be isolated.

Centrifugal Fans

Centrifugal fans have characteristics that can transmit significant disturbing energy to building structure. Fans can cause noise and vibration problems due to unbalanced wheels, especially as the equipment ages. When operating at variable speeds, some slow speeds may be near resonance with the building structure, creating disturbing vibration. It is also important to maintain motor and drive alignment utilising either a fan/motor base or concrete inertia base.

Engine Drive Generators

Generators are generally very large pieces of reciprocating equipment that generate considerable disturbing vibration. Attachments such as exhaust and associate piping transmit disturbing vibration. Even when units are installed on grade, supports from occupied floors slabs must be isolated. Mostly used as standby or emergency power, their periodic testing necessitates a good isolation system. Isolation relieves stresses on the equipment, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

Pumps

Ductwork

Air travelling through duct can be a source of disturbing vibration especially in high velocity systems or where duct configuration creates turbulence.  Equipment that is hard mounted to ductwork can transmit vibration to the duct and throughout the building.

Chillers

Chillers, although high speed and well-balanced can excite localised floor areas depending on construction variables and floor locations. Isolators relieve stresses on equipment thereby reducing maintenance costs.

Fan Coil Units/ Unit Ventilators/ VAV Boxes

Fans are centrifugal devices that often transmit significant energy to the structure. These units can cause noise and vibration problems due to unbalanced wheels, especially as the equipment ages.

Piping

Piping isolation is almost as critical as equipment isolation since disturbing energy from the equipment connections can flank equipment isolation and be transmitted to the structure

above.

Compressors

The reciprocating action of compressors transmit significant disturbing forces into the structure.

 Their characteristic intermittent operation tends to draw attention to their presence.

Transformers

Transformers emit pure tones that are often very annoying.