Inside industrial plants, such as those found in the HVAC/R sector, the components and units that are installed are multiple and with different purposes. The system itself is designed based on the needs of the site where the system will be installed, and it often happens that in the final stages you find yourself having to purchase accessories that ultimately become indispensable for the system. In this case we are talking about anti-vibration supports that have the function of isolating the units and systems from vibrations while also preserving the operation of the unit itself.
But how to choose the right anti-vibration devices? And above all, who should choose and supply them?
According to the NTC (Technical Construction Regulations), when the unit is assembled on site, the responsibility of ensuring the machine with an anti-vibration constraint is by the company that carries out the installation. However, this often happens in a very short period because perhaps the systems are ready to use and therefore the choice of anti-vibration falls on the cheapest and most easily available product which sometimes does not correspond to the best technical choice. How can the problem be solved?
Soleco engineering s.r.l., a leading company for over 50 years in the design and production of anti-vibration devices, has a mission: to spread knowledge on the issues of vibration isolation among manufacturers and installers to ensure that the correct anti-vibration device is used in each installation. Soleco addresses both manufacturers of units in the HVAC/R sector and installers. In this way, on the one hand, it has the possibility of preventing the absence of anti-vibration mounts, providing kits already selected based on the technical specifications of the machines and on the other hand, of having immediate feedback on any technical difficulties present on site.
Based on decades of experience in this sector, Soleco proposes different solutions to isolate vibrations. In the first phase, it is necessary to understand the type of machine that must be isolated. If the machine runs at low frequencies, such as chillers for example, it will be appropriate to choose a spring anti-vibration mount. In fact, the spring can isolate up to 98% of the frequencies in these cases. Using a rubber damper for an application on units with low frequencies, we will have vibration isolation of only 80% and this would mean continuing to have a problem. On the other hand, units that have high frequencies, such as generators or compressors, can be isolated with the rubber damper.
Furthermore, Soleco always advises its customers to use anti-vibration mounts with anti-seismic seal in the case of roof installations. You do not need to be in an earthquake zone to use this type of device. The effects of climate change are increasingly devastating with unpredictable events that make our peninsula resemble a tropical zone. This is why in the case of installations in open areas, the use of anti-seismic vibration dampers would reduce the risk of breakage and overturning of the machines.
Soleco anti-seismic devices have been tested at the Polytechnic of Milan according to the American ANSI / ASHRAE standards. Taking for example the installation of air handling units on the roofs of new logistics hubs, Soleco recommends the use of spring anti-seismic vibration dampers even if these units do not rotate at low frequencies. This is precisely to prevent the units from being damaged in the event of hurricanes or strong gusts of wind. A valid alternative could be the Soleco Campana series. It is a rubber damper that would therefore optimally isolate the frequencies of an air handling unit. In addition to the classic rubber anti-vibration mounts on the market, the Soleco Bell has an anti-tear bushing that prevents the machine from tipping over.
Another type of application that is sometimes forgotten is the internal components of the units. Let’s think about the fan inside the air handling units. The fan rotates at low frequencies and if it is not isolated, even if rubber dampers are placed under the profile of the unit, we will still feel the transmission of vibrations. For this reason, Soleco supplies spring anti-vibration mounts to be installed under the fan. Another component that can be harmful to the vibrations of the entire unit is the compressor. In some cases, scroll compressors are also installed in tandem version. Compressor manufacturers supply the unit with natural rubber feet that are sometimes too hard and cannot dampen the vibrations generated. For this application, Soleco supplies thermoplastic elastomer dampers with various hardnesses depending on the load to be supported. The Soleco technical team is always available for consultations, providing the customer with the selection of the correct anti-vibration for their needs.