In recent years, there has been an increasing need to isolate machinery from mechanical and acoustic vibrations, not only in the HVAC/R sector but also in the cogeneration sector, with rubber-metal dampers and spring antivibration devices equipped with seismic-resistant structures. These devices are used to ensure the stability of the machine and extend its operational lifespan. Generators, for example, undergo mechanical vibrations that, over time, can damage the machine’s functionality and reduce its efficiency. The need to install antivibration devices with a seismic-resistant structure arises from the specific characteristics of the site where the machines are installed. In areas with “seismic risk,” in cases where it is not already required by the specifications, the application of seismic antivibration devices is recommended. In fact, generators play a crucial role in the safety of many strategic buildings, and it is therefore essential to ensure their functionality and performance after even mild seismic events. This is precisely the case with the new Italian Silicon Valley, the Tecnopolo in Bologna, which received a visit from our Prime Minister Mario Draghi, accompanied by the President of the Region Stefano Bonaccini.
Inside, innovation programs have been developed for all the players in the ecosystem, such as the Incubator Program, dedicated to managers of regional incubators and accelerators to learn best practices to support the growth of startups, and the Corporate Immersion Program, focused on Open Innovation processes for large companies in Emilia Romagna. The entire hub is protected by an Atme system, created with 5 dynamic UPS units supplied by the company Hitech, with a total power of 2 MW. These are generators with a total weight of over 30 tons, which, during startup, do not immediately reach the expected revolutions, presenting low frequencies that cannot be isolated with traditional rubber dampers. It is precisely in cases like this that Soleco Engineering s.r.l. comes into play, called upon to collaborate with the companies involved in the contracts to study and provide tailor-made solutions.
In the construction of the Tecnopolo in Bologna, the company Atme, supplier of the equipment necessary for the operation of the data center, decided to contact Soleco, supplier of seismic antivibration devices, to be installed under the generators of the Dutch company Hitech Power, and later to conduct seismic tests and issue the necessary certifications to participate in the project. Soleco’s Technical Team made modifications to the design of its standard line of seismic antivibration mounts, reinforcing the lateral structure and enhancing the device’s resistance to lateral seismic forces. Following several meetings with the technicians of both Atme and Hitech Power, it was agreed to support a testing campaign at the Dutch company. The Soleco Technical Team was led by Project Engineer R&D Awad Ahmed, who provided his insights on the importance of seismic protection in installations of this type.
- Specifically, what was the request made to Soleco regarding this project? The request involved the need to isolate mechanical vibrations and intervene with seismic anchoring for horizontal accelerations greater than 1g and vertical accelerations greater than 0.5g.
- What solution was proposed to address the issue raised by the client? We decided to use Soleco seismic antivibration mounts with a reinforced containment structure. The structure was qualified according to the ANSI-ASRHAE 171-2008 standards.
- Did you encounter resistance from the technicians in understanding the importance of the proposed solution? Absolutely not, there was no resistance. The performance of the antivibration mounts was verified by Hitech technicians, and the anchoring analysis was independently reviewed by a third-party Engineering Firm.
- What type of antivibration mounts were initially installed and why were they not suitable? Initially, cylindrical rubber and natural antivibration mounts were installed. The rubber antivibration mounts used, in addition to not providing proper anchoring of the unit for the required accelerations, did not ensure isolation of mechanical vibrations from low-frequency forces (greater than 20 Hz).
- Do you think that manufacturers and builders are becoming more aware of seismic certifications and the necessary protections? Yes, in recent years we have seen a significant increase in requests. The NTC2018 regulations have reinforced the need to verify non-structural elements and systems, ensuring their stability under seismic activity. Additionally, for systems in use classes III and IV, it is crucial to guarantee their functionality. In this regard, it is our priority to proceed with qualifications through tests on a triaxial shake table.
In the case of the Tecnopolo in Bologna, high deflection spring antivibration mounts were designed to effectively perform the functions of damping vertical vibrations that migrate from the machine to the floor, as well as anchoring the machine in the event of a seismic shock.
Thanks to the expertise gained over nearly 50 years of experience combined with continuous research and innovation, the Soleco Team ensures that its clients not only receive tailored solutions for every request but also participate in projects and contracts that require compliance with special seismic requirements. The decision to rely on Soleco for the supply of antivibration mounts is also based on its decades of experience in the field of seismic protection, with numerous certifications achieved through collaborations with the Polytechnic University of Milan.
Furthermore, Soleco has developed a partnership with top-rated Research Centers to conduct tests on triaxial shake tables and issue seismic certifications to its clients. As in the case of the reference Hub for the Regional Network of Tecnopolo, specifications increasingly require seismic certifications, and machine manufacturers for plants are becoming more aware of these issues. Soleco is proud to be part of those Italian companies that promote research to ensure everyone’s safety. Soleco antivibration devices are used to isolate machines for air conditioning, fans, pumps, compressors, and generators from vibrations, while ensuring stability in the event of an earthquake or strong gusts of wind.
Soleco’s production consists of spring antivibration mounts and elastomer dampers, and the experience in this field, combined with continuous research and innovation, allows the company, based in the province of Milan, to study tailored solutions for each request. In the case of units that do not require vibration isolation, such as UPS systems or transformers, Soleco designs and manufactures steel bases capable of reinforcing the machines and always ensuring their stability. The awareness and knowledge gained in the seismic field have earned Soleco’s 100% made-in-Italy production a prestigious position in the reference market.
