Compressor pulsation noise attenuation using reactive silencer with various configurations: A theoretical and experimental study

Compressors are a significant source of noise in various industries. Silencers can be utilized to mitigate this noise. This study aims to design and construct an expansion silencer that can effectively reduce the pulsating noise produced by a reciprocating compressor. This study employed a model-experimental approach to investigate the performance of four different sizes of expansion silencers in controlling the pulsating noise in the suction part of the compressor. Initially, the silencers' sound transmission loss and pressure loss were simulated using the finite element method with COMSOL software. Subsequently, the sound transmission loss of the silencers was measured according to the E261109 standard using an impedance tube. Finally, the pressure loss of the silencers was measured using a Pitot tube upstream and downstream of the silencer at various flow rates. The results of the modeling showed that increasing the diameter of the silencer leads to an increase in transmission loss at all frequencies. Additionally, raising the length of the silencer only increased the number of sound transmission loss peaks in the frequency bandwidth without significant change in sound transmission loss. Furthermore, the results of the experimental measurements with an impedance tube revealed that increasing the diameter results in increased transmission loss, while increasing the silencer length leads to an increase in the number of transmission loss peaks without altering the transmission loss. Moreover, the modeling and experimental pressure loss results indicated that increasing the diameter of the expansion chamber causes an increase in pressure loss, while increasing the length of the expansion chamber results in a minor change in pressure loss. Finally, the research results showed relatively good agreement between modeling and experimental outcomes.