Vibration isolation (HVAC, machinery)

What is vibration isolation?

Vibration isolation is an acoustic intervention with elastic elements that cuts the transmission path of structural vibration generated by equipment in operation. Unlike airborne sound insulation, an elastic mount or spring under the device prevents vibration from being transmitted to the building.

For which equipment is it critical?

• HVAC unit (AHU, fan-coil)
• Chiller and cooling group
• Circulation pump
• Booster
• Generator
• Lift motor
• Compressor
• Industrial machine (press, CNC)

Isolator types

• Elastomer mount: low frequency (>20 Hz), economical
• Spring isolator: very low frequency (<10 Hz), high performance
• Air mount: for very sensitive equipment
• Cork pad: light applications
• Multi-layer combination: for demanding projects

Choosing the right isolator — a critical decision

Isolator selection uses four parameters:

1. Equipment weight and load distribution
2. Operating frequency (RPM)
3. Target vibration reduction percentage
4. Environmental conditions (humidity, temperature)

A wrong isolator can resonate at the operating frequency and amplify vibration. We base selection on the manufacturer's technical data; for critical projects we verify with simulation software.

Isolator efficiency formula

Vibration reduction percentage is calculated by the ratio of the isolator's natural frequency (fn) to the device's operating frequency (fd):

• fd / fn ≥ √2: damping starts
• fd / fn ≥ 3: 85%+ reduction
• fd / fn ≥ 4-5: 90%+ reduction
• fd / fn = 1: RESONANCE — VIBRATION INCREASES!

Target performance

• Vibration reduction: 85-95%
• Structural transmission: -20 to -30 dB
• Operating performance preserved
• Maintenance: annual inspection

Certificates

Products comply with EN ISO 10846 vibration-isolator test and EN ISO 7626 dynamic mechanical analysis standards.