Glossary
Vibration isolation
Vibration isolation is the engineering practice of mounting a compressor on resilient supports — coil springs, neoprene pads, or pneumatic isolators — that decouple its vibration from the building floor. Done correctly, it reduces structure-borne noise, prevents fatigue cracking in connected piping, and stops irritation in adjacent occupied spaces.
What it is
Every compressor produces some unbalanced force during normal operation: piston compressors have strong reciprocating components, rotary screws have residual rotor imbalance, scrolls have orbiting mass. Without isolation, those forces drive into the slab and propagate as noise and vibration. Isolation works by giving the machine a low natural frequency relative to its forcing frequency; rule of thumb is 80-95 percent transmissibility reduction with proper mount selection.
Why it matters
Skipping isolation on a reciprocating compressor cracks bolted flanges in connected piping within months. On a rotary screw, untreated vibration shortens bearing life and shows up as noise complaints from adjacent offices. Discharge piping that bolts straight from compressor flange to rigid plant header without flex connectors transmits the vibration directly into the rest of the system.
How it is used in our catalog
Most packaged compressors in the rotary screw archive include integral vibration isolation on the air end and motor. Reciprocating compressors typically require external isolation (spring mounts, isolation pads). Find a qualified installer for site-specific isolation design including flex couplings and flexible piping connectors.
Common questions
Do I need a spring isolator or a neoprene pad?
Neoprene pads work for higher-frequency vibration (rotary screws, scrolls). Spring isolators are required for low-frequency vibration (large pistons), where pads cannot achieve enough deflection.
What about the discharge piping?
Use a flexible braided stainless connector at the compressor discharge. Without it, isolation is defeated by the rigid piping.
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