Originally posted on August 21, 2018, updated on September 13, 2019.
Yes, there is proof that pipe couplings provide noise and vibration control in HVAC systems.
More specifically, there is proof that Victaulic couplings reduce pipe noise and pipe vibration and, in fact, they do it better than some of the other more traditional equipment vibration attenuation solutions.
The physical properties of a flexible grooved mechanical coupling make it intuitively noise dampening.
First, the housings are made of ductile iron, which naturally absorbs sound, so a ductile iron housing acts as a pipe vibration absorber. Second, the housings are tightened around and slightly compress the gasket, but do not bottom out in the groove. This allows the gasket to act like a vibration dampener. But you asked for proof.
“…the vibration attenuation provided by three Victaulic pipe couplings…
outperformed double sphere rubber connectors and stainless steel
braided pump connectors.”
In 2013, Victaulic completed testing at NASA’s Vibration and Acoustic Test Facility. (VATF)
We were thrilled to learn the results of the Victaulic coupling vibration testing. The results showed that the vibration attenuation provided by three Victaulic pipe couplings, installed near the source of vibration, outperformed double sphere rubber connectors and stainless steel braided pump connectors. These specialty connectors can be quite expensive to purchase, as well as to maintain, which is why Victaulic is excited to be able to offer our customers not just an alternative HVAC equipment noise and vibration solution but a better performing option. Customers who choose to leverage Victaulic grooved mechanical pipe joining for their mechanical piping system connections will realize all of the noise and vibration benefits without having to purchase anything special, additional, or that requires maintenance. That is how Victaulic is engineering confidence into every build.
If you’d like to go deeper into Victaulic’s Sound Attenuation Testing Results or Victaulic’s noise and vibrations control in HVAC systems white Paper, we encourage you to click the links provided.
