Noise generated in Air Ducts

Estimate noise generated by air flow in ducts.

Air flow in ducts generates noise. The noise in the duct is determined by

 air velocity
 duct size (cross sectional area)
Generated noise can be calculated with the empirical equation

LN = 10 + 50 log (v) + 10 log (A) (1)

where

LN = sound power level in the duct (dB)

v = air velocity (m/s)

A = air duct cross sectional area (m2)

The equation modified for imperial units

LN = 10 + 50 log (vi / 197) + 10 log (Ai / 1550) (1b)

where

vi = air velocity (ft/min)

Ai = cross sectional area (in2)

  Air Ducts - Cross Sectional Areas
Example - Generated Noise in Duct by Air Flow
The cross section area of a 200 mm duct can be calculated as

A = π ((0.2 m) / 2)2)

   = 0.0314  m2

The noise generated in the duct with an air flow velocity 10 m/s can be calculated as

 LN = 10 + 50 log (10 m/s) + 10 log (0.0314 m2)

    = 45 db

The noise generated in the same 200 mm circular duct as above with air flow velocity 20
m/s can be calculated as

 LN = 10 + 50 log (20 m/s) + 10 log (π ((0.2 m) / 2)2)

    = 60 db

Note! - due to the noise generated by fans - noise generated inside ducts by air flow can in
general be neglected.

Some engineering companies restrict maximum gas velocities to 120 ft/s for any gas piping
applications. The reason provided is not only noise but a combination of factors such as:

1. Excessive Pressure Drops

2. Economic Pipe Operation
3. Life Cycle Cost
4 Noise
5. Vibration
6. Erosion / Corrosion
7. Extensive stress analysis
8. Expensive Pipe Support systems in high velocity gas lines to mitigate vibrations
9. Requirement of periodic fatigue analysis to ascertain pipe integrity in high velocity gas lines.

All these factors should be evaluated to arrive at optimum velocities for gas piping.

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Related Topics

 Acoustics - Room acoustics and acoustic properties, decibel A, B and C, Noise

Rating (NR) curves, sound transmission, sound pressure, sound intensity and sound
attenuation.
 Noise and Attenuation - Noise is usually defined as unwanted sound - noise, noise
generation, silencers and attenuation in HVAC systems.
Related Documents

 Decibel - Logarithmic unit used to describe ratios of signal levels - like power or
intensity - to a reference level.
 Ducts Sizing - the Velocity Reduction Method - The velocity reduction method can
be used when sizing air ducts.
 Ductwork - Seal Classes - Ductwork air leakage classes.
 Fans - generated Noise Power - The sound generated by a fan depends on the
motor power, the volume capacity, the static pressure increase and the discharged
volume.
 Noise Attenuation in Rotary Heat Exchanges - Sound attenuation vs. frequency in
rotating heat exchangers.
 Signals - Adding Decibels - The logarithmic decibel scale is convenient when
adding signal values like sound power, pressure and others from two or more
sources.
 Velocity Classification of Ventilation Ducts - Recommended air velocities in
ventilation ducts
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