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Sound Attenuators
HVAC Sound Attenuators and Duct Silencers for Noise Control
Commercial Acoustics manufactures sound attenuators and duct silencers designed to reduce noise transmitted through HVAC systems, ductwork, and ventilation paths. These systems control noise generated by mechanical equipment, high-velocity airflow, and duct-borne sound transmission.
Our HVAC sound attenuators are available in a wide range of configurations, module sizes, and materials to meet the acoustic and airflow requirements of commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities.
Engineered for performance and durability, these duct sound attenuators provide reliable noise reduction without compromising system airflow or pressure requirements.
What Is a Duct Silencer?
A duct silencer, also known as a sound attenuator HVAC component, is installed within ductwork to reduce airborne noise traveling through HVAC systems. These devices use absorptive materials and internal baffle designs to dissipate sound energy while maintaining efficient airflow.
Air duct silencers are commonly used to control noise from:
- Air handling units
- Supply and return duct systems
- Fans and blowers
- Rooftop HVAC equipment
- Industrial ventilation systems
By interrupting sound transmission within duct systems, HVAC silencers help maintain comfortable and compliant noise levels in occupied spaces.
Configurations for HVAC Sound Attenuators
Commercial Acoustics offers multiple sound attenuator duct configurations to address different duct layouts, airflow requirements, and acoustic targets.
Rectangular Duct Silencers
Rectangular ductwork sound attenuators are commonly used in HVAC supply and return systems. These units are available in numerous module sizes and configurations to match system requirements.
Typical applications include:
- Air handling unit discharge ducts
- Supply and return plenums
- Mechanical equipment rooms
- Commercial HVAC distribution systems
Rectangular HVAC sound attenuators are independently tested in nationally recognized acoustic laboratories to verify acoustic performance.
Check Out our Rectangular Silencers Brochure
Elbow Sound Attenuators
Elbow duct attenuators are used where duct systems change direction. These units allow designers to incorporate noise control within duct elbows while maintaining airflow performance.
Elbow silencers are commonly specified in:
- Mechanical rooms
- Air handler connections
- Tight duct layouts where straight silencers are not feasible
Circular Duct Silencers
Circular air duct silencers are designed for round duct systems and ventilation stacks. These models support efficient airflow while providing effective sound attenuation.
Circular units can include options such as:
- Heavy-gauge construction
- Flanged connections
- Energy-saving tail cones
- Custom materials including aluminum and stainless steel
Non-Erosive and No-Fill Silencers
For environments where acoustical fill cannot enter the airstream, Commercial Acoustics offers no-fill sound attenuators and non-erosive designs. These units eliminate the risk of acoustical material entrainment.
They are commonly used in:
- Cleanrooms
- Healthcare facilities
- Laboratories
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Axial Fan Silencers
Axial fan inlet and discharge silencers are designed to control noise generated by high-velocity airflow and fan blade interaction.
These silencers incorporate aerodynamic passageways and conical inlet designs to maintain airflow efficiency while reducing noise.
Industrial Sound Attenuators
Industrial noise attenuators are designed for demanding applications such as blower systems, compressors, and process ventilation equipment.
These units typically feature:
- Rugged construction
- Tuned expansion chambers for targeted frequency control
- Absorptive sections for broadband attenuation
- Straight-through airflow paths to minimize back pressure
Industrial silencers are frequently used for rotary positive displacement blowers and similar high-noise mechanical equipment.
Commercial Acoustics models CA3 through CASTP are absorptive type silencers which feature fibrous filled dissipative design. These air duct noise silencer models are highly effective in the mid to high frequency range of 500Hz to 800Hz. They also feature a “straight-through” air passage for minimal back pressure.
Commercial Acoustics models RP8, R, D, S, C and ST are used to silence inlet and discharge noise on rotary positive displacement blowers.
Engineered Options and Customization
Each HVAC duct silencer can be customized to meet specific project requirements.
Available options include:
- Heavier gauge construction
- Multiple flange configurations
- Galvanized steel, aluminum, or stainless steel construction
- Custom dimensions and module sizes
These options allow designers to match the HVAC attenuator to both acoustic targets and system airflow requirements.
Applications for Sound Attenuators
Commercial Acoustics sound attenuators HVAC systems are used in a wide range of building types and industrial environments.
Typical applications include:
- Commercial office buildings
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Data centers
- Industrial plants and manufacturing facilities
- Laboratories and cleanrooms
- Institutional and educational buildings
In these environments, HVAC sound attenuators help control mechanical system noise while supporting efficient air distribution.
Learn More About HVAC Sound Attenuators
Commercial Acoustics offers a comprehensive range of duct silencers, HVAC attenuators, and air duct noise silencers designed for dependable noise control and system performance. Contact our team to discuss acoustic targets, duct configurations, and the appropriate sound attenuator solution for your project.
FAQs: Sound Attenuators
What is a duct silencer?
A duct silencer, also known as a sound attenuator, is an HVAC component installed inside ductwork to reduce airborne noise generated by fans, air handlers, and airflow turbulence. It absorbs and dissipates sound energy while allowing air to move through the duct system.
What is the difference between a sound attenuator and a duct silencer?
There is no functional difference. The terms sound attenuator, HVAC silencer, and duct silencer are often used interchangeably to describe devices designed to reduce noise in ventilation systems.
Where are HVAC sound attenuators installed?
HVAC sound attenuators are typically installed in supply ducts, return ducts, and ventilation paths near noise-generating equipment such as air handling units, rooftop units, and fans.
Do duct silencers affect airflow in HVAC systems?
All duct silencers introduce some pressure drop, but properly engineered HVAC sound attenuators are designed to balance acoustic performance with airflow efficiency to maintain system performance.
What types of duct silencers are available?
Common types include rectangular silencers, circular silencers, elbow silencers, axial fan silencers, and specialized industrial silencers designed for high airflow or high-noise applications.
When should an HVAC duct silencer be used?
Duct silencers are typically used when noise from mechanical equipment or airflow is transmitted through ductwork into occupied spaces. They help reduce noise levels in offices, hospitals, data centers, and industrial facilities.
What information is needed to select a sound attenuator?
Typical inputs include airflow rate (CFM), duct dimensions, system pressure limits, target noise reduction levels, and the location of the noise source within the HVAC system.
Rectangular
Commercial Acoustics rectangular ductwork sound attenuators are designed and manufactured to meet a wide variety of acoustic and airflow requirements across commercial, industrial, and institutional applications. Available in numerous configurations, module sizes, and materials, these high-performance HVAC sound attenuators offer effective noise reduction while supporting optimal airflow within HVAC systems.
Options
Each HVAC duct silencer can be customized with options such as heavier gauge construction, various flange styles, and a range of materials including galvanized steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. Custom sizing is also available to meet the specific dimensional and performance requirements of your project.
Engineered for durability, efficiency, and acoustic control, our rectangular HVAC attenuator models are a reliable solution for reducing HVAC system noise without compromising air handling performance.
Commercial Acoustics Rectangular Silencers
Elbow
Commercial Acoustics elbow sound attenuators are manufactured in many varieties, sizes, and materials, including no-fill models and models that eliminate acoustical fill entrainment into the air stream. By tailoring construction elements including the unit width/height, pressure class, fill materials, and internal baffle geometries, Commercial Acoustics provides a robust product offering backed by independent acoustical testing. Engineered for commercial, industrial, and institutional applications, including hospital and cleanroom systems.
Commercial Acoustics Elbow Silencers
Circular
Commercial Acoustics circular sound attenuators are manufactured in many varieties, module sizes, and materials, including no-fill models and models that eliminate acoustical fill entrainment into the air stream. Engineered for commercial, industrial, and institutional applications, including hospital and cleanroom systems. Options include heavier gauges, energy saving tail cones, flanges, custom sizes, and custom materials such as aluminum and stainless steel.
Commercial Acoustics Circular Silencers
Product Information
Model DS (Double Shell) Model SDS (Extended Double Shell) Model SDS-NB (Round Silencer Without Bullet) Model SS (Single Shell) Interceptor Liner (Optional) (Acoustically Transparent Erosion Prevention Lining) Suggested Specification for Rectangular & Circular Sound Attenuators Silencer Submittal Sheet Suggested Installation GuidelinesNon Erosive
Commercial Acoustics non-erosive silencers are manufactured in many varieties, module sizes, and materials, including no-fill models and models that eliminate acoustical fill entrainment into the air stream. Engineered for commercial, industrial, and institutional applications, including hospital and cleanroom systems.
Axial Fan
Commercial Acoustics axial fan inlet and outlet silencers feature conical air passages for efficient aerodynamic intakes and static regain outlets. Engineered for commercial, industrial, and institutional applications, including hospital and cleanroom systems.
Industrial
Commercial Acoustics models CA3 through CASTP are absorptive type silencers which feature fibrous filled dissipative design. These air duct noise silencer models are highly effective in the mid to high frequency range of 500Hz to 800Hz. They also feature a “straight-through” air passage for minimal back pressure.
Commercial Acoustics models RP8, R, D, S, C and ST are used to silence inlet and discharge noise on rotary positive displacement blowers. These sound attenuators rugged construction, tuned expansion chambers, and include an absorptive section (depending on model) for critical applications.