Dürr Universal Silencers — Noise Abatement

Compressor Silencers

Reciprocating · Rotary Screw · Centrifugal — Inlet & Discharge

Compressor TypeInlet ModelsDischarge Models
Reciprocating (Piston)UCI-R, CB-RUCD-R, CBD-R
Rotary Screw (Oil-Flooded)UCI-S, CB-SUCD-S, CBD-S
Rotary Screw (Oil-Free)UCI-S, CB-SUCD-S, CBD-S
CentrifugalCustom Absorptive InletCustom Absorptive Discharge

Dürr Universal Silencers designs and manufactures intake and discharge silencers for all types of industrial compressors. Reactive (tuned chamber) designs are used for reciprocating compressors where pulsation frequencies are well-defined; absorptive and combination designs address the broadband noise profiles of rotary screw and centrifugal compressors. All silencers can be custom-engineered for specific pipe sizes, operating pressures, temperatures, and gas compositions. ASME code construction is available.

Reciprocating Compressor Silencers

Reciprocating (piston) compressors generate strong pulsations at the fundamental frequency and harmonics determined by the compressor speed and number of cylinders. Universal Silencer designs reactive (tuned chamber) silencers specifically matched to the compressor's pulsation spectrum for both intake and discharge service. Combination reactive/absorptive models are available where higher overall insertion loss is required.

Inlet Models

UCI-RUniversal Combination Inlet — ReciprocatingReactive (Multi-Chamber)

Multi-chamber reactive inlet silencer tuned to the fundamental pulsation frequency and harmonics of the reciprocating compressor. Chamber dimensions are calculated from compressor RPM and cylinder count. Effective at the discrete frequencies that dominate reciprocating compressor intake noise.

Tuned reactive chambers — matched to RPM and cylinder count
Attenuates fundamental frequency and harmonics
Carbon steel standard construction
ANSI flanged connections — 150# through 600#
ASME code construction available
Pressure ratings to 1,500 PSIG standard; higher on special order
CB-RCombination Inlet — ReciprocatingReactive + Absorptive

Combines tuned reactive chambers with absorptive (dissipative) packing to provide both low-frequency pulsation attenuation and broadband high-frequency noise reduction in a single unit. Higher overall insertion loss than the UCI-R alone. Preferred where both pulsation control and broadband attenuation are required.

Reactive chambers + absorptive packing in one unit
Broadband attenuation — low and high frequencies
Higher insertion loss than reactive-only UCI-R
Carbon steel and stainless steel construction
ANSI flanged connections
ASME code construction available

Discharge Models

UCD-RUniversal Combination Discharge — ReciprocatingReactive (Multi-Chamber)

Multi-chamber reactive discharge silencer for the high-pressure discharge side of reciprocating compressors. Tuned to the discharge pulsation frequency. Higher pressure ratings than inlet models to accommodate discharge pressures. The primary choice for discharge silencing on reciprocating compressor systems.

Multi-chamber reactive design
Tuned to discharge pulsation frequency
Higher pressure rating than inlet models
Pressure ratings to 1,500 PSIG standard; higher on special order
ANSI flanged connections — 150# through 2500#
ASME Section VIII Division 1 available
CBD-RCombination Discharge — ReciprocatingReactive + Absorptive

Combination reactive/absorptive discharge silencer for maximum insertion loss on the discharge side of reciprocating compressors. Addresses both the discrete pulsation frequencies and the broadband noise component present at compressor discharge.

Reactive chambers + absorptive packing
Maximum insertion loss — discharge side
Addresses pulsation and broadband noise
High-pressure construction
ASME code construction available
Carbon steel and stainless steel

Rotary Screw Compressor Silencers

Rotary screw compressors generate broadband noise with tonal components at the lobe-pass frequency. Universal Silencer provides absorptive and combination reactive/absorptive silencers for both oil-flooded and oil-free rotary screw compressors. Inlet silencers are designed to minimize pressure drop while providing effective broadband attenuation.

Inlet Models

UCI-SAbsorptive Inlet — Rotary ScrewAbsorptive (Dissipative)

Absorptive inlet silencer designed for the broadband noise profile of rotary screw compressors. Low pressure drop design minimizes impact on compressor performance. Suitable for both oil-flooded and oil-free rotary screw compressors.

Absorptive design for broadband noise
Low pressure drop — minimal compressor impact
Oil-flooded and oil-free compressor service
Carbon steel standard construction
Flanged connections standard
Stainless steel available for corrosive service
CB-SCombination Inlet — Rotary ScrewReactive + Absorptive

Combination reactive/absorptive inlet silencer for rotary screw compressors requiring higher attenuation. Addresses both the tonal lobe-pass frequency component and the broadband noise floor. Higher insertion loss than the absorptive-only UCI-S.

Reactive + absorptive combination design
Attenuates lobe-pass frequency and broadband noise
Higher insertion loss than absorptive-only models
Oil-flooded and oil-free service
Carbon steel and stainless steel
Flanged connections

Discharge Models

UCD-SAbsorptive Discharge — Rotary ScrewAbsorptive (Dissipative)

Absorptive discharge silencer for rotary screw compressors. Provides broadband attenuation on the discharge side. Rated for the higher pressures typical of rotary screw compressor discharge service.

Absorptive broadband design
Discharge pressure rating
Oil-flooded and oil-free service
Carbon steel standard
Flanged connections
CBD-SCombination Discharge — Rotary ScrewReactive + Absorptive

Combination reactive/absorptive discharge silencer for maximum insertion loss on rotary screw compressor discharge. Preferred where noise reduction requirements are stringent or where the compressor is located near occupied areas.

Reactive + absorptive combination
Maximum insertion loss — discharge side
Discharge pressure rating
Carbon steel and stainless steel
Flanged connections

Centrifugal Compressor Silencers

Centrifugal compressors generate broadband aerodynamic noise and tonal components at the blade-pass frequency. Universal Silencer designs custom inlet and discharge silencers for centrifugal compressors used in pipeline, process, and power generation applications. Computer-enhanced acoustic analysis is used to optimize silencer performance for each application. Large pipe sizes and high-pressure ratings are available.

InletCustom Absorptive Inlet — CentrifugalAbsorptive (Custom-Engineered)

Custom-engineered absorptive inlet silencer for centrifugal compressors. Centrifugal compressors generate broadband aerodynamic noise and tonal components at the blade-pass frequency. Computer-enhanced acoustic analysis is used to optimize silencer performance for each specific compressor and application.

Custom-engineered for each compressor application
Computer-enhanced acoustic analysis
Large pipe sizes — up to 60" and larger
Pipeline, process, and power generation service
Stainless steel and alloy construction available
Coordination with compressor OEMs
DischargeCustom Absorptive Discharge — CentrifugalAbsorptive (Custom-Engineered)

Custom-engineered absorptive discharge silencer for centrifugal compressors. High-pressure rated designs for pipeline and process service. Engineered to the specific compressor discharge conditions including pressure, temperature, gas composition, and flow rate.

Custom-engineered for discharge conditions
High-pressure rated for pipeline service
Large diameter designs available
Gas composition and molecular weight considered
Stainless steel and alloy construction
ASME code construction available

Construction & Options

MaterialsCarbon steel standard; 304 SS, 316 SS, and alloy steels available
ConnectionsANSI flanged 150# through 2500#; threaded for smaller sizes
Pressure RatingStandard to 1,500 PSIG; higher ratings on special order
TemperatureStandard to 500°F; higher temperature designs available
Code ConstructionASME Section VIII Division 1 available on request
CoatingsStandard two-coat paint system; high-temp coatings available
InsulationRemovable insulation jackets available for surface temperature control
OrientationHorizontal and vertical mounting configurations

ASME Code Construction

Universal Silencer compressor silencers are available with ASME Section VIII Division 1 code construction and U-stamp for applications requiring pressure vessel certification. This is commonly required for high-pressure reciprocating compressor discharge silencers and for pipeline service. Specify ASME code construction when requesting a quote.

Typical Applications

  • Natural gas pipeline compressor stations
  • Gas gathering and processing facilities
  • Industrial air compressor systems
  • Refrigeration compressor systems
  • Chemical process compressors
  • Petrochemical plant compressors
  • Power plant air compressors
  • Offshore platform compressors
  • LNG and gas storage facilities
  • Industrial gas production
  • Pulp and paper mill compressors
  • Mining and quarry air systems

Sizing Inputs Required

Compressor type

Reciprocating, rotary screw, or centrifugal

RPM / cylinder or lobe count

Required for reactive chamber tuning on recip and screw

Flow rate

ACFM or SCFM — used to verify velocity through silencer

Suction / discharge pressures

PSIG — determines pressure rating required

Gas type and molecular weight

Affects acoustic velocity and silencer tuning

Operating temperature

°F — affects material and packing selection

Pipe size — inlet and discharge

Determines silencer connection size

Noise reduction target

dBA overall or by octave band

Material requirements

CS, SS, or alloy — based on gas and environment

Connection type and pressure class

ANSI 150# through 2500#

Sizing & Selection Assistance

Compressor silencer selection requires compressor type, RPM, cylinder or lobe count, flow rate, operating pressures, gas composition, pipe size, and noise reduction target. Contact Northeast Controls Inc. for application engineering and sizing assistance, or use our Universal Silencer quote form.